Datalink

Datalink was the first digital language developed by Bang & Olufsen and allowed various components of a music system to work in conjunction with each other. It used the addition of two extra pins to a standard 5-pin DIN plug via which a digital code was sent.  It was a way whereby products could 'talk to each other'. Datalink is the forerunner of Beolink®. The DIN connector has two pins for control signals, one pin as an audio 'common', two pins for stereo 'in' and two more pins for stereo 'out'. The control pins are referred to as Datalink pins and these carry signals to do the following:

The original idea was seen in a prototype system called BeoSystem 6000 which comprised a stereo receiver, stereo tangential tracking turntable and an advanced auto reverse reel to reel tape recorder. This system was never put into production but styling cues from the BeoMaster led to the BeoMaster 6000 quad receiver, the record player became the BeoGram 4000 but the BeoCord was dropped after only 6 examples were made. The idea of each component being able to talk to each other was postulated but no system was put into production based on this design.

The first production model with any type of link system was the BeoMaster 2400 which, when connected to a BeoGram 4004, allowed remote control of the BeoGram via an ultrasonic remote control. Unlike previous systems, all the major controls on the BeoGram and the BeoMaster were electronic and hence suitable for remote operation The system was later to include a radial BeoGram as well, the BeoGram 2402. This system however was a one off and was incompatible with later versions of Datalink. The BeoGram and receiver were connected via a captive 7-pin lead on the BeoGram.

Datalink first was seen in its full glory in the BeoLab 8000 system in 1981. Unlike the earlier system, full remote control of all the different sources was now possible, with play, record, cueing, programme selection and volume control all possible at the press of a single button on an infra red remote control. The system also allowed one to press a start button on any of the sources which would switch on the BeoMaster or vice versa. All the sources were attached to the BeoMaster by 7-pin DIN leads. An important point was that the BeoMaster remained the hub of the system with all commands from the remote control travelling via the infra red receiver on the BeoMaster and Datalink being the messenger to the source.

The system was refined over the years and eventually allowed all functions to be controlled remotely as seen in the BeoSystem 7000. These days, the system has fallen into disuse but the language continues in a different guise as MasterLink. No longer speaking between components in a single audio system, MasterLink connects systems together. Older systems can still communicate with the aid of the 1611 converter which translates Datalink to the newer codes.

Main Datalink audio products:

BeoMaster   2000  ** 4500 7000

2400 / 2400-2

5000

8000

  3000 5500  

3300

6000

3500

6500

 

 

BeoCord

2000

5000

6500 ***

8004

3300

5500  ***

7000 ***

9000

3500

6000

8000

4500

6002

8002

 

BeoCord VCR

VHS 91

VHS 91.2

 

BeoGram 1900 / 1902 4500 6002* 9000
  2000 5000   6006 9500

3000

5005

6500

 

3300

5500

7000

 

  3500   6000 * 8000  

4002

6000

8002

 

BeoGram CD

3300

5500

  3500 6500

4500

7000

  CD50  

 

BeoCenter

2300

9000

2500

9300

8000

9500

8500

 

BeoSound

4000

Ouverture

Notes:

* Datalink communication in the BeoGram 6000/6002 is one-way, which means that pressing /PLAY/ on BeoGram 6000/6002 will not start the BeoMaster/BeoCenter

** BeoMaster 2000 cannot be operated by remote control

*** BeoCord 5500/6500/7000 have some special functions, for example tape counter and adjustment of recording level via remote control, which can be only operated with BeoMaster 5500and MCP5500

Datalink manual (1986)

 

 

Index  

BeoTech © 2006 All rights reserved