Astrodesign VG-877 User manual

Video Signal Generator
VG-877
Instruction Manual
Ver.1.00

Video Signal Generator
VG-877
Instruction Manual
2014.10
Ver.1.00
ASTRODESIGN,Inc

Contens
i
C
CO ON NT TE EN NT TS S
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................ii
Safety Precautions .....................................................................................................................................................ii
Concerning the unit..............................................................................................................................................ii
What is included........................................................................................................................................................iv
Chapter 1. CONCERNING THE UNIT........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Overview ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2. Features ............................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.3. Data configuration .............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.4. Names and functions of the parts....................................................................................................................... 3
1.4.1. VG-877 front panel.................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4.2. VG-877 rear panel .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.3. Names and applications of connectors..................................................................................................... 4
1.5. Tools to operate VG-877..................................................................................................................................... 5
1.5.1. RB-1870/RB-1871 Remote box................................................................................................................ 6
1.5.2. 10-key Standard USB hub ........................................................................................................................ 7
1.5.3. Key Name and Operation ......................................................................................................................... 8
1.6. Concerning the VM-1876 series modules......................................................................................................... 10
1.6.1. Overview................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.6.2. Concerning installation and removal of modules..................................................................................... 10
1.6.3. Concerning Firmware upgrading..............................................................................................................11
1.6.4. Method to verify operation status.............................................................................................................11
1.7. Concerning the Menu and Sub-menus............................................................................................................. 12
1.7.1. “Program Edit” menu list ......................................................................................................................... 12
1.7.2. “Group Edit” menu list ............................................................................................................................. 13
1.7.3. “Audio Edit” menu list.............................................................................................................................. 14
1.7.4. “Data copy/erase” menu list .................................................................................................................... 14
1.7.5. “Configuration” menu list......................................................................................................................... 14
1.7.6. “Audio Flash Data Entry” menu list ......................................................................................................... 15
1.7.7. “Maintenance” menu list.......................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 2. DETAILED DOCUMENTATION.................................................................................................................. 17

ii
BEFORE USE
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing VG-877 digital video signal generator.
This manual explains the procedures to be taken for operation of VG-877. Please observe the checkpoints as
well as other information that is disclosed in this manual. Handling of the unit improperly may result in
malfunction so please take your time to review this manual.
Please keep this manual in a safe place for easy access in case it is necessary.
Thank you for choosing ASTRODESIGN!
Safety Precautions
WARNING
Concerning the unit
Do not subject the unit to strong impacts. Doing so may cause the unit to
malfunction, damage, or in rare circumstances generate heat which can result in a
fire.
Do not use the unit in a location where there is a risk of ignition or explosion.
Do not place the unit inside a microwave oven or any other appliances used to
cook food with heat or inside pressure vessels. Doing so may cause malfunction
where the unit may generate heat, smoke, or ignite, as well as cause damage to
internal circuit componentry.
This unit contains high-voltage areas. Refrain from disassembly, self repair, and
remodeling of the unit since it does pose a risk of electric shock and burns that
may cause unit malfunction.
If thunder is heard while the unit is being used outdoors: Immediately turn off the
unit, disconnect the power cable, and move the unit to a safe location.
Concerning the Power Cable
When disconnecting the power cable, always remove by holding molded part of
the plug. Avoid pulling on the cable to remove.
Do not bend the power cable at unreasonable tight angles or use with cables
bundled up. Doing so may result in fire.
Do not place heavy objects on top of the power cable. Doing so may damage the
cable resulting in fire and or electric shock.
Concerning Unit Body
Do not spill liquids inside the unit.
Do not drop combustible items or metal objects onto or into the unit. Using the
unit in such conditions may result in a fire and or electric shock resulting to unit
malfunction.

ご使用の前に
iii
CAUTION
Concerning the unit
When connecting the unit to a display, connect it using the accessory FG cable.
This will establish a common Frame Ground connection with the display. If the
unit is used without establishing the common frame ground there is a risk of
malfunction. Please be aware of this especially when testing displays that are
under development.
When the unit is to be disconnected from a display, first disconnect the
connecting cables, and then disconnect the FG cable.
To turn the unit on or off, always use the POWER switch that is located on the
front panel. Switching unit on or off by pulling the power cable may cause
malfunction and can result in USB memory damage.
After turning on the power, wait 10 -15 minutes to ensure unit stability. Only after
unit stability should you proceed to operate the unit.
THERE IS NO SIDE PANEL OPENING IN VG-877 PLEASE RETRACT FROM
MANUAL!!!
Concerning Impact
VG-877 is a precision instrument and it may be subject to malfunction if it is
subjected to impact. Please take special care when transporting the unit from
location to location.
Do not drop the unit.
Concerning Installation
Install the unit in a stable location.
Do not install or operate unit on its side. Doing so will generate heat, causing the
temperature in the chassis to rise which can lead to malfunction.
When trouble or problems occurr
In the unlikely event that the unit has developed a problem or malfunction,
disconnect the power unit and contact your Astrodesign sales representative.

iv
What is included
The following items are included in the package as part of VG-877.
Be sure to use the accessories included in this package and avoid third party accessories. The use of third party
accessories may result in a malfunction of the unit.
Standard parts
VG-877 main unit
VG-877 instruction manual CD (PDF you are currently reading): 1 pc
USB memory: 1 pc
SP-8870 software installation CD (compatible with Windows): 1 pc
SP-8870 instruction manual: PDF version (provided with the SP-8870 installation CD)
Power cable: 1 pc (*1)
FG cable (1.5 m): 1 pc (*1)
(*1) These parts are to be used only with this product.
Optional accessories
●RB-1870：
This remote control box can be used with VG-877 as well as older Astrodesign VG series generators.
●RB-1871：
A more simplified type of remote control box that is used to execute pre-installed program, timing and pattern
data. Note: This remote control box does not have the ability to adjust custom settings.
●10-key Standard USB hub:
Compatible third party 10-key USB hubs with VG-877:
iBuffalo BSTKH03
Sanwa Supply NT-18UH2
If the user desires to use a third party 10-key USB hub, please refer to section 1.5.2 “10-key standard USB hub,”
to check compatibility. The USB hub can only execute and select preprogrammed program, timing, and patterns.
User will not have the capability of creating custom settings with this remote box.

1
1
CONCERNING THE UNIT
1.1. Overview
The VG-877 is a video signal generator designed to be used in all kinds of display measurement fields. It offers a
high expandability by providing video output interfaces in the form of modules which can be installed in the
VG-877.
1.2. Features
16-bit high-speed image delineation engine
The unit incorporates a maximum 16bits x RGB high-gradation image engine; it can delineate Full Hi-Vision
images instantly.
Clock Frequencies in a wide frequency band
VG-877 supports dot clock frequencies up to 600MHz. This item is module dependant.
Windows-compatible editing and registration software (SP-8870) provided as a
standard accessory
Using a personal computer with RS-232C, LAN, or USB connection, this software allows program data to be
edited and registered with signal outputs that can be controlled from a personal computer.
Wide range of internal sample data
Thousands of preprogrammed timing and pattern data is included with VG-877. This data is categorized by
standard specification, application, etc. Users can easily select these preprogrammed timing and pattern data.
Registration of program data in USB memory
It is possible to register one thousand customized program data in USB memory. It is also possible to register
personal images and natural images. Data can be copied using windows 98SE, 2000, XP, 7 etc. by personal
computer.
Creation of user OPT patterns
Users have the ability to use preinstalled pattern data or create their own custom OPT patterns of their choice.
Users have the ability to customize basic patterns (character, crosshatch, color bar and grey scale). This makes
it possible for users to customize patterns they wish to display during new product development testing.

2
1.3. Data configuration
The program data is used to manage the data which is output by the VG-877.
The Program Data consists of the pattern data used to set the data relating to the output images and the Timing
Data used to set the data relating to all other output timing data, output conditions, and so on.
The table below gives a breakdown of this data.
Block
Description
Timing Data
Program Name
Program Name
Timing
Timing
Output
Output conditions
Audio
Audio outputs
Pattern Data
Pattern
Pattern
Action
Pattern actions
The VG-877 incorporates several kinds of program data, OPT patterns and user character pattern as sample data.
No. of data
Timing Data
999 data (1001 to 1999)
Pattern Data
999 data (1001 to 1999)
OPT Pattern
200 data (1 to 200)
User Character Pattern
16 data (F0h to FFh)
The VG-877 allows the various data to be registered in its internal memory (approx. 100MB) and a USB memory.
No. of data
Program Data
1000 data (1 to 1000)
User OPT Pattern
999 data (1 to 999)
Image (image data)
999 data (1 to 999)
(*) This number is dependent on the image data size, memory
capacity and card capacity.
User Character Pattern
16 data (E0h to EFh)
No. of program name characters
20 characters
(*) When the characters are displayed on the RB-1870
(*) A maximum of 16 characters only are indicated on the VG-877.
No. of groups
99 groups (1 to 99)
(*) For details on groups, refer to section 2.4
“Groups” in the instruction manual of the
VG-876.
No. of group data
98 data (1 to 98)
No. of characters in group name
20 characters
(*) For further details, refer to section 7.1.11 “Image – Priority” in the instruction
manual of the VG-876.
If a USB memory has been plugged in, the data registered in this
memory will be enabled, and the data registered in the internal
memory of the VG-877 will be disabled.
In regard to image data, both the USB memory data and internal
memory data can be enabled.(*)
CAUTION