Pliant CREWCOM CB2 User manual

CB2 System
OPERATING MANUAL

- ii

THANK YOU
We at Pliant®Technologies want to thank you for purchasing CrewCom®. Pliant brings our experience,
expertise, and commitment to quality technology with the new CrewCom CB2 System. In order to get
the most out of your new CrewCom product, please take a few moments to read this manual completely
so that you better understand the operation of this product. For questions not addressed in this manual,
feel free to review the additional support documentation provided on our website or to contact Pliant’s
Customer Support Department:
Pliant Technologies, LLC
205 Technology Parkway Auburn, AL 36830 USA
www.plianttechnologies.com
Phone: [phone]
Toll-Free: 1.844.475.4268 or 1.844.4PLIANT
Fax: [phone]
Copyright © 2020 Pliant Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. The Pliant®, CrewCom®, and
CrewNet™word marks and the Pliant “P” logo are trademarks of Pliant Technologies, LLC. Any and all
other trademark references within this document are property of their respective owners.
While Pliant makes every attempt to maintain the accuracy of the information contained in this manual,
this information is subject to change without notice, and published device/system functions and features
are subject to firmware version. Please check our website for the latest system specifications and
certifications.
Model Information
This document applies to models CB2-900, CB2-2400, CB2-900AN, CB2-2400CE, CRP-12-900,
CRP-12-2400, CRP-12-900AN, and CRP-12-2400CE.
Document Reference: 2020.10 D0000390_C
Thank You - iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thank You iii
Model Information iii
Table of Contents iv
Safety Information 1
System Safety Information 2
Safe Operation Recommendations 2
Safe Installation Recommendations 3
Power Information 4
Introduction 6
What's included with the CB2 BaseStation? 7
What's included with the RP-12 RadioPack? 8
Firmware Release Notes 9
System Overview 10
Firmware Updater Application 10
Product Overview 11
CB2 BaseStation 12
CB2 BaseStation Front 12
CB2 BaseStation Rear 13
BaseStation Display 15
BaseStation Menu 16
RadioPack 17
RadioPack Top 17
Radio Pack Rear 19
Radio Pack Batteries 20
Firmware Updater Application 22
Table of Contents - iv

Firmware Updater Application Menu 26
Setup and Installation 27
Setup Procedures 28
Charge RP Batteries 31
Using the RP Wall Charger 31
Using the USB Cable 31
Using the 5-Bay Battery Charger 31
Using the 6+6 Drop-In RadioPack and Battery Charger 32
Install RadioPack Batteries 33
Pair Radio Packs 35
Pairing Process 35
Sync Best Practices and Considerations 36
Firmware Updater Application Setup and Installation 38
Install the Application 38
Adding and Removing Firmware Packages 39
Update Firmware 40
Operation 44
BaseStation LEDs 46
BaseStation Settings Menu 47
Adjusting LCD Display Settings 47
System Configuration Menu 49
Adjusting Radio Settings 49
Adjusting Sync Settings 51
Deleting RadioPack Pairings 51
Wired Settings Menu 52
Intercom Settings Menu 52
Table of Contents - v

2-Wire Intercom Connectivity 56
4-Wire Intercom Connectivity 60
Auxiliary In 62
Auxiliary Out 64
Stage Announce 66
RadioPack Settings Menu 68
Talk Button 68
Channel Button 68
Call Button (F1) 68
Stage Button (F2) 68
Mic Gain 69
Sidetone 69
Local Headset 70
Selecting the Local Headset Channel 70
Changing the Local Headset Mic Gain 70
Selecting the Local Headset Mic Type 70
Adjusting the Local Headset Sidetone 70
Using the Local Headset 71
Local Headset Pinout and Wiring 71
Lock the BaseStation Front Panel 72
Radio Pack LEDs 73
Link Quality 74
Call 75
Set Up Call 75
Restore Factory Defaults 76
Product Specifications 77
Table of Contents - vi

BaseStation Specifications 78
Radio Pack Specifications 81
Product Support 84
Product Support 85
Returning Equipment for Repair or Maintenance 85
System Maintenance and Storage 86
System Maintenance and Storage 87
Cleaning 87
Temperature and Humidity 87
License and Compliance Information 88
License Information 89
BaseStation License 89
RadioPack License 92
Warranty Information 95
Warranty Information 96
Limited Warranty 96
Parts Limited Warranty 97
Table of Contents - vii

SAFETY INFORMATION
This chapter consists of the following sections:
System Safety Information 2
Safe Operation Recommendations 2
Safe Installation Recommendations 3
Power Information 4
CHAPTER 1
Safety Information - 1

System Safety Information
The following content details important safety information related to the ownership and operation of the
CrewCom CB2 BaseStation and CRP-12 Radio Pack.
WARNING:Indicates a situation, which, when not avoided, has the potential to result in
death or severe injury.
CAUTION:Indicates a situation, which, when not avoided, has the potential to result in
minor injury or product failure or damage.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Follow all instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
Safe Operation Recommendations
lInstall and operate in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
lDo not submerge the units in water.
lDo not set food, water, or other beverage containers on or near the units.
lDo not place units in areas where they will be exposed to weather.
lPlug the CB2 BaseStation’s supplied 14VDC external power supply directly into an AC power
inlet. Avoid using extension cords to power unit.
lEnsure the power cord remains free from areas of foot traffic. Do not allow power cord to become
crimped, twisted, or frayed.
lClean by using a dry cloth only. Do not spray household cleaners or water onto the cloth. Never
spray household cleaners or water onto any part of the unit.
Safety Information - 2

lUse only attachments/accessories that are specifically made for or certified by Pliant Technologies
with the units. Any attempt to modify ports in order to use cables or wires that are not
manufactured specifically for or certified for use on this system will void the product warranty.
lUnplug the BaseStation during periods of inclement weather and after use.
lDo not charge the Radio Pack outdoors. The charger is designed for indoor use only.
lRefer all CrewCom device service to qualified Pliant Technologies service personnel. There are
no user-serviceable parts inside the CrewCom BaseStation or Radio Pack. Opening the product
may expose dangerous electrical components, which will result in product failure. Any attempt to
self-service or self-repair the unit will void the product warranty.
lService is required if the units receive any type of damage to any of their parts or if they do not
operate normally. For example, if water or any other type of liquid has been spilled on the unit or if
it has been exposed to rain or moisture, then service is necessary. Service is also required if debris
or other objects have fallen into a unit or if it has been dropped.
lThis equipment is not suitable for use in locations where children are likely to be present.
Safe Installation Recommendations
lElevated Operating Ambient Temperature - If the BaseStation is installed in a closed or multi-unit
rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than
room ambient. Therefore, consideration should be given to installing the equipment in an
environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified in "BaseStation
Specifications" on page78.
lReduced Air Flow - Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air
flow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
lMechanical Loading - Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous
condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
lCircuit Overloading - Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the
supply circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection
and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used
when addressing this concern.
Safety Information - 3

lReliable Earthing - Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular
attention should be given to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit
(e.g., use of power strips).
Power Information
WARNING – DANGER! Users should exercise extreme care when working with
electricity. Additional care should be used when working with electricity outdoors during
inclement weather. When working outdoors or near water, always connect the system into
a ground-fault interrupting circuit.
AC Power Connection Safety
lAlways connect the power cord to the CB2 BaseStation’s supplied 14VDC external power supply
before connecting to the outlet.
lThe cord to connect the BaseStation power supply to the mains supply must conform to the
following specifications:
oThe mains power cord shall have an IEC C13 connector at one end and a mains power
plug at the opposite end.
oAn IEC C13 plug has three pins. The center pin carries the earth/ground. The remaining
two pins carry neutral and live circuits.
oThe conductors of the mains cords shall have adequate cross-sectional area for rated
current consumption of the equipment.
oThe mains plug that connects to the mains supply must be approved for use in the country
in which the equipment will be used.
oThe mains power cord must be an IEC mains 3-Wire grounding power cord complying with
standard IEC60320; IEC320/C13.
oMains power cords used in the U.S. must also comply with standard UL817.
Battery Safety
WARNING:DANGER! EXPLOSIVE GASES RISK
Safety Information - 4

lBattery explosion is possible if incorrect type is used. Use only batteries approved for use with
CrewCom Radio Packs.
lDo not leave the battery unattended while charging. Immediately unplug unit if battery begins to
swell or emit smoke while charging. If battery bursts or chemicals begin to leak out of battery
housing, the chemicals will react with the air and cause a fire.
lPliant Technologies recommends keeping a Class-D fire extinguisher available when charging
lithium-polymer batteries. The chemicals inside lithium-polymer batteries are highly flammable.
lDo not allow batteries to overheat (reach temperatures of above140 degrees Fahrenheit (60
degrees Celsius)).
lBatteries that appear swollen, deformed or damaged, or that do not fit properly should never be
used. Properly dispose of any batteries in this condition in accordance with the instructions
provided by your local authorities. For more information and local drop-off sites, visit
http://www.call2recycle.org/.
Safety Information - 5

INTRODUCTION
This chapter consists of the following sections:
What's included with the CB2 BaseStation? 7
What's included with the RP-12 RadioPack? 8
Firmware Release Notes 9
System Overview 10
Firmware Updater Application 10
CHAPTER 2
Introduction - 6

What's included with the CB2 BaseStation?
lCB2 BaseStation
l14 VDC External Power Supply (part number PPS-14V)
lOmni-Directional Antenna
lUSB A to Micro B Cable
lQuick Start Guide
lUSB Flash Drive that includes product documentation
lWarranty Extension Registration Card
Note: A one-year product warranty is standard with CrewCom products. Follow the
product registration instructions on the Warranty Extension Registration Card and
visit Pliant's Product Registration Page to extend your product warranty to two years
at no charge. See "Warranty Information" on page96.
Introduction - 7

What's included with the RP-12 RadioPack?
lCRP-12 Radio Pack
lLithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery
lMulti Blade Worldwide Battery Charger/Power Supply
lUSB A to Micro B Cable
lRadioPack Product Overview Guide
Additional Items Required
In addition to your Radio Pack, a compatible headset is required to complete your CrewCom System
(sold separately).
Introduction - 8

Firmware Release Notes
Download the latest CB2 System firmware release notes and firmware release from the Pliant
Technologies downloads page.
Introduction - 9

System Overview
The CrewCom CB2 BaseStation and CRP-12 Radio Pack are wireless products that, together, create
an economical wireless intercom system. These products are available in both 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz
frequency options as well as a 900 MHz Oceania and 2.4 GHz CE-compliant model. As a system, the
two are capable of providing customers with up to two communication channels as well as direct
interconnectivity to external 2-Wire and 4-Wire intercom systems.
For more information on each of these products and their capabilities, visit the specific device's overview
pages.
l"CB2 BaseStation" on page12 – The 1RU BaseStation that establishes the wireless intercom
while also providing external connections to common established wired intercom systems. As a
system, together with the Radio Packs, the BaseStation provides up to two communication
channels. Devices are available in 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz ISM bands.
l"RadioPack" on page17 (RP) – The portable wireless communication device connecting
individual CrewCom users to the CrewCom system. Each RP provides full duplex audio
communications and, through customized function buttons, Stage Announce, and Call
capabilities. The RP requires a connected headset and pairing to the CB2 BaseStation. Devices
are available in 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz ISM bands.
Firmware Updater Application
The CrewCom BaseStation and RP-12 system includes a companion desktop software for updating
device firmware. See "Firmware Updater Application" on page22 for more information.
Introduction - 10

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This chapter consists of the following sections:
CB2 BaseStation 12
CB2 BaseStation Front 12
CB2 BaseStation Rear 13
BaseStation Display 15
BaseStation Menu 16
RadioPack 17
RadioPack Top 17
Radio Pack Rear 19
Radio Pack Batteries 20
Firmware Updater Application 22
Firmware Updater Application Menu 26
CHAPTER 3
Product Overview - 11

CB2 BaseStation
The CrewCom CB2 BaseStation is a rack-mount wireless intercom device built to withstand the rigors of
road use and rental applications. The BaseStation is a 4-intercom-port device with the ability to support
(2) 2- Wire or (2) 4-Wire ports. The CB2-900 model provides RF communication via the 900MHz
frequency band, and the CB2-2400 model operates via 2.4GHz.
CB2 BaseStation Front
Figure 1 BaseStation Front
A. Local Headset Connection: The front panel headset connector is a 4-PIN XLR male. A
compatible headset must be provided by the user. See "Local Headset" on page70 for connection
pinout and headset wiring information.
B. Talk Button for Local Headset: The Talk button works in conjunction with the Local Headset
Connection. The Talk button enables or disables the microphone for the local headset. A white
“TALK” LED will illuminate when the mic is enabled. This button has an intelligent latching
function: one short press will latch the talk on; however, pressing and holding the talk button will
cause the button to act as a momentary switch. (See "Local Headset" on page70.)
C. Local Volume/Channel Knob: Turning the knob adjusts the listening volume of the local
headset. Pressing the knob in selects the channel (A or B) for the local headset.
D. LCD Screen: Display for viewing real-time status of system, navigating menus, and making
subsequent settings adjustments. The LCD screen is the focal point of the BaseStation's
functionality. On the Home screen, the LCD displays the status of all wireless Radio Packs that are
currently paired to the BaseStation. In the menu, the LCD shows the menu items or information.
(See "BaseStation Display" on page15.)
Product Overview - 12

E. Home Button: If the user is currently viewing the Home operating screen, pressing this button
toggles to the secondary operating screen. (See "BaseStation Display" on page15.) If the user is
currently viewing the CU menu, pressing this button returns them to the Home screen. This also
serves as an escape button; no changes that may have been in process are saved if Home is
pressed before saving.
F. Menu Button: Accesses the main menu system of the BaseStation. While in the menu system,
one press acts as an escape to return the user to the previous menu without saving any changes.
(See "BaseStation Menu" on page16.)
G. Navigational Controls:
lUp – Moves the cursor or marker up on-screen; makes adjustments in edit mode.
lDown – Moves the cursor or marker down on-screen; makes adjustments in edit mode.
lLeft – Moves the cursor or level setting to the left on-screen.
lRight – Moves the cursor or level setting to the right on-screen.
lEnter (Center) – Selects the current cursor position or saves the current setting adjustment.
H. USB Micro B: For connectivity to a PC for firmware updates via the Firmware Updater
Application. (See "Update Firmware" on page40 for more information about the firmware update
process.)
I. USB A: For RadioPack pairing, using a USB-to-Micro-USB cable.
J. On/Off Switch: Turns the power to the BaseStation on and off.
CB2 BaseStation Rear
Figure 2 BaseStation Rear
A. DC Power Connection: 14 VDC, 1.2 A
B. Antenna Connection: RP-TNC (Connector)
Product Overview - 13