VI24 Video Switcher Interface OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and trouble-shooting guide LECTROSONICS, INC.
INTRODUCTION The VI24 Video Switcher Interface offers flexible automated control of video switch ers based on the output status of up to eight Lectrosonics AM8 or AM16 mixers. While its 24 independent logic outputs could be used to control almost anything, the VI24 is intended primarily for use as a low-cost video-follows-audio system.
Video Switcher Interface FCC PART 15 NOTICE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
REAR PANEL CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS LOGIC OUT 1 2 3 4 9 10 11 12 17 18 19 20 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 21 22 23 24 LOGIC OUTPUTS On the rear of the VI24 is a male 25-pin D connector as is commonly used for computer interfaces. This is not a serial, parallel or SCSI port, however. As the markings next to the connector show, one of the pins is ground, and the others are the logic outputs, numbered 1 to 24.
Video Switcher Interface INSTALLING THE HARDWARE What you connect to the VI24 will depend on whether you are programming it away from its intended application or programming it where it will actually be used. REQUIRED CONNECTIONS To set up the VI24, the unit must be powered on with the PC port connector attached to an available COM port on the PC. (See the SERIAL PORT HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE section for details on wiring your own serial cable.) The PC must have the VI24 software installed.
SETTING UP THE VI24 Preparing the VI24 for use mostly involves using the VI24 software to describe your setup. It is then a simple matter to transmit these settings to the VI24. If your PC is at the site where the VI24 is to be used, you can also use the VI24 software to monitor and refine your settings. MAIN WINDOW The main window provides an at-a-glance overview of the current VI24 programming and status. In the upper-left corner is the VI24 status indicator. There are three values.
Video Switcher Interface The VI24 menu controls the current VI24 connection status. From here you may voluntarily connect or disconnect the PC’s serial port from the VI24, as well as toggle the “Live” display of VI24 output pin status. An option is also provided to clear all VI24 memory and return the unit to its original factory settings. The Setup menu calls up the three main windows used for creating and changing VI24 settings. These windows are discussed below.
MIXER LIST WINDOW The Mixer List provides information about your LecNet setup. Here, you may list up to eight AM8 or AM16 mixers to be monitored by the VI24. Each mixer and each mixer input may be named, for convenience and ease of use. It is recommended that you name the mixers so you may easily identify them, and that you name the mixer inputs after the person or item associ ated with the microphone. If your LecNet setup is connected, you may use the “Probe LecNet” button to detect up to eight mixers.
Video Switcher Interface SETTING UP THE VI24 FOR THE FIRST TIME While the VI24 software is not difficult to use, the large number of features and options might cause it to appear intimidating at first. With that in mind, let us configure the VI24 for a simple, yet typical application, step by step. PREPARATION In order to follow this example, you will need the VI24 software installed and running on your PC.
6. On the main window, click numbered button “1” to change the pin assignments for logic output pin number 1. Make the settings as shown. 7. Use the “Prev/Next Pin” spin control in the bottom right-hand corner of the window to advance to Pin 2’s assignments, select the mixer in the drop-down list the same way, but check only “carol”. 8. Use the “Prev/Next Pin” spin control to ad vance to Pin 3’s assignments, assign the same mixer, but this time check both “ted” and “alice”.
Video Switcher Interface 14. If you have a mixer connected, you should now tap on the microphones, or manipulate the Direct/Auto switches, to observe the behavior of the VI24. You should notice that input 1 lights up output 1, input 2 lights up output 2, and either of inputs 3 or 4 lights up output 3. Output 4 is active whenever inputs 1 thru 4 are dead. It’s just as you programmed it! 15. Congratulations! You have successfully set up your VI24.
SERIAL CABLE WIRING DIAGRAM The serial port on the LecNet device is a minimal RS-232 implementation. The figure shows the wiring diagram to accommodate interconnection with either a 9 or a 25 pin serial port on a PC or other serial device. LecNet to PC Connections S R T LecNet to AMX Connection 9 or 25 Pin Female D-Subminiature 3.5MM Stereo Plug S R T 3.
Video Switcher Interface SERIAL PORT COMMANDS AVAILABLE All LecNet devices use a modification of the typical one-to-one connection between two RS-232 compatible devices. LecNet devices have both an RS-232 transmitter and receiver section. The transmitter section is “tri-stated”, or placed in a high impedance mode, until the particular device is addressed.
The following section is a listing of available VI24 commands. The word “Host” in the command descriptions means the IBM PC or compatible, AMX controller, or Crestron controller to which the VI24 is connected. General Device Commands Get Device Name - Causes the VI24 to send its “name” string back. The first data byte is the length of the name string, and the rest of the data bytes are the device name.
Video Switcher Interface SERVICE AND REPAIR If your system malfunctions, you should attempt to correct or isolate the trouble before concluding that the equipment needs repair. Make sure you have followed the setup procedure and operating instructions.
LIMITEDONE ONE YEAR YEAR WARRANTY LIMITED WARRANTY The equipment is warranted for one year from date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship provided it was purchased from an authorized dealer. This warranty does not cover equipment which has been abused or damaged by careless handling or shipping. This warranty does not apply to used or demonstrator equipment. Should any defect develop, Lectrosonics, Inc.
