Plura TCU, TCU H1 Operating Manual

Operating Manual

Version: 4.6

April 7, 2017

Timer Control Unit

TCU

Operational Units for PLURA’s MTD and MTDoE Systems

Operating Manual TCU

Page 3

CONTENTS

A1 REVISION HISTORY
A2 COPYRIGHT
A3 WARRANTY
A4 UNPACKING/SHIPPING/REPACKAGING INFORMATION
A5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
A6 CERTIFICATIONS & COMPLIANCES

SHORT DESCRIPTION: THE FIRST STEPS 11

Preparation 11
Installation and Set-Up 11
Basic Functions of TCU within an MTDoE System 14

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 15

INTRODUCTION 15
POWER SUPPLY 16
START-UP SEQUENCE 17
OPERATING MODES 18

Overview 18
The Keyboard 18
The Displays 19
The Access Rights 19
The Display Modes 20

Overview 20
Local Stop Timer 21
TC: Time Code 21
NTP: Real-Time and Date – Local Time Zone or Reference Time 22
LTC: Real-Time, Date and User – Local Time Zone or Reference Time 23
MTD: Real-Time and Date 24
MTD: Timer A - F 25
“Main Timer” Functionality 26
“Serial: MTD Master”: Local Stop Timer and External Displays 27

CONFIGURATION 28

The Configuration Program 28
“Profile“ Tab: Store and Load a Complete Set-Up 29
“System“ Tab: View and Change System Parameters 30
“Source“ Tab: Select the Signal Source 31
“Real-Time“ Tab: Set-Up of the Real-Time Parameters 32
“Ethernet“ Tab: IP Addresses ... 33
“Keyboard“ Tab: Function Keys, Access Rights, Beeper 35
“Shifted Keys“ Tab: Programming Alternate Functions 37
“Timer Names“ Tab: Customize the Text Display 38
“Display“ Tab: Display Mode, Brightness, ... 39
“GPI“ Tab: Programming GPI Inputs and Outputs 41

PROGRAMMING FUNCTION KEYS AND GPI INPUTS 43
FIRMWARE UPDATE 47

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TEC HNI CAL DATA 48

CONNECTIONS AT THE REAR 48
SPECIFICATIONS 50
MECHANICAL 51

Desktop Housing 51
Module in a 19“ 3 RU Housing 51
Special Tabletop Mounting 51
19“ 1 RU Version: TCU H1 52

EPSD AND EPSW: POWER ADAPTERS 53

Description and Technical Data 53
Safety Precautions 54

Operating Manual TCU

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A1 Revision History

No. Date Subject

0.x Preliminary documents, changes without notice.

4.3

February 10, 2017

First released document, based on TCUE manual version 4.2.

4.4

February 13, 2017

Corrected power supply ordering codes EPSD and EPSW; minor changes.

4.5

February 28, 2017

Added TCUH1 rear connectors.

4.6

April 4, 2017

Added source “Serial: MTD Master”.

The latest document describes the functions of the latest product’s software. You can download the
latest software version from:

http://www.plurabroadcast.com/downloads

A2 Copyright

Copyright © PLURA Europe GmbH 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, translated into another language, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the
prior written consent of PLURA Europe GmbH.

Printed in Germany.

Technical changes are reserved.

All brand and product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Information in this publication replaces all previously published information. PLURA Europe GmbH
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages
resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

For further information please contact your local dealer or:

PLURA Europe GmbH

Muehlweg 11
73433 Aalen, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: mailto:[e-mail]
Internet: http://www.plurabroadcast.com/

Operating Manual TCU

Page 6

A3 Warranty

PLURA warrants that their products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of two years from the date of shipment. If this product proves defective during the warranty
period, PLURA, at its option, will repair or replace the defective product without charge, provided
this product is returned to PLURA freight prepaid.

In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify PLURA of the defect before
expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service.
Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to PLURA, please
notice the Shipping Information given below.

This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by abuse, misuse, improper
use, negligence, accident, modification, alteration, or improper or inadequate maintenance and
care.

This warranty is given by PLURA with respect to this product in lieu of any other warranties, express
or implied. PLURA and its vendors disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
a particular purpose. PLURA’s responsibility to repair or replace defective products is the sole and
exclusive remedy provided to the customer for breach of this warranty. PLURA and its vendors will
not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages irrespective of whether
PLURA or the vendor has advance notice of the possibility of such damages.

Operating Manual TCU

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A4 Unpacking/Shipping/Repackaging Information

This product has been carefully inspected, tested and calibrated before shipment to ensure years of
stable and trouble-free service.

The shipping carton and pads provide protection for the product during transit. Retain the shipping
cartons in case subsequent shipment becomes necessary.

Carefully unpack the product from its transit material and carefully check the product for signs of
damage. In the event that the product has been damaged during transit, contact the carrier and
your PLURA dealer.

Please confirm that all items listed on the packing list have been received. Check the items against
your original order to ensure that you have received the correct parts. If any item is missing, please
contact your PLURA dealer.

Ensure that all packaging material is removed from the product and its associated components
before installing the unit.

Products returned to PLURA for servicing or repair should have a tag attached showing:

• Name and complete address of the owner and the name of the person that can be contacted.

• Unit’s serial number and a description of the service required or failure detected.

Products returned should be shipped prepaid in the original packaging material if possible. If the
original packaging is not available or is unfit for use, supply an adequate packaging which should
meet the following criteria:

• Packaging must be able to withstand the product weight.

• Product must be held rigid within the packaging.

• Allow at least two inches of space between the product and the container.

• The corners of the product must be protected.

• Seal the carton with shipping tape or an industrial stapler.

If the product is still within the warranty period, the product will be returned by prepaid shipment
after servicing.

Operating Manual TCU

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A5 Safety Instructions

The general safety information in this part is for both operating and service personnel. PLURA
products are only to be used as directed. Specific warnings and cautions will be found throughout
the manual where they apply.

Review the following safety instructions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any
products connected to it.

• Read these instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow all instructions.

Safety Terms and Symbols

Terms and Symbols in this manual:

CAUTION: Caution statem

ents identify conditions or practices that could result in

damage to this product or other property.

Terms and Symbols which may be found on the product:

ATTENTION: Refer to the manual.

Observe precautions for handling electrostatic-sensitive devices.

Signal Ground.

Product Damage Precautions

PREVENT OVERHEATING

To prevent product overheating, position the unit only where sufficient air
circulation can be maintained. Good air circulation is essential to prevent internal

heat build-up, do not b

lock any ventilation openings. Do not expose the unit to

direct sun light or any other strong lights. Keep the unit away from heat sources.

PROVIDE PROPER ENVIRONMENT

Dust, humidity, shocks and strong electro

magnetic fields must be avoided. Do not

expos

e this apparatus to dripping or splashing water. Ensure that no objects filled

with liquid are placed on the apparatus.

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Page 9

OBSERVE EMC REGULATIONS

The EMC regulations are observed only under the following condition:

Use high quality shielded cables at data inputs and outputs.

SUSPECTED FAILURES

Whenever it is likely that safe operation is impaired, the apparatus must be made
inoperative and secured against unintended operation. The appropriate service

authority must then be informed. Do not operate with

suspected failures. Servicing

is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-

supply is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the

apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: CLEANING

Qualified Service Personnel Only: The apparatus should be cleaned often enough
to prevent dust or dirt from accumulating. Dust accumulating in the apparatus acts

as an insulating blanke

t, preventing proper cooling, and possibly causing
overheating and component breakdown. Under high humidity conditions,
accumulated dust can also provide an electrical conduction path. Remove

accumulated dust with a soft cloth or small paint brush. Remove hardened dirt with

a soft cloth, dampened in a mild detergent and water solution. Do not use polish

or abrasive cleaners or any other chemical cleaning agents.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: VISUAL INSPECTION

Qualified Service Personnel Only: Visually inspect

the apparatus for signs of
damage, scorched components, and loose or disconnected pin connectors. If you
discover heat damaged parts, try to determine the cause of the overheating before

replacing the damaged parts; otherwise, the damage may repeat.

ATTENTION:

Observe precautions for handling electrostatic-

sensitive devices. See “Electro Static

Discharge (ESD) Precautions” below for details.

Operating Manual TCU

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Electro Static Discharge (ESD) Precautions

All semiconductor devices are sensitive to ESD. To prevent any dama

ge or

degradation on components of the product caused by ESD, observe these

precautions when directed to do so (installing, removing sensitive components):

1. Use a Ground Strap. Wear a grounded anti-static wrist or heel strap to discharge the static

voltage from your body.

2. Use a Safe Work Area. Avoid handling components in areas that have a floor or work surface

covering capable of generating a static charge. Also nothing capable of generating or holding
a static charge should be allowed in the work area.

3. Handle ESD sensitive components carefully. Do not slide components over any surface. Do

not touch exposed connector pins. Pick-up components by the body, never by the leads.

4. Transport and store sensitive components or assemblies in a static-protected bag or container.

A6 Certifications & C ompliances

CE-Declaration:

We,

PLURA Europe GmbH

Muehlweg 11
73433 Aalen, Germany

herewith declare under our sole responsibility that the

TCU / TCU H1

meets the intent of the following directives, standards and specifications:

89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility

EN 50081-1 Emissions

• EN 55022

• EN 55103-1

EN 50082-1 Immunity

• EN 55024

• EN 55103-2

Operating Manual TCU

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Short Descript ion: The First Steps

Preparation

The following description refers to installation (= integration into an MTDoE system) and set-up of
a TCU device.

Application: Display and control of Timer A (= DOWN) + Timer B (= remaining time).

Display of local real-time.

Apart from TCU you need the following accessories:

• MTDoE central unit (RUB GT or GL + RUB IE with option M), UD displays.

• Ethernet switch + RJ45 Ethernet patch cable.

• Computer with USB and Ethernet interfaces.

• Product CD, included.

• Maybe a standard USB cable: A – B type.

The computer should have been connected to your local network. Connect TCU via RJ45 patch
cable to an Ethernet switch. Switch on all units.

Installation and Set-Up

S1 Start UD SC Config.exe program from CD. At “Filter”, “Group = <all>” should have

been selected. TCU should appear on the list:

If TCU does not appear on the list, proceed as follows:

S1a Connect TCU via USB to the computer. Maybe a driver has to be installed. This driver

is part of Windows, it can be found automatically.

S1b Execute UD SC Config.exe anew.

S1c Start the set-up with double-clicking on TCU.

S1d At Ethernet tab:

Click on button Change ..., then a new window appears, there click on Use DHCP.
Make a restart of TCU and start again at S1.

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S2 If there are any other devices on this list, please take notice of the number shown after the

name at the “Mode” column (= group number).

S3 Start the set-up with double-clicking on TCU.

S4 At System tab: Give TCU a significant name.

S5 At Source tab: Click on “Ethernet MTD“.

S6 At Ethernet tab:

• Automatic MTD Master IP Address: Verify, that this checkbox is checked, and that

“MTD Master IP Address” shows any IP address which is valid for your network.

• Group: Choose a group number identical to the number shown for other devices – as

explained at item S2. If there are no other devices, choose “1”.

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S7 At Display tab: Select “Mode = Real-Time“.

This selection determines the display mode after switching on TCU, in this case the local
real-time will be displayed.

S9 At Keyboard tab:

• At Buttons: Programming function keys. In order to control stop timers, assign “Down”

to the first and “Diff Time” to the second function key, for example (see next chapter).
Assign “No Operation“ to keys which are not used.

• At Access Rights: This set-up enables you to reduce the functionality of the unit, so that

you just work with the functions which are really required for your application. If you just
want to control Timer A and Timer B, and display local real-time, click “On“ at Timer A
and Timer B, click “Display” at Time, and “Off“ everywhere else.

S10 Installation and basic set-up of TCU is now completed. Click button Disconnect.

The text display at TCU now shows:

TIME .

DOWN

TIME

DIFF

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Basic Functions of TCU within an MTDoE System

Switch TCU off and on again. After an initialization process, TCU displays the local real-time.

Press key “+” or “–“ to switch between those operating modes which are enabled at the “Access
Rights” set-up:

TIME = display of local real-time, no operating;
TIMER A = stop timer A, e.g. a down-counting timer (DOWN);
TIMER B = stop timer B, e.g. showing a remaining time.

The following keys at TCU are provided to control the stop timer:

Press key “+” to switch to TIMER A.

0 – 9 Enter a preset value.

Function key DOWN Accept preset value and set stop timer to mode DOWN.

Now, the preset value is indicated at all UD displays which show
Timer A.

START/STOP/RESET Timer starts, timer stops, or timer resets to zero.

• Counter automatically counts upwards if START is pressed at preset = 0.

• Counter automatically counts downwards if START is pressed at preset > 0.

Press key “+” to switch to TIMER B.

0 – 9 Enter an event time, e.g. the end of a TV program.

Function key DIFF TIME Accept event value and set stop timer to mode DIFF TIME. Now,

the time difference of event time against local real-time will be
calculated; this results in a down-counting time (remaining time).
This time difference is shown at all UD displays which have display
mode set to Timer B.

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Functional Description

Introduction

PLURA has developed a system called the Multiple Time Display (MTD) system. A MTD system
consists of a central generator unit, control units, digital displays and/or studio clocks. The central
MTD generator (RUB GT or RUB GL module) is the time & date reference and manages stop
timers.

A MTDoE system utilizes the Ethernet to transport the MTD data as well as to communicate
between control units and central generator. The central generator transmits the MTD data to the
RUB IE (with option M) Ethernet module via the internal TC_link interface of the RUBIDIUM
system, the RUB IE module then opens the gates to the local Ethernet.

The MTD data of the central generator include six independent programmable timers (stop timers,
time zones), real-time, date and status data.

Displays, studio clocks and control units read these data and communicate via Ethernet. Current

PLURA devices or older ones of type “E” will work within the MTDoE system.

PLURA’s MTDoE devices have the property to perform an auto-installation within an Ethernet

network, i.e. the units find them selves, assign them selves to a group and can be listed, named
and configured centrally.

Please refer to “The MTD System – Installation and Operation Manual” to read about
installation and basic set-up of a TCU in a MTD or MTDoE system.

TCU can be used in both MTD or MTDoE timer systems. It is a control unit with a numerical LED
display, a text information display and a backlit keypad:

• The LED display has 15mm digit height 7-segmented LEDs in a red colour. It simply displays a

time in a HH:MM:SS format.

• TCU H1 can have a second 7-segmented LED display installed. It can be used to display

another time, e.g. the first display shows a timer and the second display the local time. Please
order TCU DR for a second red display, TCU DG for a green one and TCU DY for a yellow
one.

• The colour of the text display is white. It displays the status information.

• The keypad has 18 illuminated keys, 15 keys have an inscription. All keys except the numeric

keys 0 – 9 can receive a programmable function. The three keys without inscription are the
special function keys, where the current selected function is indicated directly above on the text
display.

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Power Supply

TCU receives power either via an external DC power supply or via “Power over Ethernet“ (PoE).

EPSD: External Power Supply for TCU EPSW: External Power Supply for TCU H1

EPSD (order number 11011010) and EPSW (order number 14085100) are 24 VDC/20 W
external AC/DC adapters. They are not part of the delivery.

EPSD has a (115

cm /

45.3 in) DC output cable with a DSUB9 female connector suitable to

connect to the DC connector at TCU.

EPSW has a (115

cm /

45.3 in) DC output cable with a 2-pole jack suitable to connect to the

DC terminal connector at TCU H1.

Refer to chapter “EPSD and EPSW: Power Adapters” for detailed technical data.

USB

1

DATA
DC

ETHERNET

GPI

1

DSUB9F:
6/7: V­8/9: V+

External Power Sup ply:
Option TCU-EP

1: V­2: V+

External Power Supply:
Option UD-EP

DC

1 2

USB

ETHERNET

1 . . . . . 8

GPI

1

1 2

PoE: “Power over Ethernet“

Power over Ethernet or PoE technology describes a system to pass electrical power, along
with data, on Ethernet cabling.

USB

1

DATA
DC

ETHERNET

GPI

POE

PoE Switch

Pi: “Power Injector“

Pi (order number 14085015) is an external AC/DC adapter. It is not part of the delivery.

In the case your network devices cannot supply PoE, using this PoE injector keeps the
advantage to have only one cable connected to your TCU or TCU H1.

USB

1

DATA
DC

ETHERNET

GPI

Non-PoE Switch

External Power Supply:
Option PI

Power-over-Ethernet Injector

~

AC Power

Power Supply:
EPSD

Power Supply:
EPSW

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Start-Up Sequence

The text display indicates step by step:

• the firmware revision number,

TCUE

2.4

• and then installed options – if any Option,

• and then the selected source,

MTD CLIEN

SRC: MTD

NTP CLIEN

SRC: NTP

• and then it switches to normal operating mode.

In the beginning, all of the LEDs and lamps will light up shortly.

The red LED display indicates status information step by step:

Current display mode at the last two digits of the LED display:

Digits Mode Source

∏ L Local MTD

г Г Real-Time MTD

г d Date MTD

Г A Timer A MTD
Г B Timer B MTD
Г C Timer C MTD
Г d Timer D MTD
Г E Timer E MTD
Г F Timer F MTD

∏ 1 Main 1 MTD
∏ 2 Main 2 MTD
∏ 3 Main 3 MTD

Г L Time Code MTD

n Г NTP Time NTP
n d NTP Date NTP

L Г LTC Time LTC
L d LTC Date LTC
L U LTC Date LTC

∏ ∏ MTD Master Serial

In case “source = MTD or NTP”:

“Init” indicates that the Ethernet initialization is still in progress.
After success “Init o” shortly will be displayed, then or after one
minute at the latest the device switches to normal operating mode.

In case “source = MTD”:

The device tries to find the RUB IE module responsible for the

indicated MTD group number.

In case “source = MTD”:

The MTDoE Master has been found, now the device synchronizes
its internal clock with NTP commands.

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Page 18

Operating Modes

Overview

TCU is a timer display and control unit. A timer can be a local real-time or date, a stop timer, or a
remaining time, or more.

TCU receives data via Ethernet or LTC. There are five different methods corresponding to five
different sources TCU can use to decode and display data. Selection of this source will be done by
configuration of the unit (chapter “Source” Tab: Select the Signal Source).

• Source = Ethernet: TD: TCU is able to decode and display all the timers of the MTD data

over Ethernet.

• Source = Ethernet: NTP (for service purposes only): TCU receives and displays time or date.

The received reference time can get a programmable offset. It is possible to enable a Daylight
Saving Time handling. This programming is done by configuration of the unit.

• Source = LTC: MTD: TCU is able to decode and display all the timers of the MTD data over

LTC.

• Source = LTC (for service purposes only): TCU reads LTC and displays time, user or date. The

received reference time can get a programmable offset. It is possible to enable a Daylight
Saving Time handling. This programming is done by configuration of the unit.

• TCU can be set to a local timer mode, thus being independent from any external interface.

TCU can control this timer by start/stop/reset commands, by setting a start value, etc.

• Source = Serial: MTD Master: TCU operates as a local timer and sends its timer values to

a “slave” UD display that is connected to the RS485 interface.

TCU offers a numerical keypad, programmable function keys, and two displays.

The Keyboard

7 8 9

654

1 2 3

0

F1 F2 F3

START

RESET

STOP

+

_

TCUE

1 2

3 4 5

6 7 8 9 0

START

STOP

RESET

+
_

TCUE
H1

F3

F2

F1

• 0 – 9 keys to enter numerical values; these keys are not programmable.

• The + and – keys are preferably used to switch to the next display mode, but they could

also receive a user defined function.

• The START/STOP/RESET keys are preferably used for a stop timer operation, but they could

also receive a user defined function.

• The F1–F3 keys receive a user defined function, e.g. UP or DOWN to select a stop timer

mode, or A, B, to switch to a specific display mode. The backlit lamp in the key will light up
if the programmed function is currently activated. A text on the text display just near the key
describes the programmed function.

• Programming of the keys is done by configuration of the unit and will be stored at a

non-volatile memory of the TCU (chapter “Keyboard” Tab: Function Keys, Access Rights,
Beeper).

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Page 19

The Displays

During normal operating mode the red LED display (at TCU H1 the LED display to the right (= 1

st

display) shows the time of the selected timer or, if any date mode has been selected, a date.
During an input with the numerical keypad the display switches to show the entries.

The optional available 2

nd

display of the TCU H1 shows no entries, it shows the time of the selected

timer or, if any date mode has been selected, a date.

The text display shows the following information:

TCU

OFFSET
TIME

DOWN

DIFF
TIME

OFFS ET TC

TIMER A

F1 F2 F3

Display mode (please notice *1 below)
Mode of the selected timer
Function of the programm able keys

TCU H1

OFFSET
TIME

DOWN

DIFF
TIME

OFFSET TC

TIMER

Mode of the
selected timer

Function of the programm able keys

F1

F3

F2

A

Display mode (please notice *1 below)

*1 Special cases: A leading “*“ indicates that this timer can be remote controlled by an

automation system. Example: “*A“.
A leading “.“ indicates that operation on this timer has been disabled

(access rights has been set to “display only”). Example: “.A“.

The Access Rights

According to application it is recommended not to enable the control to every display mode. For
example it is possible to disable the control of selected stop timers or to refuse setting the real time.
Even displaying the time of specific timers can be disabled, thus limiting TCU’s functionality to
those timers actually used in a given application. This keeps the operation on the timer system
easy.

This installation is done by the Access Rights feature. A display mode can be switched to:

On = displaying and operating possible;
Display = displaying possible but no operating;
Off = neither displaying nor operating possible.

Programming the Access Rights is done by configuration and will be stored at a non-volatile
memory of TCU (chapter ““Keyboard” Tab: Function Keys, Access Rights, Beeper).

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Page 20

The Display Modes

Overview

The + and – keys are preferably used to switch to the next display mode. The Access Rights feature
offers to completely disable a display mode, this mode will then be skipped in case of switching
from one mode to the other.

The following display modes are available:

Mode

Text
Display

Sourc
e

Description

Local stop timer LOCAL No Ethernet connection required

MTD Master LOCAL Serial No Ethernet connection required

Real-time TIME NTP NTP Real-time received from an NTP Server, ± Offset

Date DATE NTP NTP Date, received from an NTP Server, ± Offset

Real-time TIME LTC LTC Real-time received from LTC, ± Offset

Date DATE LTC LTC Date, received from LTC, ± Offset

User USER LTC LTC User, received from LTC

Real-time TIME MTD Display and control of MTD real-time

Date DATE MTD Display and control of MTD date

Timer A TIMER A MTD Display and control of timer A (e.g. stop timer A)

Timer B TIMER B MTD Display and control of timer B (e.g. stop timer B)

Timer C TIMER C MTD Display and control of timer C (e.g. stop timer C)

Timer D TIMER D MTD Display and control of timer D (e.g. stop timer D)

Timer E TIMER E MTD Display and control of timer E (e.g. stop timer E)

Timer F TIMER F MTD Display and control of timer F (e.g. stop timer F)

1st main timer MAIN-1 MTD Display and control of 1st “main timer”

2nd main timer MAIN-2 MTD Display and control of 2nd “main timer”

3rd main timer MAIN-3 MTD Display and control of 3rd “main timer”

Time code TC MTD Displaying the time of the MTDoE reference

By configuration of the unit it is possible to determine the display mode which TCU selects after

power-on: Chapter “Display” Tab: Display Mode, Brightness, ....

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Page 21

Local Stop Timer

• The time of the local stop timer is displayed at TCU only. There is no data transfer to any other

display (“Source = NTP or LTC”) or to any MTDoE central unit (“Source = MTD”).

• The local stop timer mode is available at source = MTD, NTP or LTC.

The following keys and functions are provided to control this timer:

START/STOP/RESET Keys at TCU or external keys connected to GPI inputs.

0 – 9 Enter a preset value.

UP Timer counts upwards.

Example: Enter a preset value, press UP key, then START key →

timer counts upwards starting from the preset value.

DOWN Timer counts downwards.

Example: Enter a preset value, press DOWN key, then START key →

timer counts downwards starting from the preset value.

• Counter automatically counts upwards if START is pressed at preset = 0.

• Counter automatically counts downwards if START is pressed at preset > 0.

• There are more functions available using programmable keys or GPI inputs according to

table “Local timer and timer A – F commands” at chapter “Programming Functions Key
and GPI Inputs”.

TC: Time Code

• Source = MTD: Displays the time of the reference of the MTDoE master.

If MTDoE master consists of a RUB GT (GL) – RUB IE system, this time corresponds to the time
of the generated time code, usually = time of the local time zone.

If MTDoE master consists of a SPT unit, this time corresponds to UTC.

• There is no operating by keys or GPI inputs provided.

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Page 22

NTP: Real-Time and Date – Local Time Zone or Reference Time

• Source = NTP has to be selected.

• “Real-Time” mode enabled:

Displaying real-time or date of your local time zone. Local time zone is based on data
requested from an NTP server, and is calculated using programmable offsets.

• “Real-Time” mode disabled:

Displaying reference time and date – without offsets.

• There is no operating by keys or GPI provided.

• Flashing decimal points or colons indicate that synchronization has been lost.

The following set-up can be done:

Select an NTP Server

Enter the IP address of a primary and – if available – of a secondary NTP server. Please refer

to chapter “Ethernet” Tab: IP Addresses ....

Select time offsets and Daylight Saving Time switching

Set-up of “Real-Time” mode and time offsets and automatic Daylight Saving Time switching is
done at two tabs:

Real-Time tab (chapter “Real-Time” Tab: Set-Up of the NTP Real-Time Parameters).
Display tab (chapter “Display” Tab: Display Mode, Brightness ...).

Set-up at both tabs determines the display of time and date. Programming of two local time
zones is provided.

Tab Real-Time:
Checkbox

Enable Real­Time

Tab Display:
Selection box

Time Zone

Display

Not checked X

Time & date of NTP Server =
Time & date of reference.

X Off

Time & date of NTP Server =
Time & date of reference.

Checked Time Zone 1

Time Zone 1: Reference ± offsets according to
“Local Time Zone 1“ set-up at tab Real-Time.

Checked Time Zone 2

Time Zone 2: Reference ± offsets according to
“Local Time Zone 2“ set-up at tab Real-Time.

Programming the representation of time and date display

Display tab:

Mode Display - Format Display – Delimiter

NTP Time

24-hour or 12-hour (am/pm)

Colons, decimal points, or none.

NTP Date

DD.MM.YY

MM.DD.YY

YY.MM.DD.

Colons, decimal points, or none.

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Page 23

LTC: Real-Time, Date and User – Local Time Zone or Reference Time

• Source = LTC has to be selected.

• “Real-Time” mode enabled:

Displaying real-time or date of your local time zone. Local time zone is based on data
received from LTC, and is calculated using programmable offsets.

• “Real-Time” mode disabled:

Displaying reference time and date – without offsets.

• There is no operating by keys or GPI provided.

• Flashing decimal points or colons indicate that synchronization has been lost.

The following set-up can be done:

Select frame rate and user mode

Enter the frame rate of the LTC or choose “Auto” for automatic frame rate detection. To use
LTC date information the user mode has to be selected. Please refer to chapter “LTC” Tab.

Select time offsets and Daylight Saving Time switching

Set-up of “Real-Time” mode and time offsets and automatic Daylight Saving Time switching is
done at two tabs:

Real-Time tab (chapter “Real-Time” Tab: Set-Up of the Real-Time Parameters).
Display tab (chapter “Display” Tab: Display Mode, Brightness ...).

Set-up at both tabs determines the display of time and date. Programming of two local time
zones is provided.

Tab Real-Time:
Checkbox

Enable Real­Time

Tab Display:
Selection box

Time Zone

Display

Not checked X

Time & date of LTC =
Time & date of reference.

X Off

Time & date of LTC =
Time & date of reference.

Checked Time Zone 1

Time Zone 1: Reference ± offsets according to
“Local Time Zone 1“ set-up at tab Real-Time.

Checked Time Zone 2

Time Zone 2: Reference ± offsets according to
“Local Time Zone 2“ set-up at tab Real-Time.

Programming the representation of time and date display

Display tab:

Mode Display - Format Display – Delimiter

LTC Time

24-hour or 12-hour (am/pm)

Colons, decimal points, or none.

LTC Date

DD.MM.YY

MM.DD.YY

YY.MM.DD.

Colons, decimal points, or none.

LTC User

(Fixed)

Colons, decimal points, or none.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 24

MTD: Real-Time and Date

• Displaying time or date of the real-time decoded out of the MTD data.

• Source = MTD has to be selected.

The following set-up can be done utilizing the “Display” tab (chapter “Display” Tab: Display Mode,
Brightness ...):

Choose the delimiter

This set-up determines the separating sign of the LED display:

Auto Automatically decoded out of the MTD status data.
Off No sign: Example: 23 59 59
. Decimal Point: Example: 23.59.59
: Colon: Example: 23:59:59

Set time or date

If enabled by configuration of the Access Rights it is possible to set time and date.

Attention: Altering time or date will alter the most important parameters of the system.

All timers relate on the real-time. A leap in time will lead to a jump in the time

code and in the NTP time of the MTDoE central unit. All connected units
receiving a time via time code from the central MTD generator or via NTP

from the MTDoE central unit have to handle this leap in time. Therefore it is
strongly recommended to set the access rights to “Display“ or “Off“ in order
to avoid unintentional operating.

During normal operating mode the central MTD generator always outputs a
correct time. If

this is not true the cause of this failure should be found and

cleared.

Enter a new value with the numerical keypad, then press START or UP. The entry of a preset
value can be cancelled by using the RESET or + or – key.

Maybe the display of the TCU does not show the corrected time at once, because it may last
up to 60 seconds until synchronization has been established.

Altering other parameters of MTD time or date – as there is time in a 12 or 24 hour format – is
part of the MTD system’s configuration. Please refer to “The MTD System – Installation and
Operation Manual” to read about installation and basic set-up of the MTD system.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 25

MTD: Timer A - F

• Displaying the current time of the selected timer, decoded out of the MTD data.

• Source = MTD has to be selected.

The following set-up can be done utilizing the “Display” tab (chapter “Display” Tab: Display Mode,
Brightness ...):

Choose the delimiter

This set-up determines the separating sign of the LED display:

Auto Automatically decoded out of the MTD status data.
Off No sign: Example: 23 59 59
. Decimal Point: Example: 23.59.59
: Colon: Example: 23:59:59

There are more set-ups provided to change the representation of the time, e.g. switching on or off
the leading zeros, displaying 1/10 or frames, and more. You will find the detailed description in
“The MTD System – Installation and Operation Manual”.

The following keys and functions are provided to control a timer:

START/STOP/RESET Use a TCU key or an external key connected to a GPI input.

0 – 9 Enter a preset value or event time.

FUNKTION There are several functions programmable for a key or GPI:

HOLD Freeze the time at the display.
START/STOP Timer = Stop timer: Start/stop alternating.
RESET+START Timer = Stop timer: Timer starts from 0.
RESET CONT. Timer = Stop timer: Reset at stop, else Reset+Start.
UP Timer = Stop timer: UP operating mode.
DOWN Timer = Stop timer: DOWN operating mode.
DOWN+START Timer = Stop timer: DOWN, timer starts from 0.
ALL Control all timers - enabled for operating - simultaneously.
DUE DOWN/UP/END combination.
DUE NEXT DOWN/UP/END combination + NEXT.
SET NEXT Transfer next preset value.
NEXT DUE DOWN/UP/END combination + preset from SET NEXT.
OFFSET+ Timer = Stop timer: Add a correction value.
OFFSET– Timer = Stop timer: Subtract a correction value.
OFFSET TIME Timer = Real-time + offset.
OFFSET TC Timer = VTR-LTC + offset.
DIFF TIME Timer = Difference of event time – real-time
DIFF TC Timer = Difference of event time – VTR-LTC.

You will find the detailed description of the functions in “The MTD System –
Installation and Operation Manual”.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 26

“Main Timer” Functionality

The “Main Timer“ feature enables a remote control of displays within the timer system. There are
three main timers provided, therefore three groups of displays can be controlled independently.
Within one group all displays show the same time. These groups belong to the same timer system,
not to mix up with MTD groups defined at the “Ethernet” tab.

The displays will be set to mode 1st main timer or 2nd main timer or 3rd main timer.

The time of a “Main Timer” can be one of the following eight:

Real-Time, Date, Timer A, Timer B, Timer C, Timer D, Timer E, Timer F.

Now you can select what the “Main Timer” should be. The following functions are provided for a
function key or GPI input at TCU:

MAIN1 = Time MAIN2 = Time MAIN3 = Time
MAIN1 = Date MAIN2 = Date MAIN3 = Date
MAIN1 = Timer A MAIN2 = Timer A MAIN3 = Timer A
MAIN1 = Timer B MAIN2 = Timer B MAIN3 = Timer B
MAIN1 = Timer C MAIN2 = Timer C MAIN3 = Timer C
MAIN1 = Timer D MAIN2 = Timer D MAIN3 = Timer D
MAIN1 = Timer E MAIN2 = Timer E MAIN3 = Timer E
MAIN1 = Timer F MAIN2 = Timer F MAIN3 = Timer F

These function keys operate independently of the selected display mode.
Additionally, “Main Timer” can be changed utilizing the following keys provided that TCU actually

displays any “Main Timer”. Display mode = MAIN 1 or MAIN 2 or MAIN 3, then the
corresponding “Main Timer” changes to:

Key 7: Timer D Key 8: Timer E Key 9: Timer F
Key 4: Timer A Key 5 or START: Timer B Key 6 or STOP: Timer C
Key 1: Key 2 or RESET: Real-Time Key 3: Date

Example of function key application – displays set to 1st main timer:

Function key F1 programmed to “MAIN1 = Time“.
Function key F1 programmed to „MAIN1 = Timer A“.
Pressing key F1 → Displays show “Time”.
Pressing key F2 → Displays show “Timer A”.

Example of GPI input application – displays set to 1st main timer:

One signal/switch changes between two display modes.
GPI programming: GPI 1 = “MAIN1 = Time“, “Mode = Active Low“;

GPI 2 = “MAIN1 = Timer A“, “Mode = Active High“.

Switch closed: Displays show “Time” Switch opened: Displays show “Timer A”

Time

GP I_1: Active Low
GP I_2: Active High
1: GND

GP I_1: Active Low
GP I_2: Active High
1: GND

Timer A

Operating Manual TCU

Page 27

“Serial: MTD Master”: Local Stop Ti mer and External Displays

When only a single local stop timer is required and no LTC(MTD) is available, thi operating modes
can be used. No LTC(MTD) must be read, and no RS485 interface has to be connected to a
central generator unit. The RS485 interface now is being used to transmit or receive the time of a
local stop timer. TCU will be a “master” of this system:

• Source = Serial: MTD Master: TCU controls the local stop timer by its keys, and TCU

transmits the time of the LED display as a serial RS485 data string.

Example of a “Local System”, with TCU as a master: TCU + UD, TCU + RUB inserter.

In this “master” – “slave” mode, TCU will be the only unit sending data. All “slave” units receive
data only. Therefore it is possible to connect as many “slaves” as needed in parallel to a single
TCU.

K_W5_DF2
T erminal Block ­5 - RS485 TRA
4 - RS485 TRB
1 - GND

DSUB 9 Fem ale
1
2
5

TCU

UD

USB

1

8 . . . . . 1

8 . . . . . 1

DATA
DC

Ethernet

GPI

2 1

5 4 3 2 1

6 5 4 3 2 1 5 4 3 2 1

DC

LTC / MTD

USB

RS232/422

GPI

1

RUB AT/DT/XT

Video
Inserter

BNC

VIDEO IN

BNC

VIDEO OUT

DSUB9F
SERIAL

TCU

USB

1

8 . . . . . 1

8 . . . . . 1

DATA
DC

Ethernet

GPI

DSUB9 male ­1 - RS485 TRA
2 - RS485 TRB
5 - GND

DSUB9 female
1
2
5

12:34:08

Video
Monitor

Video

Operating Manual TCU

Page 28

Configuration

The Configuration Program

Configuration requires the UD SC Config.exe program running on a computer (32 or 64 bit
Windows operating system 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/2012/8/10). You can download the
latest version of the program from:

http://www.plurabroadcast.com/downloads

.

Every device of the TCU series can be configured via a USB interface or via Ethernet. Access via
Ethernet can be protected by a password (chapter “System” Tab: View and Change System
Parameters). Firmware update is performed by this program as well, but this requires the USB
connection (chapter “Firmware Update”).

USB connection requires a standard USB cable (A – B type). It is recommended but not needed to
have the device connected to an external power supply. If no power supply is connected, the
device can be configured as usual, but the device will stay in a shut-off mode, regardless of current
set-up. The first time the device is plugged to the PC, Windows will install a driver for it. This driver
is part of Windows, you don’t need a CD.

After program start a list is given of all devices found:

Open the configuration by marking the device on the list and pressing button “Configure”, or by a
double click on a device in the list. Additional tabs will be shown. On these tabs you can check or
change the configuration of the selected device as described in the following chapters.

Please refer to “The MTD System – Installation and Operation Manual” for a detailed
description of the general features of this configuration program

Operating Manual TCU

Page 29

“Profile“ Tab: Store and Load a Complete Set-Up

This feature enables to easily change the complete set-up of the unit during normal operation.
During installation, the current set-up can be stored as a “profile”. You can enter a name in the
“name” entry before storing. Now choose a different set-up and store this as a different profile. Fife
profiles are available. Programming any function key or GPI inputs with “Load Profile ...“ functions
enables you to change over from one set-up to the other during normal operation. Please also
refer to chapter “Programming Function Keys and GPI Inputs”.

Five different set-ups can be stored into the
non-volatile memory of the unit.
Click Store:

Profile: Select 1–5.

Info Operator: You may enter a text.

Comment: You may enter a text.

Click OK to store the current set-up.

Any set-up stored as a profile can replace the
current set-up.
Click Load:

Profile: Select “Factory Settings“ or 1–5.

“Factory Settings“ installs the default
set-up.

Click OK to replace the current set-up by the
selected profile. If no valid set-up has been
stored, an error message is given.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 30

“System“ Tab: View and Change System Parameters

Unit

Name Give the device a significant name. This name appears wherever TCU devices can be

found, either via Browser or via USB.
Enter a text (10 characters) in the Name field. Complete with Enter or Tab key.

Reboot Warm boot of the unit.

Security

It is provided to protect the unit against non permission or unintentional access via Ethernet. Any
configuration with a USB connection ignores the password.

With a click on the Change

button the following entry opens:

Enter the password twice and press the OK button.
Clear an existing password by checking No Password.
Password forgotten? → Please read chapter “Passwords” of “The MTD System” manual.

Info

Indicates some device status, e.g. the version of the installed firmware.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 31

“Source“ Tab: Select the Signal Source

TCU offers two different main operating modes, determined by selecting the signal source.

Ethernet: MTD

TCU operates as timer control unit of a

MTDoE

system:

TCU is able to decode and display data of a MTDoE system. TCU
can communicate with a MTDoE Master and control these timers, e.g.
by start/stop/reset commands, or by setting a preset value, etc.

Ethernet: NTP
(for diagnostics only)

TCU operates as NTP Client, for service purpose only:
TCU receives and displays a time & date. The received reference time

can get a programmable offset. It is possible to enable a Daylight

Saving Time handling.

LTC: MTD TCU operates as timer control unit of a

MTD

system:

TCU is able to decode and display data of a MTD system. TCU can
communicate with a MTD Master and control these timers, e.g. by
start/stop/reset commands, or by setting a preset value, etc.

LTC
(for diagnostics only)

TCU operates as a LTC reader, for service purpose only:
TCU r

eads LTC and displays a time, date and user. The received

reference time can get a programmable offset. It is possible to enable
a Daylight Saving Time handling.

Serial: MTD Master TCU operates as a local timer and sends its timer values to a “slave”

UD display that is connected to the RS485 interface on the “DATA /
DC” Sub-D9 connector.

Each main operating mode offers to control and display a local stop timer - even without an
Ethernet or LTC connection.

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Page 32

“Real-Time“ Tab: Set-Up of the Real-Time Parameters

“Source = NTP or LTC“ only. Please also refer to chapters “NTP: Time and Date” and “LTC: Time
and Date”.

TCU receives time & date from NTP or LTC. Time and date refer to UTC (Universal Time
Coordinated = world time reference without a Daylight Saving Time [DST]) or to local time.
Having the UTC as a time base, any local time zone can be calculated and displayed.

Enable Real-Time Enables or disables the time zone handling.

• If checked, offsets will be calculated and a DST switching can be done automatically.

• If not checked, the displayed time corresponds to the reference time without offset.

Local Time Zone 1 / 2 Local time zone will be defined with respect to UTC. TCU H1 with a

second display can display different time zones; therefore two time zones can be
programmed independently. Which time the unit displays at the end will be selected at the
“Display” tab.

Offset from UTC Sign and hours/minutes offset for standard time (winter time).

If the time zone has a DST period, the following parameters should be programmed:

Automatically set Daylight Saving Time Check this box if the reference input has a

DST period.

DST Bias Enter the DST correction value. Most of the cases the correction value will be

(+) one hour.

DST Start Using these inputs (e.g. last Sunday of March at 2 o’clock) the device calculates

the start of DST for the current year.

DST End Using these inputs (e.g. last Sunday of October at 3 o’clock) the device

calculates the end of DST for the current year.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 33

“Ethernet“ Tab: IP Addresses ...

“Source = MTD“ “Source = NTP“

Current Settings

This box indicates the current network parameters of the device.

A click on Change... enables to change parameters:

Use DHCP

If checked, the device will automatically request its IP parameters (IP address,

subnet mask, and gateway) from a DHCP server. In this case the “IP Address”,
“Subnet Mask”, and “Gateway” boxes have no relevance.

Please let the device restart (power off – on) if you select this mode.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 34

If “Source = MTD“ has been selected:

MTD

Automatic MTD Master IP Address

If checked, the device will automatically find

the MTDoE central unit responsible

for the group number below. In a

redundant system (two MTDoE central units), an automatic changeover

can take place in case one central unit fails.
Restriction:

The automatic mode requires that this unit and the MTDoE

central unit are in the same local net

work. If the units are

connected to different local networks, the IP addresses (of

‘Primary MTD Master’ and – if present – ‘Se

condary MTD

Master’) have to be entered manually.

Primary MTD Master IP Address

If “Automatic MTD Master IP Address” is not

checke

d, the IP address of the MTDoE central unit has to be entered

manually.

Secondary MTD Master IP Address It is possible to have a redundancy of MTDoE

central units. A second MTDoE central unit then is working in the same

MTDoE system (it operates with the s

ame MTDoE group number). If

“Automatic MTD Master IP Address” is not checked, the IP address of the
second MTDoE central unit has to be entered manually.

Group

Indicates the MTDoE group number. Likewise, you can change this

number here.

Click Reload Page at the bottom of the tab if the „Current Settings“ box does not show
the new parameters.

If “Source = NTP“ has been selected:

NTP Client

Enter the IP addresses which the NTP client of the device uses to request time & date

information of an NTP server.

Primary Server IP Address Address of the primary (1st) NTP server.

Secondary Server IP Address Address of a secondary (back-up) NTP Server.

Click Reload Page at the bottom of the tab if the „Current Settings“ box does not show a
changed address.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 35

“Keyboard“ Tab: Function Keys, Access Rights, Beeper

Buttons

Eight keys can receive a function out of a dropdown list.

7 8 9

654

1 2 3

0

F1 F2 F3

START

RESET

STOP

+

_

TCUE

1

2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 0

START

STOP

RESET

+
_

TCUE
H1

F3

F2

F1

Please refer to chapter “Programming Function Keys and GPI Inputs” for detail

ed information

about available functions.

Access Rights

Each display mode can receive an Access Rights configuration. This set-

up enables you to

reduce the functionality of the unit, so that you just work with the functions which are really

required for your application.
On This timer can be displayed and controlled.
Off This timer can neither be displayed nor controlled. This mode will be skipped if the

display modes will be switched utilizing the + and – keys.

Display This timer can be displayed, but not controlled. The text display indicates this set-up

by a dot leading the number of the timer, e.g.: “.A”.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 36

Beeper

TCU can give a short “beep”, if the time of a selected timer or the real-time matches the value
at “compare to“. Select the timer out of the drop-down list. The drop-down list offers different
functions depending on the selection at “Source”. The “Display“ function compares the current
time shown at the display. All other functions compare the selected timer or the selected time –
no matter of the display mode.

Functions – dependent on “Source” selection:

Function Description available

for
“Source“

Display
TCU

with 2 displays:
Display 1
Display 2

Time comparison with the time currently shown at the

display.

MTD
NTP
LTC

Serial

Local Time comparison with local (internal) stop timer. MTD

NTP

LTC

Real-Time

Time comparison with real-

time (= time of local time

zone).

MTD

Time UTC Time comparison with NTP reference. NTP
Time Zone 1
Time Zone 2

If real-time operating mode has been selected: Time

comparison with the time of the selected time zone.

NTP
LTC

Timer A ... F Time comparison with selected timer A ... F. MTD
Main 1 ... 3 Time comparison with selected “Main Timer” 1 ... 3. MTD
Time code

Time comparison with the time shown at display mode
“Time code”. Please also refer to chapter “Time Code

(TC)”

MTD

compare to: Enter hours (0–23) : minutes (0–59) : seconds (0–59).

Beep on key press If checked, TCU gives a “beep” each time a key is pressed.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 37

“Shifted Keys“ Tab: Programming Alternate Functions

Each key can receive an alternate function; this greatly enlarges the availability of programmable
functions. One key has to receive the Shift function, this key then can be used as the SHIFT key
only. Programming the SHIFT function should be done at the Keyboard tab.

Programming the alternate functions can be done at the Shifted Keys tab.

Execute the alternate function: Press and hold the Shift key (the lamp of this key will light up), then
press the desired function key.

Example: Key – = Shift.

During normal operation, the text
display indicates the basic function of
the three function keys.

START

STOP

RESET

7 8 9

654

1 2 3

0+

_

SHIFT

F1 F2 F3

DOWN

TIMER A

OFFSET

DOWN TI ME TIME

DIFF

Pressing the Shift

key, the alternate

function of the function keys will be

indicated.

START

STOP

RESET

7 8 9

654

1 2 3

0+

SHIFT

_

F1 F2 F3

DOWN

TIMER A

+

-

UP

OFFSET OFFSET

Operating Manual TCU

Page 38

“Timer Names“ Tab: Customize the Text Display

OFFSET
TIME

DOWN

DIFF
TIME

DOWN

TIMER A

Display Mode

Each display mode can receive a customized text at the text display.
This text is divided into two parts: seven characters for a name plus one indicator.
The following characters are available: capital letters A–Z (no umlaut), numbers 0–9, and some

special characters.
Special characters: ! * + , – . / : = and space; not permitted characters will be displayed as –.

MTD: Relevant if “Source = MTD“ has been selected.

NTP: Relevant if “Source = NTP“ has been selected.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 39

“Display“ Tab: Display Mode, Brightness, ...

With a TCU H1 equipped with a second display, the right display (1) and the left display (2) can be
set separately, in this case two tabs will be shown.

Mode

Select the display mode. Mainly, this selection determines the display mode after switching on the
unit. During normal operating mode, the + and – keys are preferably used to switch to the next
display mode.

The available display modes depend on the selected source :

“Source = MTD” “Source = NTP” “Source = LTC” “Source = Serial”

Local Local Local MTD Master
Real-Time NTP Time LTC Time
Date NTP Date LTC Date
Timer A LTC User
Timer B
Timer C
Timer D
Timer E
Timer F
Main 1
Main 2
Main 3
Time code

Refer to the chapters at “Operating Modes → The Display Modes“ for a detailed description of
the individual modes.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 40

Brightness

Brightness of the displays and the lamps in the keys.

Digits Steps 1 to 7 to adjust the brightness of the LED display.

Text Display Steps 1 to 7 to adjust the brightness of the text display. Because

the lifespan

depends on the brightness, it is recommended to choose the brightness just

suitable, not too bright.
With lock clicked, this brightness follows the brightness of the “digits”.

Keyboard Steps 1 to 7 to adjust the brightness of the lamps in the keys.

With lock clicked, this brightness follows the brightness of the “digits”.

Test Displays All LEDs and lamps will light up for test purposes.

Format

Delimiter Separating sign between pairs of digits of the LED display:

Auto “Source = MTD“: The type of delimiter will be decoded out of the

MTD status data

. These data contain the display

format setting for each timer, according to the general
set-up of the MTD system.

“Source = NTP or LTC“: Time will be displayed as 23:59:59.

Date will be displayed as 31.12.10.

Off No separating sign: 23 59 59; 31 12 10
. (Decimal Point) Decimal points: 23.59.59; 31.12.10
: (Colon) Colons: 23:59:59; 31:12:10

“Source = NTP or LTC“ only:

Time HH:MM:SS 24h Time display in a 24–hour format.

HH:MM:SS 12h Time display in a 12–hour format.

Date There are several formats provided displaying the date.

YY MM DD Year / Month / Day.
MM DD YY Month / Day / Year.
DD MM YY Day / Month / Year.
MM YYYY Month / Year 4-digits format.
Day of Year 1–365/366.

Time Zone Select the time zone for the time to be displayed:

Off Time of the reference – plus offsets, if Enable Real-Time at the

Real-Time tab has been checked.
Time Zone 1 Time zone 1 – if Enable Real-Time has been checked.
Time Zone 2 Time zone 2 – if Enable Real-Time has been checked.

Screen Saver

A screen saver has been implemented to increase the lifespan of the text display. If active has
been checked, a screen saver program starts when no key has been pressed for the programmed
time delay.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 41

“GPI“ Tab: Programming GPI Inputs and Outputs

TCU has two GPI inputs (GPI 1 and GPI 2) and two GPI outputs (GPI 3 and GPI 4).
Select the functions from the drop-down lists. For technical details please refer to chapter

“Specifications”.

GPI 1 and GPI 2: Inputs

Available functions: Please refer to chapter “Programming Function Keys and GPI Inputs”.

Selecting any function will activate the “mode” box:

Mode: “Active Low“ (please refer to chapter “Specifications“ for technical details).

GP I Input
GND

Example: Function becomes active if input state
changes from “open” to “closure to GND”.

“Active High“ (please refer to chapter “Specifications“ for technical details).

GP I Input
GND

Example: Function becomes active if input state
changes from “closure to GND” to “open”.

If one GPI input has “Mode = Active Low” and another “Mode = Active High”, both
functions can be executed alternatively with only one signal:

Function 1

GP I_1: Active Low
GP I_2: Active High
1: GND

GP I_1: Active Low
GP I_2: Active High
1: GND

Function 2

Operating Manual TCU

Page 42

GPI 3 and GPI 4: Outputs

Output functions work as a time comparator. A fixed time value entered at the compare to
entries will be compared with the time of the display or the time of a selected timer. A match
leads to an impulse output. The pulse duration is adjustable.

Selecting any output function will activate the “compare to” and “mode” boxes:

compare to: Select hours (0–23) : minutes (0–59) : seconds (0–59).

Mode: “Active Low“ or “Active High“ mode, please refer to chapter “Specifications.

The drop-down list offers different items depending on the selection at “Source”. The “Display“
function compares the current time shown at the display. All other functions compare the
selected timer or the selected time – no matter of the display mode.

Functions – dependent on “Source” selection:

Function Description available

for
“Source“

Display
TCU

with 2 Displays:
Display 1
Display 2

Time comparison with the time currently shown at the

display.

MTD
NTP
LTC
Serial

Local Time comparison with local (internal) stop timer.

MTD
NTP
LTC

Real-Time

Time comparison with real-

time (= time of local time

zone).

MTD

Time UTC Time comparison with NTP reference. NTP
Time Zone 1
Time Zone 2

If real-time operating mode has been selected: Time
comparison with the time of the selected time zone.

NTP
LTC

Timer A ... F Time comparison with selected timer A ... F. MTD
Main 1 ... 3 Time comparison with selected “Main Timer” 1 ... 3. MTD
Time code

Time comparison with the time shown at display mode
“Time code”. Please also refer to chapter “Time Code

(TC)”.

MTD

Pulse Duration

GPI output pulse duration: 100/200/500

ms, 1 second, or 2 seconds

Operating Manual TCU

Page 43

Programming Function Keys and GPI Input s

Remark to the lenses of the keys:

It is not provided to remove the lens of a key afterwards. If you try to remove the lens, the key
probably will suffer damage. If you want to change the labelling in the key, please contact
PLURA.

Detailed information to timer operating modes, “main” timer functions, display formats ...

Please refer to “The MTD System – Installation and Operation Manual”.

“Load Profile“ functions and applications

Dropdown
List

Text
Display

Description

Load Profile 1
Load Profile 2
Load Profile 3
Load Profile 4
Load Profile 5

LOAD
PROF

1 (2..)

or

LOAD
“Name“

if a name
has been
entered
before
storing

The “Load Profile” function enables to change the complete set-

up in

a comfortable way.

Please notice chapter “Profile Tab: ...“ as well.

Please remember to program all GPIs and function keys correctly

before you execute a “Store Profile”.

Example 1 – GPI application:
Two different signals/buttons recall two different set-ups. Each set-

up

has all GPI inputs configured as follows:

GPI 1 = Load Profile 1, “Mode = Active Low“;
GPI 2 = Load Profile 2, “Mode = Active Low“.

GPI_1
GPI_2
GND

Load Profile 2

Load Profile 1

Example 2 – GPI application:
One signal/switch changes over from first set-up to second. Both set­ups have GPIs configured as follows:

GPI 1 = Load Profile 1, “Mode = Active High“;
GPI 2 = Load Profile 2, “Mode = Active Low“.

Switch open: Switch closed:

GPI_1
GPI_2
GND

Load Profile 1

GPI_1
GPI_2
GND

Load Profile 2

Example 3 – GPI application:
One signal/button recalls five different set-

ups one after another. The

set-ups have GPIs configured as follows:

Profile 1: GPI 1 = Load Profile 2, “Mode = Active Low“.
Profile 2: GPI 1 = Load Profile 3, “Mode = Active Low“.
Profile 3: GPI 1 = Load Profile 4, “Mode = Active Low“.
Profile 4: GPI 1 = Load Profile 5, “Mode = Active Low“.
Profile 5: GPI 1 = Load Profile 1, “Mode = Active Low“.

GPI_1
GND

Operating Manual TCU

Page 44

General functions more suitable for function keys (F) or GPI inputs (G), respectively

Dropdown
List

Text
Display

Description

No Operation No function
+ + Plus: Switch to next display mode

– – Minus: Switch to previous display mode

Beep Program BEEP PGM Start beeper programming (F)
Beep On/Off

BEEP
ON/OFF

Beeper on/off. Any change will not be stored non-volatile. After
power-on, the mode will be the same as selected at set-up.

GPI3 Program GPI3 PGM Programming GPI3 output: (F)

Press GPI3 PGM, enter a time value, store with GPI3 PGM.

GPI3 PGM and key RESET afterwards disables GPI3 output.

GPI4 Program GPI4 PGM Programming GPI4 output – same way as GPI3 PGM

Stop timer commands

Local timer and timer A – F commands

more suitable for function keys (F) or GPI inputs (G), respectively

Dropdown
List

Text Display Description

Start START START command
Stop STOP STOP command
Reset RESET RESET command
Hold HOLD HOLD command: Display freezes last value
Start / Stop START STOP Toggles START and STOP command

Reset+Start

RESET START

RESET + START with one command

Reset +
Continue

RESET CONT

RESET command if selected timer stays in stop mode.

RESET + START command if selected timer is running.

Up

UP

Stop timer function, up-counting (F)

Down DOWN Stop timer function, down-counting (F)
Down+Start DOWN START

Allows changing from UP to DOWN directly: Enter a preset
value, and then press DOWN START. (F)

Offset Plus OFFSET + Correct the time of a running timer: (F)

Enter a correction value, and then press OFFSET + to add this
value to the running time.

Offset Minus OFFSET – Correct the time of a running timer: (F)

Enter a correction value, and then press OFFSET – to subtract
this value from the running time.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 45

Timer A – F operating modes, relevant for source = MTD

more suitable for function keys

Dropdown
List

Text Display Description

Offset Time OFFSET TIME Local real-time + time offset
Offset TC OFFSET TC VTR LTC + time offset
Offset TC 0 OFFS TC 0 VTR LTC + time offset: reset offset to 0
Diff Time DIFF TIME Time difference: Preset time – local real-time
Diff TC DIFF TC Time difference: Preset time – VTR LTC
All ALL

Simultaneously controlling of all timers with “access rights” =

on
Time Table TIME TABLE Open/close the time table
Calc CALC Calculator to add/subtract time values
DUE DUE DOWN/UP/END combination
DUE Next DUE NEXT DOWN/UP/END combination + NEXT
Set Next SET NEXT Transfer next preset value
Next DUE NEXT DUE DOWN/UP/END combination + preset from SET NEXT
Automation AUTOMATION Automation control for the selected timer on/off
Automation

Enable

AUTOM ENABLE Automation control for all timers on/off

Change display mode, relevant for source M = MTD, N = NTP, L = LTC

Dropdown
List

Text
Display

Description Sourc

e

Local LOCAL Switch to local stop timer M N L
Time TIME Switch to local real-time M
Date DATE Switch to local date M
Timer A TIMER A Switch to timer A M
Timer B TIMER B Switch to timer B M
Timer C TIMER C Switch to timer C M
Timer D TIMER D Switch to timer D M
Timer E TIMER E Switch to timer E M
Timer F TIMER F Switch to timer F M
Main 1 MAIN 1 Switch to 1st main timer M
Main 2 MAIN 2 Switch to 2nd main timer M
Main 3 MAIN 3 Switch to 3rd main timer M
Time code TC

Switch to display mode “Time code”. Please also refer to
chapter “Time Code (TC)”.

M

NTP Time NTP TIME Switch to real-time = local time based on NTP reference N
NTP Date NTP DATE Switch to date = local date based on NTP reference N

Operating Manual TCU

Page 46

Change “main” timer, relevant for source = MTD

Dropdown List Text Display Description

Main 1 = Time MAIN 1 TIME 1st main timer = local real-time
Main 1 = Date MAIN 1 DATE 1st main timer = local date
Main 1 = Timer A MAIN 1 TIMR A 1st main timer = timer A
Main 1 = Timer B MAIN 1 TIMR B 1st main timer = timer B
Main 1 = Timer C MAIN 1 TIMR C 1st main timer = timer C
Main 1 = Timer D MAIN 1 TIMR D 1st main timer = timer D
Main 1 = Timer E MAIN 1 TIMR E 1st main timer = timer E

Main 1 = Timer F

MAIN 1 TIMR F

1st main timer = timer F

Main 2 = Time MAIN 2 TIME 2nd main timer = local real-time
Main 2 = Date MAIN 2 DATE 2nd main timer = local date
Main 2 = Timer A MAIN 2 TIMR A 2nd main timer = timer A
Main 2 = Timer B MAIN 2 TIMR B 2nd main timer = timer B
Main 2 = Timer C MAIN 2 TIMR C 2nd main timer = timer C
Main 2 = Timer D MAIN 2 TIMR D 2nd main timer = timer D
Main 2 = Timer E MAIN 2 TIMR E 2nd main timer = timer E
Main 2 = Timer F MAIN 2 TIMR F 2nd main timer = timer F

Main 3 = Time MAIN 3 TIME 3rd main timer = local real-time
Main 3 = Date MAIN 3 DATE 3rd main timer = local date
Main 3 = Timer A MAIN 3 TIMR A 3rd main timer = timer A
Main 3 = Timer B MAIN 3 TIMR B 3rd main timer = timer B
Main 3 = Timer C MAIN 3 TIMR C 3rd main timer = timer C
Main 3 = Timer D MAIN 3 TIMR D 3rd main timer = timer D
Main 3 = Timer E MAIN 3 TIMR E 3rd main timer = timer E
Main 3 = Timer F MAIN 3 TIMR F 3rd main timer = timer F

Change display formats, relevant for source = MTD

Dropdown
List

Text Display Description

Frames FRAMES Display format = MM:SS:FF
Nulls NULLS Change the ‘leading zeros’ display directly
Nulls Zero NULLS ZERO Change the ‘leading zeros at zero transition’ display directly
Down

Overflow

DOWN OVER

Change the down-counting mode directly: DOWN-STOP or
DOWN-OVERFLOW

Neg Flash NEG FLASH Change the ‘flashing of negative values’ display directly

Operating Manual TCU

Page 47

Firmware Update

Firmware updates require a (windows operating system) computer with a USB or Ethernet interface
and the UD SC Config.exe program. You can download the latest version of the program from:

http://www.plurabroadcast.com/downloads

.

The new firmware should already be stored as a .tcf file at your computer.

Please now execute the following steps:

1. Connect the device to the computer with a standard USB cable (A – B type). It is recom-

mended not to have more than one device connected to an USB port. Or connect the device
to the same Ethernet network as the computer

2. Execute UD SC Config.exe on your computer. The program gives a list of all devices found.

Click (not a double click) on the device in the list.

3. Select “Flash Update“ in the File menu.

4. Open the .tcf file. The program checks whether the new firmware matches the correct type of

the device. In case there is no match an error message appears: “Incompatible Flash Update
File”. Update starts automatically if everything is ok. Click the OK button at the end.

5. Update is finished now. We recommend checking the configuration of the device.

During the flash update the operation of the device stops!

Operating Manual TCU

Page 48

Technical Data

Connections at the Rear

TCU

USB

1

8 . . . . . 1

8 . . . . . 1

DATA
DC

ETHERNET

GPI

Pin assignments:

TCU

GPI
RJ45 jack

1 GND
2 GPI_1
3 GND
6 GPI_2
4 GND
5 GPI_3
7 GND
8 GPI_4

ETHERNET
RJ45 jack

1 Tx+ / V

PoE

+

2 Tx– / V

PoE

+

3 Rx+ / V

PoE

–

4 V

PoE

+

5 V

PoE

+

6 Rx– / V

PoE

–

7 V

PoE

–

8 V

PoE

–

DATA / DC
DSUB9 male

1 RS485 TRA–
2 RS485 TRB+
3 LTC_IN_A
4 LTC_IN_B
5 GND
6 V–
7 V–
8 V+
9 V+

TCU H1

1 2

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

GPI
T erm inal Block

ETHERNET
RJ45

USB
Type-B

LTC / MTD
T erm inal Block

DC
Terminal
Block

Pin assignments

TCU H1

GPI
Terminal Block

1 GND
2 GPI_4
3 GPI_3
4 GPI_2

5 GPI_1

ETHERNET
RJ45 jack

(see above)

LTC / MTD
Terminal Block

1 GND
2 LTC_IN_B
3 LTC_IN_A
4 RS485 TRB+

5 RS485 TRA–

DC
Terminal Block

1 V–
2 V+

Operating Manual TCU

Page 49

Signal descriptions

GND Signal ground.

GPI_1, GPI_2
GPI_3, GPI_4

Programmable General Purpose Interfaces: Inputs or Outputs.

LTC_IN_A, LTC_IN_B Balanced LTC (Linear Time Code) or IRIG input. The LTC OUT

signals at the XLR connector are just hard-wired to LTC input signals.

RS485 TRA–,
RS485 TRB+

Balanced in- or outputs of a RS485 serial interface.

This interface is preferably used for communication in the MTD
system.

V–, V+ Power supply input:

V– = GND
V+ = DC voltage input

USB Connect a standard USB cable: A – B type.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 50

Specifications

GPI_1, GPI_2

Input specification Input “Low“: -12.0 to +0.7

V

Input “High“: +2.0 to +24.0

V

Impedance: 4.7

kΩ

Frequency: 0–1

kHz

GPI_3, GPI_4

Output specification

Open Collector output of a NPN transistor.
Max. power dissipation: 200

mW.

“High“ state: open collector.

If necessary, a pull-up resistor may be connected

externally to a positive power source of ≤

24

VDC,

typically 1

kΩ @ +5

VDC.

“Low“ state: output switched to GND.
Max. collector current: 100

mA DC, fused by a 100 mA auto-recovery

fuse.

Collector-emitter saturation voltage:

@100

mA: typical 200 mV (≤ 600 mV),

@10

mA: typical 90 mV (≤ 250 mV).

Frequency: 0–1

kHz.

LTC input

Format According to ANSI/SMPTE 12M-1-2008, balanced
Input impedance

18

kΩ

Signal level 50 mV

p-p

to 5 V

p-p

, auto-ranging

Frequency 21–33 frames/s

RS485 at LTC / MTD connector

RS485(MTD) Format

9600/8/E/1

Ethernet

Medium 10Base-T or 100Base-T, automatic detection
Power Power over Ethernet, 802.3 af

Others

Operating voltage Supply via DC: V+ = 20–30

VDC

Supply via PoE: V+ = 36–57

VDC

Power consumption

TCU: 5.2

W maximum, 3.0 W typical.

TCU H1: Including 2

nd

display: 7.8 W maximum, 4.5 W typical.

Environmental character­istics, operating

Temperature: 5–40

°C

Relative humidity: 30–85

%, non-condensing

Environmental character­istics, non-operating

Temperature: -10

°C to +60 °C

Relative humidity: 5–95

%, non-condensing

Operating Manual TCU

Page 51

Mechanical

Desktop Housing

Material Aluminium, rear plate made of steel
Dimensions 112 (W) x 49 (H) x 161 (D) mm; 4.41 (W) x 1.93 (H) x 6.34 (D) inches
Weight <≈ 0.6 kg

Module in a 19“ 3 RU Housing

START

STOP

RESET

OFFSET
TIME

DOWN

DIFF
TIME

OFFSET TC

TIMER F

7 8 9

654

1 2 3

0+

_

3HE / 21TE
3RU / 21HP

Special Tabletop Mounting

106,4 mm

4.19"

128,6 mm

5.06"

91,4 mm

3.60"

122,4 mm

4.82"

Front Plate

7,0 mm

7,0 mm

2,5 mm

2,5 mm

Relieving
for the
Electronic Part

Front plate Aluminium, thickness 2.9

mm.

Four drilled holes Ø 2.2

mm, use countersunk head screws.

Operating Manual TCU

Page 52

19“ 1 RU Version: TCU H1

Front view:

Rear view:

DC

USB

ETHERNET

LTC / MTDGPI

Material Front plate: Aluminium, thickness 3.0

mm.

Electronic box: Sheet metal, thickness 0.6

mm.

Dimensions of the
front plate

19”, 1 RU

Dimensions of the

electronic box

448 (W) x 41 (H) x 25 (D) mm; 17.64 (W) x 1.61 (H) x 0.98 (D) inches

Weight <≈ 0.5 kg

Operating Manual TCU

Page 53

EPSD and EPSW: Power Adapters

Description and Technical Data

The “EPSD” AC/DC adapter is an accessory for TCU.

The “EPSW” AC/DC adapter is an accessory for TCU H1.

Both power adapters have a fully enclosed plastic case, a three pole AC inlet according to IEC/EN
60320-1/C14 protection class 1, and a DC output cable with a connector suitable to connect to
the DC input of the unit. The power supply cord must match the AC outlet of your country and is
not part of the delivery.

EPSD → TCU EPSW → TCU H1

Please notice the following specifications:

Input 100–240

VAC / 0.6 A / 47–63 Hz

Output

24 VDC, 850 mA, 20 W max.

Length of output cable 115 cm / 45.3 in
Dimension (W x H x D) 50 x 30 x 110 mm / 1.97 x 1.18 x 4.33 in

Weight

165 g (incl. output cable)

Environment Operating: temp. 0 °C to 40 °C, humidity 20–80 %

Storage: temp. –20

°C to +85 °C, humidity 10–95 %

Safety standards EN60950, UL listed

Operating Manual TCU

Page 54

Safety Precautions

The general safety information in this part is for both operating and service personnel. PLURA
products and accessories are only to be used as directed. Review the following safety instructions to
avoid injury and prevent damage to the product or any products connected to it.

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION

1.

Make sure that the power cord is not inserted when you plug the DC output

connector to the terminal block of your device.

2. Insert the power cord into the three pole AC inlet of the AC/DC adapter.

3. Plug the power cord into the wall outlet.

WARNING

Use a power supply cord that matches the power supply voltage of the AC power outlet.
The power supply cord you use must have been approved by and comply with the safety
standards of your country.

Never modify the power cord or excessively bend, twist, or pull it. Do not place any
heavy objects on the power cord or expose it to heat. Damage to the cord may cause

shock or fire.

Use only the AC adapter specified for the PLURA

product. Never use a voltage other

than that for which the AC adapter is rated.

Do not place any objects onto the AC adapter and do not use the AC adapter

outdoors. Keep the AC adapter away from heat sources.

Never touch the AC adapter while your hands are wet. To avoid injury or fire hazard, do
not operate in an explosive atmosphere.

Immediately unplug the power cord from the wall outlet or extension cord and refer

servicing to qualified servicing personnel, when th

e power cord or plug is damaged,

split or broken.

CAUTION

Do not expose the AC adapter to dripping or splashing water.

Make sure that the power cord is fully inserted into the wall outlet or extension cord.

Make sure that you unplug the AC adapter from

an outlet before attempting to move it

to another location.

Always carefully disconnect the plug by pulling on the plug and not on the cord.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, QUALIFIED SERVICE PERONNEL ONLY

Visually inspect the AC adapter for signs of damage. If you discover heat damage, try to

determine the cause of the overheating before replacing the AC adapter; otherwise, the

damage may repeat.

At least once a year, unplug the AC adapter from the power outlet and clean the area

around the prongs of the plug. Dust accumulated around the prongs -

especially under

high humidity conditions - can result in fire.