Technical Bulletin
Contents
Systemline Modular
1. New 3.0 release of System Net Configuration
Download System NetConfig Software
Systemline Modular Advanced has been significantly updated to include control of Lutron Grafik-eye lighting control systems. It will allow full two-way RS232 control of lighting, and also motorised blinds, curtains and gates through Lutron’s contact closure interfaces.
We have been testing the revisions at several sites and have now included their feedback in version 3.0. Thanks to all those that have helped out. The integration allows you to control up to eight Grafik-eye units using a GRX-CI-RS232, all available through Armour Home Electronics. Also included is an Alpha trial version of iPort RS232 control, allowing full two way control and display of metadata from Apple iPods. This has yet to be confirmed by Armour, so try this if you wish and please inform us if you experience any issues.
Please follow the link below to download this as well as the new instructions. Please make sure you upgrade the firmware to all keypads and hubs when you wish to use this, the hub.binand keypad.binfirmware files are included in the download. You use the Upload section within the Local Hub Network part and browse to the three firmware files, the software will update all keypads connected one by one. Please read the ‘read me’ file and Lutron integration instructions for any known issues when released and further connection information.
2. RS232 Settings on an Imerge S3000 Sound Server
Those of you using the New Systemline Modular Advanced touch screen with Imerge Sound Servers will need to change the Xiva Link settings on the new S3000 Server. Systemline initially matched the serial link with the S2000 model, but the S3000 has different RS232 settings. If you enter the Xiva Link settings on the S3000 you will need to apply the following:
| Serial Baud rate | 38400 |
| Serial data | 7 |
| Flow Control | Request to send |
| Legacy Controllers | Enabled |
| Autodiscovery | Disabled |
Reboot the S3000 by powering down and then powering up again.
3. Plastic Clamps on CAT5 connections
We have been supplying plastic clamp connectors with all active speakers for several weeks now. Please can you ensure that these are used in every installation, we have still had a few issues of systems not functioning correctly because of CAT5 terminations. Whilst we have made every effort to improve the connection, the clamp pushed all the way down will ensure you have the most reliable connection possible. The connection on the far left of the picture is the desired result.
4. Local Input on expanded zones
If you set up an expanded zone, that uses more than one active speaker and one control point, with a local input, you will have to make a modification in order for the local audio to be reproduced through all speakers. This is due to the fact that the command for local input is sent to the first active speaker as well as all additional ones, these having no local connection will suddenly be silent.
You will need to remove the plastic cover from the expanded active speakers and carefully remove R36 from the main PCB, it is located near to U3. Do not remove this on the first active speaker in the chain! The modification is not reversible. We recommend that you then put a label inside the bezel stating R36 removed, once this has been done all speakers will hear the one local input punched down on the first active speaker.
5. Local Input punch down recommendations
A local input can use either a SIM, CIM or CIM-PI unit to plug the audio and sometimes infra-red into an SLM speaker. If a SIM unit is used, only the orange and green pairs are used as this only needs the audio connection. Most installers would punch down all four pairs on the SLM speaker, leaving the brown and blue pairs coiled in the back box behind the SIM unit.
There have been a couple of installations where this has caused a problem with the system not operating correctly or locking up. We have found that the brown and blue cables were touching or shorting out on the metal back box behind the SIM unit. We therefore recommend that ONLY the orange and green pairs are punched down on the SLM speaker if using a SIM for local input. You should use all four pairs if using a CIM or CIM-PI.
MediaMax Media servers from Axonix
1. New Training dates
Armour has recently been appointed the sole UK distributor of these exiting multi-media servers. We have arranged product training for the entire range with a full hands on experience, ensuring you are completely confident in specification, installation and configuration of the range. All training is one day and dates available are:
- 19th February at Bishops Stortford
- 1st March at Bishops Stortford
- 15th March in Bristol
- 29th March at Bishops Stortford
- 11th April in Manchester
- 26th April at Bishops Stortford
Please contact hannah.creasey@armourhe.co.ukfor booking details, places are limited so book in plenty on time!
2. Ripping DVD's
When copying a DVD onto the MediaMax server, you should always select ‘full film’ and not ‘film only’ as there are currently issues replaying the film if recorded as ‘film only’. This issue is being looked into and we will bring you news of a fix as soon as we have it.
Themescene Projectors
There have been many enquiries regarding ideal distances from a screen with a given size to the projector. Optoma, our manufacturer for the projectors have a useful section on their website that will calculate the ideal distances. - click link below
http://www.optoma.co.uk/optoma/distancecalc.aspx
iPort
Please note that the new Apple iPod Nano has a slightly different shape to it and thus has difficulty slotting into the current adaptor plate. A new plate has been made for this that also accommodates the old Nano as well. Please ask our main sales or area sales manager if you require one.
If you require any technical information on iPort including installation instructions and software downloads then go to:
http://iportmusic.com/support.html
You can use a password of IPORT232 for the dealer login.
Armour Technical Support
Due to the large increase in product offering from Armour and success in sales, we have had a huge increase in technical enquiries over the last few months. Some of you may have experienced some problems in getting through to somebody for help, or waited longer than usual for a reply to a voice mail. We apologise for this and reassure you that this service is very important to us as well as you and are currently putting measures in place to improve the service in the New Year.
We have also attached our technical support policy document that outlines the service we offer and the standards that we adhere to.
In further response to your feedback we are now pleased to confirm the arrival of Neil Walton on the Technical Support Desk to further support of efforts there. Neil joins us from the sales desk where he was working for the later stages of 2006. He is contactable on neil.walton@armourhe.co.ukand the Technical Support contact number, 01279-719958. Neil is currently under going intensive training to bring him up to speed as soon as possible, although with a back ground in building music studios we feel this should not take too long!
New Training Facility at Bishops Stortford
Armour Home Electronics have built a new state of the art training facility at Bishops Stortford, this is due to the large increase in training over the last year and Armour’s commitment to raise the standard of training in the industry. We have installed lots of technology and products in the room and have increased the size significantly.
Follow the link to find out more on training:
http://www.armourhe.co.uk/training/introduction.htm
And Finally…Muppet of the month
An installer wishes to cut out a hole for a Sonance Ellipse Speaker and contacts AHE Technical Support…………
Installer– Can a cut-out template for an Ellipse 1.0 LCR be faxed over?
Armour Technical– No, it is larger than an A4 sheet
Installer– Can you not shrink it to fit?
Armour Technical– Would that not defeat the object?
Installer– Why?
Armour Technical– Think about it?
Installer– Line went quiet ( it had dawned on him what he was asking), followed by an apology for being so stupid.
You know who you are……….and so do we!