N
E
T
W
O
R
K
A
U
D
I
O
S
Y
S
T
E
M
S
QSControl (pronounced Q’s Control) is a powerful
and flexible system that provides remote
management and diagnostics of QSC amplifiers
and other audio devices over an Ethernet
network—including selected QSC DSP devices,
such as the DSP-3 digital signal processor. You
can monitor and control hundreds of amplifiers
simultaneously, as well as perform a wide range
of advanced functions, including event logging,
real-time monitoring of loudspeaker opens and
shorts, plus configuration of the DSP-3 module.
A QSControl system is composed of a System
Controller (a Microsoft Windows-based PC)
running QSControl Software that is linked via
Ethernet to CM16a Amplifier Network Monitors or
other networked audio devices. Each CM16a
provides sixteen channels of remote level
adjustment and amplifier management for
DataPort-equipped QSC amplifiers.
Key Components of QSControl
System Controller
6
and
QSControl Software
5
CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor
Located either on or off site.
3
The CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor
offers powerful amplifier
4
management in a QSControl networked audio system, using Ethernet
Typical Audio
Sources and
Processors
technology to communicate with the host system controller. The System
6
5
Controller
uses application software
to operate the networked
1
audio system, including the CM16a units and their amplifiers
.
Each CM16a performs monitoring and control functions for QSC DataPort-
4
2
equipped amplifiers using DataPort cables
. Further, the CM16a connects
Ethernet Switch
3
2
to QSC’s family of digital signal processors such as the DSP-3.
QSC CM16a
DataPort
Cables
Control Application Software
Speakers
There are two ways to run QSControl applications on the System Controller.
The first is with System Manager, QSC’s standard application included with
the QSControl system, requiring no user programming. The second is to
create a custom application using the QSControl Development Tools in
Microsoft Visual Basic. Using these tools, the system can be customized to
your specifications.
1
System Controller
QSC Amplifiers
QSControl Software runs on a computer configured with select Microsoft
operating systems—including Windows® 2000. The Graphical User Interface
(GUI) program controls QSC’s and third-party networking products.
To Additional
Equipment
1675 MacArthur Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Ph: 800/854-4079 or 714/957-7100
Fax: 714/754-6174
email: [email protected]
Hear the Power of Technology.
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Specifications
Input Signal
Power Amplifier Management
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.5 dB
10 Hz to 80 kHz, 3 dB
Power Amplifier Interface
Compatibility
QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers
HD-15 VGA cable , 2 meters length
1
2
Connector and cable
Distortion
<0.01% THD+N @ +4 dBu out
(page input <0.03%)
qualified (for longer runs, contact QSC’s
Technical Services Department)
Dynamic Range
>110 dB unweighted (20 Hz–20 kHz)
(page input >100 dB)
Amplifiers
Up to 16 channels (8 DataPorts) of
QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers
Polarity
In-phase or reversed
Amplifier AC Power Control
Level Control Range
-95.5 to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps
AC mode control
Switches amplifier between operate
and standby mode
Indicates operate, standby, or
power-down mode
Precision Attenuator Transients
(“zipper noise”)
AC power indicator
better than 112 dB below maximum output
>90 dB attenuation
Mute
Amplifier Status Monitor
Clip indicator
Inputs
Senses channel clip status
Senses amplifier protect status
Reports amplifier operating temperature
Software adjustable threshold (80°C default)
Program inputs
Paging input
16
1
Protect indicator
Temperature meter
Over-temp. alert
Dedicated input with configurable
routing to any or all 16 input sections
Monitor bus input
Connector type
1
“Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”)
detachable terminal blocks
Electronically balanced
All shield terminals connected
to chassis
1V/3V rms selectable (-10 dBV/+4 dBu)
+21 dBu
25 kΩ balanced
Control Room Foldback Monitoring
Type
Grounding
Number of Signal
Monitoring Buses per CM16a
1
4
Number of Channels per CM16a
(Maximum number assigned
to monitor mix at one time)
Nominal level
Maximum level
Impedance
Internal Signal Monitor Points
(each with individual level controls)
Pre-fader input signal
Common-mode rejection
Typical, >50 dB, 20 Hz-20 kHz
Worst Case, >40 dB at 20 kHz
16
16
16
Crosstalk (inter-channel
within DataPort pair)
Crosstalk (intra-channel
between DataPorts)
Post-fader input signal
Power amplifier output
>75 dB separation (20 Hz–20 kHz)
Monitor Input
Summed with internal monitor mix
at unity gain
0 dB, 1 dB
+4 dBu
+21 dBu
>90 dB separation, 20 Hz-20 kHz
measured with all inputs and
outputs terminated
Monitor in to monitor out
Nominal level
Maximum level
Input impedance
Configuration
Outputs
Program outputs
Connector type
Cable type
Qualified length
Monitor output
Connector
16 (via HD-15)
8 HD-15 DataPort connections
VGA monitor cable
2 meters
10kΩ balanced
Active balanced, shield connected to chassis
Worst case, >54 dB at 20 Hz rolling off to
>40 dB at 20 kHz
1
Common-mode rejection
1
Typical case, >50 dB 20 Hz-20 kHz
“Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”)
detachable terminal blocks
Electronically balanced
Shield terminal connected to chassis
+4 dBu
+21 dBu
75Ω balanced
600Ω min
Output
Sum of external monitor input and signals
from internal monitor mix
20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.5 dB
<.05% THD @ +4 dBu out
>90.5 dB unweighted, 22 Hz–22 kHz
-90.5 dB
+4 dBu
+21 dBu
75Ω balanced
600Ω min
Type
Grounding
Nominal level
Maximum level
Output impedance
Output load
Frequency response
Distortion
Dynamic range
Noise floor
Nominal level
Maximum level
Output impedance
Output load
Power Amplifier Output Monitoring
Configuration
Active balanced
Output Short Detect*
Senses load <1Ω for Stereo/Parallel modes;
<2Ω Bridge Mono mode (default threshold)
Threshold is adjustable in software
RS-232 Port
Output Open Detect*
Output Voltage Meter
Output Current Meter
Senses load >60Ω (default threshold)
Threshold is adjustable in software
Cable Type
Null-Modem (a.k.a. Laplink), female 9-pin
D-sub chassis connector
Range automatically matches to
amplifier model used
Port Settings
Bits per Second 9600
Data Bits
Parity
Stop Bits
Flow Control
8
none
1
Xon/Xoff
Range automatically matches to
amplifier model used
Amplifier Headroom
Reports remaining available power
Page Input
Amplifier Gain*
Calculates and reports amplifier gain
(knob setting)
*Signal level must be higher than -32 dB, referenced to maximum output of amplifier
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
The CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor shall provide input, output,
status monitoring, and control for DataPort equipped QSC power
amplifiers in an Ethernet-TCP/IP based network audio system. Sixteen
independent channels shall be provided, grouped in pairs to support up
to sixteen power amplifier channels.
Contact Closure Inputs and Outputs
Amplifier Input Control and Monitoring. For each of the sixteen power
amplifier input signals, the CM16a shall provide level, mute and polarity
control, pre- and post-fader signal level metering and audio monitoring,
and selectable +4 dBu/-10 dBV (3V/1V) input sensitivity.
Inputs
Configuration
Resistance for closure detect < 1kΩ max
1 discrete input
Single-ended input
Resistance for open detect
> 5kΩ min
The CM16a shall provide a page input, separate from the normal
program inputs, whose signal may preempt the program signal of any
or all of the sixteen program channels. This input shall have selectable
+4 dBu/-10 dBV (3V/1V) sensitivity.
Input voltage limit
7.000 VDC maximum
(“-” input terminal connected to chassis)
Output
Configuration
1 discrete output
Electromechanical relay, dry contacts,
floating, C, NC, NO
The CM16a shall provide for the storage and recall of up to sixteen
different presets, numbered 0 through 15. Each preset shall be a
“snapshot” of all of the CM16a functions and settings. Preset #0 shall be
the default boot-up preset.
Maximum steady-state current 0.5A
Maximum switched current
Ground isolation
0.25A
70V maximum
Connector
“Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”)
detachable terminal block connectors
Amplifier Output Monitoring. For each of the sixteen power amplifier
outputs, the CM16a shall provide clip detect monitoring, short/open
circuit detect, voltage and current metering, amplifier headroom, load
impedance, real output power to load, and audio monitoring of the
voltage signal.
Network Interface
Physical Network
Raw data rate
Frame format
Connector
Ethernet
10 megabits per second
D.I.X. (Ethernet)
Amplifier Management. For each of the DataPort connected power
amplifiers, the CM16a shall provide AC standby/operate mode control,
AC power state indication, temperature metering, amp gain settings
(front panel knob position with respect to full output), over-temperature
detection, stereo/parallel/bridge-mono indication, amplifier model
detection, and protect status detection (subject to the capabilities of
each amplifier).
RJ-45 female
Ethernet type
Cable type
Max cable length
Grounding
10BASE-T: (via RJ-45)
10BASE-T: CAT-3 (or better) twisted pair
10BASE-T: 100 m to hub
Floating
Audio Monitoring Chain. For each of the sixteen program channels, the
CM16a shall provide three monitor points as follows: (1) pre-fader level
control, (2) post-fader level control, or (3) power amplifier output. A
channel’s monitor output may be selected from one of these three
signals, or it may be switched off. The signal at the CM16a’s monitor
output connector shall be the sum of the signal at its monitor input
connector and as many as four of the sixteen channel monitor signals
at one time per CM16a. A monitor level control shall be provided for
each monitor tap point to adjust the individual levels of the channel
monitor signals prior to their being mixed with the monitor input signal.
Transport Network
Internetwork protocol
Transport protocol
TCP/IP
IP
UDP
Application Protocol
Version
QSC24
1
7
Revision
General
Physical
Height
Contact Closure I/O. The CM16a shall provide one trigger contact-closure
sense input which shall also be TTL signal compatible, and one dry-
contact floating SPDT relay output. These shall be under software control,
with functions definable by the QSControl custom software application.
The contact closure sense input shall be capable of toggling between
presets 14 and 15, regardless of the computer’s connection status.
1.72" (1RU)
Width
Depth
Weight
Mounting
19" (standard rack mount)
14.84" (37.7 cm), including rear supports
11 lbs. (5 kg)
Rear support recommended for portable
or mobile use
Operating Temp.
0 to 50° C
Data Network. All CM16a functions shall be controlled and monitored
via an Ethernet digital control network using the TCP/IP transport
protocol and the QSC-24 control and monitoring application protocol.
Rear-panel connections shall be provided for 10BASE-T Ethernet
AC Power
Voltage
100-240 VAC (Universal Supply)
1A RMS @ 120V, 1.1A RMS @ 100V,
0.5A RMS @ 230V
Current
utilizing
a
standard RJ-45 Unshielded Twisted Pair Category-5
connection. Other than the AC power and bypass switches, the CM16a
shall have no manual controls. A 9-pin, “D” subminiature connector
shall be provided to allow interfacing to an RS-232 connection. This
connector shall be used for CM16a setup, testing, diagnostics, and
limited control functions.
Frequency
47–440 Hz
Specifications subject to change.
Architect’s and Engineer’s Specification
Amplifier Interface. The CM16a’s interface to each power amplifier
DataPort shall be via a HD-15 connector. The amplifier interface shall
use a standard personal computer Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) CRT
monitor cable 1. This interface shall transmit two amplifier input audio
signals as well as all control and monitoring signals. Special signal
conditioning and grounding techniques shall be used in this interface to
ensure negligible levels of noise and crosstalk.
General. All audio inputs and outputs shall be balanced with a nominal
input level of +4 dBu and maximum level of +21 dBu. Input connectors
shall be of the “Euro-style” depluggable barrier strip type.
1
QSC DataPort cable required for connection with QSC DSP devices.
For lengths greater than 2 meters, a QSC DataPort cable is recommended.
2
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
QSControl Network Audio Systems
Block Diagram of the CM16a
Input
Source
Normal
/ Page
Meter
Mon (Pre)
Meter
Meter
Mon (Post)
Meter
Port A Ch 1
Port A Ch 2
Input
Sensitivity
3V / 1V
Level Control
-95.5 to 0 dB
0.5 dB steps
Ch 1
Ch 2
Mute
Mute
Polarity
Polarity
Audio
Inputs
Input
Source
Normal
/ Page
Input
Sensitivity
3V / 1V
Parallel
Level Control
-95.5 to 0 dB
0.5 dB steps
Stereo Mode
Mon (Pre)
Mon (Post)
Ch 1
Functions
Power
Status
Detect
Standby /
Operate
Control
Output
Open
Detect
Output
Short
Detect
Protect
Status
Detect
Load
Monitor
Detect
Real
Power
Detect
Amp
Gain
Detect
Over-
temp
Detect
Heat-
sink
Temp
Head-
room
Meter
Output
Current
Meter
Output
Voltage
Meter
Clip
Detect
Mon (Amp)
Amp
Model
Detect
Bridge
Mode
Detect
Output
Open
Detect
Output
Short
Detect
Protect
Status
Detect
Load
Monitor
Detect
Real
Power
Detect
Amp
Gain
Detect
Over-
temp
Detect
Heat-
sink
Temp
Head-
room
Meter
Output
Current
Meter
Output
Voltage
Meter
Clip
Detect
Mon (Amp)
Ch 2
Functions
Amp Functions
DataPort A
DataPorts B through H (same as DataPort A)
RLY
Out
Audio Monitor Chain
(Summing Bus)
Input
Input
Sensitivity
3V / 1V
NO NC
C
RLY
Mon 1
Mon 2
Mon 3
Mon 4
Up to four signals may be
sent to the Monitor Bus at
one time. Each tap has
its own gain adjust.
From
Mon
RLY
Trig in
Contact
Closure
I/O
Internal DAC
(for Test Tones
and Playback)
Page
Tap Points
Input
Output
Monitor
Chain
Monitor
Chain
RS-232
Ethernet
Internal
Micro-Controller
Serial I/O (DB-9)
Minimum Recommended Specifications for the System Controller
Processor 866 MHz Intel Pentium™ III processor
RAM 128 MB, 133 MHz bus
Hard Disk 4 GB or greater Ultra DMA
Floppy 3.5" 1.44 MB drive
CD-Rom 40x or greater IDE
Network 10/100BASE-T
Network Configuration TCP/IP host
Modem 56k V.90 internal PCI (optional)
Video 2D/3D Graphics, 133/100 MHz, 4 MB Display cache or better
Sound Sound Blaster® compatible (optional)
Keyboard 104 key, PS/2 compatible
Mouse PS/2 compatible
Operating System Windows NT-4 (SP-6) or Windows 2000 (SP-2)
All specifications are subject to change.
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
QSControl Software
QSControl Software allows you to view and adjust signal controls with
the click of a mouse. You can use System Manager, a standard
application included with QSControl Software, or design a custom
application tailored to your specific needs with easy-to-use Visual Basic.
QSControl Software significantly expands the system’s overall
capabilities. Users can now create custom applications with “drag-and-
drop” programming, minimizing the need to write code. In addition to
amplifier management, users can control additional audio components
including MIDI devices. A QSControl system can also be accessed and
controlled by multiple System Controllers from multiple locations.
The software supports the CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor, a
1RU unit that links the PC to networked QSC amplifiers to provide remote
control and monitoring functions. The CM16a enables QSControl’s
amplifier monitoring functions by allowing users to adjust thresholds for
detecting load opens and shorts, monitor average load impedance, monitor
amplifier output in watts, and view amplifier headroom. The CM16a
supports all QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers, including the 4- and 8-
channel models. The QSControl architecture supports network
communications of QSC’s digital signal processors, such as the DSP-3, via
CM16a DataPorts. Users can also apply future CM16a firmware updates
quickly and easily from a remote PC via Ethernet.
Using Microsoft’s Visual
Basic, custom screens
and panels can be
System Manager
System Manager requires no programming whatsoever to operate the
system. You can perform comprehensive signal metering and gain
adjustment for each amplifier:
created to display and
control all aspects of
your system. You can
even control 3rd party
gear over MIDI, RS-232,
Ethernet, etc.
I
I
I
I
I
Adjust input sensitivity for 3-volts or 1-volt
Adjust input levels to the amplifier
Meter pre-fader and post-fader levels
Invert the signal polarity
Override each channel with an auxiliary input that can be used
for emergency paging
I
I
Fold back audio to the front-of-house or control position from
selectable points in the audio chain: pre-fader, post-fader,
or the amplifier output
QSControl’s improved
System Manager requires
no programming to
Up to sixteen configuration presets can be recalled automatically
configure and control your
system. Features include
an Event Log for tracking
system changes and status
of amplifiers.
You can also perform comprehensive amplifier management:
I
Control amplifier power state (On/Standby)
Monitor amplifier status including clip, protect, and operating
temperature
I
I
Monitor amplifier output including voltage, current, power in
watts, and headroom
I
Load status, including average load resistance and adjustable
thresholds for detecting loudspeaker opens and shorts
I
Amplifier configuration, including gain control settings and
stereo, parallel, or bridge mode
Monitor amplifier’s power status and AC standby mode
Benefits of a Custom Application
I
I
Build simple control screens that can perform complex functions.
System Manager also provides an Event Log that allows you to keep
track of system events such as amplifier clipping, protect modes,
loudspeaker opens and shorts, and other conditions. These text files can
be saved for future reference or downloaded remotely via modem.
When any event occurs, System Manager automatically notifies you with
a flashing icon.
I
I
Create a full range of system-wide presets that are available for
different operating modes in multipurpose venues.
Perform pre-programmed functions at designated times—without an
operator present. For example, perform basic diagnostic checks at
night, log the results, and power the system down.
I
I
Control non-QSC equipment via Ethernet, MIDI, contact closures,
RS-232 or other interfaces for a single integrated solution.
Custom Applications
Operate QSControl with System Manager, our standard control application
included with QSControl Software, or create a custom application to meet
your specific needs. Using standard Windows tools such as ActiveX , COM,
and plug-in components for Microsoft Visual Basic, QSControl offers the
most user-friendly and advanced development tools available today.
Automate performance monitoring and maintenance. For example,
alert the operator whenever a loudspeaker circuit becomes open or
shorted, mute the power amplifier, and log an error message for
maintenance personnel.
I
I
Provide a comprehensive set of fire and emergency mode functions
that are invoked by an external contact closure or other simple signal.
QSControl’s “open architecture” also allows the control of other
manufacturer’s devices using RS-232, MIDI, Ethernet, or other interfaces
for a single integrated solution using standard development tools such as
Microsoft Visual Basic.
Employ full, multi-level password security, allowing only authorized
personnel access to certain control functions.
QSControl Spec Sheet 02/05/02
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
|