Frontier APACHE User manual

APACHE
User’s Guide
Apache, Dakota, Montana, and Tango24 are trademarks of
Frontier Design Group, LLC.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are
the property of their respective holders.
Copyright © 2002 Frontier Design Group, LLC
199 Heater Road • Lebanon, NH 03766 • 603-448-6283
All Rights Reserved

Contents
Introduction ....................................................1
About the Company ....................................2
Technical Support ........................................2
Safety Precautions........................................3
Maintenance and Protection ........................ 7
Installation...................................................... 8
Setting Up....................................................8
Apache Basics..............................................10
Status Modes................................................. 11
Scanning Status ........................................... 11
Activity Status .............................................12
Patch Modes .................................................13
Input Patch .................................................13
Output Patch ..............................................14
Store/Recall Modes.......................................15
Store Mode.................................................15
Recall Mode ...............................................18
MIDI Features ...............................................18
MIDI Mode ................................................18
Remote Control.........................................20
Cascading Apaches.....................................24
Reference......................................................32
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............32
Optical Signals ...........................................33
Troubleshooting ........................................34
Apache Specifications.................................36

Apache User’s Guide 1
Introduction
Apache™ is a 12-port optical patchbay that can send and receive
signals in either ADAT™ (8-channel) or TOSLINK™ (2-channel)
format. Each of Apache’s 12 optical inputs can be patched
independently to one or more of its 12 optical outputs, so you can
patch a signal from one device to another, or distribute a signal to
multiple devices.
The patching options can be controlled from Apache’s front panel or
from a computer that’s connected to the Apache MIDI IN port. Sets of
patches can be stored as presets which can then be recalled, allowing
you to quickly reconfigure your entire studio. Using presets, you can
completely repatch your optical signals with only two button presses.
— TERMINOLOGY —
Patch: A logical connection from an optical input to an optical
output. An Apache input can be patched to zero, one, several,
or all Apache outputs.
Preset: A set of patches that is stored in Apache's memory, and
can be recalled at any time.

2Apache User’s Guide
About the Company
Frontier Design Group develops, manufactures and sells digital audio
hardware and software. Our goal is to provide high-quality, high-value
tools to help our customers be more creative and productive.
We’re always interested in receiving your feedback on our products, as
well as your ideas for improvements and new products. You
can send email to [email protected] or write to us
at the address shown on the inside cover of this User’s Guide.
Technical Support
If you have any problems or questions that aren’t addressed in
this guide, there are three ways to get more help:
• Refer to our web site (www.frontierdesign.com) for information
on current revisions, answers to frequently asked questions,
troubleshooting procedures, and additional documentation.
The web site is available every day, 24 hours a day.
• Send specific questions via email to [email protected].
We’ll respond promptly (usually within one business day).
• You can call Frontier Design Group with your questions, at
1-800-928-3236 (outside the USA, call 603-448-6283).
Phone support is normally provided weekdays from 9:30 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m. EST.

Apache User’s Guide 3
Safety Precautions
WARNINGS
•Do NOT plug in, turn on or attempt to operate a unit that
is damaged.
•There are NO user-serviceable parts inside the unit.
NEVER remove the top cover or front panel. All servicing is
to be done ONLY by qualified service personnel at Frontier
Design Group.
•To prevent electrical shock, this unit MUST be connected
to a properly-grounded AC power outlet. Do not remove or
alter the grounding prong of the power cable. If you’re not
sure that your power outlet is properly grounded, have it
checked by a qualified electrician.
•Before connecting the power cable, make sure the voltage
selection switch (on the side panel) is set properly for
your power source.
•Do not permit fingers to touch the terminals of plugs when
installing or removing the power cable from the
AC outlet.
•To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose
this unit to rain or other moisture.
•Do not handle the power cable with wet hands.
•Do not pull on the power cable when disconnecting it from
an AC outlet. Grasp the plug casing rather than the cable.

4Apache User’s Guide
ADVERTENCIAS
• NO lo enchufe, encienda o intente operar una unidad que
esté dañada o averiada.
• NO hay piezas que puedan ser reparadas por el usuario dentro
de la unidad. NUNCA quite la tapa superior o panel frontal. Todo
servicio debe ser hecho SOLAMENTE por personal de servicio
capacitado de Frontier Design Group.
• Para evitar electrochoque o descarga eléctrica, esta
unidad DEBE estar conectada a un receptáculo de potencia
CA con buena conexión a tierra. No quite o altere la púa de
conexión a tierra en el cable de potencia. Si no está seguro
de que su receptáculo esté adecuadamente conectado a tierra,
haga que verifique esto un electricista capacitado.
• Antes de conectar al cable de potencia, asegúrese que
el interruptor de selección de voltaje (en el panel lateral)
esté fijado al voltaje apropiado para su fuente de poder.
• No permita que dedos toquen las púas de los enchufes cuando
esté instalando o quitando el cable de potencia
de la salida de energía CA.
• Para reducir el riesgo de incendio o electrochoque, no exponga
esta unidad a la lluvia u otro tipo de humedad.
• No manipule el cable de potencia con manos mojadas.
• No tire el cable de potencia para desconectarlo del
receptáculo CA. Agarre el enchufe en vez del cable.

Apache User’s Guide 5
AVERTISSEMENTS
• Ne PAS brancher, mettre en marche ni essayer de faire
fonctionner un dispositif endommagé.
• AUCUNE pièce à l’intérieur de ce dispositif ne peut être réparée
ou entretenue par l’utilisateur. Ne JAMAIS déposer le capot ou
le panneau avant. L’entretien ou les réparations NE doivent
être effectués QUE par le personnel d’entretien qualifié du
groupe Frontier Design.
• Afin d’éviter les chocs électriques, ce dispositif DOIT être
connecté à une prise de courant c.a. bien mise à la terre.
Ne pas enlever ou modifier la broche de terre du câble
d’alimentation. Si l’on n’est pas sûr que la prise d’alimentation
est bien mise à la terre, la faire vérifier par un électricien
qualifié.
• Avant de connecter le câble d’alimentation, s’assurer que
le sélecteur de tensio (sur le panneau latéral) est bien réglé
pour la source de courant.
• Ne pas toucher avec les doigts les broches des fiches,
quand on connecte ou déconnecte le câble d’alimentation
de la prise c.a.
• Pour réduire le risque d’incendie ou d’électrocution,
ne pas exposer le dispositif à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
• Ne pas manipuler le câble d’alimentation les mains mouillées.
• Ne pas tirer sur le câble d’alimentation quand on le déconnecte
de la prise c.a. Saisir la fiche plutôt que le câble.

6Apache User’s Guide
WARNUNG
• Beschädigte Geräte NICHT anschließen, NICHT einschalten
und NICHT den Versuch unternehmen, sie zu betreiben.
• Im Gerät befinden sich KEINE Teile, die vom Benutzer gewartet
werden können. Abdeckung und Frontplatte dürfen NIEMALS
entfernt werden. Jegliche Wartungen dürfen NUR von
qualifiziertem Servicepersonal der Frontier Design Group
durchgeführt werden.
• Zur Verhinderung von elektrischen Schlägen MUSS dieses Gerät
an einer ordnungsgemäß geerdeten Wechselstrom-Steckdose
angeschlossen werden. Die Erdungsklemme des Netzkabels darf
nicht entfernt oder verändert werden. Sollte Ungewissheit
darüber bestehen, ob die Steckdose ordnungsgemäß geerdet
ist, muss diese von einem qualifizierten Elektriker überprüft
werden.
• Vor Anschluss des Netzkabels ist sicherzustellen, dass der
Spannungswahlschalter (an der Seitenwand) korrekt auf Ihre
Stromversorgung eingestellt ist.
• Die Finger dürfen bei Verbinden bzw. Trennen des Netzkabels
von der Wechselstrom-Steckdose die Anschlusspole des
Steckers nicht berühren.
• Zur Verringerung des Risikos von Feuer oder elektrischem
Schlag darf diese Einheit weder Regen noch sonstiger
Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden.
• Netzkabel nicht mit nassen Händen berühren.
• Beim Trennen des Netzkabels von der Wechselstrom-Steckdose
nicht am Netzkabel selbst, sondern am Stecker ziehen.

Apache User’s Guide 7
Maintenance and Protection
Read instructions — Before using your Apache, please make sure
you’ve read all safety and operating instructions.
Retain instructions — Keep the User’s Guide and safety instructions
for future reference. If you ever have questions about Apache, send
them by email to [email protected].
Heed warnings and instructions — Follow all safety and operating
instructions carefully.
Protective plugs — To prevent dust from accumulating in the
connectors, keep the protective plastic plug inserted in each optical
port that is not currently in use.
Cleaning — Turn off and disconnect Apache before cleaning it. For
cleaning, use a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Power cord protection — Arrange all power cords so that they’re not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them.
Lightning — For added protection during lightning storms or
power surges, unplug Apache from the power outlet.
Damage requiring service by qualified technician:
• if the power supply cord or plug has been damaged
• if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the unit
• if the unit has been exposed to rain or other liquid
• if the unit has been dropped or its metal enclosure has been damaged
• if the unit does not operate as described in the User’s Guide
• if the unit exhibits a change in performance

8Apache User’s Guide
Installation
Setting Up
Apache is designed for mounting in a standard 19" rack. You can start
by mounting Apache in your rack and then connecting cables to it, but
it may be easier to pull your cables through an empty rack space and
connect them to Apache before you mount it in the rack.
All Apache cables connect to the back panel, shown here:
Most, but not all, lightpipe devices have an equal number of optical
inputs and outputs. It’s often convenient to use the same Apache input
and output numbers for each device, although it’s certainly not
required.
For example, if you have a 4-port computer interface (such as
the Dakota/Montana cards from Frontier Design Group), you
could connect the optical outputs from the cards to Apache
inputs 1, 2, 3, 4, and connect Apache outputs 1, 2, 3, 4 to the
optical inputs on the cards.
WARNING!
Never remove Apache’s top cover or front panel. It has
dangerous voltages inside. If your Apache doesn’t function
properly, refer to the troubleshooting section later in this
User’s Guide or contact Frontier Design Group for help.