Pliant Crewcom 2400 User manual
RadioPack
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 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: +1.334.321.1160
Toll-Free: 1.844.475.4268 or 1.844.4PLIANT
Fax: +1.334.321.1162
Copyright © 2018–2020 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 CRP-44-900, CRP-44-900AN, CRP-22-900, CRP-22-900AN, CRP-44-2400, CRP-44-
2400CE, CRP-22-2400, and CRP-22-2400CE.
CRP-22-900 and CRP-44-900 models are only available in North America and operate within the 902–928 MHz
frequency range.
CRP-22-900AN and CRP-44-900AN (Oceania) models are approved for use in Australia and New Zealand and operate
within the 915–928 MHz frequency range.
CRP-44-2400CE and CRP-22-2400CE models meet the same specifications as the CRP-44-2400 and CRP-22-2400
models, and they comply with ETSI standards (300.328 v1.8.1). Non-CE models are non-compliant with some ETSI
standards.
Document Reference: 2020.04 D0000215_E
Thank You - iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thank You iii
Model Information iii
Table of Contents iv
Safety Information 1
Radio Pack Safety Information 2
Safe Operation and Service 2
Battery Safety 3
Introduction 4
What's in the Box? 5
Firmware Release Notes 6
CrewCom Overview 7
Decentralized Network Architecture 7
Flexible RF Platform 7
Intuitive User Experience 7
CrewCom Devices 8
CrewWare 9
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 10
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 10
Determining Which CCFis Active 10
Conferences 11
Profiles 11
Product Overview 13
RadioPack 14
CRP-44 Top 14
Radio Pack Rear 16
Table of Contents - iv
CRP-22 Top 18
Radio Pack Display 19
Home Operating Screen 19
Secondary Operating Screen 20
Radio Pack Menu 21
Radio Pack Batteries 22
Setup and Installation 23
Charge RP Batteries 24
Using the RP Wall Charger 24
Using the USB Cable 24
Using the 5-Bay Battery Charger 24
Using the 6+6 Drop-In RadioPack and Battery Charger 25
Install RadioPack Batteries 26
Pair Radio Packs 27
Pairing Process 27
Name a Device 29
Change RPName from the RP: 29
Change Device Names from CrewWare 29
Start Communicating 30
Operation 32
Link Quality 34
RSSI 35
Device Settings Menu 36
Selecting Radio Pack Profile 36
Editing Radio Pack Name 36
Customizing Battery Alert 36
Table of Contents - v
Adjusting LCD Display Settings 37
User Settings Menu 38
Selecting Headset Mic Type 38
Adjusting Mic Gain 39
Adjusting Noise Gate 40
Adjusting Sidetone 41
Adjusting Volume Limit 42
Adjusting Talk Tones 43
Push a Profile 44
Changing Profile Assignment from the RP 44
Changing Profile Assignments from the CU 45
Changing Profile Assignments from CrewWare 45
Call 46
Wireless ISO 47
Set Up ISO 47
Adjusting Access Rights 48
Levels of Access 48
Software Access Rights 48
System Access Rights 48
Setting Passcode 49
Restore Factory Defaults 50
Roaming Bias 52
Product Specifications 54
Radio Pack Specifications 55
Product Support 58
Product Support 59
Table of Contents - vi
Returning Equipment for Repair or Maintenance 59
System Maintenance and Storage 60
System Maintenance and Storage 61
Cleaning 61
Temperature and Humidity 61
Storage of your Lithium-Polymer Batteries 61
License and Compliance Information 63
License Information 64
Warranty Information 67
Warranty Information 68
Limited Warranty 68
Parts Limited Warranty 69
Table of Contents - vii
Radio Pack Safety Information
The following section details important safety information related to the ownership and operation of the CrewCom
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 and Service
lClean only with a dry cloth. Do not spray household cleaners or water onto the cloth. Never spray household
cleaners or water onto any part the unit.
lUse only attachments/accessories that are specifically made for or certified by Pliant Technologies with the
Radio Pack.
lUnplug the Radio Pack charger 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 Radio Pack service to qualified Pliant Technologies personnel. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside the CrewCom Radio Pack. Opening the unit 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 Radio Pack 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 Radio Pack 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.
Safety Information - 2
Battery Safety
WARNING:DANGER! EXPLOSIVE GASES RISK
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 - 3
INTRODUCTION
This chapter consists of the following sections:
What's in the Box? 5
Firmware Release Notes 6
CrewCom Overview 7
Decentralized Network Architecture 7
Flexible RF Platform 7
Intuitive User Experience 7
CrewCom Devices 8
CrewWare 9
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 10
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 10
Determining Which CCFis Active 10
Conferences 11
Profiles 11
CHAPTER 2
Introduction - 4
What's in the Box?
lRadio Pack
lLithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery
lUSB A to Micro B Cable
lMulti Blade Worldwide Battery Charger/Power Supply
lProduct Overview Guide
lWarranty 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 page68.
Additional Items Required
In addition to your Radio Pack, at least one of each of the devices listed below is required to complete your CrewCom
System (sold separately with included components):
lControl Unit
lRadio Transceiver
lHeadset
Introduction - 5
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, 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
Introduction - 7
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, General Purpose Output (GPO) control and event logging. 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.
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.
Introduction - 8
CrewWare
CrewCom includes CrewWare, 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 - 9
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 the next page and "Profiles" on the next page
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 the Control Unit and CrewWare Manuals.
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.
Determining Which CCFis Active
The CCF that is currently active for the CrewCom system is named in the Master CU's main menu.
Figure 1 CCF Name in CU Main Menu
Introduction - 10
The active CCFis also named in CrewWare above the System Diagram left-hand panel.
Figure 2 CCF Name in CrewWare
Conferences
A CrewCom Conference is an administrator-defined grouping of audio entities (inputs such as Radio Packs, wired
intercom ports, etc.). Conferences are then created dynamically by mixing one or more audio entities and routing
them to Conference subscribers accordingly. This method of subscription-based audio using Conferences is very
powerful. Point-to-point associations may also be easily constructed using this method. Each association requires a
separate, unique Conference. Conferences in CrewCom are full duplex (i.e. bidirectional) and there can be a
maximum of 64.
Default Conferences are included as part of a system’s "CrewCom Configuration File Defaults" on the previous page.
New Conferences can be created using CrewWare. (See the CrewWare Manual for more information.)
Profiles
Each CrewCom Radio Pack has a Profile that contains a variety of system settings that are defined as either global
profile settings or user settings. A Radio Pack Profile determines the functionality of an RP’s local controls, knobs, and
buttons (including Conference assignments), and allows customization for user preferences and roaming.
lGlobal Profile Settings – These settings are part of the CrewCom Configuration File and are usually assigned
by a system administrator through customization in CrewWare during setup. A global profile setting is one that
assigns specific operational functions to a Pack’s volume knobs, talk buttons, and function buttons, along with
relay assignments and roaming options.
Introduction - 11
lUser Settings – A user setting is one that is classified as being adjustable by the Radio Pack user and is
limited to local device settings that do not alter the CrewCom Configuration File. The Profile can be used to
determine these settings, but they can also be customized directly from a Radio Pack (after a Profile is
loaded), via the Control Unit's menu, or via CrewWare.
RP Profile Settings
A list of the specific functions within each setting type is provided in the table below.
Profile Management Settings
Global Profile
Settings
Description
Profile Name Name assigned to the Profile
Radio
Transceiver
Scan List
Which Radio Transceiver each Radio Pack can log into and function with
Conference
Assignments
Which Conferences are assigned to Volume knobs and corresponding Talk buttons
ISO Enables selection of specific Profiles to include in a Conference ISO. This function is either Enabled
or Disabled. (ISO must also be enabled for the Conference.)
Function
Buttons
Functions such as Stage Announce, Call, or Relays are assigned to the Pack’s F1 or F2 button
Button Mode Determines the talk button behavior as either “Latch,” “Momentary,” “Disabled,” or “Always On.”
User Settings Description
Sidetone Level adjustments
Mic Gain Level adjustments (for Dynamic and Electret mics)
Noise Gate Level adjustments
Min/Max Volume Level adjustments
Talk Tones Enabled or Disabled
LCD Contrast Level adjustments
LCDBrightness Level adjustments
LCDTimeout Disabled, 3, 10, or 30 seconds
Battery Alert Audible, Vibrate, Both, or Off
Mic Type Auto-Detect, Dynamic, or Electret
For more information about managing user coverage and the CrewCom scan list, see Managing User Coverage.
Introduction - 12
This manual suits for next models
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