BSS Audio TCS 80X User manual

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TCS 80X
User Manual

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V3.0 JMK 31October1996
We have written this manual with the aim of helping installers, sound engineers and consultants alike get to
grips with the TCS-80X series and obtain its maximum capability.
If you are new to BSS equipment, we recommend that you begin at the start of the manual. If, however, you
are already familiar with the intended application, and just want to get the unit installed without delay, then
follow the highlighted sections.
Since this manual is dual purpose in covering both the TCS-803 and the TCS-804 units, information that applies
to only one of the units will be clearly noted for you. Where a particular function applies to both units, the
method of access and operation is identical for both units and the manual will show pictures of the TCS-804 as
an example.
Should you have any comments or questions about applying the TCS-80X series within your application, please
write to us, or e-mail us, at the addresses in the warranty section.
We welcome any comments or questions regarding the TCS-80X series or other BSS products, and you may
contact us at the address or World Wide Web site given in the warranty section.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following European Standards for
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
Emission Specification: EN55013 (1990) (Associated equipment)
Immunity Specification: EN50082/1 (1992) (RF Immunity, Fast Transients and ESD)
Mains Disturbance: EN61000/3/2 (1995)
For continued compliance ensure that all input and output cables are wired with cable screen connected to Pin
1 of the XLR. The input XLR Pin 1 on BSS equipment is generally connected to chassis via a capacitor to
prevent ground loops whilst ensuring good EMC compatibility.

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Contents
Contents
1.0 The TCS-80X Series. 5
2.0 What is special about BSS Delays? 6
3.0 Earthing Requirements 7
4.0 Unpacking 7
5.0 Mechanical Installation 12
6.0 Mains Power Connection 13
7.0 Input Connections 14
7.1 XLR Plugs. 14
8.0 Output Connections 15
8.1 XLR Plugs 15
9.0 Control Connections 15
10.0 Powering Up 16
10.1 Default Settings and Display 16
10.2 Error Message Display 17
10.3 Mode Setting (TCS-804 only) 17
11.0 Parameter Selection 18
11.1 Bypass 19
11.2 Adjust Delay Time or Distance 19
11.3 Adjust Input and Output Level TCS-803 19
11.4 Adjust Input and Output Level TCS-804 20
11.5 Output Mutes 21
11.6 Program Store and Recall 22
11.7 Control Lockout 23
11.8 Utility 24
12.0 Master/Slave Operation 26
13.0 Linking (TCS-804 Only) 27
13.1 Stereo Pairs 27
13.2 Relative Delay, Mono mode 28
13.3 Relative Delay, Dual Chan Mode 29
14.0 Applications 31
14.1 Time Correction for Audience Distances 31
14.2 Time Correction for Speaker Driver
Placement 31

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Contents
15.0 Midi Implementation 34
16.0 Chassis/0v Link Removal 36
17.0 BSS Temperature Probe 36
19.0 Extended Memory 37
19.0 Transient Suppressor Replacement 37
20.0 Option Transformers 38
21.0 Specifications 39
22.0 Warranty Information 41
Index 42
User Notes 43
Spare Parts Information

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1.0 The TCS-80X Series.
The TCS-803 and TCS-804 form a series of multitap time correction units that
offer you the very best from todays' affordable digital technology. Utilising
advanced BSS proprietary conversion techniques they have exceptional
headroom, phase linearity and low level resolution that will not weaken a
conventional high quality analogue signal processing chain. Whether your
application is professional live sound, theatre sound, broadcast or disc
mastering the TCS-80X series will offer the most cost effective and intelligent
high specification multitap time delay that is available.

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BSS Delays
2.0 What is special about BSS Delays?
Some of the features available within the series are:
• Stereo operation with two outputs per channel accurately linked, or dual
monoone-in/two-out.
• Mono one-in/four-out on the TCS-804. Mono one-in/three-out on the TCS-
803.
• Friendly rotary control knob for all parameter adjustments.
• Time or distance entry and display in milliseconds, feet, inches or metres.
• 10uS minimum delay steps.
• 105dB usable dynamic range includes full +20dBu headroom with fine
resolution at low signal levels. No companding or pre-emphasis means
superior high frequency performance.
• Exceptional phase linearity and HF accuracy from high sample rate and
gentle filtering.
• 12 non-volatile user programmable memories with remote recall via contact
closure or Midi.
• Maximum delay up to 2.6 seconds on TCS-804 in mono mode up to 1.3
secondsonTCS-803.
• Master/slave linking of multiple units by Midi.
• Delay time compensation for auditorium ambient temperature change. Fully
automatic on the TCS-804 with optional probe fitted.
• Electronic security lockout with optional mechanical security cover.
• Relay controlled signal bypass optionally available which is also linked into
fail-safe processor and power supply watchdog.
• Digital level control for both input headroom and output gain on the TCS-
804, gives automatic headroom compensation and allows remote control of
output levels and program storage.
Every TCS-80X is manufactured to the highest professional standards with a
robust steel case, high quality circuit boards and ICs, and high quality
components to provide reliable performance under the most demanding
conditions of the global sound-reinforcement environment. In common with
all other BSS equipment, the TCS-80X is subject to stringent quality control
procedures throughout the manufacturing process. Components are tested
against demanding acceptance criteria. Every completed unit is tested both
by measurement and in a listening test carried out by trained audio
professionals. To positively ensure reliability, all units are burnt-in for fifty
hours, before being tested.

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Earthing Requirements
Unpacking
3.0 Earthing Requirements
WARNING! THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
IMPORTANT: The wires in the mains lead are colour coded in accordance
with the following code.
!The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow or Green must be connected
to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘E’ or by the Earth signal
or which is coloured Green and Yellow or Green.
"The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal la-
belled ‘N’ or coloured Black or Blue.
#The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal
labelled ‘L’ or coloured Red or Brown.
Those units supplied to the North American market will have an integral
moulded 3 pin connector which is provided to satisfy required local standards.
The mains voltage selector switch provides a simple external adjustment to
allow operation on all international AC power standards. The allowable ranges
for the supply voltage are:
90VAC up to 132VAC on the 120V position and
180VAC up to 264VAC on the 240V position.
Outside of these ranges the unit will not work satisfactorily, if at all. Voltages
in excess of the maximum will probably cause damage. Voltages below the
minimum will cause the power supplies to drop out of regulation, degrading
the performance of the system.
As part of BSS' system of quality control, this product is carefully inspected
before packing to ensure flawless appearance.
After unpacking the unit, please inspect for any physical damage and retain
the shipping carton and ALL relevant packing materials for use should the unit
need returning.
In the event that damage has occurred, please notify your dealer
immediately, so that a written claim to cover the damages can be initiated.
See Section 22.
4.0 Unpacking
Green and Yellow......Earth
Blue......Neutral
Brown......Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with
the markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows.

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Getting to know the TCS-803
Fig 4.1 TCS-803 Front
Panel
Fig 4.2 TCS-803 Rear
Panel

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All numbers in bubbles refer to Section numbers.

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Getting to know the TCS-804
Fig 4.3 TCS-804 Front
Panel
Fig 4.4 TCS-804 Rear
Panel

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All numbers in bubbles refer to Section numbers.

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5.0 Mechanical Installation
A vertical rack space of 1U (1¾" / 10½mm) deep is required. Adequate
ventilation must be provided for by allowing sufficient room around the sides
and rear of the unit for the circulation of air (See Figure 5.1).
If the TCS-80X are likely to undergo extreme vibration through extensive road
trucking and touring, it is advisable to support the unit(s) at the rear and/or
sides to lessen the stress on the front mounting flange. Failure to do so may
impair reliability and will invalidate the warranty. The necessary support can
generally be bought ready-built, as a rack tray. As with any low-level signal
processing electronics, it is best to avoid mounting the unit(s) next to a strong
source of magnetic radiation, (for example, a high power amplifier), to help
keep residual noise levels in the system to a minimum. The front of the unit
should not be exposed to long term sunlight, as this can have a detrimental
effect on the display lens.
The internal power supply regulators are mounted on the case sides and use
this as their heatsink. After a period of time in an enclosure, the metal case
will feel hot to the touch, but this is quite normal and should not be a cause
for alarm.
Installation
Fig 5.1 Unit dimensions.
Fig 5.2 Rack
dimensions.

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6.0 Mains Power Connection
Voltage: The TCS-80X operate on voltages specifies in the earthing
requirements section (Refer to section 3). If the unit(s) are accidentally
connected to an AC supply giving in excess of 132V AC, refer to section 19,
(See Figure 6.1).
Frequency: Both 60Hz and 50Hz are acceptable.
Fig 6.1 Mains fuse on
rear panel.
Connecting to Power
Grounding: The TCS-80X must always be connected to a 3-wire grounded
('earthed') AC outlet. The rack framework is assumed to be connected to the
same grounding circuit. The unit(s) must NOT be operated unless the power
cables' ground ('earth') wire is properly terminated - it is important for
personal safety, as well as for proper control over the system grounding.
Connections: The AC power cable has a moulded 3-pin utility plug attached
to the free end to facilitate the correct and proper connections.
AC Power Fusing: The incoming line power passes through a 150mA (for 240V
only) anti-surge ('T') fuse, accessible from the rear panel (The fuse is rated at
250mA for 120V and 150mA for 240V). If the fuse blows without good reason,
refer to section 19. Always replace with an identical 20mm x 5mm T rated
fuse for continued protection from equipment damage and fire.
It is unlikely that a fuse will fail during normal use, and must be treated with
some caution to the cause, if it should do so. One of the most likely reasons
for failure is the incorrect setting of the voltage switch on the rear of the unit.
Another reason could be the inadvertent connection of line to line rather than
line to neutral phase voltages when using three phase power supplies. In
either case, internal transient suppressor can be damaged, and consequently
replacement fuses will continue to blow, providing protection for your unit.
The damaged suppressors must be removed from the unit to allow further use,
and should be replaced as quickly as possible to provide continued protection.
Refer to section 16 for information on replacing these suppressors.

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Input Connections
7.0 Input Connections
The input signals are 10k ohm active balanced on a standard 3 pin 'female'
XLR which will accept levels up to +20dBv, and can drive into loads of
600ohms or greater. The wiring convention is as follows: (See Figure 7.1):
Pin 1: No connection (the shield of the drain wire can be terminated
here if desired).
Pin 2: Signal '+', in phase or 'HOT'.
Pin 3: Signal '-', out of phase or 'COLD'.
For unbalanced sources (See figure 7.1):
Pin 1: Leave open, or link to pin 2.
Pin 2: Shield, braid, or screen wire.
Pin 3: Signal '+' or 'HOT' (inner core).
There is no internal ground connection to Pin 1 of the female XLR to avoid
possible interconnection earth loops. The input signal cable shield must
therefore be tied to ground, or signal 0V, at the source end.
7.1 XLR Plugs.
Fig 7.1 XLR Plug Wiring
If the equipment driving the TCS-80X has only unbalanced outputs then you
will need to add a wire jumper such that the screen connection on Pin 1 of the
XLR is shorted to either Pin 2 or Pin 3, depending on system convention.
If the equipment being connected to the TCS-80X outputs have only
unbalanced inputs, then we recommend that you still use a balanced (i.e. 2
core shielded) cable. You should ground the shield from the pin 1 connection,
whilst the cold connection should be used as the 0v ground and the hot
connection for the live, on the unbalanced input. The cable screen should not
be connected through to the chassis/0V. Strict adherence to this will help to
eliminate potential ground loop hums.
Strict adherence to the wiring conventions noted above within a fully
balanced signal system will yield the best possible results with none of the
problems normally associated with interconnected audio equipment.
Wherever possible, cable screens should not be connected to any signal pin,
but rather left to perform a cable shielding function only.
Under no circumstances should the safety ground wire be removed from the
mains AC power connector as an interim measure to achieve similar results.
Please refer to section 16 for information on this procedure.

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Output Connections
8.0 Output Connections
8.1 XLR Plugs The four signal outputs are DC blocked low impedance unbalanced from a
standard 3 pin male XLR and are designed to drive up to +20dBv into 600
ohms or greater. The wiring convention is as follows:
Pin 1: Connects to shield, screen or drain wire.
Pin 2: '+', hot or 'in phase' output.
Pin 3: '-', cold or 'out of phase' output.
If the amplifiers you are feeding have unbalanced (single ended) inputs, but
are fed from standard pin to pin XLR cables (See above), simply link the cable
at the crossover end as follows:
Pin 1: Connects to shield or screen wire.
Pin 2: Link to Pin 1.
Pin 3: Connects to the inner 'hot' or live core.
Unbalanced transmission is not recommended for connections to distant
equipment, but is generally acceptable for local connections within the rack,
or to an adjacent rack.
Technicians note: As with a traditional transformer balanced output, either
output phase (+ or -, hot or cold) can be linked to ground to 'unbalance the
line' without upsetting the operation of the unit. BSS follows the convention of
'screen goes forward with the signal'. As with a transformer, output level
remains the same in the unbalanced mode.
Both the TCS-803 and TCS-804 have two external control ports, one being the
Remote Program Selection, the other a standard MIDI control interface having
both IN, THRU and OUT connectors. More about the MIDI option and its
control codes are detailed in section 15. The 9 pin Remote Program Selection
'D' type connector is wired as a 4 by 3 matrix which allows by simple switch
closure, the selection of 12 user programmable memories. Figure 9.1 gives the
matrix pinning for each program number.
The voltage available at these pins is less than 5V and current limited, so that
no particular attention needs to be paid to safety and either momentary or
latching switch closure is all that is required to recall a memory number.
Individual screened cable is not required to connect your remote switching
box to the TCS-80X, however it is recommended that you use a cable that has
an overall screen, which should be connected to your control box at one end
and the designated pin on the D-Connector at the other end.
PXis the program number which is recalled by connecting together the two
designated pin numbers. Pins 5 and 9 are connected to ground
Remote Program
Selection
Fig 9.1 Remote Program
Selection D-Connector
Wiring
9.0 Control Connections
Control Connections

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10.0 Powering Up
When the TCS-80X is switched on, by operating the power on-off switch
located on the rear panel, the internal circuitry carries out a series of routine
diagnostic tests. The display will show a series of numbers which will advise:
• The software version number currently fitted.
• Which interface option is fitted (TCS-804 only).
• If the BSS temperature probe is fitted (TCS-804 only)
Following the startup routine and screen display, the TCS-80X will
automatically resume the settings that were last selected, and show the last
selected delay before the previous switch-off. When first powered up, the
factory set defaults will be as shown below.
The internal memory automatically remembers all switch functions and
display readings when the unit is switched off, so it is not necessary to reload
level and delay information every time the unit is activated. The same applies
for the user programs, whose memory retains their contents indefinitely when
mains power is removed.
10.1 Default
Settings and
Display
• The TCS model number, plus a suffix ‘E’ if the internal memory has been
extended.
TEMP
HEADROOM
GAIN
DELAY
MIDI CHN
Tx. MODE
PGM MEMORY
MODE
LINKING
20°C
+10dBu
0dB
0mS
CH.1
Tr.Pr
P 1
MONO
None
Factory Default Settings:
Powering Up

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10.2 Error Message
Display Should the unit detect bad data internally, on a control interface, or an
incompatible mode setting, an error message number will be displayed to
show there is a problem. Any other indicated errors will require the unit to be
referred to an authorised service centre for repair.
Err.3 Midi timing error
Err.4 Option interface timing error
Err.5 Incorrect mode selected for master-slave linking or program recall
Err.6 Program Store Error
The two modes of operation of the unit are selected by the push switch
located on the rear panel and labelled ‘mode select’.
Confirmation of the selected mode will be seen from the front panel display.
For MONO mode the top headroom meter display will be active, as will the
legend MONO. In DUAL CHANNEL mode the MONO legend will be
extinguished and replaced by the letters L and R adjacent to each headroom
display meter.
The MONO operation mode is where all four delay outputs are part of the one
channel, this being the ‘left’ channel. Four independent delay taps from the
one unit give extra flexibility in system design. Please use the legend printed
above the delay selection switches.
In DUAL CHANNEL mode, the TCS-804 is partitioned, to give two identical
channels, each one having two delay outputs. Each channel can be operated
separately, or with the output pairs linked as is necessary for true stereo
operation. Linking is explained fully later on in this manual.
10.3 Mode Setting
(TCS-804 only)
Fig 10.1 Mono Mode
Grouping
Figure 10.2 Stereo
Mode Grouping

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11.0 Parameter Selection
This section deals with selection of the various modes of operation as well as
the adjustment of delay times and signal path gain structure.
Where a feature is common to both the TCS-803 and TCS-804, the selection
and adjustment is identical. Where there is a difference, it will be described
separately.
We hope you will find it quite intuitive to operate and suggest that you have
your unit with you to operate the switches as you read through this section.
The key to the diagrams that follow is shown in Figure 11.1:
Press specified button to select function X.
Fig 11.1 Key to
diagrams
Press and hold specified button to select function X.
Turn the rotary control knob to adjust the parameter.
Push and turn rotary control knob to adjust the parameter.
Display reading.
Indicator light flashing.
Indicator light on.
Indicator light off.
Parameter Selection

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The bypass function or IN/OUT provides a switch toggle for cancellation of all
delay times. For complete cancellation of all electronic stages and level
settings, the output relay option needs to be specified. The bypass is then a
complete input/output wired link.
11.1 Bypass
11.2 Adjust Delay
Time or Distance
Out: Total bypass input to output.
IN: Normal operation.
The TCS-80X will allow the required delay to be set in ‘time’ or in ‘distance’
units. This is selected by operating the units switch. If more delay time is
required, an extended memory option is available which is easily installed. To
set the delay:
Select a delay to read or adjust it’s value.
If required, select to alter display units. Readings in excess of '9999' will show
‘FEET’ and then automatically change to read feet.
Turn knob for fine adjustment or push and turn for coarse adjustment.
11.3 Adjust Input
and Output Level
TCS-803
Separate input headroom and output level controls are provided on the front
panel to enable optimum operating headroom setting, and individual output
level trim.
The input control range allows for a maximum operating level between 0dBu
and +20dBu. The output level control allows for individual gain adjustment of
the three outputs by plus or minus 10dB. There will be unity gain through the
unit when both input and output level controls are in their central position.
It is most important for correct operation of the unit that you set the input
level control correctly. As is common for all electronic equipment, care must
be taken to ensure that the input signal does not exceed the maximum
internal clipping level and the input headroom meter is therefore an important
display. When setting up, ensure that on one hand your maximum signal peak
does not exceed the 0dB scale point, and on the other that it is not wasteful of
dynamic range. It is always adjusted first on initial setting up.
The output level trims will be useful for providing some degree of individual
adjustment for each of the three outputs. They can be adjusted following the
correct setting of input headroom. Remember that if the input control needs to
be turned back, the output control will need to be turned up to restore the
through gain as these two controls work together. The input control works to
maximise operating dynamic range whilst the output control works to trim the
required through gain.

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Input headroom and output level adjustment is essential for the correct
operation of the unit to maximise dynamic range and trim individual output
gains. The section for TCS-803 should be read if more detail is required, but
remember that for the TCS-804 all adjustment is performed digitally, rather
than with analogue control knobs. To enter the level adjustment mode:
11.4 Adjust Input
and Output Level
TCS-804
The '|-' symbol in the display denotes tandem adjustment
L denotes left channel adjustment
r denotes right channel adjustment
The display is showing the level in dBu for input clip (0dB on the headroom
meter). The symbol to the left is indicating which of the two input channels is
selected for adjustment. The ‘|-’ symbol is showing that both channels are
being adjusted together.
To Adjust Input Levels
Turn knob to set headroom value in dBu.
Press again to select next channel or step through to exit.
For speed and convenience of use, the sequence that is used to cycle through
is different depending on whether MONO, DUAL or STEREO mode has been
selected:
MONO:
TWO CHN:
STEREO LINK:
Headroom;
L; r; |-;
|-; L; r;
out.
out.
out.
Parameter Selection