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5.2 CobraNet™ Audio and Computer Control
See Appendix 8.6 for details about multiple module wiring configurations.
This section provides details about using the optional CobraNet
technology for distribution of audio and computer control signals.
5.2.1 DESCRIPTION
CobraNet is a combination software, hardware, and network protocol that
can replace the audio or both the audio and computer connections described
in Section 5.1. Digitized audio and computer control is distributed by a CAT-
5 (or better) cable to each module. The network infrastructure must be
designed using standard IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-T Fast Ethernet hardware.
The network will not function properly using 10BASE-T technology.
DSAi requires that CobraNet be set to use multicast bundles. The
DSAPilot Help file details how to set the DSAi bundle and channel
number for each DSAi cluster.
NOTE: If using CobraNet audio with EIA-485 computer control, use
DSAPilot to configure the CobraNet options to CobraNet for Audio
only. This disables the connection from the CobraNet card to the
EIA-485 bus, thus preventing a control loop through the CobraNet
connections.
5.2.2 COBRANET IS USUALLY DESIRABLE TO USE WHEN
· A star cable configuration is easier to implement for multiple modules
· Audio is provided via CobraNet and computer control via EIA-485
· A high degree of noise immunity is needed for the audio
· Future system expansion is likely
· Long cable runs that permit fiber optic cabling
· Other CobraNet-capable products are used in the same installation
· The number of modules and clusters exceeds 32
· The audio source(s) have digital outputs
5.2.3 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT YOU MUST SUPPLY FOR COBRANET
· Module interface:
EAW CM-1 CobraNet Interface Card (P/N 0005987)
for each DSAi Series module and each module within a
DSAi cluster
· Audio/Computer interface:
Converts signals to CobraNet protocol
· Ethernet switch or hub:
For networking multiple modules over Ethernet
16
Figure 5.2.3 Basic CobraNet Diagram
CAT-5
CABLES
MAX 328
ft/100 m
100BASE-T
NETWORK
SWITCH
DSA
LOUDSPEAKERS
WITH
OPTIONAL
CM-1 CARD
AUDIO/COMPUTER
INTERFACE
PC
LINE LEVEL
AUDIO
SOURCE(S)