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.

Apache User’s Guide 9
1. Look at the voltage selection switch (on the Apache side panel), and
verify that it is set correctly for your power source.
2. On the Apache front panel, make sure the power switch is off
(press “O”) and then connect an IEC power cord to the Power input
on the Apache back panel. Connect the other end of the power cord
to the appropriate power source.
3. On the Apache back panel, remove the protective plug from
each optical port you intend to use. Keep the plugs for later use
(to prevent dust from accumulating in any unused optical connectors).
4. Connect the desired optical cables to Apache’s optical inputs and
optical outputs. Be sure that you connect the outputs from other
devices to the Apache inputs, and that you connect the Apache
outputs to the inputs of other devices.
Note: The direction of an optical signal is easy to verify because
optical outputs emit red light. If an optical cable is emitting red light,
the cable is coming from an active output. The outputs use light-
emitting diodes (LEDs), not laser light, so their light is not dangerous.
5. If you intend to control Apache from a computer via MIDI, you must
also connect a MIDI cable from the computer’s MIDI OUT port to
Apache’s MIDI IN port. With this connection, you can control Apache
from the computer via MIDI System Exclusive messages. See “Remote
Control” later in this guide for more details.
6. If you want to use two or more Apaches at once, you need to decide
which Apache will be the master, and then connect the appropriate
MIDI ports to create a chain of Apaches. See “Cascading Apaches”
later in this guide for more details.
WARNING!
Before connecting a power cable to Apache, make sure the
voltage selection switch is set properly for your power source.

10 Apache User’s Guide
Apache Basics
An Apache input can be patched to any combination of Apache outputs
(all, some, one, or none of the outputs). An Apache output can be
patched from one input or from none of the inputs (in which case, the
output is inactive). You cannot patch multiple inputs to a single output.
Whenever Apache is powered up, a light on the front panel indicates its
current mode — Store, Recall, MIDI, Patch, or Status. Only one mode
is active at a time. Pressing a mode button activates the mode. You
can leave the current mode at any time by pressing a different mode
button.
The buttons on Apache’s front panel provide quick access to all the
Apache functions. These examples demonstrate Apache’s four basic
functions.
To create a patch from input 5 to output 2:
•Press the Patch button.
•Press Input button 5.
•Press Output button 2.
To see what input is patched to output 7:
•Press the Status button.
•Press Output button 7.
To save the current set of patches as preset 10:
•Press the Store button.
•Press Input button 10.
To recall the set of patches previously stored as preset 3:
•Press the Recall button.
•Press Input button 3.

Apache User’s Guide 11
Status Modes
There are two status modes — Scanning Status and Activity Status.
You can toggle between the two modes by pressing the Status button
while the Status light is on.
— Scanning Status —
In Scanning Status mode, Apache repeatedly scans through the
inputs from left to right (1, 2, 3, … , 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, … ), lighting
one input at a time while also lighting all the outputs that are currently
patched from that input.
While scanning through the inputs, Apache also provides information
about the input signal. If there’s no signal present at the input
connector, then the input light is dim in Scanning Status mode. If the
input signal is active, then the input light is bright. If the input signal is
in ADAT format, then the ADAT Optical light is also on.
You can temporarily pause Scanning Status mode by pressing an input
or output button to display its current patching (if any).
• Pressing an input button lights the input, and lights all outputs that
are patched from that input. If an input is not currently patched,
pressing the input button lights only that input (no outputs light).
• If the output is currently patched, pressing an output button lights the
output and its input, and lights all other outputs that are also patched
from that input. If the output is not currently patched, pressing an
output button lights only that output (no inputs or other outputs light).
After displaying the selected patch for a few seconds, Apache
automatically begins scanning again.

12 Apache User’s Guide
— Activity Status —
In this mode, the Apache input and output lights provide information
about signals on the corresponding optical input and output
connectors.
Activity Status mode indicates which connectors are in use, and which
ADAT connectors are being used for active audio. The input lights are
in one of three states:
Each output light simply shows the same information as the input from
which it is patched. If an output is not patched from any input, the
output light is off.
In Activity Status mode, you can press an input or output button to
display its current patching (if any).
• Pressing an input button lights the input, and lights all outputs that
are patched from that input. If an input is not currently patched,
pressing the input button lights only that input (no outputs light).
• If the output is currently patched, pressing an output button lights the
output and its input, and lights all other outputs that are also patched
from that input. If the output is not currently patched, pressing an
output button lights only that output (no inputs or other outputs light).
After displaying the selected patch for a few seconds, Apache
automatically returns to indicating the activity for all inputs and outputs
again.
off Indicates that there’s no signal present. Either nothing is
connected to the input, or the input is connected to an
inactive optical source.
on (dim) Indicates that a signal is present. It can be an 8-channel
ADAT-format signal whose audio channels are all quiet, or
a 2-channel TOSLINK-format signal.
on (bright) Indicates that an 8-channel ADAT-format signal is present,
with active audio (above -48dBFS) on some channel(s).

Apache User’s Guide 13
Patch Modes
Pressing the Patch button initiates Patch mode. You can leave Patch
mode at any time by pressing a different mode button (Status, for
example). When you press the Patch button, all the input and output
lights blink slowly, and you can then press an input or output button to
display its current patching (if any).
Pressing Patch and then an input button activates Input Patch mode.
Pressing Patch and then an output button activates Output Patch
mode. These two modes are useful for different purposes. You can
change Patch modes by pressing the Patch button again to restart
Patch mode selection.
— Input Patch —
In this mode, you press an input button to select the corresponding
input source, and then press output buttons to change which outputs
are patched from that input.
1. Press Patch and then the input you want to select. If you change your
mind, you can just press another input button to select a different
input.
The selected input blinks slowly, and Apache lights all outputs that are
currently patched from that input.
2. Press any output button to toggle its patch from the selected input
on/off. While the same input is selected, you can toggle any or all of
the outputs.
continued è

14 Apache User’s Guide
If you patch an input to an output that was originally patched from
another input, the new patch overwrites the original patch. Here are
two examples:
• Suppose input 1 is patched to output 4. If you then patch input 2 to
output 4, the patch from input 1 to output 4 is automatically
disconnected.
• Suppose input 1 is patched to outputs 4, 5, 6, 9. If you then patch
input 3 to output 5, the patch from input 1 to output 5 is automatically
disconnected, and the patches from input 1 to outputs 4, 6, 9 remain
intact.
If you don’t want to overwrite an existing patch, or any part of an
existing group of patches, you can save those patches as a preset
before you define any new patches. See “Store Mode” later in this
guide for more details about saving a preset.
— Output Patch —
In this mode, you press an output button to select it, and then press
an input button to change which input is patched to that output, or
to disconnect its patch.
1. Press Patch and then the output you want to select. If you change
your mind, you can just press another output button to select a
different output.
The selected output blinks slowly, and Apache lights the input (if any)
that is currently patched to that output. Apache also lights all other
outputs that are patched from that input.
2. To change which input is patched to the selected output, press an
unlit input button. Or, if you want to disconnect the patch, press the
lit input button to toggle it off.

Apache User’s Guide 15
Store Mode
Apache has 12 presets, which are saved sets of patches that you
can recall and change at any time. Apache comes preloaded with
12 default presets, but it’s easy to make your own presets to fit
your studio setup. To create a new preset:
1. Use Patch mode to create the set of patches that you want to
save as a preset.
2. Press the Store button.
The 12 input lights blink slowly, representing the 12 presets.
3. Press an input button to save all the current patches in that preset,
overwriting the set of patches previously stored in that preset.
The input button blinks briefly to indicate that the new preset is
stored. Then Apache automatically returns to the mode it was in
before you selected Store mode.
Note: If you mistakenly enter Store mode and don’t want to overwrite
any presets, you can leave the mode by pressing a different mode
button (Status or Patch, for example).
In addition to the 12 presets on Apache, you can save an unlimited
number of presets on your computer. See “Remote Control” later in
this guide for more details.
The 12 default presets are listed on the following pages. Here are
three examples to illustrate how the default presets could be used —
Example 1: Suppose you have four 24-channel devices:
• 02R mixer connected to Apache ports 1–3
• computer interface connected to Apache ports 4–6
• hard disk recorder connected to Apache ports 7–9
• three ADAT decks connected to Apache ports 10–12
Default preset 3 sends output from the hard disk recorder to all three
of the other devices, so you could mix it on the 02R, and/or record it on
the computer, and/or back it up on a set of ADAT tapes. Similarly, default
preset 2 sends output from the computer to the 02R, and the hard disk
recorder, and the ADAT decks.

16 Apache User’s Guide
Example 2: Suppose you have the same setup as in Example 1.
Default preset 9 lets you transfer audio between the computer and the
ADAT decks (Apache ports 4–6 and 10–12) while also mixing hard disk
material on the 02R (Apache ports 7–9 and 1–3). It’s like setting up your
studio to be two separate mini-studios for a while. Similarly, using the
same setup, default presets 8 and 10 create other pairs of mini-studios:
• default preset 8: 02R ncomputer, and hard disk nADAT decks
• default preset 9: 02R nhard disk, and computer nADAT decks
• default preset 10: 02R nADAT decks, and computer nhard disk
Example 3: Now suppose you have three 32-channel devices:
• Dakota/Montana PCI cards connected to Apache ports 1–4
• four Tango24 converters connected to Apache ports 5–8
• four ADAT decks connected to Apache ports 9–12
Default preset 12 sends output from the ADAT decks to Dakota/Montana,
and from Dakota/Montana to the Tango24 converters, and from the
Tango24 converters to the ADAT decks. Default preset 6 sends output
from the Tango24 converters to Dakota/Montana and to the ADAT decks.
— Default presets —
preset 1 1
1
2
2
3
3
1
4
2
5
3
6
1
7
2
8
3
9
1
10
2
11
3
12
default preset 1 distributes first set of 24 channels (inputs 1–3 across all outputs)
preset 2 4
1
5
2
6
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
4
7
5
8
6
9
4
10
5
11
6
12
default preset 2 distributes second set of 24 channels (inputs 4–6 across all outputs)
preset 3 7
1
8
2
9
3
7
4
8
5
9
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
7
10
8
11
9
12
default preset 3 distributes third set of 24 channels (inputs 7–9 across all outputs)
preset 4 10
1
11
2
12
3
10
4
11
5
12
6
10
7
11
8
12
9
10
10
11
11
12
12
default preset 4 distributes fourth set of 24 channels (inputs 10–12 across all outputs)

Apache User’s Guide 17
preset 8 4
1
5
2
6
3
1
4
2
5
3
6
10
7
11
8
12
9
7
10
8
11
9
12
default preset 8 swaps sets of 24 channels (1–3 with 4–6, and 7–9 with 10–12)
preset 9 7
1
8
2
9
3
10
4
11
5
12
6
1
7
2
8
3
9
4
10
5
11
6
12
default preset 9 swaps sets of 24 channels (1–3 with 7–9, and 4–6 with 10–12)
preset 10 10
1
11
2
12
3
7
4
8
5
9
6
4
7
5
8
6
9
1
10
2
11
3
12
default preset 10 swaps sets of 24 channels (1–3 with 10–12, and 4–6 with 7–9)
preset 11 5
1
6
2
7
3
8
4
9
5
10
6
11
7
12
8
1
9
2
10
3
11
4
12
default preset 11 routes sets of 32 channels
preset 12 9
1
10
2
11
3
12
4
1
5
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
6
10
7
11
8
12
default preset 12 routes sets of 32 channels
preset 5 1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
1
5
2
6
3
7
4
8
1
9
2
10
3
11
4
12
default preset 5 distributes first set of 32 channels (inputs 1–4 across all outputs)
preset 6 5
1
6
2
7
3
8
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
5
9
6
10
7
11
8
12
default preset 6 distributes second set of 32 channels (inputs 5–8 across all outputs)
preset 7 9
1
10
2
11
3
12
4
9
5
10
6
11
7
12
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
12
12
default preset 7 distributes third set of 32 channels (inputs 9–12 across all outputs)

18 Apache User’s Guide
Recall Mode
Any stored preset can be recalled at any time. When you recall
a preset, its set of patches becomes the current set of patches,
replacing any patches that were in effect.
To recall a preset:
1. Press the Recall button.
The 12 input lights blink slowly, representing the 12 presets.
2. Press an input button to recall the desired preset.
The input button blinks briefly to indicate that the preset is
recalled. Then Apache automatically returns to the mode you
were in before Store mode.
Note: If you mistakenly enter Recall mode and don’t want to recall a
preset, you can leave the mode by pressing a different mode button
(Status or Patch, for example).
MIDI Mode
The MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports on Apache can be used for either or
both of these two purposes —
• remote control of Apache via MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages
from a computer
• connecting multiple Apaches in a cascade configuration (to expand
your patchbay beyond 12 pairs of optical ports)
Regardless of whether you’re using remote control or a cascade
configuration (or both), pressing the MIDI mode button on any Apache
lets you see the current MIDI device ID for that Apache and whether
the Apache is receiving MIDI messages.