Part F: DataPort
Jump to:
- Part A: Basic Q-Sys Signal Path
- Part B: Core & I/O Frame
- Part C: Hardware Peripherals
- Part D: Identify Button
- Part E: I/O Cards
- Part G: Assessment
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The Q-Sys system stands apart when using DataPort-enabled QSC amplifiers. Once connected, a whole new level of system supervision is available. The DataPort provides the means for amplifier and load monitoring information to be sent back to the system operator.
You gain the benefit of these added parameters:
- Load voltage, current and impedance
- Open and short circuits
- Pre- and port-DSP clip monitoring
- Thermal readings
- Power/Standby Status
You can even set up the system to alert you, for instance, if someone has walked into your amp room and physically adjusted the settings of the amplifier on your network.
Ease of Installation: Each connection carries two channels of balanced audio as well as all of the monitoring information. This makes for a very easy installation. There is no need for soldering additional XLR connectors or terminating Phoenix Connectors. All that is required is a QSC DataPort cable.
USING AMPLIFIERS WITHOUT QSC DATAPORTS
You can certainly use Q-Sys with standard amplifiers lacking a DataPort, but you will not benefit from the advanced monitoring functions. The simplest way to do this is to connect a COL4 output card to the inputs of the amplifier, but it will not give the user any load monitoring, temperature status, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DATAPORT CABLES
Just a quick reminder about connecting your DataPort amplifier to your I/O Frame. While this connection may look like a standard HD-15 VGA port, it DOES NOT mean you can use a standard VGA cable. VGA cables typically do not have all 15 pins wired, and all the pins are required to properly interface with the Dataport. Will some off-the-shelf VGA cables work? Well, some MIGHT give you satisfactory results, however more often than not, off-the-shelf cables will give less-than-satisfactory results, and could even cause damage to QSC DataPort amplifiers! On top of that, non-QSC DataPort cables may void your warranty. Therefore, QSC recommends that you use QSC DataPort cables EXCLUSIVELY, which are available through our service department.