Chapter 8: Audio Module, Rev 1.1
8.1.3 Understanding Zones
The Audio Module samples each audio input channel, digitizes it and sends the digital data via
Ethernet to the DMM. Based on the <vdrparams.ini> file, the DMM creates audio output channels
(tracks of audio data). These output channels are then sent for storage to the appropriate
recoding medium or media. The data on each of these output channels—as identified in the
OutPutChannelX fields in the <vdrparams.ini> file—represents a zone.
Each zone is determined by the number of input channels placed in individual OutPutChannelX
fields in the <vdrparams.ini> file.
For example, consider a vessel that has 12 indoor bridge microphones and 1 VHF source. The
channel configuration would follow this hardware connection arrangement:
VHF source = Channel 1 (inputs 1 and 2)
Mics 1 and 2 = Channel 2 (inputs 3 and 4), Indoor MICs
Mics 3 and 4 = Channel 3 (inputs 5 and 6), Indoor MICs
Mics 5 and 6 = Channel 4 (inputs 7 and 8), Indoor MICs
Mics 7 and 8 = Channel 5 (inputs 9 and 10), converted from factory set VHF to Indoor
MICs
Mics 9 and 10 = Channel 6 (inputs 11 and 12), Indoor MICs
Mics 11 and 12 = Channel 7, (inputs 13 and 14), Indoor MICs
All bridge microphones and Primary VHF audio is captured and digitized by the Audio Module
and then sent via audio input channels to the DMM. The data is then mixed in the DMM and sent
via 4 available audio output channels (4 zones) to the FRM for storage, each audio channel may
include audio input from up to 4 microphones or 2 VHFs.
By using software mixing, 2 audio channels can be entered per OutPutChannelX field of the
<vdrparams.ini> file. Note however that the primary VHF must have a dedicated
OutPutChannelX field.
Using the 12 microphone example provided above, the OutPutChannelX fields would be similar
to the following:
OutPutChannel1 = 1 (Primary VHF)
OutPutChannel2 = 2, 3 (4 microphones)
OutPutChannel3 = 4, 5 (4 microphones)
OutPutChannel4 = 6, 7 (4 microphones)
This installation configuration allows all 12 of the bridge microphones (and the single VHF) to be
stored to the FRM. In this configuration there are 3 microphone zones:
Zone 1 (Audio Output Channel 1) = Audio Input Channel 2 and 3
Zone 2 (Audio Output Channel 2) = Audio Input Channel 4 and 5
Zone 3 (Audio Output Channel 3) = Audio Input Channel 6 and 7
A maximum of 2 channels can be mixed per OutPutChannelX field, so a zone can include a
maximum of 4 inputs.
Wherever possible every zone must contain microphones recording similar source information.
For example,
DO NOT mix an internal microphone channel with an external microphone channel;
External microphones must be contained within their own zone.
See Section 8.5.1 - Microphone Installation - Sample One and Section 8.5.2 - Microphone
Installation – Sample for more detailed examples of configuring the microphone parameters and
zones (audio output channels).
VDR-100G3/G3S Installation Manual 06/10/2008
8-6
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