CoachComm eVenue Thunder User manual

Operating Manual

eVenue Thunder
Thank You
We at CoachComm®want to thank you for purchasing an eVenue Thunder™ system. We are committed to providing you with a
high-quality product that will deliver dynamic sound, distributed coverage, reliable mobility, and innovative operational features. In
order to get the most out of your new eVenue system, please take a few moments to read this manual completely so that you better
understand the operation of this product. For questions not addressed in this manual, feel free to contact CoachComm’s Customer
Support Department.
CoachComm, LLC
205 Technology Parkway
Auburn, Alabama 36830
1.800.749.2761
www.coachcomm.com
©2017 CoachComm, LLC. All rights reserved. eVenue™ and eVenue Thunder™ are trademarks of CoachComm, LLC. The
CoachComm logo is a registered trademark of CoachComm, LLC. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their
respective owners.
The eVenue ePod is a patent-pending design, manufactured in the USA.
Document Reference: 2017.06 D0000140_E

eVenue Thunder i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Safety Information ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Protecting Yourself and Those Around You ................................................................................................................................... 1
Electrical Safety .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Towing Safety ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Mechanical Safety ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Noise Level Safety ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
What’s included with the Thunder System?........................................................................................................................................ 3
Thunder Master Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Thunder Remote Overview.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
ePod Overview............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Thunder Software Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Setup and Teardown Procedures........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Hardware Installation....................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Thunder Master I/O Connection Panel ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Thunder Remote I/O Connection Panel ...................................................................................................................................... 13
ePod I/O Connection Panel ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Hardware Operation......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Thunder Remote and Thunder Master ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Connections and Controls .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Using Thunder Master and Thunder Remote Together .................................................................................................... 19
Using Thunder Master and Thunder Remote Separately ................................................................................................. 21
ePod ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Commando-e Remote.................................................................................................................................................... 23
ePod Status Panel.......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Sound Coverage Overview............................................................................................................................................. 25
Software Installation and Operation ................................................................................................................................................. 31
Installation ................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
Minimum Software Requirements.................................................................................................................................. 31
Installation Procedures .................................................................................................................................................. 31
Software Overview.................................................................................................................................................................... 33
File Menu Options.......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Edit Mode Menu ............................................................................................................................................................ 34
Script Modes ................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Volume Master Panel..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Group Tabs .................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Operation ................................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Create a New Script....................................................................................................................................................... 37
Add/Change Event Audio and Text ................................................................................................................................. 37
Add/Change Hot Buttons................................................................................................................................................ 37
Adjust Event Settings..................................................................................................................................................... 38
Open and Play a Script .................................................................................................................................................. 40
System Maintenance and Storage.................................................................................................................................................... 41
Storage Dimensions.................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Tie Down Points........................................................................................................................................................................ 42

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Table of Contents
Signal Flow Diagrams ...................................................................................................................................................................... 43
System Specications...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Thunder Master ........................................................................................................................................................................ 46
Thunder Remote ....................................................................................................................................................................... 46
ePod ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Product Support and Warranty ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
Sending Equipment for Repair or Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 48
Warranty Information ................................................................................................................................................................ 48

eVenue Thunder 1
Safety Information
Safety Information
The following section details important safety information related to the ownership and operation of eVenue Thunder. You must
operate the eVenue system safely. Unsafe operation can create hazards for you, as well as anyone else in the work area. Always take
the following precautions when operating eVenue Thunder.
WARNING: Ignoring these warnings may cause severe injury or death as a result of incorrect operation
CAUTION: Ignoring these cautions may cause moderate injury or property damage as a result of incorrect operation
Protecting Yourself and Those Around You
1. Allow only responsible individuals who are familiar with these general safety rules and operating instructions to use
your eVenue Thunder system. Never allow people unfamiliar with these rules and instructions to set up or operate your
system.
2. Do not stand, sit, climb, or ride on any part of eVenue Thunder.
3. Do not use the ePod to lift personnel or objects.
Electrical Safety
1. Do not submerge any part of the eVenue Thunder System in water.
2. Protect the power cords from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
they exit from the apparatus.
3. Do not block any of the ventilation openings.
4. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that
produce heat.
5. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Never break off the grounding prong.
6. Unplug the eVenue system during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
7. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Do not attempt to disassemble or open any panels. Doing so may expose
electrical parts and may also void the product warranty.
8. Use only one 120 volt 15 amp dedicated circuit for each individual eVenue ePod, Thunder Master, and Thunder Remote.
You should test and verify that these circuits are working properly on a routine basis.
Towing Safety
1. Have a complete working knowledge of your tow vehicle and know how to handle it with the eVenue Thunder Master and/
or ePods attached.
2. Make sure towing hitch connections are properly secured prior to towing.
3. Secure all cables and cable ends before towing to prevent damage to those parts during transit.
4. Drive at a maximum speed of 5 mph. Do not stand, sit, climb, or ride on any part of eVenue Thunder.
5. Decrease speed at all corners, and watch the swing of both the rear of the tow vehicle and the eVenue system.

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Safety Information
6. Never operate near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments; you could lose control of your tow vehicle and/or the eVenue
system.
7. Never tow on slopes greater than 10 degrees, or on any excessively steep slope.
8. Never operate on wet or slippery slopes. Reduced traction could result in tipping over your tow vehicle and/or the eVenue
system.
9. Never park the tow vehicle or eVenue system on a steep grade or slope.
10. Do not turn on a slope as you may tip over your vehicle and/or the eVenue system.
11. Note the following tow vehicle restrictions:
A. If your tow vehicle will not travel by itself over the terrain by which you plan to tow eVenue, then it is not a suitable
tow vehicle over that terrain. If this situation occurs, the terrain may not be suitable for eVenue to traverse either. Be
cautious and nd a different route to prevent equipment damage and a potential voiding of the eVenue warranty.
B. We recommend a few types of tow vehicles for eVenue. The tow vehicle may be either two- or four-wheel drive.
i. All Terrain Vehicle
ii. Golf cart or other electric towing vehicle
iii. Utility Vehicle
iv. Compact or Sub-Compact Tractor
Note: Do not attempt to tow the ePod when not in Travel Ready position.
Mechanical Safety
1. Never, under any conditions, remove, bend, cut, t, weld, or otherwise alter standard parts of eVenue. Modications to your
system could cause personal injuries and property damage and will void your warranty.
2. The system fan area should be kept clear to allow for proper ventilation. Do not place near a wall or cover the system
while in operation.
3. Only use attachments/accessories/cables/hardware provided by the manufacturer.
4. Do not use blocks to increase height of system.
5. Never move an ePod unless the Travel Ready indicator is green and
the Upper Speaker Array is in its cradle.
6. Never deploy an ePod’s Upper Speaker Array unless the ePod is
stable, centered, and level and the pitch and roll level indicators are
green. The Deploy Ready LED must be green for deployment.
7. Raise and lower the Upper Speaker Array arm from a safe distance
and within view of the Motion Control System’s Status Panel. During
deployment, be aware of all pinch points and crush hazards; keep
hands and feet clear of these areas.
8. The system brake is designed for stabilizing the ePod during
deployment of the Upper Speaker Array. It is not to be used to
control ePod speed when being moved.
Figure 1: This warning label is attached to each ePod and alerts users of
specic pinch hazards.

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What’s included with the Thunder System?
Noise Level Safety
Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to
noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufciently intense noise for a sufcient time.
To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to
equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels, such as this amplication system, wear hearing protectors while this
system is in operation.
What’s included with the Thunder System?
CoachComm’s eVenue Thunder system is a shared event management system for athletic departments, schools, and others that
have a need for reliable, quality sound reinforcement in multiple locations. eVenue is designed to provide signicantly improved,
dynamic, and intelligible sound that will enhance the experience of fans and audiences at events across an entire campus.
The eVenue Thunder family of products includes
• Thunder Master
• Thunder Remote
• One or more patent-pending ePod(s)
• Thunder Software
Each component of the eVenue Thunder system is outlined in the following product overviews, and system operation is detailed in
full in later sections of this manual.

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What’s included with the Thunder System?
Thunder Master Overview
The Thunder Master houses an audio mixer and audio processor, and it functions to feed audio through the system to the ePods. Its
easy-to-use input/output (I/0) panel includes a PC input to utilize Thunder Software. Valuable product features include:
1. Thunder Master Case:
Weather-resistant material
with acrylic door
2. System Mute and
Master Volume Control:
Controls volume of ePods
connected to the Master
3. Audio Mixer: Combines
audio input signals
4. Audio Processor: Controls
the audio signals’ paths
5. Feedback Suppressor:
Reduces and suppresses
microphone feedback
6. I/O Connection Panel:
Connection points for
ePods, microphones, CD,
MP3, PC, and external
mixer
7. Storage Drawer: Holds
extra accessories
8. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Allows battery backup upon loss of power and contains power On/Off button for
Thunder Master
9. Tow Bar: Allows individual or linked towing
10. Remote Cable Reel: Stores Remote cable bundle when not in use
11. Integrated Storage for Thunder Remote: Stores the Thunder Remote when not in use
12. Power Cable Reel: Stores Master’s power cable when not in use
13. Tires: Flat-free, non-marking
14. Master Deck: High ground clearance for rough terrains
15. Hitch Receiver: Allows linked towing
Figure 2: The eVenue Thunder Master functions to feed audio through the system.

eVenue Thunder 5
What’s included with the Thunder System?
Thunder Remote Overview
The Thunder Remote allows remote system control from up to hundreds of feet away from the rest of the system. Its controls and
connections are identical to the Thunder Master, but housed in a smaller footprint—ideal for press boxes or smaller work areas and
transportable with a tilt-and-roll case. When connected with the Thunder Master, it provides redundant audio lines for added
dependability. The eVenue Thunder Remote provides the following features:
1. Tilt-and-Roll Case: Small footprint and nests within
Thunder Master case for storage
2. Remote Volume Control: System volume knob that
controls volume of ePods connected to the Thunder
Remote
3. Master Volume Control: System volume knob that
controls the volume of the ePods connected to the
Thunder Master
4. Audio Mixer: Combines audio input signals
5. Feedback Suppressor: Reduces and suppresses
microphone feedback
6. Processor: Controls the audio signals’ paths
7. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Allows
battery backup upon loss of power and contains
power On/Off button for Thunder Remote
8. I/O Connection Panel: Connection points for ePods,
microphones, CD, MP3, PC, and external mixer
9. Retractable Handle: Handle extension to transport
tilt-and-roll case
10. Power Connection: 120 Volt 15 amp power
connection, (includes power cord)
Figure 3: The front of the eVenue Thunder Remote contains all of its controls.
Figure 4: The back of the eVenue Thunder Remote contains its connection panel and power
connection.

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What’s included with the Thunder System?
ePod Overview
eVenue’s ePods are portable, individually distinct speaker systems that allow adjustments for sound coverage and audio direction.
This method of sound distribution also minimizes sound from leaving the venue and polluting surrounding neighborhoods and
businesses. eVenue ePods can be linked together to cover large venues, or used separately to cover multiple events simultaneously.
Each ePod contains the following features:
1. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Housing:
Fully covers system electronics for weather-resistant
design
2. Upper Speaker Array: Elevates and directs audio over
obstructions
3. Actuator Lift Arm: Lifts the Upper Speaker Array
4. Lower Component Case: Houses subwoofer, power
supply, UPS, and motion control and safety system
5. Tow Bar:Allows individual or linked towing
6. Cradle: Secures the Upper Speaker Array for travel
7. ePod Deck: Lowers with deployment to reduce center of
gravity and enhance bass response
8. Tires:Flat-free, non-marking
9. Foot Brake: Secures the ePod for deployment
10. ePod Deck: Raises when Travel Ready to provide high
ground clearance
11. Power Switch and Power Conditioner: UPS On/Off button
and main system power
12. Motion Control System Status Panel: Displays motion
control and safety system status
13. I/O Connection Panel: Connection panel for motion control
system (Commando-e) remote and audio connections from
Thunder Remote, Thunder Master, or another ePod
14. Audio Cable Reel: Stores ePod’s audio cable when not in
use
15. Power Cable Reel: Stores ePod’s power cable when not in
use
16. Hitch Receiver: Allows linked towing
Figure 5: The deployed eVenue ePod allows adjustments for sound coverage and audio
direction.
Figure 6: The Travel Ready eVenue ePod can be towed to different locations.