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The pin-out at the Easy Sync USB to RS422 converter is equivalent to the Sphynx 2 RS422 connector
pin-out. In this case simply connect the USB cable between the Easy Sync USB to RS422 converter
and a USB port on the computer, and connect the Sphynx 2 RS422 input to the output of the Easy Sync
converter using a one-to-one RS422 cable.
RS422 can be used for communication between the Sphynx 2 and the computer to a maximum distance
of 100 meters.
3.2 The front panel
When you have connected the power, the RS422, and the audio cables, set the main switch on the rear
panel to 1 (on) and press the power button on the front panel in order to turn on the Sphynx 2.
After start-up the Sphynx 2 will perform an internal calibration for about 20 seconds. This is indicated by
the small blue triangle in the Merging logo and a dot in the LED display blinking. It is recommended to
leave the Sphynx 2 on for approximately 5 minutes in order to warm up, and then to change the sample-
rate in the DADman program (e.g by setting the Sphynx 2 to internal sync. mode, and changing the
sample rate). This will cause the converter to recalibrate, and improve the dynamic range by 1 to 2 dB.
The Sphynx 2 has a non-volatile memory system (EEPROM) enabling the converter to remember the
active settings. After a power up, the Sphynx 2 will restore the settings to the same state as when it was
turned off. The settings of the Sphynx 2 are stored in the EEPROM approx. 3 min after a settings change
has been made via DADman. This way the EEPROM will have a lifetime of more than 10 Years. It is also
possible to store the active setting immediately by briefly pressing the front panel Power button.
The Power button
Pressing the Power button at the left side of the front panel puts the Sphynx 2 into stand-by mode,
removing power from the main electronic circuits. For security reasons (to avoid accidental turn-off)
the Power button has to be activated for approximately 3 seconds in order to enter stand-by mode.
If the front panel Power button is pressed when in stand-by mode, the converter re-enters the operational
mode, with power restored to all circuits. (If the main switch on the rear panel is switched off there will be
no power on the Sphynx 2).
LEDs and Unit ID at the front panel
On the front panel there are a number of LEDs showing AD input overload (1 sample overs) , AD input
activity (- 40 dBfs), DA activity, and DA carrier for each of the 8 channels.
The Sample rate, the Synchronisation source, the Synchronisation alarm, DA unlocked, and
Communication active are also indicated by LEDs.
The Synchronisation alarm LED indicates if the sync signal is not availabe or if it is out of range in
relation to the supported sample frequencies. The DA unlocked alarm indicates if the A to D and D to A
sample frequencies differ.
Power
Unit ID
Communication
Synchronizatio
Sample rate
Channel status
