juicedLink Little DARling System User manual

Little DARling System User Manual
Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorder
Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorder with DARlink
DARlink Wireless Remote Control
© 2016 juicedLink, LLC Little DARling System User Manual
All Rig ts Reserved v1.03

1 Contents
Click on heading to jump to page …
“Read this First” and the “Quick Start Guide” are great places to begin ...
1 Contents..............................................................................
READ THIS FIRST................................................................4
.1 Introduction...............................................................................4
.1.1 Thank You!....................................................................................4
.1. How to Print/View This Document................................................4
.1.3 Document Notation Conventions..................................................5
. Warnings – General...................................................................5
3 Quick Start Guide................................................................6
3.1 Preparation and Card Hygiene..................................................6
3. Insert Battery, Card, Power On/Off, Attach Accessories.........7
3.3 Navigation of Menus.................................................................8
3.4 Basic Recording/Playback........................................................9
3.5 Wireless Remote Control........................................................11
4 Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorders.....................13
4.1 Part Number Key.....................................................................13
4.1.1 Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorder.................................13
4.1. Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorder with DARlink...........13
4. Compliance Statement............................................................13
4.3 Firmware Version....................................................................13
4.4 Control Descriptions...............................................................13
4.5 Theory of Operation................................................................14
4.5.1 Audio Signal Path........................................................................14
4.5.1.1 Microp one Input and Plug-in Power...................................................14
4.5.1.2 Preamplifier and Codec Input...............................................................14
4.5.1.3 Headp one Output...............................................................................14
4.5. Slate Tone...................................................................................14
4.5.3 Buzzer..........................................................................................15
4.5.4 Output..........................................................................................15
4.5.5 Recording....................................................................................15
4.5.5.1 Audio File.............................................................................................15
4.5.5.2 File Corruption Avoidance....................................................................16

4.5.5.3 System Actions During Record.............................................................16
4.6 Other Operational Items.........................................................17
4.6.1 Microphone Selection and Performance....................................17
4.6. Batteries and Battery Life..........................................................17
5 DARlink Hand-held Remote Control Transmitters............19
5.1 Part Number Key.....................................................................19
5.1.1 RX01 Compatible.........................................................................19
6 Advanced Topics............................................................... 0
6.1 Use of Config Files.................................................................. 0
6.1.1 General........................................................................................ 0
6.1. Command List - General.............................................................. 0
6.1.3 Command List - DARlink.............................................................. 1
6.1.4 Example....................................................................................... 3
6. DARlink Multi-Recorder and Multi-Camera Production Flow. 3
6. .1 Config File / Transmitter Button Strategy Overview.................. 3
6. . Slate Strategy Overview............................................................. 6
6. .3 Slating a Camera Without a Camera DAR................................... 9
7 Appendix............................................................................30
7.1 Subscribe to the juicedLink Blog............................................30
7. Pretested Approved list of microSD Cards............................30
7.3 Transmitter DIP Switch Map...................................................30
7.3.1 Left Display Settings for Transmitter Switches 1-5...................31
7.3. Right Display Settings for Transmitter Switches 6-0.................3
7.3.3 Display Setting to Ignore DIP Settings (not recommended)......33
7.3.4 Examples.....................................................................................33
7.4 Firmware Update Procedure...................................................34

READ THIS FIRST
.1 Introduction
2.1.1 Thank You!
Congratulations on your new Little DARling! I ave so muc fun bringing you t ese
unique juicedLink products, so I t ank you for your support! In addition to t e
products, I really enjoy s aring my experience, and teac ing t e community about
t e best practices for ac ieving great audio on a budget. So, make sure you
subscribe to t e juicedLink Blog. In addition to getting notified on updates to our
Audio University series and Free Field Guide to Audio Production eBook, you'll get
notified on any firmware updates for t e Little DARling and ot er new product
introductions.
Before operating t e unit, please read t is manual t oroug ly. If you need any
clarification of w at is presented in t e manual, t en please don't esitate to Contact
me for assistance.
- Robert from juicedLink
2.1.2 How to Print/View This Document
Many PDF type documents are very difficult to read in t e field on t e small screens
of smart p ones, requiring t e user to zoom in and scroll rig t and left to read eac
line in a paragrap . T e font size and margin in t is document were selected as t e
best option for viewing on a variety of screen sizes, from desktops down to smart
p ones. Here are recommended viewing configurations:
•Desktop/Laptop: Adobe Reader set to VIEW > PAGE DISPLAY > TWO PAGE
VIEW
•Tablet: Hold tablet in vertical orientation.
•Smart P one: Hold p one in orizontal orientation.
T e margins are very small in order to fit t e text to t e entire page widt . So, to
print t is document, you will need to use page scaling, and fit t e document to t e
printable area. A better option is to use t e page scaling option, select multiple
pages per s eet, and specify 2 s eets per page. T is will print wit a readable font,
and more information wit less page flipping.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 4 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

2.1.3 Document Notation Conventions
•References to markings/labels on t e unit are denoted in underline/bold.
•Example: M C N
•References to c aracters on t e display will use a 7-segment font.
•Example: P represents t e c aracter “P” displayed for “play”.
•Commands used in t e Config File will be represented in t e font Courier.
•Warnings will be preceded wit WARNING
•Hyperlinks are used to navigate wit in t e document and to link to external web
pages.
•For example, CONTENTS brings you back to t e document Table of
Contents, and juicedLink links to t e juicedLink website.
•Some sections may ave aids to elp understand t e material, suc as
overview figures or links to external tutorial videos.
Direction to t e aids (videos, figures, etc) will be enclosed in a box like t is.
. Warnings – General
WARNING: Failure to read and observe notes and warnings may result in personal
injury, and/or possible damage to t is device and your ot er equipment.
WARNING - LOSS OF HEARING: T is device, as well as any device wit a
eadp one amplifier, is capable of driving t e signal at levels t at can be damaging
to earing. Always operate t e eadp one volume at t e lowest practical level. Do
not wear t e eadp ones over your ears in any of t e following circumstances:
•W ile plugging t e eadp ones into t e eadp one driving device.
•W ile plugging a microp one or ot er source into t e device input.
•W ile turning on or off t e device.
WARNING - RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK: T is device, its enclosure, and t e
connections to cable s ields t at plug into t is device are conductive. Avoid
electrocution and observe caution wit cable runs near areas w ere ig -voltages
and/or currents may exist.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 5 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

3 Quick Start Guide
T is section is a quick outline of t e steps needed to get up and running. T ere will
be links to ot er sections in t e document and/or tutorial videos, to provide furt er
detail and direct to more advanced features beyond t e scope of t e Quick Start
Guide.
3.1 Preparation and Card Hygiene
Watc a tutorial video covering t e following steps
1 Subscribe to the juicedLink Blog – Subscribe to t e juicedLink Blog to get
notified on any future updates to t e firmware or config files.
2 Download Required / Optional Files
•Visit t e Little DARling Downloads page on t e juicedLink website.
•Download t e required firmware bootimg.bin file.
•Download t e optional configuration file example config.ini.
•For more on t e use of configuration files, see Use of Config Files in
Advanced Topics.
3 Pretested Approved List of microSD Cards – Select a card from t e
Pretested Approved list of microSD Cards.
4 Download / nstall the SD Association Card Formatter – Download SD
Formatter for PC/MAC from t e SD Association website.
5 Download Previously Recorded Audio Files to your Computer –
Assuming t at ave already used t e card for a DAR recording, now it t e
time to download t e recordings to your computer.
6 Use SD Association Formatter to Format Card -
•Use t e standard option settings (Format type – Quick, Size Adjustment –
off).
•TH S MUST BE DONE EVERY T ME PR OR TO NSERT NG THE SD
CARD. So, after you ave finis ed a day of recording, you will download
your recordings to your computer. T en, you will format t e SD card
again. See “Time-Saving Tip”, below, on ow to do t is efficiently wit
multiple DARs / cards.
7 Copy Files to microSD Card – It is re uired that the bootimg.bin file is pre-
loaded on the microSD card for the unit to boot up and operate. Config files
are optional and not re uired.
8 Time-Saving Tip - I use multiple DARs simultaneously. Also, I do not use
Questions? Contact juicedLink 6 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

t e same configuration file for eac DAR, since eac is dedicated to a
specific purpose (discussion of config file contents is beyond t e scope of
t is section). As an example of my production flow, let's say I am using 8
DARs.
•I will label eac unit DAR1, DAR2 … DAR8.
•I will also ave a folder on my computer for eac DAR.
•Eac folder is labeled DAR1, DAR2 … DAR8.
•Eac folder will contain:
•bootimg.bin
•A config.ini tailored to t e needs of t e specific DAR
•For example, I will ave t e config file specify a recorded
filename wit some indication of t e DAR (eg. DAR1,
DAR2, etc.)
•Also, w ere wireless DARlink is being used, I will ave t e
DARs being worn by t e talent deactivate t e buzzer, w ile
t e DAR used wit t e camera enables t e buzzer.
•At t e end of a day of recording, I will insert t e card (say, for DAR1) into
t e computer, t en:
•Download t e recorded audio files to my computer.
•Use t e SD Association Formatter
•Copy/Paste t e contents of t e DAR1 folder (bootimg.bin, config.ini)
to t e root directory of t e card t at will t en get inserted into DAR1
3. Insert Battery, Card, Power On/Off, Attach Accessories
Watc a tutorial video covering t e following steps
9 Open Battery/microSD Cover – Twist t e t umbscrew counterclockwise to
loosen, and remove t e cover.
10 nsert microSD card – First, make sure every step as been followed to
prepare t e SD card in t e Preparation and Card Hygiene section. Insert t e
microSD card wit bootimg.bin and any config files t at you wis to use into
t e microSD slot in t e orientation wit t e microSD electrical contacts
facing t e surface of t e printed circuit board. Pus it in all of t e way until it
clicks.
11 nsert AA battery – As a distributed audio recorder, you will not be wit in
eyesig t of t e recorder to c eck t e battery level. So, it's recommended to
always begin operation wit a fres battery. T e bottom of t e battery older
Questions? Contact juicedLink 7 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

as “+” and “-” indicators. Insert a single AA battery into t e battery older
wit t e proper orientation. For more information about powering t e device
including battery types and battery life estimates, please jump to t e
Batteries and Battery Life section.
12 Close Battery/microSD Cover – Place t e cover over t e battery, and
position t e alignment pin and ole. Make sure t e plastic tab as been
tucked inside t e enclosure to cover t e microSD slot. Twist t e
t umbscrew clockwise to secure t e cover.
13 Power On – T e PWR/STOP (middle) buttons is recessed, and will require a
pointed object (t e tip of your microp ones 3.5mm miniplug connector can
be used) to engage. T e button is recessed for operations t at must not be
accidentally interrupted (suc as stopping t e recording) w ile in t e pocket
of your talent. Press t e PWR/STOP (middle) button to power on t e device.
Once powered, t e display will
•Rotating effects until it boots
•c followed by a number will briefly be displayed. T is indicates t e
number of line-items t at ave been read from a config file.
14 Power OFF – Hold down t e PWR/STOP (middle) button for 3 seconds, and
t e unit will power down.
15 Mounting DB002 Belt Clip – T e enclosure as 2 mounting t readed
oles/PEMs for attac ing accessories. Attac ing t e DB002 belt clip is not
intuitive. Please see t e video on t e DB002 product page.
3.3 Navigation of Menus
Watc a tutorial video covering t e following steps
16 Get Familiar with Menus – Pressing t e UP (rig t) and DOWN (left) buttons
will cycle t roug t e menu. Holding one of t e buttons will scan quickly
t roug t e menu.
16.1 g = gain of codec amplifier
16.2 r = record
16.3 P = Play
16.4 h = headphone volume control.
16.5 S = Storage: Amount of storage left on microSD card
16.6 b = battery: Relative battery voltage.
16.7 c = configuration: Number of line items t at ave been read from a
config file.
16.8 t = transmitter decode switch settings : DARlink wireless
Questions? Contact juicedLink 8 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

enabled units only.
16.9 F = Firmware: Displays t e Firmware Version
17 Selecting a Menu tem – Pressing bot t e UP and DOWN buttons
simultaneously will select t at menu item for execution or manipulation of t e
parameters. Pressing bot t e UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously again
will exit t at menu item, and return to t e main menu.
18 Check Storage Availability – Select S, and a number from 0-9 will be
displayed indicating t e % of memory available on t e microSD card.
19 Check Battery Level – Select b, and a number from 0-9 will be displayed
indicating t e relative battery strengt . For more information about powering
t e device including assigning t e battery type used, battery life estimates,
and t e limitations in t e accuracy of t e meter, please jump to t e Batteries
and Battery Life section.
20 Number of line items read in config.ini – Select c, and a number from 0-9
will be displayed indicating t e number of line items read from t e config.ini
file.
21 Check Firmware Version – Select F. A sequence of 4 numbers will be
displayed to represent t e firmware version for eac element, and t e
buttons will cycle t roug t e different elements.
•Fd represents t e DSP bootimg.bin firmware
•FS represents t e Supervisor firmware
•Ft represents t e transmitter decode firmware
•T e current version numbers are recorded in t e Firmware Version
section.
3.4 Basic Recording/Playback
Watc a tutorial video covering t e following steps
22 Connect a Microphone – T e input is a 3.5mm locking TRS (tip/ring/sleeve)
jack. Plug-in power (w ic is not t e same as p antom power) is provided
on t e tip and ring for electret elements common in lavalier mics. T e audio
feeding t e preamp is taken from t e tip. T e preamp t en feeds 2 c annels
of t e codec recording 2 files (t e second recorded at a lower level as a
safety track, in case t e main recording gets blown out).
23 Mic selection and proper use - Lav mic selection (polar pattern and signal-
to-noise performance) as well as proper microp one placement will effect
t e recording quality of your talent. T is is beyond t e scope of t e Quick
Start Guide, but more information can be found in t e free juicedLink Field
Questions? Contact juicedLink 9 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

Guide to Audio Production. T ere, you will learn t e “SANASENECYA”
tec niques for ac ieving excellent audio, even on a budget.
24 Adjust the Gain using Meter as guide – Entering t e g menu allows for
adjustment of t e codec audio gain, and t e signal level meter is displayed
on t e rig t display. You will want to adjust t e gain so t e peaks splas up
to t e C on t e display.
25 Check Audio Quality with Headphones – T e meter provides an indication
as to t e signal level, but it does not provide any indication as to t e quality
of t e audio signal. For instance, you may be experiencing a lot of wind
noise, but you would not know t is by observing t e meter only. So, you will
plug eadp ones into t e eadp one jack. Going to t e h menu allows for
adjustment of t e eadp one volume. T e eadp one signal is present in
t e left earcup. T e rig t output is used for a slate tone initiated from a
DARlink wireless remote.
26 Start a Recording – Entering t e r menu starts a recording. T e display
t e recording number and t en will go blank, wit t e exception of a blinking
decimal point indicating recording in progress. W ile recording, t e UP and
DOWN buttons will lock to prevent undesired c anges to settings w ile on
your talent. Also, t e eadp one out will mute. T e only signal present at
t e output jack will be t e slate signal initiated by a DARlink wireless remote.
26.1 Adjustments During Recording – Alt oug t e eadp one is
muted and bot t e UP and DOWN buttons are disabled during a
recording event, t e unit can be put into a temporary state to monitor
and adjust limited audio parameters w ile recording, wit out aving
to completely stop a recording.
•Press bot t e UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously, and t e
bot
• decimal points will start blinking rapidly. You t en ave 5
seconds to press t e recessed PWR/STOP button (t e tip of
your microp ones 3.5mm miniplug connector can be used).
◦T e Storage amount remaining indicator will be displayed for
~2sec.
◦T e battery indicator will be displayed for ~2sec.
◦T e gain menu and meter will be displayed and t e
eadp one un-muted. You ave ~60sec to make your
desired gain adjustments, before t e eadp one mutes and
t e UP and DOWN buttons become inactive, as it returns to
t e normal recording state.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 10 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

27 Stop Recording – Press t e recessed PWR/STOP button to stop t e
recording (t e tip of your microp ones 3.5mm miniplug connector can be
used). T e recording number will be displayed, before going back up to t e
top level menu directory.
28 Playback a Recording – Enter t e P menu to playback recordings. Hitting
t e DOWN button will rewind t e current file to t e beginning. Hitting t e
DOWN button again will jump to t e beginning of t e previous file. Hitting
t e UP button will jump to t e beginning of t e next file.
29 Power Off – Press and old t e recessed PWR/STOP button for ~3sec to
power off t e unit (t e tip of your microp ones 3.5mm miniplug connector
can be used).
30 Save recorded file to your computer – Remove t e microSD card from
t e DAR, and insert it into your computer. Follow t e Time-Saving Tip in t e
Preparation and Card Hygiene section for quickly formatting and copying
required files to t e cards for multiple DARs.
3.5 Wireless Remote Control
Watc a tutorial video covering t e following steps
31 Equipment – T is section requires a Little DARling Distributed Audio
Recorder wit DARlink, and a DARlink Hand- eld Remote Control
Transmitters. A single transmitter can control multiple DAR recorder units.
32 Match the Transmitter D P switch settings – On t e transmitter, select a
sequence of DIP switc es as t e scramble key (you can do t is at random, if
you are only using a single transmitter in your kit). T e Transmitter DIP
Switc Map section s ows t e location of t e switc es, and w at t ose
settings will correspond to for setting on t e DAR. On t e DAR, enter t e t
menu, and matc t e settings you selected.
33 Start a recording – Hitting t e REC button will remotely commence
recordings on t e target DARs. T is can be enabled/disabled by t e t e
Use of Config Files. TIP: W en using multiple DARs, it is convenient to be
able to start t em all at once, so I keep t is enabled. Note, t is s ould not
be used to align recordings, and t e slate tone s ould be used instead.
34 Slate a recording – Hitting one of t e numbered buttons will remotely
activate a slate signal recorded in t e target DARs. A number of slate
parameters for eac button can be customized by t e Use of Config Files.
35 Send slate to a camera – T e slate signal is also present at t e output jack,
w ic can be connected to t e mic input on a camera and recorded by its
Questions? Contact juicedLink 11 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

audio.
36 Stop a recording - Hitting t e STOP button will remotely terminate
recordings on t e target DARs. T is can be enabled/disabled by t e t e
Use of Config Files. TIP: I disable t is, so I can't accidentally stop t e DAR
recordings from t e remote control.
37 Advanced Topics – Beyond t e scope of t e Quick Start Guide, t e
DARlink Multi-Recorder and Multi-Camera Production Flow section will
explain ow t e slate can be used as a tool to elp align all of t ese clips,
and also explain ow t e range of t e wireless system is not critical in t is
flow.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 12 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

4 Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorders
4.1 Part Number Key
T is revision of t e User Manual was written for t e following part numbers:
4.1.1 Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorder
•DAR123
4.1.2 Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorder with DARlink
•DAR124RX01
4. Compliance Statement
T is device complies wit part 15 of t e FCC Rules. Operation is subject to t e
following two conditions:
1. T is device may not cause armful interference, and
2. T is device must accept any interference received, including interference t at
may cause undesired operation.
4.3 Firmware Version
T e version of firmware running on t e Little DARling can be obtained by viewing
t e F menu. T is User Manual was written for t e following revisions:
•DSP (bootimg.bin file)
◦3658 – Initial Release
•Supervisor
◦3636 – Initial Release
•Wireless-RX
◦3643 – Initial Release
T e latest version of t is User Manual document, and t e latest versions of
firmware, can be obtained from t e Little DARling Downloads page. T e appendix
contains t e Firmware Update Procedure.
4.4 Control Descriptions
Most of t e control and user interface descriptions ave already been covered in t e
Quick Start Guide and videos. T e Navigation of Menus section and video covers
Questions? Contact juicedLink 13 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

t e front panel buttons, display, and menu system. T e available commands for t e
configuration file are described in t e Use of Config Files section.
4.5 Theory of Operation
4.5.1 Audio Signal Path
4.5.1.1 Microphone nput and Plug-in Power
T e input is a 3.5mm locking TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) jack. Plug-in power (w ic is not
t e same as p antom power) at 3V is provided on t e tip and ring for electret
elements common in lavaliere mics. T e audio feeding t e low-noise preamp input
is taken from t e connector tip.
4.5.1.2 Preamplifier and Codec nput
Audio from t e microp one connector tip feeds t e input of t e low-noise
preamplifier. T e output of t e low-noise preamp is t en split into two signals. One
signal feeds input c annel of t e codec directly. T e ot er signal is sent t roug an
attenuator and feeds a second c annel of t e codec. T is provides for a second
track recorded at a safe lower level, in t e event t at t e main c annel gets blown
out (per aps, by a loud signal event, suc as your talent screaming).
4.5.1.3 Headphone Output
T e left c annel of t e output connector contains t e eadp one signal coming from
t e codec eadp one amplifier. T e eadp one mutes w en a recording is started.
For more details, see t e System Actions During Record section.
4.5.2 Slate Tone
For a Little DARling wit DARlink receiver, a slate tone can be generated by t e
DAR, initiated by a DARlink wireless transmitter. T e tone is capacitively injected at
t e low-noise preamplifier output, passively mixing wit t e preamplifier output
signal. T e tone is also buffered and capacitively coupled to t e rig t output, so a
DAR could be used wit a camera microp one input to inject a slate tone into t e
camera's audio recording. T e buttons on t e DARlink transmitter can be
customized to control t e duration of t e tone and t e number of tone impulses per
event, as described in t e Use of Config Files section.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 14 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

4.5.3 Buzzer
For a Little DARling wit DARlink receiver, a buzzer can sound w en a wireless
command is received. T is can be enabled/disabled as described in t e Use of
Config Files section.
4.5.4 Output
T e output connector is a 3.5mm locking TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) jack. T e left
c annel as t e eadp one signal. T e eadp one mutes w en a recording is
started. T e eadp one can be temporarily enabled and gain adjusted w ile
recording, before being forced into mute again. For more details, see t e System
Actions During Record section.
For a Little DARling wit DARlink receiver, t e rig t c annel as a signal from t e
slate tone generator, initiated by a DARlink wireless transmitter. So, a DAR could
be used wit a camera microp one input to inject a slate tone into t e camera's
audio recording.
4.5.5 Recording
4.5.5.1 Audio File
T e audio file saved contains 2 c annels of audio. T e first track contains t e main
signal, and t e second track contains t e backup track recorded at a safe lower
level, in t e event t at t e main c annel gets blown out (per aps, by a loud signal
event, suc as your talent screaming).
T e file name can be specified by t e Use of Config Files. T e recording media is
inserted into a microSD slot. Select a card from t e Pretested Approved list of
microSD Cards.
T e file extension is .WAV. Eac individual track is 16b/48KHz. Acknowledging t at
marketing of audio recorders as pus ed ig er sample rates on consumers, we
base t is specification on t e Meyer/Moran paper publis ed by t e Audio
Engineering Society t at demonstrates t at umans can not perceive t e difference
between CD quality (16b/44.1KHz) and ig er bit rates (suc as w at is used wit
SACD or DVD-A). As an example, even t e ig est quality lav microp one (w ic
may, at best, provide 70dB SNR for a lav wit an unrealistically ig 1Pa signal
input) can not come close to utilizing t e 144dB of dynamic range from even an
ideal 24bit A/D, and is serviced wit plenty of margin by 16bits. Over-designing a
system (beyond w at umans can perceive) as consequences for ot er system
Questions? Contact juicedLink 15 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

parameters, suc as battery life, file size, and SD card selection.
Alt oug t is format can accommodate 2GB file sizes (~ 3 rs of recording before
t e next recording file starts), we ave c osen to make t e file lengt correspond to
approximately 1 our before t e next recording file starts. It makes it convenient to
ave t e sequence of files organized in ours. As an example of card capacity, an
8GB card can ave about a 12 our recording time.
4.5.5.2 File Corruption Avoidance
If a recording is terminated wit out properly closing down t e file on t e SD card (for
instance, running out of room on t e SD card, or a power failure), t en it can
become corrupted. Alt oug some tec niques can sometimes recover corrupted
files, it is better to avoid t is situation in t e first place. T ere are a number of
tec niques and options for t e DAR:
•Stop recording w en battery or space on card becomes low
◦T is is enabled by default. T e disadvantage is t at t e recording will stop
w ile t ere is still some useful battery or memory left.
•Sequential 10 minute recordings
◦T is is an option t at can be specified by t e Use of Config Files. T e
advantage ere is t at recording will run rig t up until t e end of useful
battery and memory. T e disadvantage is t at t ere will be a sequence of
numerous 10min recordings t at will ave to be managed.
•W en battery or space on card becomes low, t en switc over to 10min
recordings.
◦T is is an option t at can be specified by t e Use of Config Files. T e
advantage ere is t at recording will run rig t up until t e end of useful
battery and memory, wit a minimal number of files.
4.5.5.3 System Actions During Record
W en a recording starts, t e display will go blank wit t e exception of a blinking
decimal point indicating recording in progress, and t e UP and DOWN buttons will
lock to prevent undesired c anges to settings w ile t e DAR is on your talent. Also,
t e eadp one out will mute, so t e only signal present at t e output jack will be t e
slate signal initiated by a DARlink wireless remote.
Alt oug t e eadp one is muted and bot t e UP and DOWN buttons are disabled
during a recording event, t e unit can be put into a temporary state to c eck and
adjust limited audio parameters, wit out aving to completely stop a recording. T is
Questions? Contact juicedLink 16 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

is described in t e Basic Recording/Playback section. T is temporary state will
timeout, and return to mute t e eadp ones and disable t e UP and DOWN
buttons.
4.6 Other Operational Items
4.6.1 Microphone Selection and Performance
Lav mic selection (polar pattern and signal-to-noise performance) as well as proper
microp one placement will effect t e recording quality of your talent. T is is beyond
t e scope of t is User Manual, but more information can be found in t e free
juicedLink Field Guide to Audio Production. T ere, you will learn t e
“SANASENECYA” tec niques for ac ieving excellent audio, even on a budget.
T e SNR of t e c osen lav mic will set t e SNR performance of t e system. As an
example, a typical upgrade people do wit t eir Senn eiser wireless systems is to
replace t e Senn eiser ME2 (t e lav t at comes wit t e Senn system) wit t e
Sanken COS-11D, w ic as better SNR performance.
4.6.2 Batteries and Battery Life
Battery life discussed in t is section are from typical measurements. Results may
vary for any number of reasons.
T e unit requires a single AA battery for power. Illustration 1 s ows t e battery life
for various battery types (alkaline, lit ium, NiMH rec argeable, NiCD rec argeable)
in a Little DARling wit DARlink. T e units recorded until t e battery could no longer
keep t e unit operational (alkaline ~ 12 rs, NiMH ~ 12 rs, Lit ium ~ 20 rs, NiCD ~
6 rs). So, t is s ows t at a full production day can easily be covered by a standard
alkaline battery, or common NiMH rec argeable battery. Use of an expensive
lit ium battery is not necessary.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 17 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

T e type of battery c emistry used can be specified by t e following procedure:
•Navigate to t e b menu. T is will s ow a value from 0-9, corresponding to t e
relative battery level.
•Press bot t e UP and DOWN buttons.
•Navigate t roug t e menu to see t e available batteries t at can be selected
(by, again pressing bot t e UP and DOWN buttons). T e batteries t at can be
selected and t eir corresponding voltage levels are:
◦A = Alkaline (1.02V - 1.525V)
◦H = NiMH (1.16V - 1.36V)
◦C = NiCD (1.16V - 1.3V)
◦L = Lit ium (1.24V – 1.46V)
T is will set t e voltage t res old to be used in t e decision logic for w en to
s utdown t e unit for File Corruption Avoidance. It also sets calibrates t e battery
battery indicator in t e b menu. Illustration 1 also s ows t e limitation in t e
accuracy of t e battery indicator, as a number of t e plots s ow ow t e battery
voltage flattens over a significant duration of its disc arge. So, for t ose batteries,
t e voltage measurement is not a great indicator of t e amount of battery life
remaining.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 18 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual
Illustration 1: Battery Life Plots

5 DARlink Hand-held Remote Control Transmitters
5.1 Part Number Key
5.1.1 RX01 Compatible
•DAR-CMD-HHLR-433-MD
◦T is is a Linx Tec nologies CMD-HHLR-433-MD.
◦Linx Tec nologies as obtained US FCC Part 15, Industry Canada, and
European CE compliance.
▪Link to Linx CMD-HHLR-433-MD User Manual
◦W en purc ased from juicedLink, it s ips wit an extra label t at can affix
over t e front panel buttons (for Rec, Stop, Slate-1, Slate-2, Slate-3, Slate-4,
Slate-5, Slate-6).
•Compatible Transmitters
◦Linx Tec nologies CMD-HHLR-433-MD
◦Linx Tec nologies CMD-HHCP-433-MD
Questions? Contact juicedLink 19 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual

6 Advanced Topics
6.1 Use of Config Files
6.1.1 General
It is re uired that the bootimg.bin file is pre-loaded on the microSD card for the unit
to boot up and operate. Config files are optional and not re uired.
T e config.ini file is a .txt file wit a .ini extension. It can be edited wit Notepad in
Windows, or TextEdit on Mac.
In t e field, it is andy to be able to view t e contents of t e Config File for t e
various DARs you use. You can copy it to your smart p one a variety of ways.
Probably, t e easiest met od is to email it to yourself.
6.1.2 Command List - General
Command Description
#Comment c aracter. Use at beginning of line. T e text
following t is c aracter is ignored.
10MIN_STITCH = 0
1
- OFF
- ON
Default:
10MIN_STITCH = 0
File Corruption Avoidance using sequential 10 minute
recordings, up until t e battery dies or t e SD card fills up.
TIP: I typically do not use t is.
10MIN_SAFETY = 0
1
- OFF
- ON
Default:
10MIN_SAFETY = 0
File Corruption Avoidance, switc ing over to sequential 10
minute recordings w en t e battery is low or t e card is
nearly full, up until t e battery dies or t e SD card fills up.
Questions? Contact juicedLink 20 - jump to CONTENTS Little DARling System User Manual