GRASS VALLEY XCU User Manual

Communication

Transmission

Camera Power

Cable

Power

On Air

XCU WorldCam Triax

3922 496 32111 February 2018 v1.6

XCU

User’s Guide

eXchangeable Control Unit

Declaration of Conformity

We, Grass Valley Nederland B.V., Bergschot 69, 4817 PA Breda, The Netherlands,
declare under our sole responsibility that these products are in compliance with the
following standards:

– EN60065 Safety

– EN55103-1:2009 EMC (Emission) for the following environments:

(E1) Residential;

(E2) Commercial and light industrial;

(E3) Urban outdoors;

(E4) Controlled EMC environment, and the rural outdoors environment.

– The average half-cycle r.m.s. inrush currents for this product are:

- 16 A (on intial switch-on);

- 11 A (after a supply interruption of 5 s).

– EN55103-2 EMC (Immunity)

following the provisions of:

– the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC

the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC

FCC CLASS A Statement

This product generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause interference to radio communications.

It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a CLASS A digital device pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when operated in a commercial environment.

Operation of this product in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the
user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be required to
correct the interference.

Copyright

Copyright Grass Valley Canada 2014-2018. Copying of this document and giving it to others,
and the use or communication of the contents thereof, are forbidden without express
authority. Offenders are liable to the payment of damages. All rights are reserved in the event
of the grant of a patent or the registration of a utility model or design. Liable to technical
alterations in the course of further development.

Website

Visit the Grass Valley public website to download the latest user’s guide updates and additional
information about your broadcast product:

www.grassvalley.com

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 3

Table of contents

Chapter 1 – Introduction

1.1 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

1.1.1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1.1.2 Related documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

1.2 Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

1.2.1 Unique Cradle concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

1.2.2 3G Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

1.2.3 XCU models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1.2.4 Camera control and monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1.3 Main features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter 2 – Installation

2.1 Rack installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.1.1 Installing rack mounting rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

2.1.2 Installing the cradle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2.1.3 Transporting rack mounted XCUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2.1.4 Connecting studio cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.2 Mounting the XCU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

2.3 Setting up the control network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.4 Setting up intercom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.4.1 Two-wire systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.4.2 Four-wire systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

2.5 Setting up studio signalling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2.5.1 Dry contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

2.5.2 Dry contact with multiple XCUs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2.5.3 Common ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

2.5.4 Voltage level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2.5.5 Open circuit/Voltage level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

2.6 Setting up external audio level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2.7 Using private data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Chapter 3 – Setup

3.1 Front navigation panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

3.2 Setting the camera number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

3.3 Accessing the menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

3.3.1 Using the XCU front navigation panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3.3.2 Using the OCP 400 operation control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

3.4 Navigating the menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

3.4.1 Entering the menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

3.4.2 Finding your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3.4.3 Leaving the menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

3.4.4 Making changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3.4.5 User levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

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3.5 Intercom setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

3.5.1 Studio interface setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

3.6 Color bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

3.7 Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Chapter 4 – Operation

4.1 Front panel indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4.2 Transmission diagnostics on the OCP 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

4.3 Replacement of fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Chapter 5 – XCU menu reference

5.1 Video menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

5.2 Monitoring menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

5.3 Audio/Intercom menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

5.4 Install menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

5.5 Security menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

5.6 Licenses menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

5.7 Diagnostics menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

5.8 Service menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Chapter 6 – Connectors and signals

6.1 XCU back panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

6.1.1 Mains power connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

6.1.2 Triax connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

6.1.3 Hybrid fiber connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

6.2 Cradle back panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

6.2.1 Main video connector panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

6.2.2 External video input connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

6.2.3 Main (HD Video) output connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

6.2.4 SDI Out video connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

6.2.5 Monitoring connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

6.2.6 Teleprompter connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

6.2.7 Reference connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

6.2.8 Signalling connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

6.2.9 Intercom connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

6.2.10 Auxiliary (AUX) connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

6.2.11 C2IP connector (top) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

6.2.12 Ethernet connector (bottom) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

6.2.13 Digital Audio OUT 1+2 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

6.2.14 Digital Audio OUT 3+4 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

6.2.15 Analog Audio OUT 1 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

6.2.16 Analog Audio OUT 2 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Chapter 7 – Specifications

7.1 Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

7.2 Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 5

Recycling

Visit www.grassvalley.com for recycling information.

Packing for return

If a unit is being returned to Grass Valley for servicing, try to use the containers and materials
of the original packaging. Attach a tag indicating the type of service required, return address,
model number, full serial number and the return number which will be supplied by your Grass
Valley service centre.

If the original packing is not available or can no longer be used contact your regional Grass
Valley service representative to have a return package provided.

6 XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6)

Important information

Read these instructions carefully and retain them for future reference.

During installation and operation of this equipment, local building safety and fire protection
standards must be observed.

Whenever it is likely that safe operation is impaired, the apparatus must be made inoperative
and secured against any unintended operation. The appropriate servicing authority must then
be informed. For example, safety is likely to be impaired if the apparatus fails to perform the
intended function or shows visible damage.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipment.

Cautions and Warnings

Read and comply with the warning and caution notices that appear in the manual.

– Warnings indicate danger that requires correct procedures or practices to prevent

death or injury to personnel.

– Cautions indicate procedures or practices that should be followed to prevent damage

or destruction to equipment or property.

Warnings

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To avoid electrical shock, do not remove covers or panels. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.

In case of an emergency ensure that power is disconnected.

Use only fuses of the type and rating specified.

Connect the unit only to a power source with the specified voltage rating.

To prevent risk of overheating, ventilate the unit correctly.

For safety reasons the unit must be mounted in a 19-inch rack which has safety covers
according to IEC65.

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 7

Fiber-optic transmission units

Laser safety statement (Europe)

Fiber-optic transmission units are classified as a “CLASS 1 Laser Product” according to
EN

60825-1, Safety of Laser products. Class 1 laser products are considered safe and do not

result in biological hazard if used according to the instructions.

Laser safety statement (US)

Fiber-optic transmission units are classified as a “CLASS 1 Laser Product” according to
21CFR

1040.10 of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and

Radiological Health.

Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

To ensure proper use of this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and retain
for future reference. Should the unit ever require maintenance, contact an authorized service
location.

Fiber-optic cable precautions

Fiber-optic cables and connectors are easily damaged; take the following percautions into
account:

– Do not bend the cable beyond the minimum permissible bend range specified for the

cable.

– Avoid kinks in the cable.

– Avoid subjecting the cable to a high tension force (even momentarily).

– Do not twist the cable when connecting it to equipment.

– Insert connectors straight and fully into their corresponding sockets.

– In fiber-optic cable systems always put the dust caps on cable and panel connectors

immediately after disconnecting a cable. Keep the dust caps clean.

8 XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6)

Cleaning fiber-optic connectors

WARNING

Never clean an optical connector attached to a fiber that is carrying light.

Particles of foreign matter on the tip of a ferrule can have a disabling effect on fiber-optic
transmission. Fiber-optic connectors need to be cleaned every time they are mated and
unmated; it is essential that fiber-optic users develop the necessary discipline to always clean
the connectors before they are mated.

Use a commerially available cleaning kit specifically designed for fiber-optic connectors and
follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

• The connector sections to be cleaned include the tips and sides of ferrules, the interior
walls of alignment sleeves, and the interior and exterior of connector shells.

• For plugs, the interior surfaces of alignment sleeves and the tips of ferrules are to be
cleaned with a cleaning stick treated with the appropriate fluid. (Cleaning sticks with a
slender design are available that allow alignment sleeves to be cleaned without having to
detach them.)

• For jacks, it is important to clean both the tips and sides of the completely protruding
ferrules.

• Both the male and female connector shells tend to attract dust and metal particles, so it is
important to clean both the insides and outsides.

• The fiber end face and ferrule must be absolutely clean before it is inserted into a
transmitter or receiver.

• Mate the connector immediately! Do not let the connector lie around and collect dust
before mating.

• Air can be used to remove lint or loose dust from the port of a transmitter or receiver to be
mated with the connector. Never insert any liquid into the ports.

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 9

Mains lead wiring for UK users

The wires in the mains lead are colored in accordance with the following code:

GREEN and YELLOW- EARTH

BLUE- NEUTRAL

BROWN- LIVE

As the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the
colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows:

• The wire colored GREEN AND YELLOW must be connected to the terminal on the plug
marked with the letter E or by the safety earth symbol

or colored GREEN or GREEN

AND YELLOW.

• The wire colored BROWN must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or
colored RED.

• The wire colored BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or
colored BLACK.

Ensure that your equipment is connected correctly - if you are in any doubt consult a qualified
electrician.

10 XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6)

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 11

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Welcome

Grass Valley’s XCU (eXchangeable Control Unit) is a heavy duty, multi-standard transmission
and power system designed for Grass Valley studio cameras.

1.1.1 About this manual

The purpose of this manual is to present a detailed description of how to install and operate
the XCU . It provides the information necessary to install, set up and operate the unit in
different configurations.

1.1.2 Related documents

Before proceeding, check the Grass valley website at www.grassvalley.com for the latest
version of this user’s guide and additional information:

• Online versions of documentation; updated versions of user’s guides, data sheets,
brochures, application notes in pdf-format are available for download.

• Software downloads; camera software updates, release notes and installation instructions
are available for download.

12 XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6)

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.2 Technology

1.2.1 Unique Cradle concept

The eXchangeable Control Unit system is like no other in the world. Its unique cradle can be
pre-mounted and pre-wired in a 19-inch rack, making a secure mechanical and electrical
connection, permitting the XCU box to easily slide in and out whenever needed. Each XCU
comes with one cradle, but additional cradles may be acquired to extend usability across
different environments, allowing you to quickly and easily transfer XCUs between OB vans,
studios, or anyplace.

The cradle concept allows for moving boxes easily and quickly between locations such as
trucks and studios. Pre-mounted and pre-wired to eliminate cabling errors, the unique cradle
provides on-demand resources for fast paced productions, resulting in less set up time and
more on-air time. Compatibility with the LDX Series and many LDK Series cameras extends
the cradle's usefulness across all types of productions.

Triax and/or Fiber connectors can easily be exchanged during production and in the field. All
other connectors are mounted on a separate connector panel in the cradle. After disconnecting
mains power and the Triax/Fiber transmission the box can be removed.

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 13

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.2.2 3G Transmission

Grass Valley’s latest XCU is based on full digital transmission and a proven and robust power
system. The 3G transmission system consists of a dockable camera adapter that fits on Grass
Valley HD camera heads and an XCU that takes care of power, signal transport and conversion
and connection to the studio or OB van.

A wide range of 3G transmission versions is available, so there is always an option that suits
your operational situation best.

XCU 3G Triax

The XCU 3G Triax makes camera transmission fully compatible with industry standard Triax
cables. This allows the use of existing, reliable and valuable cable inventories and at the same
time increases already long cable runs with up to 25% greater distances.

3G Triax offers video transmission and remote control of cameras up to a distance of 1,500 m
(5,000 ft) and beyond, using standard 14 mm (0.55 in.) Triax cables.

XCU 3G Fiber

The XCU 3G Fiber is equipped with a hybrid fiber connector.

3G Fiber offers video transmission and remote control of cameras up to a distance of 3,000 m
(10,000 ft) and beyond, using hybrid fiber cables.

XCU 3G Dual

The XCU 3G Dual combines a Triax connector with a hybrid fiber connector.

XCU 3G Twin

The XCU 3G Twin combines a Triax connector with two dark fiber connectors.

1.2.3 XCU models

There are two XCU models available:

Elite

This model supports 720p/1080i/1080PsF video modes and offers 8x 1.5 Gbit/s HD-SDI video
outputs.

Connect the following cameras:

• LDX Series (720p, 1080i and 1080psf video modes only) and LDX 86 HS/XS (single speed
only)

• LDK 8000, LDK 8000 Elite and LDK 8300 (single speed only)

WorldCam

This model supports 720p/1080i/1080p/1080PsF video modes and offers 6x 3 Gbit/s, 2x

1.5 Gbit/s or 8x 1.5 Gbit/s HD-SDI video outputs.

Connect the following cameras:

• LDX Series (all video modes) and LDX 86 HS/XS (single speed only)

• LDK 8000, LDK 8000 Elite and LDK 8300 (single speed only)

14 XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6)

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.2.4 Camera control and monitoring

You can access the XCU menu, which contains all operational settings, from an Operational
Control Panel. In addition to the operational menu, the installation and service menus can be
accessed directly from the XCU. The XCU is compatible with all existing control system
components.

An OCP 400 operational control panel can be connected directly to the XCU using a cross-over
Ethernet cable. Full camera control is provided via a C2IP Ethernet-based control network.

The communication facilities provide for two-wire or four-wire high quality intercom signals.

Transmission quality can be continuously monitored before and during operation from the
OCP

400 operational control panel and/or the Connect Gateway.

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 15

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.3 Main features

• Flexible and multiple audio and video connectivity.

• Unique cradle mounting concept ensures maximum flexibility at a minimum set-up time.

• Many different video transmission systems are available.

• Reliable video transmission of many video formats:

– 1080p50 and 1080p59.94 (XCU WorldCam versions only)

– 1080i50 and 1080i/59.94

– 720p50 and 720p59.94

– and many psf HD video formats.

• Transports the following digital signals from camera to XCU: main video signal, four audio
channels (including embedded digital audio), two intercom channels, control and private
data.

• Transports the following digital signals from XCU to camera: power, three external HD
video inputs, teleprompter signal, three intercom channels, control and private data.

• Full camera control via Grass Valley’s C2IP Ethernet-based control network.

• Three channel (two-wire or four-wire) intercom system compatible with international
standards.

• Built in a compact 2U high, 19-inch rack housing.

• Teleprompter, color bar, HD-SDI outputs standard on board.

• The digital transmission backbone and power module meet the most demanding
broadcasting needs.

• Heavy-duty design with a new reliable power unit with low power consumption, ideal for
outside broadcast vans.

• HD and simultaneous high-quality SD outputs available.

16 XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6)

Chapter 1 - Introduction

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 17

Chapter 2 - Installation

Chapter 2

Installation

2.1 Rack installation

2.1.1 Installing rack mounting rails

The XCU Cradle can be mounted in most standard 19-inch video or IT rack types. The unit
needs two rack units (2 RU) of vertical space in the rack.

Install two L-shaped rack mounting rails (not supplied) that match your rack type. Refer to the
documentation of your mounting rails or rack for installation instructions.

• Make sure that both front and back end of the rails are attached to the rack. Allow a
minimum distance of 30 cm (11.8 in.) between the secured points.

• There should be a blind/untapped area in the front of the vertical rack beam where the
locking mechanism of the XCU engages the rack.

• The thickness of the horizontal leg of the L-shaped mounting rails must not exceed 2 mm
(0.08

in.) in order to leave enough space for more cradles to be mounted below the unit.

Below is an example of a rack mounting rail installed in a 19-inch rack. Note that your specific
situation may be different.

min. 30 cm (11.8 in.)

min. 12 mm (0.5 in.)

max. 2 mm (0.08 in.)

18 XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6)

Chapter 2 - Installation

2.1.2 Installing the cradle

After mounting the rack mounting rails, install the cradle:

1. Slide the cradle into the rack so it is supported by the L-shaped mounting rails.

2. Fix the cradle to the front rack posts using four M6-screws (not supplied with the unit).

2.1.3 Transporting rack mounted XCUs

When transporting rack mounted XCUs in a flightcase make sure to take the following
precautions:

• Use proper shock absorbers for the rack to prevent damage during transport.

• To prevent any horizontal movement of the cradle and XCU during transport, make sure
there is as little horizontal clearance as possible between the cradle and the mounting
rails:

• To prevent any vertical movement of the cradle during transport, lock up the cradle
between other units and the vertical rail stands as indicated in the illustration below. Make
sure there is enough support at the back of the unit, at a minimum distance of 400 mm
from the rack front/

438 mm

450 mm — 455 mm

88 mm (2 RU)

XCU

(free space)

(free space)

400 mm

FRONT XCU

XCU or other rack device

XCU or other rack device

XCU eXchangeable Control Unit User’s Guide (v1.6) 19

Chapter 2 - Installation

2.1.4 Connecting studio cabling

The studio cabling (main video outputs, control and intercom connections, studio signalling)
can now be connected according to your application and studio configuration. Refer to “Cradle

back panel” on page 50 for connectors and signals available on the cradle.

More information about studio signalling, control network, intercom cabling and other studio
infrastructure can be found further down this chapter.

2.2 Mounting the XCU

To mount the XCU into the cradle, proceed as follows:

• Place the XCU onto the sliding rails of the cradle, slide the unit into the cradle and push
firmly.

• Push down the right and left locking handles until they snap down.

To remove the XCU from the cradle, proceed as follows:

• Hold down the springs inside the locking handles and at the same time swing them open.

• Pull out the XCU from the cradle by pulling the XCU at its sides.

• Now the transmission and mains cables can be connected. Refer to “XCU back panel” on

page 49 for connectors and signals available on the XCU.