LAWO zirkon User manual
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© Lawo AG, 2002, 2003
Contents
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Contents
CONTENTS 3
PREFACE 5
Manual Structure 5
Typographical Markers 6
Conventions of the Notes 7
WARNING NOTES 9
INTRODUCTION: THE ZIRKON SYSTEM 11
Features of the zirkon system 11
Components of the zirkon system 1
System block diagramme 13
CONTRO E EMENTS, WHAT IS WHERE? 15
Channel module 15
Central module 17
OPERATING CONCEPT 19
Basic operating concept 19
Channel module 19
Central module 20
Assigning a channel strip with sources 1
Summing bus assignment
Audiocontrol 3
Pre-amplification (GAIN) mono sources 24
Pre-amplif ing (GAIN) line sources stereo in general 26
Equalizer 26
D namics section (d n) 28
Limiter (lim) 31
Storing of configurations, PFL 31
Storing a setup 32
Loading a setup 32
PFL mode 33
Storing of snapshots 34
Loading of snapshots 34
Radio automation 35
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE 37
System page (http:// ) 37
DSP card information 38
S nc Information 38
Slot Information 38
Panel Information 38
Supplementar Information 38
Contents
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Control Panel Modules: Configuring and Testing 39
Channel module 950/41: 39
CAN SPEED 40
FADER KAL 40
TESTS 41
POWER TEST 41
KEY TEST 41
SELF TEST 42
Central module 950/4 : 43
CAN SPEED 44
POTI KAL 45
KEY TEST 46
SELF TEST 46
POWER TEST 46
Cleaning the operating surface 47
Replacing the lithium battery 47
Defective modules 47
ACCESSORIES 49
Power supply unit for console modules 49
Redundant PSU for the system unit 49
19” Push button module (KS16) 49
G OSSARY 51
Warning Notes
Features of the zirkon system
zirkon User Manual V 1.2 5/ 58
Preface
This manual is subdivided into individual, self-contained
chapters that can be studied independently from each
other.
Basically, every chapter is structured in a general
introduction which is followed by topics that include
description or instruction sequences.
Parallel descriptions or interrelations between the
described elements or functions are cross-referenced.
Manual Structure
The manual structure is explained by the following brief
descriptions of the individual chapters’ contents.
Chapter 1 Warning Notices
ncludes general warnings about the handling of low-
voltage devices and first aid in case of electric shock.
Chapter 2 ntroduction about the zirkon
Offers a brief overview over the features and the
components as well as a block diagram that illustrates the
system structure.
Chapter 3 Control Surface Modules - What is where?
Explains buttons, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and rotary
controls of the surface modules.
Chapter 4 Operating Concept
Describes the operating elements and gives instructions
for operation.
Chapter 5 Maintenance and Service
Shows how to obtain system information and how
maintenance and cleaning is carried out; it also gives
instructions for smaller tests.
Chapter 6 Accessories
Lists accessories e.g. a redundant power plug and high-
quality LCD push-button strips.
Chapter 7 Glossary
Lists the used technical terms.
Warning Notes
Features of the zirkon system
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Typographical Markers
For easy handling and orientation with this manual at hand
you will find here some explanations about the most
important typographical markers.
Chapter
The headlines are marked by bold and large font. The
headlines structure the topics to guarantee fast
orientation.
1. nstruction
The instructions are listed with numbers. These numbers
serve for showing you the reasonable sequence of actions.
This way you have always an overview over the complete
instruction sequence.
Result
The results are written in italic letters. They inform about
intermediate as well as final results to give you the chance
to identify errors at an early stage.
Marginal Note
The marginal note serves as eye-catcher. Next to the
marginal note you will find useful tips, notes or warnings.
About warnings you will learn more in the paragraph
conventions.
Marginal Note
Warning Notes
Features of the zirkon system
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Conventions of the Notes
This symbol is followed by useful tips!
This symbol signifies that something is pointed out to you.
Notes include useful suggestions or cross-references to
records not included in this document.
This symbol appears when something must be observed
strongly. Not observing the warnings can cause heavy
damages of the device and perilous bodily injuries. Please
absolutely observe notes with this symbol.
Tip
Note
Warning Notes
Features of the zirkon system
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Warning Notes
Attention:
Read all notes with this “attention” symbol before
installing the device. Observe all these notes during
installation. Please observe also all other operation and
application notes.
Attention:
Check the device and the accessories with regard to
transport damages.
A device damaged mechanically or by the intrusion of
liquids must not be connected to the mains supply or
must be disconnected from it immediately by pulling the
power plug.
Attention:
The device must be grounded.
f the device is not operated with a mains power supply
unit please use only such line cords with three-leads as
provided with the delivered product.
Attention:
By removing parts of the casing, shields, etc., live parts
are laid open. Therefore you must strictly observe the
following safety instructions:
•Manipulations inside the device must be carried out
by qualified service personell only under observance
of the applicable regulations.
•nside the device are no user-servicable parts.
Attention:
Before removing parts of the casing the device must be
switched off and disconnected from the mains supply in
any case.
•Before opening the device the power supply
capacitor must be discharged with a suitable
resistor.
Warning Notes
Features of the zirkon system
10/ 58 V 1.2 zirkon User Manual
•Components that carry heavy electrical loads like
power transistors and resistors should not be
touched until cooled off to avoid burns.
Attention:
Servicing unprotected and operating devices can be
carried out only by instructed qualified personell at their
own risk. The following instructions must be observed:
•Never touch bare wires or circuitry
•Use insulated tools only
•Do not touch metal semi-conductor casings as they
can bear high voltages.
Attention:
First Aid (in case of electric shock):
•Separate the person as quickly as possible from the
electric power source:
o Switch off the equipment
o Unplug or disconnect the mains cable
o Push the person away from the power source by
using dry insulating material (such as wood or
plastic)
Attention:
f the person is unconscious:
•Check the pulse
Reanimate the person if respiration is poor.
•Lay the body down and turn it to one side (recovery
position), call for a doctor immediately.
After having sustained an electric shock, always consult a
doctor.
Attention:
Do not touch the person or his/her clothing before power
is turned off, otherwise you stand the risk of sustaining
an electric shock as well!
Introduction: the zirkon system
Features of the zirkon system
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Introduction: the zirkon system
The zirkon system offers a solution for small and mid-sized
broadcasters to operate fully digital studios. The
components are also suited for remote studios and the
operation in OB vans.
Features of the zirkon system
For these applications, the zirkon provides the following
essential features:
•Fully modular design
Allows favourable spares pooling and fast
maintenance.
•ntuitive operation
Also by non-trained staff.
•Digital and analogue interfaces
Derive from high-quality mixing consoles; their
number can be increased easily (up to system
limits).
•Control panel size is scalable in 4-fader-steps.
•Flat control panel for fitting into a table.
•Signal processing in the system unit
is performed in a 19’’ system frame with 3RU or 6RU
which is designed for installation in equipment
rooms. This avoids noises by cooling and heat
dissipation.
•The system unit can be operated also without control
panel.
n case of a control panel failure, no audio
interruption is caused. After replacing the defect
part, all operating elements and displays are
restored. The work can continue trouble-free.
•Graphical PC surface
A graphical PC user interface allows to programme
the system very customer-specifically. Functions like
talkback, redlight, studio switch and many other
wishes can be realised.
Introduction: the zirkon system
Components of the zirkon system
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•Motor faders are standard
The motor faders allow the transparent operation in
combination with a radio automation system
(connection of automation via serial protocol,
RS422).
•CAN bus connection
Control panel and system unit are connected via CAN
bus. 19’’ 1RU button panels (KS16) can be also
integrated.
•Simple installation
The system is cabled via RJ45 plug-in connectors.
•56/64-channel MAD interface
The system can be extended by this interface. The
interface is designed redundantly.
Components of the zirkon system
Fundamentally, a system consists of one System Unit and
at least two control panel modules (Central Module and
Channel Module).
The s stem unit includes the masterboard and a number
of analogue and/or digital interfaces. The motherboard
performs the signal processing. The interfaces serve for
integrating the studio environment.
With the central module you operate monitoring
functions, many programmable special functions and the
signal processing of individual input signals. The channel
module includes four channel strips. Each channel strip
is fitted with one motor fader and five buttons. You can
connect up to nine channel modules to the system.
Introduction: the zirkon system
System block diagramme
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System block diagramme
The block diagramme shows a simple zirkon system with
system unit, central module and three channel modules.
The service PC allows an easy configuration but is not
needed for operating the console.
Control elements, what is where?
Channel module
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Control elements, what is where?
All control elements are positioned on the central module
or the channel modules. Thus all functions are provided on
the clearly designed control panel.
Channel module
All channel strips in the channel module are designed
identically. This allows to assign any kind of signals
(microphone/line/transmission line) to any channel strip.
(1) Three LEDs at the top indicate the signal status,
thus providing a quick overview.
•You identify an overload when the top diode blinks or
when it is on. n this case please adjust the input
signal gain to not jeopardise the signal quality.
•The middle diode shows the activity of the integrated
active limiter.
•The bottom lamp indicates whether an input signal is
supplied. t lights up in the signal clock and has a
responding threshold of -20dB.
(2) The operation of the four freely programmable
buttons is defined by the selected operating modes.
f you have questions about the configuration please
ask your network administrator!
(3) The middle section of the channel strip carries the
faders. These are motor faders fitted with tracks of
conductive plastic. The faders are maintainance-free.
The scale ranges from -∞ to +9.
(4) The respective channel is indicated by the self-
labelling button (access button).
•The button label shows the source name (input
signal) and the time. This is a big help in on-air
scheduling, particularly for devices without a time
display (recorders, microphones, record players,
etc.).
Control elements, what is where?
Channel module
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(5) The rotary control above the access button serves
for the setting of any parameter in the channel strip.
•When handling the rotary control the display of the
access button changes. t shows no longer source
name and time but the rotary control function and
the set value instead.
•The rotary control is used for all sources to set the
gain in the channel. This way, inputs with different
volume can be adapted to the mixing console. For
microphone channels, the gain before digital
conversion can be set.
Pushing the rotary control allows the setting of
panorama/balance.
Control elements, what is where?
Central module
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Central module
This control panel module can be integrated in every
zirkon system only once. t includes buttons for operating
monitoring, talkback equalizer and dynamics. Furthermore
it is possible to programme buttons for the summing bus
assignment. Established configurations can be managed
with the built-in chipcard reader/writer.
(1) These 24 freely programmable buttons are ordered
in six groups with four buttons each to establish
functional groups. This allows to separate e. g.
monitoring selection and talkback optically and with
regard to position.
(2) The bottom section is equipped with two freely
programmable volume controls. The two rotary
controls can be programmed for setting the
monitoring level as well as for functions like
monitoring, headset volume, loudspeaker volume etc.
(3) The top section includes twelf self-labelling (access)
buttons. n the default status these keys are assigned
with the pre-configured functions. They can be freely
programmed and allow e. g. the assignment of
channels to summing buses or special operations
(remote function with foldback).
•With selecting a channel via the access button of a
channel module the buttons of the central module
are labelled according to the source. (See chapter
“Operating concept - audio control“)
(4) With the rotary controls positioned vertically above
the access buttons you can set parameters offered
according to the source.
•The settings are explained in detail in the chapter
“Operating concept - audio control”).
(5) A chipcard reader/writer is integrated in the top
section of the central module.
•With this reader/writer you can store your own
settings and load them next time.
For more about using the chipcard please consult the
respective chapter.
Operating concept
Basic operating concept
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Operating concept
The operating concept of the zirkon system has two aims:
•Easy and confident operation of the on-air system
also when under pressure - also by untrained staff
•ntegration of customer-specific functions in the
mixing console which is standardised to the greatest
possible extent
These aims were achieved by doing without a complex
channel-strip operation. Only those functions indispensable
for a radio programme are positioned on the channel strip,
all others are operated on the central module. This allowed
a clear design of the channel strips in the channel modules
which guarantees an easy access to the mixing console
also for untrained users.
Basic operating concept
Channel module
Dominating operating elements of the zirkon are the
faders. Lawo offers motor faders that make it easy to work
with radio automation systems (SAS). When using a SAS
the fader position indicates always the actual situation.
The 0dB position of the faders is clearly marked. The
maximum position of the faders is at +9dB which
matches the headroom of analogue and digital audio
interfaces.
•Only use the range between 0dB and +9dB to adjust
signals of a particularly low level to the other mixing
console signals.
Operating concept
Basic operating concept
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Attention:
When you simply open the respective fader to +9dB while
mixing a radio programme there will be distortions!
The motorfaders allow to drive fully automated fades.
This works via radio automation or a programmed START
button. The user can always watch the actual fader
position and can intervene if required.
With activating a programmed START button the fader
drives immediately to the marked 0dB position. This
guarantees a precise play-back of programme elements.
Central module
With the access button you release functions in the
central module that are not supplied in the channel strip
(Button shows red). These functions refer always to the
currently selected channel strip. Press the access button
again to deselect the channel strip.
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