Alcorn Mcbride V-Page VP4X User manual

V-Page VP4X User’s Guide
August 31, 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. 1
INTELLIGENT DANTE/AES67 PA STATION

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WELCOME! ................................................................................................................................... 3
PRODUCT FEATURES................................................................................................................ 4
TECHNICAL SUPPORT .............................................................................................................. 4
GETTING STARTED.................................................................................................................... 5
HARDWARE INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................................... 5
LINKING A NEW V-PAGE AND Q-SYS CORE TOGETHER ............................................................................................5
AUDIO CONFIGURATION................................................................................................................................................5
HARDWARE INFORMATION.................................................................................................... 6
VP4X OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................................6
NETWORK DESCRIPTIONS .............................................................................................................................................7
ZONE STATUS LEDS.......................................................................................................................................................9
CONFIGURATION OF DIP SWITCHES ............................................................................................................................9
CONNECTORS ...............................................................................................................................................................12
Q-SYS CONFIGURATION AND PLUGIN .............................................................................. 14
Q-SYS V-PAGE PLUGIN:DETAILED VIEW AND EXPLANATION.................................................................................15
Q-SYS V-PAGE PLUGIN:PROPERTIES TAB..................................................................................................................18
LINKING V-PAGE STATIONS TO QSYS ............................................................................... 19
DANTE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE...................................................................................... 19
AES67 AUDIO CONFIGURATION.......................................................................................... 19
FIRMWARE UPDATE ................................................................................................................ 21
FIRMWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................................21
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE / FAQ...................................................................................... 22
LOCATING A V-PAGE ON A NETWORK ............................................................................. 24
ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................................ 25
MICROPHONE ................................................................................................................................................................25
RACK MOUNTING KITS................................................................................................................................................25
HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................. 26

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WELCOME!
Thank you for purchasing The Alcorn McBride V-Page™ Network-enabled paging station. The V-Page provides
facility-wide intelligent paging using Dante™ Audio Networks and the Q-Sys™ PA Station Protocol.
Configuration of your paging network including zone assignments, button and light behaviors and zone priorities is
completely soft programmable using the Q-Sys Designer and administrator software.
Each V-Page station includes illuminated paging zone buttons and microphone input.
A single Ethernet (Cat5e or greater) cable carries audio, power, control and monitor data between the V-Page
station and the Q-Sys system. A facility may incorporate an unlimited number of V-Page stations by simply
connecting them to Power Over Ethernet (PoE) network switches.
SFP connector for an optional transceiver (not included) allows to use fiber cable for data communication.
The V-Page Model VP4X is a four-button station with a 5-pin XLR connector and mounting bracket for a push-to-
talk microphone. It is intended for use with a coiled cord dynamic microphone and mounting bracket, such as the
included MIC-US600EL.We carefully designed this product to be the perfect solution for the unique challenges of
on-board (vehicle-based) audio and show control systems for themed attractions.

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PRODUCT FEATURES
The V-Page offers a wide range of features including:
•Dante and AES67 Audio Network Compatible
•Q-Sys PA Station Protocol
•Audio, Control and Power on one ethernet cable
•Power-Over-Ethernet (Class 3) with indicator
•4 LED Illuminated Page Zone Buttons
•Breakaway feature.
•5-Pin Mic Input Female XLR
•Adjustable LED Brightness
•Mounts in standard 4-gang duplex box
•SFP cage for optional fiber optic cable line
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Now that we’ve tantalized you with all of the wonderful things this product can do, I’ll bet you’re chomping at the
bit to flip all the switches and push all the buttons. Not so fast! Before we get to the fun stuff, we just want to
take a moment to remind you that we are here to help. Chances are that you’re building something really cool
and we want you to have access to the resources and support you need to be successful.
To start, you’ll find a wealth of information on our website. This includes Application Notes that give you detailed
documentation and examples for how this product is used in common types of themed entertainment projects.
You’ll also find the latest downloads for software, firmware, drawings, 3D models, cutsheets, and other helpful
resources on our Support page. The Knowledge Base is especially handy for common questions and helpful
troubleshooting tips. And last, but certainly not least, you always have our friendly and mildly entertaining staff
available by email or telephone.
Application Notes
http://www.alcorn.com/applications
Support Resources
http://www.alcorn.com/support
Knowledge Base (FAQ)
https://alcornmcbride.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
Email Support
[email protected]
Telephone Support
[phone] (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm EST)

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GETTING STARTED
Alright, time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! This section will guide you through basic concepts that will
help you get on your way with V-Page.
The V-Page station(s) communicates with a Q-Sys Core via network connection using a Plugin. To install the plugin
you need to download the file from the website and copy and paste the component to your design. The plug in can
be downloaded from our website at http://alcorn.com/support/software/
*You must be running Q-Sys Firmware 7.0.0 or above and V-Page firmware 2.00 or above for the Plugin to
work. To learn how to do a firmware update please refer to the firmware update section of this manual.
There are three steps that need to be completed to ensure that V-Page and Q-Sys function together properly.
1) V-Page Hardware Installation
2) Linking a V-Page and Q-Sys Core together
3) Configure the audio routing using Q-Sys and Dante controller
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
a. Make sure that all the dip switches are in the “Off” Position
b. Power on V-Page by connecting Ethernet port to the Power Over Ethernet (PoE) switch and wait 10
seconds for V-Page unit to initialize. If no Power Over Ethernet (PoE) is available, refer to the VP4X
Hardware section to learn about using an external power supply.
c. Be sure to have your V-Page units on the same network as the Q-Sys Core
LINKING A NEW V-PAGE AND Q-SYS CORE TOGETHER
a. Single click the V-Page Plugin block for the station you would like to link and ensure your property
settings are configured. (Refer to Plugin Properties section of this manual).
b. Connect to the Q-Sys Core and then double click to open the plugin.
c. Press and hold buttons 1,2 and 4 on the V-Page hardware until the button lights start scrolling down.
d. On the Q-Sys plugin, on the top right corner click “Link”. The station LED’s will blink for a second and
the station will re-boot. After a few seconds the station LED’s will be solid green and the plugin “Online”
LED will light up.
AUDIO CONFIGURATION
a. Launch Dante Controller.
b. Click on the “Device Info” tab and double click on the V-Page station.
c. Enable AES67 under AES67 tab. Once the station has been rebooted, it’s time to create an AES67 multi-
cast flow. Click on “Add Multicast Flow”.
d. Check the “AES67 Flow” box. Add your channel into the new flow. Click “Create”.
e. In Q-Sys Designer, double click your AES67 Receiver Module and pick the new Stream Name.

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HARDWARE INFORMATION
VP4X OVERVIEW
V-Page Model VP4X includes 4 Illuminated Paging Zone buttons, a 5-Pin Female XLR connector and a clip holder
designed for a Push-to-Talk microphone.

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NETWORK DESCRIPTIONS
V-Page is part of a system consisting of a Q-Sys Core, Network Router(s)/Switch(s), and the V-Page Stations
themselves. A single physical connection handles both control and audio transport this connection can either be
via Ethernet cables or Fiber Optics if your installation length exceed 328 ft.

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Note: This is the recommended method where Dante Audio and Control are using the same network switch. Q-
Lan and Dante requires a different QoS configuration while the LAN Aux Network act as a “generic” ethernet
port. Always remember to keep the V-Page units control NIC in the same network as your QSC Q-SYS Core.

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ZONE STATUS LEDS
On a VP4X, each Zone Select pushbutton has a Green/Red indicator.
LED State
Description
All Cycling Colors
Factory Test Mode
All Blinking (Rapid)
Firmware Update Mode
Blinking Green
Zone Selected
All Sequential Blinking Green
Link Active
All Blinking Red
No Sync –No Q-Sys Core Detected
CONFIGURATION OF DIP SWITCHES
The configuration DIP switches are located on the side of the V-Page. Changing the states of these switches alter
the behavior of the V-Page. DIP switching may perform different functions during power up and during runtime.
Default position for all the switches for normal operation is OFF (UP if looking from the side of the unit).
V-Page can power up in one of the following modes (based on switches configuration):
- Normal Mode.
- Factory Test Mode.
- Firmware Update Mode.
During power up, the state of the switch (ON or OFF) determines the action.
During runtime, toggling the DIP switch (OFF => ON => OFF) will perform specified action. See the descriptions
below.
NOTE: Not all switches have a power up function associated with it.
NOTE: Not all switches have a runtime function associated with it.

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DIP SWITCH 1: LINK MODE
RUNTIME –LINK:
OFF => ON => OFF: Activate/deactivate Link. Toggle once to activate, toggle again to deactivate. Link will also
exit on successful completion or will auto-exit after 60 seconds (default).
Link can be used in conjunction with Q-Sys to assign station ID, static IP/Port and Q-Sys feedback information to
the V-Page. In a sense, this pairs the V-Page with a specific Q-Sys Core. While Link is active, LEDs sequentially
light up, one at a time.
DIP SWITCH 2: FIRMWARE UPDATE MODE / RESET FACTORY DEFAULTS
POWER UP –FIRMWARE UPDATE MODE:
ON: Enter Firmware Update mode. In this mode of operation, V-Page disregards all its settings and the rest of
the DIP switches and uses a default IP of 192.168.0.254. Web server serves up Firmware Update page. For a
detailed explanation on Updating V-Page firmware, see the Firmware Update section.
To exit Firmware Update Mode, return the switch to OFF position and perform a power cycle.
OFF: Default state of the switch for normal operation.
NOTE: It’s advised to use AMI Terminal to invoke the firmware update. The V-Page will enter the firmware update
mode on the last known IP instead of fixed 192.168.0.254
RUNTIME –LOAD FACTORY DEFAULTS (IN NORMAL OPERATION MODE ONLY):
OFF => ON => OFF: Perform factory defaults. All LEDs will light up solid RED for a few seconds, then V-Page
will perform reset to defaults. Any stored settings will be erased from non-volatile memory and restored to their
factory defaults. This affects Dante settings as well.
NOTE: Loading Factory Defaults will erase all V-Page settings!!

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DIP SWITCH 3: FACTORY TEST MODE
POWER UP –FACTORY TEST MODE (FIRMWARE UPDATE DIP SWITCH 2 MUST BE OFF):
ON: Used for Factory Testing purposes only.
OFF: Default state of the switch for normal operation.
NOTE: Factory Test Mode is mainly used for troubleshooting. It is NOT a requirement to program the V-Page as
all the parameters can be programmed while operating in the normal mode.
NOTE: While in Test Mode, V-Page will not fully operate as a paging station.
DIP SWITCH 4: SPARE (NOT IN USE)
This DIP Switch is currently not in use.
POWER UP/RUNTIME:
ON: Not in use.
OFF: Default state of the switch for normal operation.

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CONNECTORS
POWER INPUT
An external power input is provided if you decide not to use the Power-Over-Ethernet feature (circled in red
below). The Power connector pinout is shown below (looking from the front of the connector). Polarity is also
label on the bottom of the PCB.
The power input accepts 5VDC to 37VDC at 1A Max.

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MICROPHONE INPUT
The Microphone connector pinout is shown below. Pin numbers are also printed on the bottom of the PCB.
The microphone input is designed for Dynamic Microphones, or Condenser-type microphones.
Handheld Dynamic Microphone Model shipped with the unit is the Electro-Voice US600EL.
ETHERNET JACK
A standard RJ-45 Ethernet Jack is used for the network connection and Power Over Ethernet (PoE power.
SFP FOR OPTION FIBER CABLE
A small form factor pluggable transceiver connector for optional network connection can be used in conjunction
with RJ45 connection to daisy chain multiple units together. Both Single-Mode and Multi-Mode modules are
compatible. Make sure that the same module model is used on both ends.

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Q-SYS CONFIGURATION AND PLUGIN
The V-Page communicates with a Q-Sys system to enable paging zones and determine zone priority, etc. It utilizes
the built in Q-Sys Zone PA Router. The V-Page station can also be configured directly from within Q-Sys. We
utilize a process called Link that makes the connection of Q-Sys and V-Page a very easy process.
We utilize the built-in Q-Sys paging station capabilities of the station router to handle the PA routing of audio and
zone selection. With Q-sys you can assign zones to different outputs Q-sys administrator. For more details on this
topic please refer to the help file on the Q-Sys designer software.

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Q-SYS V-PAGE PLUGIN: DETAILED VIEW AND EXPLANATION
1. Title Bar: Basic plugin information.
2. Firmware: Current VP4X firmware version.
3. Plugin: Current Plugin version
4. Link: Use this button to associate a physical station with the plugin component (refer to “Linking a
Station” section on the next page).
5. ID: Pressing the Button will make the front buttons of the V-Page station blink momentarily

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6. Status Bar: A graphic representation of an active VP4X hardware. (Red: Disconnected. Green:
Connected)
7. Station Name: You can give the station a unique descriptive name to differentiate from other V-Page
stations.
8. Router Input: The station ID, corresponding to the station number on the PA Router.
9. Priority: Station priority according to the PA settings on Q-sys administrator.
10. Control IP Address: The IP Address of the V-Page station.
11. Audio IP Address: The IP Address of the audio stream.
12. Audio Stream: The type of digital audio stream used (Dante or AES67).
13. Emulation Mode: Allows the plugin and V-Page station to be used without a core for programing
purposes.
14. Online: LED is on if the V-Page station is currently connected to the Core.
15. Paging Status and LED: Indicates whether the station is ready to page, actively paging, or unable to
page.
16. Mic Status LED: Turn to bright green LED once the microphone is turn on.

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17. Button Function: Use this to assign zones to the V-Page buttons. These zones can be administered
through Q-sys administrator
18. Default Button: This setting allows you to select which zone button the station will select once a page
is complete.
19. Active: LED will light up when the zone is in use.
20. Light: Will replicate the current condition of the button (Red: Busy. Green: Ready to page)
21. State LED:
•Breakaway Mode: Determines the mode of the station buttons.
•Off: Operate as a regular zone selection button
•Toggle: When pressed, the control pin ‘Breakaway State LED’ will toggle states. (01), 10).
This can be used to interface to other control pins within Q-sys like mute functions. In this
mode, the button LED will represent the state of the ‘Breakaway State LED’ control pin.
•Trigger: This is like the toggle mode except that the control pin ‘Breakaway State LED’ will
momentarily pulse to a value of 1. In this mode, the V-Page button LED can be manually
controlled using the control pin ‘Breakaway Input LED’.

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Q-SYS V-PAGE PLUGIN: PROPERTIES TAB
•Model: The user can select the proper model number of each station.
•PA Router Input: The input number to the PA Router component.
•Station Name: User defined name of each station.
•Default Zone Timeout: The amount of time in seconds set by the user before going back
to the default zone set by the Default button.
•Pulse Duration: Value in milliseconds of LED buttons blinking
•Zone Select Blink Rate: The amount of time in milliseconds for all the buttons once is
selected.
•PTT Mode: The user can enable the microphone by press and hold a zone button (Zone
Button mode) or by choosing Mic Button mode.
•Control IP Address: The IP address of the network control of the unit entered by the
user or fully populated once an IP is being assigned by a switch in DHCP mode.
•Control Subnet Mask: The subnet mask of the control network of the unit.
•Control Gateway: The gateway settings of the control network.
•Audio Mode: User defined setting if hardware allows it. Can either be Dante or AES67.
•Audio IP: The IP address of the audio network of the unit entered by the user or fully
populated once an IP is being assigned by a switch in DHCP mode.
•Audio Subnet Mask: The subnet mask of the audio network of the unit.
•Audio Gateway: The gateway settings of the audio network.

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LINKING V-PAGE STATIONS TO QSYS
Your Q-Sys design must contain the minimum elements to make a V-Page work: The V-Page Plugin, a PA Router,
and your Audio Source. A VP4X can transmit a single digital audio signal via Dante and AES67 stream.
Once your design is ready to be tested simply “Save to Core and Run”. With your V-Page powered on and the
zone buttons blinking red press and hold buttons 1,2, and 4 until a continuous scan sequence start on your V-Page
unit. Double click on the plugin block and hit Link.
When adding additional V-Page stations to your system, don’t forget to give the new station a unique ID and IP
address.
Congrats! Your V-Page control has been set and you should be able to test your control functions.
ADDING PREVIOUSLY PROGRAMMED V-PAGE STATIONS TO A NEW DESIGN
If you need to reprogram a V-Page station, toggle DIP Switch 2 to the “On” then “Off” position. This will reset the
station into Factory Default Mode.
DANTE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE
Dante Controller will allow you to see all your Dante devices within the network, and enable the use of AES67
audio stream. Q-Sys control and AES67 can travel through the same physical cable; however, if Dante audio
stream is preferred a separate Dante I/O card must be installed in your Q-Sys Core system.
You can download the Dante audio network configuration software, Dante Controller, here:
https://www.audinate.com/products/software/dante-controller
This webpage also contains instructions on how to use the application.
AES67 AUDIO CONFIGURATION
Your design should contain an AES67 receiver in order to run digital audio from the V-Page through your design.
An AES67 Receiver should be previously added into the inventory tab by selecting the + sign and choosing an
AES67 Receiver under the Streaming I/O sub menu. Drag and drop into your Q-SYS designer page an AES67
Receiver, connect a wire from Output 1 to Input 1 of the Zone PA router.

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Next, “Save to Core and Run”. Once connected, double click on your recently added AES67 Rx module an choose
the stream name set by using Dante Controller.
At this point you should be able to listen to your message once the Push-To-Talk is triggered. The Peak Input
Level can help you to identify the audio signal for each V-Page.