Introduction
ODIN is a matrix intercom solution, with options to license up to 128 ports per unit. The intercom can be scaled up by connecting up to a maximum of eight ODINs. This achieves a maximum of 1024 ports. ODIN is suited to large, complex intercom configurations.
OMNEO Main Station (OMS) is a digital partyline Intercom solution, which serves as a bridge to bring analogue and digital systems together. It is capable of the many applications required in events, and is more suited to smaller, less complex intercom configurations.
“What is the difference between ODIN and OMS?”
Intercom Functions
In general terms, ODIN is used in larger, more complex setups, or when the intercom requires more than eight keypanels.
All of the following functions are available in both ODIN and OMS systems and this guide will give you an understanding of the intercom capabilities.
Partylines
A partyline (PL) is a shared communication channel that multiple users can access simultaneously.
PLs are used where non keypanel sources of audio are shared. These sources of audio are not capable of sending control data, to open the speaker for example, so the audio is always present.
NEVER PUT A PANEL IN A PARTYLINE.
This might sound like a strange concept, because panel users may need to participate in a PL. If the panel is a member of a PL, we would hear all audio from the panel and it would hear everything from the PL, all the time.
Instead, we give panels a PL key which allows them to choose when to listen and talk to the PL using that key.
Think of a PL as a multipoint-to-multipoint conversation.
Special Lists
A Special List (SL) is like a PL, members of which are intelligent devices capable of sending control data in addition to audio.
A SL is useful for a group of people with the same role, or an individual with more than one device.
If there is a call to SL, it will be received by all members. When an SL member answers, they will be connected to the caller in an isolated private call, reducing the amount of chatter on the intercom.
Think of a SL as a call to group or point to multipoint conversation.
IFB
IFB or Interruptible Foldback is where an intercom user can interrupt a destination audio source, while they communicate with that destination. Examples of IFB are Producers cueing a Presenter’s earpiece, or a public announcement that cuts across music.
Considering the case of a Presenter IFB:
When an IFB is constructed, it routes an input (in this case a presenter mix minus) to an IEM Tx, so the presenter will always hear the broadcast feed, minus their own mic.
When the IFB is active, the microphone of the person calling the IFB will be routed to the destination, dimming the mix minus to a preset level. The mix minus is restored to the original level when the IFB is not being called.
IFB keys are non-latching by default.
IFBs are constructed using an IFB table, which contains the different elements required to build the IFB i.e., Input, Output and Listen source. By making the pre-fader mic of the presenter the listen source, two-way communication can be achieved on a single IFB key.
IFBs are a useful way of moving audio around by effectively closing a crosspoint.
ISO
An ISO allows an intercom user to communicate with a member of a partyline in a private, one-to-one conversation. When calling an ISO, the port will be temporarily disconnected from the PL and will return to the PL when the ISO is no longer being called. ISOs are useful for a Director to talk to a camera operator privately.
GPIO
General Purpose Inputs and Outputs (GPIO) are inputs to the intercom from sensors, buttons or pedals (GPIs) and output signals (GPO) to control devices.
OMS has 4 General Purpose input and outputs, so the system can signal to external devices and receive similar from foot-pedals or push buttons. Each keypanel is also capable of 2 GPIOs; once in the system the triggers can be sent or received at any device.
UR
A UPL Resource (UR) is a placeholder that can be used in the construction of a UPL.
UPL
A User Programmable Logic Statement (UPL) is a set of instructions that take certain inputs or triggers and depending on the conditions set, will output an action. UPLs can be simple actions in response to a key press, or can be complex, nested functions that may be manipulated to automate intercom functions.
When combined with GPIOs UPLs are very powerful tools that can control devices beyond the intercom itself.
If you would like more information about intercom functions or capabilities, contact Dallas McIntosh. Comms Solutions Engineer, or a member of the Integrated Networks team.
Leave a Reply