Pliant CrewCom CHB-8C User manual

Hub
OPERATING MANUAL

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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 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 © 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 model CHB-8C, CHB-8C-02, and CHB-8F.
Document Reference: 2020.04 D0000217_H
Thank You - iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thank You iii
Model Information iii
Table of Contents iv
Safety Information 1
Hub 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 8
CrewCom Overview 9
Decentralized Network Architecture 9
Flexible RF Platform 9
Intuitive User Experience 9
CrewCom Devices 10
CrewWare 11
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 12
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 12
Determining Which CCFis Active 12
Conferences 13
Profiles 13
Power Over CrewNet 15
What is Power-over-CrewNet? 15
Powering Downstream Devices 15
Table of Contents - iv

Product Overview 17
Hub 18
Copper Hub 19
Fiber Hub 21
Setup and Installation 23
Determine if you have a CCF. 24
Position Devices 25
How to Install Hubs 25
Connect to CrewNet 26
How to Connect CrewNet to Hubs 26
Hub Layers 27
Power On the System 28
How to Power On and Configure the System 28
Name a Device 29
Operation 30
Add More CrewCom Devices 31
Hub LEDs 32
Product Specifications 33
Hub Specifications 34
Product Support 35
Product Support 36
Returning Equipment for Repair or Maintenance 36
System Maintenance and Storage 37
System Maintenance and Storage 38
Cleaning 38
Temperature and Humidity 38
Table of Contents - v

License and Compliance Information 39
License Information 40
Warranty Information 41
Warranty Information 42
Limited Warranty 42
Parts Limited Warranty 43
Table of Contents - vi

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

Hub Safety Information
The following section details important safety information related to the ownership and operation of the CrewCom
Hub.
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 Hub 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.
lEnsure the device’s cord remain free from areas of foot traffic. Do not allow cords to become crimped, twisted,
or frayed.
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 Hub.
lUse only attachments/accessories that are specifically made for or certified by Pliant Technologies with the
Hub. 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 Hub during periods of inclement weather and after use.
Safety Information - 2

lRefer all Hub service to qualified Pliant Technologies service personnel. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside the Hub. 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 Hub 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 Hub 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 "Hub Specifications" on page34.
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 in 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
lWhen using local power to power the Hub, always connect the power cord to the CrewCom Hub’s external
power supply before connecting to the outlet.
lCrewCom Hubs may be powered by an external power supply. The cord to connect the external 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 8
CrewCom Overview 9
Decentralized Network Architecture 9
Flexible RF Platform 9
Intuitive User Experience 9
CrewCom Devices 10
CrewWare 11
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 12
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 12
Determining Which CCFis Active 12
Conferences 13
Profiles 13
Power Over CrewNet 15
What is Power-over-CrewNet? 15
Powering Downstream Devices 15
CHAPTER 2
Introduction - 5

What's in the Box?
lCrewCom Copper Hub (1) OR CrewCom Fiber Hub (1)
lUSB A to Micro B Cable
lCat 5e Cable, 6 ft. (1.8 m)
lFiber Cable, 6 ft. (1.8 m) (Fiber Hub Only)
lRubber Feet
l48VDC External Power Supply*
lProduct Overview Guide
lWarranty Extension Registration Card**
*Note: Power Supplies vary by CrewCom Hub model, and they are not interchangeable. Always
ensure your Hub uses a compatible power supply: PPS-48V-02 with CHB-8C-02 and CHB-8F; PPS-48V
with CHB-8C.
**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42.
Additional Items Required
In addition to your Copper or Fiber Hub, at least one of each of the devices listed below is required to complete your
CrewCom System (sold separately with included components):
lControl Unit (includes AC Power Cord; USB A to Micro B Cable; Cat 5e cable, 15 ft. (4.6 m); and USB Flash
Drive)
lRadio Transceiver (includes USB A to Micro B cable; Cat 5e cable, 15 ft. (4.6 m); Mounting Hardware/Bracket;
and 2 Omni-Directional Antennas)
Introduction - 6

lRadio Pack (includes Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery, USB A to Micro B Cable, Multi Blade Worldwide
Battery, and Charger/Power Supply)
lHeadset
Optional Item(s)
lCrewCom-Hub-compatible rack ears (PAC-RMK-S and PAC-RMK-D) are available for purchase separately if
needed.
Introduction - 7

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 - 8

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 - 9

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 - 10

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 - 11

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 CCFis 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 - 12

The active CCFis 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 - 13

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.
Introduction - 14