Smartclass+ Audio Intercom: Hardware Reference Guide

Hardware Reference Guide
SmartClass+ Audio Intercom
2011-12-16
HardwareReferenceGuide_SC+ Audio Intercom_ENG_2011-12-16

Hardware Reference Guide – SC+ Audio Intercom Page ii
Guide – Revision History

REVISION DATE CHANGES
2011-12-15 Initial Release
2011-12-16 Section on Cabling added
Hardware Reference Guide – SC+ Audio Intercom Page iii
INDEX
System Architecture
Introduction......................................................................................................... 1
System Components
Introduction......................................................................................................... 2
Audio Matrix – SC2500 AM-IL2 .......................................................................... 3
Front Panel ............................................................................................... 3
Rear Panel ................................................................................................ 3
Side Panels............................................................................................... 3
Front Panel Connections & Indicators ................................................... 4
Audio Matrix Inter-Hub Connections...................................................... 5
Audio Matrix Control Connections ......................................................... 6
Audio Matrix to Teacher Station ............................................................. 6
Audio Matrix to BIL Connections ........................................................... 7
Power Supply Connections .................................................................... 8
Control Link Extender ........................................................................................ 9

Teacher Station – Control Link Extender (SC3000 RS-422) ................. 9
Front Panel ..................................................................................... 9
Rear Panel ...................................................................................... 9
Control PC Connection ................................................................. 10
Audio Matrix Connection ............................................................... 10
Power Supply Connection ............................................................. 11
User Audio Interface – SC2500 BIL2-S ........................................................... 12

Front Panel ............................................................................................. 12
Rear Panel .............................................................................................. 12
User Controls ......................................................................................... 12
Audio Mixer ............................................................................................ 13
Rear Panel Connections........................................................................ 13
Audio-Link (Connection to Audio Matrix) ....................................... 13
Audio-Link Indicators..................................................................... 14
Headset Connections .................................................................... 14
Microphone Gain Adjustment ........................................................ 14
Auxiliary Audio Device .................................................................. 15
Power Supply ................................................................................ 15
Hardware Reference Guide – SC+ Audio Intercom Page iv
User Audio Interface – SC2500 BIL2-T ........................................................... 16

Front Panel ............................................................................................. 16
Rear Panel .............................................................................................. 16
User Controls ......................................................................................... 16
Audio Mixer ............................................................................................ 17
Rear Panel Connections........................................................................ 17
I-Link (Connection to Interface) ..................................................... 17
I-Link Indicators ............................................................................. 18
Headset Connections .................................................................... 18
Microphone Gain Adjustment ........................................................ 18
Teacher’s Computer...................................................................... 19
Auxiliary Audio Device .................................................................. 19
Auxiliary Input Level ...................................................................... 20
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) Trim Level .................................... 20
Power Supply ................................................................................ 20
System Cabling
Cable Details ..................................................................................................... 21
Cable Type .............................................................................................. 21
Cable Length .......................................................................................... 21
Cable Pin Out ......................................................................................... 21
Cable Identification .......................................................................................... 22

Cable Testing .................................................................................................... 22
Securing of Cables ........................................................................................... 22
Room Layout Diagram ..................................................................................... 23
Connecting the Audio Intercom Cables ......................................................... 24
Software Configuration
Introduction....................................................................................................... 25
Audio Matrix Checkbox .................................................................................... 26
COM Port Selection .......................................................................................... 26
Audio Matrix Port Assignment ........................................................................ 26
#######
Hardware Reference Guide – SC+ Audio Intercom Page 1
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
INTRODUCTION
The SmartClass+ system can optionally be equipped with a hardware-based audio
intercom module. (This module is always present in the SmartClass+ LIVE version of
the product).
A block diagram of the Intercom module is shown below:
Teacher Station Student Stations

Projector
#####
PA System
SC2500 BIL-S SC2500 BIL-S
DA SC2500 BIL-S SC2500 BIL-S
SC2500 BIL2-T
SC2500 BIL2-T
Optional
RS-232 to RS422
Adapter SC2500 BIL-S SC2500 BIL-S
(SC3000 RS422)
SC2500 BIL-S SC2500 BIL-S

Central Switching Equipment
Audio Matrix Switch SC2500 AM-IL2
CAT-5e
One Audio Cable for every 2 positions

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
INTRODUCTION
This section of the Hardware Reference Guide provides an overview of each of the
switching modules used in SC+ Audio Intercom module.
 Audio Matrix
o SC2500 AM-IL2
 Control Link Extender (optional)

o SC3000 RS-422
 User Audio Mixer

o SC2500 BIL2-S (student)
o SC2500 BIL2-T (teacher)
Audio Matrix - SC2500 AM-IL2

The Audio Matrix is provided in a compact plastic housing designed for desktop or
under desk mounting. It can also be mounted on a shelf in a 19” rack.
Front Panel
RES
SC2500-AM-IL AUDIO MATRIX INTRALAB 2
BIL BIL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
BIL BIL
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Rear Panel
POW
DC-
Upstre Downstre Inter-Matrix Upstre Downstre
Channels Audio Bus Channels

5-8 1-4
Side Panels
RS-232 RS-232 Downstre Upstre RS-422 Remote

PC-Link Controller PC-Link Power
INTER – MATRIX
Control Bus Off
Front Panel Connections & Indicators
The IntraLAB version of the Audio Matrix connects directly to the User Audio Interfaces,
(SC2500 BIL). The 16 front panel connectors on the Audio Matrix are used to connect
to master BIL units, (which are connected in a master-slave fashion). Each connector
supports two separate audio channels, so there are a total of 32 stations supported with
a single Audio Matrix. Matrices can be stacked to expand to 64 seats or more.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
The indicators built into the RJ-45 jacks provide status information about the matrix and
associated AMA connections and can be used for diagnostic purposes.
Currently, only the GREEN indicators are used. When flashing, these indicate
communication with one of the two call buttons or terminals connected at the remote
end. For example, when the raised hand button is pressed on a call button, the green
LED for the corresponding cable connection will flash green.
Selected YELLOW LEDs will flash and remain illuminated as part of the boot-up
diagnostic routine.
Note that the SC2500 AM-IL2 also supplies remote power to the BIL2 units
via the CAT-5 cable connections. There is a power indicator for each bank of BIL
8 connections as shown at right. This power indicator normally glows green.
It will be extinguished if there is excessive current draw for any reason.
BIL
Audio Matrix Inter-Hub Connections
When multiple Audio Matrix units are combined to support more than 16 BIL ports, the
individual audio matrices must be interconnected using the appropriate rear-panel and
side panel connections. The diagram below shows the inter-matrix connections.
Channels Inter-Matrix Channels Inter-Matrix

5-8 Audio Bus 1-4 Control Bus
Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream
#1
#2
#3
Note that all bus connections are simple serial connection and not loops.
Audio Matrix Control Connections
The teacher station is connected directly to the Audio Matrix. See diagram below.
Audio Matrix Switch
Teacher PC
Audio Matrix to Teacher Station
If the physical distance between the Audio Matrix and the teacher station is 25 feet or
less, a direct RS-232 connection can be made. If the connection distance is greater
than 25 feet, then an RS-422 connection should be used. Robotel supplies an optional
module called the SC3000 RS-422, which adapts a standard PC serial port to an RS-
422 connection.
SC3000 RS-422
Adapter
RS-232 RS-422
Up to 25’ Up to 1000’
Left Side Right Side
Audio
Matrix
RS-232 RS-232 Down Upst RS-422 Remote
PC-Link Controller PC-Link Power
INTER – MATRIX Off
Control Bus
Audio Matrix to BIL Connections
A CAT-5 cable is connected directly from the front panel of the SC2500 AM-IL matrix
switch to the RJ-45 jack marked “IN”, on the SC2500 BIL-S or SC2500 BIL-T. A
second SC2500 BIL-S can be connected to the first unit. A CAT-5 jumper is
connected from the RJ-45 marked “OUT” on the first SC2500 BIL to the RJ-45 jack
marked “IN” on the second SC2500 BIL.
Audio Matrix SC2500 AM-IL2
The BIL that is directly SC2500 BIL2-S

connected to the Matrix is
automatically assigned
Port A, while the second
BIL that is daisy-chained
to the first is automatically SC2500 BIL2-S
assigned Port B.
Power Supply Connections
The final connection for the Audio Matrix is the local power supply
connection. This comprises a single power supply module, which is POWER
included as part of the hub.

DC-12V
The power supply connections are shown below.
POW
DC-
Upstre Downstre Inter-Matrix Upstre Downstre
Channels Audio Bus Channels

5-8 1-4
Power Supply
CONTROL LINK EXTENDER

A control link extender must be used in situations where the teacher station is not
located immediately beside the central switching equipment, (audio matrix switches).
Teacher Station – Control Link Extender (SC3000 RS-422)
The SC3000 RS-422 is used to extend the connection between the teacher station and
the Audio Matrix, by converting the PC’s serial port RS-232 protocol into an RS-422
protocol suitable for transmission over long distances, (up to 1000 feet).
Front Panel
SC3000 RS-422
CONTROL LINK EXTENDER
Rear Panel
RS-422
CONTROL PC 12 V DC ON
To Switch
12V DC
SC3000 RS-422
Teacher PC Connection
The RS-232 serial connection from the control PC is cabled to the DB-9 connector
labeled as “Control PC” on the SC3000 RS-422 module.
SC3000 RS-422
RS-422
To Switch
12V DC
SC3000 RS-422
Control PC
Audio Matrix Connection
The RJ-45 jack labeled as “RS-422 To Switch” is cabled to the corresponding RS-422
jack on the Audio Matrix.
SC3000 RS-422
RS-422
To Switch
12V DC
SC3000 RS-422
Audio Matrix
Down Upst RS-422 KVM

PC-Link HUB
INTER – MATRIX
Control Bus
Power Supply Connection
The 12V accessory power supply is connected to the 5.5mm barrel jack connector on
the rear of the SC3000 RS-422.
SC3000 RS-422
RS-422
To Switch
12V DC
SC3000 RS-422
Power
Supply
User Audio Mixer – SC2500 BIL2-S

The newest user audio mixer is generically known as the “BIL”. There are two versions
of this interface, the SC2500 BIL2-S (student) and the SC2500 BIL2-T (teacher). All
BIL2 units are remotely powered from the AM-IL2 audio matrix.
Front Panel
Rear Panel
User Controls
Volume
Up Power Indicator Intercom Mixing
(GREEN) Indicator (GREEN)
Volume Microphone Microphone Mute Call

Down Mute Indicator (RED) Button
Audio Mixer
The audio mixer connection details are

summarized in the chart below.
Aux
Audio
In Aux
Audio
Intercom
Recording
Out
All audio
connections
support local
stereo performance
SmartClass Intercom except microphone
di t
SC2500 BIL2-S Audio Mixer
Inputs Outputs
Mic 1 Mic 2 Aux–In Intercom In
X X X X Headset 1
X X X X Headset 2
X X X1 Aux – Out
X X X Intercom – Out
Note 1 – Intercom In is connected to Aux Out only if the Intercom Mixing function is enabled.
Rear Panel Connections
Audio-Link (Connection to Audio Matrix)
On the rear panel of the SC2500 BI2L-S the leftmost RJ-45 connector, (Audio-Link), is
used to connect to the Audio Matrix. This connector is labeled as “IN”. A second RJ-
45 connector is used to connect with a slave SC2500 BIL2.
SC2500 BIL2-S
SC2500 BIL2-S
Audio-Link Indicators
Jack Indicator Description

Illuminates when the IN jack is
IN CONNECT connected to an Audio Matrix or
master BIL
IN NC Not used.
OUT SLAVE
connected to a master BIL
Illuminates when the OUT jack
OUT ERROR connected to an Audio Matrix or
master BIL
Headset Connections
Microphone Gain Adjustment
The microphone gain adjustment potentiometer is located on the back of the SC2500
BIL, (typically white in color). The adjustment can be made with either a small Phillips
or a small Slotted screwdriver.
Microphone Gain
Adjustment Potentiometer
Auxiliary Audio Device
The AUX-In and AUX-Out jacks can be used to connect a local

audio device such as a hand-held digital audio recorder.
Power Supply
The SC2500 BIL2-S does not require a local power supply. Power is provided over the
CAT-5 cable connection to the SC2500 AM-IL2 Audio Matrix.
User Audio Mixer – SC2500 BIL2-T

The user audio mixer is generically known as the “BIL”. There are two versions of this
interface, the SC2500 BIL2-S (student) and the SC2500 BIL2-T (teacher). All BIL2
units are remotely powered from the AM-IL2 audio matrix.
Front Panel
Rear Panel
AUX IN
AUX PC
PC
OUT IN OUT IN SPK MIC
Level ADJUST
Trim
User Controls
Volume
Up Power Indicator AGC Off AGC On
(GREEN) (RED) (GREEN)
Volume Microphone Microphone Mute Automatic

Down Mute Indicator (RED) Gain Control
Audio Mixer
The audio mixer connection details are

summarized in the chart below.
PC
Audio PC
In A Audio
G Out
Aux C
Audio
In Aux
Audio
Out
All audio
connections
support local
stereo performance
SmartClass Intercomexcept microphone
di t
SC2500 BIL2-T Audio Mixer
Inputs Outputs
Mic PC–In Aux–In Intercom In
X X X X Headset
X X X PC – Out
2
X X X Aux – Out
X X X Intercom – Out
Note 2 – It is possible to add an internal jumper to connect the Aux-In signal to the Aux-Out jack.
Rear Panel Connections
Audio-Link (Connection to Audio Matrix)
On the rear panel of the SC2500 BIL2-T the leftmost RJ-45 connector, (Audio-Link), is
used to connect to the Audio Matrix. This connector is labeled as “IN”. A second RJ-
45 connector is used to connect with a slave SC2500 BIL2.
SC2500 BIL2-T
AUX
AUX PCIN
OUT IN OUT SPK MIC
Leve ADJ
SC2500 BIL2-T
AUX
AUX PCIN
OUT IN OUT SPK MIC
Leve ADJ
Audio-Link Indicators
Jack Indicator Description

IN CONNECT connected to an Audio Matrix or
master BIL
IN NC Not used.
OUT SLAVE
connected to a master BIL
Illuminates when the OUT jack
OUT ERROR connected to an Audio Matrix or
master BIL
Headset Connections
AUX
AUX PCIN
OUT IN OUT SPK MIC
Leve ADJ
Microphone Gain Adjustment
The microphone gain adjustment potentiometer is located on the back of the SC2500
BIL, (typically white in color). The adjustment can be made with either a small Phillips
or a small Slotted screwdriver.
AUX
AUX PC
Leve ADJ
Microphone Gain
Adjustment Potentiometer
Teacher’s Computer
Line Out Mic In
Note: By default, the

PC-Out and Aux-Out
connections are
AUX
configured to drive a
AUX PC
OUT IN OUT IN SPK MIC Microphone input level.
Leve ADJ These outputs can be
configured for line-level
inputs with the addition
of two internal jumpers.
Auxiliary Audio Device
AUX
AUX PC
Leve ADJ
Auxiliary Input Level
The SC2500 BIL2-T unit has a AUX

AUX PCIN
potentiometer that can be used to OUT IN OUT SPK MIC
adjust the Auxiliary input level. This Leve ADJ
should be adjusted to get a balance

between the local microphone level,
the PC sound card level and the auxiliary input level.
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) Trim Level
The SC2500 BIL2-T unit includes an

AUX
automatic gain control circuit (that is AUX PC
enabled via the front panel). The AGC Leve ADJ
can be used to maintain a relatively
constant level of auxiliary input audio
when more than one device can be
connected to this input. This is ideal in situations where (for example), a 4-port AV
switch is used to connect a VHS tape deck, a DVD player, an audiocassette deck, and
perhaps an IMac. Adjust the trim level so that the front panel green light is blinking at
a slow consistent rate.
Power Supply
The BIL2 units receive power over the CAT-5 connection from the audio matrix. There
is no need for a local power supply.
SYSTEM CABLING
CABLE DETAILS
Cable Type
The SmartClass+ Audio Intercom module uses standard CAT-5 cabling to connect the
BIL audio mixers to the Audio Matrix and to daisy-chain two BIL units.
Robotel uses the following CAT-5e cable, but any high quality type of CAT-5 or CAT-6
UTP cable will work fine:
 Belden – Data-twist
 Model 7987R (Regular)
 Model 7987P (Plenum)
Note that Plenum rated cables must be used if cables are being run in a space that is
used as a return air channel for an HVAC system. Check with your building’s
maintenance department or engineering department if in doubt.
Cable Length
Cable length is not particularly stringent for audio signals, but the following guidelines
are recommended:
 Minimum length = 3 feet (1 meter)

 Maximum length = 150 feet (46 meters)
Cable Pin Out
SmartClass+ cables must be terminated

ANSI/TIA/EIA T568-B
with RJ-45 connectors and it is strongly
recommended that the connector pin out Pin Conductor Color Code
adhere to the ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B 1 white/orange
standards as shown in the diagram at 2 orange
right.
3 white/green
4 blue
5 white/blue
6 green
7 white/brown
8 brown
CABLE IDENTIFICATION
We recommend color coding cables based on their function and we recommend tagging
all cables at both ends to avoid confusion when connecting system components and
when troubleshooting installation related problems.
• Color Coding: Robotel uses the following color coding standards for different
cable functions. Note that audio cables normally use a Purple cable shroud.
Red Video (screen)

Blue Control
Green Keyboard/Mouse
Purple Audio
• ID Tags: Each end of a cable should be tagged with meaningful information.

For example, at the end of a cable that will be connected to the Audio Matrix, the
tag might read “Station 7 Port A, Station 8 Port B”. At the BIL end of the same
cable, the tag might read “Audio Matrix Connector 4”.
CABLE TESTING
It is strongly recommended that you carry a portable CAT-5 cable tester and pre-test all
CAT-5 cables before connecting them to the SmartClass+ equipment. Bad cables can
potentially harm equipment and complicate system testing.
SECURING OF CABLES
Once you have done some initial system testing, cables should be secured with tie-
wraps to ensure a neat, aesthetically-pleasing installation and to minimize the possibility
of accidental cable disconnection.
• To avoid damage to connectors due to taut cables, tie wraps should be placed no
closer than 15-20 cm from each connection. There should be sufficient slack to
unplug and/ re-plug each connection, should a module need to be serviced.
• Avoid kinks in cables. Make sure that any bends in cables have a large rounded
radius. This is especially important for the foil shielded video cables.
• If a cable is too long, it is preferred that it be replaced with a cable of the correct
length. If this is not practical, the cable can be tie-wrapped in a loop and secured
under the desk.
• Trim all tie wraps cleanly, as close as possible to the tie and without creating sharp
edges.
ROOM LAYOUT DIAGRAM

It is strongly recommended that you obtain or create a room layout diagram to aid in the
calculation of cable lengths. This diagram (an example of which is shown below) will
also help you to visual where hardware modules will be placed and how wiring will be
run.
24’
36’
CONNECTING THE AUDIO INTERCOM CABLES

The audio connection diagram is shown below. Note that for simplicity, only one pair of
SC2500 BIL2-S modules are shown, but the connections are identical for all students.
In our example system, the SC2500 BIL2-T for the teacher will connect to its own port
on the audio matrix.
Audio Matrix
RE SC2500 AM-IL2
SC2500 AUDIO
B B
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
B B Front
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 View
Power is supplied to the audio mixer/call

button units from the audio matrix over the
CAT-5 system cables.
Audio Mixer/ Call Button

SC2500 BIL2-S
Only one level of daisy-

chaining is permitted.
Audio Mixer/ Call Button
SC2500 BIL2-S
• Using a CAT-5e UTP cable, connect from the first port on the front of the Audio
Matrix to the In port on the first SC2500 BIL2-S audio mixer/call button.
• Using a CAT-5e UTP cable, connect from the Out port on the upstream BIL2-S to
the In port on the downstream BIL2-S.
• Repeat the above two steps for all student pairs.
• Using a CAT-5e UTP cable, connect from an open port on the front of the Audio
Matrix to the In port on the SC2500 BIL2-T audio mixer/call button at the teacher’s
desk.
SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION
INTRODUCTION
To use the hardware-based audio intercom
module, the SC+ software must be configured
properly. The configuration is managed from the
Live Activities Dashboard via a button called
Configuration as shown at right.
The configuration panel is shown below. The three portions of this panel that are
relevant to the hardware-based audio intercom option are highlighted with red boxes.
Audio Matrix Checkbox

The checkbox labeled Audio Matrix must be checked.
COM Port Selection

The correct RS-232 COM port on the teacher station must be selected.
Audio Matrix Port Assignment

The Audio column in the station table must be configured so that the port assignments
match the physical wiring of connections from the Audio Matrix to the BIL audio mixers.
Note that there can be no duplication of ports in the table. The port identification is as
follows:
1-14A
Port Identification (A or B)
Connector Identification (1 – 16)
Matrix Identification (1 – 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
SC2500 BIL2-S
The BIL that is directly

connected to the Matrix is Port A
automatically assigned
Port A, while the second SC2500 BIL2-S
BIL that is daisy-chained
to the first is automatically
assigned Port B. Port B
#####
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Hardware Reference Guide

SmartClass+ Audio Intercom

HardwareReferenceGuide_SC+ Audio Intercom_ENG_2011-12-16

Guide – Revision History

Control Link Extender ........................................................................................ 9

User Audio Interface – SC2500 BIL2-S ........................................................... 12

User Audio Interface – SC2500 BIL2-T ........................................................... 16

Cable Identification .......................................................................................... 22

A block diagram of the Intercom module is shown below:

Teacher Station Student Stations

DA SC2500 BIL-S SC2500 BIL-S

SC2500 BIL-S SC2500 BIL-S

One Audio Cable for every 2 positions

 Control Link Extender (optional)

 User Audio Mixer

Audio Matrix - SC2500 AM-IL2

Channels Audio Bus Channels

RS-232 RS-232 Downstre Upstre RS-422 Remote

Front Panel Connections & Indicators

Audio Matrix Inter-Hub Connections

Channels Inter-Matrix Channels Inter-Matrix

Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream

Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream

Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream

Audio Matrix Control Connections

Audio Matrix Switch

Audio Matrix to Teacher Station

Audio Matrix to BIL Connections

Audio Matrix SC2500 AM-IL2

The BIL that is directly SC2500 BIL2-S

Power Supply Connections

included as part of the hub.

The power supply connections are shown below.

Channels Audio Bus Channels

CONTROL LINK EXTENDER

Teacher Station – Control Link Extender (SC3000 RS-422)

Audio Matrix Connection

Down Upst RS-422 KVM

Power Supply Connection

User Audio Mixer – SC2500 BIL2-S

Volume Microphone Microphone Mute Call

The audio mixer connection details are

Rear Panel Connections

Audio-Link (Connection to Audio Matrix)

Audio Matrix SC2500 AM-IL2

Jack Indicator Description

Microphone Gain Adjustment

Auxiliary Audio Device

The AUX-In and AUX-Out jacks can be used to connect a local

User Audio Mixer – SC2500 BIL2-T

Volume Microphone Microphone Mute Automatic

The audio mixer connection details are

Rear Panel Connections

Audio-Link (Connection to Audio Matrix)

Jack Indicator Description

Microphone Gain Adjustment

Line Out Mic In

Note: By default, the

Auxiliary Audio Device

Auxiliary Input Level

The SC2500 BIL2-T unit has a AUX

adjust the Auxiliary input level. This Leve ADJ

should be adjusted to get a balance