Contemporary Research ICE-HE User manual

4355 Excel Pkwy, Suite 600, Addison, TX, 75001
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E-Mail: [e-mail] •Website: www.crwww.com
Product Manual
Ethernet Head-End Controller
Version 3.5 February 8, 2016

Contemporary Research 2ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Specifications...................................................................................................................................... 4
Physical ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Front Panel .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Control Connections.................................................................................................................................. 5
iCC-Net Connections ................................................................................................................................. 5
iCW-Net Connections ................................................................................................................................ 6
Power Connections ................................................................................................................................... 6
Includes................................................................................................................................................... 6
Installation –1-Way ........................................................................................................................... 7
Remote Control Connection....................................................................................................................... 7
RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation................................................................................................................. 7
AC Power and Net LED operation............................................................................................................... 7
I/O Port Connection.................................................................................................................................. 7
Installation –2-Way ........................................................................................................................... 8
RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation................................................................................................................. 8
Ethernet Setup .................................................................................................................................... 9
Ethernet Connection ................................................................................................................................. 9
Reset IP Address ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Changing the IP address via RS-232 .................................................................................................. 9
RS-232/Telnet HE Commands .......................................................................................................... 10
RS-232 ICC-Net Control Protocol...................................................................................................... 12
Overview ................................................................................................................................................12
Command String Structure .......................................................................................................................12
Command format ....................................................................................................................................12
RS-232 HE Commands ...................................................................................................................... 13
iC-Net SmartZones............................................................................................................................ 14
System Map....................................................................................................................................... 15
Typical RF and ICC-Net Signal Flow.................................................................................................. 16
Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................................... 17
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer ..................................................................................................... 18
RF Channel Frequencies.................................................................................................................... 19

Contemporary Research 3ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
Contemporary Research introduces a new solution for intelligent television control and distributed
media management, the ICE-HE Ethernet Head-End. Through a single Ethernet port, the ICE-HE can
network thousands of iC-Net TV controllers, communicating over the same CATV cable that carries the
media channels.
The industry-standard iC-Net protocol operates seamlessly over Ethernet networks, RS-232 control
ports, RF coax, Cat5 wiring, and fiber optic cables. Our Display Express software or custom control
systems can easily integrate all TV and video projectors across a facility or campus.
The ICE-HE typically distributes 1-way control over RF, operating in the gap between channels 4 and 5,
without interfering with any other channel. 2-way control is available for legacy systems.
Applications include educational television systems, presentation rooms, auditoriums, pay-per-view,
theme parks, museums and industrial video networks.
Connects to RS-232 or Ethernet network via 10/100baseT port using a static IP address
Networks with up to 4,000 TVs through in-house RF cable systems
Sends commands to individual devices, zones, or all units from a single RS-232 port
Interacts with CR Display Express software or custom control systems
Provides LED feedback for network, control, and operation status

Contemporary Research 4ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
Physical
Size: 19" [483mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 9" [229mm] deep
Weight: 3 lbs [1.36kg]
Enclosure: All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint
Mounting: Shelf or 19” equipment rack (mounting brackets included)
Front Panel
RF Out Adjust: Trims iCC-Net channel output, shipped set to +55 dBmV (max)
RS-232 TX LED: Yellow LED, lights when receiving RS-232 data on Remote Control RS-232 port
RS-232 TX LED: Yellow LED, lights when receiving RS-232 data on Remote Control RS-232 port
RS-232 DIP Switch:Sets RS-232 baud rate (9600 - 38.4K), 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Switch 1 selects high/low sensitivity for RF In signal
Switch 2 resets HE IP settings to default
Switches 6, 7, and 8 set RS-232 baud rate
*Default setting
Net LED: Green LED for iC-Net bus, flashes once per second if network is operating,
device numbers expected agree
The LED will flash twice per second if the number of present and expected
devices do not agree
COM LED: Yellow LED blinks when a valid command is received or system response sent
through the Remote Control RS-232 port
Error LED: Red LED indicates a problem within the unit
Reset/Default: White button sends press and release RS-232 response to PC software or control
system
Emergency: Red button sends press and release RS-232 response to PC software or control
system
Ethernet RX/TX: Yellow LEDs indicate Ethernet data send and receive
DIP
Off
On
1
RF In Low*
RF In High
2
*
Reset IP
3
4
5
6
Baud
7
Baud
8
Baud
Baud
6
7
8
38,400
ON
ON
ON
19,200*
OFF
ON
ON
9,600
ON
OFF
ON
4,800
OFF
OFF
ON
2,400
ON
ON
OFF
1,200
OFF
ON
OFF

Contemporary Research 5ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD 2
GND 5
TXD 3 9-pin D-sub
female
RS-232
Control Port
Control Connections
Ethernet: 10/100baseT RJ-45 jack, RCX/TX LEDs indicate Ethernet data send and receive
Left LED
Right LED
Indication
Off
Off
No link
Off
Solid Amber
100BASE-T Half Duplex link
Off
Blinking Amber
100BASE-T Half Duplex link, activity
Off
Solid Green
100BASE-T Full Duplex link
Off
Blinking Green
100BASE-T Full Duplex link, activity
Solid Amber
Off
10BASE-T Half Duplex link
Blinking Amber
Off
10BASE-T Half Duplex link, activity
Solid Green
Off
10BASE-T Full Duplex link
Blinking Green
Off
10BASE-T Full Duplex link, activity
Control RS-232: DB9 female, RS-232 data link to control system or PC
iC-Net RS-232: DB9 female, RS-232 data link to send iCW-Net over fiber or codec
I/O 1 & 2: 4-pin captive screw terminal for Input/Outputs 1 and 2
2 switch closures or inputs, max 50 mA, 24 VDC, switch to GND
1 –+12 VDC
2 –Output 2
3 –Output 1
4 –GND
I/O Applications: DC power –close pins 1 & 3 to provide DC on/off
Dry closure 2 –close pins 3 & 4 for dry contact to external power relay,
AMX PC1 or similar
Sense closure (3 & 4) on Input 1 –trigger control system to power off for all
rooms
iCC-Net Connections
RF In: ‘F’, female, 75 ohm impedance, RF and iCC-Net from CATV system
Data Receive: Carried over the same RF coax connection as TV channels
Return signal from system controllers
Sub-band, 5.6MHz, narrow-band signal below standard sub-band channels
-15 to +35 dBmV signal level (0 to +15 dBmV nominal)
RF Out: F’, female, 75 ohm impedance, RF to CATV distribution to controllers
Data Transmit: Mid-band VHF, 74.7 MHz, narrow-band signal between channels 4 and 5
± 80 KHz max carrier deviation
+55 dBmV maximum (default)

Contemporary Research 6ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
iCW-Net Connections (Legacy Systems)
iCW-Net 2, 3 RJ-45 female 8 pin Telco jack, supports 3300 ft [1 km] of wire
RS-422/485 type data requiring at least 2 twisted wire pairs with shield or fifth
conductor
iCW-Net 1: 6-pin captive-screw terminal for system wiring or use with RS-422/485-format
fiber or codecs
iC-Net Expand RJ-11 female 6-pin Telco jack
Recommended Wire: CAT5/CAT3 compatible unshielded, max 3,300 feet [1 Km] from Head End
Power Connections
Power In: 2.1mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive),
11 to 18 VDC, 12 VDC typical, 300 mA maximum (may be unregulated)
UL/CSA listed wall power supply (included for domestic 110 VAC/60 Hz
shipments only)
Includes
10 dB RF attenuator
12 VDC Power Supply

Contemporary Research 7ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
Remote Control Connection
Attach appropriate RS-232 cable to the Remote Control RS-232 port. See page 5 for RS-232
cable wiring diagram.
The default setting is 19.2K baud –see page 4 for DIP switch setting information. Do not change
for use with Display Express systems.
Alternatively, connect via Ethernet, setup instructions on page 9.
RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation
Connect an RF coax feed from RF Out to the system’s RF combiner, mixing the iCC-Net Out signal
with the other CATV channels. The iCC-Net Out channel operates at 74.7 MHz, in between cable
channels 4 and 5.
When combining the RF output with QMOD modulators, add the included 20 dB attenuator –this
will lower the output to match the QMOD’s 29 dB
Using an RF signal level meter, use the front panel RF Out adjustment counterclockwise to match
the other sources, attenuates the level by up to -10 dBmV.
Do not connect any feeds to RF In.
AC Power and Net LED operation
Insert DC power supply plug into the Power In jack.
Plug power adaptor into AC wall outlet, the front-panel LEDs should turn on momentarily.
If iC-Net communication is functioning, the Net LED will twice per second.
I/O Port Connection
1. A simple contact closure can be wired to I/O 1 or 2, a press or release can trigger events in the
PC or control system software.
2. In other applications, the I/O ports can act as closure outputs, activating an external power relay,
2x1 video switcher or other device.
3. You’ll have to choose application – the ports act as either an output or input, not both. See
Control Connections on page 5 for wiring and rating information.

Contemporary Research 8ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
RF Coax and iCC-Net Operation
1. Connect an RF coax feed from RF Out to the system’s RF combiner, mixing the iCC-Net Out signal
with the other CATV channels. The iCC-Net Out channel operates at 74.7 MHz, in between cable
channels 4 and 5.
2. When combining the RF output with QMOD modulators, add the included 20 dB attenuator –this
will lower the output to match the QMOD’s 29 dB. 10 dB attenuators are included for use in 45 dB
systems.
3. Using an RF signal level meter, use the front panel RF Out adjustment counterclockwise to match
the RF Out signal to the other CATV sources. Limit RF Out adjustment to -10 dB, using
attenuators to achieve a lower signal strength.
4. Add a Sub-CATV Diplexer after the CATV amplifier.
5. Connect the Sub-Channel output of the Diplexer to the HE RF In connection.

Contemporary Research 9ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
Ethernet Connection
The ICE-HE typically communicates over a network using a static IP address, and is shipped set to a
default address:
IP Address: 192.168.1.251
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway Address: 000.000.000.000
Odds are, at least the IP address will need to change when the ICE-HE is connected to the client’s
network. One your first steps will be to obtain a static address from the client’s IT department, as well
as an external gateway IP address if you intend on supporting the system from your office or anywhere
outside the site’s firewall.
Once you change the settings, create a label noting the settings and attach to the back of the ICE-HE.
Reset IP Address
If you change the default address and forget what it is later on, you can always reset the ICE-HE back
to the default settings using the unit’s front-panel DIP switch 2. While the power is on, flip the switch
off, then back on to reset the IP address. The IP and Subnet Mask will revert, the Gateway will stay at
its current setting.
Since its possible another network device is using the default IP address, the best approach is to enter
the new settings offline, outside the network –and you’ll need a static address approved by the IT
team.
Currently, we’ve removed the Java applet we used to use for Web page setup, and will be replacing
that with a simpler, Java-free Web page. Existing units will have the standard Home page and the Java
applet. But new versions of Java may not let you use the app.
For now, use a Terminal app to change the IP address over RS-232.
Changing the IP address via RS-232
You can communicate with the ICE-HE with a Terminal app. If you don’t have one, download Tera
Term, a free (and safe) app.
Settings are: 19200 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control
For Tera Term, you define the COM port then after you connect, go to Setup/Terminal to turn on
local echo, go to Setup/Serial to for port settings.
Use the IP command by itself to see current settings, and then enter the settings you need.
You could use Telnet, Port 2728 –but it’s easier to change the network settings without getting into the
network hassles in the first place.

Contemporary Research 10 ICE-HE Ethernet Head End
Command
Description
Commands shown in ASCII and end with carriage return
(Decimal 13, Hex $0D, or Enter key).
Response displays * character to signify end of characters, or time out if no characters are received
after 2 seconds.
Tip: Just hit Enter to repeat any Terminal command, ESC to clear or cancel current command
Echo Enable
EN
Enables character echo so you can see typed characters on screen. Or use the Terminal settings to
Local Echo.
Echo Disable
EF
Disables terminal character display (default).
Version
VE
ID
IB
Displays HE software version
Displays HE software version
Displays HE boot loader software version
Reset
Z!
Performs system reset.
Show Devices
SD
Displays list of 2-way devices stored in HE memory. List can be created by iC Commander software,
ABC-MRC software, or Scan and Build command below.
Example Response: Devs Present:
257-261
263
265-271*
Show Missing
SM
Displays list of missing 2-way devices (compared to HE memory list).
Example Response: Devs Missing:
262 -263
264*
Show Present
SP
Displays number of present devices and number of devices expected.
Example Response: Num Devs Present : 1
Num Devs Expected : 53*
Show Numbers
SN
Displays number of present devices and number of devices expected.
Example Response: SN 0001/0053*
Scan and Show
SZ
Scans iC-Net and displays list of all 2-way devices found (does not change HE memory).
Scan and Build
Z^
Scans iC-Net and saves list of all 2-way devices found into HE memory.
Show Log
L
Returns four hex bytes, separated by commas. If any of the bytes change as you repeat the
command, there is likely an error in return communication from iC-Net devices.
Clear Log
DL
Clears the L hex bytes to zero.
RF Receive Level
AR
Level RF Received (idle) background level, no units constantly transmitting
Example Responses:
AR RRRR/SSSS = Receive/Sensitivity levels
AR 0321/1337 = 0.321V “quiet” receive level, 1.337V high threshold
AR 0321/0693 = 0.321V “quiet” receive level, 0.693V low threshold
AR 2250/0693 = 2.251V constant transmit receive level, 0.693V low threshold
This command is used to check RF levels at 5.6MHz, compared to the current sensitivity level
setting (DIP Switch 1, page 4). Test the RF receive level a few times when the iC-Net units are not
transmitting, then again when one iC-Net unit is set to constantly transmit. The Sensitivity level
should fall about halfway between quiet and constant transmit RF levels.
RF Output
AO
Displays RF output level
Example Response: AO 5000* (Full Output)
DIP Setting
AS
Displays DIP switch setting in binary format
Example Response: AS 222* (Switches 1 and 6 off)