Manual

Issue 3, March 2016 Model 45DC User Guide
Page 22 Studio Technologies, Inc.
interconnection, separate crimp terminals
are attached to three loose wires and
then “snapped” into the housing. Molex
part number 08-50-0114 specifies crimp
terminals that are appropriate for 22 to 30
gauge wires. These terminals are available
worldwide from sources such as Digi-Key
(www.digikey.com).
IP Address Assignment
By default the Model 45DC’s Ethernet
interface will attempt to obtain an IP ad-
dress and associated settings using DHCP
(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
If a DHCP server is not detected an IP
address will be assigned using the link-
local protocol. This protocol is known in
the Microsoft® world as Automatic Private
IP Addressing (APIPA). It is also some-
times referred to as auto-IP (PIPPA). Link-
local will assign an IP address in the IPv4
range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254.
In this way multiple Dante-enabled devices
can be connected together and auto-
matically function, whether or not a DHCP
server is active on the LAN. Even two
Dante-enabled devices that are directly
interconnected using an RJ45 patch cord
will correctly acquire IP addresses and be
able to communicate and transport audio.
Using the Dante Controller software ap-
plication the Model 45DC’s IP address and
related network parameters can be set for
a fixed (“static”) configuration. While this is
more involved than letting DHCP or link-lo-
cal “do their thing,” if fixed addressing is
necessary then that capability is available.
But in this case it’s highly recommended
that each unit be physically marked, e.g.,
directly using a permanent marker or
“console tape,” with its specific IP ad-
dress. If knowledge of a Model 45DC’s
IP address has been misplaced there is
no reset button or other method to restore
the unit to a default IP setting.
In the unfortunate event that a device’s IP
address is “lost,” the Address Resolution
Protocol (ARP) networking command can
be used to “probe” devices on a network
for this information. For example, in Win-
dows OS the arp –a command can be
used to display a list of LAN information
that includes MAC addresses and cor-
responding IP addresses. The simplest
means of identifying an unknown IP ad-
dress is to create a “mini” LAN with a
personal computer connected directly to
the Model 45DC. Then by using the appro-
priate ARP command the required “clues”
can be obtained.
For best Dante audio-over-Ethernet perfor-
mance a network that supports VoIP QoS
capability is recommended. This can typi-
cally be implemented on virtually all con-
temporary managed Ethernet switches.
There are even specialized switches that
are optimized for entertainment-associated
applications. Refer to the Audinate website
(www.audinate.com) for details on optimiz-
ing networks for Dante applications.
Application Firmware Version
Display
As part of the Model 45DC’s power-up
sequence the unit’s application firmware
version number is displayed. This is useful
when working with factory personnel on
application support and troubleshooting
situations. The five To meter LEDs associ-
ated with interface B are used to display
the major release number with a range of
1 through 5. The five From meter LEDs
associated with interface B are used to
display the release sub-number which