AJA 12GM Operating instructions

12GM Mini-Converter
12G-SDI to/from SDI Muxer/DeMuxer
Version 1.13
Published January 25, 2023
Installation and Operation Guide

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 2 www.aja.com
Notices
Trademarks
AJA® and Because it matters.® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
for use with most AJA products. AJA™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for
use with recorder, router, software and camera products. Because it matters.™ is a
trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with camera products.
Corvid Ultra®, lo®, Ki Pro®, KONA®, KUMO®, ROI® and T-Tap® are registered trademarks of
AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AJA Control Room™, KiStor™, Science of the Beautiful™, TruScale™, V2Analog™ and
V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 AJA Video Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. All information in
this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of the document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying or recording, without the express written permission of AJA
Video Systems, Inc.
Contacting AJA Support
When calling for support, have all information at hand prior to calling. To contact AJA
for sales or support, use any of the following methods:
Telephone [phone]
FAX [phone]
Web https://www.aja.com
Support Email suppor[email protected]
Sales Email [email protected]

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 3 www.aja.com
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Chapter 2 – Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Acquiring AJA Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Installing AJA Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Running AJA Mini-Cong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Operating AJA Mini-Cong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tabbed Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Input Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Input Detail Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Timing Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Output Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Output Detail Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
HDR Metadata Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Output Overrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Update Tab Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Software Update Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Contents

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 4 www.aja.com
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
12GM is a compact SDI transport Mini-Converter that enables 12G-SDI to quad
link 3G-SDI and quad link 3G-SDI to 12G-SDI conversion. The muxer/demuxer
supports 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD and SD workflows and conversions from quad link
SDI signals to single link SDI signals, and vice versa at 12G, 6G, 3G and 1.5G bit
rates. Both Square Division (Quadrant) and Two Sample Interleave (2SI) input and
output mappings are supported.
Features
• Quad 3G-SDI (Level A and B-DL) to/from Single 12G-SDI
• Quad 3G-SDI (Level A and B-DL) to/from Dual 6G-SDI
• Dual 3G-SDI (Level A and B-DL) to/from Single 6G-SDI
• Quad 1.5G-SDI to/from Single 6G-SDI
• Dual 1.5G-SDI to/from Single 3G-SDI Level A
• Single 3G-SDI (Level A and B-DL) to Dual 1.5G-SDI
• Quad 3G-SDI Level A to/from Quad 3G-SDI Level B-DL
• Two Sample Interleave (2SI) to/from Square Division (Quadrant) pixel
mapping, 3G
• Square Division (Quadrant) to Two Sample Interleave (2SI) pixel mapping
• Simple Frame Rate Conversion (FRC) 60 fps to 59.94 fps, and 59.94 fps to 60 fps
• HDR signaling metadata pass-through and optional override
• Pass-through of Single Link 12G, 6G, 3G, 1.5G and 270M SDI video
• Distribution Amplifier support (1x4)
• Input signal diagnostics and timing analyzer for quad link signals
• Automatic or manual control

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 5 www.aja.com
• Detailed timing analysis for validating alignment of quad-link SDI inputs
• Passes SDI embedded audio, 24-bit, up to 16-Channels
• Recognizes and transmits High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut
(WCG) signaling on VPID
• Configure via USB port and supplied AJA Mini-Config software for PC/Mac
• Uses 5-20 VDC power (DWP-U-R1 universal power supply included)
• Five year warranty
Block Diagram
Figure 1. 12GM Converter, Simplified Block Diagram
SDI Input 1 SDI Receiver
SDI Input 2
SDI Input 3
SDI Input 4
SDI Receiver
SDI Receiver
SDI Receiver
SDI
Processing
SDI Transmitter
SDI Output 1
SDI Output 2
SDI Output 3
SDI Output 4
SDI Transmitter
SDI Transmitter
SDI Transmitter
I/O Connections
Figure 2. 12GM Converter Connections
USB Port
DC Power
Input
SDI Output 1
SDI Output 3
SDI Output 4
SDI Output 2
SDI Input 1
SDI Input 3
SDI Input 4
SDI Input 2
NOTE: The LEDs adjacent to each SDI input connector indicate by color the detected SDI
data rate. Off is no signal, Green is SD-SDI, Red is HD-SDI, Amber is 3G-SDI, Purple
is 6G-SDI, and Blue is 12G-SDI.

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 6 www.aja.com
Installation
Typically, 12GM installation consists of the following steps:
1. Ensure the 12GM is disconnected from power.
2. Connect video equipment to the converter BNC connectors.
3. Apply power to the converter (AJA power supply included).
4. The 12GM will now run using the default factory settings. If you wish to alter
the factory settings, you’ll need to:
• Install the AJA Mini-Config software on your computer
• Attach the 12GM via USB
• Make your changes using AJA Mini-Config setup screens.
This process is detailed in "USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Config" on page
7.
NOTE: The 12GM packs an unprecedented feature set into a mini converter box. As a
result, the unit uses approximately 12 watts of power. It will be very warm to
the touch, which is normal. The unit is engineered to operate across the full
temperature range, from 0 to 40 degrees C.
NOTE: For highest reliability, the mini converter relies on convection cooling instead
of using a built-in fan. Therefore, when installing the unit, mount in a location
where it has access to air for proper cooling. Do not stack the 12GM with other
mini converters.

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 7 www.aja.com
Chapter 2 – Operation
USB Control and Setup—Using AJA Mini-Config
Your AJA Mini-Converter can be used right out of the box for some applications
since it is designed to recognize inputs and perform standard actions
automatically by default. However, to use its full capability, you must use AJA’s
Mini-Config software application for PCs and Macs. This same application can be
used to update to new Mini-Converter software released by AJA.
Acquiring AJA Mini-Config
AJA’s Mini-Config application is available for download from the AJA website.
To download the latest AJA Mini-Config package, which includes the AJA Mini-
Config application, Mini-Converter firmware, and documentation, go to:
https://www.aja.com/en/products/mini-converters/mini-cong-software
Select either the Windows or Mac icon to download the desired version.
CAUTION: If you are running Mini-Config on macOS Catalina, please make sure you
are using Mini-Config v2.24.1 or later. Earlier versions of Mini-Config are not
compatible with macOS Catalina.
Mini-Converter Documentation
Included with the AJA Mini-Config package is a complete set of documentation
for all Mini-Converters supported by AJA Mini-Config. A .PDF of the Installation
and Operation Guide for the currently connected Mini-Converter can be accessed
from the AJA Mini-Config UI via the Help/Manual drop-down menu.
Documentation for all AJA Mini-Converters that use AJA Mini-Config can also
be accessed directly in the AJA Mini-Config download package Documentation
folder, and via the Documentation icon available on the Mac installer.
Documentation (and firmware) included with the AJA Mini-Config application
are the versions available at the time of distribution. However, Mini-Converter
software, firmware and documentation are updated regularly, so newer versions
may exist.
To download the latest documentation for an individual Mini-Converter, go to:
https://www.aja.com/en/category/mini-converters
and navigate to the Support webpage of that Mini-Converter.
Installing AJA Mini-Config
PC Installation
To install AJA Mini-Config on a Windows PC:
1. Download the application from the AJA website (select the Windows icon
on the AJA Mini-Config Support webpage).
2. Open the AJA_MiniCong.zip le
3. Double-click on the MiniInstaller.msi le.

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 8 www.aja.com
4. A Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation.
Figure 3. AJA Mini-Config PC Setup Wizard
5. Click Next to begin. Answer the questions in the subsequent dialogues.
When nished, an AJA Mini-Cong shortcut will be installed on the desktop,
and you will be able to locate the AJA Mini-Cong application in the AJA
folder in the Programs listing.
NOTE: If the AJA Mini-Config application already exists on the PC, a different Setup
Wizard appears.
Figure 4. AJA Mini-Config Setup Wizard, Reinstallation
With this screen you can Repair (reinstall) or Remove (uninstall) AJA Mini-Config
on the PC.
Mac Installation
To install the application on a Mac:
NOTE: Macintosh computers must be Intel-based (G5, G4 and earlier models will not
work with AJA Mini-Config).
1. Download the application from the AJA website (select the Apple icon on
the AJA Mini-Config Support webpage).
2. Open the AJA_MiniCong folder.

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 9 www.aja.com
3. Double-click on the AJAMiniCong.dmg le.
4. Answer the prompt and a utility program will be launched.
Figure 5. AJA Mini-Config Mac Installer
5. To complete the installation drag the “MiniCong.app” icon to the
Applications folder.
Running AJA Mini-Config
Connect the Mini-Converter to the PC or Mac via the supplied USB cable. Connect
the external power supply (supplied) to the Mini-Converter.
PC Startup
To run AJA Mini-Config on a PC, double-click on the AJA Mini-Config icon on your
desktop, or open the AJA folder in the program list and click on the AJA Mini-
Config application located inside the AJA Mini-Config folder.
Mac Startup
To run AJA Mini-Config on a Mac, open the Applications folder and locate the AJA
Mini-Config application. Double-click the application to launch it.

12GM Mini-Converter v1.13 10 www.aja.com
Saving Setups
A File drop down menu on the AJA Mini-Config application bar allows you to
save the current state of the Mini-Converter to a preset file for later recall.
Using this feature you can set up the converter for different applications, storing
each configuration (Save Preset As...) with a unique name for easy recall (Open
Preset...).
A Revert to Factory Settings menu item similarly allows you to change the
settings back to AJA’s factory defaults.
Operating AJA Mini-Config
The AJA Mini-Config application provides a graphic interface for viewing settings
and updating software. It consists of an information area at the top that shows
the available Mini-Converters attached to the computer via USB, with a graphical
rendering of the selected Mini-Converter showing all the connectors and their
current state.
Colored text next to the connectors indicates the signal type and what the Mini-
Converter is doing:
• Blue text indicates the values automatically selected
• Black text indicates values that you have manually selected
• Red text indicates the Mini-Converter is not detecting a signal, or cannot
operate with the current user settings.
NOTE: Even if no output device is detected, the SDI connector text still shows the signal it
is outputting.
NOTE: Configuration settings in red will change based on the attached output device as
well as input signals. For improved accuracy and reliability, you should configure
the Mini-Converter only when the target output device is attached and input
signals are supplied at the inputs.
Screens are virtually the same on both PC and Mac, with subtle differences that
reflect the general look of the platform environment.