"Tools of the Trade?" By R. Strutzenberg

Our ‘Tech Topic’ this month is on a subject that most Systems Integrators I know are very passionate about—tools. However, the tools that we’re going to discuss are somewhat unconventional, in that you won’t carry them to the jobsite in a case with your hammer drill and SawZall. The “tools” that I’m referring to are your laptop computer and the interconnect cables and accessories that are necessary for PlayNetwork installations and service work in 2008, and beyond. Regrettably, there are no Audio/Video ‘industry standards’ for connectivity to the plethora of digital processors that we currently specify in PlayNetwork system designs. As a matter of fact, connectivity varies even within product lines. For example, with the DBX 641 you must utilize a 9-pin serial cable while the DBX 1261 has the option of using a cross-over Ethernet cable, in addition to the serial cable. So what are we field technicians to do? Well, you wouldn’t go to a jobsite without a full set of screw drivers or a complete ratchet/socket set would you? (If you answered yes, please call me to discuss…) In much the same way, having a ‘full-set’ of cables in your laptop case is necessary in order to be prepared for loading program files, doing system tweaks/adjustments, and performing trouble-shooting tasks.

A great place to begin upgrading your “digital toolbox” is by purchasing a laptop that has a built-in 9-pin serial port. Most manufacturers of Audio/Video digital processors don’t offer tech support for their products when you’re utilizing an Ethernet-to-serial converter. Furthermore, a converter that works with one digital processor may not work with another. This becomes confusing and cumbersome as you will certainly have to travel with several different models of converter units. The next “tool” that is an absolute necessity is the software for the various digital processors that PlayNetwork utilizes. Always be certain that you have the latest version of the software (as well as the latest firmware upgrades) downloaded to your laptop from the manufacturers’ Web sites before you get to the jobsite! Finally, don’t count on the necessary interconnect cables being left in the rack or included in a job package. Make sure that your “digital toolbox” has the following cables, and you’ll avoid the embarrassment and the expense of having to return to the shop, or run to the local electronics store before being able to complete your work.

• Serial cable (Standard)
• Null modem cable
• Male-to-female adaptors
• Ethernet cable (Standard)
• Ethernet cross-over cable

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions and comments at: rstrutzenberg@playnetwork.com

I hope to see you soon out “in the field”….