MONGOOSE
Design Manual
14
Remote Audio Devices
The primary purpose of a Remote Audio Device (RAD) is to amplify, digitize, and transmit a digital audio
signal via shielded CAT 5e cable to a Mongoose host device. RADs can also receive a digital signal from
the Mongoose and then convert it to analog before sending it to its attached audio equipment. RADs are
capable of transmitting and receiving up to four channels of digital audio (two in each direction). To better
fit your needs, however, Rane offers various RAD models. Some of these models handle a maximum of
two input or two output channels. Most RAD models are designed to fit in a standard U.S. two, three, or
four gang switchbox. For the most recent list of RAD models available, see
www.rane.com/mongoose
.
The CAT 5 cable that connects the RAD to the Mongoose also provides power to the RAD as well as a path
for data communications. This makes it possible to control the RAD’s configuration settings, view status
information, and update a RAD’s firmware – all from the host Mongoose. The following picture illustrates
how the four twisted pairs within the CAT 5 cable are utilized:
2 digital audio channels (Rx)
2 digital audio channels (Tx)
Data communications (COMM)
Power: 24 VDC & ground
RAD NETWORK
CAT 5 CABLE
CONTENTS
Figure 6: Purpose of each CAT 5 twisted pair
The
orange pair
is reserved for data communications between the RAD and the Mongoose. Data
communications is needed for such things as sending configuration information from the Mongoose to
the RAD, sending firmware updates from the Mongoose to the RAD, and sending status information from
the RAD to the Mongoose.
NOTE:
Configuration information for a specific RAD (for example, LED intensity, microphone sensitivity,
and RAD and channel names) is stored in the Mongoose, not in the RAD. This makes it easy to swap in a
new RAD, if necessary, without losing configuration data.
The
green pair
carries two channels each of balanced, differential, digital audio.
Rx
refers to audio that the
RAD receives from the Mongoose.
The
blue pair
carries two channels each of balanced, differential, digital audio.
Tx
refers to audio that the
RAD sends to the Mongoose.
The
brown pair
provides 24 VDC power and ground for the RAD. This is obviously the wire you should
check if it appears a RAD is not receiving power.
