NK-VRC Virtual Routing Core User Guide
NK-VRC Virtual Routing Core · User Guide • Ross Part Number: 9807DR-1009-03 • Release Date: March 25, 2013. Printed in Canada. The information contained in this guide is subject to change without notice or obligation. Copyright © 2013 Ross Video Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Regulatory and Safety Notices Before using this product and any associated equipment, refer to the Important Safety Instructions listed below so as to avoid personal injury and to prevent product damage. Products may require specific equipment, and/or installation procedures be carried out to satisfy certain regulatory compliance requirements. Notices have been included in this publication to call attention to these Specific requirements.
EMC Notices US US FCC Part 15 Sub Part B This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A Digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a Commercial environment.
Extended Warranty For customers that require a longer warranty period, Ross offers an extended warranty plan to extend the standard warranty period by one year increments. For more information, contact your regional sales manager. Environmental Information The equipment that you purchased required the extraction and use of natural resources for its production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.
Company Address Ross Video Limited Ross Video Incorporated Ross Video Australia 8 John Street Iroquois, Ontario Canada, K0E 1K0 P.O. Box 880 Ogdensburg, New York USA 13669-0880 Unit 24, 49 Corporate Boulevard Bayswater VIC 3153 Australia General Business Office: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4886 Fax: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4425 Technical Support: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4886 After Hours Emergency: (+1) 613 • 349 • 0006 E-mail for Technical Support: techsupport@rossvideo.
Contents Introduction 1 Overview of this Guide ..........................................................................................................................................1-1 Overview 2 NK-VRC Features and Components......................................................................................................................2-1 Typical System Equipment ..................................................................................................................................
ii • Contents NK-VRC User Guide (v03)
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Ross Video NK-VRC Virtual Routing Core. This device provides virtual routing and resource management capability to an NK Series routing switcher system. With Ross Video’s reputation for delivering leading-edge routing switcher equipment and our unsurpassed level of customer service and support, you can look forward to many years of reliable broadcasting. Please read this guide thoroughly and retain it for future reference.
1–2 • Introduction NK-VRC User Guide (v03)
Overview NK-VRC Features and Components The NK-VRC Virtual Routing Core provides the following features: • virtual routing for a complex NK Series routing switcher system • up to 1000 virtual source mappings to physical inputs • up to 1000 virtual destination mappings to physical outputs • resource management • four status LEDs for status/error indications • compact 1 RU design • software is fully upgradeable using DashBoard.
The NK-IPS and PC with DashBoard are only required for setting up the configuration file, then sending this to the device. However, you can use the NK Switchboard feature in DashBoard to control and monitor a routing switcher system. System Overview A routing switcher system may use distributed control across the Internet, a LAN, or a VPN. The routing switcher system shown in Figure 2.2 has been simplified.
Internet/LAN/VPN Ethernet switch Ethernet PC running DashBoard NK-IPS Network Bridge Appropriate NK Series power supply T-BUS NK-VRC Virtual Routing Core Appropriate NK Series power supply T-BUS RCP-NKQ Remote Control Panel NK Series 5 V, 2 A power supply Virtual source 3 T-BUS Server 1 Input 30 Video out Level 2 on VRC NK-3G34 Digital Video Routing Switcher Virtual destination 3 Server 3 Video in Output 30 Audio in Output 4 Appropriate NK Series power supply Input 13 Input 5 Output 9
Resource management simplifies the operation of a router system by routing signals through a resource from one router to another, without requiring the user to know which source and destination to which the resource is connected. Once configured, the system will be able to automatically find the path between routers. Another application for resource management is when a limited number of tie lines are to be shared between routers.
Installation Unpacking the Equipment On receiving your NK-VRC, check the contents against the packing list. Make sure that all equipment itemized on the packing list is present and that there are no signs of damage before you start installing the NK-VRC into your system. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your Ross Video office immediately to obtain the correct warranty service procedures. This ensures prompt assistance, minimal turnaround time, and avoids any freight issues.
Installing DashBoard Overview DashBoard can be downloaded at http://www.rossvideo.com/dashboard. DashBoard is used to configure and operate NK systems and individual NK Series devices. For More Information on... • DashBoard system requirements and installation, please refer to the DashBoard User Manual. Connecting to the NK-IPS in the Routing Switcher System Before you can set up and send a configuration document to the NK-VRC, you must connect an NK-IPS to the NK-VRC.
The device tab for the selected device opens in DashBoard. Figure 3.4 The device tab 3. In the Device Details section of the device tab, view the Version field for the current software version. Upgrading the Software Version of the NK-VRC Software upgrade files can be obtained by contacting Ross Video Technical Support. To upgrade the NK-VRC software: 1. In DashBoard, click Send Firmware. The firmware file browser opens. 2. Select software file ips22x.tfi. 3. Click Open.
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Setting up the NK-VRC Overview The NK-VRC is set up using DashBoard. An NK-IPS network bridge must be connected to the system. Use the NK-VRC device tab in DashBoard to configure the NK-VRC. Before setting up any parameters for the NK-VRC, ensure that all NK Series devices in the routing switcher system have software v2.00 or later. For More Information on... • on checking software, see “Checking the Software Version of a Device” on page 3–2.
The following process for setting up the NK-VRC is recommended: Enable NK Series panels, and NK-GPI and NK-JBX (if used), for virtual routing using DashBoard Update device details (optional) Map physical inputs and outputs to virtual sources and destinations Set up resource management Set up panels with virtual sources and destinations Figure 4.
The NK-VRC Device Tab The NK-VRC tab allows users to configure physical mapping and resource management for the NK-VRC, as well as assign a name and brief details for the device itself. Any changes to the parameters on the NK-VRC device tab will need to be sent to the NK-VRC using the Send Configuration button before they take effect. Alternatively, clicking Refresh will discard any unsent changes. Figure 4.
Address – the address is used within the overall control system to identify devices. Each device must be given a unique T-Bus address to avoid hardware and communication conflicts. The valid value range for assigning an individual device T-Bus address is 1-255. The default is 253. Other Functions Refresh – click this button to revert to the configuration previously sent to the device. Any changes in the device tab are discarded and the configuration is reloaded from the device.
Table 4.1 Page descriptions Page Description Select Page This check box is automatically selected when the configuration is changed on any of the device pages. This does not include Device Details. Home The information contained in the Device Details frame. Dsts The destination information contained in the Physical Map tab. Srcs The source information contained in the Physical Map tab. Resources The resource information contained in the Resources tab.
Setting Up Virtual Routing When an NK-VRC is used, multiple inputs can be mapped to multiple outputs. All control devices in the NK Series routing switcher system (control panels, serial automation interfaces, etc.) must have virtual routing enabled. To set up virtual routing in an NK Series device: 1. In DashBoard, open the device tab of a device. 2. In the Configuration tab, scroll to the Configuration frame. 3. Select the Virtual Routing Enabled check box. 4.
Mapping Physical Inputs/Outputs to Virtual Sources/Destinations and Defining Classes The Physical Map tab is used for mapping the virtual sources and destinations to physical input and output ports on one or more router levels. The Physical Map Tab Figure 4.9 Physical Map tab Destinations – the page numbers for the destinations. Selecting a page number opens the physical destination mapping table of the selected destination page. Sources – the page numbers for the sources.
3. Select a Sources page number. Figure 4.10 Select source page example 4. Using a system plan as a guide, determine the first virtual source and router level to map. 5. Enter the number of the physical input port on the routing switcher in the cell that corresponds to the virtual source number and the router level. For example, using the information presented in Figure 2.2, the input from virtual source 1 (Camera 1) is connected to the SDI video routing switcher (level 2) on input connector 13.
Edit Source/Destination Mappings The NK-VRC contains mapping information for 1000 virtual sources and 1000 virtual destinations across 32 router levels. Conceivably, up to 64,000 cells could need to be modified. The Physical Map tab provides an easy method of populating the mapping table by using the Edit Source/Destination Mappings dialog box. To open the Edit Source/Destination Mappings dialog box, click the Edit button in the Physical Map tab. Figure 4.
Figure 4.14 The Edit Source/Destination Mappings dialog box: range of selected cells To edit a mapping table: 1. In the Physical Map tab, click Edit. The Edit Source/Destination Mappings dialog box opens. 2. In the Table section, select a radio button to edit Destinations or Sources. 3. In the Levels section, use the level check boxes to select the levels to populate with mapping information. 4. In the Range section, enter the cell range in which to enter mapping information.
Configuring Resources Resources have a user definable resource type such as upconverter, ADC, and DAC. Each resource has a user definable virtual source and destination to indicate how they are connected to the router(s). The Resources Tab Figure 4.15 Resources tab Use the Resources tab to define all the resources in the routing system. Up to 300 resources can be defined in the NK-VRC. To set up a resource: 1. In DashBoard, open the NK-VRC device tab. 2. Select the Resources tab. 3.
Configuring Park Sources The NK-VRC uses park sources to "park" resources and destinations when de-allocated. It is a method of communicating to the NK-VRC which source to send to de-allocated resources and destinations.. User definable park sources for each class can be routed to the inputs of free resources and de-allocated destinations accordingly. The Parks Tab Figure 4.16 Parks tab Use the Parks tab to set up the park sources. To set up a park source: 1. In DashBoard, open the NK-VRC device tab. 2.
Configuring Resource Rules User definable resource rules control which resource type to use when switching from a particular class to another class. For example, resource type ADC will be used when switching a source with an analog class to a destination with a digital class. The Resource Rules Tab Figure 4.17 Resource Rules tab Use the Res Rules tab to set up the rules for the resource types. To set up a resource rule: 1. In DashBoard, open the NK-VRC device tab. 2. Select the Res Rules tab. 3.
Configuring Control Panel/Device Priorities All control panels and devices (panels and interfaces through the NK-IPS) have an assigned priority. This dictates the priority of requests if there are a limited number of resources available. Every T-Bus device, including the NK-IPS, requires a unique address. Addresses range from 1 to 255. Default addresses are set to the last two digits of the serial number, plus 100. The Priorities Tab Figure 4.18 Priorities tab There are eight priority levels.
Saving the NK-VRC Configuration Parameters on the various pages of the NK-VRC device tab can be stored to a file. Multiple such files can exist, corresponding to different configuration pre-sets. These pre-sets can subsequently be accessed through the File Navigator. For More Information on... • adding a directory to the File Navigator, refer to the section “File Navigator” in the DashBoard User Manual. To save a new configuration file: 1.
4–16 • Setting up the NK-VRC NK-VRC User Guide (v03)
Resource Management Setup Examples Single Router Configuration UP1 UP2 UP3 1 1 2 2 3 3 SD Black 4 HD Black 5 SD SRC1 6 SD SRC2 7 SD SRC3 8 HD/SD SDI Router 4 SD DEST1 5 SD DEST2 SD SRC4 9 6 HD DEST1 HD SRC1 10 7 HD DEST2 HD SRC2 11 8 HD DEST3 HD SRC3 12 9 HD DEST4 Figure 5.19 Example of single router configuration Figure 5.19 is an example of a single HD/SD SDI router with a mix of HD & SD sources. There are three external up-converter resources tied into the router.
Figure 5.21 Virtual destination configuration Class 1 sources and destinations are SD SDI and Class 2 sources and destinations are HD SDI. Figure 5.22 Resource configuration The first two resources in Figure 5.22 are set as high priority resources and are not in use. The third resource is lower in priority and is in use. Figure 5.23 Park configuration Figure 5.
Two Router Configuration DAC1 DAC2 1 1 ADC1 1 2 ADC2 2 2 Analog Silence 3 Digital Silence Analog Router {Level 1} 3 1 2 Digital Router {Level 2} Analog SRC1 4 3 Analog DEST1 Digital SRC1 4 3 Digital DEST1 Analog SRC2 5 4 Analog DEST2 Digital SRC2 5 4 Digital DEST2 Analog SRC3 6 5 Analog DEST3 Digital SRC3 6 5 Digital DEST3 Figure 5.25 Example of two router configuration The example in Figure 5.
Figure 5.28 Resource configuration In Figure 5.28, the first two resources are DACs (Type 1) and the second two resources are ADCs (Type 2). All four resources are set to the same priority level. Figure 5.29 Park configuration Figure 5.30 Resource rule configuration The first resource rule covers routes from analog audio (Class 1) to digital audio (Class 2) using ADC resources (Type 2).
Resource and Panel Priorities Each resource has a priority assigned to it. This can be used to reserve it for high priority use. Similarly, each panel or control device has a priority assigned to it that determines which resources can be accessed by that panel/device. Resources and control panels can be assigned a priority from 1 to 8, where 1 is the highest priority and 8 is the lowest priority. If priorities are not required, set all the priority levels to be the same. The default is 8.
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Operating the NK-VRC General The NK-VRC operates transparently between all remote control panels, controlling devices (NK-GPI, NK-JBX), and the routing switcher system. There are four LEDs and a reset port on the front panel of the NK-VRC. Remote control panels are used to switch virtual sources and destinations, therefore, the keys on the remote control panels should reflect this virtual context. If resource management is in use, the panels with a display will indicate when a resource is in use.
Resource Usage In the Resources tab of the NK-VRC in DashBoard, the Used column indicates when a resource is in use. If the Used check box is selected, the resource is in use. Resources can be de-allocated using the Resources tab. Figure 7.31 Resources tab To de-allocate a resource: 1. In DashBoard, open the NK-VRC device tab. 2. Select the Resources tab. 3. Select the Deallocate check box of the resource. 4. Click Send Configuration (see “Sending the Configuration to a Device” on page 4–4).
Troubleshooting Table A.3 Troubleshooting Problem Cause Action NK-VRC is not responding to DashBoard. Information stored in the NK-VRC has been corrupted. Try the following until the NK-VRC responds: The RCP-NKM and RCP-NKQ are not switching correctly. The NK Series devices are not set up correctly to operate with virtual routing. Try one of the following: NK-VRC takes a long time to start up. The mapping table contains non-existent crosspoints.
A–2 • Troubleshooting NK-VRC User Guide (v03)
