Telecast Python II Instruction Manual

Python II™

Multichannel SDI/HD-SDI
Video Transport System

Instruction Manual

Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.

102 Grove Street

Worcester, MA 016 05

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

6/07 www.telecast-fiber.com

Python II Transceiver, front and rear views

Software version Number:

2

Table of Contents

Laser Safety 4
Introduction 5
Setup 6

Rack Ears 6
Line Power 6

Optical Connections 7
Front Panel Connection/Indicators 7
Tranmitters 8
Receivers 8
Fiber Optic Cable Runs 10

Making the Fiber Connection 10

Optical Transmitter Losses 10
Powering Up 11
Operation 11
System Examples 13
Maintenance 14
Repair 14
Accessory List 14
Troubleshooting 14
Specifications 15
Warranty 16

List of Fi gur e s

Figure 1. Rear Panel Connections 7
Figure 2. Front panel, 8 channel TX CWDM 7
Figure 3. Front panel, 8 channel RX CWDM 7
Figure 4. Toggling through the channels 8
Figure 5. n/a = no link indication 9
Figure 6. Good link but no SDI Data 9
Figure 7. Good link AND good SDI Data 9
Figure 8. Python II with Band-Splitter Option 12
Figure 9. Example of Python II flexibility 13

List of Tables

Table 1. Python II Varieties 5
Table 2. DC Power XLR Pin-out 6
Table 3. Optical Loss Margin 10
Table 4. Troubleshooting Chart 14

3

Laser Safety
WARNING!

Class 1 laser. Do not look into a fiber port or connector.

Laser Radiation

This TX unit contains CDRH Class 1 laser devices. Always avoid looking directly
at, or staring into, the laser light located on an optical connector or on the end of
a fiber.

Infrared radiation is produced at the fiber connection port on the rear of the TX
unit and at the end of any un-terminated optical fibers that are attached to this
port. Avoid any direct exposure to the light that comes from these sources.

Do not power up the unit when no fiber is attached to the fiber port.
There are no user adjustments inside the Python II. Do not attempt any type of

service to this instrument other than any as instructed this manual. Refer all
servicing to Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.

FCC Part A Manual Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency (RF) energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with this instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.

4

Introduction

The Telecast Python II™ components can be transmitters, receivers or
transceivers. SDI/HD-SDI signal counts can be eight or sixteen channels
(or 8x 8) and fiber counts can vary dependent upon the use of integrated
CWDMs. Other cross-compatible devices include the Telecast Rattler™, Viper II
5292 & 6292, Viper II 5259, Viper II 5270 and Viper I 292 and 259.

Python II supports a wide range of SDI Video formats including:

• 19.4 Mbps ATSC

• 143 Mbps NTSC Composite

• 177 Mbps PAL Composite

• 270 Mbps Serial Component

• DVB-ASI

• 360 Mbps Serial Component and Compressed HDTV

• 540 Mbps Proprietary

• 1.5 Gbps Uncompressed HDTV
all with no pathological data errors.
In addition, the Python II supports the 75 Mb/sec and 125 Mb/sec digital outputs

of our Adder II line of audio multiplexers.
Coax is equalized on both the inputs and outputs at 1.5 Gbps and the outputted

data stream is not re-clocked.
Python II’s are housed in a standard 19-inch electronics rack and are 1 RU high.
This manual covers the following part numbers:
Standard Type CWDM Type

P2-TX8-SL-ST 8 TX / 8 Fibers P2-TX8-13CW-ST 8 TX / 1 Fiber
P2-RX8-L-ST 8 RX / 8 Fibers P2-RX8-13CW-ST 8 RX / 1 Fiber
P2-TX16-SL-ST 16 TX / 16 Fibers P2-TX16-13CW-ST 16 TX / 2 Fibers
P2-RX16-L-ST 16 RX /16 Fibers P2-RX16-13CW-ST 16 RX / 2 Fibers
P2-TR-8X8-SL-ST 8 each / 16 Fibers P2-TR-8X8-SL-ST 8 each / 2 Fibers
P2-16TX-35CW-ST 16 TX / 1 Fiber
P2-16RX-35CW-ST 16 RX / 1 Fiber

Table 1: Python II Varieties

5

Setup

The Python II system consists of:

• One Python II TX Transmitter

• One Python II RX Receiver
or

• Two Python II 8x8 Transceivers

• External power supplies (AC/DC adapters)

• Rack mount adapter kits (ears)

After unpacking, inspect the units for mechanical damage, and all electrical
connectors for bent or damaged pins and latches. Report any damage to the
carrier and to Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.

Leave the protective caps on the optical connectors until it is time to attach the
fiber to the units. Replace the caps whenever the fiber is disconnected.

Rack Mounting

Units feature integrated rack ears that are a part of the frame.
Place each unit in its intended location before attaching any cables or fibers to

prevent accidental damage to the cables or their connectors.

Line Power

Any power supply used with the Python II must provide a minimum of 1.5 amps,
continuous, at 12 to 24 VDC. Two 4-pin DC power inputs are provided for
redundancy.

There is no internal backup battery of any sort in the Python II.
Power input is through a 4-pin XLR connector located on the left side of the rear

panel; see Table 2 for pin-out and Figure 2 for location. Be sure that AC outlets
are within reach of their 6-foot power cords.

PIN SIGNAL

1 Ground
2 No Connection
3 No Connection
4 +12 to +24 VDC

Table 2: Power XLR Pin-out

6

Figure 1: Rear Panel Connections for non-CWDM and CWDM Versions

Optical Connectors

All optical connectors are on the rear panel, which is nearly identical for the TX,
TR and RX units; see Figure 2.

The rear panel has 1,2, 8 or 16 ST type connectors, dependent upon version.

Front Panel Connections/Indicators

The front panels of the RX and TX are shown on the next page in Figure 3. The
front panel will have 8 or 16 BNC connectors.

Figure 2: Front Panel, 8 Channel CWDM TX

Figure 3: Front Panel, 8 Channel CWDM RX

7

TX Front Panel Indicators

Power The POWER LED illuminates RED when 12-18 VDC mains power

is applied at either of the rear 4-pin inputs. The LED changes to

GREEN when the unit is turned on.

Each BNC input has a single LED that indicates the following:
Signal RED No Data present

GREEN SDI Data present

RX Front Panel Indicators

Power The POWER LED illuminates RED when 12-18 VDC mains power

is applied at either of the rear 4-pin inputs. The LED changes to

GREEN when the unit is turned on.

Each BNC output has a single LED that indicates the following:
Signal RED No Optical link

RED/GREEN Flashing indicates good optical link

GREEN SDI Data present

In addition, the RX features a 4-segment LED display and a toggle switch that
allows you to see the software revision number on the unit, the received optical
power of EACH input and the internal ambient temperature of the frame.

By moving the toggle switch to the right, you may select any received channel.

Figure 4: using the toggle to change channels to be monitored

8

As you scroll through the channels, you will see one of four conditions:

1. If there is no fiber link for a given channel, n/a will be displayed

Figure 5 : n/a indicates no optical link

2. If there is an optical link but no SDI data present, the optical power reading will
change between a high and low value, such as -7 and -30. This is because,
when there is no data present at the TX, the laser turns on and off until SDI is
present. This is also why the individual RX channel LED blinks RED/GREEN.

Figure 6 : Variable optical power levels = NO SDI present

3. When the optical link is good AND a valid SDI data stream is present, an
optical power level will be indicated. Depending on the loss in the fiber run, this
number could range from approximately -5 to -22.

Figure 7 : A steady numerical value IS the received

optical power for that channel.

9

4. After the last channel is displayed, the ambient temperature inside the frame
will be indicated in degrees Celsius.

Fiber Optic Cable Runs

The optical output from each TX is generated by an infrared laser diode that is
coupled to the fiber. User connections are made at the bulkhead ST type
connectors on the rear panel; refer to Figure 2 on page 7. Operation is intended
for use on single mode fiber, however, transport over limited distances is
possible on multimode fiber. Since higher bit rates result in shorter link
capabilities, HD transport on multimode will be severely limited and is not
recommended.

The inputs at the RX uses an InGaAs pin diode and amplifier to convert the
optical signal back into an electrical signal.

Making the Fiber Connections

Inspect the fiber ends and clean them with with Kim-Wipes that have been wet
with pure isopropyl alcohol. Fingerprints or other dirt on the optical connector end
surfaces will reduce the received optical signal level.

Connect the fibers to their matching ports on both the TX and RX units.

Optical Tr ansm it ter Lo ss es

The maximum fiber distance is defined by the optical loss margin. The RX signal
must be - 22 dBm or better (@ HD rates). Losses on single mode fiber are
approximately 0.5 dB/km or less. Refer to Table 3 for the expected TX output
requirement and the consequent RX input power.

@270Mbps @1.5 Gbps
TX Optical Output (std.) - 6 dBm - 6 dBm
RX Optical Input - 30 dBm -22 dBm
Optical Loss Margin 24 dBm 18 dBm

Table 3: Optical Power and Link Margins.

Note that 0 dBm output lasers are available for increased optical margins.
Use an optical power meter for testing the optical power and its transmission

over the fiber. Instructions for this test are supplied with the meter.

10

Powering Up

Power is applied to the units via the front panel on/off switch. The POWER LED
illuminates RED when 12-18VDC is present at either of the rear 4-pin power
inputs. This LED turns GREEN when the switch is moved to the ON position.

Standar d Mo del O peration

For the standard (non-CWDM) Python II’s, each SDI channel BNC on the front
panel corresponds with an ST on the back panel. No electrical or optical
multiplexing is taking place and patching the fiber is simply a matter of matching
the fiber output on the transmitter to the proper fiber input on the receiver.

CWDM Model Opera ti on

In CWDM equipped Python II’s, an internal course wavelength division
multiplexer combines multiple SDI channels optically onto a single fiber.

For example, in a P2-8TX-13CW-ST, 8 channels are optically muxed to a single
ST connector. All 8 signals are then sent to the receiver over one fiber where
they are de-muxed and presented on the front panel BNCs. On a 16-channel
unit, two ST connectors would be present on the rear panel.

There are no adjustments or patches for the user. All of the optical muxing is
accomplished inside the frame.

In the 16-channel unit with the band-splitter option, all 16 signals are carried on
one fiber. The first 8 channels are in the 1300nm optical window and the second
8 channels are in the 1550nm optical window. The band coupler combines the
aggregate output of each CWDM and couples that onto a single fiber. See Figure
8 on page 12.

11

Figure 8: Python II with Band-Splitter Option for 16 Signals on a Single Fiber

12

System Examples

The Python II platform can be used for point-to-point links or for multi-point
distribution. With Optical splitting (optional), a single TX unit can send to multiple
RX units.

When combined with other Telecast modules like the Rattler, Viper II 5292, 5259
and 5270, and Viper I 292 and 259 many different signal topologies are possible.

Figure 9: Example of Python II flexibility

13

System Maintenance

Repair

For assistance with your Python II system, contact Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.
at 508-754-4858. To return a unit for repair, you must obtain a return material
authorization (RMA) number from Telecast service.

Accessory List

The following accessories are available from Telecast:

• Optical power meter kit with wavelength filter

• Cable repair kit

• Loop-back cable to localize signals during installation test

• Prefabricated cables built to custom lengths

• Optical Splitters

Troubleshooting

Symptoms Possible Cause Corrective Action

No operation, all
indicators are off.
TX LED RED Bad SDI signal Confirm presence of SDI signal at the

TX LED GREEN
RX LED RED

TX LED GREEN
RX LED flashing
RED/GREEN
LEDs correct
Bad video

Check DC power
inputs

Bad fiber link or fiber
mis-patched

Fiber link is good RX unit malfunction. Contact Telecast

Too much fiber loss
Optical Link is
marginal

Table 4: Troubleshooting guide

Verify that the external power supply
is delivering12-24 VDC.

end of the coax or reduce coax cable
length at input
Reconfirm fiber link and ensure that
fibers are patched properly on multi
fiber units

For RMA number.

• Clean connectors

• Minimize connection points

• Search for tight bends in fiber run

14

Operating Characteristics

Optical

Wavelength: 1300 nm or 1550 nm Optical Window

CWDM wavelengths (optional
Fiber: Single mode or Multi mode
Optical Data Rate: Up to 1.5 Gb/sec
Optical Source Laser diode (-7 dBM) or DFB (0 dBm) CWDM
Optical Detector PIN
Link margin: 22 db for HD rates, 30 db for 270 rates
Distance
@1310nm 30 km max
@1550nm DFB 40 km max

Video and Data

Any Serial digital signal up to 1.5 Gb/sec at any of the up to 16 signal channels.
Transmission Method Digital
Input Level 800 mV (peak to peak)
Interface Up to SMPTE 292M
Input/Output Impedance 75 Ohm
Return Loss 15 db
Coaxial Input Equalization
Max Rate 1.5 Gbps
EQ @ 1.5 Gpbs 300 meters of Belden 8281
HD Bit Error Rate
@ -22dBm RX optical power 10
Jitter (on path. error test) < 0.2 UI

Power Requirements
Voltage: 12 to 24 VDC
Current: < 1.5 Amp
Power: < 15 watts

Mechanical/Environmental
Dimensions (L x W x H) 16.7” x 10.5” x 1.75”
Weight, each unit 5 lbs
Connectors
Electrical BNC
Optical ST
Indicators Power On, SDI data present
Temperature Range - 20C to + 55C case temperature
Humidity Range 0 to 95%, non-condensing

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15

WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT

Telecast Fiber System s, Inc. (“Telecast”) expressly warrants to Buyer that the Products suppl ied
shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months following the date
the Products are delivered to Buyer (the “Warranty Period”). Telecast's liability under thi s limited
warranty shall be limit ed, at its option, to providing refund of purchase pri ce for Pr oducts, or
replacing or repairi ng Products shown to be defective either in material s or workmanshi p. Buyer's
sole and exclusive r emedy for breach of w arranty shall be such refund, replacement or repair.
A claim of defect in material s or w orkmanship in any Product shall be allowed only when it is
submitted in writing to Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc. wit hin seven days aft er discovery of the defect,
and in any event within the Warrant y Period. No claim shall be allowed in respect of any Product
which has been altered, neglected, damaged or stored in any manner which adversely aff ects it. In
order to obtain service under the terms of this warranty, Distribut or’s customer or Distributor must
notify Telecast of the defect prior to the expiration of t he applicabl e warranty period and obtain a
Return Authorizati on Number from Telecast. In no event may products be returned to Telecast or to
Distributor for warranty service without having obtai ned from Telecast a Return Authorization
Number.

This limited warrant y appli es only to new and unused Products delivered to Buyers located withi n
the United States of America, or to i nternational Buyers if sold through an authorized Distributor
organizati on, and shal l not extend to any equipment not manufactured by Telecast Fiber Systems,
Inc., even though such equipm ent may be sold or operated with the Products. In additi on, this
limited warr anty shall be void and of no further force or effect whatsoever if t he Product is repaired
or modified by any person other than an authorized representative of Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.
without the consent of Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc. This warranty shall not apply to any defect,
failure or damage caused by impr oper use or i nadequate maintenance and care. Nor shall this
warranty apply to any damage caused in whole or i n part by attem pts by personnel other than
Telecast’s per sonnel, as approved in advance in accordance with the for egoing provisions, to open,
install, repai r, or service the Product; nor to damage resulti ng from improper connection with
incompatible equipment; nor to damage to a unit which has been modified by personnel other than
Telecast personnel .

Products retur ned to Tel ecast for warranty service shall be shipped, freight prepaid to Telecast.
Telecast will return the repaired product or ship a replacement , freight prepaid, to either Dist ributor
or Distributor’s customer, as requested by Distributor’s customer, at a location wit hin the United
States or, at Telecast’ s option, to Distributor’ s location in the case of international sales.
This limited warranty shall also apply to Products that replace defective Products and Product s that
have been repaired by author ized representatives of Telecast Fi ber Systems, Inc., but only for the
original Warr anty Period. The Warranty Period shall not be extended by reason of defect, or any
period of time during which the Pr oduct i s not avail able to Buyer because of defects or repair s,
without the express written consent of Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AGAINST DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND
WORKMANSHIP CONTAINED HEREIN, TELECAST FIBER SYSTEMS, INC. MAKES NO WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND OTHER WARRANTIES OF WHATEVER KIND ARE
HEREBY DISCLAIMED BY TELECAST FIBER SYSTEMS, INC. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SETS FORTH
EXCLUSIVELY ALL OF TELECAST FIBER SYSTEMS, INC.'S LIABILITY IN CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE
IN THE EVENT OF A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
WITHOUT LIMITATION ON THE FOREGOING, TELECAST FIBER SYSTEMS, INC. EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY DAMAGES INCURRED DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OR USE OF, OR OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH,
THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS AND SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE,
REGARDLESS WHETHER TELECAST HAS BEEN GIVEN ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY
THEREOF.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TELECAST IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED.

16