Rane MONGOOSE User manual

MONGOOSE
Installation Manual
1
M ONGOOSE
Remote Audio
CobraNet Interface
1
12345678 REMOTEAUDIO DEVICES ETHERNET
IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT
OVERLOAD
SIGNAL
ENABLED
IN USE / CONDUCTOR
LINK / ACTIVITY
COMM
LINK
LOCATE
POWER
212 1212 1212 1212 1212 1212 1212 121
PRIMARY SECONDARY
2
CobraNet®
■ ■ ■ ■ Mongoose Tracker 2.3.0 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 21265 ■ ■ ■ ■
1
2
MIC
INPUT
LINE
INPUT
POWER COMM
AUDIO
RX
AUDIO
TX
OUTPUT
SIG / OL
INPUT
SIG / OL
1
2
LINE INPUTLINE INPUT
RAD3
POWERCOMM
SIG / OLSIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TX
MICROPHONE MICROPHONE
RAD1
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL
LINE OUTPUT LINE OUTPUT
RAD4
POWERCOMMAUDIO RX AUDIO TX
MICROPHONE LINE INPUT
RAD2
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL
MICROPHONE LINE OUTPUT
RAD9
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL
LINE OUTPUTLINE INPUT
RAD6
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL
LINE OUTPUTMICROPHONE
RAD8
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL
RAD11
MICROPHONE LINE INPUTLINE OUTPUT
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL SIG / OL
MICROPHONE LINE INPUTLINE OUTPUT LINE OUTPUT
RAD14
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL SIG / OLSIG / OL
LINE INPUTLINE INPUTLINE OUTPUT LINE OUTPUT
RAD15
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL SIG / OLSIG / OL
MICROPHONE LINE INPUT
RAD18
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL
MICROPHONE MICROPHONE LINE OUTPUT LINE OUTPUT
RAD12
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL SIG / OLSIG / OL
MICROPHONE LINE INPUT
RAD7
POWERCOMM
SIG / OLSIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TX
AES3 INPUTAES3 OUTPUT
RAD5
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
LOCK
RAD PORT
RADX
LINE INPUTLINE OUTPUT
RAD23
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWERCOMM
SIG / OL

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. e wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord and plug from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where it exits from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by Rane.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
15. e plug on the power cord is the AC mains disconnect device and must remain readily operable. To
completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from
the AC receptacle.
16. is apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
17. When permanently connected, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in
each pole shall be incorporated in the electrical installation of the building.
18. If rackmounting, provide adequate ventilation. Equipment may be located above or below this
apparatus, but some equipment (like large power amplifiers) may cause an unacceptable amount of
hum or may generate too much heat and degrade the performance of this apparatus.
19. is apparatus may be installed in an industry standard equipment rack. Use screws through all
mounting holes to provide the best support.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
shall be placed on the apparatus.

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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not
open the unit. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
e symbols shown below are internationally
accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards
with electrical products.
is symbol indicates that a dangerous
voltage constituting a risk of electric
shock is present within this unit.
is symbol indicates that there
are important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
literature accompanying this unit.
WARNING
FCC STATEMENT
NOTE: is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. ese limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. is equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Rane Corporation could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
is Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Shielded CAT5e or better cables are required in order to comply with the FCC Rules part 15 limits for a
Class B digital device.

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CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions ...................................................................................................................................... 2
FCC Statement.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
GETTING STARTED........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Key Installation Tasks.................................................................................................................................................. 5
Task 1: Install and connect the Mongoose......................................................................................................... 5
Task 2: Configure the Mongoose........................................................................................................................... 5
Task 3: Pull and terminate the CAT 5 cabling for the RADs........................................................................ 6
Task 4: Install and connect the individual RADs. ............................................................................................. 6
Task 5: Verify connections, audio test, troubleshoot, and save the configuration.............................. 6
System Overview.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
System Origins.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
System Components .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Installation Requirements......................................................................................................................................... 9
Required Ports .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Using the Mongoose Documentation.................................................................................................................. 9
Hardware Details.......................................................................................................................................................... 10
The Mongoose Host Device .................................................................................................................................... 10
Remote Audio Devices .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Mongoose Tracker Software ................................................................................................................................... 17
Task 1: Installing the Mongoose................................................................................................................................. 18
Installing the Mongoose in your Audio Rack..................................................................................................... 18
Installing Multiple Mongoose Devices................................................................................................................. 20
Task 2: Loading a Configuration File ........................................................................................................................ 21
Task 3: Pulling the CAT 5 Cable.................................................................................................................................. 23
Terminating the CAT 5 Cable................................................................................................................................... 23
Task 4: Installing the RADs ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Installing and Testing RADs in a New Mongoose System........................................................................... 24
Installing a RAD in an Existing Mongoose System......................................................................................... 27
Task 5: Verifying and Finalizing the Installation.................................................................................................... 28
Verify the RAD Configuration.................................................................................................................................. 28
Locating a Hardware Device.................................................................................................................................... 30
Swapping RAD Ports .................................................................................................................................................. 31
Perform an Audio Test................................................................................................................................................ 31
Save the Final Configuration File........................................................................................................................... 32
Creating a Verification Configuration................................................................................................................... 32
Installing and Using the Mongoose Tracker Software....................................................................................... 34
Installing Mongoose Tracker.................................................................................................................................... 34
Starting Mongoose Tracker...................................................................................................................................... 34
Connecting a Computer to the Mongoose ....................................................................................................... 35
Generating RAD Labels............................................................................................................................................. 35
Updating the Mongoose Firmware and/or the Mongoose Tracker Software..................................... 37
Uninstalling the Software.......................................................................................................................................... 38
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................................................... 39
Troubleshooting the Mongoose Hardware........................................................................................................ 39
Troubleshooting the RAD Devices ........................................................................................................................ 41
Troubleshooting the Mongoose Connection .................................................................................................... 42
Troubleshooting the RAD Port status in the RAD Settings dialogs ......................................................... 45
Troubleshooting the Mongoose status in the Mongoose Settings dialog............................................. 46
Index ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Factory Authorized Service.......................................................................................................................................... 50
Declaration of Conformity............................................................................................................................................. 52

MONGOOSE
Installation Manual
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GETTING STARTED
Rane Corporation welcomes you to the world of the Mongoose. May it help erase all lingering memories
of tangled analog cables!
To help you get started with the installation of the Mongoose system, we have provided a simple
breakdown of the key tasks and have presented them in the recommended order. If you are new to the
Mongoose system, we recommend that you spend a few moments reviewing the basics of the system
before beginning the installation. We understand that your job is to get this system installed as quickly
and efficiently as possible. at’s why we’ve kept the system overview short and sweet – you’ll be through
it in no time – and the background information you gain will be well worth the detour. You can find this
in "System Overview" on page 8.
Key Installation Tasks
ere are five key tasks involved in the installation of a Mongoose system. An overview of each task is
listed below, along with page references to the specific details for each task. We recommend that you
review this entire list to get a sense of the work flow, and then return to the first task to begin the actual
installation process. As you complete each task, return to this section to determine the next step. Note
that the order of some of these tasks can vary. See each task description for more details.
Task 1: Install and connect the Mongoose.
is task involves the physical attachment of the Mongoose hardware to your audio rack. You can perform
this task off-site or on-site. Once installed, you then connect the Mongoose as appropriate – to the Ethernet
network, to the CobraNet network, and/or directly to another CobraNet device. If you are installing on-
site, you may want to pull and terminate the shielded CAT 5e (or better) cabling first (see Task 3) so that
the cables are ready to connect to the Mongoose. For details on installation, see "Task 1: Installing the
Mongoose" on page 18.
Task 2: Configure the Mongoose.
Before the system can function properly, you must configure the Mongoose and the RADs. You perform
this configuration using the Mongoose Tracker software that is shipped with the Mongoose hardware
(and is also available on the Rane website). You can either configure the system by loading a configuration
file that contains the appropriate settings and audio routing information, or you can edit the settings
directly on a live device. We strongly recommend using a configuration file as a starting point.
In most cases, the audio designer will have already created this configuration file. is makes your
installation job much easier because all you have to do is load the file into the appropriate device. For
the purposes of this manual, we have assumed this to be the case – that the configuration file has already
been created for you. If not – well, you’re going to need to do a little more reading. You can find some
tips and overview information about configuration files in the Mongoose Design Manual (available on
the Rane website). But the best place to start is with the tutorials in the Mongoose Tracker help system.
ese tutorials walk you through the process of creating a configuration file. If the final configuration is
to be completed later, but you merely want to install the equipment and make sure the system can send
and receive audio, you can create a very simple configuration to accomplish this. See Task 5 for more
information.

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Regardless if you’re creating a new configuration or simply loading a pre-defined configuration, you will
need to install, start, and use the Mongoose Tracker software.
Note: e order of this task in the installation process is somewhat flexible. If you prefer, you can
install and connect the Remote Audio Devices (RADs) prior to loading the configuration file. ere are
advantages, however, in loading the configuration first. Whether or not the configuration is loaded, if the
Mongoose is powered on and connected prior to installing the RADs, you can determine immediately
upon installing a RAD (by observing its status indicators) if it is functioning properly. If the configuration
is also in place, however, you can immediately determine if the RAD model you just installed matches the
model specified in the Mongoose configuration (if there’s a mismatch, the RAD’s status indicators flash
red). Also, if you have wireless access to the Mongoose, loading the configuration file early in the process
makes it possible to then view the configuration from a laptop as you’re installing the RADs. If you do not
have a configuration file and you plan to simply test that the installed equipment can successfully send and
receive audio, disregard this recommendation. You will create a simple test configuration after you have
installed all of the equipment. For details see "Task 2: Loading a Configuration File" on page 21.
Task 3: Pull and terminate the CAT 5 cabling for the RADs.
Each RAD connects to its host Mongoose via a shielded CAT 5e (or better) cable. We recommend pulling
this cable prior to installing the RADs because this makes it much easier to troubleshoot the installation
of the RADs. Note that each RAD requires a home run. As noted in the previous task, if the CAT 5 cables
are installed and terminated, and the Mongoose is powered on and connected, you can verify if the RADs
are working properly as soon as you connect them. For details on this task, see "Task 3: Pulling the CAT
5 Cable" on page 23.
Task 4: Install and connect the individual RADs.
is task involves the connection of the RADs to the CAT 5 cable, followed by the physical installation of
the RADs into the switchboxes in the wall. A key part of this task is to doublecheck that you are installing
the correct RAD models in each location. e wiring diagram should specify which RAD models go
in which locations. Also, if you load the Mongoose configuration prior to installing the RADs, you can
view the RAD’s status indicators to determine if you have installed the correct model. If the models do
not match, the RAD’s bottom four LED indicators flash red. In addition to verifying that you’ve installed
the correct model, this task involves the verification that the RAD hardware is communicating properly
with the Mongoose. Again, the RAD’s LED indicators provide this information. For details, see "Task 4:
Installing the RADs" on page 24.
Task 5: Verify connections, audio test, troubleshoot, and save the configuration.
After installing the Mongoose, the RADs, and the configuration file, you need to verify that everything is
working properly. See "Task 5: Verifying and Finalizing the Installation" on page 28.
Important Note for Installers who do not have a Configuration File: If you do not have a pre-defined
configuration file but you want to verify that the equipment works, you need to create a simple verification
conguration. See "Creating a Verication Conguration" on page 32 for details.

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You’ll be happy to see that Rane has taken much of the guesswork out of the verification process. Although
you will review the LED status indicators on the RADs and on the Mongoose at the time you install these
components, we recommend doublechecking these indicators in the final verification task. ere are three
primary sources of information to help you quickly troubleshoot any problem:
1. RAD indicators: By simply viewing the indicators on the front of a RAD, you can see immediately
if the RAD is receiving power, if its data communications connection is working, if its transmit (Tx)
and receive (Rx) functionality is working, if it is actively receiving an audio signal, if its audio signal
is overloading, and if its model matches the model configured for the port to which it is attached.
2. Mongoose indicators: Indicators on the Mongoose provide power and signal information for all
the RADs connected to that host device as well as information about the Mongoose’s participation
in the CobraNet and Ethernet networks.
3. Mongoose Tracker messages: Once the configuration file is loaded into the device, you can use
the Mongoose Tracker to determine if you installed the appropriate RADs in each location or if
a RAD is configured incorrectly. e software displays color-coded messages telling you of any
problems. e software also contains the audio routing matrix, which you should examine if there
are audio problems that cannot be traced to a hardware issue. It’s possible that the audio routing
was configured incorrectly.
When you have completed the installation, fully tested the system, and feel confident that the configuration
is accurate, SAVE AND BACK UP THE CONFIGURATION FILE! If you or someone else inadvertently
(or even deliberately) changes configuration settings on a live device and, as a result the system stops
working, you will be very happy that you have a backup. For more details on this, see "Save the Final
Configuration File." on page 32.
Now, on with the installation … (details begin in "Task 1: Installing the Mongoose" on page 18).

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
So what is this Rane Mongoose system and why on earth does it have such a funny name?
System Origins
Rane Corporation is well aware of the pain, expense, and frustration of pulling and managing miles of
analog cable throughout a large audio installation, not to mention the potential for inferior sound quality.
For this reason, we have certainly heralded the advent and rapid adoption of digital audio networking. It’s
likely that you have, too. But we realized that there were still a few situations in which current networking
solutions didn’t quite solve the problem. e most popular systems that are currently available (CobraNet
and Ethersound) use large bandwidth Bundles for transmitting the audio signal. For example, CobraNet
Bundles contain up to 8 channels of audio. So if you have only a few channels within a given space, how
can you use these current networking solutions without wasting a tremendous amount of bandwidth?
It’s difficult. In fact, it isn’t possible, unless you implement a Mongoose system. e Mongoose system
is designed to distribute digital audio signals over shielded CAT 5e wiring between low channel count
locations and your CobraNet network. It solves the bandwidth problem by allowing you to aggregate up
to 8 channels that you can then route as a single maximized CobraNet Bundle.
Now – about the name. In the animal kingdom, a mongoose is a furry, yet ferocious creature ranging from
one to four feet in length. ese creatures, which are found in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and southern
Europe, are known for their agility and cunning – so fast and smart that they can capture venomous
snakes, even king cobras. Rane chose this name because this system is designed to wrestle and control all
those analog cables you’ve been handling in the past. e Mongoose also aggregates channels to maximize
the bandwidth available in CobraNet Bundles. Clever, huh?
System Components
A Mongoose system contains three primary components:
1. e host device (called the Mongoose) to which you can connect up to eight Remote Audio
Devices (RADs). You can then connect the Mongoose to your Ethernet network (for setup and
control) and to additional CobraNet-enabled audio equipment. e Mongoose is typically located
in the audio rack room.
2. e RADs that serve as the input/output devices located in the rooms in which you want to send
or receive audio.
3. e Mongoose Tracker software (a Microsoft Windows application), which you use to configure
and troubleshoot the system.
Another key player in a Mongoose system is the CobraNet network. Although there may be a few scenarios
in which CobraNet is not required (for example, sending audio from one RAD to another RAD on the
same Mongoose), most applications will take advantage of the power of CobraNet. Combining a RAD and
CobraNet network allows you to digitize and aggregate scattered channels and efficiently route them to
any location within the entire audio system.

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Installation Requirements
To include a Mongoose/RAD network in an audio system, the system must meet the following requirements:
If you plan to use CobraNet to communicate between a Mongoose and other audio devices, those devices
must be CobraNet-enabled.
• You must have access to a computer running Microsoft Windows® 7, XP (Service Pack 2 or higher),
or any version of Vista (including 64-bit). e computer must also have an Ethernet port, which
you use to connect the computer to the Mongoose (either directly or via an Ethernet network). is
connection is necessary for using the Mongoose Tracker software to load configuration information
into the device and also for monitoring detailed status information. Note that some status information
is visible on the hardware itself.
• You must have administrative rights to install (or upgrade) the Mongoose Tracker software, but you
do not need administrative rights to run the software. Note that you also need administrative rights to
manually start or stop the RaneLink service (a Windows service installed with Mongoose Tracker that
runs at system boot up to ensure the establishment of communications between Mongoose Tracker
and the Mongoose). Manual control of this service is rarely needed.
• Most RADs require two, three, or four-gang standard switchboxes (for installation into a wall). e
switchbox must have a minimum depth of 2¼" (57 mm).
Required Ports
e Mongoose and Mongoose Tracker exchange information using the following ports and protocols:
Port Protocol Purpose
68 UDP DHCP Client (Note that Mongoose and Mongoose Tracker might both use this
port to communicate with a DHCP server. is port is not actually used for
communication between Mongoose and Mongoose Tracker).
3998 TCP Communications messages (for example, Locate, Signal/OL, audio routing matrix
changes, and so on).
3999 TCP Bulk data transfer (sending new configuration files and firmware updates).
Using the Mongoose Documentation
In addition to this installation manual, the Rane documentation set includes an introductory data
sheet, design manual and a software help system. e Mongoose Design Manual (available on the Rane
website) is intended for audio designers who are including a Mongoose system in their design. It provides
background information, sample applications, and best practices for incorporating a Mongoose in an audio
system. e software help system, which is embedded in the Mongoose Tracker software application,
contains tutorial simulations to introduce you to the software, background information on Mongoose
and RAD configuration, detailed information about the user interface as well as detailed procedures for
accomplishing specific tasks. We also recommend that you periodically check the Mongoose page on the
Rane website for the latest information on the system (for example, software updates, the release of new
RAD models, etc.).
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Mac and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

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Hardware Details
Following are illustrations and descriptions of the Mongoose host device and a typical RAD.
The Mongoose Host Device
e primary purpose of the Mongoose host device is to connect up to eight RADs to a CobraNet network.
It is typically housed in the audio rack room along with the DSP and other audio equipment. In addition
to hosting the RADs, the Mongoose does the following:
• Provides power to the connected RADs
• Stores configuration settings for itself and for each of the connected RADs
• Provides a connection to an Ethernet network for control of the Mongoose and RADs
• Provides connections to both a primary and secondary (backup) CobraNet network
• Displays various status indicators (LEDs) which provide information about the health of the
system
Front Panel Description
M ONGOOSE
Remote Audio
CobraNet Interface
1
12345678 REMOTEAUDIO DEVICES ETHERNET
IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT
OVERLOAD
SIGNAL
ENABLED
IN USE / CONDUCTOR
LINK / ACTIVITY
COMM
LINK
LOCATE
POWER
212 1212 1212 1212 1212 1212 1212 121
PRIMARY SECONDARY
2
CobraNet®
1 2
r
aN
et
t
®
3
RNE
T
4
Figure 1: Front panel of the Mongoose
1e Remote Audio Devices status indicators provide information about the RAD audio channels.
e numbers 1 through 8 at the top of the front panel correspond to the RAD ports 1 through 8 on
the back of the Mongoose. For example, the status indicators for number 1 provide information about
the RAD connected on port 1.
Under each RAD number are four audio channels, two input and two output. ese represent the
maximum number of channels a RAD is capable of transporting. However, not all RAD models use all
four channels. For example, the RAD1 model provides two microphone inputs, so for that model, only
the two columns of indicators labeled IN would be active.
ere are three types of indicators:
�Overload LED (red) –indicates that the channel is experiencing a signal overload.
�Signal LED (green) – indicates the presence of an audio signal on this channel
�Enabled LED (yellow) – indicates the availability of the associated audio channel. If a RAD is
connected on this port and all Enabled lights are off, this indicates a problem with the CAT 5
connection or with the RAD. If the Enabled LEDs are flashing, this indicates that the physical RAD
model does not match the RAD model specified for this port in the Mongoose’s configuration.