While much of the basic configuration of WheatNet-IP can be done easily from an I/O BLADE’s front panel, WheatNet-IP NAVIGATOR offers a more convenient way to do a comprehensive system configuration, to enter source and destination names, perform general system setup functions, program salvos and macros, and control audio paths (or, crosspoints). You can also control and monitor audio levels in real-time.

Crosspoint Navigation

NAVIGATOR shows the connections between sources and destinations using a connection icon at the grid intersection of the source and destination. The shape of the connection icon determines the type of signal, whether it’s mono or stereo, logic only or logic and audio combined. NAVIGATOR provides all the parameters related to a connection, including audio level and any salvos associated with it. For newer third-generation BLADE 3 I/O units, the connection icons became animated, with the color of the icon changing in accordance with signal level.

Setup and Control

Through NAVIGATOR, users can create salvo events, set silence detection and manage failover contingencies, set up associated connections for grouping mics together, and personalize sources and destinations for individual shows, personalities or events. NAVIGATOR is used to:  

• Add/delete/modify audio and logic signals 
• Define signal names and location names
• Set up system views and view filters
• Query connections
• Define logic functions
• Adjust source and destination signal gains
• Set up and adjust BLADE utility mixers
• Configure and fire salvos
• Back up and restore system configuration
• Set up AES67 source and destination parameters
• Set up audio clock master
• Monitor and meter source and destination audio levels, plus listen to them
• Set up silence detect parameters and failovers
• Set up system time
• Set visibilities
• Define third party device interfaces
• Set up SNMP server address to report to
• Configure aliases
• Configure associated connections
• View system log information    
• Set up audio clips and playlists    
• Make software updates to BLADEs

As part of the system, WheatNet-IP NAVIGATOR continuously queries the network so that it’s always showing the current configuration and status. You can run up to four copies of NAVIGATOR at the same time to monitor and control the system from multiple locations simultaneously.