NovaConnect

Matrix Control for Nova17

Manual
 Copyright

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in whole or in part for any reason is expressly prohibited, unless prior written consent is ob-
tained from the Lawo AG.

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All entries in this document have been thoroughly checked, however no guarantee for correct-
ness can be given. Lawo AG cannot be held responsible for any misleading or incorrect infor-
mation provided throughout this manual.

Lawo AG reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.

© Lawo AG, April 2004

 NovaConnect
Contents

Contents

1 Overview .................................................................................................... 5

2 Important Information ................................................................................ 5

3 Requirements............................................................................................. 6
3.1 System Requirements..................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Configuration of the Matrix ............................................................................................. 6

3.3 Naming Convention for Sources and Targets................................................................... 6

4 Installation and Programme Start ............................................................... 7

4.1 Installation ..................................................................................................................... 7

4.2 Programme Configuration .............................................................................................. 7

4.3 Start the Programme...................................................................................................... 7

5 Operation ................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Programme Window ....................................................................................................... 8

5.2 List View ........................................................................................................................ 8

5.3 Connect Dialogue ........................................................................................................... 8

5.4 Matrix View .................................................................................................................... 8

5.5 Filters............................................................................................................................. 9
5.5.1 Definition of Filters................................................................................................... 9
5.5.2 Assignment and Removal of Filters......................................................................... 10

5.6 Protecting Connects ..................................................................................................... 10

NovaConnect
Overview
 NovaConnect
Overview

1 Overview
NovaConnect comes with the Nova17 as a standard and serves as basic matrix control. The pro-
gramme is based on the comprehensive control software MTXCON but is restricted functionally to
the establishing of connects.

In contrast to MTXCON no project-specific configuration of the programme is necessary. The in-

stallation routine can be performed by the customer and is described below.

Beyond the functionality of NovaConnect, MTXCON offers:

• Macros for the execution of multiple connects (generating of crosspoint groups)
• Quick connects (executing of macros via function keys)
• Time-related establishing of connects (scheduler)
• Control of DSP (e. g. gain)

2 Important Information
Support of the used software requires the knowledge of the version number. This information is
acquired via the menu:
?
Info in the upper window bar.

The software and documentation in hand was compiled with the utmost care and accurateness
and checked for errors.

Lawo cannot be held liable for any logical or technical errors as well as for the operativeness of
the software with any computer system so far such an exclusion of liability is lawful.

For product-related questions concerning individual programmes please contact directly the re-
spective manufacturer or programme author.

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NovaConnect
Requirements

3 Requirements

3.1 System Requirements

• IBM-compatible PC
• Pentium III 500MHz or higher
• 128 MByte RAM min.
• 50MByte free fixed-disk storage
• Ethernet interface 10/100Mbit
• Windows2000/XP operating system
• Graphic with a resolution of 1024x768 pixel min.

3.2 Configuration of the Matrix

The operating software requires a configuration database as data pool. The database is generated
by the zirkon/Nova17 configuration software (zirkon.exe). The extension behind the file name is
„__Kpf.mdb“.

When creating the configuration it is important to consider the naming convention (see below) and
to activate the parameter matrix enable for all signals that are routed with NovaConnect.

After the configuration is created it must be stored and loaded into the system (download configu-
ration). After this action the required database is found in the subdirectory "\database“.

3.3 Naming Convention for Sources and Targets

Names for sources and targets combine the following elements:
• Group (max. 8 letters and numerals)
• Name (max. 8 letters and numerals)
• Type (left, right, mono)
The names are defined with the zirkon/Nova17 configuration software. First the group name and
then the signal name is entered. The names are separated by a dot. Example: “Analog.Mic03“
(group is „Analog“, signal name is „MIC03).

Names must be assigned unambiguously. The observance of the restrictions and guidelines is
compulsory for the proper operation of the software.

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 NovaConnect
Installation and Programme Start

4 Installation and Programme Start

4.1 Installation
For installing the software execute NovaConnectSetup.exe. The install wizard guides you through
the installation process.

Please note, that former versions (6,1,0,0 or prior) have to be uninstalled before. This will
cause the loss of the program-specific databases. To keep the existing settings unchanged even
in case of an update, we recommend to backup the respective databases and. You will find them
in the subfolder database of the program folder.

4.2 Programme Configuration

Configuring the programme requires to execute MtxConAdmin (to be found in the programme di-
rectory NovaConnect).

The following points must be input:

1) Data
Enter the required configuration database (*__Kpf.mdb) with its exact path
2) Communication
IP-address of the Nova17 master card (e. g. 192.168.101.240)
Port number of the Nova17 master card (e. g. 18500)
3) Button → OK terminates the configuration
The settings can be changed at any time. Please note that a program restart will be required in
this case.

4.3 Start the Programme

The programme is started by executing the file MTXCON.exe.

No password is required.

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NovaConnect
Operation

5 Operation

5.1 Programme Window

Any number of windows can be opened in the programme window. The windows are selected via
menu bar, the right mouse-key (context menu) or alternatively via the icon bar. A layout of win-
dows can be saved as configuration and loaded anytime.

5.2 List View

All connects in the system can be displayed in a list view. The user can configure the list view as
required. Using filters allows to define the contents of the window. Colours assigned to the filters
improve the representation of the data. Every window can obtain individual filter settings. The
used filters are globally available for all windows.

5.3 Connect Dialogue

The connect dialogue allows the fast input of connections via keyboard. Thereby the used names
are automatically completed. Stereo connections are also logically completed with the possible
arbitrary segmenting of the signal.

5.4 Matrix View

Beside the list view, connects can be also displayed in the matrix view. In this view the desired
sources and targets can be filtered, thus generating any number of sub-matrices. In the matrix
view it is also possible to establish connects.

The handling of stereo-assignments is simplified by the double-prompt used for selection: it al-
lows to connect two crosspoints at a time. Alternating between single and double prompt is car-
ried out via space key. Colour assignment, font and size can be configured freely by the user.

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 NovaConnect
Operation

5.5 Filters
Using filters allows to define the display of sources and targets. Filters are used window-related, i.
e. different views can be saved as different windows.

5.5.1 Definition of Filters

A filter is created with the button → Neu

Bezeichnung: Here a name is assigned to the filter (can be selected freely).

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Operation

Gruppe: In this field the group name of the participating sources resp. targets is given.
When selecting several groups with names beginning with the same letters it is
possible to use so-called wildcards like permitted under DOS, e. g.: “*“

Name: This field serves for the input of a signal name (source or target).
When selecting several sources or targets with names beginning with the same let-
ters it is possible to use so-called wildcards like permitted under DOS, e. g.: “*“

Note: only those filters are permitted that relate either to sources or to targets.

After finishing the input with → OK the new filter is available in the list of filter definitions.

With this procedure a filter can be changed after selecting the filter entry and pushing the button
→ Ändern in the filter management.

A filter is deleted by the button → Löschen.

5.5.2 Assignment and Removal of Filters

Defined filters become operative only after assigning it to a window. Assignment and removal of
filters is executed in the filter management window which always refers to the active view.

Via the button „≥“ a defined filter is assigned to the view, via the button „≤“ it is removed. As any
combination is allowed please note that the intersection of all filters is not empty.

5.6 Protecting Connects

Established connects can be protected resp. their protection can be removed. When trying to con-
nect over a protected connect the collision is indicated. Protection or removal of protection is
carried out with the context-sensitive menu opened by the right mouse-key.

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NovaConnect
Notes
NovaConnect
Notes
Lawo AG, Germany
Phone: +49 7222 1002-0
Web: www.lawo.de
Lawo International, Switzerland
Phone: +41 43 38868-00
Web: www.lawo.ch