dCS Verona Master Clock User Manual Software Release 1.0x September 2004 © 2004 dCS Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of dCS1. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc English version Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Page 2 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 PRODUCT OVERVIEW The dCS Verona is a consumer version of the dCS 992 and 995 professional Master Clocks. The Verona generates very stable clocks at either 44.1 or 48kHz, accurate to better than 1 part per million. The usual application is synchronising the units in SACD / CD systems, where a 44.1kHz Word Clock is used throughout.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 CONTENTS Product Overview ..............................................................................................3 Contents .............................................................................................................4 About this Manual 6 What does the coloured text mean? About Sample Rates x 6 6 Step-by-Step Guide .........................................................................................
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Power requirements Size and Weight Operating Conditions 25 25 25 General Technical Information.......................................................................26 Clock Dither 26 Using your dCS Verona for the first time ........................................................28 What’s in the Box? Safety Notice Mains Voltage Setting Positioning the Unit 28 28 29 29 Options ...............................................
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 About this Manual If you have not used a Verona before, please read the section “Using your dCS Verona for the first time” on page 28.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc English version Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Page 7 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE This section guides you through setting up the unit for basic operation. You may find this useful if you have not used the Verona for a while. Preliminaries The Control Summary sheet details the menu structure and outlines the use of the front panel controls. For more information, see the Menu section on page 14.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Connecting the System for DSD Most owners will use the Verona to clock other dCS equipment at 44.1kHz. do this: do this: do this: IMPORTANT! If necessary, use the Clock Frequency button to set the outputs to 44.1kHz. Connect one of the Verona‘s Word Clock Outputs to the Word Clock input of each unit in the chain – the transport, the DSD upsampler and the DAC. The five outputs are the same.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS Using a Verona with an upsampling transport This is the simplest disc-only system using the Verona. The La Scala outputs DSD data whether you play SACDs or ordinary CDs. dCS Verona Master Clock WORD CLOCK OUTPUTS SPDIF OUTPUTS 1394 EXT. REF. IN SUC 1 POWER LINK 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 POWER ~ 3 44.1kHz Word Clocks dCS Verdi La Scala SACD Transport CAUTION: VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Using a Verona with a DSD upsampler If you have a Verdi rather than a La Scala, you can still upsample your CDs to DSD by adding a 1394-equipped Purcell to the system. dCS Verona Master Clock WORD CLOCK OUTPUTS SPDIF OUTPUTS EXT. REF. IN 1394 SUC 1 POWER LINK 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 POWER ~ 44.1kHz Word Clocks dCS Verdi SACD Transport CAUTION: VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION. WHEN OPEN, DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd do this: do this: do this: Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 If you prefer, you can connect one of the Purcell’s other inputs to the Verdi instead of using the AES input. Select that input using the Purcell’s Input button. Open the Purcell’s menu and set the WClk page to WClk:In. The Purcell will lock to the Verona. If necessary, use the Input button on the Elgar Plus to select the 1394 input. Open the Elgar’s menu and set the MS page to MS:Sync.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Using a Verona with a GPS clock If you have a GPS clock or atomic clock, you can slave the Verona to the clock, improving the accuracy of the Verona to that of the clock. GPS clock 1PPS 10MHz RS-232 ANTENNA Roof-mounted GPS antenna The Bang-On GPS Clock Co. 10MHz +/-1ppb dCS Verona Master Clock WORD CLOCK OUTPUTS SPDIF OUTPUTS 1394 EXT. REF.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 THE SOFTWARE – THE MENU Press "Step >" to move along the Menu, press "< Step" to move back. Press "Select" to set a menu option or change options. Menu First page of the Menu Couple Bright x Time Out Sets the format of the Ext Ref Input Sets the display brightness Sets the Menu timeout delay TTL Bipolar Bright 7 ....
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Test pages allow the user to initiate a number of useful routines, for example Test. When a Test page is displayed, pressing the Select button starts the test routine. Closing the Menu There are two ways to close the menu and return to normal operation. The easiest way is to wait 5 seconds for the unit to time-out and revert to the standard display.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Bright x - Display Brightness This adjusts the brightness of the main display, with settings between 7 (brightest) and 0 (off, unless something is touched). do this: do this: Open the Menu and step through until the display shows Bright x, where x is a number between 7 and 0. Press the Select button repeatedly and the display cycles through Bright 7, Bright 6, ......., Bright 1, Bright 0 and back to Bright 7.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Serial – Unit Serial Number This displays the full serial number, including the hardware configuration code. We will need this information to assemble upgraded software to suit your unit. do this: do this: Have a pen and paper handy to note down the number. Open the Menu and step through until the display shows Serial. Press the Select button once and the serial number will scroll across the display.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd do this: do this: do this: do this: do this: Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 For all dCS units: RELAX! The update procedure is easy. Mute your power amplifier. Insert a dCS CD (containing software for the unit you want to update) into the transport, making sure it is in STOP mode. Open the Menu on the unit to be updated and step through until the display shows CDUpdate. Press the Select button to start the routine.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 The checking routine will find a sequencing error and Non Seq or Bad CD! will appear on the display. do this: Turn the power off and on to reboot. This message will scroll across the display: Bad CheckSum – Press Function button to attempt recovery or Bad CheckSum – Press Mute button to attempt recovery or Bad CheckSum – Press Menu button to attempt recovery, depending on the model. do this: Press the appropriate button once.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Dither Button (Step) do this: Press this button to turn the dither on or off. The DITH indicator lights if dither is being added. The Dither button doubles as the Menu Step button, used for paging forwards through the Menu (see page 14). Status Indicator x This consists of 3 indicators: • • • PWR is lit when power is connected and the unit is turned on or is in standby mode. STBY is lit when the unit is in standby mode.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Rear Panel I J K WORD CLOCK OUTPUTS SPDIF OUTPUTS EXT. REF. IN L M N O 1394 P Q SUC 1 POWER LINK 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 Designed and Manufactured in England by DCS Ltd. (UK company 2072115), Mull House, Gt. Chesterford Ct., Gt. Chesterford, Saffron Walden CB10 1PF U.K. Warning: Shock Hazard - Do not open. No user serviceable parts inside.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 1394 Interface The 1394 interface in not fitted in this release. It is intended for future enhancements. Power Link This can be linked to similar connectors on other dCS units using a link cable. All units linked in this way may be turned on or off or set to standby by pressing a single Power button or sending one Remote Control command. Link cables are available from dCS.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 VERONA TECHNICAL INFORMATION Digital Interface Specifications Wordclock Outputs / Ext. Ref. Input Type Ext Ref Input Outputs Single ended, ground referred 75 25 TTL TTL BNC BNC x 5 Impedance Level (unloaded) Connector Ω Table 1 –Wordclock Output / Ext Ref Input Electrical Characteristics SPDIF Type Outputs Single ended, ground referred 75 1.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Power requirements Units may be set for 100, 115/120, 200, 215/220 or 230/240V (+/-10%), 50/60Hz AC operation. Typical power consumption Maximum power consumption Purcell & Verona 16W 20W Delius 21W 25W Elgar Plus 34W 40W Verdi & La Scala 25W 50W Table 3 – Power consumption for consumer products Size and Weight Length Depth Height Weight Purcell & Verona 461mm (18.15”) 413mm (16.18”) 69mm (2.70”) 8.5kg (18.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION Clock Dither Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuits are used in digital audio equipment to synchronise the local clock to the clock in the incoming data stream. PLL circuits tend to operate in the centre of a “dead band” when locked. In this band, the sensitivity of the loop to phase errors is reduced. This is somewhat similar to the cross-over region in a power amplifier.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc English version Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Page 27 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 USING YOUR dCS VERONA FOR THE FIRST TIME Thank you for purchasing this dCS Verona. Before attempting to use your Verona, please read at least the rest of this section and the “Step-by-Step Guide” on page 8. This will enable you to set the unit up quickly with your hi-fi system.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Mains Voltage Setting Before connecting the power cable to your Verona for the first time, please check that it has been set to the correct operating voltage for your local mains supply. 50Hz or 60Hz operation is not important – the unit can use either. The unit's present voltage setting is shown on the label beneath the mains inlet on the rear panel.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 OPTIONS The following options may be fitted to new units or retrofitted at a later date. Option code Option V5 Mains voltage set to 230/240V V4 Mains voltage set to 215/220V V3 Mains voltage set to 200V V2 Mains voltage set to 115/120V V1 Mains voltage set to 100V Table 5 – Options available Mains Supply Voltage Any unit may be set for operation from 230/240V, 215/220V, 200V, 115/120V or 100V A.C.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc English version Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Page 31 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT Service & Maintenance dCS audio products are designed not to need regular maintenance, and contain no user serviceable parts apart from the mains fuse. If your unit is damaged in some way, please contact your dealer or dCS. Mains Fuse There is a mains fuse below the power inlet, accessible from the outside of the unit. If the fuse blows, it may be changed by the user.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Updating your Verona dCS products make extensive use of software configurable chips – FPGAs and DSPs. This gives us the ability to update our products to add extra features, update digital interface standards or make performance improvements by loading new software. Occasionally, a hardware update may be necessary also to increase the “capacity” of the electronics, add extra connectors or extra front panel controls.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Safety and Electrical Safety There are no user serviceable parts inside Verona and so there is no need to remove the covers. If for some reason you do: IMPORTANT! Disconnect the power cable before removing any covers or changing the fuse. There are no substances hazardous to health inside Verona.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc English version Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Page 35 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 TROUBLESHOOTING Fault Indication Verona detects the following fault conditions: Power interruption If the AC supply is momentarily interrupted or is more than 20% below it’s rated voltage, the unit displays PowerDn and mutes the audio outputs to protect your loudspeakers from damage. This may be caused by loose AC power wiring, local power-line overloads or heavy-duty appliances like air conditioners.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Troubleshooting Guide If you experience difficulties when using your Verona, the following suggestions may help resolve the problem. IMPORTANT! The GOLDEN RULES for using a Master Clock: • • The source equipment MUST be locked to the Master Clock. The Clock Frequency MUST match the sample rate(s) used in the system. The unit fails to power up • Ensure there is power available on the mains cable.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 The Display turns on briefly when a control is operated, then turns off • This happens when the display brightness is set to Bright 0. Open the Menu and change Bright to a different setting. Menu Timeout does not work • Page through the menu to the TimeOut page and check the setting. If you want to set TimeOut to None, you must close the menu by selecting the End page.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 IF YOU NEED MORE HELP In the first instance, you should contact your dealer. If they cannot resolve the issue, contact dCS. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, UK time (GMT in Winter or GMT + 1hr in Summer).
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 INDEXES AND SOFTWARE VERSION NUMBERS Software History This manual is for Verona software version 1.0x. Definitions and Abbreviations ADC AES3 DAC dB dB0 dBu DDC DSD kS/s SDIF-2 SPDIF Word Clock Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc English version Analogue to Digital Converter, sometimes referred to as an A/D Converter. A standard professional stereo digital audio format consisting of one serial PCM data line.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Key to Cable Identification If you are reading a colour print or a soft copy of this manual, cable types shown in figures can be identified from Table 7.
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 List of Tables Table 1 –Wordclock Output / Ext Ref Input Electrical Characteristics .............. 24 Table 2 – SPDIF Output Electrical Characteristics............................................ 24 Table 3 – Power consumption for consumer products ...................................... 25 Table 4 – Size and weight for consumer products ............................................ 25 Table 5 – Options available ..................
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 Keywords and Phrases 1 1394 interface................................................23 A ADC ...............................................................40 AES3..............................................................40 applications....................................................10 B Bad CD! message .........................................19 Bad Checksum message.........................19, 36 blank display..........
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 M resetting to factory state................................ 19 main display.............................................16, 21 maintenance ..................................................32 master clock ....................................................3 Menu..............................................................14 Menu button.............................................14, 21 menu flow chart .......................
dCS Verona User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 1.0x September 2004 using an upsampler .......................................11 using an upsampling transport ......................10 using for the first time ....................................28 V VCXO.............................................................24 Vx.xx message ..............................................18 Manual filename: Verona Manual v1.0x.doc English version W weight.....................................................