Zephyr Xport Field Audio Transceiver USER’S GUIDE Manual Version 1.0 for software version 1.
The Xport's Front Panel NAV Key Allows for easy menu access. NAV also acts as an "escape" key when in a menu selection. LCD Display Audio Level metering Modem connection status Menu access Menu Navigation and Selection Keys Stowable Knobs Numeric Keypad Allow you to set it and forget it, preventing accidental changes. Used to enter numerical & text information. Used for dialing. Mixer Section Straightforward, easy to use mixer has Mic & Line inputs.
Zephyr Xport Field Audio Transceiver USER’S GUIDE Manual Version 1.0 for software version 1.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Customer Service We support you... By phone/Fax in the USA. Customer service is available from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM USA Eastern Time, Monday through Friday at +1 216.241.7225. Fax: +1 216.241.4103. By phone/Fax in Europe. Service is available from Telos Europe in Germany at +49 81 61 42 467. Fax: +49 81 61 42 402. By E- Mail. The address is: support@telos- systems.com. Via World Wide Web.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE IMPORTANT NOTE: The Zephyr XPORT's POTS LINE interface is intended for use with analog loop start telephone lines. This jack should not be connected to other types of lines, such a proprietary telephone jack present in many office telephone systems. See Section 3 for more information. In order to comply with Telecom regulations, the COUNTRY setting must be set appropriately before use. Updates The operation of the Telos Zephyr XPORT is determined largely by software.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Test Lines To aid you in testing and demonstrating your Zephyr XPORT, Telos Systems has the following test numbers available: • USA: +216 781.9310 or 216 781.9311 (Layer III Dual transmit @ 32 KHz sample rate for Zephyr/Zephyr Xstream + aacPlus @ 48 kHz SR for Xport). • Germany: (49) 81 61 42 061 Dial this number twice (Layer III Dual transmit @ 32 KHz sample rate for Zephyr/Zephyr Xstream + aacPlus @ 48 KHz SR for Xport).
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE WARNING: ZEPHYR XPORT USES CONVECTION COOLING. DO NOT BLOCK THE VENTILATION OPENINGS IN THE TOP AND REAR OF THE UNIT. e FAILURE TO ALLOW PROPER VENTIUALATION COULD DAMAGE THE UNIT OR CREATE A FIRE HAZARD. DO NOT PLACE THE UNIT ON A CARPET, BEDDING, OR OTHER MATERIALS THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE REAR PANEL VENTILATION OPENINGS. DO NOT STACK MORE THAN 3 UNITS HIGH.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE A note from the CEO It's been nearly 10 years since Telos brought you the original Zephyr – the first product in the world to use MP3, and the first to bring all the necessary pieces for ISDN remotes together in one easy- to- use and reliable package. In 2001, we offered you the latest MPEG technology and numerous improvements with the introduction of the Zephyr Xstream family of codecs.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Table of Contents Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................................... vii 1 INTRODUCING THE ZEPHYR XPORT ................................................................1 Looking for Information? .......................................................................................................................................... 1 2 GETTING ORIENTED.........
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 3.8 Remote Control .............................................................................................................................................. 29 4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .................................................................30 5 WHAT TO DO IF… ...............................................................................................34 6 TECHNICAL & INSTALLATION INFORMATION...............................................38 6.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 1 Introducing the Zephyr XPORT: Ordinary Phone Line – Extraordinary Audio ISDN makes for great sounding remotes, but you can’t always get ISDN where and when you want it. The XPORT lets you use ordinary analog telephone lines or ISDN in the field to connect with the Zephyr Xstream ISDN codec in your studio. The Xport features the highest fidelity low- bitrate coding method on Earth: MPEG AAC + the ground- breaking Spectral Band Replication enhancement: aacPlus).
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Here's where to turn for additional information: Tell me more about the box. Section 2 (Getting Oriented) will guide you step- by- step through setup and testing of the XPORT . I've never used a codec or plugged in a telephone. What do I do with this box? Section 2.1 (Quick Start) is for you. We provide step- by- step directions on how to plug in the unit and get up and running promptly.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 2 Getting Oriented This Quick Start section will walk you step- by- step through setting the unit up and placing calls. This section includes an introduction to the XPORT and includes the basic information required to get you up and running in a hurry. First, we'll cover the front and rear panels.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE • Promise to read the full manual later. Now, let’s get started. What you need before you start… To complete the following you will need: • Your Zephyr XPORT • A standard "RJ- 11 style" telephone cable (supplied with the XPORT) • A pair of headphones that use a standard 1/4 stereo connector • A dynamic Microphone, together with a cable ending with a 3- pin XLR "male" connector. Xport can be used with condenser microphones, but phantom power must be enabled.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Ideally, you should check an unknown line by connecting an ordinary analog telephone and attempting a call. h HOT TIP! The Xport uses the center pins of the 6- position miniature modular jack In parts of Europe we have seen the same type of jack using different pins. In this case, you will need an adaptor. Powering Up Time to turn on the XPORT! • Connect the provided IEC power cable to the XPORT. • Connect the other end of the IEC cable to your AC (mains) power outlet.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Mixer Adjustments h HOT TIP! The Xport has "stowable" control knobs for the mixer functions. If the knob is not protruding, push it in and release to make it accessible. Microphone Speak into your Microphone and adjust the MIC knob on the front panel to adjust the level displayed on the Snd meter (at the top of the screen).
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE If successful, the words "Connect Lock" Snd will appear along with a call duration Rcv timer. Connect Lock 0:00:05 Modem Performance Snd ════════ You should now see audio on the Receive audio meter (labeled "Rcv") moving as the audio is received from the test line. Rcv ════════ ════════ ════════ Put on your headphones and listen.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 2.3 What have we here? Time for a guided tour of your XPORT. Accessories A stand is available for the Xport to tip the unit up for easier viewing. Contact your Telos representative to order Telos Part # 1451- 00199- 001. A soft carry vase is also available. Request Telos Part # 2091- 00032 2.3.1 The front panel THE MIXER SECTION The XPORT's mixer section (pictured above) is easy to under stand. There are two inputs: MIC and LINE.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE The Default Display This is the display you will see most of the time. It has bargraph meters for Send and Receive audio levels, a status line, and modem quality bargraphs for each direction.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Lost Modem Sync…Falling back to Phone Mode – The modem connection has failed and therefore the connection has been converted to “Phone” mode. You should redial when convenient. The Menus Repeated presses of the
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 3. Press the button once. Note that the menu item moves to the top of the screen and information about Country is displayed. 4. Press the <6> button repeatedly to view the possible settings for this menu item (e. g. Argentina to Yemen, or something in between). w IMPORTANT TIP! You can press the
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE For example: Press the number 2 once...... ... press it again...... ... press it again...... ... press it again...... ... press it again...... ... press it again...... ... press it again...... ... press it yet again...... See the character A See the character B See the character C See the character a See the character b See the character c See the numeral 2 the cycle starts again from A To move to the next character in a field, tap any other key or press the <6> button.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Phone Places a call to a standard telephone. DSP hybrid technology prevents send audio coloration due to leakage, however the audio quality will still be only 300 to 3.3 kHz telephone quality. If the ISDN interface and line are present at the time of bootup, the call will go over ISDN. Otherwise, the call will be placed over the POTS interface. h HOT TIP! You can use this mode to call the on- air telephone system of any radio station, or to a telephone.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE TW O-INPUT MIXER ISDN SUPPORT Optional ISDN S, or ISDN S + U interfaces ETHERNET For direct audio from a PC, control via a web browser, & easy updates. RECEIVE DIRECT OUTPUT Unmixed output contains far-end audio only. 14 CHAPTER 2 - GETTING STARTED Has microphone and line level inputs CONTACT CLOSURES HEADPHONE & MONITOR OUTPUTS Have a mix of local (send) audio & remote (receive) audio from remote site AUX INTERFACE Allows connecting to Cellular Telephone Handsets.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 3 The Details By now your Xport should be up and running. In this section, we assume you have gotten to know your Xport by going through the Quick Start procedure and brief tour covered in Section 2 (Getting Started). In this section, we'll explain more about how the mixer works, cover more about using the Auto Dial function, as well as how to use a cell phone for transmission when a telephone line is not available.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE h HOT TIP! The Xport uses the center pins of the 6- position miniature modular (RJ- 11 style) jack. In parts of Europe, we have seen the same type of jack using different pins. In order to get the best performance from your Xport on POTS lines, be sure to set the COUNTRY menu selection for the correct setting. If your country is not listed, try the settings for USA and for CTR21. See section 2.3.1 POTS EXT. JACK This jack allows you to connect a telephone to your Xport.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE (What to do if…), or consult your Zephyr Xstream User's Manual for extensive tips for troubleshooting the problem. If you are not using the 2- wire "U" interface, you can disregard this LED. S INTERFACE (only active if option 1701-00135 or option 1701-00056 is present) This interface will only be active if you have one of the optional ISDN interfaces installed in your Xport. It is the usual interface for most parts of the world.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 3.2.1 Audio Inputs The Xport mixer has two analog audio inputs as follows: MIC INPUT This XLR female input will accept microphones with nominal output levels from - 53 to 43 dBu. A Phantom Power source of 12 volts at 10 milliamps will power most Condenser microphones. Enabling phantom power is covered in section 6.3. The microphone input gain is set by a menu option called Mic Gain.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE DIRECT RECEIVE OUT This XLR balanced output contains the audio received from the far end. This output is active whenever a receive signal is present. Nominal output level is +4 dBu (20 dBu clip point). Pin 1 is ground; Pin 2 "hot"; Pin 3 "return". When used to feed an unbalanced destination, we recommend that you use pins 2 and 3 for the signal and return respectively, and leave pin 1 unconnected. By leaving the sleeve unconnected, you will prevent ground loops. 3.2.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Dial Setups Dial Setups are very similar to the "Dial Setups" used in the Zephyr Xstream. Each of the 100 dial setups consists of several pieces of information. A Setup number – this 2- digit number (00 to 99) can be used to instantly access a given setup. An alphanumeric Name Number – The telephone number to be dialed. A Mode as follows (See section 2.3.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Entry" will be displayed. 3. Press to continue or press <5> and then to escape without changing. 4. Enter a name (see Section 2.3.1 for an example on how to select and enter information). 5. Enter the telephone number to be dialed. 6. Move the cursor to the word Save (using the <5> and <6> keys) and then press to complete the entry process. Editing Dial Setups 1. Press the key. Choose the Dial Setup to be edited.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Activating a Location Setup – Step by Step Note that this process is the same as accessing a Dial Setup, only a three- digit number is used. 1. Press the key. 2. To choose a Location Setup you have two options: • Use the <5> and <6> to scroll through the list of 30 Location Setups. These are setups # 100 to 130 - press and hold <6> to scroll past the Dial Setups. • Or, use the Keypad to enter the three- digit number for the desired setup.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 3. Once the desired setup is highlighted, press the button to allow entry of (or editing of) the information for this setup. If an empty setup was selected, "Unused Entry" will be displayed. 4. Press to continue to the screen shown: or press <5> and then to escape without changing. 5. Enter a name (see Section 2.3.1 for an example on how to select and enter information) and press to store it. 6.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 5. Move the cursor to the word Save (using <5> or <6>) and then press to complete the editing process. 3.5 The Xport's ISDN interface Units with either of the ISDN interface options will display "Found ISDN card" shortly after startup. This is also displayed on the About screen.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE ISDN STATUS SCREEN When using ISDN, one of the following status words will be showed on the default screen. Ready: Line is initialized and is idle. If a SPID is required, and has been omitted, this could be displayed. Connected: Line is in use SPID Pending: If an external NT1 is used this may be displayed if it has not completely initialized. May also be seen if the line is misconfigured. If SPIDs are not required, and have been entered, this may be shown.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 3. Using a "straight through" 8 pin cable wired according to TIA/EIA T- 568- A T- 568A or T- 568B connect the ISDN S jack of the first Xport to the ISDN S jack of the second Xstream. 4. Configure the second Xport's ISDN settings. Enter your second SPID and your second Directory number as MSN/DN. 5. Reboot both units. They should now function normally, each with access to one ISDN B channel.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Connecting the Cell Phone to the Xport For more information on using this feature, see the Application Note on our web site. See http://www.telos- systems.com/support/csb.htm The majority of cellular telephones include a connector intended for use with a headset. Typically the headset connector is a three conductor 3/32" (2.4 mm) "sub- mini phone plug" connector.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE • Click “OK” button to save new settings 4. Installation is complete. To uninstall, run “Add/Remove Programs” applet from the Windows Control Panel. Choose Telos Soundcard Emulator and click “Uninstall” Changing configuration Open “Control Panel”. Choose “Telos Soundcard Emulator” applet. The same window as you used for configuring the driver at installation time will pop up. Now you can change driver’s settings. They will take effect as soon as you click “OK” button.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE playback. 4. Click "OK" Changing the playback volume The Telos Soundcard Emulator supports Windows ® mixer device interface. To change the playback volume, use the fader or volume control available in your playback application, or you can use the Windows Volume Control tool. To start the Windows Volume Control, click on speaker icon on the taskbar. Make sure correct mixer device is selected. Go to “Options” to popup “Properties” window. 3.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 4 Frequently Asked Questions We cover general questions about the Xport and the technology involved here. If you have questions related to operational issues, or need to troubleshoot a problem, see Section 5 (What to do if…). Is Xport a “POTS codec”? Yes and no. Xport is for the field, and uses POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) analog lines or ISDN lines (using the optional ISDN interface).
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Is there anything I need to know about using ISDN for this application? Nothing special. The telephone network automatically translates the signals on the analog line to the digital form (called "G.711") carried over ISDN. The ISDN line must be configured to allow this type of call (called Circuit Switched Voice or "CSD"). However, the vast majority of ISDN lines have this feature (our ISDN order forms have always requested this feature).
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE combined with background sounds such as from sports spectators, traffic, applause, etc. CELP does have the advantage of lower delay, but it comes at too much cost to audio quality, in our view. Will other vendors be able to make products to interoperate with Xport and Xport-enabled Zephyr Xstreams? If they want to, yes. As is Telos tradition, we prefer standards that do not lock you in.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Anything better possible with mobile phones? Not yet. Current generation phones have a maximum data rate of 14.4 kbps, not enough for anything approaching high fidelity. We expect to interface digitally to next- generation phones with fast rate capability. This will be via the Ethernet or Interface connectors, depending on what the phone makers bring us. Japan’s IMode system, based on 3G Qualcomm technology, has a 64 kbps ISDN- like channel option today.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 5 What to do if… Sadly, the world is not perfect. We all know this, but that knowledge does not help us when unexpected problems happen right before the "big broadcast". This section should help when things won't work. When dialing using POTS the status goes to “off hook” and then immediately back to “on hook”.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE active line present). When using POTS you can speed boot time by pressing <5> and <6> simultaneously when the "Found ISDN card" message is displayed. I can’t find the ISDN setup menu. The ISDN circuit should be connected to the Xport before you power the unit up, or it will boot into POTS mode.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE I can dial local calls just fine, as can the far end. Why can’t I place a long distance call? There may be a problem with your long distance carrier. Try dialing a test call with a different carrier. In the USA & Canada, you can force a call to a specific carrier by using a 101xxxx access code. If this solves the problem, be sure to follow up by contacting your carrier, or setting up and account with another carrier.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE When placing ISDN “Zephyr mode” calls between Xstream and my Xport, I get no audio or lock. Zephyr mode calls from Xport require that the Xstream’s codec settings be configured as follows: Xmt = AAC-LD mono 64; Rcv = AAC-LD 64; Bit rate 56 or 64; Sample = 48 kHz I can’t place or receive calls using ISDN. If you are using the (2-wire) U interface, what is the status of the U Sync LED located next to the ISDN U interface jack.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 6 Technical & Installation Information 6.1 Environmental Considerations Ventilation and ambient temperature The Xport should not be placed on bedding, carpet or other materials where the rear- panel ventilation openings could be blocked. Do not block the ventilation openings on the top of the unit. You may stack Xstreams as long as the ventilation openings are not blocked. We do not recommend stacking more than three Xstreams.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Some failures are catastrophic failures, while some are due to the cumulative damage that can occur over the course of several years. For this reason, we recommend that in addition to AC (mains) power protection (see above), that a quality telephone line surge protector be employed at the back panel of the Zephyr Xport.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 6. Note the standoff near JP 11 and headers JP6, JP7, and JP12 et al. Remove the screw (and washer) from the standoff. 7. Plug in and fasten the ISDN card in as follows (see below): • Orient the Xport circuit board so that the rear panel is to your left. • Orient the ISDN option board so that the sockets labeled JP1, JP2 and JP4 are away from you and facing down.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 6.3 Enabling Phantom Power IMPORTANT! WARNING! DANGER! Always disconnect AC (mains) power and Telephone Circuits before removing the Zephyr Xport’s cover. e Potentially lethal voltages are inside! Failure to observe the above warning may result in electric shock, injury or even death! Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. w The Xport has a built in 12 volt (10 mA) phantom power supply for use with condenser microphones.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 7 Specifications & Warranty All specifications subject to change without notice GENERAL • Full Duplex field terminal supports analog (POTS) telephone lines and ISDN circuits (optional). • Full duplex high fidelity operation using aacPlus coding. • Fallback to digital adaptive hybrid mode if line is unable to support reliable data connections.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE • Dynamic Range • No Decoder Lock: 94 dB • Encoder/Decoder loopback: 91 dB • THD (Line input, 100 Hz to 10 kHz @ +4 dBu): 0.05% HEADPHONE OUTPUT • Level (level control @ maximum and nominal input level at line input): ~ 103 dBa SPL MONITOR MIX OUT (Floating Balanced ¼” TRS) Mix POT set to “Send”: • Level: +4 dBu (20 dBu clip) • Impedance: ≤ 50 Ω • Noise floor (Mic & Line inputs off): -85 dBu • THD (Line input, 100 Hz to 10 kHz @ +4 dBu): 0.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE ZEPHYR XPORT LIMITED WARRANTY This Warranty covers “the Products,” which are defined as the various audio equipment, parts, software and accessories manufactured, sold and/or distributed by TLS Corp., d/b/a Telos Systems (hereinafter “Telos Systems”). With the exception of software-only items, the Products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of receipt by the end-user.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE 8 References We've kept the intimidating technical stuff out of this User's Guide. However, we know that some users want to stay abreast on the latest technology, or are just plain curious. Also, we've written a number of Bulletins for advanced users covering advanced and infrequently used features. The links below should provide the information you seek.
ZEPHYR XPORT USER’S GUIDE Information on AAC, AAC-LD and CT-aacPlus • http://www.telos- systems.com/techtalk/aac/default.htm • http://www.telos- systems.com/techtalk/aacpaper_2/default.htm A Plain English Explanation of ISDN • http://www.telos- systems.com/techtalk/isdn/default.htm ISDN Cause Codes (for troubleshooting) • http://www.telos- systems.com/techtalk/cause.htm ISDN and Telephone Glossary • http://www.telos- systems.com/techtalk/isdngl.
The Xport's Rear Panel TW O-INPUT MIXER ISDN SUPPORT Optional ISDN S, or ISDN S + U interfaces ETHERNET For direct audio from a PC, control via a web browser, & easy updates. HEADPHONE & MONITOR OUTPUTS RECEIVE DIRECT OUTPUT Unmixed output contains far-end audio only. Mic.
