360 Systems AM-16/B User manual

MODEL AM-16/B
AUDIO CROSSPOINT
SWITCHER
OWNER'S MANUAL
REVISION 2.01
360 SYSTEMS
5321 Sterling Center Dr.
Westlake Village, CA 91361
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

iAM/16-B Audio
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS AND
360 Systems reserves the right to make changes or improvements to
its products, without incurring any obligation to incorporate such changes or
improvements in units previously sold or shipped.
TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS
360 Systems and AM/16 are trademarks of 360 Systems. Software
contained in this product is copyright by 360 Systems. Designs incorporated
in this product may be the subject of current or pending U.S. and foreign
patents.
LIMITED WARRANTY
The 360 Systems Model AM/16 Audio Switcher 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 abuse, improper operation, dirt, or
static electricity.
360 Systems assumes no liability whatsoever for real or consequen-
tial damages, loss of profits, inconvenience or any other losses due to non-
operation of the product.
360 Systems' sole liability under this limited warranty shall be the
repair or replacement of defective product or components. 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.
SHIPPING ADDRESS
Freight and mail may be sent to 360 Systems at the following address:
360 Systems
5321 Sterling Center Dr.
Westlake Village, CA 91361
The primary telephone number is [phone]. The switchboard is
open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, California time. Faxes may be sent to
[phone], 24 hours. Send email regarding operation and
technical questions to [email protected].
Visit our website at 360systems.com.
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AM/16-B Audio Switcher ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE AM-16 SERIES SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
0.10 The AM-16/B Master Crosspoint Switcher 2
0.20 The AM-16/E Expander Module 2
0.30 Remote Control Capabilities 3
0.31 EIA-422/485 Remote Control 3
0.32 MIDI Remote Control 3
0.33 Using MIDI & EIA-485/422 At The Same Time 4
INSTALLING THE AM-16/B AUDIO SWITCHER
1.10 AC Power 5
1.11 Power Switch 5
1.12 Fuse 5
1.20 Audio Connector Wiring 5
1.21 Audio Input Connections 6
1.22 Audio Output Connections 6
1.23 Balanced vs: Single Ended Gain Structure 6
1.24 Rear Panel Gain Adjustments 6
1.25 Front Panel Audio Jacks 7
1.30 Remote Control Ports
1.30 EIA-422/485 Port 7
1.31 MIDI Input Port 7
1.32 MIDI Output Port 7
1.33 Interface Port to AM-16/E Expander Modules 8
1.40 Configuring Internal Jumper Options 8
1.41 Mono/Stereo Select 8
1.42 EIA-422/485 or MIDI Select 8
1.43 EIA-422/485 Termination Jumper 9
USING THE AM-16/B AUDIO SWITCHER
2.00 About The Operating Modes 10
2.01 The Edit Buffer 10
2.10 Program Select Mode 10
2.11 Selecting Stored Programs 10
2.12 Remote Program Selection 10
2.20 Program Edit Mode 11
2.21 Constructing Audio Paths 11
2.22 Multiple Input Assignments 12
2.23 Storing Edited Paths As A Program Number 13
2.24 The Store-Pending Timer 13

iii AM/16-B Audio Switcher
2.25 Memory Protect 13
2.26 Copying Programs 14
2.27 Block Copy/Making Multiple Copies 14
2.28 Using Bypass As An Edit/Compare Function 14
2.30 Program Send Mode 15
2.31 Creating MIDI Program Maps 15
2.32 Storing MIDI Program Maps 16
2.33 Editing MIDI Program Maps 16
2.40 Program Send Enable Mode 17
2.41 Selecting EIA-485 Transmission 17
2.50 Program Chain Mode 17
2.51 Selecting A Stored Chain 18
2.52 Programming a Chain 18
2.53 Storing A Chain 19
2.54 Editing A Chain 19
2.55 Special Chain Characters 19
2.56 Chain Footswitch Jack 19
2.57 Selecting Chain Steps Through MIDI 20
2.60 Receive Channel Mode 20
2.61 Programming the Receive Channel 20
2.70 Mono/Stereo Modes
2.70 The Monaural Mode 21
2.71 The Stereo Modes 21
2.80 The Bypass Mode
2.81 Selecting Bypass 21
2.82 Programming Bypass 22
2.90 Transferring RAM Data Via MIDI System Exclusive 22
2.91 Sysex Transfers To The AM-16/B 22
2.92 Sysex Transfers From The AM-16/B 22
APPENDIX
Appendix A: Initialization 23
Appendix B: Software Revision Number 23
Appendix C: Technical Specifications 24
Appendix D: Connector Components & Wiring 25
Appendix E: Remote Control: AM-16/B Midi Specification 29
Appendix F: Remote Control: AM-16/B Communication Spec. 30
Appendix G: Remote Control: AM-16/B Data Structures 37
Appendix H: Operation at 38.4k Baud 40

AM/16-B Audio Switcher 1
INTRODUCTION
OBTAINING THE AM-16/B MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Fill out the warranty card in the front of this manual and return it to 360
Systems as soon as possible. On receiving it, we will send you the maintenance
manual, which includes schematics and repair tips. Registration of your unit
also entitles you to free repairs during the first year, and will let us contact you in
the event new software or support materials become available.
CAUTION
VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE MARKING ON THE REAR PANEL IS
SUITABLE FOR THE MAINS POWER AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA OR
COUNTRY.
DO NOT REMOVE OR DEFEAT THE GROUNDING PIN ON THE AC
POWER CORD. A SERIOUS SHOCK HAZARD CAN RESULT FROM
FAILING TO MAKE CONNECTION TO A PROPERLY GROUNDED
ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT OUT OF DOORS, IN RAIN, OR IN DAMP
OR WET ENVIRONMENTS.
360 Systems is in its 20th year of designing unique and useful products for
the audio industry. We rely on feedback from our customers to help us continue
the development of innovative and affordable products. Please feel free to
address any comments regarding 360 Systems products to us at:
360 SYSTEMS
Director Of Marketing
5321 Sterling Center Dr.
Westlake Village, CA 91361

2AM/16-B Audio Switcher
AM-16 SERIES SYSTEM
The AM-16 Audio Crosspoint Switcher contains a large feature set of useful
tools designed to assist the broadcaster, sound contractor and recording
engineer. This manual explores its technical capabilities, and describes a
number of ways it can be used to solve specific problems. Because so many
features are provided, the reader will find it useful to refer to the Table of
Contents when searching for a particular topic.
The AM-16 Series is an expandable audio switching matrix built of two
primary components-- the AM-16/B Master Crosspoint Switcher, and an optional
companion piece, the AM-16/E Expander Module. These two basic blocks can
be associated with each other in a variety of ways. An exceptionally versatile
remote control capability makes it easy to control the switchers, using off-the-
shelf controllers, or sophisticated custom interfaces.
0.10 THE AM-16/B MASTER CROSSPOINT SWITCHER
All the components required for a basic 16 x 16 system are contained in the
AM-16/B master unit. It provides electronically balanced inputs and outputs, and
incorpor-ates a new generation of CMOS crosspoint switches having
exceptionally good audio performance. Audio switching is managed by a micro-
computer system providing instantaneous response, non-volatile storage of
routing programs, and intelligent interfacing with remote controllers. Large
numeric displays provide an easy view of program status, while backlit legends
assist the user in operating the front panel controls.
The master unit may be operated as a 16 x 16 monaural switcher, or as an 8
x 8 stereo unit. In stereo, audio channels are managed as pairs, and are
indicated as 1 through 8 on the displays. Larger systems may be constructed by
using several master units in parallel, to provide an expanded number of inputs
or outputs.
0.20 THE AM-16/E EXPANDER MODULE
Basic systems may be enlarged with the addition of one or more Expander
modules. They contain audio circuits identical to the master unit, and use
commands from the master's micro-computer to control their audio. A single
expander module, together with one master, will make a 16 x 16 stereo switcher,
while one master and three expanders will provide a 16 x 16 matrix, four
channels deep, as used in the new "D2" format VTRs.
Expander Modules connect to the master unit by a single flat cable and are
self-powered. They require no controls, and are designed for use only with the
AM-16/B master. A maximum of three expanders may be connected to a single
master.
0.30 REMOTE CONTROL CAPABILITIES

AM/16-B Audio Switcher 3
The master unit may be controlled locally from its front panel, or remotely
through MIDI or an EIA-422/485 port. Apart from the basic tasks that may be
directly executed through single commands, many "software hooks" have been
incorporated so that specialized functions may be written into custom software.
Basic remote commands include:
Program recall
Increment chain step
Decrement chain step
Bulk data upload
Bulk data download
Bypass On/Off
Software hooks are described in detail in Appendix F. The AM-16/B can
receive commands through MIDI or the EIA-422/485 port, but not both. A user-
installed jumper selects a port, as described in section 1.42.
0.31 EIA-422/485 REMOTE CONTROL
A nine-pin "D" connector is provided for communication by the EIA-422 or
EIA-485 electrical standards. Each has the advantage of operation to at least
1,000 feet (305 meters).
Section 2.41 describes selection of MIDI or EIA-485 communication modes
from the front panel.
EIA-422 is a receive-only port on the AM-16/B. It is possible to connect a
number of switchers to a single 422 cable in a multi-drop configuration, with
each listening on its own channel. It may be convenient to think of 422 as a uni-
directional link.
EIA-485 is electrically similar to 422, but it is bi-directional. Many
transmitters and receivers may be attached to a single twisted pair cable in a
simple multi-drop installation. In use, each box "tests" the cable to see if it is
busy before using it.
An important feature of the AM-16 Series is that if any of the devices
connected to a 485 line is turned off, it releases the line. This greatly enhances
the reliability of larger systems. Similarly, any device can be unplugged from the
485 line without interfering with the integrity of the remote control line.
0.32 MIDI REMOTE CONTROL
MIDI uses two connectors-- one for transmit and one for receive. It is ideal
for short cable runs (less than 50 feet); and because of its popularity in the
music industry, several inexpensive remote control units are available. A wide
range of IBM, Apple and Atari software is also available for remote control.
MIDI cables may not be "Y" connected, or used in multi-drop configurations.
They may be easily split by connecting them to what is known as a "Thru-Box",

4AM/16-B Audio Switcher
which actively drives each of its outputs. Details regarding the Midi specification
can be found in Appendix E.
0.33 USING MIDI AND EIA-422/485 AT THE SAME TIME
When the 422/485 port is used, the AM-16/B is not listening on the MIDI
input port. However, MIDI program maps (see section 2.30) and bulk data
transfers may still be transmitted through the MIDI output port. This way,
outboard audio gear accepting MIDI program commands can be controlled by
the switcher, which in turn is controlled by a 422/485 transmitter.