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5

Introduction - Networking the RAVE 520az

The RAVE 520az has two RJ-45 network connection ports on the rear panel. One port is labeled "QSControl" and supports standard 
10BASE-T Ethernet.  The other port is labeled "CobraNet" and supports 100BASE-TX, also known as "Fast Ethernet". In the following we 
describe the use of these ports and show example network connection schemes.

The RAVE 520az supports two distinct kinds of network activity; the first is audio transport via CobraNet, and the second is DSP setup 
via QSControl.net. The user can choose to install one network for CobraNet traffic and a second separate network for QSControl traffic. 
We call this the "Two Wire Interface". Alternately, it is possible to run both DSP setup data and audio traffic over CobraNet via the 
CobraNet port. In this case the QSControl port is unused. We call this the "Single Wire Interface".

Under the most demanding real-time control conditions and when using the lowest latency CobraNet settings, users may experience 
better QSControl performance using separate networks, especially when displaying a great many real-time meters. For most applica-
tions, separate networks won't provide any discernible benefits and will of course cost more. We therefore recommend using the Sin-
gle Wire Interface when running CobraNet. 

Why CobraNet Needs Special Treatment:

Ordinary Ethernet traffic has no guaranteed time of delivery. Packets of information may arrive at their destination out of order and 
some may be delayed more than others. This is fine for E-mail and even for downloading MP3 files over the Internet. Everything ends up 
properly reassembled at the destination, but how long this takes will vary according to network loading, span, etc. In contrast, Cobra-
Net is "real time" - it delivers audio with a minimal, consistent transmission delay. CobraNet is designed to use as much of conventional 
networking technology as possible while providing both guaranteed time of delivery and isochronicity - maintaining a phase-locked 
sample-accurate clock across the entire network. These requirements mean that ordinary unregulated Ethernet data cannot be freely 
mixed with CobraNet information. The two can coexist on the same wire, but only by adhering to the proper rules.

To learn more about CobraNet and appropriate network topologies, please visit http://www.qscaudio.com/products/network/
resources.htm and http://www.peakaudio.com/CobraNet/background.html.

Notes on Network Systems Design:

As with any communications system, the reliability and performance of a local area network is intimately related to the designer's skill 
and knowledge in implementing a topology that is robust, efficient and standards-compliant. Proper network design is even more criti-
cal in distributed multimedia systems. Therefore, it is important for the system designer to realize that some conventional network 
practices must be avoided. Although each network design is unique and may carry its own performance requirements, compliance to 
the following three points will assist in building an audio network that is trouble free and efficient. 

First, audio and conventional data communications deliveries should not exist on the same LAN or VLAN. The exception to this is the 
RAVE 520az Single Wire Interface, which offers a solution for converging audio and QSControl.net onto the same LAN or VLAN. How-
ever, conventional communications, such as corporate networks, print services, e-mail and Internet access, should not exist alongside 
CobraNet audio and QSControl.net on the same LAN or VLAN. Further, CobraNet audio and QSControl.net data should not exist 
together on the same LAN or VLAN when implementing the Two Wire Interface. This is not to say that conventional communications 
cannot share the same network hardware with a RAVE 520az. In fact, common network hardware, such as managed Ethernet switches 
and media converters, can service both RAVE 520az products and conventional data communications equipment so long as the man-
aged switch or media converter are partitioned into separate network domains. This is normally done by configuring a separate VLAN 
for each data type. (Some switches may allow individual port assignments or support partitions through DIP switch selection.)

Second, CobraNet audio must traverse either a repeater domain or a network switch domain. The point here is that the CobraNet port 
on a RAVE 520az must connect directly to, and only to, either a repeater LAN or a switched Ethernet LAN. Hybrid networks containing 
both repeaters and switches are not permitted on the audio segment. Connecting the CobraNet port to a repeater that is in turn con-
nected to a network switch poses an illegal and non-compliant condition. We recommend always connecting the QSControl and/or 
CobraNet port(s) directly to network switch ports. 

Содержание RAVE 520az

Страница 1: ...TD 000153 00 rev A TD 000153 00 RAVE 520az 8 input CobraNet Enabled Signal Processor Hardware Manual...

Страница 2: ...ord 5 Reliable Earthing Grounding of rack mounted equipment should be maintained LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING THIS EQUIPMENT CONTAINS A NON RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM BATTERY LITHIUM IS A CHEMICAL KNOWN TO THE S...

Страница 3: ...us the sound system can be operated via several computers roaming wireless laptops tablets etc all at the same time from anywhere a connection to the QSControl network is available The QSControl netwo...

Страница 4: ...et are available at www qscontrol net We invite you to visit us there We ve applied our many years experience in supporting high end installed sound with our previous system building products such as...

Страница 5: ...ogies please visit http www qscaudio com products network resources htm and http www peakaudio com CobraNet background html Notes on Network Systems Design As with any communications system the reliab...

Страница 6: ...a TCP IP standards compliant network system and therefore supports operation on network repeaters switches and routers When implementing the Two Wire Interface the QSControl net segment does not requ...

Страница 7: ...nection while passing audio between them all without a network switch However you would have to physically connect your computer first to one unit and then to the other With this elementary connection...

Страница 8: ...point Though the example shows only one RAVE 520az and one audio destination product such as the BASIS 922az as many devices may be connected as there are available switch ports All RAVE BASIS units...

Страница 9: ...t audio traffic This config uration essentially provides a dedicated network for RAVE BASIS management including the system controller and a second dedicated network for CobraNet audio As with the pre...

Страница 10: ...ith its own network switch Therefore traffic segmentation is physical rather than logical Example 5 also pro vides an additional level of fault tolerance although at the expense of additional network...

Страница 11: ...pment rack Rack mounting is optional Adhesive rubber feet are included for non rack mount installations Use them to prevent the unit from scratching or marring support surfaces Rack Mounting Rack moun...

Страница 12: ...sed for real time adjustments and configuration of audio systems we recommend all Windows Power Options located in the Windows Control Panel features be disabled Display hard drive system standby and...

Страница 13: ...ter CobraNet Connection Loss If you are operating with a valid CobraNet network and the connection to the network is disrupted audio will momentarily mute allow ing the RAVE 520az to synchronize with...

Страница 14: ...nectors into the input receptacles Connection pin out is printed on the rear label for reference Refer to the illustrations for balanced and unbalanced connections Use balanced audio inputs whenever p...

Страница 15: ...op bit and flow control Xon Xoff LED Indicators When the RAVE 520az is plugged into a properly functioning AC out let it will power up and briefly display a welcome screen on the LCD display POWER Ind...

Страница 16: ...g the control and accepting choices entering by pushing in on the control The accessible menus and sub menus may appear differently than the example shown Software updates may occasionally improve the...

Страница 17: ...lt Boot Screen Right side buttons serve as up down navigation Arrow characters indi cate right side button context If additional menus are available the arrow character will be shown Main Menu Screens...

Страница 18: ...lient Server selection keep both Client and Server selected This will be appropriate for general use 8 When prompted Select Installation Folder specify the installation directory or accept the default...

Страница 19: ...nnections verify IP addresses are set correctly ver ify Subnet masks are set correctly and verify AC power is properly applied to the RAVE 19 Click on the RAVE 520az in the inventory root A view of ap...

Страница 20: ...sed will be copies of other channels CobraNet Channel Resolution All CobraNet audio will be processed internally within RAVE 520az at 24 bit resolution The RAVE 520az may receive any valid resolu tion...

Страница 21: ...cate with the RAVE 520az if it is in safe mode You may communicate only using TFTP Telnet or RS 232 RS 232 Serial Port I O Interface The RS 232 connector on the rear panel is used as a serial port inp...

Страница 22: ...click OK to continue If all the connections and communications settings are correct the main Hyper Terminal window will open 6 The Hyper Terminal main window will appear next but blank Type the letter...

Страница 23: ...opening a Telnet session 1 To open the Telnet session Click START select RUN type Telnet followed by a space then the IP address of the RAVE 520az you want to communicate with in the text box and cli...

Страница 24: ...lanced nominal 10K ohms Common Mode Rejection 20Hz 20KHz min 54dB 20Hz 20KHz typ 60dB Input Sensitivities Vrms 1 5 3 9 18 dBU 5 7 11 8 21 3 27 3 dBV 3 5 9 5 19 1 25 1 Audio Converters 24 bit 48KHz Mut...

Страница 25: ...a Euro Style detachable terminal blocks Configuration Single ended ground referenced Pinout 1 Signal 2 CHASSIS GND Normal Operating Range Reads signals between 0 5V nominally Potentiometer Operation...

Страница 26: ...suppliers be held liable for any damages consequential incidental or otherwise including any claims for lost profits and or savings resulting from any attempted integration of QSControl products with...

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