Nagra ARES-C User manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AND
REFERENCE MANUAL
NAGRA ARES-C
(PN 2019 001 150)

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 2
GUARANTEE
NAGRA/KUDELSKI certifies that this instrument was thoroughly inspected and tested prior to leaving our
factory and is in accordance with the data given in the accompanying test sheet.
We guarantee the products of our own manufacture against any defect arising from faulty manufacture for a
period of one year from the date of delivery.
This guarantee covers the repair of confirmed defects or, if necessary, the replacement of the faulty parts,
excluding all other indemnities.
All freight costs, as well as customs duty and other possible charges, are at the customer's expense.
Our guarantee remains valid in the event of emergency repairs or modification being made by the user.
However we reserve the right to invoice the customer for any damage caused by an unqualified person or a
false manoeuver by the operator.
We decline any responsibility for any and all damages resulting, directly or indirectly, from the use of our
products.
Other products sold by KUDELSKI S.A. are covered by the guarantee clauses of their respective
manufacturers.
We decline any responsibility for damages resulting from the use of these products.
We reserve the right to modify the product, and / or the specifications without notice.

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 3
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This instruction manual is broken down into several sections. The first section is a general explanation of the
switches, buttons, connectors of the machine along with the "getting started" section which covers topics
such as formatting of the cards and powering of the machine. The second section covers the actual "in the
field" operation of the machine for making recordings. The third section is dedicated to the editing of the
audio once it has been collected, and the fourth section covers the transmission of the edited audio either by
ISDN or telephone, AES or straight analog. The final section of the manual is basically an appendice with
some additional information such as the basic theory of different microphones and their selection, the theory
of operation of an ALC and an introduction to ISDN.

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 4
CHAPTER I GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 5
2.0 EXPLANATION OF THE PARTS OF THE MACHINE 6
2.1 Left side panel 6
2.1.1 Extension connector 6
2.1.2 RS422 connector 7
2.1.3 Microphone input connectors 7
2.1.4 Microphone powering selectors 7
2.2 Front panel 8
2.2.1 Light / battery switch 8
2.2.2 Meter 9
2.2.3 Meter selection switch 8
2.2.4 Mem. / norm. / reset switch 9
2.2.5 Mike level potentiometers 9
2.2.6 Sensitivity selectors 9
2.2.7 Rotary lock (clutch) 9
2.2.8 LFA / speech / flat selector 10
2.2.9 Reference switch 11
2.2.10 Aux. IN and line OUT potentiometer 11
2.2.11 EE / tape / auto selector 11
2.2.12 Main function selector 11
2.2.13 Shift key (front panel) 12
2.2.14 LCD display (front panel) 13
2.3 Right side panel 14
2.3.1 Banana output connectors 14
2.3.2 Line output connectors 14
2.3.3 AES output connector 14
2.3.4 Headphone output jack 15
2.3.5 Headphone level control 15
2.3.6 ISDN connector 15
2.4 Top deck 16
2.4.1 Double PCMCIA card slot 16
2.4.2 Internal speaker 16
2.4.3 Jog wheel 16
2.4.4 Shift key (deck plate) 17
2.4.5 Arrow keys (deck plate) 17
2.4.6 Function keys (deck plate) 18
2.4.7 LCD display (deck plate) 18
2.4.8 Numerical keys 18
2.4.9 Read and write leds 18
3.0 PREPARATION OF THE MACHINE 19
3.1 Formatt ing of the PCMCIA card 19
4.0 POWERING OF THE MACHINE 20
5.0 WRITE PROTECTION OF THE PCMCIA CARDS 21

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The ARES-C is a 16 bit solid state audio recorder / player using PCMCIA cards as its storage medium. The
information is stored using the MPEG layer II, G722, µ-law, A-law compression standards and can be
optionally equipped with an on-board ISDN circuit allowing direct connection to the ISDN network. Also
equipped with a transformer on the output permitting connection to a standard switched telephone line
(PSTN) as well as a built-in editor and weighing less than 3 kg, makes the ARES-C the most versatile
reporters tool available.
The front panel, metallic chassis and features were all designed using the experience of previous NAGRA
recorders which render the ARES-C easy to operate even in harsh environmental conditions. It is powered by
four standard "D" cells available worldwide which will give up to 2½ hours of uninterrupted recording on a
single set of four alkaline "D" cells. Using NiCd "D" cells it will operate up to 5 Hours and if the double battery
box is used, then standard dry cells will give more than 10 hours of operation.
A set of software menus allows simple configuration of the machine for selections such as Mono or Stereo
(depending on the compression method selected), ALC programming, machine configuration etc. Equipped
with switchable microphone pre-amplifiers and built-in monitoring speaker and headphone output the ARES-
C resembles a conventional NAGRA.
The ARES-C automatically generates a directory in the form of an EDL file and has, under its plastic cover, a
complete editing keyboard and display so that cut, paste, copy and even hard copy functions are available
down to a word length / frame of 24ms. Editing is entirely "virtual" and the edit files are also saved in the
card. Different templates will allow you to edit the same recording with several different edit files for different
applications (such as a news flash or the evening news or even the late evening discussion).
In addition to the classic analog telephone output, the internal ISDN option gives the ARES-C the opportunity
to dial directly to the final destination and to transmit and receive an audio file automatically. ISDN
communication data (number called, caller number and tariffs etc) can also displayed on the editor screen
(depending on the system employed in the specific country where the ISDN is being used). A full RS 422
communication port gives access to not only diagnostics but also complete remote control possibilities (end
'96).

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Chapter I Issue: 13.01.97 Page 6
2.0 EXPLANATION OF THE PARTS OF THE MACHINE
2.1 Left side panel
Dyn.
"T"12
Ph.+12
Ph.+48
1
5
1
5
15 11 96
EXTENSION RS 422
7 R. IN
9 R. OUT
13 L. IN
15 L. OUT
EXT. NRS
8 R. aux. IN i.
10 R. aux. IN Lo.
12 L. aux. IN Lo.
14 L. aux. IN i.
5 Start/ Stop
1 GND
6 word sync.
11 GND
LEFT RIGHT
AUX. IN
i. GND
Lo.
12
3
4
1 2 3
2.1.1 EXTENSION CONNECTOR
This 15 pin "D" type connector serves several purposes. It has a symmetrical transformerless line
input (AUX), an external digital word clock input, left and right IN / OUT connections for the use of an
external noise reduction system and is wired for start stop option. The connection details printed on
the side panel are not entirely accurate the correct pinning of the connector is as follows:
Pin # Connection
1 Ground
2 Not presently used
3 Not presently used
4 Not presently used
5 Start / Stop - connect this pin to ground to stop
6 External word clock in (square wave 48kHz ~75ppm always,+5V)
7 External NRS Right channel IN
8 AUX IN right channel High
9 External NRS right channel OUT
10 AUX IN right channel Low
11 Ground
12 AUX IN left channel Low
13 External NRS left channel OUT
14 AUX IN left channel High
15 External NRS left channel IN
NOTE: If an external noise reduction system is connected to the ARES-C then two switches inside the
machine need to be moved. If they are moved then the inputs will not be operational if the external
NRS is not connected. These two switches S1 and S2 are on either side of the unused connector
J12 on the box mother board behind the modulometer. The normal operating position of these
switches is that both are towards the exterior of the machine. That is to say S1 to the left and S2 to
the right.
External word clock. No additional settings are needed to use the ext. word clock. The word clock
needs to be a 48kHz square wave ~75ppm independent on the kind of compression rate used.

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 7
2.1.2 RS 422 CONNECTOR
This is a standard 9-pin RS 422 symmetrical serial communication port for connection to the external
world. This connector is for the moment only be used by the manufactory production for test
purposes.
NOTE: A "lap-top" style PC is not always fitted with an RS 422 port. A converter RS 232 /
RS 422 must in this case be fitted to the cable to allow the communication. (ND-
PCA # 10540)
2.1.3 MICROPHONE INPUT CONNECTORS
Any type of microphone can be connected to these XLR female input connectors. The sensitivity of
the microphone inputs is selected by the switches # 6 on the front panel and the levels can be
controlled by the two potentiometers # 5. They are wired according to DIN standard.
Pin # Connection
1 Ground
2 Audio signal High
3 Audio signal Low
2.1.4 MICROPHONE POWERING SELECTORS
Each of the microphone inputs can be switched using the selectors #4 on the left side panel of the
machine, according to the type of microphone to be used. The possible selections are Dynamic,
+12V "T" power or Phantom +12V and +48V. These selectors have a slotted head to avoid
accidental changes during operation and must be turned using a screwdriver.
Note: The powering requirements of any particular microphone can be found in their respective
documentation.

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Chapter I Issue: 19.02.01 Page 8
2.2 FRONT PANEL
2.2.1 LIGHT / BATTERY SWITCH
This three position switch allows the back lights of the modulometer and displays to be turned on/off
(cloud / sun positions respectively). In the lowest position the meter will indicate the state of the
batteries in the battery box. The indication is given in volts per cell on the meter. The microprocessor
of the machine will automatically detect if a single four cell battery compartment or an eight cell
battery box is being used, thus the indication is always correct irrespective of the powering in use. All
three displays of the machine will light when in the batt. test position. When the cloud position is
selected then the display on the editor of the ARES-C will be illuminated for 15 seconds only. If the
editor is switched on then it will remain illuminated. This feature allows the operator to have a quick
look at the amount of space left in the PCMCIA cards. Pressing to the BATT position will also cause
the menus to scroll through their present settings on the front panel display. When the BAT position
is selected then the front display will scroll through the presently selected menu settings, the default
settings are:
G722 Compression mode selected
ALC OFF ALC operating mode
AUX OFF Auxiliary input mode
IN MIX Input selection
POT OUT Aux IN / Line pot selection
LEV AUTO Modulometer Selection
SPK AUTO Loudspeaker mode selection
More detailed explanations of the possible setting is covered in the MENU section of this manual.
2.2.2 METER
This is a microprocessor controlled moving coil meter which has the ballistics very similar to a
modulometer. In normal operation this meter will indicate either input or output levels depending on
the menu selection. It can also be used to indicate the state of the batteries in the battery box by
means of switch # 1. As the meter is only a single needle meter, it is fitted with two leds, which will
indicate the peak values of their corresponding channels when in the stereo mode. The meter scale
is calibrated from -∞to +9 in dB however, if the meter is selected to monitor the input signal and
there is an indication above the +9dB point, this means that the A/D converter will be overloaded.
The channel being indicated depends on the position of the meter selection switch #3.
PLAY
STOP
TEST

NO A.L.C./ LIM.
STD.
BY
RECORD
1 3 4 6 8 9 11 13
2 5 7 10 14 12

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 9
2.2.3 METER SELECTION SWITCH
The meter selection switch allows the operator to decide which channel, Left, Right or MAX, will be
displayed on the meter. The MAX position is for stereo operation of the machine and the meter will
indicate the highest level obtained between the two channels and the leds will indicate which channel
this corresponds to. The absence of a second needle, initially thought to have been forgotten, rapidly
became accepted as very effective for stereo level adjustment thanks to the two green leds which
clearly indicate which of the two channels (Left or Right) is the strongest. This switch is inoperative in
mono operation.
2.2.4 MEM / NORM / RESET SWITCH
This is a three position switch. In the NORM position the meter will indicate in the normal manner
according to the signal on the input or output (depending on the selection). In the MEM position the
highest obtained level (since the last reset) will be indicated. The reset position is a snap-switch
position and is used to reset the MEM mode. This switch can be moved freely at any time without
affecting the recording. In stereo operation of the machine the operation of this switch is linked to
switch #3.
2.2.5 MIKE LEVEL POTENTIOMETERS
These two potentiometers are used to finely control the sensitivity of the microphone inputs. A
detailed explanation of the calibration of the scales and their affect on levels and the meter is
covered in the appendice to this manual.
2.2.6 SENSITIVITY SELECTORS
These two switches are used to select the desired sensitivity of the microphones connected to the
microphone inputs. The possible selections are 1 mV/hPa, 4 mV/hPa and 0.2 mV/hPa. A more
detailed explanation is covered under "Sensitivity" in the appendices to this manual. These switches
are especially short to avoid accidental modification and need to be operated with a small screw
driver or pen.
2.2.7 ROTARY LOCK
Used to lock the two mike pots mechanically together. When the button is in the horizontal position
"∞" then the two potentiometers are mechanically blocked together irrespective of their individual
positions. In the vertical position " °° " the potentiometers are totally independent. In order for the
button to be moved to the horizontal position it must be depressed slightly.

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Chapter I Issue: 27.05.02 Page 10
2.2.8 LFA / SPEECH / FLAT
This is the filter selection switch. The filters available are the same as those on other NAGRA
models and act on both the microphone and line inputs. The corresponding curves for the filters are
shown:
FLAT filter response curve (Measurement at AES bus output)
LFA filter curve (Measurement at AES bus output)
Speech filter curve (Measurement at AES bus output)
-30
+5
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
+0
d
B
F
S
20 30k50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
Hz
-30
+5
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
+0
d
B
F
S
20 30k50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
Hz
-30
+5
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
+0
d
B
F
S
20 30k50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
Hz

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Chapter I Issue: 12.03.97 Page 11
2.2.9 REFERENCE SWITCH
Starting from the software version V1.43, the internal reference generator can be activated by
pushing the switch upwards. As long as the switch is held in this position, a sine wave of
approximately 500 Hz -6 dB, will be present at the outputs, if the ARES-C is in the test position ( the
EE / AUTO / TAPE switch must be in the TAPE position). When the reference switch is held in
the upper position during record, the EE / AUTO / TAPE switch may stay in the AUTO position. No
indication is given on the modulometer if selected to monitor the INPUT level. While the reference
signal is activated, the input signals are muted in the mono mode. In the stereo mode, the reference
signal will only be present on the left channel. Only the input signals on the left channel will be
muted.
2.2.10 AUX IN AND LINE OUT POTENTIOMETER
This potentiometer has two different functions according to the choice made in the menu mode. If
the menu is selected to Line out then this pot will adjust the line output level of both channels
simultaneously, as well as the headphone and loudspeaker level. Its position is memorized by the
microprocessor of the machine. That is to say, if the pot is set to the 0 dB position, then 0 dB on the
meter will give a line output of 1.55V. If the menu is now changed to use this pot to control the AUX
input then the initial output setting will be stored in the memory of the machine and will remain at
1.55V. Once the menu is set to the AUX IN mode then this pot serves to adjust the level of the aux
line input coming from the 15 pole "D" type EXTENSION connector. Equally if the user changes the
use of this pot back to line output, then the previously set AUX IN level will be stored in the memory.
2.2.11 EE / TAPE / AUTO
This switch can be considered as the Tape / Direct switch on a standard NAGRA. In the EE
(Electronic / Electronic) position the bandwidth passed by the machine is from 30 Hz to 20 kHz. In
the TAPE position the signal that is heard in the headphones is the "off tape" signal meaning that it
goes through the A/D, D/A but is not processed (to save battery life the processor works relatively
slowly and is not able to compress and decompress at the same time). In the AUTO position, the
signal will be in EE mode when the main selector is in TEST position and will be in TAPE mode
when the machine is in record or playback. When the internal editor is turned on, then this switch is
forced to the TAPE position, and when making a telephone connection then the return of the line will
automatically be heard in the headphones if the switch is in the AUTO position.
2.2.12 MAIN FUNCTION SELECTOR
The rotary main function selector is the principle operating switch for the ARES-C. It is a six position
rotary selector. Operation of each position is explained below: Each time the main selector is moved
from the STOP position the present settings of the menus of the machine will be scrolled through on
the front panel display.
STOP This is the main "OFF" position of the machine. None of the circuits of the machine are
powered in this position. When this position is selected the machine will switch off after
a few seconds. If the editor was in operation when the main selector is set to the OFF
position then the current edit will automatically be saved as the next take number
before the machine turns off. In other words it will not switch of if the machine is in the
process of writing to one of the PCMCIA cards.
TEST In this position all the circuits are powered allowing the adjustment of levels and signal
monitoring. This can be considered as a "stand-by before record" position. If the ALC is
ON in the menu mode then the monitored signal will be the signal after passing the
ALC circuitry. All menu verification and settings can be made in this position. When the
TEST position is selected then the front panel display will scroll through the presently
selected settings of the menu tree.

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Chapter I Issue: 13.10.98 Page 12
RECORD There are two different record positions, the first is marked simply RECORD and is the
standard position used for recording where the internal ALC circuit will be used
providing it has been activated in the menu mode. The second position is marked NO
A.L.C./ LIM. which is the position where the internal ALC circuit is disactivated during
record. This can be rapidly selected if sudden difficult acoustic conditions occur. (A
detailed explanation of the operation of the ALC circuit is covered in appendices to this
manual). The ALC will be activated according to the settings programmed. When
recording in either position the red led beside the main function selector as well as the
write led of the corresponding card in use will be alight. When recording, pressing the
grey STOP key will automatically create a new take number without interruption in the
recording process. If the card being recorded on becomes full then the ARES-C will
automatically continue without interruption on the other card providing there is space. In
this event a new take number will be generated on the second card.
EDIT / This is the position allowing also access to the upper deck functions.
STDBY (Early machines are marked EDIT and later models are marked STD BY). In this
position the grey push-button switches are activated and will act for rewind, fast
forward, Skip then stop in both directions and STOP features. When the main selector
is put into the EDIT / STD BY position the internal editor of the machine can be
switched on and all operations of the editor are made using the keys on the deck plate
of the machine. PART III of this manual covers detailed operation of the editor.
Rewind at four times nominal speed.
Fast Forward at four times nominal speed
Skip back by one take and then STOP. The first time this is pressed it will skip
to the beginning of the current take.
Skip forward by one take and STOP.
STOP during rewind or fast forward.
PLAY This is the normal PLAYBACK position. The ARES-C will go into playback mode either
from where the machine was after the previous play, or from the beginning of the last
recorded take if the machine had previously been in record mode on the card currently
selected. Once the play mode has been selected the five grey push-button switches
below the display become active (see below).
Rewind at four times nominal speed.
Forward at four times nominal speed
Skip back followed by PLAY by one take each time it is pressed. The first
time this is pressed it will skip to the beginning of the current take.
Skip forward followed by PLAY by one take each time it is pressed.
Toggles between Play and Pause.
2.2.13 SHIFT KEY (front panel)
The shift key must be pressed (and kept pressed) in order to move through the menus on the LCD
display on the front panel of the ARES-C. When it is pressed the five grey transport keys operate
using their shifted ARROW features. As soon as the SHIFT key is released then it will act as an ESC
and the display will return to the main display screen chosen. While in the menu mode the STOP key
becomes the EXECUTE function. A full description of the menus is explained later in this manual.

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 13
2.2.14 LCD DISPLAY (front panel)
This is a 14 segment 8 digit back lit LCD display, permitting alpha-numeric indication of a large
quantity of different information and allowing internal settings of the machine to be made in the
MENU mode. In normal operation it will indicate the current take number and time from the
beginning of it. It is also used to display the internal STATUS of the machine, ALC status, remaining
time available in the card to be recorded etc. The display will be illuminated if the illumination switch
# 1 is put in the "cloud" position.
It can be used to display the following:
Menu Tree
Take Number and time from start of take
Remaining Time on selected card
ALC level

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 14
2.3 RIGHT SIDE PANEL
LEFT RIGHT
LINE OUT
mono
600

LINE OUT
(1.55 V)
AES OUT
PHONES
ISDN
i.
GND
Lo.
12
3
4 5
2 3 6
1
2.3.1 BANANA OUTPUT CONNECTORS
This is the telephone output connection. It is a mono output fitted with a transformer with an output
impedance of 600 Ωfrom 300 Hz to 5 kHz, and is used for connection to a standard switched
telephone line. The output level of this connection can be selected in the "TEL LEVEL" position of the
menu mode to be either 1.55V or 4.4V. When in operation, the return feed from the telephone can
be heard in the headphones or on the internal loudspeaker if selected.
2.3.2 LINE OUTPUT CONNECTORS
These two 3 pole XLR female connectors are the standard analog audio transformerless outputs.
The level of which can be controlled by the Line output potentiometer on the front panel (providing it
has been previously selected). The nominal output level on these connectors is 1.55V for 0 dB on
the meter.
Pin # Connection
1 Ground
2 Audio signal High
3 Audio signal Low
2.3.3 AES OUTPUT CONNECTOR
The 3 pole male XLR AES output connector is a digital output corresponding to the format of the
AES bus used throughout the professional audio industry. The resolution is of 16 bits irrespective of
the compression mode being used. This connection allows direct connection to any other digital
equipment equipped with an AES interface. The AES output is only available if the compression
system chosen is MPEG-1 layer II at a sampling frequency of either 32 or 48 kHz (settable by menu).

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Chapter I Issue: 26.08.96 Page 15
2.3.4 HEADPHONE OUTPUT JACK
This is a standard ¼" Stereo Jack connector. The level of the headphone output can be adjusted
using the headphone level control. When the ARES-C is connected to a standard telephone line or
and ISDN line the return feed of the line is always available in the headphones.
2.3.5 HEADPHONE LEVEL CONTROL
Rotary volume control for the headphones.
2.3.6 ISDN CONNECTOR
If the ARES-C is fitted with the internal ISDN option then this is the connector where the RJ 45 plug
is placed to connect the machine to the ISDN network. Operation of the ISDN is covered in detail in
CHAPTER IV of this manual as well as in the appendice.

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Chapter I Issue: 19.02.01 Page 16
2.4 TOP DECK
2.4.1 DOUBLE PCMCIA CARD SLOT
This is where the removable PCMCIA cards are installed. This slot can hold two cards, the upper
position being SLOT A and the lower being SLOT B. The ARES-C will work with cards up to 2
Gbytes which conform to the FLASH type SERIES 2 or SERIES 2+, Strata flash cards up to 192 MB
and ATA FLASH cards .
2.4.2 INTERNAL SPEAKER
This small built-in loudspeaker can be used to listen to the recordings and during editing. The
volume of the internal loudspeaker is controlled by the Line Out level potentiometer on the front
panel of the machine in conjunction with the headphone level pot. The speaker can be switched ON
or OFF in the menu mode.
2.4.3 JOG WHEEL
During editing, the jog wheel behaves like a jog wheel of an analogue tape recorder that is to say
that turning it clockwise the "tape" will advance at a rate relative to the speed of rotation and similarly
in the other direction, allowing the accurate location of edit points etc. The direction of rotation of the
Jog Wheel can be selected to either NORMAL or REVERSE in the OTHERSET position of the menu
mode. The Jog Wheel can also be used in conjunction with the SHIFT key on the top deck to move
through a section of tape at high speed when the internal editor is turned on.
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5
1
3
5
7
9
2
4
6
8
0
WR
ARES - C
1 7
2 3 4 5
6
9
8

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Chapter I Issue: 19.02.01 Page 17
2.4.4 SHIFT KEY (deck plate)
The SHIFT key has several different operations depending on the mode of the editor.
SHIFT+ Move directly to the top of the directory listing, when the directory of the card is
displayed.
SHIFT + Move directly to the bottom of the directory listing, when the directory of the
card is displayed.
SHIFT + F1 Will momentarily display CPY meaning copy, the display will ask the question Copy
X to Card Y ? This is used to copy a selected take from one card to the other.
SHIFT + Jog If the shift key is pressed while the JOG wheel is being turned then the editor will
play through the displayed portion of the "tape" at high speed in both forward and
reverse directions.
SHIFT + 0 To increase the deck display contrast, press the shift key with the numeric key 9.
SHIFT + 9 To decrease the deck display contrast, press the shift key with the numeric key 0.
2.4.5 ARROW KEYS (deck plate)
This is a combination of 5 different keys. The central square key is the
EXECUTE key and the other four are direction buttons. The four arrow-
keys are "auto repeat" meaning that if they are kept pressed then they will
scroll in the corresponding direction. The specific functions of each of
these buttons are as follows:
Move the cursor upwards through the tape directory listing or to move from the edited
section of tape to the original source section of the "tape" while editing.
Move the cursor to card “A” if the editor is OFF.
Reduce the attenuation of the mixed playback during transmission.
Pressing this key while the SHIFT key is held down will move the cursor immediately to the
top of the directory listing.
Move the cursor downwards through the tape directory listing or to move from the original
source section of the "tape" to the edited section while editing.
Move the cursor to card “B” if the editor is OFF.
Switch On the mix. Mode and increase the attenuation of the mixed playback during
transmission.
Pressing this key while the SHIFT key is held down will move the cursor immediately to the
bottom of the directory listing.
If the Editor is OFF, the up and down arrow keys also permit to jump from one card to the
other.
During an ISDN transmission, the up and down arrow keys select the mixing transmission
modes as well as the attenuated level of the mixed playback signal.
Will scroll the display horizontally to the right in the directory listing and will also move the
cursor along the "tape" to the next edit point to the right while editing.
Will scroll the display horizontally to the left in the directory listing and is also used to move
the cursor along the "tape" to the previous edit point to the left while editing.
EXE

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Chapter I Issue: 16.03.98 Page 18
2.4.6 FUNCTION KEYS
The five function keys located under the display are the principle operating keys for the built-in audio
editor. These keys have different functions depending which screen of the editor is being displayed.
The operation of each key is indicated on the bottom of the display. (see EDITING for full
explanation of each function) A list of the abbreviations for the commands under the function keys
can be found at the end of chapter III of this manual.
2.4.7 LCD DISPLAY (deck plate)
The LCD display is a graphic 128 x 64 dot back lit display used for displaying the directory
information as well as all the functions of the internal editor.
2.4.8 NUMERICAL KEYS
Generally the numerical keys are used for the introduction of user
information such as telephone numbers when using the ARES-C
with the ISDN option. They may also be used in the directory
mode to move the cursor directly to a given take number. All take
numbers must be entered in 3 digits (ie take 3 must be entered
as 003).
Note: Early machines had the "YES", "NO", "END" and "UNDO"
texts next to the buttons. On later machines only the
numbers are printed.
In the TRANSMISSION mode, the numerical keys will generate DTMF tone. Once the “TEL.” menu
or the “LINE” menu is selected, DTMF is activated for as long as the “DIR” menu is not selected. In
the ISDN menu, the DTMF tone is activated at the moment that the screen shows “ON LINE”
2.4.9 READ AND WRITE LEDS
These four leds correspond to the Writing / Reading of the two
PCMCIA cards. The upper pair (one red and one green)
correspond to the upper PCMCIA card "A" and the lower pair
correspond to the lower PCMCIA card "B". The RED leds
indicate that information is being written to the card and the
GREEN leds indicate that the card is being read.

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Chapter I Issue: 12.07.98 Page 19
3.0 PREPARATION OF THE MACHINE
3.1 FORMATTING A PCMCIA CARD
In order to switch on the internal editor of the ARES-C set the main function selector to the EDIT / STD
BY position and then press the "ON" key F4. If F4 is pressed then the display will now show the
software version installed in the machine and four of the five function keys will have a mode written
above them.
When this screen is displayed, there are five possible choices that can be made by the user "DIR"
(directory) by pressing F1, "TRM" (transmit) by pressing F2,”SET” by pressing F3 for internal settings,
"OFF" to turn the editor off by pressing F4 or "MIS" (miscellaneous) by pressing F5. DIR will display
the directory on the selected card and MIS gives access to various other features. Pressing F5 (MIS)
the display will change to the following:
From this screen there are five choices. FOR (FORMAT) "F1" is used to format or reformat a PCMCIA
card, CHK (F2) used to recover a corrupted card, RTC (F3) gives access to the internal Real Time
Clock and ESC (F4) is Escape as on a PC and will return to the previous display, VER (F5) will show
the software versions installed in the machine.
Press F1 (FOR) and the display will indicate the following:
Now select the desired slot corresponding to the card that is to be formatted and the display will
immediately indicate "FORMATTING SLOT __" followed by the % which will increase up to 100% as
the formatting progresses. Once the formatting is complete the display will show "FORMAT
COMPLETE". At this point another card may be inserted in order to be formatted, alternatively, press
ESC to return to the previous menu. The editor must be turned OFF before a recording can be made.
The complete formatting procedure for a 20 Mb PCMCIA card takes approximately 2 minutes and 50
seconds.
NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE THE CARD while it is being formatted or during erase mode. If the
batteries die during a formatting then replace the batteries and totally reformat the card. If the machine
is switched OFF while formatting is taking place then the machine will finish the format process and
will then turn off at the end.
*** ARES-C ***
DIR TRM SET OFF MIS
VERSION X.XX
(c) NAGRA KUDELSKI
FOR CHK RTC ESC VER
F3: DATE & TIME
F5: VERSIONS
F2: FORMAT REPAIRING
F1: CARD FORMATTING
A B ESC
CARD FORMATTING
SELECT SLOT TO FORMAT

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Chapter I Issue: 13.10.98 Page 20
4.0 POWERING OF THE MACHINE (-Ve is ground)
The ARES-C was designed entirely with the "in the field" reporter in mind. Hence the powering is of great
importance. The three different ways of powering the machine are standard "D" cells - available almost
anywhere in the world, secondly by rechargeable accumulators (same dimensions as "D" cells) or an
external +5v to +12V DC supply. The dry cells can be installed in either of the removable battery boxes (NA-
BB4 for four cells or NA-BB8 for eight cells). The rechargeable cells can be installed in the NA-DCDC battery
box, which also houses the charger circuitry. A rechargeable cell will deliver all its energy even if the current
drawn is high. On the other hand, if a dry cell is too heavily loaded, it will only deliver part of its energy. To
avoid this situation we recommend using the 8 cell battery box for those who regularly use dry cells, which
will give approximately 10 hours of operating time as opposed to about 3 hours with the standard 4 cell box.
To install the batteries remove the battery box on the rear of the machine by lifting the plastic battery box
clips on each side of the rear of the machine and remove the battery box. Open the upper lid of the battery
box by squeezing the closing mechanism.
Indication of the state of the batteries installed can be seen at any time by selecting BATT on the meter on
the front panel of the machine. By means of the BATT menu (see chapter II) it is possible to see how long
the installed batteries have been operating. It should also be remembered that the Volts / cell indication on
the display of the meter is of little interest when NiCd batteries are being used as the nature of discharge of
such cells is very rapid as they become discharged. The microprocessor of the machine will automatically
detect if a single four cell battery compartment or an eight cell battery box is being used, thus the indication is
always correct irrespective of the powering in use.
When installing batteries into the battery case, be sure that they are installed with the correct polarity
according to the sticker inside the battery case (+ve terminals towards the right-hand side of the machine).
If the external voltage becomes too low then a message "LOW BATT" will be displayed on the front panel of
the machine followed by a beep and it will eventually automatically turn off.
NA-DCDC (NiCd battery box / charger)
This accessory can be used with either 4 individual "D" size NiCd cells or alternatively the NA-ACC (#98253)
accumulator stick. If the NA-DCDC is connected to the external transformer, but the ARES-C is either OFF
or totally disconnected then the NiCd cells inside the NA-DCDC will be recharged. The charging time for four
cells (or 1 stick) is approximately 3 Hours (Charge current 1.5A). Charging is automatically stopped when the
internal temperature of the cells increases by 10°C with respect to the ambient temperature.
If the ARES-C is switched on while the batteries are being charged, then the power will be supplied by the
cells and not by the external supply. When the cells become flat the charger will switch on but in this case will
only charge the cells slowly as most of the power being supplied to them will be used by the machine. If the
machine is then turned OFF, normal charging will resume.
The green LED on the end of the case indicates that the external DC supply is present. When both the green
led and the red led are alight the internal cells are being recharged.
Two other DC power connectors are added to the ARES-C. See above figure for polarity, voltage and current
specifications.