VarTech Systems VT121XA4, VT121XB4 User Manual

Solutions for Demanding Applications

All Weather Series

VT121XA4 · VT121XB4

LCD Monitors

User’s Guide

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Read these instructions completely before attempting to operate your new LCD Color Display.

Table Of Contents

Section 1 Introduction

1.0 Overview 3 4.1 Touch Screen Introduction 14

1.1 VT121 General Features 3 4.2 Touch Screen Installation 14

1.2 Product Safety Precauti ons 3

Section 2 Displa y Setup Section 5 Troubleshooting

2.1 Inspection 4 5.1 General 15

2.2 Unpacking 4

2.3 Included Parts 4 Section 6 Maintenance

2.4 Installation Guidelines 4-5 6.1 Cleaning 16

2.5 Video Input Connections 6

Section 3 Getting Started

3.1 Adjusting the display 7 Mechanical Drawings 19-20

3.2 OSD Adjustments 8-13

Page

Section 4 Touchscreen

Specifications 17-18

Page

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INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1

1.1 Overview

VarTech All-Weather series includes waterproof, totally sealed, IP67 NEMA 6 LCD displays. These high resolution,
sunlight readable LCD displays provide exceptional clarity, viewing angles, extensive operational temperatures
(-40°C to +70°C), IP67 (NEMA 6) protection, and offer durable, 5-Wire, resistive touch screens.

1.2 VT121 General Features

o IP67 Fully Enclosed LCD
o Rugged Machined 6061 T6 Aluminum Enclosure
o Solid State LED Backlightin g
o Optical Bonding (VBOND) front overlay (AR)
o Optional Resistive Touch Screens, standard and Armor
o VESA, Flush, RAM, and Panel Mounting Options
o Full Range Manual Dimming
o Push Button OSD (On-Screen Display)

1.3 Product Safety Precautions

• Ensure that sufficient space is available around the display to provide the circulation necessary for cooling.

• Ensure that the ambient air temperature will not exceed the specified maximum temperature.

• Do not attempt to service this display yourself. The rear chassis has a seal so that non qualified personnel

will not expose themselves to dangerous voltages or other risks.

• To protect from electrical shock, unplug the display power supply from the wall before moving.

• Do not place any heavy objects on the power cords. Damage may cause electrical shock.

• Unplug the power supply from the wall or unit if one of the following conditions exists:

Power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
The display does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.
The display has been dropped or the enclosure has been damaged.
The display exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.

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DISPLAY SETUP

SECTION 2

2.1 Inspection of your VT121 All Weather Display

The Vartech VT121 All Weather display is supplied with different accessories depending on the model
configuration purchase d. Verify that the display and accessories are what were ordered. Cont act your Vartech
salesperson should there be any discrepancies.

2.2 Unpacking and setting up your VT121 All Weather Display

Before unpacking the product, inspect the shipping carton for damage. If damage is visible, immediately contact
VarTech and request assistance. Oth erwise, proceed with unpacking. Keep the original packing material in case
you need to return the product for repair or transport it to another location. Use both the inner and outer packing
cartons to provide adequate protection for a unit returned for service.

Your display monitor package will consist of all or some of the components listed below. Open shipping
container and place all the components on a flat clean surface.

2.3 What is included with your VT121 All Weather Display

Installation instructions and cutout template
Panel Mount Screws
Four VESA or RAM mounting screws
Power cable and AC adapter if ordered
Video cable for input ordered (VGA, DVI, BNC)

Touch Interface Cable, Serial or USB (Optional when touch is installed)
CDROM with Touch Screen Drivers (Optional when touch is installed)

2.4 Installation Guidelines

Panel Mounting Guidelines

Observe these guidelines when installing the monitor in a panel.
Cut supporting panels to specifications before installation. Take precautions so metal cuttings do not enter
components already installed in the panel.

Supporting panels should be at least .125” thick in order to provide proper sealing against water and dust and
to provide proper support.

Install the monitor into the panel be careful not to cut hand on metal. Use .125” thick supplied gasket to ensure a
watertight seal. Do not use an adhesive.
Tighten the provided bolts. Do not over tighten as that can damage the helicoil inserts.

VESA Mounting Guidelines

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The VESA-mount option is used to install the monitor on an articulated arm using an optional bracket. For

Mechanical Drawings

Model

Description

Page(s)

VT121XA4/XB4

VESA/RAM Mount Drawing

19

VT121XA4/XB4

Flush Mount

20

a list of available mounts, please contact your Vartech salesperson.

Mounting Guidelines
Observe these guidelines when installing the monitor on an arm.
The mounting surface and the mounting arm must be strong enough to support both the monitor and the
mounting hardware.

The interface between the arm and the monitor must meet VESA FPMPMI 100 mm standards.

The mounting location must provide adequate clearance for positioning and moving the adjustable unit and
routing cables.

Mount the Monitor on a VESA Interface

Follow these steps to mount the monitor on a VESA interface.

1. Mount the arm to the VESA interface with screws, bolts, or clamps so the monitor cannot tip.

2. Align the monitor over the arm and insert four supplied screws through the arm bracket and into the monitor.

RAM Mounting Guidelines

RAM is the only universal ball-and-socket system that holds excessive amounts of weight in high vibr ation
applications for military, commercial and private use.

Mounting Guidelines
Observe these guidelines when installing the monitor on the provided RAM.
The mounting surface must be strong enough to support both the monitor and the RAM.

The mounting location must provide adequate clearance for positioning and moving the adjustable unit and
routing cables.

Follow these steps to mount the monitor on a RAM.

1. Mount the Base plate to the mounting surface where the monitor is intended to be permanently mounted

2. Mount the Shaft to the RAM interface by prying open the socket and slipping over the mounting ball.

3. Align the RAM monitor plate, attach using the supplied screws into the 3 RAM mounting holes (triangular
pattern)

4. Loosen the socket and slip the ball into the socket. Secure in place by tightening the socket.

2.5 Input Video Connections

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Typical Input Assembly

Connect to an Analog Video Source

All of the monitors support analog video. Your m onitor is shipped wit h a high-quality analog video cable.
Use this video cable to connect a computer to the monitor.

Follow these steps to connect the monitor to an analog video source.

1. Connect one end of the 3 m (10 ft), analog video cable to the circular, 10pin VGA video input connector
on the monitor. Careful to align the red lines

2. Connect the other cable end to the VGA port of the computer.

You can use a couple to join to another cable with a maximum combined length of 15 m (50 ft) at lower monitor
resolutions, provided it is a high-quality video cable. Video amplifiers are available for longer distances.

GETTING STARTED

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SECTION 3

On/OFF

Menu

-

+

Select

Input Select

Dimming POT

3.1 Adjusting the display

Set the monitor type

The VT121XA/XB monitors are not plug n play compatible and require initial setup to begin operation

1. Ensure video and power cables are connected and secure and connected to the source

2. Power on the monitor

3. Toggle through the input select button until your video source is labeled and the video is showing

4. Adjust geometry of screen if necessary by using the advanced On-screen display. Activate the OSD
By pushing the MENU button, move to the necessary sub menus by using the +/- ke ys and enterin g selec t

5. Make adjustments and save by exiting the menu

6. Once the initial setup is complete you will not be required to redo

3.2 OSD Adjustments

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For Models with Single Analog Video , S ingle Digital Video, or NTSC/PAL

Select the input mode (1280 / 1360 / 1366 / 1368) to recognize and display the correct input

Exit

Exit the OSD menu and save the settings

Brightness and Contrast

Selection page

Select input source

Auto Source Seek

Video system selection* 

Select input source to Analog RGB

Select input source to DVI

Select input source to S-Vi deo 1

Select input source to Composite 1

Select input source to S-Vi deo 2 (No function now)

Select input source to Composite 2 (No function now)

ON – Auto source select always enable
OFF – Disable auto source select function

Select Auto video system detection

Wide screen mode
information display#

Select PAL video system

Select PAL M video system

Select NTSC video system

Select NTSC 4.43 video system

Select SECAM video system

signal information display on the OSD menu.

1280 : 1280x768 1366: 1366x768
1360 : 1360x768 1368: 1368x768

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Brightness

Increase/decrease brightness level.
Press – or + ( - + ) Total : 256 steps

Contrast

Increase/decrease panel contrast level.
Press – or + ( - + ) Total : 192 steps

Saturation*

Increase/decrease hue level.
Press – or + ( - + ) Total : 256 steps

Hue*

Increase/decrease saturation level
Press – or + ( - + ) Total : 128 steps

Exit

Exit the OSD menu and save the settings

Color

Auto RGB Calibration#

Yes

Color Temperature  (Adjust the warmness of the image displayed. The higher temperature the
coolest image looks like. The lower temperature the warmest image looks like.)

Adjust red color level

Set the color temperature to 4200K

Set the color temperature to 5000K

Set the color temperature to 6500K

Set the color temperature to 7500K

Set the color temperature to 9300K

Gamma adjustment

Adjust Gamma settings (0.4 / 0.6 / 1.0 / 1.6 / 2.2)

Selec t Gamma t o 0.4

Selec t Gamma t o 0.6

Selec t Gamma t o 1.0

Selec t Gamma t o 1.6

Selec t Gamma t o 2.2

Exit

Exit the OSD menu and save the settings

Position#

Auto setup

Auto adjust the positions, phase, frequency

Yes No

Frequency

Adjust the image horizontal size

Phase

Fine tune the data sampling position (adjust image quality)

Image Horizontal Position

Use +/- to move the image horizontally

Image Vertical

Use +/- to move the image vertically
Press – or + ( - + )

Exit

Exit the OSD menu

Utilities

OSD setting 

No

Press – or + ( - +) Total :128 steps
Adjust green color level
Press – or + ( - +) Total : 128 steps
Adjust blue color level
Press – or + ( - +) Total : 128 steps
Press SEL UP/ DN button to select item

Press – or + ( - + )

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OSD Timeout : 0 / 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 seconds (Always on when set to 0)
Press – or + ( - + )

OSD menu horizontal position
Press – or + ( - + )

OSD menu vertical position
Press – or + ( - + )

Load Factory Default

Initialize the setting stored in non-volatile memory

Sharpness

Adjust sharpness level

Press – or + ( - + ) Total : 49 steps

Exit

Exit the OSD menu

Exit the OSD menu

* - Function in Video mode only
# - Function in ARGB mode only

Items marked  have sub menus.
Exit the OSD menu to save the setting chosen

Adjust the Brightness

Use the dimming potentiometer located on the front bottom right corner of the display to adjust the brightness level of the
LED backlights.

For Models with DUAL Video Inputs such as VGA or VGA and DVI-D

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Picture :

Main Source : Select the input video signal

Utilities :

Volume Increase/decrease volume level, total 31 steps

Brightness Increase/decrease panel brightness level, total: 100 steps

Contrast Increase/decrease panel contrast level, total: 100 steps

Hue * Increase/decrease Hue level, total: 100 steps

Saturation * Increase/decrease saturation, total: 100 steps

Sharpness Increase/decrease sharpness, total: 15 steps

Aspect Size 

Aspect Ratio : Fill Screen / Fill Aspect / 1 to 1 (UNDER ARGB / DVI mode)

Auto / Fill Screen / 1 to 1 / Anamorphic (UNDER VIDEO MODE)

- Fill Screen : Enable full screen expansion for lower resolution Image

- Fill Aspect : Enable fill screen expansion for lower resolution image

according to aspect ratio

- 1 to 1 : Display the exact image resolution on the screen without

image expansion.

Horz Position Move the image position horizontally

Vert Position Move the image position vertically

Blue Only : OFF / ON : Turn off the "Red" & "Green" channel (i.e output all zero to Red &

Green channel)

* : DISPLAY IN VIDEO MODE ONLY

VGA 1 / Composite Video / S-Video / VGA 2 / DVI / HD/SD Component

Setup 

Auto Picture Setup

Auto Color Gain

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 : Auto adjust the image position, phase and size

#

 : Auto Color Calibration (Function in ARGB mode ONLY – See

11

appendix IV)

Manual Clock# : Adjust the image horizontal size

Manual Phase

quality)

Auto Source Seek : OFF / ON

ON – Auto source select always enable

OFF – Disable auto source select function

Auto Power : OFF / ON

ON – Enable soft power off function if absence of input signals

OFF – Disable soft power function

Video Standard (SD)** : Auto / NTSC / PAL / SECAM / NTSC 443

Gamma : 1.0 / 1.6 / 2.2

OSD 

H Position : Move the OSD menu image horizontall y

#

: Fine tune the data sampling position (adjust image

V Position : Move the OSD menu image verticall y

Timeout (sec) : 1 – 20 : Adjust the OSD menu timeout period in a step of 1

seconds (max 20 seconds)

Language : English / Simplified Chinese : Select OSD menu language display

Transparency : 0 – 100 steps

Color Temperature 

Color Temp : 9300K / 8000K / 6500K / 5000K

Red :

Green :

Blue :

Hot Key 

Hot key 1 : Brightness / Contrast / Input / Aspect / Volume

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Hot key 2 : Brightness / Contrast / Input / Aspect / Volume

Reset to Factory Defaults 

Factory Defaults

Reset Color Gain

DDC Updates

#

** : FUNCTION IN VIDEO MODE ONLY

# : DISPLAY AND FUNCTION IN VGA MODE ONLY

Adjust the Brightness

Use the dimming potentiometer located on the front bottom right corner of the display to adjust the brightness level of the
LED backlights.

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TOUCHSCREEN

SECTION 4

4.1 Introduction

Touch screens are a common means to interface operator inputs to a system. The universal standard of Windows GUI
(Graphical User Interface) has significantly increased the use of touch screens.

The Vartech All Weather series offers two styles of 5 wire resistive technologies. The styles are standard resistive
and the more durable Armor resistive touch.

4.2 Installation

All Vartech Systems displays configured with a touch screen are supplied with a CDROM which inc l udes us er m anuals,
application software, and drivers for various operating systems. Insert the supplied CDROM into a CDROM drive and
follow the installation instructions that will appear on the screen.

Technical support is available by contacting Vartech Systems customer support at 800-223-8050.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

SECTION 5

5.1

General
A general guide to troubleshooting a flat panel display system it is worth considering the system as separate elements,
such as: Controller (jumpers, PC settings) Panel (controller, cabling, connection, panel, PC settings) Backlight (inverter,
cabling,) Cabling Computer system (display settings, operating system) Through step by step cross checking with
instruction manuals and a process of elimination to isolate the problem it is usually possible to clearly identify the
problem area.

No image:
If the panel backlight is not working it may still be possible to just see some image on the display. A lack of
image is most likely to be caused by incorrect connection, lack of power, failure to provide a signal or
incorrect graphic card settings.
Image position:
If it is impossible to position the image correctly, i.e. the image adjustment controls will not move the image far enough,
then test using another graphics card. This situation can occur with a custom graphics card that is not close to standard
timings or if something is in the graphics line that may be affecting the signal such as a signal splitter (please note that
normally a signal splitter will not have any adverse effect).

Image appearance:
A faulty panel can have blank lines, failed sections, flickering or flashing display and
individual pixels, incorrect graphics card refresh rate, resolution or interlaced mode will
probably cause the image to be the wrong size, to scroll, flicker badly or possibly even
no image. Incorrect jumper settings on the controller may cause everything from total
failure to incorrect image. CAUTION: Do not set the panel power input incorrectly.
Sparkling on the display: faulty panel signal cable.

Backlight:
Items to check include: Power input, Controls, cables, and Inverter generally in this order. If half the screen is dimmer
than the other half: Check cabling for the inverter. If adjusting brightness control has no effect the chances are that the
VR rating or method of adjusting brightness is not compatible or correctly connected to the inverter. If system does not
power down when there is a loss of signal
Continued failure:
If unit after unit keeps failing consider and investigate whether you are short circuiting the equipment or doing
something else seriously wrong.

Generally after common sense issues have been resolved we recommend step by step substitution of known working
parts to isolate the problem.

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MAINTENANCE

SECTION 6

6.1 Cleaning

Occasionally clean the display panel and cabinet with a soft cloth dampened (not soaked) with a mild (non-abrasive)
glass cleaner. Keep turning a fresh side of the cloth toward the screen surface to avoid scratching it with accumulated
grit.

Note: The solvent should be applied only to the cloth, and not directly on the monitor screen.

Do not use paper products as they may scratch the surface. To minimize the risk of abrasion, allow the screen to stand
dry. Special care should be taken when cleaning a touch screen or polycarbonate shield that is installed over the screen.
Abrasive and certain chemical cleaners can easily damage the surface. Never use alcoholic or ammoniac cleaners to
clean the polycarbonate shield or a touch screen.

Note: For best results cleaning a monitor with the optional antireflective tempered glass display shield, a solution of
denatured alcohol is recommended to thoroughly clean the display.

Replacing a Line Cord
To avoid shock and fire hazards, the monitor’s power cord should be replaced if the insulation becomes broken or if it
develops a loose internal connection.

Other Maintenance
Qualified service personnel should perform all maintenance, except for the power cord replacement described above.

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9.685” x 7.264”

246.0mm x 184.5mm

Operating: -20 to 70ºC (optional -40 to 70ºC)

Storage: -40 to 75ºC

Operating: Up to 10,000 ft

Storage: Up to 45,000 ft

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINEERING SPECIFICA TIONS – VT121XA

Panel Size 12.1” (31cm)
Type Active Matrix Color Thin Film Transistor (TFT)
Native Panel Resolution SVGA

Pixel Format 800 (H) x 600 (V)
Pixel Pitch 0.3075 (H) x 0.3075 (V) mm
Pixel Arrangement RGB (Red dot, Green dot, Blue dot) vertical stripe
Dot Pitch 0.1025 (H) x 0.3075 (V) mm

Active Display Area
Viewing Angle (Left/Right)

Viewing Angle (Up/Down)
Color Gamut 40% (typ.)
Brightness 1000 Nits (typ.)
Contrast Ratio 600:1 (typ.)
Dimming Ratio 5000:1 (min.)
Response Time 25ms (typ.)
Back Lights 1 LED Rail rated 70,000 Hrs.

Video Connectors LEMO IP67

Colors Supported 16,777,216 (8-bit input)
Video Input Analog 0.7v p-p, TTL

Sync Separate H & V, Combined, SOG
Input Voltage 9 to 36VDC (12VDC typ.)

Power consumption 32 Watts (40 Watts with heater)

80/80
80/60

o

(typ.)

o

(typ.)

Temperature

Humidity Operating/Storage: 0 to 100 %NC

Operating Altitude

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ENGINEERING SPECIFICA TIONS – VT121XB

9.676” x 7.257”

245.76mm x 184.32mm

Operating: -20 to 70ºC (optional -40 to 70ºC)

Storage: -40 to 75ºC

Operating: Up to 10,000 ft

Storage: Up to 45,000 ft

SPECIFICATIONS

Panel Size 12.1” (31cm)
Type Active Matrix Color Thin Film Transistor (TFT)
Native Panel Resolution XGA

Pixel Format 1024 (H) x 768 (V)
Pixel Pitch 0.240 (H) x 0.240 (V) mm
Pixel Arrangement RGB (Red dot, Green dot, Blue dot) vertical stripe
Dot Pitch 0.080 (H) x 0.240 (V) mm

Active Display Area
Viewing Angle (Left/Right)

Viewing Angle (Up/Down)
Color Gamut 40% (typ.)
Brightness 1000 Nits (typ.)
Contrast Ratio 600:1 (typ.)
Dimming Ratio 5000:1 (min.)
Response Time 25ms (typ.)
Back Lights 1 LED Rail rated 70,000 Hrs.

Video Connectors LEMO IP67

Colors Supported 16,777,216 (8-bit input)
Video Input Analog 0.7v p-p, TTL

Sync Separate H & V, Combined, SOG
Input Voltage 9 to 36VDC (12VDC typ.)

Power consumption 32 Watts (40 Watts with heater)

70/70
45/55

o

(typ.)

o

(typ.)

Temperature

Humidity Operating/Storage: 0 to 100 %NC

Operating Altitude

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Power Cable Diagram

The RED wire with the +V would be connected to the +DC input voltage (like 12VDC or 24VDC)

The BLACK wire with the –V would be connected to the DC input return.

Considering a DC battery, the +V is the positive terminal on the battery while the –V is the negative terminal on the

battery.

The WHITE wire with the SHD would be connected to the chassis of the voltage source. This wire is connected to the

cable SHIELD to help reduce noise from getting into the cable wires and causing any problems within the display. A

customer could elect not to connect the SHIELD wire.

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VARTECH SYSTEMS INC.

HEADQUARTERS

6399 Amp Drive, Clemmons, NC 27012
Toll-Free: 800.223.8050
International Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

www.vartechsystems.com

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