Erthpot NCS110-CU Conference Controller

Erthpot NCS110-CU Novo Conference System Central Control Unit

The Erthpot NCS110-CU is a high-performance digital wired central controller designed to serve as the brain of the Novo Conference System. Engineered for enterprise-level assembly halls, government council chambers, and modern classrooms, it provides a seamless interface between professional discussion units and modern AV infrastructure. The system distinguishes itself through its native Dante digital output and integrated camera tracking capabilities, allowing for high-fidelity audio routing and automated video production without complex external programming. Its robust 1RU hardware architecture ensures high reliability and a true plug-and-play experience for AV integrators and end-users alike.

The NCS110-CU central control unit functions as the master management hub for the entire Novo Conference environment. It is responsible for supplying 24V DC power to connected microphone units while simultaneously processing audio signals and managing data communication across the network. By utilizing a high-speed internal microprocessor, the unit automatically detects connected hardware and executes complex logic for microphone prioritization and gating. Furthermore, it bridges the gap between traditional wired conference systems and modern networked audio by converting analog discussion signals into a high-quality Dante digital stream, ensuring compatibility with professional DSPs and enterprise audio networks.

Key Features:

The NCS110-CU is packed with professional-grade features designed to solve the common challenges of installed sound and video conferencing.

• Support for up to 110 Microphone Units: While the controller manages a baseline of microphones natively, the system is designed for massive scalability. By integrating the NEB-124W extension boxes, the NCS110-CU can manage a total of 110 chairman and delegate units, making it suitable for large-scale legislative or corporate environments.

• Integrated Dante Digital Audio Output: In addition to standard analog XLR and RCA outputs, the NCS110-CU features a dedicated RJ45 Dante interface. This allows for low-latency, uncompressed audio transmission over standard IP networks to other Dante-enabled devices like mixers and amplifiers.

• RS232 / RS422 Camera Tracking Control: The controller includes dedicated serial ports to automate video tracking. When a participant activates their microphone, the NCS110-CU sends precise control commands to PTZ cameras to frame the speaker automatically.

• Comprehensive Video Management: With 4 BNC video inputs and 1 BNC output, the unit supports SDI and HD-SDI signals. This allows the system to act as a video switcher, routing the correct camera feed to the display based on the active microphone.

• Intelligent Audio Processing: The built-in Automatic Gain Processing circuit is a critical feature for speech intelligibility. It effectively prevents acoustic feedback and ensures that vocal levels remain consistent throughout the room, regardless of the speaker’s distance from the microphone.

• Front Panel OLED Display: For real-time monitoring and configuration, the front-facing OLED display provides immediate feedback on microphone status, active operating modes, and the total count of speakers currently in the system.

How the System Works?

The architecture of the Novo Conference System is built on a “hardware-first” philosophy. The NCS110-CU utilizes a daisy-chain topology for microphone connections, significantly reducing the complexity and cost of cabling. All chairman and delegate units connect to the central unit or expansion boxes using standard Category 5 (Cat5) or Cat6 network cables.

Inside the controller, a sophisticated microprocessor manages the signal routing. When a user presses the “speak” button on a microphone unit, the controller validates the request based on the selected conference mode. Simultaneously, it triggers the camera control protocol (VISCA, PELCO-D, or PELCO-P) to move the cameras to the predefined preset for that specific microphone location. Audio is then processed through the gain circuit and delivered to the Dante network and analog outputs for local reinforcement or recording.

Professional Conference Modes:

To ensure meeting order and efficiency, the NCS110-CU offers four distinct operating modes that can be selected directly from the front panel:

• FIFO (First-In, First-Out): When the maximum number of active microphones is reached, the next unit activated will automatically turn off the first unit in the queue.

• Automatic with Time Limit: This mode allows microphones to be activated freely but enforces a specific time limit on speech to ensure the meeting stays on schedule.

• Request Mode: Ideal for formal sessions, this requires the chairman to approve requests before a delegate microphone is activated.

• Sound Activated Mode: Microphones are automatically triggered by the speaker’s voice, providing a hands-free experience for natural discussions.

Automated Camera Tracking System:

The NCS110-CU eliminates the need for a dedicated camera operator during meetings. By utilizing the DB9 or 5-pin Phoenix terminal control interfaces, the unit communicates with up to 4 PTZ cameras. It supports the industry-standard VISCA, PELCO-D, and PELCO-P protocols, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of professional video conferencing cameras. The system’s ability to handle SDI and HD-SDI signals makes it a powerful tool for hybrid meeting environments where high-definition video is a requirement.

Audio Connectivity and Integration:

Versatility in audio routing is a hallmark of the Erthpot NCS110-CU. It provides a comprehensive array of I/O options to fit any installation scenario:

• Digital Output: RJ45 Dante interface for networked audio.

• Balanced Analog: XLR male and 6.35mm jack outputs with a maximum output level of 14.6dBu.

• Unbalanced Analog: RCA Lotus ports for recording or connecting to consumer-grade audio equipment.

• Aux Input: Allows for the injection of external audio sources such as background music or remote audio feeds into the conference system.

Technical Specifications:

Ideal Applications:

The NCS110-CU is optimized for environments where clarity, control, and reliability are paramount:

• Corporate Boardrooms: Provides a professional discussion platform with high-end aesthetic appeal and Dante integration for global conferencing.
• Government Council Halls: Scales to accommodate many delegates while maintaining strict control through chairman priority and various conference modes.
• Educational Training Centers: Facilitates interactive learning with automatic microphone gating and voice tracking for remote students.
• Hybrid Meeting Environments: Bridges the gap between in-room participants and remote viewers through seamless video switching and digital audio routing.

Installation and System Expansion:

Setting up the NCS110-CU is streamlined through its “all-in-one” hardware design. The use of standard CAT5/6 cabling for both power and data means that specialized cables are not required, simplifying the site preparation for integrators. Microphones are connected in a daisy-chain (loop-through) fashion. For systems requiring more than 10-30 units or covering larger distances, the NEB-124W Extension Box can be added. Each NEB-124W provides a built-in 72W power module to support an additional 30 microphone units, ensuring the system remains stable even at its maximum capacity of 110 units.

The Novo Difference:

Unlike software-reliant conference systems that require extensive programming and frequent updates, the Erthpot Novo system operates as a dedicated appliance. The “everything built into hardware” philosophy means that features like camera tracking and audio gain processing are ready to go out of the box. The inclusion of a Dante interface at this price point offers exceptional value, allowing the NCS110-CU to sit at the center of a sophisticated, modern AV ecosystem while remaining simple enough for any staff member to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Erthpot NCS110-CU stands as a cornerstone for modern conference room design, blending the reliability of wired infrastructure with the flexibility of Dante networked audio. By centralizing power, audio processing, and automated camera control into a single 1RU chassis, Erthpot has created a system that meets the rigorous demands of AV integrators while remaining exceptionally user-friendly. Whether managing a small boardroom discussion or a massive 110-delegate council session, the Novo system provides the technical sophistication and audio clarity necessary for successful professional communication.