MONGOOSE
Design Manual
16
Typical RAD Back Panel
– +
– +
1
2
Figure 8: Back of a RAD
1
RJ-45 (8P8C) jack for the CAT 5 cable.
2
Euroblock connectors to use if paralleling microphone jacks
(
Disclaimer:
As it is poor design to plug two microphones into a single microphone input, we do not
recommend this practice. If, however, you have a situation that warrants it, proceed with caution. We
recognize that paralleling microphone jacks can lower the cost of your audio system.)
NOTE:
RADs are
hot-swappable
. In other words, you can replace a RAD without having to power down
the system. The Mongoose automatically detects the new RAD and configures it using the configuration
data stored in the Mongoose. If the configured RAD and the physical RAD do not match, the Mongoose
front panel
Enabled
LEDs for this RAD flash yellow. At the same time, the RAD’s
Power
,
Comm
,
Audio
Rx
and
Audio Tx
flash red during a mismatch.
Mongoose Tracker Software
The Mongoose Tracker allows you to configure and troubleshoot the RADs and Mongoose devices in your
system. The software is shipped with the Mongoose product. It is also available free of charge on the
Rane
website
. To run the software, you must have Microsoft Windows® XP, Vista or 7 on your computer. To
communicate with your Mongoose, you must connect your computer to the appropriate network switch
or use a standard Ethernet patch cable (or a crossover cable) to connect it directly to a Mongoose.
Using the Mongoose Tracker, you configure each Mongoose RAD port with the RAD model that should
be connected to it. You also configure various settings for each RAD, for the Mongoose itself, and for the
CobraNet network. One of the key configuration tasks is to set up the audio routing for your Mongoose
system. You do this using the audio routing matrix that appears in the Mongoose Tracker’s main window.
This matrix is explained further in the next section. You can also find more information in the software’s
help system on working with the matrix.
In addition to configuring the Mongoose components and the audio routing, the software is a valuable
tool for troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Although you can determine a lot from the hardware
status indicators, the software provides more detail, allowing you to drill down and pinpoint the problem
with greater accuracy.
