AGMNET - Networking Pro-Audio Equipment
12/03/08 12:19 Filed in: Software
Here a "legacy" product, we did it first.
March 1992
Taken from a Frankfurt Music Fair report in UK LIVE Magazine:
Remote Networking
"C-Audio has released their IA range of amplifiers that accept up to four internally fitted option cards that include such things as crossovers, limiters, attenuators etc. and, of course, a digital controller for connection to a remote computer system. The high-speed network was developed by AGM Digital Arts as a general network for the control of many different types of equipment and is capable of transmitting even 16-bit audio. Communication is via a two-cable bi-directional loop, which has the benefit of allowing the system to continue operation even if one of the connection cables is damaged, accidentally cut or even missing.
The system software runs under Windows 3.x on a PC and initial setting up is achieved by the NetScan utility, which automatically scans and reports the connected devices. Additional windows can be added and system components dragged into these to represent rooms or racks of attached and controlled equipment. The amplifiers are represented by extremely dinky icons and double-clicking on one brings up its individual control window. Indication is given of the amplifier status, i.e. whether it's in bridged mode or the ground has been lifted, the Alarm Status, i.e. whether it is limiting, overheating, or has gone into protect mode; the current temperature of the heatsinks; the level of the output is also visible on stereo metering. From this screen the level of each channel can be set via sliders that can be linked or used individually. Each set of settings can be saved and interestingly a whole rack of equipment can adopt the settings of one individually saved amplifier setup or even be ganged together to be controlled by one master set of controls.
AGM say that the system is designed to make the control of large systems (they quote up to 2000 devices) simple and efficient and also, interestingly, to enable the remote diagnosis of installations such as arenas and discotheques. AGM have quoted practical examples of large venue operators needing to know the exact status of systems that are faulty in order to not have to transport every component from one end of the country to the other to find out that the cleaning lady had unplugged an amplifier rack. The system, on tracking errors and comparing these to a critical list, can be configured to send a fax automatically to an engineering department as a piece of equipment starts reporting abnormal behavior. I suppose it won't be long before amplifier racks start phoning home."
June 1992
From Pro-Audio Magazine UK
AES Look Beyond PA422 To Find A De Facto Standard
"One network being closely scrutinised by several companies is the AGM-Net adopted by C-Audio.
AGM's Anthony Morris explained how it came about. "We had just completed a network protocol and hardware structure designed for our product range (digital ambisonics etc.) and it seemed logical to let other manufacturers take advantage of an existing system. C- Audio were the first to take up a license for a front-end interface for control, which we designed and programmed for them."
He still remains perplexed by a suggestion that the AES, of which he is not a member, are unhappy that the network has been developed without reference to their consultative committee. "Some thought that I had chosen an aloof attitude and failed to take part, but I simply wasn't invited" he qualified. However, he expressed the opinion that he thought it "would take overly long to reach what would be an unacceptable compromise between some manufacturers wanting intelligence from network control and the others wanting an interface card costing only $10 to manufacture. These two - price plus intelligence - don't equate perfectly quite yet but in practice, the intelligent and more expensive option of today is normally a cheaper option in the future, so you might as well get on with it. Which is what we have done."
He adds: "My interests lie primarily in the diagnostics of networking equipment as well as performance data gathering. It's easier to justify the expense of investment into a network when it removes worry and cuts down on service costs."
Development of this system ceased when licensor C-Audio were sold to the Harman Audio group.
March 1992
Taken from a Frankfurt Music Fair report in UK LIVE Magazine:
Remote Networking
"C-Audio has released their IA range of amplifiers that accept up to four internally fitted option cards that include such things as crossovers, limiters, attenuators etc. and, of course, a digital controller for connection to a remote computer system. The high-speed network was developed by AGM Digital Arts as a general network for the control of many different types of equipment and is capable of transmitting even 16-bit audio. Communication is via a two-cable bi-directional loop, which has the benefit of allowing the system to continue operation even if one of the connection cables is damaged, accidentally cut or even missing.
The system software runs under Windows 3.x on a PC and initial setting up is achieved by the NetScan utility, which automatically scans and reports the connected devices. Additional windows can be added and system components dragged into these to represent rooms or racks of attached and controlled equipment. The amplifiers are represented by extremely dinky icons and double-clicking on one brings up its individual control window. Indication is given of the amplifier status, i.e. whether it's in bridged mode or the ground has been lifted, the Alarm Status, i.e. whether it is limiting, overheating, or has gone into protect mode; the current temperature of the heatsinks; the level of the output is also visible on stereo metering. From this screen the level of each channel can be set via sliders that can be linked or used individually. Each set of settings can be saved and interestingly a whole rack of equipment can adopt the settings of one individually saved amplifier setup or even be ganged together to be controlled by one master set of controls.
AGM say that the system is designed to make the control of large systems (they quote up to 2000 devices) simple and efficient and also, interestingly, to enable the remote diagnosis of installations such as arenas and discotheques. AGM have quoted practical examples of large venue operators needing to know the exact status of systems that are faulty in order to not have to transport every component from one end of the country to the other to find out that the cleaning lady had unplugged an amplifier rack. The system, on tracking errors and comparing these to a critical list, can be configured to send a fax automatically to an engineering department as a piece of equipment starts reporting abnormal behavior. I suppose it won't be long before amplifier racks start phoning home."
June 1992
From Pro-Audio Magazine UK
AES Look Beyond PA422 To Find A De Facto Standard
"One network being closely scrutinised by several companies is the AGM-Net adopted by C-Audio.
AGM's Anthony Morris explained how it came about. "We had just completed a network protocol and hardware structure designed for our product range (digital ambisonics etc.) and it seemed logical to let other manufacturers take advantage of an existing system. C- Audio were the first to take up a license for a front-end interface for control, which we designed and programmed for them."
He still remains perplexed by a suggestion that the AES, of which he is not a member, are unhappy that the network has been developed without reference to their consultative committee. "Some thought that I had chosen an aloof attitude and failed to take part, but I simply wasn't invited" he qualified. However, he expressed the opinion that he thought it "would take overly long to reach what would be an unacceptable compromise between some manufacturers wanting intelligence from network control and the others wanting an interface card costing only $10 to manufacture. These two - price plus intelligence - don't equate perfectly quite yet but in practice, the intelligent and more expensive option of today is normally a cheaper option in the future, so you might as well get on with it. Which is what we have done."
He adds: "My interests lie primarily in the diagnostics of networking equipment as well as performance data gathering. It's easier to justify the expense of investment into a network when it removes worry and cuts down on service costs."
Development of this system ceased when licensor C-Audio were sold to the Harman Audio group.