Pliant CREWCOM User manual

Control Unit
OPERATING MANUAL
Version 1.10

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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 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
(www.plianttechnologies.com) or contact Pliant’s Customer Support Department. See "Product
Support" on page105.
Copyright © 2021 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 CCU-22 and CCU-44.
This document applies to Version 1.10.
Document Reference: D0000214_G
Thank You - iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thank You iii
Model Information iii
Table of Contents iv
Safety Information 1
Control Unit Safety Information 2
Safe Operation Recommendations 2
Safe Installation Recommendations 3
Power Information 3
Introduction 5
What's in the Box? 6
Firmware Release Notes 7
CrewCom Overview 8
Decentralized Network Architecture 8
Flexible RF Platform 8
Intuitive User Experience 8
CrewCom Devices 9
CrewWare 10
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 11
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 11
Determining Which CCFis Active 11
Conferences 13
Profiles 13
Power Over CrewNet 15
What is Power-over-CrewNet? 15
Powering Downstream Devices 15
Table of Contents - iv

Operational Modes (Normal and High Density) 17
Product Overview 19
Control Unit 20
CCU-44 Front 20
CCU-44 Rear 22
CCU-22 24
Control Unit Display 26
Home Operating Screen 26
Secondary Operating Screen 27
Control Unit Menus 28
Setup and Installation 30
Plan Coverage Area 32
Planning Tips 32
Determine if you have a CCF. 33
Position Devices 34
How To Install Control Units 34
Connect to CrewNet 35
Power On the System 36
How to Power On and Configure the System 36
Upload Configuration File (CCF) 38
Loading a CrewCom Configuration File via USB 38
Uploading a CrewCom Configuration File via CrewWare 42
Delete Configuration File (CCF) 43
Add More CrewCom Devices 44
Connecting Multiple Control Units 45
Auto Configure 48
Auto Configure Default CCF 50
Table of Contents - v

Pair Radio Packs 52
Pairing Process 52
Connect and Configure Hardwire Ports 55
Process Details 55
Name a Device 56
Change CU Name from the CU: 56
Change Device Names from CrewWare 56
Synchronization of Multiple Systems 57
What is Sync? 57
Hopping Pattern and Frequency Band Coordination 57
Sync CrewCom Systems 58
Sync CrewCom to a CoachComm X-System 60
Sync In Indicators 60
Sync Best Practices and Considerations 61
Operation 63
Control Unit LEDs 65
Lock the Control Unit Front Panel 66
Control Unit Settings Menu 67
Naming a Control Unit 67
Adjusting LCD Display Settings 67
Link Quality 69
Save Configuration File (CCF) 70
Wired Settings 71
Intercom Settings Menu 71
2-Wire Intercom Connectivity 75
4-Wire Intercom Connectivity 78
Auxiliary In 81
Table of Contents - vi

Auxiliary Out 83
Nulling 85
Relays 87
Stage Announce 88
Push a Profile 90
Changing Profile Assignments from the Control Unit 90
Changing Profile Assignment from the Radio Pack 90
Changing Profile Assignments from CrewWare 90
Local Headset 91
Selecting the Local Headset Conference 91
Changing the Local Headset Mic Gain 91
Selecting the Local Headset Mic Type 91
Adjusting the Local Headset Sidetone 91
Using the Local Headset 92
Local Headset Pinout and Wiring 92
Local Area Network (LAN) Settings 93
LAN Configuration via Control Unit 93
LAN Configuration via CrewWare 95
Call 96
Set Up Call 96
Adjusting Access Rights 97
Levels of Access 97
Software Access Rights 97
System Access Rights 97
Setting Passcode 98
Restore Factory Defaults 99
Product Specifications 101
Table of Contents - vii

Control Unit Specifications 102
Product Support 104
Product Support 105
Returning Equipment for Repair or Maintenance 105
System Maintenance and Storage 106
System Maintenance and Storage 107
Cleaning 107
Temperature and Humidity 107
License and Compliance Information 108
License Information 109
Warranty Information 110
Warranty Information 111
Limited Warranty 111
Parts Limited Warranty 113
Table of Contents - viii

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

Control Unit Safety Information
The following content details important safety information related to the ownership and operation of
the CrewCom Control Unit.
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/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 Control Unit in water.
lDo not set food, water, or other beverage containers on or near the unit.
lDo not place unit in areas where it will be exposed to weather.
lPlug the Control Unit 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.
lUse only attachments/accessories that are specifically made for or certified by Pliant
Technologies with the Control Unit. 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 Control Unit during periods of inclement weather and after use.
Safety Information - 2

lRefer all Control Unit service to qualified Pliant Technologies service personnel. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside the CrewCom Control Unit. 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.
CAUTION: To Service Person: Double Pole/Neutral Fusing hazards exist within
the CU's internal power supply.
lService is required if the Control Unit receives any type of damage to any of its parts or if it does
not operate normally. For example, if water or any other type of liquid has been spilled on the
Control 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 the unit or if it has been dropped.
Safe Installation Recommendations
lElevated Operating Ambient Temperature - If 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 "Control Unit
Specifications" on page102.
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.
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.
Safety Information - 3

AC Power Connection Safety
lAlways connect the power cord to the CrewCom Control Unit before connecting to the outlet.
lCrewCom Control Units are powered by an internal power supply. The cord to connect the
internal 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.
Safety Information - 4

INTRODUCTION
This chapter consists of the following sections:
What's in the Box? 6
Firmware Release Notes 7
CrewCom Overview 8
Decentralized Network Architecture 8
Flexible RF Platform 8
Intuitive User Experience 8
CrewCom Devices 9
CrewWare 10
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 11
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 11
Determining Which CCFis Active 11
Conferences 13
Profiles 13
Power Over CrewNet 15
What is Power-over-CrewNet? 15
Powering Downstream Devices 15
Operational Modes (Normal and High Density) 17
CHAPTER 2
Introduction - 5

What's in the Box?
lControl Unit
lAC Power Cord
lUSB A to Micro B Cable
lCat 5e cable, 15 ft. (4.6 m)
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111.
Additional Items Required
In addition to your Control Unit, at least one of each of the devices listed below is required to complete
your CrewCom System (sold separately with included components):
lRadio Transceiver
lRadioPack
lHeadset
Introduction - 6

Firmware Release Notes
Find the latest CrewCom firmware release notes on the Pliant Technologies website. Download the
latest firmware release from the Pliant Technologies downloads page.
Introduction - 7

CrewCom Overview
CrewCom is a versatile yet straightforward communications solution built on an intelligent wireless
and wired network-based distributed system architecture. Innovative technologies have been
specifically developed to facilitate intercom system growth and effortless adaptation, along with
unparalleled digital wireless reliability for consistent operation, even in the most demanding
production environments.
Decentralized Network Architecture
The CrewCom system utilizes a proprietary network backbone, known as CrewNet™, to coordinate
and transport all system timing, audio, signaling, and controls. This efficient, decentralized resource
network delivers increased flexibility over that of traditional technologies, using a distributed network-
to-device intelligence within a modular building block structure. System components can easily be
placed where they are needed or scaled to facilitate system growth, reconfiguration, and effortless
adaptation to changing environments. For increased infrastructure flexibility, the CrewNet network is
capable of operating over standard Cat 5e (or greater) and/or Single Mode Fiber (SMF) connections.
Flexible RF Platform
CrewCom’s RF platform is vast and flexible to meet the needs of virtually any wireless communication
challenge facing production and entertainment professionals worldwide. Each CrewCom wireless
product is available in the 2.4GHz and 900MHz (North America, Australia, and New Zealand only) ISM
bands and any combination of these frequency ranges may be simultaneously used on the same
CrewCom system. CrewCom makes it easy to operate in challenging RF environments by combining
support for multiple simultaneous frequency bands, while also allowing for simple system setup
without the need for an RF engineer.
In addition, a more robust RF link enhances RF range and reliability through a newly developed dual
carrier double-send transmission scheme that minimizes the adverse effects of inter-symbol
interference. This innovation allows increased useful RF range and improved performance, especially
in large, reflective environments.
Intuitive User Experience
CrewCom’s family of products is designed around a system architecture that offers a high density of
users with a more manageable infrastructure and lower cost per user than typically found in large-
scale wireless installations. The CrewCom system not only consists of a range of wired and wireless
hardware products but also incorporates an intuitive software application, known as CrewWare,
Introduction - 8

working together with the system hardware to enhance the experience of system administrators,
designers, integrators, and users. Each device’s user interface allows a quick learning curve with high
functionality, and its ease of use is consistent across all frequency bands, types of users, and
applications.
CrewCom Devices
The following is a list of available CrewCom devices. For more information on each of these products
and their configuration capabilities, visit the specific device's overview pages linked below.
lControl Unit (CU) – the 1RU foundational element of the CrewCom system that establishes the
CrewNet-based infrastructure while also providing external connections to common established
intercom systems. Unlike traditional BaseStations, the CU contains no radio and is frequency
agnostic, which sets the groundwork for a multi-frequency capable system. For maximum
flexibility, any CU can access, control, and monitor any active device across CrewNet. The CU
is available in a “CCU-22” or “CCU-44” model, which simultaneously support up to (2) 2-Wire
and (2) 4-Wire or (4) 2-Wire and (4) 4-Wire intercom connections, respectively.
lRadio Pack (RP) – the direct portable wireless communication device connecting individual
CrewCom users to the CrewCom system. Each RP provides full duplex audio communications
and, through customized function buttons, and General Purpose Output (GPO) control. The RP
requires a connected headset and access to a Radio Transceiver on the CrewCom system.
Devices are available in 2.4GHz and 900MHz bands as well as two and four volume/talk button
configurations.
lRadio Transceiver (RT) – a CrewCom radio device that houses a transmitter and receiver
(2.4GHz or 900MHz) and its corresponding antennas, enabling RF communications to
CrewCom Radio Packs. Using the CrewNet network as the system’s backbone, RTs can be
positioned throughout a wide coverage area by being linked back to a Control Unit either directly
or through a Hub(s). Connectivity is accomplished using either Cat 5e (or greater) or Single
Mode Fiber (SMF).
lCopper Hub – a CrewNet-based device with eight ports to allow extended interconnection for a
variety of CrewCom hardware. Ports one through seven are copper (RJ-45, Cat 5e, or greater);
port eight can be either an additional copper port or a duplex LC Single Mode Fiber port, but
only one may be used at a time. The Hub provides for extensive system expansion and
flexibility.
Introduction - 9

lFiber Hub – a CrewNet-based device with eight ports to allow extended interconnection for a
variety of CrewCom hardware. Ports two through eight are duplex LC single-mode fiber ports;
port one can be either an additional fiber port or a copper port (RJ-45, Cat 5e, or greater), but
only one may be used at a time. The Hub provides for extensive system expansion and
flexibility.
CrewWare
CrewCom includes CrewWare, a companion desktop software, to simplify the process of optimizing
your CrewCom wireless system. CrewWare is used for monitoring and managing CrewCom wireless
intercom systems. The software enables the user to create a CrewCom Configuration File offline and
then load the settings to your system from a portable USB drive or from a connected computer.
CrewWare provides an intuitive method of accessing all connected CrewCom devices and their
associated peripherals. CrewWare allows a user to adjust critical settings from the computer, and only
requires connection to your existing computer or computer network.
See the CrewWare Manual for a summary of CrewWare's functions.
Introduction - 10

CrewCom Configuration File (CCF)
The CrewCom system operates using a CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) to coordinate the
processes and data that make up the system’s operation. A default CCF is available for your
CrewCom system out-of-the-box to provide your initial settings. You can use CrewWare to customize
your configuration to meet your specific needs beyond the default settings. The CCF stores the
settings for your Conferences and Profiles, intercom settings, and connection information for your 2-
Wire, 4-Wire, and CrewCom devices. See "Conferences" on page13 and "Profiles" on page13 for
more information.
Conferences and Profiles work together to create channels of communication between CrewCom
users. They are defined for each user, stored in the CCF, and available each time you set up. For
more information on building a system diagram and creating a Configuration File, see the How to
Create a System Diagram Video Tutorial. For more information on using the Configuration File, see
"Upload Configuration File (CCF)" on page38.
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults
Your system may be preconfigured at the factory. Consult the documentation provided with your
system for your specific configuration details. Be sure to follow the hardware connections in your
configuration; failure to do so may result in system errors.
If your system is not preconfigured, you may elect to use the Auto Configuration function. This function
allows the user to configure a basic system (up to 3 RTs with no hubs) very quickly and without using
the CrewWare software application. If more customization is required or a larger system needs to be
deployed, the CrewWare application can be used to create a tailored system configuration specific to
your application. For more information on how to Auto Configure, see "Power On the System" on
page36 and "Auto Configure" on page48.
Determining Which CCFis Active
The CCF that is currently active for the CrewCom system is named in the top banner of the Primary
CU's main menu. The Primary CU will also have (Primary) next to the CCF name. If the system was
configured using Auto Configuration, the CCF name will show as "AutoCfg." If the unit is a non-primary
CU in a system, the CCF name will show as the Primary CU's name with (Non-Primary) at the end. For
more information on adding a non-primary CU, see "Add More CrewCom Devices" on page44.
Introduction - 11

Figure 1 CCF Name in CU Main Menu
Figure 2 AutoCfg in CU Main Menu
Figure 3 NoCfg in CU Main Menu
The active CCFis also named in CrewWare above the System Diagram left-hand panel.
Figure 4 CCF Name in CrewWare
Introduction - 12