CoachComm eVenue Thunder, Operating Manual

Page 1: ...O p e r a t i n g M a n u a l ...

Page 2: ...you better understand the operation of this product For questions not addressed in this manual feel free to contact CoachComm s Customer Support Department CoachComm LLC 205 Technology Parkway Auburn Alabama 36830 1 800 749 2761 www coachcomm com 2017 CoachComm LLC All rights reserved eVenue and eVenue Thunder are trademarks of CoachComm LLC The CoachComm logo is a registered trademark of CoachCom...

Page 3: ...re Operation 15 Thunder Remote and Thunder Master 15 Connections and Controls 16 Using Thunder Master and Thunder Remote Together 19 Using Thunder Master and Thunder Remote Separately 21 ePod 23 Commando e Remote 23 ePod Status Panel 24 Sound Coverage Overview 25 Software Installation and Operation 31 Installation 31 Minimum Software Requirements 31 Installation Procedures 31 Software Overview 33 ...

Page 4: ... b l e o f C o n t e n t s Signal Flow Diagrams 43 System Specifications 46 Thunder Master 46 Thunder Remote 46 ePod 47 Product Support and Warranty 48 Sending Equipment for Repair or Maintenance 48 Warranty Information 48 ...

Page 5: ...enings 4 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other apparatus including amplifiers that produce heat 5 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding type plug A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong The third prong is provided for your safety When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult an electrician for repla...

Page 6: ...ct Tractor Note Do not attempt to tow the ePod when not in Travel Ready position Mechanical Safety 1 Never under any conditions remove bend cut fit weld or otherwise alter standard parts of eVenue Modifications to your system could cause personal injuries and property damage and will void your warranty 2 The system fan area should be kept clear to allow for proper ventilation Do not place near a w...

Page 7: ...ion system wear hearing protectors while this system is in operation What s included with the Thunder System CoachComm s eVenue Thunder system is a shared event management system for athletic departments schools and others that have a need for reliable quality sound reinforcement in multiple locations eVenue is designed to provide significantly improved dynamic and intelligible sound that will enh...

Page 8: ...ls paths 5 Feedback Suppressor Reduces and suppresses microphone feedback 6 I O Connection Panel Connection points for ePods microphones CD MP3 PC and external mixer 7 Storage Drawer Holds extra accessories 8 Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS Allows battery backup upon loss of power and contains power On Off button for Thunder Master 9 Tow Bar Allows individual or linked towing 10 Remote Cable Reel...

Page 9: ...volume knob that controls volume of ePods connected to the Thunder Remote 3 Master Volume Control System volume knob that controls the volume of the ePods connected to the Thunder Master 4 Audio Mixer Combines audio input signals 5 Feedback Suppressor Reduces and suppresses microphone feedback 6 Processor Controls the audio signals paths 7 Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS Allows battery backup upo...

Page 10: ... control and safety system 5 Tow Bar Allows individual or linked towing 6 Cradle Secures the Upper Speaker Array for travel 7 ePod Deck Lowers with deployment to reduce center of gravity and enhance bass response 8 Tires Flat free non marking 9 Foot Brake Secures the ePod for deployment 10 ePod Deck Raises when Travel Ready to provide high ground clearance 11 Power Switch and Power Conditioner UPS...

Page 11: ...he following features Organized audio songs advertisements announcements etc Optimization for touch screens PC audio controls Audio effects Hot buttons and custom content grouping Tracking of clip play count throughout event Text announcement prompts Adjustable speeds Easy adaptation for multiple sports or events Figure 7 eVenue Thunder Software has a user friendly interface for managing event scr...

Page 12: ... but these procedures can be followed to incorporate the use of more to meet your needs Included is a legend to identify the images used throughout these steps 1 Pull the ePod s to the desired location s in the venue Note Speaker positioning is determined by sound coverage expectations and specifications For more information see the Sound Coverage section on page 25 of this manual Figure 8 Positio...

Page 13: ...r and all the ePods Next turn each product on by holding down the power button on its Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS Each ePod has an additional power switch next to the UPS turn each of those on as well Figure 9 Position Thunder Master to the desired location Figure 10 Plug all eVenue power cables into outlets and turn the Thunder Master and all the ePods on ...

Page 14: ...made test the multiple audio inputs and outputs through the Thunder Master and ePods by checking signal clarity and making sure no equipment damage will occur If needed adjust sound coverage by changing the ePod Upper Speaker Array placement with the Commando e Remote For further specifications about this process see the Sound Coverage Overview section on page 25 or the Commando e Remote Operation...

Page 15: ...seating area to avoid being stepped on or tampered with It can be installed in conduit in locations where the system is used frequently 7 Then set up the Thunder Remote Run the power turn it on and connect the Remote Cable to the Thunder Remote Figure 12 Run the Remote Cable under seating area Figure 13 Connnect the Thunder Remote s audio cable to the Thunder Master Remote Cable Thunder Remote bac...

Page 16: ...damage will occur 9 After your event do the following Return all ePods to Travel Ready position Turn off each eVenue product Disconnect all audio devices Disconnect and re spool audio and power cables Tow the system to your storage location Note When re spooling long cables walk the cable head back to its spool secure it and use the spool handle to reel in the rest of the cable ...

Page 17: ...connections to ePods male 5 From Remote Bundled redundant paired 7 pin XLR with a Cat 5 cable allows simultaneous control from the Thunder Remote to the Thunder Master Thunder Remote I O Connection Panel This section outlines the I O connection panel to utilize your eVenue Thunder Remote 1 Mic 1 2 Two microphone level inputs balanced female 2 PC MP3 CD Audio input line level stereo unbalanced fema...

Page 18: ...Venue ePod s 1 Commando e Remote Remote connector input for eVenue Commando e Remote to raise arm and tilt the Upper Speaker Array male 2 Input Audio in from eVenue Thunder Master or Thunder Remote female 3 Thru Used for daisy chaining multiple ePods together A 6 pin female XLR plugs into the Thru connection male Figure 16 ePod I O Connection Panel ...

Page 19: ... this section Configuration specific procedures are also explained Note To prevent equipment damage keep the Thunder Master s acrylic door closed when not changing audio settings or connections Thunder Remote and Thunder Master The Thunder Remote s and Thunder Master s hardware is labeled in Figure 17 and operation of these products is detailed in procedures on the following pages Figure 17 Thunde...

Page 20: ...device s volume is turned up but not clipping when playing through eVenue Thunder Adjust the volume of each input using its respective fader on the mixer Note The Thunder Software is an audio source when it is used on a PC that is connected into eVenue Thunder Software operation is detailed on page 31 of this manual External Mixer To input an External Mixer as an audio source connect the left and ...

Page 21: ...lly counterclockwise before the input is connected or disconnected then adjust to the desired level 2 Clip When on indicates that your signal is distorted 3 High Adjusts the intensity of the higher frequencies for that input in the mix Always start in the 12 o clock position and adjust to the desired level 4 Low Adjusts the intensity of the lower frequencies in the mix Always start in the 12 o clo...

Page 22: ...rocessor to its factory setting please contact CoachComm s Customer Service at 1 800 749 2761 Figure 25 shows the preset conditions for Thunder Master and Figure 26 shows the preset conditions for Thunder Remote Feedback Suppressor The Feedback Suppressor reduces microphone feedback As it detects feedback the notch filter indicators will light up Adjustment is not recommended for your use Figure 2...

Page 23: ...ield When this is needed the input is controlled from the Thunder Master per usual operations When the Thunder Master and Thunder Remote are used together ePods should only be connected to the Thunder Master Use of the Thunder Remote s output connection is not recommended unless the Thunder Remote is used alone with ePods In this configuration the Master Volume knob controls system outputs The two...

Page 24: ... e O p e r a t i o n Figure 29 When the Thunder Remote and Thunder Master are configured together all audio devices connect to the Thunder Remote which is linked to the Thunder Master and all ePods are outputs from the Thunder Master ...

Page 25: ...e connected to their respective inputs and all necessary ePods should be connected to their respective unit s I O connection panel See Figure 30 and Figure 31 Follow the procedures in the Connections and Controls section to operate both products various volume and mixer controls Figure 30 When the Thunder Master is configured separately all audio device inputs and ePod outputs connect to it ...

Page 26: ...eVenue Thunder 22 H a r d w a r e O p e r a t i o n Figure 31 When the Thunder Remote is configured separately all audio device inputs and ePod outputs connect to it ...

Page 27: ...beep two times Using the Commando e Remote When using the Commando e Remote hold the selected positioning button and release when it s in the desired position For initial use of the Commando e Remote with an ePod it will beep four times to warn of movement After the initial use the beeping will stop if used continuously When the Commando e Remote is not used for 10 seconds and use resumes it will ...

Page 28: ... Travel Ready position Any position that is not fully vertical N A Arm All the way down i e Travel Ready position Any position that is not down N A Roll Level ePod roll angle is less than 10 from level ePod roll angle is greater than 10 from level N A Tow Bar Up and lock position N A Down position Brake On N A Off Pitch Level ePod tilt angle is less than 10 from level ePod tilt angle is greater th...

Page 29: ...identify the images used throughout this section It is important to consider what areas you would like to cover with sound You may want to balance audio for your entire audience or pinpoint certain sections Each ePod is estimated to cover approximately 90 degrees of horizontal space 70 degrees of vertical space and up to 100 feet of depth for maximum impact before dissipation affects sound quality...

Page 30: ...r d w a r e O p e r a t i o n In contrast to balance audio output across the intended audience you can angle the ePods so they cover a specific surface area as shown in Figure 35 Figure 35 Example of Angled ePod Positioning ...

Page 31: ...e ePod and the area of sound coverage is also dependent on present barriers such as fences concrete walls or other obstructions As shown below you will need to place your ePods at a position that is not too close or too far from a barrier or the audience Figure 36 Sound coverage varies depending upon the ePod s proximity to barriers ...

Page 32: ...o close to a barrier losing some of the audio you want your audience to hear In this second diagram the ePod is too far back resulting in inefficient and less powerful sound coverage for the intended audience Figure 37 Positioning ePods too close to barriers hinders the audio projection Figure 38 Positioning ePods too far away from the audience hinders sound quality ...

Page 33: ... for further coverage specification For reference the center point of the Upper Speaker Array will align with the center point of your intended coverage area When the Upper Speaker Array is completely vertical the coverage is limited to the area directly in front of it losing sound energy as it extends farther This is known as Flat Coverage and is shown below Figure 39 Adjust your ePod Upper Speak...

Page 34: ... the Upper Speaker Array so that its center point is directed toward the center of your seating area In the diagram below Elevated Coverage is shown as the center of the Upper Speaker Array is angled to meet the center of the seating area Figure 40 Adjust your ePod Upper Speaker Array s tilt for elevated coverage ...

Page 35: ...pace 100 MB Windows Vista SP2 Windows 7 SP1 Windows 8 or Windows 8 1 32 and 64 bit for all Installation Procedures 1 When the eVenue Thunder Software installation program starts the InstallShield Wizard will progress you through the necessary installation steps including determining the location of the program on your computer viewing installation settings and entering a license key To progress th...

Page 36: ...alog will appear This box will contain your Thunder Software s 25 digit ID number Call CoachComm s Customer Service 1 800 749 2761 and press 2 for Service to request the correct Serial key to activate your license Once you have the key enter it in the allotted fields and click OK You can also select Trial Run allowing you to run the program for either a maximum of 200 times or a maximum of 30 days...

Page 37: ...reas of Thunder Software A File Menu eVenue Icon Allows you to access multiple software functions for creating editing and playing Scripts B System Clock Displays your computer s time of day C Script Modes Button Toggles the Script display mode between List Mode and Button Mode D Groups Allow you to create additional Event lists besides the default list to further organize and sort Events for orga...

Page 38: ...tomatically Add Event Allows you to add another Event to the Group that is currently in use The new Event will be added to the bottom of the current Event list Zoom Allows you to increase or decrease the Event bar s size WPM Words Per Minute Changes how quickly the teleprompter reads through an Event s attached text Alter the speed to be as fast or slow as needed for your announcer Import Allows y...

Page 39: ...may be playing at a time Button Mode The Button Mode displays the Script s Events as boxes arranged on the screen Button Mode s display allows you to manually select Events during playback Unlike List Mode this mode does not require a specific ordered arrangement therefore there is no auto play feature This prevents Events from automatically starting so you will need to select Events to play Each ...

Page 40: ... of volume Mute Immediately mutes the playback volume without stopping the current track Play Plays any Event that is currently selected While an Event plays this button becomes the Pause button Next Skips the current Event and moves to the next Stop Immediately stops any active Event Group Tabs Thunder Software s Group tabs allow you to set up four additional Event lists in addition to your main ...

Page 41: ... aiff and wma file formats Text Only Event To add text to the Event double click to access the Event Editor Then type or copy and paste text in the white box on the right Combination Audio Text Event An Event can have both audio and text files attached to it While the teleprompter progresses through the text file the audio file will also play Add Change Hot Buttons Hot Buttons are located on the m...

Page 42: ...uses the Event s audio to start off quiet and then slowly increase until it hits the desired volume Fade out Enabling Fade out causes the Event s audio volume to slowly decrease toward the end of the file The volume will decrease until the audio file stops Stop on Text End Enabling Stop on Text End applies only if there is both a text file and an audio file attached to the Event When enabled the a...

Page 43: ... will drop as soon as the Event starts and then readjust to the default for the next Event All the options on the Master Volume Panel will still work for Events with specific volume settings including Mute Max Volume and Min Volume Event Start and End Point Settings You can adjust the start and end times of an audio file associated with an Event To do so drag the green and red scrubber bars left o...

Page 44: ...layback by double clicking on the first Script Event or selecting the Event with a single click and clicking Play on the Volume Panel 4 Once an Event is playing it can be paused stopped or skipped The volume can also be adjusted at any time 5 A Text or Combination Event will display a teleprompter for the text Once the text is read manually advance to the next Event by clicking the next arrows You...

Page 45: ...tures ranging from 5 to 130 F However when going from cold to warm environments electronics can form condensation which can cause damage to the electronic components If storing your system in these type of conditions wait for the equipment to acclimate to the ambient temperature before using Operating Temperature A If using your eVenue system at or near freezing temperatures it is recommended that...

Page 46: ...d S t o r a g e Tie Down Points There are three recommended tie down points on the eVenue ePods and Thunder Master two near the tow bar and one through the hitch receiver Figure 56 Tie down points near tow bar Figure 57 Tie down point through hitch receiver ...

Page 47: ...tions available from the eVenue Thunder I O Connection Panel however this diagram is only intended to show overall connectivity If you need information on setting up your specific system please go to the Connections and Controls section on page 16 of this manual for the configurations we recommend Figure 58 The Thunder Remote s and Thunder Master s I O Connection Panels contain all system connecti...

Page 48: ...I O Panel ISO External Mixer L R Reset Setup Filter Learn Stereo Mono Display A Display B Preset 1 2 3 4 Filter Lock Notch Filters Active 4 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 1314 1516 Power Input Signal Signal Clip System Bypass Notch Wide Panic Mode Quick Filter ISO ISO ISO Output to ePods L C R S Where Output 8 is subwoofer to ePods L R A B A B FROM REMOTE L R OUTPUT TO ePods LEFT CENTER RIGHT EXT MIX IN ...

Page 49: ...4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 Program Port Outputs Inputs Mix In Ext Mix In I O Panel ISO External Mixer L R Reset Setup Filter Learn Stereo Mono Display A Display B Preset 1 2 3 4 Filter Lock Notch Filters Active 4 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 1314 1516 Power Input Signal Signal Clip System Bypass Notch Wide Panic Mode Quick Filter ISO ISO ISO Insert In 1 Insert Out 1 Output to ePods To Master L C R S Where Out...

Page 50: ...um Operational Speed 5 mph Tire Type Flat free non marking Tread Turf Power Requirements 120 V dedicated AC circuit for three prong 15 amp u ground Edison plug Only one Thunder Master allowed per circuit Power Cable Length 150 ft Audio Cable Length 200 ft Battery Backup Yes Uninterruptible Power Supply Thunder Remote Power Requirements 120 V dedicated AC circuit for three prong 15 amp u ground Edi...

Page 51: ...ximum Operational Speed 5 mph Tire Type Flat free non marking Tread Turf Power Requirements 120 V dedicated AC circuit for three prong 15 amp u ground Edison plug Only one eVenue ePod allowed per circuit Power Cable Length 150 ft Audio Cable Length 200 ft UPS Yes Uninterruptible Power Supply Maximum Forward Rear Incline 10 Maximum Right Left Incline 10 Maximum Deployable Incline Less than 10 Audio...

Page 52: ... shock absorbing material All shipments should be sent to the following address and must include a Return Material Authorization Number CoachComm LLC Customer Service Department Attn Return Material Authorization 205 Technology Parkway Auburn AL 36830 0500 Product returns should follow this same procedure Warranty Information Limited Warranty CoachComm LLC products are warranted to be free from de...

Page 53: ...eVenue Thunder 49 P r o d u c t S u p p o r t a n d W a r r a n t y This page is intentionally blank ...

Page 54: ... is a registered trademark of CoachComm LLC All product names logos and brands are the property of their respective owners The eVenue ePod is a patent pending design manufactured in the USA Document Reference 2017 06 D0000140_E CoachComm LLC 205 Technology Parkway Auburn Alabama 36830 1 800 749 2761 www coachcomm com ...