IRIS ROD MOUNT .......................................................................................................... 18
BASE UNIT ........................................................................................................................ 20
APPENDIX A. PIN-OUT SPECIFICATION ............................................................................ 21
CAMERA UNIT PIN-OUTS ................................................................................................ 21
BASE UNIT PIN-OUTS ...................................................................................................... 22
APPENDIX B. BLOCK DIAGRAMS ....................................................................................... 24
SILVERBACK II CAMERA SIDE BLOCK DIAGRAM (TRANSMITTER) ............................. 24
SILVERBACK II BASE UNIT BLOCK DIAGRAM ................................................................ 25
APPENDIX C. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................... 26
-iii-
INTRODUCTION
Figure
1 - SilverBack II Camera
-
Back Fiber Optic Transceiver
The new SilverBack II provides users with an ergonomic and unobtrusive package, optimized
to deliver high-quality signals over long distances. This includes a full complement of bidirectional signals for most of the well-known digital camcorder brands in the market today.
The feature-rich, battery-powered system is truly an innovation for fiber transport. The
SilverBack II transports all camera signals including SDI video, audio, control data, GPIOs,
and tally for sports, ENG, D-SNG, and multi-camera studio applications over a single cable,
over any distance.
The product design has been refined to keep overall size and weight as small as possible
without sacrificing performance or operability. The elegant, compact case just over one-inch
thick combines with a simple and intuitive user interface is for ease of use.
With a collaborative effort, MultiDyne now provides camera operators with innovative new
solutions that are elegant in design while offering improved workflow and operational ease of
use.
The design of new high-performance, fiber-optic based camera accessories are to target a
wide range of applications — from broadcast television stations to 3D cinematographers.
The SilverBack II can also transport SDI video up to 3G HD-SDI uncompressed with
embedded or separate program audio. The return video option supports up to 3G HD-SDI
video for viewfinder or monitor viewing, providing a high-quality viewing experience for users
in the field.
In addition, this system allows users to achieve camera control/RCP paint functions through
one of the two available data channels, and an additional return video channel is available for
camera sync or genlock. Several options are available for optical connectivity including STs,
Neutrik® opticalCon, Fibreco Mini 2 expanded beam, and LEMO 304M.
-1-
FEATURES and OPERATION
Milled from a solid block of aluminum, the SilverBack-II measures just over 1-inch thick, and
providing camera operators with a compact, unobtrusive camera-backed system for remote
signal transmission.
MultiDyne includes integrated dovetails on the top and bottom of the unit that you can use
with optional accessories, such as 15-mm iris rod adapters. This innovative feature is
extremely useful for the next generation of small-sized cameras that do not have professional
battery mounts or a method for shoulder use.
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-Out details.
The following list shows SilverBack II features:
• All signals on ONE Cable
• Bi-Directional 3G-SDI
• 10km Operation
• Intercom with IFB/PGM inject
• Optional SDI Send for dual stream/3D
• 2 MIC inputs with phantom and pre-amps
• Accepts Anton-Bauer and “V-mount” Battery plates
• Integrated Tally lamps
• Camera RCP Control
• 1 additional Data path (232/422)
• 2 GPIO’s
• Integrated swivel for optical connector
• Top-mounted taps for mounting viewfinder
• Optional 15mm Iris Rod bracket for mounting flexibility
• Lightweight, low-profile packaging
-2-
II system, the operatorcontrolpanelprovidesasimpleinterfacebywhich
the camera operator can quickly andeasilycheckonsystemlink,signalstatus,andadjust
uttons and blue LEDbacklightingmaketheseadjustmentsfastandeasy.
Figure
2 -
SilverBack II Camera Unit
CAMERA UNIT
In the SilverBack
audio and intercom levels.
Soft-touch b
-3-
This section describes the detailsspecifictoSilverBackIIcameravideo.
connectedtoBNCinput1,whichisatthetopoftheunit.The
camera unit accepts all standardSMPTEvideoratesrangingfrom19Mbpsto3Gbpsand
n the right channel. You can performMICgainandsidetoneadjustmentsusingrecessed
trimpots at the bottom of the frontpanel.Theheadsetusesa5
A Local/Remote button on the frontpanelallowsselectionbetweenthePTTswitchonthe
panel or a remote switch that canbeusedtoopentheintercomMIC.Theselectedswitch’s
LED blinks when the MIC is open.
a headphonea
frontpanel
directionalserialdatacommunication
YoucanselectRS232orRS422byeitherwiringPin4toGND
LED’sonthefrontpanelindicatedataactivityforDATA
Out details.
Figure
pin XLR connector.
mplifier for a talent earphone. Thisamp
fromthe
channelseachwithit
5 -
Headset Connector and Controls
Figure
6 –
Data Connectors
INTERCOM
o
-
In addition, SilverBack II has
an adjustable level through the
input at base.
DATA
SilverBack II supports two biown 7 pin LEMO connector.
or wiring it footing respectively.
channels 1 and 2.
lifier has
. The audio for this originates
PGM Audio
s
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-
-6-
II has two integrated TallyLED’stoindicateTallystatus,alargebarattherearof
the unit as well as on the front panel.Inaddition,arelaycontactTallyoutputprovidedonthe
pin LEMO connector labeled AUX.
X connector also providestwoGPI’sandtwoGPO’sforuser
well as Timecode input and output.
In addition, the AUX connector hasaninputtokeytheheadsetMIC.Aclosuretoground
Out details.
definedpurposes,as
Figure
7 -
Tally
Figure
8 –
AUX Connector
TALLY AND GPIO
SilverBack
16-
The AU
activates this input.
-
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-
-7-
Figure
9 –
Silv
erBack II Base Unit
Figure
10 -
Camera Video
BASE UNIT
The SilverBack-II Base Unit is a one RU rackmount chassis that provides all the audio, video
and data I/O’s to and from the Camera Unit.
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-Out details.
CAMERA VIDEO
The camera video output provides the SDI video output from the camera and supports all
SMPTE video rates up to 3Gbps including any embedded audio or data from the camera.
-8-
Figure
11 -
Reference Input
Figure
12 -
MIC/Line Audio 1 and 2 Outputs
RETURN VIDEO
You can use this input to provide an SDI video signal back to the camera unit. Primarily, you
can use this with a viewfinder, prompter, and so on. The return video supports all SMPTE
video rates up to 3GBps as well as embedded audio.
REFERENCE
You can use the reference input to provide a reference signal to the camera for genlocking
purposes. SilverBack II supports Black Burst and Tri-Level sync signals. A Loop-Through
output is provided for connecting to additional equipment.
Note: It is highly recommended that you use Tri-Level sync for HD video and Black Burst for
SD video.
AUDIO
This section describes MIC/Line audio 1 and 2 outputs.
These XLR connectors provide the analog outputs from the corresponding inputs at the
camera unit. MIC/Line selection, as well as audio gain is set at the camera unit. You can set
the full scale (FS) output level from 0 dBu to a maximum of +24 dBu.
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-Out details.
-9-
Figure
13 -
Intercom Connection
Figure
14 -
Two Bi
-
Directional Data
Channels
INTERCOM
SilverBack II supports a 4-wire intercom connection to the camera unit. With the help of an
additional mono audio input, you can either send PGM audio back to the camera or use as a
Talent IFB channel.
The nominal audio input level for 4-wire intercom and PGM/Talent IFB is +4 dBu (+24 - dBu
max). MultiDyne provides audio level adjustments for these signals on the camera unit.
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-Out details.
DATA
The SilverBack-II supports two bi-directional data channels from the base to the camera.
These channels are configurable for RCP/Paint control or other data communication
purposes as follows:
• RS232
• RS422
• TTL data levels
The custom RCP/Camera cable sets are available from MultiDyne for most mainstream
camera manufacturers. You can observe the data communication activity for each channel
through the front-panel LED’s.
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-Out details.
-10-
Figure
15 -
Tally and GPIO
Figure
16 -
Timecode Input and Output
TALLY AND GPIO
SilverBack II includes a dedicated Tally input to provide Tally indication at the Camera,
typically from a production switcher or Tally System. Connecting this input pin to Ground
activates the Tally Lamp and Tally output on the Camera Unit.
SilverBack II provides two additional GPI inputs for user-defined purposes and two GPO
outputs for user GPI signals initiated at the Camera Unit. These N/O relay contacts are
closed to ground when the GPI is activated. They are capable of handling 48V, and 1A.
Refer APPENDIX A for Pin-Out details.
TIMECODE
SilverBack-II includes a timecode input to provide to the camera. The timecode input is
unbalanced and handles levels up to 7Vp-p.
In addition, a timecode output is included to provide the timecode output from the camera to
other devices. The timecode output is unbalanced, 3Vp-p.
-11-
Figure
17 -
SMPTE 304M
FIBER INPUT/OUTPUT
The SilverBack II transports all bi-directional signals using CWDM technology on a single
fiber. For this, a single-mode fiber is required.
In SilverBack II, the fiber optic connection is made at the rear of the base unit. Several
different connector types are available that includes, SMPTE 304M (as shown above),
Neutrik opticalCon Duo, Expanded Beam, ST, and LC.
-12-
POWER REQUIREMENTS
The SilverBack-II mounts between a professional broadcast camera and its battery with your
choice of Anton-Bauer or “V-Mount” battery plates. Being only 1” thin and 2.5 pounds in
weight, the SilverBack-II will not significantly alter the total weight or the center-of-gravity of
the handheld camera. With SilverBack II’s energy-efficient design, power consumption is
minimal, as well.
If local power is available, you can use a local 12VDC supply with a 4-pin adapter plate
(Anton-Bauer part # SO-XLR) to power both the SilverBack II and the camera.
-13-
Figure
18 -
SB Cam with Juice Front and Oblique View
JUICE POWER OPTION
You can power the Silverback II Camera Unit and Camera by the optional Juice Back power
system, and eliminate the need for a battery or local power supply. The Juice Back receives
its power from the SilverBack Base Unit using a hybrid fiber cable.
The Juice Back option is installed as an integral part of the SilverBack II Camera Unit,
replacing the standard rear cover plate. There are no additional external power cables to
connect and however, you may still use a battery in parallel.
The Juice Back power system can deliver up to 100W of power to the camera at distances up
to 1000 feet. Camera configurations, accessories, and the length and type of used Hybrid
fiber cable affect the amount of total power available at the camera.
-14-
Figure
19 –
Juice Power
You can use the following chart as a guideline to determine whether a particular power and
distance requirement can meet with the Juice Back system. The trend line in the chart
indicates Gepco HDC 120P hybrid fiber cable.
The HUT-48, an external remote power supply option is also available that allows power to
be injected mid-span, rather than being supplied from the SilverBack Base Unit. This allows
greater flexibility in covering longer distance or higher power requirements. For instance, you
can run one km of standard ST fiber cable from the Base Unit to the HUT-48, which then
provides power to the camera for the last 150m on hybrid fiber cable.
-15-
Figure
20 -
Gold Mount Sample
INSTALLATION
This section describes SilverBack II Camera and Base Unit installation.
MultiDyne supports the following installation types:
• Gold Mount
• V-Mount
• Iris Rod Mount
Gold Mount and V-Mount are different types of camera battery form factors for professional
video cameras. You can mount the SilverBack II camera unit directly on the back of a
professional video camera that has either of these two battery styles.
CAMERA UNIT
This section describes the various installation/mounting systems from the camera unit
perspective. The SilverBack II camera unit includes both the Male and Female battery mount
plates. When you mount cameras with either Gold Mount or V-Mount systems, the camera
unit mounts between camera and battery. The camera unit shares power from the battery
with the camera.
GOLD MOUNT
Gold Mounts are one type of camera battery form factor for professional video cameras.
Gold Mount locks into place to provide uninterrupted power to your camera by employing
three solid mechanical connections and self-cleaning, gold-plated communication pins.
-16-
Figure
21 - V-
Mount Samples
Providing power requirements ranging from 7.2V to 28V, the Gold Mount System is the most
widely used battery mounting system by professionals in the industry. It is available as
factory standard equipment on many cameras from leading manufacturers.
V-MOUNT
V-Mounts are another type of camera battery form factor for professional video cameras.
They are versatile, affordable, and easy to use.
In this type, configurations with peripheral equipment, such as camera lights and hard disk
recorders are common and you can power by industry standard D-tap connectors on VMount plates.
-17-
Figure
22 -
Iris Rod Mounting Camera Sample
-
1
IRIS ROD MOUNT
For camera systems without Gold or V-Mounts, or in situations, where SilverBack II cannot
be directly mounted to a camera, a dovetail accessory is available. This allows you to mount
the camera unit to a set of 15mm Iris Rods.
-18-
Figure
23 -
Iris Rod Mounting Camera Sample
-
2
-19-
BASE UNIT
The SilverBack II base unit mounts directly in a standard 19-inch equipment rack and is 1 RU
(1.75-inch) in height.
The base unit includes a universal input power supply that ranges from 85 and 264 VAC, and
a detachable IEC320 power cord.
-20-
Pin #
Function
Operator Headset (XLR
-5-F)
Audio 1 & 2 IN (XLR
-3-F)
Data 1 & 2 (LEMO ECG.
0
B.307.CLN)
R232
RS422
AUX Data / Audio (LEMO ECG.1B.316.CLN)
Table
1 -
Camera Unit Pin
-
Outs
APPENDIX A. Pin-Out specification
CAMERA UNIT PIN-OUTS
1 MIC L
2 MIC H
3 GND
4 Left Ear
5 Right Ear
1 GND
2 Audio In +
3 Audio In -
1 GND GND
2 RXD In RXD In 3 - TXD Out +
4 Tie to GND Leave Floating
5 - RXD In +
6 TXD Out TXD Out 7 - -
1 GPI 1 In
2 GPI 2 In
3 GPI 1 Out
4 GPO 2 Out
5 Headset MIC PTT
6 Tally Out
7 Return Audio 1 Out +
8 Return Audio 1 Out -
9 Return Audio 2 Out +
10 Return Audio 2 Out 11 LTC In
12 +12VDC Out
13 GND
14 GND
15 GND
16 LTC Out
-21-
Pin #
Function
Tally (Riacon 31374105)
GPO (Riacon 31374105)
GPI (Riacon 31374105)
Data 1 & 2 (DB
-9-F)
R232
RS422
4-Wire Icom (Riacon 31374105)
2-Wire Com (XLR
-3-M)
BASE UNIT PIN-OUTS
1 GND
2 Tally In
3 GND
4 N/C
5 GND
1 GND
2 GPO 1
3 GPO 2
4 N/C
5 N/C
1 GND
2 GPI 1
3 GPI 2
4 N/C
5 N/C
1 - 2 TXD Out TXD Out 3 RXD In RXD In 4 Tie to GND Leave Floating
5 GND GND
6 - -
7 - TXD Out +
8 - RXD In +
9 +12VDC Out +12VDC Out
1 GND
2 Audio In +
3 Audio In 4 Audio Out +
5 Audio Out -
1 Return Audio 1 Out +
2 Return Audio 1 Out 3 Return Audio 2 Out +
-22-
Pin #
Function
PGM IN (XLR
-3-F)
AUD 1,2 OUT (XLR
-3-M)
Table
2 -
Base Unit Pin
-
Outs
1 GND
2 Audio In +
3 Audio In -
1 GND
2 Audio In +
3 Audio In -
-23-
Figure
24 -
SilverBack II Camera Side Block Diagram (Transmitter)
APPENDIX B. Block Diagrams
SILVERBACK II CAMERA SIDE BLOCK DIAGRAM (TRANSMITTER)
-24-
Figure
25 -
SilverBack II Base Unit Block Diagram
SILVERBACK II BASE UNIT BLOCK DIAGRAM
-25-
APPENDIX C. Technical Specifications
CAMERA UNIT
Bi-Directional Digital Video
Format Support: ................................................ SMPTE259M, 292M, 424M, 301M
Data Rate: ........................................................ 19Mbps to 3Gbps