Lack of detailed technical specifications
There seems to be a general lack of depth to the technical information in the user manuals or data sheets.
One example of this is the subwoofer output of the Node IIi product and also the professional version or the product, the B100S.
A professional sound installer would need to know the frequency and rolloff of any filters applied to the subwoofer output and main speaker outputs when the "With Subwoofer" option is selected. This currently isn't specified. This information is needed to know, for example, what the roll-off setting should be set to on the subwoofer, or if it should be set at maximum because the Node IIi/B100S is handling that function.
I had to make measurements myself to establish this, but that should not have been necessary.
Another example is the remote IR input. I purchased a remote RX thinking it was a standard however it just didn't work at all when I plugged it in. How many pins is the IR input jack and what are the connections? This should be in the specification so I know what to plug into it.
In general, any hardware/software control, input or output needs to be fully technically documented so that an end user doesn't have to go and measure it themselves.
For professional products, a block diagram would also be useful.
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Official comment
Hi Simon
Bluesound Players are consumer-grade electronics products. Everything you need to know about the Node 2i is available at the product page or at support.bluesound.com. For Bluesound Professional products, please speak with your Bluesound Pro distributor.
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I agree. Across the board, this company needs to regroup on Documentation Asset management and hire a stronger team of technical writers and content experts. e.g. I have a customer pay several thousand dollars for this NAD m12 and when I go to find the RS232/serial command documentation to integrate the unit into their home automation, it was impossible to find on the site and then when I contact support, come to find out, the doc is way out of date, the team hasn't kept up with documenting new serial commands for the new features (network standby). BTW - You can set the Network Standby feature using the following command syntax:
"Main.ControlStandby= [ON|OFF]"0 -
"Everything you need to know about the Node 2i is available at the product page or at support.bluesound.com".
Firstly, everything that a user should need to know should be in the instruction manual, not just on some support forum. Also what IR extenders work with the Node 2i is not specified anywhere.
"For Bluesound Professional products, please speak with your Bluesound Pro distributor".
What would a pro distributor be able to tell me if there is no useful documentation even for them to refer to?
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Bluesound Pro does require an IR Sensor with an external power supply. We should connect to any Xantech Compatible. Please look at brands such as Niles, Speakercraftnor Xantech.
As for instruction manuals, it really is not wise in today's eco-conscious world to include paper manuals, especially for ever-evolving IoT products. This is why we make it readily available in the BluOS App under Help.
You can also use the Help, Send Support Request feature in the App or e-mail us at support@bluos.net and we will be happy to assist.
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Hi Tony,
Thanks for the advice regarding the IR sensor.
I am happy for instruction manuals to be just PDF however I don't think printing an extra page would significantly impact the environment when compared to the plastic, materials and energy required to make the product itself and the box it comes in. It would be an incredible reason for leaving out important information.
An instruction manual is a "structured" document which is the best format for looking up specifications and operating instructions. Unstructured formats such as user forums, support centre portals are not really a good substitute for that, although they have other good uses, of course.
To illustrate what I have in mind. Here are some examples from the current user manual:
Before:
"IR IN: An infrared extender can be connected to allow for programmable learning remotes to control volume and source selection when a NODE 2i is stored in a way that the front panel IR sensor is not visible."
After:
"IR IN: An infrared extender can be connected to allow for programmable learning remotes to control volume and source selection when a NODE 2i is stored in a way that the front panel IR sensor is not visible. The extender should be a type that has an external power supply. IR kits manufactured by brands such as Niles, Speakercraft and Xantech have been known to work."
Note:
The last sentence is obviously a bit risky since any brand could also make kit that doesn't work. That's the problem here i.e. without a clear specification I could go out and buy stuff that doesn't work until I eventually get lucky.Before:
"SUBW (SUBWOOFER) OUT: A Subwoofer can also be connected directly to the NODE 2i. Connect SUBW OUT to a powered (“active”) subwoofer."
After (consumer):
"SUBW (SUBWOOFER) OUT: A Subwoofer can also be connected directly to the NODE 2i. Connect SUBW OUT to a powered (“active”) subwoofer. If the subwoofer has a cut-off frequency control then set it to the maximum frequency."
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