360 Systems Digicart-E E-3000 User manual

®
ETHERNET AUDIOHARD DISK RECORDER
OWNER’S MANUAL
MODEL E-3000
SOFTWARE VERSION 1.xx
First Edition
June, 2002
PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL AUDIO

The information contained in this Owner’s Manual is subject to change without notice or obligation, and is
furnished for informational use only.
© 2002, 360 Systems. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of
360 Systems. Reproduction or reverse engineering of copyrighted software is prohibited.
SAFETY COMPLIANCE
DigiCart/E 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
CONTENTS __________________________________________ I
OVERVIEW _________________________________________ 1
Introduction to the DigiCart Recorder
What’s New in DigiCart/E
Supported File Formats................................................................... 2
File Format Indicators on the Front Panel LCD 3
Notes on file formats 3
Disk Storage Times
Accessories
RC-320 Remote Control ................................................................. 4
RC-305 Infrared Keyboard ............................................................. 7
CHAPTER 1_________________________________________ 8
Installation
Mounting ........................................................................................ 8
Rear Panel Connections.................................................................. 8
Power 9
Control Signals 9
IEEE-1394 11
Digital Audio 11
Analog Audio 11
CHAPTER 2________________________________________ 12
Control Panel
LCD Display................................................................................. 12
LED Indicators ............................................................................. 12
Peak Level Meters ........................................................................ 13
Headphone Jack............................................................................ 13
Selection Knob ............................................................................. 13
Buttons.......................................................................................... 15
The Navigation Arrows 15
The ENTER Button 15
The EXIT Button 15
The DRIVES Button 15
The DIRS Button 15
The FILES Button 15
The SETUP Button 16
The UTILITY button 16
The EDIT button 16
The RECORD Button 16
The PLAY Button 17
The STOP Button 17
The VIEW LIST Button 17
The LOOP Button 17
The PAUSE Button 17

ii •Contents
Bank Select and Hot Key Buttons 18
Zip Drive.......................................................................................18
Zip Disk Loading 18
Zip Disk Removal 18
CHAPTER 3 _______________________________________ 19
File Organization and Navigation
Overview of Drive and Directory Structure ..................................19
Drive Organizational Strategy.......................................................20
Network Playlists and Hot Keys 21
Structure Details............................................................................22
Directories 22
Files 22
Playlists 22
Network Drive Error Messages.....................................................22
No Network Link 22
Server Unavailable 23
Waiting for NFS 23
Waiting for Mount 23
File Navigation User Interface ......................................................23
Navigation Controls 23
File Find Function.........................................................................24
Using the FIND Function with a Keyboard 24
Using the FIND Function with an RC-320 24
CHAPTER 4 _______________________________________ 26
Setup and Utility Menus
Menu Navigation...........................................................................26
Setup Menu Features.....................................................................26
D-Net Receiver 26
D-NET Receiver Input 26
D-NET Receiver Dir 26
D-NET Receiver Name 27
D-NET Receiver Echo 27
Play Digital Format 27
Play Hot Keys Using 27
Play Restart Mode 27
Play Sample Rate 28
Play Word Size 28
Record Audio Source 28
Record Data Format 29
Record Dithering 30
Record Overwrite 30
Record Threshold 30
Record Time Limit 31
Set Aux Protocol 31
Set Contrast 31
Set Headphone Level 31
Set Input Monitor 31
Set IP Address 32
Set Keyboard Type 32
Set Sort Order 34
Set Time Display 34

Contents •iii
Utility Menu Features ................................................................... 34
Assign Hot Key (Preset) 34
Copy Original 38
Copying a Cut using Copy Original 39
Copying a Playlist (Stack) using Copy Original 39
Copying a Directory using Copy Original 39
Copy Edited 40
Delete 41
Rename 41
Format Disk 41
Mount Network Drive 43
Update Directories 44
D-Net File Transfer 44
CHAPTER 5________________________________________ 45
Recording
Transport Controls........................................................................ 47
Setup to Record ............................................................................ 47
Selecting a File Location for Recording 47
Setting Record Levels 47
Recording Commands 48
Secondary Cues 49
Recording a Secondary Cue 49
Deleting/Erasing a Secondary Cue 49
CHAPTER 6________________________________________ 50
Playback
Front Panel Indicators................................................................... 50
Transport Controls........................................................................ 50
Playing a Single Cut ..................................................................... 51
Hot Keys....................................................................................... 51
Playing Multiple Cuts — Follow-On Play ................................... 51
Quickstacks................................................................................... 52
Creating a Quickstack 52
CHAPTER 7________________________________________ 54
Playlists
Playlist Types 54
Creating a Playlist 56
Playing a Playlist 57
Viewing a Playlist 58
Playlist Edits ................................................................................. 58
Scan Mode 58
Insert 58
Append 60
Remove 60
Truncate 60
Change Playlist Type 61
Converting a Linear Playlist to a Cut............................................ 61
To Convert a Linear Playlist to a Cut 61

iv •Contents
CHAPTER 8 _______________________________________ 63
Audio Editing
User Interface................................................................................63
Edit Audio Files ............................................................................63
Head 64
Tail 64
Pre-Roll 65
Fade In 66
Fade Out 66
Output Gain 67
CHAPTER 9 _______________________________________ 68
Maintenance
General Cleaning...........................................................................68
Calibration.....................................................................................68
Disk Maintenance..........................................................................69
Program Updates...........................................................................69
Update the Program from a Network Server 69
Update the Program from a Zip Disk 69
Restoring Previous Version 70
Zip Drives and Disks.....................................................................70
Handling and Care of Zip Disks 71
Special Button Sequences .............................................................71
APPENDIX A_______________________________________ 72
Interface Wiring
Audio Connector Wiring...............................................................72
Audio I/O Interface Table 72
Sync Input 72
GPI/O (General Purpose I/O)........................................................73
Remote Control .............................................................................75
Remote Bus ...................................................................................75
Aux Serial Port..............................................................................76
Keyboard Port ...............................................................................76
Ethernet Port .................................................................................76
1394 Port.......................................................................................76
APPENDIX B_______________________________________ 77
Serial Control Protocols
ES-Bus ..........................................................................................77
Host Device Message Summary 77
Hardware Format 77
Data Format 77
Peripheral Bus ...............................................................................78
Hardware Format 78
Data Format 78

Contents •v
APPENDIX C _______________________________________ 80
DigiCart History
DigiCart ........................................................................................ 80
DigiCart II..................................................................................... 80
DigiCart II Plus............................................................................. 80
APPENDIX D _______________________________________ 81
D-Net File Transfer
Key Features ................................................................................. 81
Transfer Rates 81
Electrical Specification for D-Net Transfers 82
D-Net Setup .................................................................................. 82
Making a File Transfer 85
Wildcard Transfers 85
Transfer Messages ........................................................................ 86
Source Machine Displays 86
Aborted Transfer 86
Receiving Machine Displays 86
D-Net Messages............................................................................ 88
D-Net Implementation on Instant Replay®and Short/cut™......... 88
APPENDIX E _______________________________________ 89
Technical Specifications
General Specifications .................................................................. 89
Internal Hard Disk 89
Removable Cartridge 89
Miscellaneous 89
Physical Dimensions (nominal) .................................................... 90
Audio Configuration Specifications ............................................. 90
Audio Performance Specifications ............................................... 90
Zip Drive & Cartridge Reliability................................................. 91
Environmental Limits (Operational)............................................. 91
Environmental Limits (Shipping & Storage) ................................ 91
INDEX ____________________________________________ 93

vi •Notices
WARRANTY AND REPAIR POLICY
The DigiCart/E 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/E 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
5321 Sterling Center Drive
Westlake Village, CA 91361-4613 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
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.
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 are 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/E:
•Do not remove the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified
service personnel.
•DigiCart/E 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 disk media for backups and file
transfers. Transportable recordings for archiving and backup are stored on removable Zipdisks. These
economical, re-recordable compact magnetic disks 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 recordings, DigiCart/E can record and play
files using DolbyAC-2 compression. AC-2 uses 5 times less disk space, while delivering full bandwidth
stereo.
DigiCart/E stores supplementary information along with each individual audio recording, including:
•A quick 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, Gain and Secondary Cue timing
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/E
DigiCart/E is the most advanced hard disk/cart system in the broadcast industry. Building on the proven
design of the industry-standard DigiCart II, your new DigiCart/E delivers many significant enhancements,
such as network connectivity through the 360 Systems’ Ethernet Audio network, 24-bit audio, WAV file
format, a separate sync input, larger display, larger standard internal disk drive, a new 2U rack-mountable
chassis, 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/E 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/E 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/E 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/E can convert these files on output to a predetermined standard (e.g. 48K, for
broadcast).
DigiCart/E 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/E. 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 new feature in DigiCart/E is network Hot Key assignments. Hot Keys can now 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/E now has a separate AES-11 sync input. An AES-75 input connection is dedicated to this task.
Also new are gain adjustment trims on the analog outputs so that DigiCart/E can be matched perfectly with
downstream equipment.
DigiCart/E 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/E’s LCD display and menus have been organized to provide a clear understanding of the
machine state and settings.
Supported File Formats
DigiCart/E normally records audio in WAV format. Previous DigiCart models used a proprietary recording
format. To ensure compatibility with existing DigiCarts and recordings, DigiCart/E can also play and
record those proprietary file formats.

Overview •3
DigiCart/E 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/E.
The file suffix, noted in the table below, is the file name suffix assigned to recordings made by DigiCart/E.
These suffixes can be seen when viewing files on the Ethernet Audio network using Microsoft Windows
File Explorer. WAV audio files created on DigiCart/E 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/E
Support
File Suffix
Compressed5AC2 48000 (Play/REC) .DC2
16-bit stereo linear5S16 44100, 48000 (Play/REC) .DC2
16-bit mono linear3,5 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 linear3T16 44100, 48000 (Play only) .WAV
24-bit Non-PCM Audio4B24 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000 (Play/REC) .WAV
NOTES ON FILE FORMATS
1. DigiCart/E will play DigiCart II files obtained via D-Net or Zip100 disk.
2. DigiCart/E does not support 32K sample rate files.
3. Mono recordings (made on earlier DigiCarts) will be played from both channels. DigiCart/E does not
make mono recordings.
4. The data from non-PCM Audio files (Dolby-E, AC-3, etc.) can be recorded and played through the
digital I/O port, but DigiCart/E will not decode it into a linear PCM format. DigiCart/E does not
encode or decode the data by using “Bit-for-Bit” technology to play exactly the same data as it recorded
in this mode.
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. Before transmission, files may be
converted between WAV and DigiCart formats using the COPY EDITED utility.
6. Non-destructive edits (Head/Tail Trim, Fade In/Out, Gain) can be performed on all playable 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.
7. 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.
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
Disk Storage Times
Storage time on DigiCart/E 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
(16-BIT STEREO)
96K/16-bit
LINEAR
88.2K/16-bit
LINEAR
48K/16-bit
LINEAR
44.1K/16-bit
LINEAR
48K/16-bit
DOLBY AC-2
Storage per
1GB Not available Not available 86 min 94 min 462 min
Zip 100 MB Not available Not available 8 min, 40 sec 9 min, 25 sec 46 min, 20 sec
Zip 250 MB Not available Not available 21 min, 40 sec 23 min, 30 sec 115 min, 45 sec
DRIVE STORAGE TIMES
(24-BIT STEREO)
96K/24-bit
LINEAR
88.2K/24-bit
LINEAR
48K/24-bit
LINEAR
44.1K/24-bit
LINEAR
48K/24-bit
DOLBY AC-2
Storage per
1GB 28 min 31 min 57 min 63 min Not available
Zip 100 MB Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available
Zip 250 MB 7 min, 14 sec 7 min, 50 sec 14 min, 27 sec 15 min, 40 sec Not available
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.
Direct recording to a Zip disk is possible only using AC-2 format. Therefore, linear recordings times listed
in the tables above indicate archival space available for file transfers or backups.
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/E recorders

Overview •5

6 •Overview
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/E and is readable even in brightly lit
rooms.
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.

Overview •7
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.
RC-305 Infrared Keyboard
The RC-305 wireless keyboard is designed for remote control of the DigiCart/E recorder from a distance of
25 feet. The absence of a connecting cord makes it convenient to set the RC-235 aside when not needed.
The infrared receiver plugs into the DigiCart/E keyboard jack, and may be positioned to facilitate pickup
from the keyboard. Fifteen different channel settings are available for each keyboard/receiver pair, so
multiple units can be operated in the same room without interference.
Function keys are fully labeled and emulate DigiCart/E front panel controls. Any alphabetic character key
may be used as a Hot Key, including CTRL, SHIFT, and ALT variations. Keyboard arrow keys are used
for navigation and selection. Multiple keyboards can be used in the same room with unique receiver codes.
•88 keys with embedded numeric keypad and 12 function
keys
•Full functioned 104 key Windows 95 enhanced layout
•Wireless input with built-in Infrared technology
•Transmission up to 25 feet
•Excellent response during off-axis alignment with
receiver
•Space saving - 11.4 inch by 6.5 inch slim footprint
•Keyboards and receivers are black

8 •Installation
Chapter 1
Installation
Mounting
DigiCart/E 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

Installation •9
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/E is factory configured for either 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/E 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/E 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/E 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.

10 •Installation
Remote Bus
The Remote Bus connector on DigiCart/E 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.
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.
GPI/O Connector
TRANSPORT CONTROLS
The PLAY, STOP, RECORD, PAUSE and LOOP remote control inputs are optically isolated from
DigiCart/E'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/E 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/E, the optical isolators no longer provide isolation. Refer
to the partial schematic of the DigiCart/E interface circuits in,Appendix A, Interface Wiring.
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.
CUE OUTPUT — SECONDARY
Just as with NAB analog tape carts, cue markers can be recorded to trigger the PLAY buttons on other
machines, or as an "alert" or end-of-message cue. For applications other than broadcast, they may be
used to provide flag codes or a status output for interface with show controllers, automation systems,
or lighting and special effects devices.
An open collector output for the Secondary Cue signal is provided on Pins 18 and 19. This low-level
control is designed to switch a maximum of 28V at 500mA. Refer to the schematic in Appendix A,
Interface Wiring.
Aux Serial Control
An EIA-485 (RS-485) serial port is included on the rear panel. DigiCart/E supports ES-Bus and
Peripheral Bus protocols, selectable from the Setup menu. All of the functions of DigiCart/E 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 over 1,000 meters. 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.
Alphanumeric Keyboard
An alphanumeric keyboard may be connected to the keyboard connector on your DigiCart/E 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-