Sierra Video Tahoe 16 User Manual

SIERRA VIDEO SYSTEMS

Tahoe Series 16 Routing Switchers Models 1616V,
1616VA, 1616VAA, 1616A, 1616AA, 1616VAAA,
1616VAAAA, 1616AAA, 1616AAAA, 1632V, 1648V,
1632A, 1632AA, 1648A, 1648AA
Frames, 804040, 804056, 804058, 804062, 804064

User’s Manual

TAHOE SERIES 16 ROUTING SWITCHERS

User’s Manual

 Sierra Video Systems

P.O. Box 2462 Grass Valley, CA 95945

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Version 2.0

Publication Date: February 2012

The information contained in this manual is subject to change by Sierra Video System

© Sierra Video Systems

Table of
Contents

Introduction 1

Before You Begin 1
Warnings & Safety Regulations 2

Warnings 2
Cautions 2
Cautions (continued) 3
Power Supply Cords 3

North American Power Supply Cords 3

International Power Supply Cords 3
EMC Regulatory Notices 3
Delivery Damage Inspection 3

Tahoe Family Overview 4

Introduction 4
Model Suffix Designations 5
Tahoe Series System Components 5
Tahoe Series System Components Cont. 6

Frame 804040 7
Frame 804056 7
Frame 804058 8
Frame 804062 8
Frame 804064 8

Factors Affecting Quality of Results 9

Installation 11

Introduction 11
Rack Mounting 11
Dimensions 11
Connecting To Video Devices 12
Connecting To Audio Devices 12

Balanced/Unbalanced Audio Connections 13
Audio Adjustments 13

Audio Follow Video and Breakaway Audio

Configurations 13
J1 Connector 13
Fuse sizes 13

Connecting Peripherals 14

Sync Input 15
AC Power Connections 15
Control Processor Dip Switch Settings 15

Names 17
Salvos 17

Operation 19

Control System Overview 19

Serial Control Ports 19

Control Panels (RS-485) 20

Power Up 20

Communication Protocol 21

Introduction 21
Generic Protocol 21

Leader and Trailer 23
Basic “G” Command: 35

Troubleshooting 39

Introduction 39
Power and Indicators 39
Video Signal 40
Audio Signal 41
Control 41
Switching Malfunctions 42

Theory of Operation 43

Introduction 43

Serial Control Module 504001 43
Video Crosspoint Module 504044 46
Audio Crosspoint Module 504045 47
Schematics 49

504001 49
504044 56
504045 64

Specifications 67

Audio Specifications 67
Video Specifications 68

Software Upgrades 69

Introduction 69
Operation 69

Warranty 71

Limited Warranty Error! Bookmark not

defined.

Contents 1

Sierra Video Systems

Sierra Video Systems

Introduction

Before You Begin

There are several terms and acronyms that you should become familiar with before
reading this manual. They are shown below.

Term/Acronym Definition

Crosspoint The electronic switch that assigns one of the inputs

on the matrix crosspoint modules to an output.

Chapter

1

Destination The output of a routing switcher connected to a

device that receives signals from the output of the
switcher.

Input Connected to the source that provides the signal to

the switcher.

Matrix The crosspoint array of the switcher module that

selects which input is selected to an output.

Output Connects the signal to the destination device.

Protocol The command structure used on a serial bus to

affect a switch or multiple switches on the routing
switcher.

Routing Switcher Consists of one or more crosspoint modules that

switch together, or sometimes independently, to
connect the desired signals through the switcher.

Source The signal that is connected to the input of the

routing switcher.

Serial Port The 9-pin RS232 connector that allow you to

control the switcher using a standard personal
computer or other external device. Sends control
protocol commands in ASCII.

1

Sierra Video Systems

Warnings & Safety Regulations

The information in the following section provides important warnings and safety
guidelines for both the operator and service personnel. Specific warnings and cautions
may be found throughout this manual. Please read and follow the important safety
precautions noting especially those instructions relating to risk of fire, electrical shock and
injury to persons.

Any instructions in this manual that require opening the equipment cover or enclosure are
intended for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, do not perform any servicing other than what is contained in the operating
instructions unless you are qualified.

Warnings

 Heed all warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions.
 Disconnect AC power before installing any options.
 Do not use this product in or near water.
 This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power

cord. To avoid electrical shock, plug the power cord into a properly wired
receptacle before connecting inputs and outputs.

Cautions

 Route power cords and other cables so that they are not likely to be

damaged, or create a hazard.

 Dangerous voltages exist at several points in this product. To avoid personal

injury, do not touch unsafe connections and com ponents when the power is
on.

 To avoid fire hazard, use only the specified type, correct voltage, and

current rating of fuse. Always refer fuse replacement to qualified service
personnel.

 Have qualified personnel perform safety checks after any completed service
 This is an FCC class A product. In a domestic environment, this product

may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take
necessary measures.

 Use the proper AC voltage to supply power to the switcher. When installing

equipment, do not attach the power cord to building surfaces.

 To prevent damage to equipment when replacing fuses, locate and correct

trouble that caused the fuse to blow before applying power.

 Use only the recommended interconnect cables to connect the switcher to

other frames.

 Follow static precautions at all times when handling the equipment.

2

Cautions (continued)

 Leave the side, top, and bottom of the frame clear for air convection cooling

and to allow room for cabling. Slot and openings in the frame are provided
for ventilation and should not be blocked.

 Only an authorized Sierra Video Systems technician should service the

switchers. Any user who makes changes or modifications to the unit
without the expressed approval of the Sierra Video Systems will void the
warranty.

Pow er Supply Cords

North American Power Supply Cords

This equipment is supplied with North American power cords with molded grounded plug
(NEMA-15P) at one end and molded grounding connector (IEC 320-C13) at the other
end. Conductors are CEE color coded, light blue (neutral), brown (line), and green/yellow
(ground). Operation of the equipment at voltages exceeding 130VAC will require power
supply cords that comply with NEMA configurations.

International Power Supply Cords

Tahoe Series 16

If shipped outside North America, this equipment is supplied with molded ground
connector (IEC 320-C13) at one end and stripped connectors (50/5mm) at the other end.
Connections are CEE color coded, light blue (neutral), brown (line), and green/yellow
(ground). Other IEC 320-C13 type power cords can be used if they comply with safety
regulations of the country in which they are installed.

EMC Regulatory Notices

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 15 Information: This device complies
with Part 15 of the FCC standard rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference

This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesirable operations.

Delivery Damage Inspection

Carefully inspect the frame and exterior components to be sure that there has been no
shipping damage. Make sure all modules are seated correctly and have not detached
during shipment. Also, make sure the input buffer modules on the rear panel are secure.

3

Sierra Video Systems

Tahoe Family Overview

Introduction

The Tahoe Family is Sierra Video Systems’ most extensive line of analog routing
switchers, setting the standard in mid-sized switchers for more than a decade. Tahoe
frames can be populated with limited modules, providing flexibility for future expansion.

Tahoe routing switchers can contain video and audio in one frame or video in one frame
and audio in a separate frame with the frames connected together by a J1 connecting
cable. Tahoe routing switchers can be video or audio only. Multiple frames can be
connected together (up to 8 levels) under the same Tahoe control system. For multiple
frames, only one Tahoe serial control module is required.

An RS-232/422 serial interface control and a RS-485 control panel network that can
accept up to 64 panels on a simple twisted pair gives the Tahoe extensive control
options. With battery backed-up RAM protection of all personality and crosspoint
information, 256 salvo registers capable of holding 800 or more crosspoints, the Tahoe
family can endure the most demanding of applications.

4

Model Suffix Designations

Model Suffix Designations

V Analog video (50MHz bandwidth)

1616 Matrix size 16x16

A, AA… Number of analog audio channels-1 channel per “A”

R Redundant Power Supplies

T ahoe Series System Components

This User's Manual provides installation and operation information for the Tahoe Series
16x Routing Switchers. Front and Rear panel illustrations are provided in the following
subsections for each switcher model. Take time to familiarize yourself with the location of
your switcher model features.

Tahoe Series 16

Component

Frame

Accessory Kit  User’s Manual

 804040 Frame
 1616V, 1616VA,

1616VAA, 1616A,
1616AA

 Video and /or Audio

contained in one frame

 Power Supply(ies)
 Video Module 504044
 Audio Module(s)

504045

 Processor Module

504001

 Fuses
 Power Cord
 Software Disk

Tahoe Family Series 16x Switchers

 804056 Frame
 1616VAAA,

1616VAAAA, 1616AAA,
1616AAAA

 Video and / or Audio

contained in one frame

 Power Supply(ies)
 Video Module 504044
 Audio Module(s)

504045

 Processor Module

504001

 User’s Manual
 Fuses
 Power Cord
 Software Disk

 804058 Frame
 1616A, 1616AA, 1616AAA,

1616AAAA

 Audio contained in one

frame

 Power Supply(ies)
 Audio Module 504045
 Processor Module 504001

 User’s Manual
 Fuses
 Power Cord
 Software Disk

5

Sierra Video Systems

T ahoe Series System Components Cont.

Component

Frame

Accessory Kit  User’s Manual

 804062 Frame
 1616V, 1632V, 1648V

 Video contained in one

frame

 Power Supply(ies)
 Video Module 504044
 Processor Module 504001

 Fuses
 Power Cord
 Software Disk

Tahoe Family Series 16x Switchers Cont.

 804064 Frame
 1632A, 1632AA, 1648A,

1648AA

 Audio contained in one frame

 Power Supply(ies)
 Audio Module(s) 504045
 Processor Module 504001

 User’s Manual
 Fuses
 Power Cord
 Software Disk

6

Frame 804040

Frame 804056

Tahoe Series 16

Note

The Tahoe models shown here and in the

subsequent sections are fully populated video

and / or audio matrices. In some cases, these

frames may be configured with fewer video

channels and perhaps no audio. i.e. Tahoe

models also offer redundant power supplies.

Consult the rear panel serial number and model

number to verify your order and product.

The system you receive is customized for the size

& type requested at time of purchase from Sierra

Video Systems.

7

Sierra Video Systems

Frame 804058

Frame 804062

Frame 804064

8

Tahoe Series 16

Factors Affecting Quality of Results

There are many factors affecting the quality of results when signals are transmitted from
a source to a destination.

 Signal cables — Use only the best quality cables to avoid interference

and degraded signal quality and elevated noise levels.

 Sockets and connectors of the sources and destinations — Use only the

highest quality, since "zero ohm" connection resistance is the target.
Connectors should also match the required impedance (75 ohm in
video) to minimize return loss.

 Amplifying circuitry — Must have quality performance when the

desired end result is high linearity, low distortion, and low noise.

 Distance between sources and destinations — Plays a major role in the

final result. For long distances (over 15 meters) between sources and
destinations, special measures should be taken to avoid high frequency
cable losses. These measures include using higher quality cables and/or
adding line cable equalizing amplifiers.

 Interference from neighboring electrical appliances — These can have

an adverse affect on signal quality. Balanced audio lines are less prone
to interference, but unbalanced audio should be installed away from
any main power lines, electric motors, transmitters, etc. even when the
cables are shielded.

CAUTION!

Only an authorized Sierra Video Systems technician can service the switchers.
Any user who makes changes or modifications to the unit without the expressed
approval of the manufacturer will void the warranty

Use the proper AC voltage to supply power to the switcher.
Use only the recommended interconnect cables to connect the switcher to other

frames.

9

Sierra Video Systems

Installation

Introduction

Installation procedures are similar for all four frames covered under this manual.
Exceptions, if any, have been noted in each of the following paragraphs.

Rack Mounting

Carefully inspect the frame to ensure that there has been no shipping damage. Make
sure all shipping material is removed from the router frame.

Chapter

2

Each of the routing switchers described in this manual can be rack mounted in a standard
19" (RU) EIA rack assembly and includes rack "ears" at the ends of the front of the
frames. None of the switcher models require spacing above or below the unit for
ventilation. If ample space exists, a 1RU spacing gap is recommended.

To rack mount any of the routing switchers, simply place the unit's rack ears against the
rack rails of the rack, and insert proper rack screws through each of the holes in the rack
ears. Always rack mount the routing switcher prior to plugging the unit into a power
receptacle or attaching any cables.

Dimensions

Frame Height Depth Width
804040
804056
804058

3 RU (5.25”) 16 ½” 19”

4 RU (7”) 16 ½” 19”

3 RU (5.25”) 16 ½” 19”

11

Sierra Video Systems

Connecting To Video Devices

Video sources and output devices (such as monitors, or recorders) may be connected to
the routing switchers through the BNC type connectors located on the back of the unit.
Keep in mind that the output signal format will be that of the input signal format.

All signal connections that use more than one cable interconnecting between devices
should be of equal timing length (example: cables between a camera and the switcher
should have the same time delay).

Unused outputs do not need to be terminated.

Connecting To Audio Devices

Audio sources and output devices (such as amplifiers or recorders) are connected to the
switchers through 25 pin D connectors located at, and marked, on the rear of the
switcher.

12

*Repeat the pattern for inputs and outputs 17-32 and 33-48.

Balanced/Unbalanced Audio Connections

All audio sources from the routing switcher are balanced audio. Connect the balanced
audio to the balanced input of your destination device(s).

If this is a 2-channel system used for stereo audio, ensure that you keep the same phase
relationship. Connect the positive designated pin to the same relative pin on the
destination device of both channels.

To connect an unbalanced device to the switcher, first place a jumper between the
negative (-) and the ground on the switcher (jumper not included.) Then connect the
device positive (+) to positive (+) and shield to ground as shown in the graphic below.

For unbalanced sources, connect the unbalanced source to one side of the balanced
input and ground. The other input does not have to be grounded. Note, always use the
same side of the balanced input for stereo.

Tahoe Series 16

Audio Adjustments

There are no “user adjustable” audio gains. The circuit is designed for unity gain.

Audio Follo w Video and Breakaway Audio Configurations

Video and Audio signals are switched by separate crosspoint modules. Audio can be
switched following the video or separately after the breakaway. Audio channels can be
configured to “breakaway” from each other (left and right, ect.).

J1 Connector

The connector labeled J1 on the back panel is used to connect other routing devices to
the router, such as an Audio frame or RS-422 machine control switcher.

Contact the factory for correct configuration before adding other devices that were not
part of your original configuration.

Fuse sizes

Frame Fuse Size

804040 1 A Slo Blo
804056 1.25 A Slo Blo
804058 1 A Slo Blo
804062 2 A Slo Blo
804064 1.25 A Slo Blo

13

Sierra Video Systems

Connecting Peripherals

Control panels, sync inputs, and power are all connected to the rear of the frame. The
peripherals area may vary depending on the model size and type.

Tahoe series routing switchers offer redundant power supplies but must be specified prior
to order.

RS-232/422

Serial Control

Note:

Rear Panels vary according to model. See back panel for precise detail.

SYNC RS-485 Control Panels

J1 Frame
Interconnect

14

Sync Input

There are two BNC connectors labeled "SYNC". This is a "looping" input for sync
referencing. Connect either composite sync or video with sync to either BNC. If desired,
use the second BNC to loop the signal to another device. If the loop is not used,
terminate the second BNC with 75 ohms. If no sync is available, the routing switcher will
switch at a random point rather than during the vertical interval of the reference signal.

AC Po wer Connections

Tahoe series routing switchers offer redundant power supplies but must be specified prior
to order. Voltage selection must be specified prior to order.

Turn on power to the frame ONLY AFTER all video and control connections have been
completed as described below.

Control Processor Dip Switch Settings

In a multi-frame system, only one processor is needed to control the entire router.

The processor module, in a Tahoe series frame, is located in the bottom PC board slot as
shown;

Tahoe Series 16

Processor Module

Your switcher has been configured at the factory for the settings you are most likely to
need. However, if you want to configure the switcher differently, you can do so by setting
the switches located on the processor board (behind the front panel). Dip Switches and
their action are given in the table that follows. Dip Switches are shown in their factory
default settings.

15

Sierra Video Systems

Note:

Changing any Dip Switch causes an automatic reset after a few seconds.

16

Names

Source, Destination, and level names can be applied using two methods. Names can be
applied using the GRIP program (See the GRIP manual for details on naming), or names
can be applied using the serial port (See the Generic Protocol section of this manual).

Salvos

A Salvo is a group of Sources and Destinations that are stored in the routing switcher and
switched by a single “Salvo Take” command. GRIP Routing Software allows up to 40
Salvos to be named and stored in the routing switcher. The salvo name will be displayed
in the Salvo register. Salvos are made and stored in the router using the Sierra Video
Systems Software program GRIP. See the GRIP manual for details on creating and
storing salvos.

Tahoe Series 16

17