Have you ever had the need to control the volume of a source connected to a 70V amplifier or other “dumb” amplifiers that have no built-in way to control volume?
Using a serial connection, this new driver utilizes the FSR IT-VCM device to adjust analog audio line level volume between a source and any amplifier to provide volume control with feedback and mute status on the Control4 interface.
Example 1:
Record Player -> FSR IT-VCM -> 400W 2-Channel Amplifier -> 2 Tower speakers in dedicated listening room
Example 2:
Satellite Box -> FSR IT-VCM -> Episode Hybrid 1000W Amplifier -> 4 Landscape Speakers + 1 Landscape Subwoofer around the pool
Example 3:
Digital Signage Player -> FSR IT-VCM -> Episode 70V Amplifier -> 20 70V Speakers in an office building
Pairing this driver with the FSR IT-VCM module allows users the ability to adjust volume, mute, and other audio properties when using a “dumb” amplifier to power speakers, such as 70V speakers, in a Control4 project.
Driver provides the following features:
- 2-Way RS-232 communication
- Discrete Volume & Mute Control & Feedback
- Up/Down Treble, Bass, and Balance Control
Installation
Search for the driver via the “driver search” tab.
Double click the driver to add it to the project.
Connect the source audio device to the FSR IT-VCM.
(In this example, a cable box is the only source device)
Set dip switch 4 on FSR IT-VCM device to “UP”
****Volume levels will not work properly if you skip this step****
Physically and programmatically connect the Serial RS-232 connection from the FSR IT-VCM to an open RS-232 connection on a Control4 controller or other control processor.
*Note (The Serial-In port on the FSR IT-VCM is configured for 38,400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no handshaking. Serial-In configuration cannot be changed and is unaffected by dip switches.)
Set the Audio Endpoint and Audio Volume endpoint of the room to the FSR IT-VCM.
Refresh the project.
Configuration
License Status: Displays the current license status of the driver according to Blackwire Designs licensing server.
License Key: Input the license key from your Blackwire Designs dealer account and press the “set” button to activate the driver.
Driver Version: Displays the current version of the driver.
Firmware Version: Displays the current version number of the FSR IT-VCM firmware.
Command Delay: Displays the delay (in milliseconds) that Control4 will delay transmitting consecutive RS-232 commands to the FSR IT-VCM device. If it is determined that some commands are ‘missed/ignored’ by the FSR IT-VCM device, adjust the command delay to speed up or slow down transmitted commands.
Debug Mode: Select a mode to debug the driver. Debug mode will revert to “off” after a predetermined time.
Actions
Populate Info: Requests the version # from the FSR IT-VCM device and displays it on the Properties tab. Use if the version # did not automatically populate on the Properties tab.
Kill All Timers: Forces all timers within the driver to expire. Use if it is determined the FSR IT-VCM has stopped responding to commands.
Download Link
Release Notes
Updated Documentation
Version 8 - (December 02, 2020)First Release!
Version 1.0 - (June 17, 2020) Version 1.0 - (June 17, 2020) Version 1.0 - (June 17, 2020)