HK Audio FirSoft - Handbuch (Seite 2)

FirSoft 1.0 2
1. Introduction
1.1 Why the new software?
LIPAN, the first remote-control application, is structured rather simply. It affords you access only
to the FIRNET controller‘s main functions. However, sound reinforcement applications are growing
increasingly complex and users‘ demands increasingly diverse, so the software needed retooling to
make it more powerful and flexible. Now FIRSOFT is here to afford you access to far more of the
FIRNET controller‘s capabilities. Some of the new features make it more versatile and suitable for a
far wider range of applications. However, we did our best to ensure every new feature is as easy to
handle as those that made LIPAN such a convenient tool.
1.2 What‘s new?
More sophisticated groups
You can now create groups on several levels in FIRSOFT. Even large sound systems may be broken
down into logical groupings of speakers to collectively manage all assigned controllers.
Signal routing with loudspeaker datasets
FIRSOFT lets you map any HK AUDIO speaker dataset to any audio output on a FIRNET controller.
What‘s more, the two input signals may now be routed freely to all four outputs to make the most of
the available HK AUDIO power racks for each speaker combination.
FIRNET output assignments are fixed in groups of four. You can continue to use these convenient
configurations in the form of presets. HK AUDIO provides a library of these presets, and you can
create and save presets of your own to readily access frequently used speaker combinations.
Offl ine confi guration
In the past, you had to first connect with an up-and-running network of FIRNET controllers to
search for and remotely manage a specific controller. Now you can configure all the settings such as
speaker datasets, the signal routing, EQ and so forth offline without having to connect the computer
to the targeted FIRNET controllers, and then load these data to the controllers later on location. This
gives you plenty of time to plan and prepare the sound system with greater care and saves valuable
setup time on site.
Detailed views
The new DEVICE, METERBRIDGE and GROUPS panels offer a better view of and faster access to
all of the controlled sound system‘s key parameters. The Meterbridge may be used as a separate
window so you can view the system‘s most important status information on a second screen.
Automatic update
FIRSOFT automatically checks for updates for the application, the controller firmware and speaker
datasets, and lets you know if any are available. This ensures all users work with the latest data.
1.3 Installing FIRSOFT
Requirements & installation on Windows XP / Vista / 7
Your computer must satisfy the following requirements to run FIRSOFT:
• Windows XP Professional or higher with Service Pack 3; also runs on Windows Vista
and Windows 7
• 1 GHz or faster single-core processor
• Minimum 1024 MB of RAM
• Minimum 25 MB of available hard-disk space
• Minimum 1024 x 768 pixels screen resolution and 16-bit color depth
• Network: 100 Mbps or faster Ethernet
FIRSOFT can be obtained by downloading a file named firsoft.zip from www.hkaudio.com. FIRSOFT
is ready for installation as soon as you save this file to your computer and unzip it. Simply double-
click the file and start the installation wizard. First you will be asked where you want to save
program files, if you want to add the program to the Windows Start menu, and if you want a shortcut
to FIRSOFT placed on the desktop. The installation routine launches as soon as you make your
selections and confirm that you want to install the program. You will be notified when the installation
process is complete. Confirm this message with the Finish button to close the installation wizard.
The program can be started without having to first reboot the computer.
FIRNET fi rmware upgrade
Heads up: The target FIRNET controllers‘ firmware has to be kept up to date to ensure you have
all FIRSOFT functions at your disposal.
HK AUDIO posts new firmware for downloading at www.hkaudio.com. Firmware is released as a ZIP
archive named firmware xyz.zip, whereby xyz stands for the release date. You must first download
and save this file to update a FIRNET controller‘s firmware. The archive will always contain a file
named hkupdate.zip.
Heads up: Do not rename this file. If you do, the FIRNET controllers‘ firmware will not be
updated properly.
To carry out an update, first start FIRSOFT. Then use SCAN NETWORK or FIND SINGLE DEVICE to
select the FIRNET controllers whose firmware you want to update.
Heads up: The firmware update is executed on all FIRNET controllers shown to be online at
this time in the FIRSOFT Network window at the top left. If you wish to update just one specific
FIRNET controller, use REMOVE to strike all others from the list.
Once you have selected the FIRNET controllers, click UPDATE DEVICE FIRMWARE (ALL) in the
toolbar.
A file dialog box appears. Go to the file named hkupdate.zip that you had previously saved and then
select or click OPEN.
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