Sound Associates CS-3 User manual

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 3
VERSION 1.0 OPERATION MANUAL
CS-3, CS-3L
CONTROL STATIONS
SOUND ASSOCIATES, INC.
424 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Toll free: 888-772-7686
Home page: www.soundassociates.com

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 4
Table of Contents
Hardware Setup and Operation
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................3
Getting Started......................................................................................................................................................3
Front Panel...........................................................................................................................................................3
Back Panel............................................................................................................................................................4
Hardware Connections..........................................................................................................................................5
Midi Connection | Audio Connection | Wireless Router Connection | Video Connection | Modem Connection |Power
Connections | Keyboard and Mouse
Audio File Creation and Saving..............................................................................................................................7
File uploading........................................................................................................................................................7
Controls ..............................................................................................................................................................8
Remote Access Program.......................................................................................................................................8
Installation | Modem Connection
Software Setup and Operation...............................................................................................................................9
Getting Started | Menus | Main Screen
Setup menus....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Main CS-3 Set-up Screen | Midi Port Set-up Screen
Create New Rehearsal ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Utilities Menu ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Testing Tools | Virtual Display | SMPTE Display
Nexus Software................................................................................................................................................... 16
PDA Logs | Live Text | Create SD Card
PDA Operation.................................................................................................................................................... 18
PDA Getting Started | PDA Basic Operation
PDA Setup.......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Unit Tab | Connection Tab| WiFi Tab | Menu Tab
PDA Rehearsal ................................................................................................................................................... 23
Distribution of Units ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Technical Specifications for CS-3......................................................................................................................... 26

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 5
CS-3 Hardware Setup and Operation
Note: The unit should always be turned “on” and “off” from the back panel power
switch. This will allow the user to reset the unit when the rack is powered down. If the
unit is powered off by the windows program or by the front panel power switch
pressing the front panel switch is the only way to turn the unit “on” again.
CS-3 Introduction:
The CS-3 is the Control Station that synchronizes prerecorded translation commentary, audio
description, and personal captions to live theatrical productions. The CS-3 stores up to 20 hours of
audio and scripts on a high quality hard drive system. The controller advances cues either by midi
show-control, midi note, or midi time code. The software is easy to use and maintain. The unit is also
equipped with an internal modem allowing remote access for software updates, uploading cue
changes, and downloading log files.
The CS-3 sends cue advancesfor slides via a standard Wireless LAN connected through CAT 5E
cable. The CS-3 sends out cue numbers for each PDA via the local area network and the slides are
stored in the PDA on flash RAM cards. The composite video output utilizes a standard RCA (phono)
connection, while the prerecorded audio outputs via three unbalanced stereo 3.5 mm jacks.
CS-3 Getting Started:
The CS-3 device ships with power cord, cue editor software, wireless router and instruction manual.
Additional equipment used with the CS-3 are PS-2 keyboard and mouse, VGA monitor, USB memory
stick (or USB hard drive), SD memory card and wireless PDA.
The unit has the following features.
Front Panel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 6
1 –Cooling Fan and Filter.
2 –SD Card Slot for writing PDA graphic and audio files onto SD Flash cards.
3 –Selection controller for LCD Screen.
4 –LCD Screen shows midi inputs,cue outputs and menu information.
5 –Key button pad:used for transferring files to and from CS-3.
6 –LED indicators for unit power and hard drive activity.
7 –Reset power: used to turn unit “on” only if the CS-3 is powered down by the windows program
and not the back panel switch.
8 –USB connection:used to download and upload audio and graphic files.
9 –CD / DVD drive:used to upload files.
Back Panel
1 –Power Supply Fan
2 –Midi inputs:connects to up to 4 midi devices or 3 midi and 1 SMPTE time code devices
depending on the model type.
3 –Video output of Power Point presentation slides.
4 –Audio Card #2:outputs channels 3 and 4 for audio files with the suffix B (Q0001B.wav)
5 –Audio Card #3:outputs channels 5 and 6 for audiofiles with the suffix C (Q0001C.wav)
6 –Power input:IEC cord with 15 amp 115 VAC connector supplied.
7 –Power selection 115 or 230 VAC
8 –Main power switch (Note: should be used to power system on and off)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 7
9 –Mouse and keyboard connections: connects PS-2 style mouse and keyboards.
10 –Ethernet connection to wireless router.
11 –Audio Card #1: outputs channels 1 and 2 for audio files with the suffix A (Q0001A.wav)
12 –VGA connection:to connect video monitor to CS-3
13 –Modem connection:for external control from a remote location.
Hardware connections:
The CS-3 rack mounts in a 4 space rack with a depth of 25 inches or greater.
Midi Connections:
The CS-3 has up to 4 midi inputs or 3 midi inputs with SMPTE time code on specified models. These
inputs control the timing of the audio and video outputs during a live performance. The CS-3 reads
midi show control, SMPTE time code, midi time code, midi notes and midi machine code to
synchronize the slides and audio segments to the action on stage. The control station can read 4
separate devices independently so multiple devices / operators can sequence the commentary and
captions.
The midi connection terminates with a standard 5 pin DIN 180 degree connector. If the midi device is
located more than 33 ft (10 meters) from the CS-3 control station it is recommended to put a midi
extender or midi balancer in line.
Note: Midi show control is preferred for at least one channel since show control sends
cue numbers along with the other information to tell the CS-3 exactly were it is in the
performance. In stage performances we find lighting consoles to have the most cues
and keep the best time with the show.
Audio Connections:
The CS-3 has 3 unbalanced stereo audio outputs while the CS-3 light has only 1 stereo audio output.
This allows the CS-3 to output up to 3 stereo or 6 mono channels of pre-recorded audio commentary
or audio description. Each stereo pair can have different cue timings.
SHOW CONTOL
INPUTS
MIDI SHOW
CONTROL
MIDI NOTE
MIDI TIMECODE
SMPTE TIME CODE
CS-3
CONTROL
STATION
AUDIO
TRANSMITTERS
VIDEO
PROJECTOR
WIRELESS
DATA
TRANSMITTERS
(WLAN)
TIMING AUDIO 1
TIMING AUDIO 2
TIMING AUDIO 3
TIMING PDA 1
AUDIO RF
RECEIVER
SHOW
DEVICES
TIMING PDA 2
I-CAPTION
RECEIVERS
(PDA'S)
TIMING VIDEO

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 8
The audio connections terminate with a 3.5mm stereo jack. When audio is required to travel further
than 33 ft (10 m) than an audio balancer is recommended.
Wireless Router Connection:
Each CS-3 and CS-3L comes with one wireless router. The router connects the CS-3 to a maximum
of 100 PDA’s. The PDA’s are used for wireless closed captioning, subtitling or running controlled
rehearsals.
The router connects to the CS-3 with a standard CAT-5 cable terminated in a RJ45 connector. The
cable length to first router should not exceed 500ft.
Multiple routers can be used to cover more area in a venue. Each additional router should have the
same IP address as the one supplied with the unit (see label on top of router) but should have a
different channel and frequency. It is also recommended that the router should be set to a frequency
not already being transmitted in the seating area. Simply scanning the area with a laptop or PDA with
a wireless network card will show what wireless networks and transmission frequency are in the area.
Video Connection:
The CS-3 has one video output that displays the slides of loaded Power Point presentation. This can
be used to display the slides via a projector, monitor, or via wireless video transmission. The video
resolution is 800 x 600 and terminates in a RCA (phono) connection.
Modem Connection:
The modem connection is terminated with standard RJ 12 phone plug. Connect to any working phone
line. The CS-3 can be accessed with PC Anywhere version 10.0 or later. This will allow access to cue
files, logs, audio material, video material, and rehearsal filesfor a remote user.
Power Connections:
The CS-3 is shipped with the input voltage set to 115 VAC 50-60 Hz unless otherwise specified. The
CS-3 is furnished with a detachable AC power cord rated for 15 A at 115 VAC that plugs into a 15 A
outlet. The input voltage can be changed via the back panel. Simply slide the voltage switch from 115
volt position to the 230 volt position. Power for the unit can be turned on and off by the back panel
switch.
Note: The unit should always be turned “on” and “off” from the back panel power
switch. This will allow the user to reset the unit when the rack is powered down. If the
unit is powered off by the windows program or by the front panel power switch
pressing the front panel switch is the only way to turn the unit “on” again.
Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor Connections:
A standard PS-2 style keyboard and mouse can be connected to the CS-3. A standard VGA or SVGA
monitor can be addedfor setup and monitoring the system. The monitor uses a standard 15-pin cable
that should not exceed 33ft (10m).

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 9
Audio File Creation and Saving:
The audio files for the CS-3 are saved in a wav file format and are loading onto the hard drive by a
USB flash stick, USB hard drive or CD-ROM. The total audio segment should not exceed 20 hours or
9,999 files.
The audio files must be saved as stereo wav files with odd number channels recorded on the left
channel and even number channel on the right channel. The chart below outlines the file names for
each recorded channel of audio.
Channel 1&2
Left side of recording ch. 1
Right side of recording ch. 2
Channel 2&3
Left side of recording ch. 3
Right side of recording ch. 4
Channel 4&5
Left side of recording ch. 5
Right side of recording ch. 6
Q0001a.wav Q0001b.wav Q0001c.wav
Q0002a.wav Q0002b.wav Q0002c.wav
Q0003a.wav Q0003b.wav Q0003c.wav
… … …
Q9999a.wav Q9999b.wav Q9999c.wav
We suggest transferring the files via a USB memory stick or hard drive since it is easier to up load.
Note: When uploading form a USB device the audio files, PowerPoint Presentations,
and cue files must be in the main directory of the device and not in a subfolder. The
CS-3 automatically searches for files to upload in the main directory of USB storage
device.
File Uploading:
Audio files, Power Point presentations, and cue files can be upload quickly via a USB data storage
device (Filesmust be in the main directory and not in a subfolder). Simply plug the USB device into
the front panel USB connection. Press the “Enter” key on the front panel of the CS-3 then the “F2”
button to copy files to the CS-3. Follow the instructions on the LCD to continue.The LCD will display
how many Power Point Presentations (PPT), Audio Wav files (W), Cue files (C) that are being loaded
to the CS-3.
Example:
PPT: 1, W: 40, C: 0 (1 Power Point Presentation, 40 audio files, and 0 cue files)
The audio files will automatically overwrite existing files in the directory C:\Program Files\CS-
3\Wiz\Audio Files.
The Power Point presentations automatically transfer files to C:\Program Files\CS-3\Wiz\Power Point.
The Cue files will automatically transfer Cue files to C:\Program Files\CS-3\Wiz\Cue File and
Rehearsal files C:\Program Files\CS-3\Wiz\Rehearsal File.
You may also do this process manually by copying files directly to the appropriate folders.
Note: USB storage device does not need to be ejected by the Windows operating
system. Simply unplug device once the copy function is complete.

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 10
Controls:
Pressing the following buttons on the front of the CS-3 will achieve the following results.
Enter then F2: To upload from USB device to CS-3 hard drive; Power Point, AudioWav Files,
and CS-3 Cue files.
Enter then F1: To down load files from the CS-3 to USB storage device; Cue / Rehearsal
files, log files, Power Point files.
F1: To watch incoming midi cues.
Up Arrow: to manually advance all files to next cue.
Down Arrow: Manually send test lighting cue 123.4 through the looping test port in CS-3.
Press enter to exit.
Note: USB storage device does not need to be ejected by the Windows operating
system. Simply unplug device once the copy function is complete.
Remote Access Program
The CS-3 Remote Access Program can access the control station via a telephone linefrom a remote
location. The program allows the user to perform any of the computer functions as well as any of the
front panel functions, along with viewing cue and error logs.
Installation: To access the CS-3 a copy of PCAnywhere®by Symantec®version 10.0 or higher must
be installed on the remote computer. The external computer must be installed as a remote computer
with no security level. After installing PCAnywhere®the CS-3 can be accessed via a modem
connection. Please refer to the PCAnywhere® instruction manual for proper installation and special
function of the software.
Modem Connection: The CS-3 must be connected to its own phone line for proper control remotely.
Connect a standard RJ12 phone connector and cable to the modem connector labeled on the back of
the CS-3. Once the connection is made a remote computer may contact the CS-3 via pcAnywhere.
Open pcAnywhere on the remote computer and highlight the “Remote Control” icon. Then double
click on the “Modem “ icon. The program will ask you for the phone number of the CS-3. Note: Make
sure you type in the proper phone number with area code and outside line numbers where necessary.
Once the number is entered select connect and wait for connection to initialize. The modem
connection can take up to 30 seconds to initialize. See warranty for user name and password
information. Default username: TODD –Default password: CHEESE
Once the connection is made the desk top screen of the CS-3 will appear on the remote computer.
The CS-3 can be monitored or controlled in real time. Therefore you can make changes and perform
edits while the CS-3 is use.

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 11
CS-3 Software Setup and Operation
The system synchronizes the captions and prerecorded audio commentary with the program via a
complex software package that reads a variety of midi information from show equipment. A rehearsal
is run during a performance that synchronizes the slides or audio segments with the appropriate midi
fires. This rehearsal can be performed locally through the CS-3 keyboard or remotely through a
wireless Pocket PC. The CS-3’s software runs a complex algorithm to automatically find the closest
midi fire for each slide or audio piece. This keeps the text and audio in perfect time with the live
performance.
Getting Started:
The CS-3 is shipped completely setup for use. The main page has three main menus and displays the
incoming cues from the midi devices.
Rehearsal-Create a new Rehearsal Menu:Menu creates a new rehearsal file for Power Point, Audio
1, Audio 2, Audio 3, PDA A, or PDA B.
Utilities Menu: Menu with special functions like: Testing Tools, Manual creating a cue file, virtual
display of front panel display and restore factory defaults.
CS-3 Setup Options Menu: Menu with CS-3 Main options like cue files and midi and audio
assignment. Also contains advanced midi port filters.

Sound Associates, Inc.
Toll Free 888-772-7686
CS-3 Operation Manual Version 1.0 12
Log of Incoming Midi and outgoing events window: Displays the date, time, port, midi type,
channel, message information for each received midi fire. This window also displays the outgoing
data information in real time.
Clear Log Window:Clears the main window information. This does not affect the log file, it only
clears the screen.
Cue and Power Point Files in use: The yellow area on the main screen shows the cue files currently
being used by the CS-3. This area also allows the user to view the data in the cue file by selecting the
“View” button next to the appropriate cue file. In addition, the Power Presentation to display via the
video output is shown under the “Presentation File” section. These files are selected under the “CS-3
Setup Options” menu.
Display Event Log FILE: Displays the current log file for the CS-3 in notepad.
Delete Event Log FILE: Deletes the current log file. This should only be performed if thefile has
been saved or is no longer needed.
Networking Information: Displays the number of remote Nexus connections for use with PDA’s. If
the Nexus window is closed the remote connection will change from 1 to 0.
Note: The CS-3L may have grayed out areas for feature that are not available.
Setup Menus:
The CS-3 main setup options page allows the user to assign audio cards, midi ports, Cue files for use,
testing features, and SMPTE time code cue intervals.