Clear-Com BS850 (Last time buy) - Manual (Page 17)

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Connecting to Cascaded Base Configurations Online:
When two or three bases are tied together in a cascaded configuration (Master/Slave), the computer
must be connected to the Master base. PC850 can access the settings of each base by selecting the
appropriate base from the drop-down list in the upper right portion of the screen.
Cascading Multiple Base Stations
Two or three base stations may be cascaded to effectively increase the number of available receivers
without increasing the number of base transmitters. Cascaded bases behave like a single base with up
to twelve receivers.
In a cascaded system, one base is configured as the Master and the additional bases as Slaves. Only
the transmitters in the Master are used. Any transmitters present in the Slaves need to be disabled to
prevent interference with this or other systems. Because only the Master transmitters are used,
receiver audio from the Slaves must be distributed to the Master for retransmission to other Beltpacs
through one or more audio cables. Also, a data cable connected between the Master and Slaves
allows audio routing requests and status to be communicated.
The PRO850 supports two methods of distributing audio from the Slaves to the Master. These are called
“Aux Distributed” and “2-Wire Distributed”. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For a quick temporary setup where not all features are required, “Aux Distributed” is the simplest choice.
In a permanent installation where most features are needed, “2-Wire Distributed” is the preferred method.
Common Configuration
Some aspects of a cascaded base system are common to both types of audio distribution. These
include the data cable connection and parts of the system configuration. Connect a data cable from
the external control connector of the Master to the Slaves (see wiring diagram on page 7 of the
PRO850 Operating Instructions manual). If there is only one Slave, a standard Ethernet crossover
cable may be used to connect the Master to Slave1. Note that the external port is an RS422 serial
connection not Ethernet. For this reason, an Ethernet hub cannot be used. It is important that the
correct number of Slaves be specified in the Master configuration. If this number is incorrect, the
system may not function correctly or may have degraded response times.
If a PC is going to be used for configuration, connect it to the Master base station. All Slave base
settings are accessible through the Master.
Once the connections are made, configure the receivers on each base and save the settings
separately on each base station. Then configure the transmitter and Beltpac settings at the Master
base. Be sure to disable the transmitters in the Slave(s) by turning them off in the base transmitter
screen (see page 30). Do not make Beltpac configuration changes at the Slaves, as they will be
overwritten by the settings from the Master. Once all settings are complete, save them again and
upload them to the Beltpacs (from the Master base). Then synchronize the settings from the Master
(see page 42) and save the settings at the Slaves.
If paging will be used, connect the page outputs of each base to separate inputs on the paging
amplifier and connect page relays in series or parallel as required. If only Beltpacs on a single base
will be allowed to page, it is only necessary to connect that base to the paging amplifier.
Aux Distributed Set Up
The Aux Distributed configuration is simpler than 2-Wire Distributed, but has more feature limitations.
ISO+ is not supported in an Aux Distributed configuration. Also, there are restrictions on simultaneous
conversations from multiple Beltpacs. For instance, if one Beltpac user on a Slave base is currently
talking on intercom channel 1, other users on Slave bases will be unable to talk on channel 2. They will
be restricted by the system until the first user finishes. However, they may join in on the conversation on
channel 1 or listen to channel 2 without restriction. These restrictions are because only a single audio
path exists between the Slaves and the Master. Restrictions are enforced automatically by the system.
A user attempting to talk on a restricted channel will hear a busy tone upon pressing the Beltpac button.
To set up the system for Aux Distributed operation, configure one base as Mstr: Aux Dist n Slave(s)
(see page 24) and select correct number of Slaves (one or two). Then configure one Slave base as
Slave1: Aux Dist. If there is a third base, configure it as Slave2: Aux Dist. Note that there can only be
one Slave1 and one Slave2. Connect an audio cable from the Auxiliary input of the Master base to
the Auxiliary output of Slave1. If Slave2 is present, connect an audio cable from the Auxiliary input of
Slave1 to the Auxiliary output of Slave2.