DiGiCo Optocore and Racks Part 1

Summary

This video demonstrates how to efficiently set up and configure a multi-console audio system using optical loops. It covers the process of adding multiple consoles (SD9 and SD10), configuring ports, ensuring synchronized clocking, and remapping to ensure proper connectivity across racks. Key steps include locking optical settings for security, troubleshooting loop errors, and adding additional racks like the SD Nano. Throughout the video, clear communication and careful system configuration are emphasized for optimal performance. Future episodes will dive deeper into advanced system configurations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure all devices are connected to the audio loop, and verify device IDs using the system diagnostics optical tab.
• 😀 When adding a second console (SD9), the 'single console' button will be unavailable because there are now multiple consoles in the loop.
• 😀 Manually configure conformal ports in both consoles to ensure they recognize the same racks, even if the racks aren't used.
• 😀 Always ensure both consoles have the same racks declared, even if not in use, to prevent configuration issues.
• 😀 Remapping the system only needs to be done in one console, but make sure both consoles are synced in terms of sampling rates.
• 😀 Lock the optical system settings to prevent accidental changes to the card and rack allocations once everything is mapped and synced.
• 😀 The clock settings must be consistent across all consoles and racks, set to optical sync to ensure proper operation.
• 😀 Adding extra racks to the loop requires conforming ports again in both consoles and remapping the system to integrate the new equipment.
• 😀 Use system diagnostics to monitor the loop status and identify any errors or unconnected devices, such as open loops or disconnected racks.
• 😀 Effective communication is essential when remapping, especially when multiple consoles are involved, to avoid conflicting actions.

Q & A

What is the first step when setting up multiple consoles in the optical loop?

The first step is to open the system diagnostics, specifically the optical tab, to check the devices that are connected to the loop and verify the IDs of the consoles, such as SD10 and SD9.

Why is the 'Single Console' option grayed out when two consoles are connected?

The 'Single Console' option is grayed out because the system detects multiple consoles in the loop. With two consoles connected, the system assumes that a single-console setup is no longer valid.

What must be done to ensure both consoles have the same racks in their inventories?

Both consoles must have the same racks declared in their setup, even if the racks are not being used. This ensures consistency across the entire system.

What should be considered before attempting to remap the system?

Before remapping, ensure that both consoles are set to the same sampling rate and that the same racks are declared in both consoles' inventories. This ensures proper synchronization between the consoles.

Is it necessary to remap in both consoles when adding a new rack?

No, remapping only needs to be done on one of the consoles because the remapping affects the entire system, not individual units.

What is the importance of communication during the remapping process?

Effective communication is crucial to ensure that only one person is pressing 'remap' at a time, especially in a system with multiple consoles, to avoid conflicting changes.

Why is it important to press the 'lock optical' button after remapping?

Pressing the 'lock optical' button secures the system by preventing accidental changes to the allocation of cards within the optical loop. This adds an extra layer of security to the configuration.

What is the recommended clock synchronization setting for the system?

The system should be set to use 'optical' as the main clock in each console's audio sync settings to ensure all consoles and racks are running in sync.

What happens if you add an SD Nano rack to the system?

When an SD Nano rack is added, the system will update the inventory to reflect the new rack (e.g., ID 24). The loop will initially show an open connection, but once the loop is closed, the system will automatically update and display all devices correctly.

What is the purpose of the 'conform ports' button in the setup process?

The 'conform ports' button ensures that the new rack or console is recognized and properly mapped in both consoles. It helps keep the system synchronized and consistent after adding new equipment.