Clear-Com FreeSpeak Edge User manual

User Guide
FreeSpeak Edge™
User Guide
Part Number: PUB-00020 Rev A
Date: June 05, 2020

FreeSpeak Edge | User Guide
Document reference
FreeSpeak Edge™ User Guide
PUB-00020 Rev A
Legal disclaimers
Copyright © 2020 HME Clear-Com Ltd
All rights reserved
Clear-Com, the Clear-Com logo, and Clear-Com Concert are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HM Electronics, Inc.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be
used only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
The product described in this document is distributed under licenses restricting its use,
copying, distribution, and decompilation / reverse engineering. No part of this document may
be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written authorization of Clear-Com, an
HME Company.
Clear-Com Offices are located in California, USA; Cambridge, UK; Dubai, UAE; Montreal,
Canada; and Beijing, China. Specific addresses and contact information can be found on Clear-
Com’s corporate website: www.clearcom.com
Clear-Com contacts:
Americas and Asia-Pacific Headquarters
California, United States
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Europe, Middle East, and Africa Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
China Office
Beijing Representative Office
Beijing, P.R. China
Tel: [phone]
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FreeSpeak Edge | User Guide
Table of contents
1 Important Safety instructions 6
1.1 Safety symbols 7
2 Introduction to FreeSpeak Edge™ 8
2.1 FreeSpeak Edge 5 GHz 8
2.2 System capacity 9
3 RF channel selection 5 GHz 10
3.1 Channel selection 13
3.2 Transceiver Power 14
3.3 Channel re-use 15
3.4 Using Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) channels 17
3.5 Radar scanning in DFS channels 18
3.6 Transceiver - excluded channels 19
3.7 Wireless Regulatory Region (WRR) 20
3.8 Change RF channels on the Edge transceiver 21
4 Site survey features 23
4.1 Transceiver standalone mode 23
4.2 Local RF scan using a beltpack 24
5 Installing FreeSpeak Edge 26
5.1 Installing the FreeSpeak Edge transceiver 26
5.2 Clear-Com cable recommendations 28
5.3 Daisy-chain transceivers 29
5.4 Installing and removing an E-IPA-HX card 30
5.5 Adding an E-IPA-HX card to the software 31
5.6 Configuring the E-IPA-HX card for FreeSpeak Edge 31
5.7 Beltpack roaming between E-IPA-HX cards 33
5.8 Connecting the FreeSpeak Edge transceivers to a matrix 34
5.9 Adding transceivers to the matrix 38
5.10 Beltpack roles 44
5.11 Registering the beltpack to a matrix 46
5.12 Connect the beltpacks 48
5.13 De-register beltpacks from a system 48
6 Operating the Edge beltpack 50
6.1 Top controls and display 50
6.2 Front controls 51
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6.3 Beltpack bottom connectors 51
6.4 Beltpack batteries and power 51
6.5 Menu mode 53
6.6 Use/persist local settings (beltpacks) 53
6.7 Edge beltpack menu access 54
6.8 FreeSpeak Edge beltpack menus 56
7 Operating the Edge transceiver 71
7.1 IP rating (Protection Marking) 71
7.2 FreeSpeak Edge transceiver connector panel 72
7.3 Powering the transceiver 72
7.4 Edge transceiver status LEDs 73
7.5 Reset the transceiver to default 75
7.6 Port security settings 76
7.7 Network and synchronization 76
7.8 General network and switching rules 77
7.9 Spare parts 77
8 Upgrading FreeSpeak Edge 79
8.1 Upgrading FreeSpeak Edge transceivers 79
8.2 Upgrading FreeSpeak Edge beltpacks 80
9 Specifications 82
9.1 Transmission method 82
9.2 FreeSpeak Edge beltpack 82
9.3 FreeSpeak Edge transceiver 84
9.4 Transceiver models (regional variations) 85
9.5 FreeSpeak Edge battery charger and battery 85
9.6 Notice about specifications 86
10 Regulatory compliance 87
10.1 Part numbers and regulatory models 87
10.2 FCC notice 88
10.3 FCC/IC/EC RF exposure warning 88
10.4 Industry canada compliance statement 89
10.5 Korean notice 89
10.6 Japan notice 90
10.7 Australia compliance statement 90
10.8 New Zealand compliance statement 90
10.9 European Union (CE mark) 90
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10.10 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) 91
10.11 General Battery Safety Instructions for Battery Models: BAT41, BAT50, BAT60,
BAT70, BAT80 92
10.12 배터리 모델에 대한 일반 배터리 안전 지침 : BAT41, BAT50, BAT60, BAT70,
BAT80 94
10.13 BAT41, BAT50, BAT60, BAT70, BAT80 96
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1 Important Safety instructions
The following safety instructions apply:
lRead these instructions.
lKeep these instructions.
lHeed all warnings.
lFollow all instructions.
lDo not use this apparatus near water.
lClean only with dry cloth.
lDo not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
lDo not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
lDo not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
lProtect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
lOnly use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
lUse only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
lUnplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
lRefer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-cord supply or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
lUse only chargers provided by HME/Clear-Com to charge the battery packs or
beltpacks:
lBAT80 Battery pack and beltpack charger manufactured by HME/Clear-Com
lThe beltpack can also be charged using a USB cable; USB C, 2.5A, 5V
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lThis product uses Lithium Ion Batteries which can be a fire hazard, if used improperly.
Use only HME/Clear-Com supplied BAT80 or equivalent battery packs to ensure safe
operation of the beltpack.
lWhen using AA Batteries follow all safety instructions from manufacturer. Do not mix
different battery chemistries. When depleted, replace all batteries.
lThe in-beltpack USB charging feature has only been tested utilizing USB2.0 port.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture.
1.1 Safety symbols
Familiarize yourself with the safety symbols. These symbols are displayed on the apparatus and
warn you of the potential danger of electric shock if the system is used improperly.
Note: For compliance notices, see Regulatory compliance.
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2 Introduction to FreeSpeak Edge™
FreeSpeak Edge™ is a member of Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak™ family of digital wireless intercom
solutions. It uses the 5 GHz radio frequency range.
The FreeSpeak Edge system includes full duplex multi-channel wireless beltpacks and
transceivers for use in a matrix with Clear-Com's SMPTE 2110-30/AES67 compatible IP audio
card, the E-IPA-HX.
FreeSpeak Edge uses encryption (AES256) between beltpack and transceiver for security.
2.1 FreeSpeak Edge 5 GHz
The 5 Ghz radio frequency range offers a number of advantages to intercom users:
lA clear, full audio quality with a very low noise floor and latency (Opus codec @ 12 Khz)
lBehaves well in venues or stadiums where RF multipath is an issue
lA wide range of RF channels, providing lots of room for users to exist without interfering
with each other
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2.2 System capacity
FreeSpeak Edge supports up to a maximum 64 beltpacks and 64 transceivers per E-IPA card.
Each FreeSpeak Edge transceiver supports 10 beltpacks within one coverage zone.
The technology within FreeSpeak permits the beltpack user to go between coverage zones
created by different transceivers, and for the system to hand over the communication from one
transceiver to the next. Thus, a larger, customizable communications area may be designed.
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3 RF channel selection 5 GHz
The 5 Ghz band has many more RF channels than the 1.9 or 2.4 GHz bands (20 - 30
depending on region). This channel density can allow a high data through put (up to 10
beltpacks in an RF zone) and combined with the Edge system technology gives low latency,
high quality (12 KHz) audio transmission.
The Edge transceivers make use of antenna diversity. This involves two or more antennas used
together to improve the quality and reliability of a wireless link. This, along with Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) makes the FreeSpeak Edge system particularly
suitable for a multipath environment and as long as channel selection is conducted carefully
when this is necessary, gives a very robust and reliable coverage zone.
5 GHz signals have different transmission qualities to the 1.9 or 2.4 GHz bands. Signals do not
propagate as freely through walls in a building, but they will 'bounce' or reflect off hard
surfaces. This makes them well suited for use in arenas with a reflective ceiling. In general, for
the same power level, the outdoor range of 5 Ghz system is much smaller than the equivalent
DECT system. This is because direct line-of-sight is required, as signals do not propagate
through obstacles easily.
The 5 GHz RF band has a number of regional regulatory variations that need to be taken into
account;
lWhich channels are available in a particular region
lPower regulations (for that region)
lAvailability of channels for outdoor or indoor use
lAvailability of channels for universal use (wi-fi and other 5 GHz devices such as
cameras). These are the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) channels.
lChannels used for radar (weather and emergency services) communication. These are
the Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) channels.
As required by law, the regulations are automatically enforced by the system software.
Transceivers use DFS channels as these are less likely to be hosting other traffic. In this case,
the transceiver will also need a reserve or backup channel. The backup channel is used if radar
or other activity is detected in a channel; the Edge signal will automatically be moved to the
backup channel. You will see a double red flash on the transceiver status LEDs when the
backup channel is in use.
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You will also see an indication in the Wireless Status Diagnostics screen:
Each Edge transceiver uses 2 RF channels at any one time.
Given that each transceiver makes use of two channels, a system consisting of 4 transceivers
can make use of up to 8 channels. If you are using DFSchannels you will also need to take
account of backup channels. If this number of channels is not available, channels can be re-used
on the location. When re-using channels, you must be careful that transceivers using the same
channels are not located next to each other as this causes interference. A beltpack must not be
able to see a particular channel more than once at any time.
Two transceivers, 4 channels:
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Eight transceivers, 6 channels:
The transceivers have selectable power settings, and these can be used to customize the size
of an RF cell to suit your environment and avoid the possibility of channels being placed next
to each other in the overall coverage zone.
When using FreeSpeak Edge, the channels are selected automatically by the EHX software in
the first instance.
For rapid set up you can use the default channels, but in any case you are advised to seek
information about existing 5 GHz traffic in your location. This information can be obtained
from:
lA site frequency coordinator or IT administrator (if there is one)
lA scan of channels in the location using the beltpack
Typically, the default channel setup will work for a small system (4 transceivers or less) in an
environment that has limited equipment competing for the band usage. For a larger system, or
one where there is more 5 GHz traffic, you are advised to take control of transceiver channel
selection yourself. RF channel selection can be changed in the EHXsoftware.
In most countries, 5Ghz channels fall into the following categories:
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Channel type Restrictions
ISM (Industrial, scientific and
medical)
These are the channels with the least restrictions and
highest allowance for transmission power. However, they
may be crowded with interference since ISM channels are
equally the first choice for other wireless equipment. Also,
generic ISM channels don’t exist in some countries (for
example. Japan).
TPC (transmit power control)
Transmission power is restricted in these channels. The
maximum power setting for the FreeSpeak Edge system is
below the TPC values.
Indoor Channels
If these channels are used, the equipment may only operate
in an indoor setting. Different countries have different
definitions and requirements for indoor settings.
DFS (dynamic frequency
selection)
Devices operating in this channel are required to
implement a radar detection mechanism and move to a
different channel when radar pulses are detected.
For detailed information refer to: FreeSpeak Edge RF Configuration Guide , available from the
Clear-Com website.
3.1 Channel selection
The system software will allocate channels automatically. However, you may wish to allocate
channels manually, for instance if you are using more than 4 transceivers or are working in a
crowded RF environment.
Each transceiver uses two channels unless DFS channels are selected in which case the
transceiver uses 3 channels. When DFSchannels are used the device needs a backup channel
in the event that the signal needs to be moved due to the detection of radar.
Channels on a transceiver must not be next to each other in the RF spectrum in order to avoid
interference in the audio signals. They cannot be adjacent. This channel spacing is enforced by
the EHXsoftware.
For example, you might use channels 36 (Channel 1) and 40 (Channel 2). These channels are
separated by 20 MHz and so are not adjacent.
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For more information see the Freespeak Edge RF Configuration Guide available from the
Clear-Com website.
3.2 Transceiver Power
Transceiver power defaults to the highest available value (according to regulatory region).
When one channel has a lower power setting than the other, the transceiver will take the
lowest power setting.
Transceiver power settings can be found in Transceiver Properties. Navigate to:
Matrix>Hardware>Transceivers>Basic Options>Transceiver Power
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3.3 Channel re-use
Channel re-use is a way of making the best use of the available 5 GHz RF channels in your
location. Employ channel re-use if you are:
lUsing more than 4 transceivers
lAnd/or the channel availability on your site is limited by other RF traffic
Example of channel re-use
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3.3.1 Guidelines
lTransceiver RF coverage zones ideally overlap by 20% of the coverage cell
lIf transceivers are 3m (10 feet) or less apart, for best performance, Clear-Com
recommends that adjacent transceivers do not use adjacent channels. Without this gap
between channels and transceivers, there is some possibility of interference.
lBeltpacks must not see the same channel on more than one transceiver at any one time.
lAdjacent transceivers can use the same channels if the channel order is reversed. For
example; transceiver A, Channel 1 = 36, Channel 2 = 64. Transceiver B, Channel 1 = 64,
Channel 2 = 36. However, the set up point above, (beltpacks do not see more than one
transceiver with the same channel at any time) is preferred.
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3.4 Using Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) channels
DFS channels are selected by default by the system software as they are less crowded with
wireless traffic than other channels. When DFS channels are used, the FS Edge system makes
use of a channel scanning mechanism that switches the signal to a backup channel if radar is
detected. In most cases, radar detection happens rarely, but the system conducts a regular
channel scan as required by regulations. You will see this happening when DFS channels are
selected on start up or reboot of the device. During a channel scan, the transceiver status LEDs
will flash blue. Channel scan takes one minute per channel (with one exception, see note
below).
The DFSchannels can be configured without a backup channel but this is not recommended.
Backup channels are limited to non-DFS channels. This reduces the potential risk of non-
transmission.
Once transceiver connection to the system has been established, channel scan does not disrupt
audio (unless the transceiver needs to stop transmitting due to lack of a back up channel).
Note: In Europe, DFS channels 120, 124 and 128 are allowed. However, these channels perform a
10 minute radar scanning before becoming an operating channel. For this reason, channels
120, 124 and 128 have been removed from the selection algorithms. These channels must be
selected manually if you wish to use them.
If radar is detected and the backup channel is in use you will see a double red flash on the
transceiver status LEDs. You will also see a red B displayed on the transceiver icon in the
wireless status diagnostics page of the configuration software (Matrix>Diagnostics>Wireless
Status),
3.4.1 Important notes, DFS
If there is no backup channel selected when radar is detected the transceiver will stop
working.
Once the signal has dropped into the backup channel, it does not automatically move back to
its original channel. This is required by the regulations.
If radar is detected in the second channel and the backup channel is already in use, the signal
cannot move and the transceiver will stop working.
Once the signal has moved to the backup channel, you cannot use the channel where radar
was detected for 30 minutes.
3.4.2 How to clear the RFsignal from the backup channel
The signal can be moved from the backup channel in a number of ways:
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lReset the channels in the EHX software. Navigate to:
Matrix>Hardware>Transceivers>Transceiver>Basic Options, change channel and Apply
Map to Matrix.
lPower cycle the transceiver (this can take up to 5 minutes)
lReset the transceiver in the EHX software. Navigate to:
Matrix>Hardware>Transceivers>Transceiver and click the cog icon for transceiver
properties.
lClick the Reset button.
3.4.3 Fail-safe DFSchannel set up
Radar in both channels is unlikely to happen in normal scenarios. However, if you want a fail-
safe set up on your transceiver you should use one DFSchannel and one non-DFS channel.
3.5 Radar scanning in DFS channels
The Edge system selects DFS channels by default, as these channels are less likely to contain
traffic than the universal channels. When a DFS channel is selected, the system must carry out
a channel scan to make sure that it is clear of radar. A scan occurs whenever the transceiver is
going through it's connection sequence and also periodically while it is in use.
Radar scanning usually takes one minute per channel. You will see the status lights on the
transceiver flash blue when a channel scan is occurring. The LEDs will flash blue/purple or
blue/yellow if the device is starting up and acquiring PTP and sync lock at the same time. If
radar is detected in a channel while the transceiver is connected to the system, transmission
will drop into the backup channel. You will see a double red flash on the transceiver status
light when radar is detected in a channel.
Note: If you have not selected a backup channel, the transceiver will not transmit when radar is
detected.
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Backup channels are restricted to non-DFS channels to reduce the risk of non-transmission.
The EHXsoftware will report scanning for radar activity with explicit messaging.
If the transceiver is in standalone mode and radar is detected, the device will stop transmitting.
Note: Non DFSchannels do not require a channel scan or a backup channel.
For more information about transceiver status LEDs, see Edge transceiver status LEDs on page
73
3.6 Transceiver - excluded channels
When setting up FS Edge transceivers, on some sites, you may be warned that certain RF
channels are already in use. These channels are unsuitable for use on a transceiver. In this case
you can exclude channels from the device selection processes in the system preferences.
3.6.1 EHX
Navigate to: Matrix>Configuration>Preferences>Wireless Beltpacks>Edge Channel Selection
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3.7 Wireless Regulatory Region (WRR)
The WRR defines the allowed channels, DFS functionality and RF power limits that are
available to the FreeSpeak Edge system according to its regional regulatory requirements.
5 GHz channel use must comply with regional regulations. Each transceiver has a fixed WRR
setting and cannot be changed by the user or any third-party. WRR settings must also be
configured in the EHX software by system preferences.
If the configurable WRR setting in the EHX software does not match the fixed WRR of the
transceiver, the system will not work and audio cannot be transmitted. The transceiver will
show a red or amber status LED and the EHX system will flag the error.
To see the error message navigate to the monitoring screen in EHX. This message is also
available in transceiver properties.
To view the WRR setting, navigate to Matrix>configuration>preferences>wireless beltpacks
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