360 Systems DigiCart ex E-3000 User manual

Owner’s Manual

(Inside front cover – intentionally blank)

®
HARD DISK and MEMORY CARD RECORDER
with ETHERNET AUDIO™FILE SHARING
OWNER’S MANUAL
MODEL E-3000
SOFTWARE VERSION 1.24
June, 2013
PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL AUDIO

•Notices
SAFETY COMPLIANCE
DigiCart/EX complies with the following safety standards:
•UL 60950, 3rd Edition, dated December 1, 2000, Standard for Safety of Information
Technology Equipment, Including Electrical Business Equipment.
EU ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
Type of Equipment: Professional Use Audio Equipment.
Conforms to the Following Standards:
•EN55103-1 (1997) (Emissions) Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard
for audio, video, audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for
professional use.
•EN55103-2 (1997) (Immunity) Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard
for audio, video, audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for
professional use.
FCC COMPLIANCE
The equipment was tested to FCC Class A (using CISPR 22 Limits), EN55103-1 and EN55103-2: 1996 (for
Environment 4). The unit complies with the standards.
This equipment complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used in accordance with the owners manual, may cause interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This device will accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation. The user is cautioned that changes made to the equipment without the approval of the
manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. It is suggested that only
shielded and grounded cables be used to ensure compliance with FCC rules.
NOTICE
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirement of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Français: Cet appariel numérique de la classe A respecte toute les exigences du Reglement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Contents •i
Contents
OVERVIEW _________________________________________ 3
Introduction to the DigiCart Recorder
What’s New in DigiCart/EX
Supported File Formats........................................................... 3
File Format Indicators on the Front Panel LCD .......... 3
Notes on file formats ................................................. 3
Storage Capability
Accessories
RC-320 Remote Control ......................................................... 3
CHAPTER 1_________________________________________ 3
Installation
Mounting................................................................................ 3
Rear Panel Connections.......................................................... 3
Power........................................................................ 3
Control Signals .......................................................... 3
Digital Audio............................................................. 3
Analog Audio ............................................................ 3
CHAPTER 2_________________________________________ 3
Control Panel
LCD Display........................................................................... 3
LED Indicators ........................................................................ 3
Peak Level Meters................................................................... 3
Headphone Jack ..................................................................... 3
Selection Knob ....................................................................... 3
Buttons................................................................................... 3
Navigation Arrows..................................................... 3
ENTER Button............................................................ 3
EXIT Button ............................................................... 3
DRIVES Button .......................................................... 3
DIRS Button .............................................................. 3
FILES Button .............................................................. 3
SETUP Button............................................................ 3
UTILITY Button ......................................................... 3
EDIT Button............................................................... 3
RECORD Button........................................................ 3
PLAY Button.............................................................. 3
STOP Button ............................................................. 3
VIEW LIST Button...................................................... 3
LOOP Button ............................................................ 3
PAUSE Button ........................................................... 3
Bank Select and Hot Key Buttons............................... 3

ii •Contents
Memory Card Reader
Memory Card Insertion ..............................................3
Memory Card Removal ..............................................3
Approved Memory Cards ...........................................3
Notes on Card Compatibility......................................3
CHAPTER 3 ________________________________________ 3
File Organization and Navigation
Overview of Drive and Directory Structure .............................3
Drive Organization Strategy....................................................3
Network Playlists and Hot Keys .................................3
Structure Details......................................................................3
Directories .................................................................3
Files ...........................................................................3
Playlists......................................................................3
Network Drive Error Messages ................................................3
No Network Link .......................................................3
Server Unavailable.....................................................3
Waiting for NFS .........................................................3
Waiting for Mount .....................................................3
File Navigation User Interface .................................................3
Navigation Controls ...................................................3
File Find Function ...................................................................3
Using the FIND Function with a Keyboard.................3
Using the FIND Function with an RC-320..................3
CHAPTER 4 ________________________________________ 3
Setup and Utility Menus
Menu Navigation ....................................................................3
Setup Menu Features...............................................................3
D-Net Receiver ..........................................................3
D-NET Receiver Input ................................................3
D-NET Receiver Dir ...................................................3
D-NET Receiver Name ...............................................3
D-NET Receiver Echo.................................................3
Play Digital Format ....................................................3
Play Hot Keys Using ..................................................3
Play Restart Mode ......................................................3
Play Sample Rate .......................................................3
Play Word Size ..........................................................3
Record Audio Source .................................................3
RECORD SAMPLE RATE ............................................3
Record Data Format ...................................................3
Record Dithering .......................................................3
Record Overwrite ......................................................3
Record Threshold.......................................................3
Record Time Limit .....................................................3
Set Aux Protocol ........................................................3
Set Contrast................................................................3
Set Headphone Level .................................................3
Set Input Monitor .......................................................3
Set IP Address ............................................................3
Set Keyboard Type .....................................................3
Set Sort Order ............................................................3

Contents •iii
Set Time Display ....................................................... 3
Utility Menu Features ............................................................. 3
Assign Hot Key (Preset).............................................. 3
Copy Original............................................................ 3
Copying a Cut using Copy Original ........................... 3
Copying a Playlist (Stack) using Copy Original .......... 3
Copying a Directory using Copy Original.................. 3
Copy Edited............................................................... 3
Delete ....................................................................... 3
Rename ..................................................................... 3
Format Disk............................................................... 3
Mount Network Drive ............................................... 3
Update Directories .................................................... 3
D-Net File Transfer .................................................... 3
CHAPTER 5_________________________________________ 3
Recording
Transport Controls.................................................................. 3
Setup to Record ...................................................................... 3
Selecting a File Location for Recording...................... 3
Setting Record Levels ................................................ 3
Recording Commands ............................................... 3
CHAPTER 6_________________________________________ 3
Playback
Front Panel Indicators............................................................. 3
Transport Controls.................................................................. 3
Playing a Single Cut................................................................ 3
Hot Keys................................................................................. 3
Playing Multiple Cuts — Follow-On Play................................ 3
Quickstacks............................................................................ 3
Creating a Quickstack................................................ 3
CHAPTER 7_________________________________________ 3
Playlists
Playlist Types............................................................. 3
Creating a Playlist...................................................... 3
Playing a Playlist ....................................................... 3
Viewing a Playlist ...................................................... 3
Playlist Editing ........................................................................ 3
Scan Mode ................................................................ 3
Insert ......................................................................... 3
Append ..................................................................... 3
Remove..................................................................... 3
Truncate .................................................................... 3
Change Playlist Type ................................................. 3
Converting a Linear Playlist to a Cut ....................................... 3
To Convert a Linear Playlist to a Cut.......................... 3
CHAPTER 8_________________________________________ 3

iv •Contents
Audio Editing
User Interface..........................................................................3
Edit Audio Files.......................................................................3
Head..........................................................................3
Tail ............................................................................3
Pre-Roll......................................................................3
Fade In.......................................................................3
Fade Out....................................................................3
Output Gain...............................................................3
CHAPTER 9 ________________________________________ 3
Maintenance
General Cleaning ....................................................................3
Calibration ..............................................................................3
Disk Maintenance ...................................................................3
Program Updates ....................................................................3
Update the Program from a Network Server...............3
Update the Program from a Memory Card .................3
Restoring Previous Version.........................................3
Memory Cards and Card Reader .............................................3
Care and Handling of Memory Cards.........................3
Troubleshooting Memory Card Operation .................3
Special Button Sequences .......................................................3
APPENDIX A________________________________________ 3
Interface Wiring
Audio Connector Wiring.........................................................3
Audio I/O Interface Table...........................................3
Sync Input..................................................................3
GPI/O (General Purpose I/O) ..................................................3
GPI/O Connector Pinout .........................................................3
Remote Control.......................................................................3
Remote Bus.............................................................................3
Aux Serial Port ........................................................................3
Keyboard Port .........................................................................3
Network Port ..........................................................................3
APPENDIX B________________________________________ 3
Serial Control Protocols
DigiCart/ES-Bus .......................................................................3
Host Device Message Summary .................................3
Hardware Format .......................................................3
Data Format ...............................................................3
Peripheral Bus.........................................................................3
Hardware Format .......................................................3
Data Format ...............................................................3
APPENDIX C________________________________________ 3
DigiCart History

Contents •v
DigiCart.................................................................................. 3
DigiCart II............................................................................... 3
DigiCart II Plus ....................................................................... 3
DigiCart/E............................................................................... 3
APPENDIX D________________________________________ 3
D-Net File Transfer
Key Features ........................................................................... 3
Transfer Rates ............................................................ 3
Electrical Specification for D-Net Transfers ................ 3
D-Net Setup............................................................................ 3
Making a File Transfer ............................................... 3
Wildcard Transfers .................................................... 3
Transfer Messages................................................................... 3
Source Machine Displays .......................................... 3
Aborted Transfer........................................................ 3
Receiving Machine Displays...................................... 3
D-Net Messages...................................................................... 3
APPENDIX E ________________________________________ 3
Recording Encoded Digital Data
APPENDIX F ________________________________________ 3
Technical Specifications
General Specifications ............................................................ 3
Internal Hard Disk ..................................................... 3
Memory Card Reader ................................................ 3
Miscellaneous ........................................................... 3
Physical Dimensions (nominal)............................................... 3
Audio Configuration Specifications......................................... 3
Audio Performance Specifications .......................................... 3
APPENDIX N________________________________________ 3
Networking
Overview ............................................................................... 3
Choosing a Server................................................................... 3
Setting up the Network........................................................... 3
Connecting a Computer Directly to a DigiCart/E..................... 3
Setting up the Ethernet Audio Server....................................... 3
Creating Network Drives ........................................... 3
NFS Shares ................................................................ 3
Setting up Windows Server 2008............................................ 3
Creating Net Drives in Windows Explorer .............................. 3
Configuring Windows with Hanewin NFS Server ................... 3
Managing Net Drives on the DigiCart/EX................................ 3
Mount Network Drive ............................................... 3
INDEX _____________________________________________ 3

vi •Notices
WARRANTY AND REPAIR POLICY
The DigiCart/EX recorder is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of
one year from date of original purchase. This warranty includes parts and labor. This warranty
excludes units that have been modified, repaired by unauthorized personnel, or damaged by rough
handling, abuse, improper operation, dirt, lightning strike, or static electricity.
360 SYSTEMS ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR REAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS, INCONVENIENCE OR ANY OTHER LOSSES DUE TO
OPERATIONAL FAULTS OF DIGICART/EX RECORDERS. 360 SYSTEMS’ SOLE LIABILITY UNDER
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCT
OR COMPONENTS DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD.
Products being returned under warranty shall be sent to 360 Systems or one of its foreign service
centers, freight prepaid, in the original or equivalent packaging. Please call 360 Systems for a return
authorization number before returning any merchandise for any reason.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES
360 Systems reserves the right to make changes and/or improvements to its products without
incurring any obligation to incorporate such changes or improvements in units previously sold or
shipped.
COMPANY ADDRESS
Please use the following addresses for shipping and correspondence. The Corporate Office in
California is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time.
Corporate Office and Customer Services
3281 Grande Vista Drive
Newbury Park, CA 91320 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Website www.360systems.com
Please call 360 Systems for a return authorization number (RMA) before returning merchandise for
any reason.

Notices •vii
TRADEMARKS
The following trademarks may appear in this manual:
is a registered trademark of 360 Systems.
DigiCart® and Instant Replay® are registered trademarks of 360 Systems.
Short/cut, Quickstack, Bit-for-Bit, and Ethernet Audio are trademarks of 360 Systems.
Zip® is a registered trademark of Iomega Corp.
SD and SDHC are trademarks or registered trademarks of SD-3C.
Zip® is a registered trademark of Iomega Corp.
Dolby® is a registered trademark of Dolby Licensing Corp.
All other product and brand names and any registered and unregistered trademarks
mentioned in this manual are used for identification purposes only and remain the
exclusive property of their respective owners.
COPYRIGHTS
Software contained in this product is copyrighted by 360 Systems, and Dolby Laboratories.
PATENTS
Designs incorporated in this product may be the subject of current or pending United States and
foreign patents.

viii •Notices
WARNING SYMBOLS
THE FOLLOWING WARNING SYMBOLS ARE USED ON THE PRODUCT IN THIS MANUAL:
ENGLISH ATTENTION: REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL FOR IMPORTANT
INFORMATION.
FRANÇAIS ATTENTION: VEUILLEZ VOUS RÉFÉRER AU MODE D’EMPLOI
POUR UNE INFORMATION IMPORTANTE.
ITALIANO ATTENZIONE: FATE RIFERIMENTO AL MANUALE PER
INFORMAZIONI IMPORTANTI.
ESPAÑOL ATENTCION: FAVOR DE REFERIR AL MANUAL DE OPERACION
POR INFORMACION IMPORTANTE.
ENGLISH WARNING: ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD.
FRANÇAIS AVERTISSEMENT: DANGER DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE.
ITALIANO AVVERTIMENTO: PERICOLO DI SHOCK ELETTRICO.
ESPAÑOL ADVERTENSIA: PELIGRO DE CHOQUE ELECTRICO.
GENERAL CAUTIONS
Please heed the following important cautions regarding the DigiCart/EX:
•Do not remove the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.
•DigiCart/EX recorders contain a hard disk drive. While today’s hard disks are very
reliable, they may be vulnerable to shock. Please handle with care, and exercise
caution not to drop or bump the recorder — damage to the internal hard disk may
result. Ensure that power is off before moving the unit.
•To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

Overview •1
Overview
Introduction to the DigiCart Recorder
As the 1980s came to a close, the promise of high-quality digital audio became a reality with the
introduction of compact disks – but only for pre-recorded music. 360 Systems responded by
designing the first practical digital cart machine, introducing it to the broadcast industry at the 1990
NAB Convention. Aptly named DigiCart®, this new broadcast standard rapidly replaced the
industry’s analog NAB tape carts.
By including an internal hard disk as a standard component, the DigiCart recorder provides fast
access to many thousands of cuts, plus a degree of reliability never before achieved with tape
recorders. Remote controls, networking and distributed storage now make the DigiCart recorder a
standard in broadcast facilities throughout the world.
There have been several advances since the original DigiCart, but all models share these common
features: The ability to record and store thousands of cuts and play them back instantly, the ability to
do routine editing, convenient front panel controls, automation control, and removable media for
backups and file transfers. Transportable recordings for archiving and backup are now stored on
removable SD format memory cards. These economical, re-recordable cards are DigiCart's "carts".
DigiCart offers several recording formats and sampling rates. Generally, linear recording is
recommended because it will produce the highest quality playback and because today hard disk
storage space is inexpensive. However, for compatibility with earlier DigiCart recorders, DigiCart/EX
can record and play files using Dolby®AC-2 compression. AC-2 uses 5 times less disk space, while
delivering full bandwidth stereo. It should only be used for new recordings when absolutely
necessary for compatibility with older DigiCarts, or to make recordings longer than possible with the
.WAV format.
DigiCart/EX stores supplementary information along with each individual audio recording, including:
•An index file ID reference that identifies drive, directory and cut
•A name of up to fifteen alphanumeric characters
•Total running time
•Sampling rate
•Recording format
•Editing information for Head and Tail times, Fade In, Fade Out, and Gain
Much of this information is displayed on the front panel of the DigiCart to assist in managing a large
audio library.

2 •Overview
What’s New in DigiCart/EX
DigiCart/EX is the most advanced hard disk/cart system in the broadcast industry. Building on the
proven design of the industry-standard DigiCart II and DigiCart/E, your new DigiCart/EX delivers
many significant enhancements, such as SD memory card removable media, network connectivity
through 360 Systems’ Ethernet Audio network, 24-bit audio, WAV file format, a separate sync input,
larger display, larger internal disk drive and many other refinements. Please refer to 360 Systems
Ethernet Audio Network Manual for information on setting up the network.
The star feature of the new DigiCart/EX is its connection to the Ethernet Audio™ network. This
100Mb Ethernet connection allows file transfers, playback over the network, and recording to a
network drive. With Bit-for-Bit™technology, DigiCart/EX and the Ethernet Audio network are also
fully compatible with non-PCM audio data such as Dolby-E and AC-3.
A notable feature of DigiCart is selectable recording formats. Choices include linear sampling rates
of 96, 88.2, 48, or 44.1 kilosamples/second in stereo, or 48K Dolby AC-2. All formats can coexist.
Further, DigiCart/EX has a built-in sample rate converter that can be switched into either the
incoming or outgoing audio path. Now, each digital recording can be converted on-the-fly so an
entire library can be maintained in at one sample rate standard. Alternately, a library of recordings
may be maintained as a mixture of native sample rates; DigiCart/EX can convert these files on output
to a predetermined standard (e.g. 48K, for broadcast).
DigiCart/EX can now build and store Playlists on network drives that can be accessed from any
DigiCart on the network. Playlists can be used concurrently from many locations, or can be
accessed from anywhere in the plant as a production moves from studio to studio.
Hot Keys have always been a DigiCart accessory, but fixed Hot Keys have now been added to the
front panel of DigiCart/EX. Hot Keys allow pre-assignment of a cut or Playlist to a trigger key, so that
it can be played immediately. This takes the work out of searching for a file when it is needed in a
hurry.
An important feature in DigiCart/EX is network Hot Key assignments. Hot Keys can be stored and
recalled in two ways, either Network Drive or Local Drive. The chief benefit of using Net Drive Hot
Keys is that those Hot Key assignments can be accessed by more than one user concurrently from
anywhere on the network.
DigiCart/EX now has a separate AES-11 sync input. An AES-75 ohm input connection is dedicated to
this task. Also new are gain adjustment trims on the analog outputs so that DigiCart/EX can be
matched perfectly with downstream equipment.
DigiCart/EX now provides power to the 360 Systems RC-320 remote control via the serial cable, so
there is no need for a separate wall-mounted power supply. Additionally, there is now a second
serial port available for ES-Bus or Peripheral Bus controls, so that the RC-320 remote control can
always remain attached.
Finally, DigiCart/EX’s LCD display and menus have been organized to provide a clear understanding
of the machine state and settings.

Overview •3
Supported File Formats
DigiCart/EX normally records audio in WAV format. Previous DigiCart models used a proprietary
recording format. To ensure compatibility with existing DigiCarts and recordings, DigiCart/EX can
also play and record those proprietary file formats.
DigiCart/EX displays a three-character abbreviation for each file’s format on its LCD display (Format
Code). Certain operations are compatible with, or limited to, specific file formats. Understanding
the formats will be useful in getting the most out of your DigiCart/EX.
The file suffix in the table below is the file name suffix assigned to Cuts recorded on or copied to a
Network Drive. These suffixes can be seen when viewing files on the network using a PC. WAV
audio files created on DigiCart/EX can be played by any program supporting that standard.
FILE FORMAT INDICATORS ON THE FRONT PANEL LCD
DigiCart II Compatible
Format Format Code Sample Rate DigiCart/EX Support File Suffix
Compressed 5AC2 48000 (Play/REC) .DC2
16-bit stereo linear 5S16 44100, 48000 (Play/REC) .DC2
16-bit mono linear 3,5 M16 44100, 48000 (Play only) .DC2
New to DigiCart/E
16-bit stereo linear W16 44100, 48000 (Play/REC) .WAV
24-bit stereo linear W24 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000 (Play/REC) .WAV
16-bit mono linear 3T16 44100, 48000 (Play only) .WAV
24-bit Non-PCM Audio 4D24 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000 (Play/REC) .WAV
NOTES ON FILE FORMATS
1. DigiCart/EX will play DigiCart II files obtained via D-Net.
2. DigiCart/EX does not support 32K sample rate files.
3. Mono recordings (made on earlier DigiCarts) will be played from both channels. DigiCart/EX
does not make mono recordings.
4. Non-PCM audio files are used to contain data for encoded or data-compressed audio
formats(Dolby-E, Dolby AC-3 , etc.). This data can be recorded and played through the digital I/O
ports only. DigiCart/EX will not play it on the analog outputs. DigiCart/EX does not encode or
decode the data, instead using “Bit-for-Bit” technology to play back exactly the same data as
recorded when using this file type.
5. D-Net can import or export DigiCart II-compatible file types (AC2, M16, S16). No file type
conversions are performed during the D-Net transfer process.
6. The “COPY EDITED” utility can be used to convert between DigiCart II formats and WAV file
formats. This applies only to linear 16-bit stereo recordings, not AC-2.
7. Non-destructive edits (Head/Tail Trim, Fade In/Out, Gain) can be performed on all formats. The
edit parameters are saved in a vendor-specific area of the file header. When playing WAV files
on non-DigiCart machines, the edits will not be recognized. However, the “COPY EDITED”
utility can be used to render Head/Tail Trims to WAV files playable on other machines.
8. If WAV and DC2 files have the same sample size and sample rate, they may be mixed in a
Playlist that is to be converted into a cut.

4 •Overview
Storage Capability
Storage time on DigiCart/EX drives will vary depending upon the sampling rate and recording format
used. The table below shows approximate recording times, based on stereo recording at different
sampling rates. Dolby AC-2 operates only in 48K stereo, 16-bit format.
DRIVE STORAGE TIMES
Storage per
1GB 96K
LINEAR 88.2K LINEAR 48K LINEAR 44.1K LINEAR 48K/16-bit DOLBY AC-2
STEREO 16-bit Not available Not available 86 min 94 min 462 min
STEREO 24-bit 28 min 31 min 57 min 63 min
Times quoted are approximate. Storage times may vary with actual use, depending on the
combinations of bandwidths, formats and sample rates stored on a drive and the length and number
of cuts and Playlists.
Accessories
The following accessories are available separately from 360 Systems.
RC-320 Remote Control
•Fast, Easy Total Control of All DigiCart Functions
•Clear, Intuitive Display of All Operations
•Sixteen Hot Keys for Single Keystroke Playback
•Full Functions for Production Room Operations
•Controls four DigiCart/EX recorders
Remote control Model RC-320 provides full access to DigiCart functions. Each unit is housed in a
low profile package that allows for convenient placement. User interface with DigiCart is enhanced
through large format, color-coded keyboard-type buttons sensibly placed across the panel. The
RC-320 is especially practical when building and editing Playlists and assigning Hot Keys.
A bright display duplicates the command line display on DigiCart/EX and is readable even in brightly
lit rooms.

Overview •5
Programmable Hot Keys play back cuts with single-keystroke speed. Once the Hot Keys are
assigned, they will remain in memory even if power is turned off between uses. Linear Playlists may
also be directly assigned to Hot Keys. Hot Keys are ideal for frequently used cuts, such as sound
effects, jingles, and station IDs.
In operation, cuts are found by simply typing in an ID number or scrolling through the directory
listings. The RC-320 Pause button works in playback or analog record mode, while the Loop button
is handy for repeating a cut without breaks.
The three menu choices, Utility, Setup and Edit, allow access and decision making on all related
items. Use the Setup and Utility menu functions to reconfigure DigiCart to best accommodate
current operational needs. The Edit menu works for both cuts and Playlists.
Four Machine Select keys allow a single RC-320 to independently control four DigiCarts.
RC-320 Operational Features
Display In the cued position, the display shows cut name, Index number, length of cut, assigned
directory and drive source. It also shows the cuts sampling rate and recording mode— linear
or Dolby AC-2 encoded. In the play mode, it shows remaining or elapsed time, current cut
and the next cut cued up.
Position Arrows Select drives and directories.
Select Arrows Review cuts by scrolling through directory listing. Displays cut name and time.
Hot Keys Provide rapid playback of sixteen pre-assigned cuts or Playlists.
Find (NO DEDICATED KEY)Access cuts from any directory (including the Playlist directory), by entering the ID number.
Keypad Use these 10 keys to enter cut ID numbers. Simply punch in the number and hit Enter for
visual verification of the proper cut— then press Play.
Playlist Directory Direct access to the Playlist directory.
Cancel Cancels incorrect entries.
Enter Enters/confirms new selections or entries.
Assign Hot Keys Selected cuts or Playlists are "mapped" to the sixteen Hot Keys.
View Playlist Visual preview of a Playlist before use.
Make Playlist Assemble groups of cuts together.
Play-Stop-Record Control DigiCart transport functions via RC-320.
Loop Plays a cut or a Playlist continuously.
Pause Places machine on "hold" in both Play and Record modes.
Edit Menu Selects Edit Menu options.
Setup Menu Selects Setup Menu options.
Utility Menu Selects Utility Menu options.
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions 1.875" x 11.5" x 7" (47.6mm x 292mm x 178mm) (H-W-D)
Weight 5 lbs. (2.3 kg)
Display 2-line x 20 character display.
Power Supply External UL/CSA/VDE approved 9-volt modular supply. Feeds RC-320 through 9-conductor
cable via connector at DigiCart end.
Cable 25 foot (7.5 meters) highly flexible 9 conductor cable. Connects directly to DigiCart.

6 •Installation
Chapter 1
Installation
Mounting
DigiCart/EX may be used on a tabletop or mounted in a 2U, 19” equipment rack. Rack mounting
ears are provided as part of the faceplate and chassis. Four 10-32 truss head screws with washers are
provided for this purpose. In some cases, it may necessary to support the back end of the chassis or
attached cables. 360 Systems does not provide a bracket for this purpose.
Depending on the space available in the rack, you may need to remove the four rubber feet from the
bottom of the chassis to allow the chassis to fit into the rack space. Simply pry these rubber feet from
the chassis holes with a small flat blade screwdriver.
Rear Panel Connections
Rear Panel Interface Connector Type
Power cable connector and switch IEC-320
Thumbscrew for chassis ground, not for safety ground Thumbscrew
Remote Control Port – dedicated to RC-320 Remote Controls 9-pin “D” female
Remote Bus Port - EIA-485 (EIA-422 compatible) – connection of
Remote Bus to other DigiCarts 15-pin “D” female
GPI/O interface 25-pin “D” female
Serial Port - EIA-485 (EIA-422 compatible) serial communications
including ES-Bus and Peripheral Bus 9-pin “D” female
Connection to Ethernet network RJ-45
Port for QWERTY keyboard 6-pin Mini DIN
Connection for IEEE-1394 device IEEE-1394
Connection for AES-11 Sync Input BNC female
AES/EBU digital audio input, left and right; AES/EBU digital audio
output 3-pin XLR female 3-pin XLR male
IEC-958 TYPE II or AES/SMPTE 75Ωdigital audio input Dual BNC female
Right and Left balanced analog audio outputs 3-pin XLR male
Right and Left balanced analog audio inputs 3-pin XLR female
X

Installation •7
POWER
WARNING
CONNECT ONLY TO A GROUNDED 50/60 HZ AC OUTLET PROVIDING THE
CORRECT VOLTAGE (115 VAC OR 230 VAC, AS DELIVERED).
DO NOT REMOVE OR DEFEAT THE GROUNDING PIN ON THE AC POWER CORD.
A SERIOUS SHOCK HAZARD MAY RESULT FROM FAILING TO
MAKE CONNECTION TO A PROPERLY GROUNDED ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
DO NOT USE THE CHASSIS SIGNAL GROUND THUMBSCREW AS A
SAFETY GROUND POINT.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT OUT OF DOORS, IN RAIN, OR
IN DAMP OR WET ENVIRONMENTS.
Each DigiCart/EX is factory configured for only 115VAC or 230VAC operation. Please check the
marking on the rear panel to see if you have the correct DigiCart for your power supply. Use the AC
service cord provided to connect the unit to utility power. Use only Underwriters Laboratories
recognized replacement cords.
Chassis Ground Screw
A thumbscrew is provided to reduce longitudinal grounding errors between devices having
interconnected low-level signals. This feature may reduce hum on the analog input ports.
CONTROL SIGNALS
Several of the most useful standards have been selected to interface DigiCart/EX with
professional audio-video equipment and allow functionality with automation systems for the
development of custom applications. Detailed technical information about the interfaces will be
found in the Appendices.
Remote Control
A Remote Control port is included on the rear panel for connecting DigiCart/EX with a 360
Systems RC-320 desktop remote control.
The control port provides bi-directional serial communication and power. This port is dedicated
to an RC-320 remote. Since an RC-320 remote can control more than one DigiCart, a Remote
Bus connector is also supplied on DigiCart/EX to daisy-chain remote commands to several
DigiCarts. The Remote Bus can be connected to a mix of DigiCart IIs and DigiCart/Es. The
pinout used on the Remote Control port can be found in Appendix A, Interface Wiring.
Specifics of supported protocols can be found in Appendix B, Serial Control Protocols.
Remote Bus
The Remote Bus connector on DigiCart/EX is used to daisy-chain remote commands to several
DigiCarts. The Remote Bus can be connected to a mix of DigiCart IIs and DigiCart/Es.
Automation systems can also control DigiCarts through this port. (The Remote Bus connector
should not be used as an input when an RC-320 is connected to the Remote Control port)
See “Set Remote Control” in the Setup menu for machine addressing. The pinout used on the
Remote Control port can be found in Appendix A, Interface Wiring.

8 •Installation
GPI/O Connector
TRANSPORT CONTROLS
The PLAY, STOP, RECORD, PAUSE and LOOP remote control inputs are optically isolated from
DigiCart/EX’s circuitry; a common floating return is provided. +12V may be sourced from pin
17, or provided from an external source. Current limiting devices are provided within
DigiCart/EX so that voltage may be applied directly between ground on pin 4, and any of the
transport control inputs.
NOTE: If +12V is sourced from DigiCart/EX, the optical isolators no longer provide isolation.
Refer to the partial schematic of the DigiCart/EX interface circuits in Appendix A.
TRANSPORT LAMPS/TALLY OUTPUTS
Open-collector outputs are provided for the PLAY, STOP, RECORD, PAUSE and LOOP tally
outputs. An open-collector transistor is used to bring the low side to ground to turn on the
external lamp. A +12V source is available on pin 17 of the remote connector for use with
external lamps. Refer to the partial schematic in Appendix A, Interface Wiring.
Aux Serial Control
An EIA-485 (RS-485) serial port is included on the rear panel. DigiCart/EX supports ES-Bus and
Peripheral Bus protocols, selectable from the Setup menu. All of the functions of DigiCart/EX
can be accessed and controlled via this serial port. EIA-485 is a multi-drop version of the EIA-
422 specification, and is fully compatible.
With properly terminated lines this port can communicate up to 1,000 meters. The connector
pin assignments used on the serial and Remote ports can be found in Appendix A, Interface
Wiring. Specifics of supported protocols can be found in Appendix B, Serial Control Protocols.
Alphanumeric Keyboard
An alphanumeric keyboard may be connected to the keyboard connector on your DigiCart/EX
for controlling the machine and adding names to cuts, directories, Playlists and disks. Available
models include a standard 101-key keyboard, a small footprint mini-keyboard (Model RC-205),
or an infrared-linked mini-keyboard (Model RC-235) available from 360 Systems. Contact 360
Systems for details on these accessories.
The SETUP menu must be set to your choice of the standard 101-key PC-AT style keyboard or
mini-keyboard types.
Network
An RJ-45 connector is provided for connection to the Ethernet Audio network.
DIGITAL AUDIO
The pinout for the digital audio ports will be found in Appendix A, Interface Wiring on page 3.
ANALOG AUDIO
The pinout for the analog audio ports will be found in Appendix A, Interface Wiring on page 3.