SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Sequoia Family Routing Switchers User’s Manual
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS SEQUOIA FAMILY ROUTING SWITCHERS User’s Manual Sierra Video Systems P.O. Box 2462 Grass Valley, CA 95945 Tel: (530) 478-1000 Fax: (530) 478-1105 Email: info@sierravideo.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Table of Contents Introduction 1 Before You Begin Regulatory Warnings & Safety Information Warnings Cautions Cautions (continued) FCC Notice Warning Power Supply Cords North American Power Supply Cords International Power Supply Cords EMC Regulatory Notices Delivery Damage Inspection Factors Affecting Quality of Results Sequoia Family Overview Introduction Model Suffix Designations Frame Configuration Video Frame Types and Sizes Sequoia Series System Components Router Frame Front and
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 1 Chapter Introduction Before You Begin There are several terms and acronyms that you should become familiar with before reading this manual. They are shown below. Term/Acronym Definition Crosspoint The electronic switch that assigns one of the inputs on the matrix crosspoint modules to an output. Destination The output of a routing switcher connected to a device that receives signals from the output of the switcher.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Regulatory Warnings & Safety Information The information in the following section provides important warnings and safety guidelines for both the operator and service personnel. Specific warnings and cautions may be found throughout this manual. Please read and follow the important safety precautions noting especially those instructions relating to risk of fire, electrical shock and injury to persons.
INTRODUCTION Cautions (continued) Follow static precautions at all times when handling the equipment. Leave the side, top, and bottom of the frame clear for air convection cooling and to allow room for cabling. Slot and openings in the frame are provided for ventilation and should not be blocked. Only an authorized Sierra Video Systems technician should service the switchers.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Power Supply Cords Use only power cord(s) supplied with the unit. If power cord(s) were not supplied with the unit, select as follows: For units installed in the USA and Canada: select a flexible, three-conductor power cord that is UL listed and CSA certified, with individual conductor wire size of #18 AWG, and a maximum length of 4.5 meters. The power cord terminations should be NEMA Type 5-15P (three-prong earthing) at one end and IEC appliance inlet coupler at the other end.
INTRODUCTION Delivery Damage Inspection Carefully inspect the frame and exterior components to be sure that there has been no shipping damage. Make sure all modules are seated correctly and have not detached during shipment. Also, make sure the input buffer modules on the rear panel are secure. Factors Affecting Quality of Results There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from a source to a destination.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Sequoia Family Overview Introduction The Sequoia Family of routers provides a high-end multi format solution for every routing requirement. Broadcast, Post Production, Government and large-scale presentation customers can take advantage of Sequoia’s ability to mix signal formats within the same frame. With 16 levels of control standard, the system controller can provide any Sierra Video System router with complete control.
INTRODUCTION Frame Configuration Each frame can be configured in a wide variety of sizes. The building-block modules are incremental, based on: Frame size Different crosspoint modules Input and Output buffer modules Flexibility in frame size, combined with an incremental module building block design, allows for a large array of configurations that will match your requirements.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Router Frame Front and rear Panel Note The Sequoia models shown here and in the subsequent sections are not fully populated video matrices. In some cases, these frames may be configured with fewer or more inputs and/or outputs. Sequoia models also offer redundant power supplies and redundant processors. Consult the rear panel serial number and model number to verify your order and product.
INTRODUCTION Processor Frame Front Panel Sequoia Series Processor Frame Rear Panel Sequoia Series Processor Frame Rear Panel 48V version 9
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 2 Chapter Installation Introduction Installation procedures are similar for all four frames covered under this manual. Exceptions, if any, have been noted in each of the following paragraphs. Rack Mounting Carefully inspect the frame to ensure that there has been no shipping damage. Make sure all shipping material is removed from the router frame.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Connecting To Video Devices Video input and output devices (such as monitors or recorders) may be connected to the routing switchers through the BNC type connectors located on the back of the unit. Keep in mind that the output signal format will be the same as the input signal. All signal connections that use more than one cable interconnecting between devices should be of equal timing length (example: cables between a camera and the switcher should have the same time delay).
INSTALLATION Control Port 1 (by default the Terminal Port) This port can be either RS-232 or RS-422 using a 9 pin D connection. RS-232 operation requires the router to be configured as a DCE (Pin 2 TX, Pin 3 Rx, Pin 1, 9 GND) device with a PC being a DTE device. Control Port 2 (by default the Host Port) This ports can be either RS-232 or RS-422 using a 9 pin D connection. RS-232 operation requires the router to be configured as a DCE (Pin 2 TX, Pin 3 Rx, Pin 1, 9 GND) device with a PC being a DTE device.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Control Panels There are four male 3-pin connectors labeled "CTL PNL RS-485" (for Control Panel) on the back of the processor frame. Each Sierra Video Systems control panel has two connectors. The connectors are in parallel for daisy chaining multiple control panels. If you make your own interconnect cables, Pin 2 is ground. Pin 1 and Pin 3 connect pin for pin. The maximum control panel cable length is 5,000 feet (1,524 m) when operated at 31.25K baud.
INSTALLATION Sync Input The “BNC” sync input is used to generate accurate vertical interval switching. If no sync is available, the router will switch at a random point rather than in the vertical interval. There are three BNC connectors labeled Ref 1, Ref 2, Ref 3. These are "looping" inputs. Connect either composite sync or video with sync to any of the reference inputs. If desired, use the second BNC to "loop" the signal to another device.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Control Processor DIP Switch Settings Your switcher has been configured at the factory for the settings you are most likely to need. However, if you want to configure the switcher differently, you can do so by setting the switches located on the processor board (behind the front panel). Dip Switches and their action are given in the table that follows; DIP switch settings for software versions 11.
INSTALLATION DIP switch settings for software versions 11.35 or newer Router Crosspoint Control When multiple frames, audio and/or video, are combined into the same control system, all of the frames must be installed so that the high-speed control interconnect system is limited in length. The total length should not exceed 25 feet (7.6 m). The entire system will only use one 505150controller module. The "master" frame is whichever frame contains the 505150-control.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 3 Chapter Theory of Operation Control System Overview A high quality routing switcher system requires that a high performance switching system be combined with a flexible, reliable and easy-to-use control system. The control system used with Sequoia routing switchers builds upon the proven capabilities of the time-tested Tahoe control system. There are well over 10,000 Sierra Video Systems Tahoe Series routing switchers in service throughout the world today.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS makes sense to reinitialize the non-volatile RAM. To accomplish a re-initialization, turn on DIP switch S1-8, power up the router, power it down, and turn off S1-8. If for any reason a customer decides to do this, it is highly recommended that they record as much of their router setup data as possible, using the terminal port to access the data.
THEORY OF OPERATION Preferred Master Switch A requirement of both processors in a two processor (redundant) system is that they are set so that one is the preferred master processor and the other is the preferred standby processor. This setting determines which processor will become the master processor when both processors are powered on at the same time. The setting is made with DIP switch S1-1. It is essential that S1-1 be set differently on the two processors.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS When it is necessary to remove a processor from the router, the master processor should not be removed while the synchronization is in process, i.e. while Yellow LEDs are flashing. If it is removed, the standby processor will take over with possibly out-of-date configuration information. If the user knows that the two processors actually are in sync, this doesn’t matter and the master processor can be pulled at any time.
THEORY OF OPERATION protocol displays a message to the user that a standby processor is now available, and asks him to press the “Control/C key combination”. After Control/C is pressed, the router configuration screen is displayed. This serves to synchronize both processors to the same terminal screen. Processor Health Monitoring and LEDS Each processor monitors its own health, as well as that of the other processor, and displays a healthy/sick indication on the processor edge LEDS.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS If the standby processor has determined that it is “sick” (it is flashing its LEDd), it will refuse to take on the job of master processor, even if the other processor is not present. A processor can only be master processor when it thinks itself is okay. Therefore, the master processor will never flash LEDd. If the master processor thinks it is sick, it will relinquish control to the standby processor.
THEORY OF OPERATION Diagnostics When the switcher is powered up or resets for any reason, it performs a series of self-tests, signaling progress using the LEDS as follows: All LEDS are flashed quickly for about one second, immediately after startup (after initializing the processor registers). This indicates that the processor is up and running and that the LEDS work. The LEDs with then go through a diagnostics sequence which lasts about ½ second, then turns the LEDs off.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Crosspoint Control De-Scrambling The interconnection between input buffer to crosspoint modules and crosspoint modules to output drives is determined for optimal signal performance. This interconnection results in a "scrambled" sequence of connections to the inputs and outputs of each crosspoint and output module. This is handled by using de-scrambling look-up table that is part of the control interface in the Sequoia processors.
THEORY OF OPERATION Digital Video Signal Path Overview The Sequoia Series digital video routers are based on a conventional "one stage" (for compact routers up to 128X128 in size) or “two stage” (for expandable routers up to 512X512 in size) crosspoint matrix design. 32 Input module 128 x 64 crosspoint/output module 4X1X32 Output module Each input buffer assembly consists of a PCB which is installed and removed from the front of the router frame.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 4 Chapter Operation Introduction The purpose of a routing switcher is to switch any of the inputs (source) to any of the outputs (destination). Any input can be connected to any or all outputs but each output can only be connected to a single input. Control remains the most important component of your new system. The standard local control panel empowers full control of the routing switcher while allowing external RS-232 control via the serial port.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Connection to PC; PC 2 RX 3 TX 5 GND RTR 2 TX 3 RX 1 , 9 GND Host Mode Sequoia series routing switchers have several 9-pin RS-232 connectors that allow you to control the switcher using a standard personal computer or other external devices (such as Creston or AMX). Most external controllers use “HOST” protocol commands to switch the router.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 5 Chapter Communication Protocol Introduction The protocol uses the 7-bit ASCII character set, usually sent over an RS232-C or RS422 serial link — 115.2K Baud is recommended with 8 data bits and no parity. The protocol is compact, with few characters required to cause switch changes to occur. It is also human-readable and thus easy to understand and use.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Generic Protocol Commands are sent to a routing switcher in a group called a command string. A command string can contain zero or more commands, limited only by the size of the receive buffer of the router, whose size depends on the particular router model. A command string consists of a leader string of asterisk characters, zero, or more commands, and a trailer string of exclamation marks.
GENERIC PROTOCOL After the command string has been executed, the routing switcher returns the string " OK " (with a single space character before and after the word "OK"), followed by the trailer (!!) and a CR (carriage return, ASCII 0D) character, to the host. This indicates that the command has executed successfully.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Syntax 34 Example Description R R Router Reset I I Capabilities Inquiry Q Q Model Name and Software Version Inquiry L L Matrix Size and Level Names Inquiry O O5 Output Status inquiry N N5 Input Status inquiry S S Status inquiry C C Clear matrix K K9999 Set Password to Change Protected Settings M M139 Set Remote Address U {0 1} U0 Update request on/off V out,in,in… V3,1,2,2 Connect levels W lvl,in,in… W1,4,19 Connect outputs X out,in,lvl X12,9
GENERIC PROTOCOL “R”: Router Reset Use this command to force the routing switcher to reset, by sending it the command "RESET". If an administrator password has been set (using the “G ADMIN_PASSWORD” command described later in this document), then the password must be sent in a “K” message prior to sending this command, else this command will generate an error.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS “L”: Matrix Size and Level Names Inquiry The command "L" requests that matrix size (Nout, Nlvl, Nin) and level name information (lvl1, lvl2, etc.) be returned to the host. The information is sent as a string of characters.
GENERIC PROTOCOL “N”: Input Status Inquiry The command "N" requests that matrix status information for a single input be returned to the host. This command is only useful on those router levels that allow an input to be connected to at most one output. The status information is sent as a “Y” command or a sequence of L “X” commands, where L=number of levels that allow an input to be connected to at most one output (each such level generates a single “X” command of status).
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS This indicates that output 1 is connected to input 12 on level 1, and that output 2 is connected to input 2 on level 1. The number of digits used for each number is generally the maximum number of digits ever required for that particular switcher. Thus, a switcher with between 10 and 99 inputs would use two digits for the input number, and a switcher with less than 10 levels would use one digit for the level number.
GENERIC PROTOCOL requests that password 1777 be stored as the current password for remote address 197. The command: ** M197 Y7,9 !! requests that output 7 be connected to input 9, using the password stored for remote address 197 as the output lockout override password. The take will succeed if output 9 is either not locked or is locked with password 1777. Otherwise, the take will fail.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS ** M139 OK !! If remote address 13 later sends the command: ** M139 Y8,27 !! to request that output 8 be connected to input 27, the router would check to see if output 8 has been locked. If so, the router compares the password of remote address 139 (which has previously been set to 96643) to the password that was used to lock output 8. If they match, the connection request succeeds, but if they don’t match, output 8 is left unchanged.
GENERIC PROTOCOL **U0!! The difference between an argument value of 1 versus 2 has to do with the response generated by the router when it receives a crosspoint connect command (“V”, “W”, “X”, “Y”, or “Z” command).
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS “W”: Connect Outputs The command "W" is used to request that a connection be made. It must be followed by a level number, a comma, and a comma-separated list of input numbers, one for each output, up to the number of outputs in the router. Fewer than the number of outputs may be specified if desired, and the remaining outputs will be left unchanged.
GENERIC PROTOCOL “X”: Connect Crosspoint Use command X to request that a connection be made. It must be followed by an output number, a comma, an input number, a comma, and a level number. For example: **X8, 3, 2!! This string says that a connection is to be made between output 8 and input 3 on level 2. If the level number is specified as “0”, this means that the connection is to be made on all levels (AFV).
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS If “U2” is in effect (see “U” command), the response will include one or more V, Y, or X commands to report the new status of the outputs. The response will be the same as if “O” commands were issued for the outputs immediately following the “Z” command. No response is generated if this command is being used to define a salvo. “D”: Delay vertical sync intervals The command "D" is used to delay before continuing execution of the commands that follow.
GENERIC PROTOCOL “P”: Preset a Salvo The command "P" is used to set up a salvo, which is a series of connect commands for later execution with the "T" command. It must be followed by a register letter from A to Z or a register number from 1 to 256 giving the register into which the connect sequence is to be stored, followed by zero or more connect commands (V, W, X, Y, or Z), followed by a "~" (tilde) character. Registers A-Z are the same registers as 1-26.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS If the “password” and “lock” arguments are both 0, this is a query for lock status of the specified output. A “B” command is sent to report the lock status. If the “password” argument is not 0, this is a request to change the lock status of the specified output. After changing the lock status, a “B” command is sent to report the new lock status, so a response occurs regardless of which form of the “B” command is sent to the router.
GENERIC PROTOCOL indicating that output 21 is NOT locked. Or, the response might be: ** B21,6741,1 OK !! indicating that output 21 is locked with password 6741.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS The delayfields argument of this command takes into account the hardware delay. So, if a router has a minimum delay, including the hardware delay, of one full field, as described in the previous paragraph, then a delayfields value of 1 causes this minimum delay to be used. A delayfields value of 0 will also cause this minimum delay, because the router uses its minimum if a smaller value is specified.
GENERIC PROTOCOL This says that input 5 is to be connected to output 1 on all levels and input 6 is to be connected to output 2 on level 3, after a delay of 5 fields from the beginning of the field that follows receipt of the “!” character.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Some “G” commands may initiate an action or report the occurrence of an event, instead of querying or changing a router parameter. Commas are used to separate arguments in the “G” command. Space characters should not appear within the “G” command arguments, except when they appear within strings. Also, a single space character is allowed after the “G” character itself.
GENERIC PROTOCOL out which variables a particular router actually supports. Refer to documentation for each router for a description of the variables. A variable value is typically an unsigned decimal number, but may also be a signed decimal number. The “G VARQRY” command can be used to determine the allowed range of values.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS command to find out which single-dimensional array variables a particular router actually supports, and what the valid index range is. Refer to documentation for each router for a description of the variables. A variable value is typically an unsigned decimal number, but may also be a signed decimal number. The “G VAR1QRY” command can be used to determine the allowed range of values.
GENERIC PROTOCOL A variable value is typically an unsigned decimal number, but may also be a signed decimal number. The “G VAR2QRY” command can be used to determine the allowed range of values. For example, to query for the value of the (3,87) the element of an array variable named “GAIN”: ** G VAR2,GAIN,3,87~ !! The response command (or a command to set the variable to this value) might be: ** G VAR2,GAIN,3,87,29~ !! *Details of the “G” command can be found on our website or by contacting the factory.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 6 Chapter Troubleshooting Introduction NOTES: If the output signal is disturbed or interrupted by electromagnetic interference, the signal should return and stabilize when the interference ends. If not, turn the power switch off and on again to reset the switcher. If the following recommended actions still do not result in satisfactory operation, please consult your Sierra Video Systems Dealer.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Video Signal Problem No video at the output device, regardless of input selected. Video level is too high or too dim. Remedy Confirm that your sources and destination device are powered on and connected properly. Video signals connected to the input of the switcher should be of an identical signal format as the output of your source. Video signals at the output of your switcher should be of an identical signal form required by your video monitor or recorder.
TROUBLESHOOTING Control Problem No control of Matrix Switcher from PC software Remedy Confirm the correct wiring of the connecting cable. Be sure to use a standard one to one 9 pin serial cable. Confirm that all Dip Switches on the control processor are set properly. See Dip switch settings on page Error! Bookmark not defined.. Confirm that the baud rate of your computer COM port is set to the same as that of your Matrix Switcher (9600-Baud factory default).
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Switching Malfunctions Problem The switcher succeeds in switching a number of sources then fails to switch one. Remedy Malfunction in the particular source or cable assembly. NOTE: The most common failure mode in transferring the signal of an audio source is a break in the connecting wire. Disconnect the source from a channel that is switching successfully and connect the suspect source to it.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 7 Chapter Specifications Video Specifications Video Input Characteristics Nominal Video Level 1 V p-p Maximum Video Level 1.5 V p-p Input Impedance 75 ohms nominal Return Loss 40 dB @ 5 MHz Superimposed DC +/- 5 V External Sync Color Black to 4 V p-p Video Output Characteristics Nominal Video Level 1 V p-p Maximum Video Level 1.5 V p-p Impedance 75 ohms nominal Return Loss 35 dB @ 5 MHz DC on Signal +/- 50 mV Video System Performance Gain Unity (+/- 2 dB adj.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS Digital Video Data rates 19-360 Mbps Data types SMPTE 259, SMPTE 310, DVB-ASI Input cable equalization range 0 – 200 meters Input return loss >15db Output level 750 – 850 mVp-p Output jitter < 0.2 UI Output return loss >15db I/O connectors 75 Ohm BNC Re-Clocking Yes Control Port Specifications Control Panel Port (Port 1) RS-485 Total Number of Panels Supported Up to 100 Cable Type 2-wire shielded (Belden 8451 or equivalent Maximum Cable Length 5,000 ft.
SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS 8 Chapter Warranty A. General Buyer assumes all responsibility for ascertaining the suitability of Sierra Video (hereinafter "SVS") products for Buyer's intended use. No product sold by SVS is designed or manufactured for use in any manner or under any conditions other than those described in SVS's instruction manuals and other printed material for each particular product.
WARRANTY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON SVS'S PART. SVS neither assumes nor authorizes any other person to assume for SVS any other liabilities in connection with the sale of products of its own manufacture. 2.
