Instruction manual

ECLIPSE OMEGA MATRIX INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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GLOSSARY
Bus A bus is the channel or path between the components in the matrix along
which electrical signals flow to carry information from one component to the
next. In the Eclipse matrix the bus is located in the etched surface of the
midplane.
Call Signal A call signal is an electronic signal sent from one station or
interface to another. A call signal can be audible and/or visual. Typically a call
signal is sent to get the attention of a station operator who may have turned
down their intercom speaker’s volume or removed their headset. It can also be
sent to activate an electronic relay.
Category-5 cable EIA/TIA 568 category specification relating to network
cabling. Shielded category-5 cabling is required for Eclipse matrix wiring.
Central Matrix The term “central matrix” is used to differentiate the central
hardware and software of the intercom system from the connected audio devices.
The central matrix consists of: (1) the metal housing for the circuit cards and
power supplies, (2) the circuit cards, (3) the power supplies, (3) the rear panel
connectors which connect the matrix’s hardware to stations and interfaces.
Destination A device—such as an intercom station, beltpack, or interface—to
which you send audio signals. The device from which you send audio signals is
called a “source.”
Duplex All real-time communication between individuals talking face to face is
full duplex, meaning that you can both talk and listen simultaneously. The
Eclipse Omega matrix provides full-duplex audio.
Eclipse Configuration System Software program that guides the operation
of the central matrix circuit cards and connected stations.
Ethernet International standard which describes how information is
transmitted across a network. Provides for the efficient organization of network
components.
IFB “Interruptible Foldback.” The term “foldback” refers to sending “program”
audio, or some other audio mix, back to the announcer while he is on the air.
Doing so allows the announcer to monitor himself, other announcers, videotapes
of commercials, or some mix of sources, while he is on the air. This is typically
found in television news and live broadcast events.
The announcer typically wears a small ear piece so he can hear the selected
foldback audio mix. When a director wants to give directions to the announcer
on air, or to announce changes in the program, he must “interrupt” the foldback.
To do this, he uses a channel specifically set up to interrupt the foldback audio.
Interface A piece of electronic hardware designed to convert the 4-wire signals
of a central matrix port to some other form of communication, such as 2-wire
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