Alcorn Mcbride RideTraXX User manual

RideTraXX
16 Channel Synchronous MP3 Playback
User’s Guide

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3Page i
Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, and the reliability of the
Alcorn McBride RideTraXX hardware and software. Errors can sometimes go undetected, however. If you find one, please
bring it to our attention so that we can correct it for others. Alcorn McBride welcomes comments and suggestions on the
content and layout of its documentation.
Applications described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Alcorn McBride Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability
for the use of these products, and makes no representation or warranty that the use of these products for specific applications
will be suitable without further testing or modification. Alcorn McBride products are not intended for use in applications
where a malfunction can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Customers using or selling Alcorn McBride
products for use in such applications do so at their own risk, and agree to fully indemnify Alcorn McBride for any damages
resulting from such improper use or sale.
Some or all of the following open source software were used in the development of this product: u-boot, uClinux, ALSA,
Busybox, drivers by Analog Devices Inc, drivers by PLX Technology, Inc., drivers by Alcorn McBride Inc., and the
traxxPlay Mp3 player.
Please contact us at [email protected] to request a copy of any license or source code for the previously mentioned
open source projects.
Proper steps have been taken to separate proprietary portions of this product in order to satisfy license restrictions.
Proprietary designs include the application logic (TraxxOS), hardware design, and documentation of this product. The
product‟s hardware warranty will be voided if, at any time, software that is not released in the form of a firmware update by
Alcorn McBride Inc. is executed on the hardware.
RideTraXX™ is a trademark of Alcorn McBride Inc., all rights reserved.
Copyright 2012 Alcorn McBride, Inc. All rights reserved.
Artwork Gerry Calixto, Jr.
Hardware Design Jim Carstensen
Mechanical Design Martin Chaney
Software Design Hunter Olson
Firmware Design Adam Rosenberg
Driver Development Phil Wilshire
Part Number: 110-104138.50
Document Revision: 1.3
March 20, 2013
Alcorn McBride Inc.
3300 S. Hiawassee Rd.
Bldg. 105
Orlando, FL 32835
Tel: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
http://www.alcorn.com
[email protected]

Page ii March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3Page iii
Table of Contents
Welcome!_______________________________________________________________________________ 1
Features________________________________________________________________________________ 1
Technical Support ________________________________________________________________________ 2
Getting Started___________________________________________________________________________ 3
In the Box ____________________________________________________________________________ 3
Playing a Test Sound ___________________________________________________________________ 4
Front Panel Controls and Indicators ______________________________________________________ 5
File Access LED______________________________________________________________________ 5
Communication LED __________________________________________________________________ 5
USB _______________________________________________________________________________ 6
Rear Panel Controls and Connectors ______________________________________________________ 7
Audio Output Connector _______________________________________________________________ 8
Power and Discrete Control Input Connector________________________________________________ 9
RS-232C Serial Connector _____________________________________________________________ 10
Ethernet RJ-45 ______________________________________________________________________ 10
Configuration DIP Switches____________________________________________________________ 11
The Compact Flash Card _________________________________________________________________ 13
Recommended Compact Flash Cards_____________________________________________________ 13
Supported File Formats ________________________________________________________________ 13
File Naming__________________________________________________________________________ 14
Playback ____________________________________________________________________________ 15
Crossfade Mode ______________________________________________________________________ 16
Transferring Files via FTP _____________________________________________________________ 18
Control Methods ________________________________________________________________________ 19
Serial Control ________________________________________________________________________ 19
Ethernet Control______________________________________________________________________ 19
Discrete Input Control_________________________________________________________________ 20
Input Groups________________________________________________________________________ 20
TraXX Configuration Software _________________________________________________________ 21
Playlist Control_______________________________________________________________________ 25
Overview __________________________________________________________________________ 25
Special Playlist Commands ____________________________________________________________ 26
Example Playlist_____________________________________________________________________ 27
Playlist Builder______________________________________________________________________ 28
Scheduler Control_____________________________________________________________________ 29
Schedule Builder ____________________________________________________________________ 29
Command Protocol ______________________________________________________________________ 32
Playback Commands __________________________________________________________________ 32
Play - PL___________________________________________________________________________ 33
Loop Play - LP ______________________________________________________________________ 33
Sync Play - SP ______________________________________________________________________ 34

Page iv March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
Sync Loop - SL _____________________________________________________________________ 34
Background Search - BS ______________________________________________________________ 35
Play Toggle - PT____________________________________________________________________ 35
Search - SE ________________________________________________________________________ 36
Start Crossfade - XF__________________________________________________________________ 36
Play Directory - PD__________________________________________________________________ 37
Pause - PA _________________________________________________________________________ 38
Stop - RJ __________________________________________________________________________ 38
Add Channels to Channel Group ________________________________________________________ 39
Playlists_____________________________________________________________________________ 40
Play System Playlist__________________________________________________________________ 40
Play Channel Playlist _________________________________________________________________ 40
Stop Channel Playlist_________________________________________________________________ 40
Control Commands ___________________________________________________________________ 41
Version Request_____________________________________________________________________ 41
Soft Reset__________________________________________________________________________ 41
Set Name __________________________________________________________________________ 41
Mute/UnMute/Volume Control _________________________________________________________ 42
Send String_________________________________________________________________________ 43
Enable/Disable Crossfade Mode ________________________________________________________ 43
Status Request ______________________________________________________________________ 44
Filename Status Request ______________________________________________________________ 44
Completion Acknowledge Mode ________________________________________________________ 45
How To Update Firmware ________________________________________________________________ 46
Standard Firmware Update ____________________________________________________________ 46
Firmware Recovery ___________________________________________________________________ 46
Troubleshooting Guide___________________________________________________________________ 47
Specifications __________________________________________________________________________ 48
Index _________________________________________________________________________________ 49

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3• Page 1
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing The Alcorn McBride RideTraXX™. The
RideTraXX replaces CD and solid state audio players in permanent or mobile
audio playback installations, providing hours of high-quality and
maintenance-free digital audio.
The RideTraXX lets you synchronously play sixteen independent mono
tracks from a single, economical unit. It‟s perfect for ride vehicles, tour
vehicles, trams, and background music or effects. Each track can be
individually triggered by a number of methods. Discrete inputs –contact
closure or voltage –allow direct connection to proximity sensors or switches.
The RideTraXX can also be controlled using Ethernet, RS-232 serial, or
USB. It can even be programmed to play on a scheduled-basis using its
built-in Real Time Clock or execute a pre-programmed sequence of playback
operations using a playlist.
RideTraXX offers the latest in Digital Audio Repeater technology,
combining MP3 audio with Compact Flash for a rugged, reliable,
maintenance-free solution to your playback needs. Access time is nearly
instantaneous! All sixteen tracks are completely independent and offer superb
audio quality.
Features
The RideTraXX offers a wide range of features including:
16 Independent Mono Audio Channels
Synchronous Playback
Hours of High-quality MP3 Audio
Compact Flash Media Included
Ethernet or RS-232 Control
Ethernet File Transfer
Scheduled Playback using built-in clock
Playlists for automated operation
“Boot-and-Loop” playback capability

Page 2 March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
Technical Support
You can obtain technical support or other information about specifying, installing,
configuring, updating and programming your Alcorn McBride RideTraXX from
several sources:
For…
Contact…
When?…
Firmware Updates
http://www.alcorn.com/support
Any Time
Knowledge Base
http://www.alcorn.com/kb
Any Time
E-mail Support
[e-mail]
Any Time
Telephone Support
[phone]
M-F 9am-5pm (EST)

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3• Page 3
Getting Started
Throughout this manual you will find detailed discussions on all the features of this
product. However, you‟re probably anxious to see your RideTraXX play some audio
right away. We‟ll start with a few easy steps to show you how to play audio from the
RideTraXX straight out of the box!
In the Box
RideTraXX Multichannel Audio Player (with CF card installed)
RideTraXX Manual
Straight-through DB-9 Female to DB-9 Female serial cable
Crossover Ethernet Cable
Audio Output Cable Harness
Discrete Input and Power Cable Harness

Page 4 March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
Playing a Test Sound
Every RideTraXX comes with a Compact Flash card preloaded with test sounds
already installed in the unit‟s compact flash slot. To play test sounds, follow these
step-by-step directions.
Using the included Audio Output Cable Harness, connect channel 1
of the RideTraXX to a set of powered speakers or to the input of an
amplifier.
Using either the included Discrete Input/Power cable harness or a
custom cable of your own making, connect power to the
RideTraXX.
To quickly test playback, trigger input #1 by touching the Input 1(+)
and Input 1(-) wires of the included Discrete Input/Power cable
harness. This will trigger playback of file 1 on channel 1.
Connect to amplifier or
powered speakers

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3• Page 5
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
The RideTraXX includes controls to accommodate a wide variety of installations. The front panel
incorporates a blue power indicator, media status/error indicator, an Ethernet status indicator, and a
Compact Flash slot covered by a security panel.
File Access LED
This LED is primarily used to indicate Compact Flash media activity. It
illuminates green whenever the Compact Flash media is being accessed. The
LED will turn Red if an error condition exists.
File Access
LED Behavior
File Access
LED Color
LED Meaning
Off
Off
Idle
On
Green
Media activity (Playing, file transfer, etc.)
On
Red
Media Error
On
Orange
Firmware Update (erasing Flash)
Flashing
Green
Firmware Updating
Flashing
Red
Firmware Update Error
Communication LED
The LED located directly above the File Access LED is used to indicate
communication activity. It will blink Green whenever the unit is
communicating via Serial or Ethernet. It will blink Red whenever a
communication error is detected.
USB
Status LEDs
Compact Flash
Socket
Power LED

Page 6 March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
USB
RideTraXX includes a female type-B USB connector on its front panel. This
port can be used to control RideTraXX, using its standard command set, as a
USB serial device. While many operating systems will detect and install the
driver automatically, some operating systems such as Windows 7 64-bit will
need the user to supply the appropriate driver. This driver is available from
our website, at http://www.alcorn.com.

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3• Page 7
RS232
Connector
Rear Panel Controls and Connectors
The rear panel includes Molex type connectors for 16 mono channels of
unbalanced audio outputs, Molex control inputs, DB-9 serial RS-232 control
connector, and locking RJ45 network jack.
Ethernet Jack
Audio Output
Power /
Discrete Inputs

Page 8 March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
Audio Output Connector
A 24 pin Molex type connector supplies analog line-level unbalanced audio
suitable for connection to a multi-channel amplifier or powered loudspeakers.
Audio Output Pinout
Pin
Function
Pin
Function
1
Ch. 16
13
Ch. 15
2
Ground
14
Ground
3
Ch. 14
15
Ch. 13
4
Ch. 12
16
Ch. 11
5
Ground
17
Ground
6
Ch. 10
18
Ch. 9
7
Ch. 8
19
Ch. 7
8
Ground
20
Ground
9
Ch. 6
21
Ch. 5
10
Ch. 4
22
Ch. 3
11
Ground
23
Ground
12
Ch. 2
24
Ch. 1

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3• Page 9
Power and Discrete Control Input Connector
Configure the inputs as
Voltage Input when
triggering over long
distances (greater than
10-20 feet).
Inputs configured as
Voltage Input trigger on
12-24vdc.
A 20-pin Molex type connector provides eight discrete control inputs and the
power input for the unit.
The control inputs can be configured for either voltage input or contact
closure using dipswitch #2 on the side of the chassis. See Configuration
Dipswitches section of this manual for details.
By default, the rear control inputs are configured to play files 1-8 to channels
1-8. For instance, input 3 will play file 3 to channel 3 when triggered. With
the default input configuration, files will play and loop for as long as the
input is maintained.
The RideTraXX requires 9-36VDC at approximately 2 Amps.
Input/Power Connector Pinout
Pin
Function
Pin
Function
1
Input 8 (+)
11
Input 8 (-)
2
Input 7 (+)
12
Input 7 (-)
3
Input 6 (+)
13
Input 6 (-)
4
Input 5 (+)
14
Input 5 (-)
5
Input 4 (+)
15
Input 4 (-)
6
Input 3 (+)
16
Input 3 (-)
7
Input 2 (+)
17
Input 2 (-)
8
Input 1 (+)
18
Input 1 (-)
9
Unused
19
Power(+)
10
Ground
20
Power(-)

Page 10 March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
RS-232C Serial Connector
A serial cable is
provided with each
RideTraXX.
This input is a standard DB-9 male RS-232C connector, intended to be
connected to a PC or control system using a straight-through (not null-
modem) 9-pin cable. The pinout appears below. Please refer to the Serial
Protocol section for a list of control commands.
Serial Connector Pinout
Pin
Function
2
TXD (data from RideTraXX)
3
RXD (data to RideTraXX)
5
Ground
Ethernet RJ-45
UDP control uses port
2638.
FTP uses TCP ports 20,
21.
NTP uses UDP port
123.
N
N
T
This is a standard RJ-45 jack used to connect the RideTraXX to a network.
Control (UDP), file transfer (FTP), and time (NTP) protocols are supported.

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3• Page 11
Configuration DIP Switches
Four small DIP switches on the side of the unit are used to configure various
hardware related settings.
NOTE: For units that are being installed in equipment racks, it’s a good
idea to configure the DIP switches before installing the rack mount kit.
DIP Switch Operation
Number
On
Off
1
Ground Lift Enabled
Ground Lift Disabled
2
Voltage Input
Contact Closure
3
Firmware Recovery Mode
N/A
4
Reset to Factory Defaults
N/A
Ground Lift (DIP 1)
The Ground Lift feature can sometimes help in situations where audio hum or
other noise is being caused by potential ground loops. A Ground Lift
disconnects the internal ground from the RideTraXX‟s metal chassis,
reducing the chance of ground noise affecting the RideTraXX‟s electrical
systems (i.e. audio outputs/inputs, etc.). This feature is configured using
switch #1 on the bank of DIP switches. By default, this switch is set to the
OFF position which grounds the RideTraXX to its chassis. You can
implement a ground lift by setting this switch to the ON position. After that,
the RideTraXX‟s ground will be isolated from the chassis.
Input Mode (DIP 2)
This switch configures the discrete control inputs for either dry contact
closure operation or voltage input operation. For voltage input operation, the
input voltage should be at least 12VDC and not more than 24VDC. See the
Discrete Input Control section of this manual for more details.
Firmware Recovery Mode (DIP 3)
This switch boots the RideTraXX in a recovery mode in which you can
update the firmware in the case the unit is unbootable. Use this mode to
update to a working firmware version if a regular firmware update fails (due
to power failure during update, corrupt firmware file, etc.)

Page 12 March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
Factory Defaults (DIP 4)
Activating this switch while the RideTraXX is booted will return the unit to its
default (factory) state. These defaults are listed below.
Factory Defaults
Parameter
Default Value
IP Address
192.168.0.254
Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0
Gateway
192.168.0.1
Nameserver (DNS)
127.0.0.1
NTP Server
pool.ntp.org
FTP User
admin
FTP Password
password
Master Volume
100
Legacy Mode
No
NTP
No
Spot Logging
No
Timezone Offset
0
Daylight Savings Mode
None

March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3• Page 13
The Compact Flash Card
Recommended Compact Flash Cards
Included with your RideTraXX is a pre-formatted Compact Flash card. The
formatting is a standard Microsoft FAT32 format, and any other card you use should
be formatted as FAT32 using a PC.
Alcorn McBride recommends SanDisk® brand of Compact Flash. For the latest list of
compatible and recommended Compact Flash please visit:
http://www.alcorn.com/library/appnotes/HowMuchFlash/index.html
Supported File Formats
The RideTraXX plays MP3 files which are compliant to the following specifications:
Supported MP3 Formats
Standard
MPEG-1 Part 3 (or simply, MP3) defined in ISO/IEC-11172-3
Channel
Encoding
Mono, Joint Stereo, Stereo, Dual
Sample Rates
44.1KHz, 48KHz
Bitrates
32,48,56,64,80,96,112,128,160,192Kbps
Note: When playing more than 10 files simultaneously, 128Kbps is the maximum
supported bitrate.

Page 14 March 20, 2013 • Alcorn McBride RideTraXX User’s Manual • Rev 1.3
File Naming
It is sometimes easiest to
use the “numbered”
style of file naming for
MP3 files if you want to
use the discrete inputs.
A specific file naming convention is used so that the RideTraXX can identify
the file type, as well as associate the supported file types with a number.
Here is a table showing the naming conventions based on the type of file that
is being named:
Details about Playlists
and Schedules are
contained in separate
chapters of this manual.
File Type
File Naming Style
MP3 Audio File (numbered)
SNDnnnnn.MP3
MP3 Audio File (named)
any-filename.MP3
Playlist
PLYnnnnn.LST
Schedule
SCHEDULE.SCL
Files can be referenced in commands by their full filename or their file
number. The file number is determined by the 5-digit „nnnnn‟ portion of the
file name. The RideTraXX supports files that are assigned numbers between
1 and 99999, so this part of the filename is always represented as 00001
through 99999.
Just as an example, let‟s say that you created an MP3 file that you want to
associate as file #123. To do this, you would need to rename the MP3 file to
SND00123.MP3.
The file number naming style is not needed if you plan to reference files in
commands by their full filename.
The one exception to the numbering method is the schedule file. The
RideTraXX only supports a single schedule, and therefore there is only one
file name permitted for this file. As you can see in the table above, this
filename is SCHEDULE.SCL.
Note: If you use the file numbering scheme, every file on the media must
have a unique number in the file name, no duplications are allowed. If you
have duplicate file numbers (i.e. such as a playlist and a MP3 file numbered
as #1), the RideTraXX would consistently choose only one of those files
when told to play the associated number.