Manual

Issue 1, January 2020 Model 348 User Guide
Page 30 Studio Technologies, Inc.
MODEL 348
INTERCOM STATION
The spare connector location is compatible
with the Neutrik DL-series of connectors. For
flexibility XLR versions are available that pro-
vide from three to seven contacts. For exam-
ple, a compatible 3-pin female connector would
be Neutrik part number NC3FD-L-1. Another
female connector with the unique Switchcraft®
6-pin arrangement, the NC6FDS-L-1, is often
used to support headsets. Other connectors,
such as the etherCON protected RJ45 and
3-conductor ¼-inch jack, can be also be in-
stalled. The 4-40 thread pitch hardware that
secures the blank plate to the Model 348’s
back panel is also intended to be used to se-
cure the selected connector.
The Model 348’s enclosure must be disassem-
bled prior to installing a connector in the spare
location. Six 4-40 flathead machine screws,
one on each side of the enclosure, two on the
bottom front of the enclosure, and two on the
back panel, must be removed (the machine
screw directly above the Headset B connector
should not be removed). These screws func-
tion best when a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver
is utilized. Once the six screws are removed
the cover can then be carefully separated from
the chassis. The cover will remain attached by
means of a flexible cable assembly. This “flex-
cable” assembly links the main printed circuit
board assembly with the button and encoder
board assembly. Ensure that the flex cable
is not damaged while the Model 348 is being
customized.
If a connector is added to the Model 348’s
spare connector location adding a label to
it can be helpful. For a good look it is recom-
mended that a Brother® P-Touch ¼-inch
(6 mm) label be created. Tape material that
prints white text on a black background would
be effective for use with the Model 348. The
Brother label cassette number TX-3151, white
on black, is appropriate for use with many of
their printers.
Application Firmware Version
Display
The STcontroller software application is used
to display the version numbers of the Model
348’s three firmware (embedded software)
components. These are the main firmware, the
secondary firmware, and the FPGA firmware.
The main firmware is used by the main micro-
controller integrated circuit to implement most
of the Model 348’s general operating actions.
The secondary firmware is used by a second,
less-sophisticated microcontroller integrated
circuit that controls and reports on the actions of
the rotary encoders, the pushbutton switches,
and the LEDs associated with them. The FPGA
firmware is used by the field-programmable-
gate-array integrated circuit in which all audio
processing is performed.
To observe the firmware version numbers, begin
by connecting the Model 348 unit to a network.
Connect an external source of 12 volts DC if a
PoE Ethernet connection has not been made.
The unit will power up and begin to function.
Start STcontroller, review the list of identified
devices, and select the specific Model 348 from
which you want to determine its application
firmware versions. Then select Version under
the Device tab. A dialog will then display that
will provide a host of useful information. This will
include the firmware versions as well as details
on the Dante interface firmware.
Application Firmware Update
Procedure
It’s possible that updated versions of the three
firmware (embedded software) files that are
utilized by the Model 348’s two microcontroller
and one FPGA (field-programmable-gate-ar-
ray) integrated circuit will be released to add
features or correct issues. Refer to the Studio
Technologies’ website for the latest firmware
files. The unit has the ability to load revised files
into non-volatile memory by way of a standard