Helix Net Version 4
Clear-Com has created a way to program your HelixNet intercom from a computer. It's not off line, just online, so you need to be connected to at least a base. Specific names for additional bases or beltpacks can't be added until you connect the actual items but the format for all types of roles can be specified and saved.
Connect any type of computer to an Ethernet port in an expansion bay and point to the base's IP address. This program is opened in a browser.
Freespeak II Base 2
The New Freespeak II Base 2 introduced at NAB 2016 is everything we had hoped for when we saw the first Freespeak II.
This is the Home page used for upgrades and Maintenance
A huge improvement is that every button on bases and beltpacks can be independently set to Latch/Momentary and Off. Not just on a beltpack or base-wide setting.
Currently only 3 bases are recommended but they do not limit you. Further testing is in progress to validate up to 6 bases. This is the warning you get if you go over 3.
This is the Base default settings. There are more settings below like GPIO and expansion port type assignments.
This is the Program screen for Beltpacks. See on the left I have created roles for SM, audio, lighting, and timer starting with a clone of the HBP default.
Base software upgrade is very easy. From the home screen upgrade section just open and upgrade. Older beltpacks, speaker stations and bases will upgrade automatically when they are plugged into this base.
The over view screen shows all bases up to total of 3 and all beltpacks. Every beltpack is shown and can be separately programmed or all can be the same.
Clicking on a beltpack gets this screen where I can name it and assign a role
This is the PL channel name or Assignments screen for Freespeak where you can see how all roles have been assigned to each comm channel. the base number of comms channels or assignments is 12. There are also 12 Groups. This is the screen where you assign a port to a PL or a Group The left and right arrows change depending on the talk and listen settings at the base or beltpack.
The Overview tab has a welth of information and links. Battery status, RF strength, Button operation, Channel gain, Remote mic Kill, Call and what antenna the pack is connected to.
How to extend your Freespeak antennas over fiber if you don't have the newer splitters OR IF YOU WANT TO PUT JUST 1 ANTENNA ON FIBER
Using 2 media converters with bidirectional SFP and 2 fibers the antenna signal can be extended from the Cat5 out of the base to a splitter or from the splitter to an antenna.
Click to see fiber setup video