G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
page 1 – 15
WheatNet-IP
/ Aug 2011
page 1 – 13b
Model LIO-48 - Multiple Port Logic I/O BLADE
Wheatstone’s new LIO‑48 is a high‑density logic BLADE for the WheatNet‑IP
Intelligent Network that can handle all those new conditional logic functions needed for
today’s busy studios. The LIO‑48 provides 48 universal logic I/O ports, each individually
configurable, for turning devices on or off by time or event, for automatically adjusting
the audio processing settings when a certain mic turns on, and for any other logic control
you need in your studio operation.
The front panel of the LIO‑48 has a logic I/O meter array that lets you drill down to
see the information for each of the 48 ports. The front panel also sports a display which
can show various status messages relating to the BLADE’s performance and configuration.
A SCROLL knob, a TAKE button, and four status indicator LEDs complete the front
panel. Refer to the LIO-48 Multiple port Logic I/O Blade
technical manual for front
panel configuration and software setup.
The rear panel has eight RJ‑45 connectors that have the connections for all 48 ports
(each RJ‑45 has connections for six ports). Two DB‑25 female connectors duplicate
the logic port connections. A DB‑9 female connector provides access to +5VDC from
the BLADE. Two additional RJ‑45 connectors are stacked at the right side of the rear
panel. The top one of there is reserved for future use, while the bottom one provides a
1 Gigabit connection to the WheatNet‑IP network. At the far right of the rear panel is a
standard IFC power connector. The LIO‑48 has an internal power supply that will accept
100‑240 Volts 50/60 Hertz AC power.
Consult the wiring diagram on page 1‑44 for detailed information.
Network Switches
The next component of the WheatNet‑IP system is your network switch(es). These
are standard Ethernet devices that form the core of your LAN. You may already have
a suitable one in place in your facility. There are literally hundreds of different models
available in the market place which vary widely in size and capability, costing anywhere
from $30 to $30,000 and up. Obviously the $30,000 switch has more features and
capability than the $30 switch. The important thing to remember is that most Gigabit
switches will work with WheatNet‑IP – up to a point. As the size of your system in
‑
creases, it’s easy to exceed the capability of inexpensive switches. Large systems need
high capacity managed switches to avoid the bane of Ethernet audio systems, network
overload. Simply put, if the WheatNet‑IP devices are streaming packets faster than the
Ethernet switch can distribute them, packets get dropped and the audio starts to break
up. This is why your Ethernet switches must be sized appropriately, and your network
traffic managed and controlled so that the sizing assumptions you made remain valid.
Because 24 bit 48K sample rate audio streams represent a much larger packet rate than
Ethernet networks were originally assumed to contain, they can represent the vast majority
WheatNet-IP
/ May 2013
WheatNet-IP
/ Aug 2012
WheatNet-IP
/ Mar 2014
