VMC VM-3 User Manual

User’s Manual

The VM-3 Multimedia Video Message Generator

The Video Messenger Company

862 Judson Place • Stratford, Ct. 06615

Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone]

email: :[e-mail]

Website www.videomessenger.com

Remote Video In

Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………. Page 1
Quick Start Guide…………………………………………………….. Page 2

Menu Access………………………………………... Page 3
The Message Menu………………………………... Page 3
Menu Navigation…………………………………… Page 3
Creating a crawl message………………………... Page 4
The Text Menu……………………………………… Page 4
The Page Menu……………………………………... Page 4
The Scheduling Menu……………………………... Page 5
The Routing Menu………………………………….. Page 5
The Utilities Menu………………………………….. Page 6
The Preferences Menu…………………………….. Page 6
The Setup Menu…………………………………….. Page 6

What should you do now?…………………………Page 7
Function and Menu Commands At A Glance……………………. Page 8
Function and Menu Commands At A Glance Cont’d………….. Page 9
Function Keys………………………………………………………… Page 10
Short Cut Keys………………………………………………………... Page 11
Basic System Components………………………………………… Page 12
Components of the DV Pro Media Player Upgrade….………… Page 13
Basic Installation of the VM-3……………………………………… Page 14
Installing a Network of VM-3’s…………………………………….. Page 15
Installing the DV Pro Media Player Upgrade Package…… Pages 16-17
VM-3 Specifications…………………………………………………. Page 18
Changing the chips on the VM-3………………………………….. Page 19
VM-3 Menu Map………………………………………………………. Page 20
VMC’s Warranty………………………………………………………. Page 21
Sample Wiring Diagrams………………………………………..Pages 22-30

Basic insertion into a cable head end………….. Page 22

Multi-Channel installation with cable service… Page 23

Basic conference center installation…………… Page 24

Multi-Channel installation – stand alone………. Page 25

Complex court house installation………………. Page 26

Hotel Information channel………………………... Page 27

Multi dwelling unit with camera…………………. Page 28

Modem system installation………………………. Page 29

Cable System With Tuners At Each TV………… Page 30

Troubleshooting……………………………………………………… Page 31

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Introduction

The Video Messenger VM-3

The Video Messenger VM-3 is an
innovative, multimedia communications
device that is much more than a
character generator. It allows you, the
user, to effectively communicate with
your customers, guests, residents,
students, etc., using text, digital images
and video clips. You can educate,
inform and motivate your target
audience in ways that would have cost
thousands of dollars more before the
introduction of this little giant. This
installation manual allows you to take
maximum advantage of the VM-3. Start
with the Quick Start Guide, which starts
on the next page.

The VM-3 will allow you to:

 Display hundreds of pages of

text messages on your TV’s.

 Schedule these messages by

time of day, day of week and
date range.

 By using our network unit

(the VM-3NET), you can
distribute specific messages to

designated locations and
maintain control from a single
location.

 Display text in dozens of

colors and brightnesses.

 Link text messages to high

quality digital images and/or
video. This video is in MPEG (a
common digital format).

 Take control of what your target

audience is exposed to while in
your location with a high impact
presentation.

VM-3 • Page 1

VM-3

Q

They just installed the Video Messenger and your boss gave you a list of messages to
input and a schedule of their playing times. Don’t panic! Follow some of the simple
procedures outlined below then promise you will read the rest of this manual as soon as
possible to learn all there is to know. So – let’s start!

The VM-3 displays two types of messages: a full screen message (that takes most of the
page) and a crawl message (that crawls along the bottom of the screen).

uick Start Guide

TO CREATE A FULL PAGE MESSAGE:

Press the F1 KEY - a blank screen will appear with the cursor blinking in the center.

Blinking

Cursor

Blank screen using the VM-3 internal video Blank screen using external video

Type in a line of your message like you would into a word processor. The ENTER KEY
will jump the cursor to a new line. Every time you press the ENTER KEY, you will create
a new paragraph, even if you only type one line before you press the ENTER KEY again.

This is important because colors and fonts are controlled by paragraph.

Blinking

Cursor

So now what?

Press the F9 KEY to Save and the
F8 KEY to Play. Now, more details...

The VM-3 has nine menus that allow you to assign
various qualities to a message like font style, size
and color; when the message will play; how long it
will stay on the screen and what image or video (if
a

DV Pro Media Player is attached) is to appear
with it. We call these qualities attributes and they
are frequently mentioned in this manual. (Note that

pressing and holding the CTRL then the F key will
change the font styles, while the S key will change
the size.)

VM-3 • Page 2

HOW DO YOU ACCESS THE VM-3 MENUS?

Simply, press and hold down the (CTRL) KEY in the bottom left hand corner of the
keyboard.

The Main Menu will appear listing all the sub menus:

To get into any menu, hold down the CTRL

KEY, select the menu with the UP AND DOWN
ARROW KEYS and press ENTER. To return to

the Main Menu press the ESC KEY while holding
down the CTRL KEY. (Notice how the font and
background colors are controlled by paragraph,
which is defined with by pressing the RETURN

KEY).

What is the MESSAGE Menu?

The Message Menu allows you to quickly select
the message you wish to edit. While holding
down the CTRL KEY, use the UP AND DOWN
ARROW KEYS to make a selection-the message
instantly appears on the screen.
(Notice that the bottom part of the Message Menu
allows you to perform some basic message
utilities that will save you much time if you learn
to use them effectively).

Want another way to select a message?

If you know the message number you wish to edit, press the (go to) KEY in the number
pad section of the Keyboard. A dialog box appears Go to Msg with brackets [ ]
appearing below it. Type in the message number you want to select in the brackets and
press Enter.

How DO I NAVIGATE THESE MENUS:

While holding down the CTRL KEY, tapping the TAB KEY will move the selection down
and to the right. If you hold down the CTRL KEY and the SHIFT KEY, tapping the TAB
KEY will move the selection up and to the left. Once you are in the right selection box,
the UP AND DOWN ARROW KEYS change the value of the message attribute selected.

VM-3 • Page 3

What is the SCHEDULING MENU?

The Scheduling Menu allows you to decide when
a message will display. You can schedule a
message by time of day, day of week and within
date range. This menu gives the VM-3 real power
because it allows you to input your messages
days or months in advance and automatically run
them during the appropriate time. You navigate
the menu the same way you navigate the PAGE
and TEXT MENUS. In addition, the ENTER KEY
will mark or unmark a day or option within a
selection box.

Remember, if you want to schedule a message for a specific time of day or date; the Always
Time and Always Date lines must be unmarked! (NO CHECK MARK)

What is the ROUTING MENU?

The Routing Menu allows you to send a message to
any or all of the VM-3NET’s connected to the VM-3.
Routing allows the VM-3 to be a multi-channel, as
well as a multimedia device that can distribute
messages to different channels or locations in a
your facility at the push of a few keys. Up to 32 VM­3’s can be networked in this fashion. Like other
menus, the ENTER KEY will mark or unmark a box
number within a selection box.

Helpful hint! When you open the Routing Menu, all 32 box numbers will be checked. This is the
default state. Hold down the Ctrl + Alt Keys and press the Return Key twice, all the checks will
disappear except for the one on the selected (highlighted) box number. Once this is done, you
can arrow to any box number and press the return key to check that box. The Tab Key will move
you between box sets.

VM-3 • Page 5

What is the UTILITIES MENU?

The Utilities Menu allows you to do system wide
functions like:

.

- Set the VM ID’s to give each box it’s own address #

- Download (Xmit) Preferences, the Clock and so on

to networked units.

- Delete all the messages in a unit with Reset ALL

- This menu also allows you to control an optional

modem, which can dial out to another VM-3 to
download messages remotely.

What is the PREFERENCES MENU?

What is the SETUP MENU?

The Preferences Menu allows you to set system wide
preferences like:

- Auto Xmit which downloads new messages to the

other networked boxes when you save a message.

- Turn on Smart Video, which is used when you

display messages over external video.

- Turn on Internal Video Override (Int Video OR) which

instructs the system not to look for external video,
preventing messages from flashing.

- Turn on or off the crawl on top command. The

system default is to crawl on the bottom of the
screen.

- Set the Startup Mode.

The Setup Menu allows you to set the clock, day of the
week and calendar date.
It also allows you to specify the type of remote device
connected to the RS 232 jacks, (i.e.

modem, IP/LAN interface etc.) and the wait time between
crawl message presentations. Lastly, you can verify
and manually set the VM-3’s ID #.

Media Player,

When using the VMX Pro Media Player Comm A
shoud be set to DVD 175 command set.

This menu is usually accessed only when initially
installing the VM-3 system

VM-3 • Page 6

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?

- Review and learn the menu navigation and function keys.

- Review and learn the short cut keys

at the bottom of the keyboard.

- Review the menu map (attached).

- Don’t panic, the VM-3 is really user friendly and worth your small investment in
time to learn it.

- If all else fails call your dealer or Video Messenger at [phone]. We will be
glad to help you move through its short learning curve.

- Finally, you can see a color presentation of this manual by downloading the VM-3
Manual from our website at www.videomessenger.com/downloads.

VM-3 • Page 7

Function and Menu Commands At A Glance

Some time saving Menu Functions:

While in the Message Menu the following keys are active...

Insert Key:

Creates an empty message slot before the current message.

Delete Key:

Deletes the selected message slot causing messages that follow to be
moved up in the list by one slot or message number.

Page Up:

Causes selected message to leap frog one place up on the message list.

Page Down:

Causes selected message to leap frog one place down on the message list.

Compact List

This menu command will re-sort the message list getting rid of
"holes" in the list.

Home Key:

Automatically brings you to the top of the message list

End Key:

Automatically brings you to message #250

Message Utility Functions:

Compact List
Clear Text
Clear Msg
Delete All
Delete Old

This allows an auto delete function for all messages that will never again
play because their date range has past.

XMIT Msg

This will do the following:
Transmit Clock Settings
Transmit Machine Preferences
Transmits only the current message to the networked units.

XMIT Msgs

Transmit Clock Settings
Transmit Machine Preferences
Delete messages in networked units
Transmit all messages to networked units

Req Msg

Allows you to upload the selected message number from a remote VM-3

Req Some

Allows you to upload a range of messages numbers from a remote VM-3

VM-3 • Page 8

Utility Menu:

OSD On/Off
Reset All (Set VM-3 to factory defaults)
Set VM ID's (Each VM-2 should have a unique ID Number)
The ID is displayed in the Setup Menu. The ID's may be set for all
networked units by using the Set VM ID's command in the utilities
menu.

This will Auto ID each networked unit in the order that they are connected.

Terminal functions allow you to operate the system with an optional modem.

Preference Menu:

Auto XMIT

(This item should have a check mark if you want a copy of the
message sent to networked units as you modify and save them).

Smart Video

(This item should have a check mark when only crawl line messages
are being use over external video. This preference selection ensures
the VM-3 always looks for an external video signal before putting up
it’s own internally generated screen).

XMIT Preference

(whenever a message is saved in the Master unit, it will be sent to the networked
units along with the clock settings and preferences).

XMIT Clock

(updates the networked units with the time and date in the master unit).

VM-3 • Page 9

FUNCTION KEYS:

KEY: -- FUNCTION:

Ctrl -- Press and release for edit mode to type and change text

Hold down to change message attributes (text color, brightness, font, scheduling etc.)

Esc -- With Ctrl Key held down, returns to the main menu

Arrow -- Used to change or pick a selection within a specific attribute box

Enter -- With Ctrl Key held down, will open a sub menu

Tab -- Used to navigate to different menu boxes

F1 -- brings up the next available new, blank full page message screen

F2 -- allows editing of a full page message

F3 -- brings up the next available new, blank crawl message screen

F4 -- allows editing of a crawl message

F5 -- Moves to the previous message while in the edit mode

F6 -- Moves to the next message while in the edit mode

F7 -- Puts programming in a pause mode indefinitely

F8 -- Activates the play mode

F9 -- Saves the edit changes made to a specific message

F10 -- Previews a message with attributes such as duration and image link

F11 -- Copies all the text and attributes of a message into a clipboard to paste over another

message

F12 -- Pastes the text and all attributes of a message into a blank message

VM-3 • Page 10

**VM-3 KEYBOARD SHORT CUT KEYS:**

KEY: -- FUNCTION:

Ctrl C -- Center align text

Ctrl L -- Left align text

Ctrl R -- Right align text

Ctrl F -- Font style (five rotating selections)

Ctrl S -- Font size (four rotating selections)

Ctrl P -- Preset color combination (16 preset font and background combo’s)

Ctrl T -- Select color of text (16 colors)

Ctrl B -- Select brightness of text (8 selections per color)

Ctrl Alt T -- Select color background (16 colors)

Ctrl Alt B -- Select brightness of background (8 selections per color)

Ctrl A -- Select all text (paragraphs) of a message

Ctrl V -- Switch between internal and external video

Ctrl H -- Switch time/date header option on and off

Delete or Backspace -- will delete one character at a time.

Shift Delete -- will delete text in a paragraph.

Alt Delete -- will delete text in a message, leaving the attributes alone (font size, color etc.)

Shift Alt Delete Save -- will delete entire message.

Home -- move the cursor to the top of the first message page.

End -- moves the cursor to the end of the last message page.

"^t" -- sets time for crawl message.

"^d" -- sets date for crawl message only.

VM-3 • Page 11

Remote Video In

Components of the DV Pro

Media Player Upgrade

Package

The Media Player Upgrade Package (DV#1) includes:

The DV Pro Media Player with 512 MB Compact Flash Card. The
unit can play back on command Mpeg 1, 2 & 4 video, Mpg3 audio
and jpeg & bmp stills.

256 MB USB Flash Drive for updating the DV Pro Media Player

DV Studio Plus Authoring Software. This software allows
the user to add images and video to the Compact Flash
Card for use in the DV Pro Media Player. With this
software, the player can be set up to act as a server for the
VM-3 or automatically present a play list by itself.

*Customized video editing services are available from VMC directly.

VM-3 • Page 13

Basic Installation of the VM-3

j

p

j

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The instruction step numbers correspond
to the numbers in the diagram to the right.

1. Unpack the VM-3 and place it where you

VM-3 Rear Panel

can have easy access to the rear panel.

2. Using one of the Standard (BNC TO
RCA) Cables, connect the BNC end to the

ack marked "Video Out Edit." Plug the

RCA end into an edit monitor.

3. Using the other Standard (BNC TO RCA)
Cable, connect the BNC end to the jack
marked "Video." Plug the RCA end into
the television system. In most cases this
cable is plugged into a modulator (using
an RCA to F adaptor) or a display monitor.
If the modulator is farther than 6 feet away,
a custom cable will have to be made by
your installer.

4. If external video is going to be used,
connect another Standard (BNC TO RCA)
Cable to the jack marked "Video In." The
other end of this cable can be connected
to a VCR, Satellite Receiver, Camera, DVD

layer or any device that has a video

output jack.

5. Turn the VM-3 so you can access the
front panel. Plug the keyboard in the Din

ack marked "Keyboard."

6. Connect the power cord from the
VM-3 to an electrical outlet or

Figure 1

recommended surge protector.

VM-3 Front Panel

5

7. Call [phone] if you are having
a problem completing these steps.

Character Generator/Video Controller

VM-3 • Page 14

Jack to connect the Keyboard

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V

Installing a Network of VM-3’s

These instructions assume you have completed the basic installation.

The VM-3 unit is very easy to network
with other VM-3’s. Connecting VM­3NET’s to a VM-3 Control Unit allows the

To Edit Monitor No Edit

In Out

Screen Presentation

operator to send different messages and
image/video links to more than one
location or video source. This can be
done from one location while
maintaining control of the entire
network.

1. After performing the basic installation
on a VM-3NET, simply connect the din
cable pictured to the right from one VM-3
to the next. This connection is made
through the "Network" ports. The
"Network Out" Port is connected to the
next VM-3NET’s "Network In" Port. This
is repeated until all the VM-3NET’s are
connected.

2. After all the units are powered up, the
VM-3 Control Unit knows how many VM­3NET’s are connected. Setting the
VMID’s is done from the Utilities Menu.
This gives each box a unique address.

VM-3

From Network Out

To Network In

VM-3NET

From Network Out

VMX Pro Media Players can be installed

3.
on any or all of the VM-3NET network units.

4. Controlling the VM-3NET’s is done
through the Routing Menu while editing
with the VM-3 Control Unit.

5. Call [phone] if you are having a
problem completing these steps.

Remote Video In

Video Out Video Out

VM-3 • Page 15

To Network In

VM-3NET

Installing the DV Pro Media

p

V

p

Player Video Package

The instruction step numbers correspond to the numbers in the illustrations to the right.

1. Unpack the DV Pro Media Player and place it
on top of the VM-3 where you can have easy

.

access to the rear panels (as shown). Turn on
the VM-3 by plugging in the black power cable.

2. Find the Interface (Black) Cable. Insert the 9­in end into the Comm A Port on the VM-3 and

the Mini Plug end into the RS 232 jack on the D
Pro Media Player.

2.

1.

2.

3. For audio, insert one end of the RCA cable

(provided) into the audio out (Red jack for
mono) on the Player as shown. For stereo use
two RCA cables. Insert the other end(s) of this
cable into the audio-in(s) of a TV, amplifier or an
RF modulator.

4. Attach the BNC end of one of the black Video

Cables to the Video (in) plug on the VM-3. The
other end of this cable is a standard RCA plug.
Insert this end into the back of the Player. Look
for a yellow jack marked "Composite”.

5. Attach the BNC end of the other black Video

Cable to the Video (out) plug on the VM-3
(marked Edit). The other end of this cable is a
standard RCA plug and can be inserted into an
edit monitor or other video display. Using this

lug allows the user to edit off line.

3.

4.

4.

5.

VMC • Page 16

p

p

Installing the VM-3 Video

9.

8

6. The last Video Out (unmarked) is for
insertion into a modulator or video display
to be seen by intended viewers. This Is
usually a custom made cable provided by
your installer.

7. Connect the power cord on the DV Pro
Media Player to an electrical outlet or
recommended surge protector. Turn on the
VM-3 by connecting the power cord.

8. At this point, you can insert the Compact
Flash Card (provided) that contains your
images and video.

Upgrade Package

Continued…

6.

7.

9. Turn on the DV Pro Media Player by
ressing the power switch. The player will

take about 10 seconds to boot up and will
show the first track on the play list. Go to
the VM-3’s Setup menu and set the COMM A
to DV 200.

10. Now you are ready to get started. Using

the VM-3’s keyboard, go to the Page menu
and tab down to the image Title /Chapter
Section.) With the right hand box
highlighted, you can arrow up and down
from files 1 to 99. To select an image in a
track higher than 99, use the left box to put
the first one or two digits of the track
number and the right hand box to put in the
last two digits of the track number. One
second after going to a file number, the
Player will display the image or video in that
track

.

Call [phone] if you are having a

roblem completing these steps.

VM-3 • Page 17

Remote Video In

VM-3 Specifications

VM-3 • Page18

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Changing the Chips on the VM-3

V

There are two flash memory chips in the VM-3. One, the Program Chip, controls the features
and functions of the unit. The other flash, Memory Chip stores your messages.

Occassionally, VMC issues a program update to improve features and make the unit easier

To Edit Monitor

to use. As a result, you may be asked from time to time by the Video Messenger Company

No Edit

In Out

Screen Presentation

to relay what version of the Program is installed in your VM-3. You can find the software
version # at the bottom of the Setup Menu.

To replace the battery, follow the steps below:

1. Unplug the power to the VM-3.

2. Remove two screws on the top of the unit.

3. Pull the top panel off.

4. Locate the VM-3 PROGRAM CHIP as shown in the image below.

5. Carefully pry the VM-3 PROGRAM CHIP out of the socket with the flat edge
of a small screwdriver.

6. Insert the new VM-3 PROGRAM CHIP into the socket making sure that the
notch is facing right and all pins line up correctly.

7. Press firmly to seat the FLASH PROGRAM CHIP. Make sure there are no bent pins.

8. Re-assemble the top panel.

9. Replace the two screws, being careful not to over-tighten them.

10. Plug the VM-3 into an outlet.

Inside the

VM-3

VM-3 • Page 19

VM-3 Menu Map

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Scheduling Menu

Message Menu

Text Menu

Page Menu

Routing Menu

Setup Menu

Utility Menu

Preferences Menu

VM-3 • Page 20

VMC’S Warranty

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The Video Messenger Company warrants your Video Messenger to be free from
defective materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year. VMC covers both parts
and labor.

SHOULD YOUR VIDEO MESSENGER NEED SERVICING DURING THE
FIRST YEAR, THE VIDEO MESSENGER COMPANY WILL REPAIR OR
REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE UNIT AT ITS DISCRETION WITHIN 72 HOURS
OF RECEIPT (not including weekends, holidays, or shipping time).

The following will void the above warranty:

- Abuse

- Accident

- Alteration

- Damage in transit (other than original shipment from factory)

- Failure to return warranty card within 10 days of purchase

- Failure to follow return procedures

- Maintenance procedures not followed

- Modification

- Misuse, including connection with wrong current or voltage

- Negligence
To return a VMC product:

1. Call us at [phone]. We may help you correct the problem by phone. If
your unit must be returned, you must obtain authorization before shipment.

2. Ship unit in original factory carton only unless instructed otherwise.

3. Ship via UPS or equivalent and insure for full value.

4. All shipments must be prepaid. No CODs accepted.

In closing:
We wish you good luck with your new VM-3, and hope you can reap much benefit

from this innovative product. Feel free to write us, sharing with us some of the
creative ways in which you’ve tapped into this new method of communicating. If you
find your video needs are expanding beyond your present system, please contact us
for more information on our full line of Video Messenger products.

VM-3 • Page 21

Basic Wiring Diagram For Insertion Into Cable

Head End For a Bar, Lounge or Restaurant

Allow for editing messages off line

RF Modulator

VM-3

Cable Ready

VCR/Tuner

Drop

Channel (?)

Keyboard

To TV’s

Combiner

Main
Cable

This system allows an owner to insert characters over any cable
channel. Channel (#) depends on where there is room in the
spectrum to insert a channel.

VM-3 • Page 22

Video Out

Drop Tap

Cable Tuner

To TV

s

Main Cable

Amp

p
y

This system allows messages to appear on multiple sources of video or programming. In

the example above, four video messengers act as one on four separate channels

dis
la

ed in the bar/restaurant area.

Cable Tuner

From source of video to Video Messenger

to Modulator to TV’s

Cable Television System a Bar, Lounge or Restaurant

­’

RF Modulator

’

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

Keyboard

Allows user to edit

messages offline

Wiring Diagram For Insertion Into Multi-Source

Wiring Diagram For Conference Centers or Facitlites with Different

Combine

Messages in Various Areas of A Facility - Six Source RF System

RF Channels Out

RF Modulator 2

RF Modulator 4

Edit
Video
Out

Keyboard

13” Edit

Monitor

-

VM-3Net

VM-3Net

VM-3Net

VM-3Net

RF Modulator 6

RF Modulator 8

RF Modulator 12

Drop Taps to

Each TV

27”

Monitor

27”

Monitor

r

Out
to

’

27”

Monitor

27”

Monitor

VM-3Net

VM-3Net

27”

Monitor

This system allows any TV to display any source
by changing the channel.

VM-3 • Page 24

27”

Monitor

Combine

Sat. Receiver

Wiring Diagram For Insertion Into Multi-Source

Television System

Keyboard

RF Modulator

Sat. Receiver

Sat. Receiver

Sat. Receiver

From source of video to Video Messenger

This system allows messages to appear on multiple sources of
video or programming. In the example above, four video
messengers VM-3’s act as one on four separate channels
displayed in the bar/restaurant area.

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

to Modulator to TV’s

’

r

-

• Page 25

odu

ato

O

ce

• Each court room has display

of its own schedule

• Each court room has a

camera

• TV’s in each judge’s

chamber can tune to any

schedule or camera.

• All schedules are centrally

controlled in the office.

System Capabilities:

ffi

Video Out

Video In

communications Out to

Wiring Diagram For Insertion Into Multi-Source Television

VM-3 • Page 26

= Drop Taps

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

N

R

E

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

M

O

B

I

C

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF Modulator

RF M

RF Modulator

l

r

r

Basic Wiring Diagram For Insertion Into Cable Head End or

Private Cable System like a Hotel

RF Modulator

Edit
Video
Out

Keyboard

13” Edit

Monitor/

TV

DV Pro

Media
Player

Out to
TV’s
In
Rooms

Splitter/

Combine

Cable

from

Hotel

headend

Coaxial cable should be RG-6 Shielded.

VM-3 • Page 27

Edit
Video
Out

Keyboard

Basic Wiring Diagram For Insertion Into Cable Head

End or Private Cable System like a Multi-dwelling Unit

RF Modulator

Channel # tbd

13” Edit

Monitor/

TV

Video out To

VM-3

Camera

Splitter/

Combine

Out to TV’s
In Rooms

r

Coaxial cable should be RG-6 Shielded.

Cable

from

Hotel

headend

VM-3 • Page 28

Basic Wiring Diagram Video Messenger Modem System

q

Modem

Edit
Video

Keyboard

Location #1 ­Head

uarters

13” Edit

Monitor/

TV

Modem

-

Out to

TV

-

Modem

-

Out to

TV

Out to

TV

Pots line = Plain old telephone service

VM-3 • Page 29

Departments with

p

p

p

p

VMConsole and

Internet Access

Wiring Diagram For Insertion Into

Cable System With Tuners At Each TV

General Management

Engineering

RF

AMP

Cable Tuner

Ta

Dro

Cable Tuner

Network In/Out

Drop Tap &
Terminator

This diagram illustrates how multiply
users can input messages into a wireless
VM-3 Network. VMC recommends that
the network cable be either CAT-5 or
shielded twisted pairs. The RF coaxial
cable should be RG-6 shielded or better.
VMC suggests that each user be assigned
a range of message numbers for their
exclusive use.

Network In/Out

Cable Tuner

Network In/Out

Drop Ta

Cable Tuner

Drop Ta

Pin out for

Network Cable

VM-3 • Page 30

Troubleshooting

Remote Video In

What follows are the most common issues that users call about when they need help with the Video
Messenger, VM-3.

1) I get only a blank screen when I try to enter or edit a message.

More often than not, the user is not looking at the video source coming out of the “Video Out - Edit”
jack. There are two video outs on the VM-3; one is for editing and one is for display. The display out,
the plain “Video Out” jack is suppose to go blank during an editing session so that the viewers
(residents, quests, customers, etc.) cannot see what you are doing during the editing session.

The solution to this problem is to make sure that the video you are looking at is coming from the
“ Video Out – Edit” jack. This usually means making sure that your TV/Monitor is set to Video as
opposed to being set to a TV channel.

2) None of my messages play even though they are saved.

This problem is usually caused by bad clock and calendar settings. If your unit is not on a surge
protector and it is subjected to an electrical surge due to lightning or some other cause, the clock can
reset to it’s default start date. This setting is 1/1/99, Monday, 12:00 am. If you are using the
scheduling menu to schedule your messages, they will be outside the play window because of the bad
clock or calendar setting.

The solution is to reset your clock (in the SETUP MENU) and periodically check it to make sure it is
correct. A surge protector usually solves this problem permanently.

3) The VMX Pro Media Player is not putting out any Video – all I get is a blue background on

the VM-3.

This problem is caused by variety of electrical disturbances or a disconnected video cable.

After checking the video cable, the solution is to turn off the Media Player by holding in the power
switch for 5 seconds. With the VM-3 powered up and connected to the video out of the Media Player,
power up the Media Player and without the USB Flash Drive attached. Once the Media Player boots
up, reinsert the USB Flash Drive. The unit will operate normally after this procedure is completed.

4) The VMX Pro Media Player is not responding to the VM-3. The images are not changing.

This problem is cause by one of two things: 1) The serial cable is disconnected from the Media
Player or the COMM A port is not set correctly,

The solution to the first issue is to reconnect the serial cable. The solution to the second issue is to
open up the SET UP MENU, tab down to the COMM A port and using your up/down arrow keys set
the port to DVD 175 command Set. The Media Player will then respond to the VM-3.

VM-3 • Page 31