TC Electronic DB8 MKII Manual

1
I
Introduction
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Connecting the DB-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Quick Setup guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Mainframe
Front & Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Rack-mounting advise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
DSP Card & connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
AES-3 Coax Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
TC Icon Software Editor
The TC Icon Software Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Subnet Mask and TCP/IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Remote CPU
Front panel/Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Mouse, keyboard and monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
TC Icon
Front/Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Moving-faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Stand-plate mounting
and mounting on mic-stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Additional I/O Cards
Installing additional I/O cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ADA 24/96 setup parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ADA 24/96 Bypass/Mute mode . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Software, Network and Licenses
Updating DB-8 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
DB-8 in a Local Area Network . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Setting Subnet Mask and TCP/IP . . . . . . . . . .15
Illustration of a DB-8 in a Network . . . . . . . . . .16
TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov
[email protected]
HW & Installation DB-8
English version
HARDWARE & INSTALLATION - CONTENTS

2
GETTING STARTED
This is an illustration of how to connect a standard DB-8 as it comes with one Mainframe and one TC Icon software Editor.
We recommend reading through the entire Hardware & Installation section before operating.
Please note that a crossed ethernet cable (supplied)
must be used in this type of setup. When the
system is connected to a HUB as a part of a major
network non-crossed ethernet cables must be used
(not supplied).
Connections
Install the TC Icon Software Editor
Follow the intallation-instructions according to page 6 of
this chapter.
• Open the TC Icon Software Editor and the following
screen will appear.
• Press Assign. The System is scanned and all connected
mainframes will appear on the next scrren.
• Press the mainframe you wish to access.
• That’s it - you are now up and running.
Latest version of Mainframe software and latest
version of the TC Icon Software Editor is supplied
on the disks/CD delivered with the Mainframe and
Software Editor package. However, from time to
time, software updates are available. To achieve the latest
software you should visit our site at www.tcelectronic.com
and go to “Downloads - Software Updates - TC Icon
Software Editor” and follow the instructions. You may also
contact your local dealer to get the latest software.
* x.xx is the software version.
Quick setup guide
This quick setup guide applies for a simple setup as
illustrated. The setup procedure requires that your PC
or Mac has a network adapter installed as well as a
TCP/IP protocol.
• Unpack the DB-8 Mainframe and mount i a well
ventilated space.
• Connect mains power, audio-connections via the
supplied 25pin to XLR cable and use the supplied X-
coupled ethernet cable to connect the Mainframe to your
network adapter as illustrated.
• Boot computer and Mainframe.

3
MAIN FRAME - FRONT & REAR PANEL
DB-8 Mainframe Front
Power Key
Switches power On/Off.
3.5” floppy disc slot
For storing presets and loading software-upgrades.
DB-8 Mainframe Rear
I/O Slot A
I/O Slot B
DSP Slot
I/O Slot C
I/O Slots A, B and C
These slots are used for I/O cards ADA 24/96.
Slots must be filled consecutively in alphabetic order.
The DB-8 DSP card fits in the DSP slot only. When I/O
cards are mounted, dip switches on the cards must be set
accordingly. Please see page 7.
• An AES-8 card should be installed in “I/O Slot B.”
• An optional AES-3 Coax card with eight 75 Ohm BNC
connections is also available. Please see page 5 of this
chapter for more information.
DSP Slot
The DB-8 DSP card is placed in the DSP Slot.
Power In
100-230V AC. 50/60Hz - auto-select.
SMPTE
1/4” connection for SMPTE sync. Input.
Ethernet/LAN
Connection for external control devices such as a computer
with installed net adaptor or the TC Icon.
The type is 32 bit PCI Ethernet interface fully compliant
with IEE 802.3u 10/100 Mbps CSMA/CD standards.
The connector type is a 100Base-T RJ-45 (CN13)
Ground Lift
Use this standard chassis ground lift if you encounter
problems with “hum.”
MIDI In, Thru and Out
5 pin DIN connectors.
Remote
This connection is for service and test purposes only.
Pedal
General Purpose Input. Connect a TC Master Fader or a
tip to ground switch. Applications vary depending on the
specific algorithm.
Rackmounting Advice
• The DB-8 mainframe should not be placed in an
environment with a temperature exceeding 50 degrees
celsius.
• Do not cover the ventilation openings on the sides of the
frame.
The cooling fan is activated according to the
temperature inside.
PCMCIA slot
For future software facilities and handling of additional
preset banks.
Power On LED
During start-up this LED is red. When the unit is ready for
use, the LED will turn green.

4
DSP - CARD & CONNECTION
Use the supplied cable to connect the AES/EBU
Inputs/Outputs.
Cable type is twisted pair (12 pairs) with common screen.
Recommended impedance: 110ohm.
One end is equipped with an AES/EBU 25 pin DSub
connector, the other end is equipped with four male XLR's
and four female XLR's.
Male XLR's are marked with: Out - 1 to 4.
Female XLR's are marked with: IN- 1 to 4.
Extension cables must be constructed according to
AES/EBU-3 standards.
Following is the pin-out:
Cable pair
Pin number number XLR XLR-pin Assignment
1 1a Female 1 2 Input 1/2 +
2 2a Female 2 2 Input 3/4 +
3 3a Female 3 2 Input 5/6 +
4 4a Female 4 2 Input 7/8 +
5 5a Male 1 2 Output 1/2 +
6 6a Male 2 2 Output 3/4 +
7 7a Male 3 2 Output 5/6 +
8 8a Male 4 2 Output 7/8 +
9 No connection No connection
10 9a Female 1 1 Common
11 No connection No connection
12 9b Female 2 1 Common
13 10a Female 3 1 Common
13 10b Female 4 1 Common
14 1b Female 1 3 Input 1/2 -
15 2b Female 2 3 Input 3/4 -
16 3b Female 3 3 Input 5/6 -
17 4b Female 4 3 Input 7/8 -
18 5b Male 1 3 Output 1/2 -
19 6b Male 2 3 Output 3/4 -
20 7b Male 3 3 Output 5/6 -
21 8b Male 4 3 Output 7/8 -
22 11a Male 1 1 Common
23 11b Male 2 1 Common
24 12a Male 3 1 Common
24 12b Male 4 1 Common
25 Shield no connection Common
Note: Twisted cable pairs must be respected
Sync In Word Clock
For connections to external clock via the standard BNC
connector (see illustration above).
When several devices are connected in a chain and
synced via Word Clock, termination on the last device of
the chain is necessary.
As the DB-8 is expected to be the last unit in such a chain
(or the only), the factory default setting on the DB-8 DSP
card is: TERMINATED (75ohm).
If you need to terminate the Word Clock signal elsewhere
in the chain you will need to unterminate the DB-8 DSP
card. To do this you must remove the DSP card from the
mainframe and remove the termination jumper:
• Switch off the power and disconnect main power cord.
• Loosen the two screws holding the DSP card and
remove the card gently.
• Remove the terminating jumper near the BNC plug.
• Insert the card gently in the DSP slot and remount
the screws.
Pins connected via jumper : Terminated (75ohm).
Pins NOT connected via jumper : Not Terminated
Termination jumper
Dip switches 1 to 4 should ALWAYS be set to off.
General Handling
When inserting or removing any modules, avoid touching
the circuit board by handling only the rear panel of the
module. To minimize the static potentials that can cause
damage to the electronic circuits, you should observe
precautionary grounding techniques such as touching a
grounded DB-8 Mainframe immediately before inserting
modules.
BNC
connector

5
AES-3 COAX CARD
Introduction
The optional AES-3 Coax card with 8 BNC connections is
especially designed for broadcast installations as they often
prefer the 75 Ohm unbalanced BNC connections that
support considerably longer cables.
Grounding
A jumper on the card determines grounding to chassis
status. Per default the card is grounded to chassis.
If you need to change the grounding status, follow this
procedure:
• Switch off the power and disconnect main power cord.
• Loosen the two screws holding the DSP card and
remove the card gently.
• Move the jumper to pins:
2-3 : Floating (not grounded)
1-2 : Grounded (default)
• Insert the card gently in the DSP slot and remount
the screws.
Hardwire Bypass at power off
At power off the frame is hardwire-bypassed via relays
ensuring NO signal loss.
General Handling
When inserting or removing any modules, avoid touching
the circuit board by handling only the rear panel of the
module. To minimize the static potentials that can cause
damage to the electronic circuits, you should observe
precautionary grounding techniques such as touching a
grounded Mainframe immediately before inserting modules.
Caution!
The servicing instructions are for use
by qualified personnel only. To
reduce the risk of electric shock do
not perform any servicing other than
that in the operation instructions
unless you are qualified to do so.

6
TC ICON SOFTWARE EDITOR
The TC Icon Software Editor for PC and Mac is a fully
operational software version of the TC Icon Remote.
The software is free to download for evaluation BUT to
actually operate a DB-8 via the Editor a license for
each connected mainframe must be purchased from
TC Electronic.
To achieve the TC Icon Software Editor
• Download software directly from www.tcelectronic.com
• Call your local dealer
• Call TC Electronic headquarters
[phone]
or USA: 805 3731828
To purchase a Mainframe License for the TC Icon
Software Editor
• Purchase directly via www.tc-now.com
• Call your local dealer
• Call TC Electronic headquarters
[phone]
or USA: 805 3731828
Installation - PC
System Requirements
• Pentium 233MHz ro better
• 32MB RAM
• Windows 95, 98, or 2000
• WinZip installed
Updating/installing the TC Icon Software Editor
Your computer probably holds the required MS Installer
program and you only need download the:
TC Icon Software Editor - PC version
This is a “.msi” file type and the size of this file is
approx. 775kB
• Close all other programs than your web browser and
access www.tcelectronic.com
• Access: Download, Software updates
Press TC Icon Software Editor for PC to download
• Click Finish in the Setup Wizard
• Click Close
A TC Icon shortcut will appear both on the desktop and in
the Start menu.
Previous versions of the TC Icon Editor will
appear in the Control Panel Add/Remove menu.
To retrieve these shortcuts you must reinstall the
TC Icon Editor software.
Installation including the Windows MS Installer
If you during the process described above have discovered
that the required MS Installer program is NOT already on
you computer you should download the:
TC Icon Software Editor (PC only)
+Windows Installer
This file includes both the Microsoft Installer Service as
well as the TC Icon Software Editor
The size of this file is approx. 3.5MB
• Close all other programs than your web browser and
access www.tcelectronic.com
• Access: Download, Software updates
Press the Microsoft Installer Service to download
• Save the file to any location on your hard-drive
Keep the file for future use !
• Double-click on the self-extracting file and unzip to any
archive. Windows/Temp is automatically suggested.
• Windows will now ask you to restart your system.
This is necessary to be able install the TC Icon Editor
• After restart the installation of the TC Icon Editor will
proceed
• Follow the instructions
A TC Icon shortcut will appear both on the desktop and in
the Start menu.
Installation - Mac
System Requirements
• Apple G3 or G4
• MacOS 9.2 or higher / OS X
• Minimum of 64MB RAM
• Stuffit Expander installed
Installation
• Close all other programs than your web browser and
access www.tcelectronic.com
• Access: Download, Software updates
Press TC Icon Software Editor for MAC
• The TC Icon Software Editor is now installed and can be
accessed from your desktop.

7
SUBNET MASK AND TCP/IP
Introduction
If your setup is a standard DB-8 with a Mainframe and a
TC Icon and no other units connected you do not need to
dive into this section.
The DB-8 standard setup with a Mainframe and a TC Icon
is a “point to point Local Area Network” (LAN) because
there are only 2 items connected. This is done via the
supplied Ethernet cable. Please note that the cable type
(supplied) to be used for this setup is cross-coupled.
This is the most simple LAN setup possible. As soon as
several mainframes, TC Icons and/or a computer is hooked
up on the network a HUB (not supplied) must be used. In
this scenario standard ethernet cables (not cross-coupled)
must be used.
The following section will explain a few important basic
terms regarding network setups such as TCP/IP and
Subnet Mask. Basic knowledge of these issues is
necessary as soon as your setup consists of more than two
items.
Please note that a working TCP/IP protocol must be
installed on your computer before attempting to hook up
the computer on the network.
Subnet Mask - TCP/IP address
Win 95/98/NT
Subnet Mask
The Subnet Mask is a number that defines a group of
computers (or Icons/Mainframes) connected to the network.
All units in the group must have the same Subnet Mask.
The DB-8 Subnet Mask is by default 255.255.255.0 and
therefore the Subnet Mask on all other units/computers
must be set accordingly.
The DB-8 Subnet Mask can be altered, to match
your network Subnet Mask if this differs from the
standard 255.255.255.0. Please see the section:
Setting Subnet Mask on the DB-8.
To find the TCP/IP address and the Subnet Mask settings
on your computer running Windows:
Go to Control Panel, Network, Configuration, double click
on TCP/IP and you will see the following.
TCP/IP address
The TCP/IP address is unique to each unit connected in
the network. Two units must therefore never have the same
IP address.
The TC Icon default address is : 192.168.1.125
The DB-8 default address is : 192.168.1.126
If your computers IP address (or any in the network) is one
of the above you have two options. Either to alter the
computers IP address or to alter the IP address of the TC
Icon and the Mainframe. Please see the sections:
Setting the TCP/IP address on the Mainframe.
Setting the TCP/IP address on the TC Icon.
Mac
• Go to “Control Panel - TCP/IP”
• Set Subnet Mask. Subnet Mask must be identical to the
Subnet Mask used on DB-8. Default Subnet Mask setting
on DB-8 is 255.255.255.0
• Set TCP/IP address. The first three numbers seperated
by “.” must be identical. The last three digits must be
unique for each unit in the network.
The TC Icon default address is : 192.168.1.125
The DB-8 default address is : 192.168.1.126
Illustration (MacOS 9.2)
Illustration (MacOS X)

8
POWER ON
REMOTE CPU/SYSTEM 6000
POWER
Remote CPU front panel
USBREMOTEMONITOR
VGA
MOUSE
KEYBOARD
LAN
ETHERNET
SERIAL NO.
WARNING
AVI S
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PASOUVRIR.
100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 50W
CAUTION
THIS CLASS B DIGITAL DEVICE MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS OF THE CANADIAN
INTERFERENCE-CAUSING EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS AND COMPLIES WITH PART 15
OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS STATED IN THE MANUAL.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
UL6500, EN/IEC 60065
PROFESSIONALAUDIO EQUIPMENT
TYPE: SYS001
MADE IN DENMARK
R
CUS
Remote CPU rear panel
Ethernet/LAN
connection
PS-2 connection
for PC keyboard
and mouse
Connection
for TC Icon
2 x USB
Type A
Standard
Connectors
Option Plate
Power In
100 - 240V
Connection for
extra VGA monitor
REMOTE CPU - FRONT/REAR PANEL
Power Key
Switches power On/Off.
Power On LED
The LED will turn green when power is on.
Ethernet Connection
32 bit PCI Ethernet interface fully compliant with IEE
802.3u 10/100 Mbps CSMA/CD standards.
The connector type is a 100Base-T RJ-45 (CN13)
Connection for PC keyboard or mouse
A standard PS2 Y-splitter must always be used when
connecting a PS2-mouse, a keyboard or both.
This cable is not supplied with the unit.
Connection for TC Icon
36 pin multi-cable connection for TC Icon.
TC Connection Cable.
Use the special TC Icon cable supplied with the
unit ONLY !
USB Connection
Use the USB connection for extra peripherals.
Monitor
By connecting a monitor via this standard 15 pin D-Sub
you can have the exact same picture as displayed on the
TC Icon, running in parallel with the Icon. Color depth is 24
bit with a screen resolution of 640 x 480 pixels at 60Hz.
Option Plate
For future upgrade options.
Power
Connect 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz auto-select.
Rackmounting Advice
• The CPU unit should not be placed in an environment
with a temperature exceeding 50 degrees celsius.
• Do not cover the ventilation openings on the back of the
Remote CPU.
The cooling fan is activated according to the
temperature inside.
This section describes the optional TC Icon hardware remote. The TC Icon consists of the Icon itself and the 19”
Remote CPU.

9
TC ICON FRONT REAR
Screen
The TC Icon screen is a touch-sensitive capacitive screen.
The resolution is 640 x 480 16 bit color resolution. The
touch calibration as well as brightness and colors can be
adjusted/selected in the TC Icon Setup menu.
Maintenance
The touch screen must be cleaned only with a soft cloth
slightly moistened with water or a mild detergent solution.
Do not spray directly on the screen.
Faders
The Faders are touch-sensitive. The sensitivity of the
Faders can be adjusted so response to movement is
achieved only when operated with your finger-tips.
This way unintended movement of the Faders with e.g. a
sleeve etc. will not result in changes in parameter values.
The sensitivity can be adjusted in the TC Icon Setup menu.
TC Connection Cable.
Use the special TC Icon cable supplied with the unit ONLY!
No other cables can be used. The 7.5 meters (22 feet)
cable cannot be extended as this will reduce the power for
the Icon supplied via the cable!
Mic stand mounting
There are two standard threads. 3/8” and 5/8”. The TC Icon
can be mounted on both types without further accessories.
Mounting of plate.
Mount the supplied plate on the rear of the TC Icon, to
assure stable operation when placed on a table or similar.
This is easily done using the 4 screws and screwdriver
supplied with the unit.
TC Icon Front TC Icon Rear

10
INSTALLING ADDITIONAL I/O CARDS
I/O Cards
I/O cards MUST be mounted in slots A, B and C
consecutively starting in slot A. Dip-switches must be
correctly set on the I/O cards.
To install an ADA 24/96 or AES-8 card in your
Mainframe
1.Switch OFF the unit and disconnect the main
power cord.
2.Remove the DUM-1 option plate(s) or module by
loosening the 2 screws.
3.Insert the card gently and mount the two screws.
ADA 24/96 cards can be mounted in slots A, B or C.
The AES-8 card must be placed in the AES slot.
Static Electricity
As all computer hardware can be sensitive to static
electricity, certain precautions must be taken to protect it
from damage during storage and handling.
Storage
Non-mounted modules should always be stored in
anti-static shielded bags.
General Handling
When inserting or removing any modules, avoid touching
the circuit board by handling only the rear panel of the
module. To minimize the static potentials that can cause
damage to the electronic circuits, you should observe
precautionary grounding techniques such as touching a
grounded DB-8 Mainframe immediately before inserting
modules.
Removing Modules
Before removing any card from your Mainframe, switch off
the power and unplug the main power cable. Unplug all
other connections from the module before unscrewing the
two screws securing the module in the Mainframe. When
removing a module from a Mainframe, the card should be
mounted directly in another Mainframe or placed in an
antistatic shielded bag.
Slot A
Slot B / AES-8 Slot C
Dip 1 Dip 2 Dip 3 Dip 4
Slot A on off off off
Slot B on on off off
AES-8 off on off off
Slot C on off on off
Mounting Modules
Before mounting modules in your DB-8, switch off the
power and unplug the main power cable. Remove the
dummy-panel or original module from the slot where you
want to install the module. The module should then be
removed from the shielded bag and mounted directly in the
Mainframe by handling the rear panel of the module only.
Avoid touching any components on the PCB-Board.
ADA 24/96 Parameters
To access card specific parameters via the TC Icon:
• Press Frame, System, I/O and Slot A, Slot B or Slot C.
Level In
Changes the analog nominal Input level between +6dBu
and +30dBu in 6dB increments.
The analog Input level enables you to match the DB-8
Mainframe Input to the Output of e.g. your mixer. If the
nominal operating level your mixer is e.g. +4dBu and you
select +12dBu on the Level In parameter you will have a
headroom of 8dB. If you select +16dBu in the Analog In the
headroom will be +12dB, and so forth.
Level Out
Changes the analog Output level between +6dBu and
+24dBu in 6dB increments.
Filter
Select filter type. Chose between - Linear, Natural, Vintage,
Bright and Standard (Std). Further information on these
filters please read the chapter: In Depth Information.
Soft Clip
Softclip algorithm running in the 96kHz domain right after
the AD conversion before the down-sampling filter.
Output Connection
Please select the type of connection you are using on the
Output of the card. Select between:
Balanced or unbalanced (with signal on pin 2 or pin 3).
If you are connecting unbalanced cables to the
Outputs when Outmode set to BAL, the Outputs will
be muted due to the short circuit the unbalanced cables
cause.
Caution!
The servicing instructions are for use
by qualified personnel only. To
reduce the risk of electric shock do
not perform any servicing other than
that in the operation instructions
unless you are qualified to do so.

11
INSTALLING ADDITIONAL I/O CARDS
ADA 24/96 Bypass or Mute mode
In ”Power Off” mode the DB-8 with ADA 24/96 cards
installed can work in two different ways. Either the Output
can be muted or the Input can be bypassed directly to the
Output. The default setting is “Bypass to Output mode”.
To switch between these modes you must remove the
ADA cards metal shield.
• Power off DB-8.
• To minimize the static potentials that can cause damage
to the electronic circuits, you should observe precaution
ary grounding techniques such as touching a grounded
DB-8 Mainframe immediately before inserting/
removing modules.
• Remove the ADA card carefully.
• Remove the cover off the card by loosening the 4 Allen
head screws on the metal shield, and the 2 pozi drive
screws next to the busconnector.
• For MUTE mode place the jumpers on the four pins
away from cut-off corner of the pinheader block.
(see fig. 1 - pinheader block marked with frame)
• For BYPASS mode place the jumpers on the four pins
closest to the cut-off corner of pinheader block.
(see fig. 2 - pinheader block marked with frame)
• Remount metal shield and install the card in the
mainframe to finish operation.
Fig 1
Fig 2

12
UPDATING DB-8 SOFTWARE
The DB-8 is a constantly evolving platform and
updating software is a standard procedure keeping the
system up-to-date. Upgrading is easily done following
the procedures below.
For general instructions on how to operate the TC Icon
please see the DB-8 Operation section of this manual.
Basically you use your fingers to navigate like a mouse on
a computer. Press “upper” and “side” tabs to select pages.
Go ahead - it’s easy !
Achieving the newest software
Visit our site at www.tcelectronic.com and go to “Service &
Support - Software Updates - DB-8” and follow the
instructions.
You may also contact your local dealer to get the latest
software. The local dealer will supply you with four 3.5”
discs, one for each software (see above).
There are four types of software in the DB-8.
#1 Frame software
#2 DSP software
#3 Software for the TC Icon
#4 Ethernet software
There is no specific software for the Remote CPU as the
TC Icon and the Remote CPU are to be viewed as one
inseparable unit.
It is important to upgrade the software in the correct
order: First #1 Frame software, then #2 DSP
software, then #3 TC Icon software, then #4
Ethernet software and then the AES-8 card software.
The AES-8 card software should only be upgraded
if a newer AES-8 software version than the one you
are currently using is available.
Updating Frame Software
• Power OFF the DB-8
• Insert floppy-disk #1 "Frame application" into the DB-8
• Power ON the DB-8
• Wait approximately 2 minutes while the software is copied.
• When the LED on the right side of the DB-8 turns
constantly green, and the floppy-drive has stopped,
remove the floppy-disk.
While uploading software, the power LED will flash
between green and orange. This is normal. If the LED
flashes in red, please upload the software once again.
A result file called Resboot.txt will be saved on the disk,
and list the result of the operation. This file can be opened
with Microsoft Notepad on a standard PC.
Updating DSP Software
• Power OFF both the DB-8 and the Remote CPU.
• Insert floppy-disk #2 "DSP application" into the DB-8.
• Power the DB-8 ON.
• Wait approximately 2 minutes while the software is copied.
• When the LED on the right side of the DB-8 turns
constantly green, and the floppy-drive has stopped,
remove the floppy-disk
While uploading software, the power LED will flash
between green and orange. This is normal. If the LED
flashes in red, please upload the software once again.
A result file called Rs<serial no>.txt will be saved on the
disk, and list the result of the operation. This file can be
opened with Microsoft Notepad on a standard PC.
Updating TC Icon Software
• Power ON the Remote CPU (The DB-8 should already
be powered ON, if not, remove any floppy disk and
power ON the DB-8 as well).
• Insert floppy-disk #3 "TC Icon application" into the DB-8.
• Access the SETUP/UPDATE page on TC Icon.
• Press the DETECT button in the big oval box.
• Press the big round button labeled: UPDATE FROM
DB-8 when it appears.
• Wait until the TC Icon automatically restarts.
Updating Ethernet Software
• Power OFF the DB-8.
• Insert floppy-disk #4 "Ethernet application" into the DB-8.
• Power ON the DB-8.
• Wait approximately 2 minutes while the software is copied.
• When the LED on the right side of the DB-8 turns
constantly green, and the floppy-drive has stopped,
remove the floppy-disk.
While uploading software, the power LED will flash
between green and orange. This is normal. If the LED
flashes in red, please upload the software once again.
A result file called Resboot.txt will be saved on the disk,
and list the result of the operation. This file can be opened
with Microsoft Notepad on a standard PC.
To verify correct update-procedure has taken
place, check the software version numbers both
before and after an update. These version
numbers are located on the
Frame/System/Main/Net page.

13
UPDATING DB-8 SOFTWARE
While loading software the colour of the front LED
indicates the following status.
ORANGE:
The Boot software is starting and processing the control
file.
RED:
The Boot software could not start the Ethernet or H8 main
board application. Two situations could be causing this:
• An older version of software than the one already
loaded is found on the disc. Power on/off to reboot.
• An error occurred while reading the disc. Either the file or
the disc is corrupt. This will probably result in software
failure. Create e new disc with correct software and try
again.
RED BLINK:
The Boot software could not save the result file
"Resboot.txt" on the diskette. This could be due to a write
protected disc.
GREEN:
The Boot software has started the Ethernet and H8 main
board application. If any control file has been processed
see the Resboot.txt file for any errors and status.
Loading the TC Icon software is also possible via LAN
(Local Area Network).
To setup your DB-8 in a network and update via LAN,
please refer to the following pages.
It is not possible to update the Mainframe-software via
ethernet.
AES-8 Card Software
The AES-8 card is loaded with the latest software version
when you receive the card. If you need to upgrade this
software at any time follow these instructions:
• Download the latest software from www.tcelectronic.com
Follow the instructions
• Power OFF both the Mainframe and the Remote CPU
• Insert the AES-8 floppy-disk into the Mainframe
• Power On the Mainframe
• Wait while the software is loaded.
• When the LED on the right side of the DB-8 turns
constantly green, and the floppy-drive has stopped,
remove the floppy-disk

14
DB-8 IN A LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Introduction
If your setup is a standard DB-8 with a Mainframe and
a TC Icon and no other units connected you do not
need to dive into this section.
The DB-8 standard setup with a Mainframe and a TC Icon
is a “point to point Local Area Network” (LAN) because
there are only 2 items connected. This is done via the
supplied Ethernet cable. Please note that the cable type
(supplied) to be used for this setup is cross-coupled.
This is the most simple LAN setup possible. As soon as
several mainframes, TC Icons and/or a computer is hooked
up on the network a HUB (not supplied) must be used. In
this scenario standard ethernet cables (not cross-coupled)
must be used.
The following section will explain a few important basic
terms regarding network setups such as TCP/IP and
Subnet Mask. Basic knowledge of these issues is
necessary as soon as your setup consists of more than two
items.
Please note that a working TCP/IP protocol must be
installed on your computer before attempting to hook up
the computer on the network.
Explanations/illustrations in the following examples are
based on a Win 95/98 operating system but will also apply
for Windows NT.
Subnet Mask - TCP/IP address
The Subnet Mask
The Subnet Mask is a number that defines a group of
computers (or Icons/Mainframes) connected to the network.
All units in the group must have the same Subnet Mask.
The DB-8 Subnet Mask is by default 255.255.255.0 and
therefore the Subnet Mask on all other units/computers
must be set accordingly.
The DB-8 Subnet Mask can be altered, to match
your network Subnet Mask if this differs from the
standard 255.255.255.0. Please see the section:
Setting Subnet Mask on the DB-8.
To find the TCP/IP address and the Subnet Mask settings
on your computer:
Go to Control Panel, Network, Configuration, double click
on TCP/IP and you will see the following.
TCP/IP address
The TCP/IP address is unique to each unit connected in
the network. Two units must therefore never have the same
IP address.
The DB-8 default address is : 192.168.1.126
The TC Icon default address is : 192.168.1.125
If your computers IP address (or any in the network) is one
of the above you have two options. Either to alter the
computers IP address or to alter the IP address of the TC
Icon and the Mainframe. Please see the sections:
Setting the TCP/IP address on the Mainframe.
Setting the TCP/IP address on the TC Icon.

15
SETTING SUBNET MASK AND TCP/IP
Setting the Subnet Mask of the Mainframe DB-8 via the
TC Icon
• Go to the Setup Select pages.
• Select the Main Frame on which you wish to change
Subnet Mask.
• Press Subnet Mask key and type in the desired Subnet
Mask.
Setting the Subnet Mask of the TC Icon
Be aware that the Subnet Mask for all connected
devices must be the same. Since all Subnet Masks
can be set via the TC Icon the last Subnet Mask to
set must be the TC Icon Subnet Mask.
Go to the Setup Select pages.
• Select Setup - Net.
• Press the Subnet Mask key and type in the desired
Subnet Mask.
• Press Enter to exit.
The Subnet Mask for the TC Icon is now set.
Setting the TCP/IP address of the TC Icon
Go to the Setup Select pages.
• Select Setup - Net.
• Press the IP Address field and type in the desired
IP Address.
• Press Enter to exit.
The TCP/IP address for the TC Icon is now set.
Setting the TCP/IP address of the Mainframe
• Go to the page:
Frame - System - Main - Net ID page.
• Press the field: Mainframe TCP/IP address.
The Naming display appears.
• Enter the TCP/IP and press ENTER.
The Subnet Mask for the Mainframe is now set.

16
DB-8 IN A NETWORK
Hubs
For optimal performance use a 100Mbit Hub.
We recommend Hubs from 3Com and Cisco.