Avitech Rainier-4a User manual

User’s Manual
Rainier-4a, 4a1V, 4d, 4d1V (RS-232)
Revision 1.1
(March, 2010)

WARNING
Do not attempt to disassemble your Rainier device. Doing so may void your
warranty. There are no serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to
qualified personnel.
TRADEMARKS
All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
COPYRIGHT
The information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice. No part
of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical for any purpose, without the express written permission
of Avitech International Corporation. Avitech International Corporation may have
patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property
rights covering the subject matter in this document. Except as expressly written
by Avitech International Corporation, the furnishing of this document does not
give you any license to patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual
property of Avitech International Corporation or any of its affiliates.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this guide, call
our technical support help line at 425-885-3863, or our toll free help line at
1-877-AVI-TECH. You can also email us at [e-mail]

Table of Contents
Warranty............................................................................................... iii
Extended Warranty Options....................................................................... iv
Services and Repairs Outside the Warranty Period .................................. iv
Regulatory Information........................................................................ v
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement...........................v
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices............................. vi
Statements of Compliance ................................................................. vi
Australia and New Zealand C-Tick Marking and Compliance Notice....... vii
Statement of Compliance .................................................................. vii
Preface ............................................................................................... viii
Welcome .................................................................................................. viii
About this Manual .................................................................................... viii
1Getting Started............................................................................... 1
1.1 Package Contents ...............................................................................1
1.2 Product Features .................................................................................2
Specifications.......................................................................................3
Operating Features..............................................................................4
1.3 Identifying the Front Hardware Component.........................................5
1.4 Identifying the Rear Hardware Components .......................................5
1.5 Getting Your Rainier Ready for Use ....................................................6
Basic Hardware Connections ..............................................................6
Cascading............................................................................................8
1.6 Using the Galaxy Configuration Software..........................................10
Setting Up COM Port.........................................................................11
Starting the Galaxy Configuration Software ......................................12
Module Layout Window .....................................................................15
Galaxy Control Window .....................................................................16
i

Quick Keys – Change Window to / from Full Screen Mode;
Swap Window Contents.....................................................................59
Window Layout ..................................................................................59
Option Window ..................................................................................61
Mouse Right-click Menu ....................................................................62
2Simplified Control Panel ............................................................. 81
2.1 Using the Simplified Control Panel (Optional) ...................................81
Preparing the Rainier For Use With the SCP Keypad.......................81
Recalling Presets...............................................................................82
3Avitech ASCII Protocol................................................................ 85
3.1 Setting the RS-232 Port.....................................................................85
3.2 Setting the HyperTerminal’s COM Port .............................................86
3.3 Entering the ASCII Z Command Interface.........................................87
3.4 ASCII Z Command Format ................................................................89
ZC.......................................................................................................89
ZF.......................................................................................................90
ZJ (for Rainier-4a1V / 4d1V only)......................................................90
ZM.......................................................................................................91
ZP.......................................................................................................92
ZT.......................................................................................................92
ZX.......................................................................................................93
AFirmware Upgrade ....................................................................... 94
A.1 Installing the Device Driver................................................................94
A.2 Updating the Firmware ......................................................................97
Rainier 4x1V Firmware ......................................................................97
FPGA Firmware (for Rainier-4d / 4d1V only).....................................99
A.3 Resetting to the Factory-Default State ............................................100
ii

Warranty
Avitech International Corporation (herein after referred to as “Avitech”)
warrants to the original purchaser of the products manufactured in its facility (the
“Product”), that these products will be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year or twelve (12) months from the date of
shipment of the Product to the purchaser.
If the Product proves to be defective during the one (1) year warranty period, the
purchaser’s exclusive remedy and Avitech’s sole obligation under this warranty
is expressly limited, at Avitech’s sole option, to:
(a) repairing the defective Product without charge for parts and labor; or
(b) providing a replacement in exchange for the defective Product; or
(c) if after a reasonable time is unable to correct the defect or provide a
replacement Product in good working order, then the purchaser shall be entitled
to recover damages subject to the limitation of liability set forth next.
Limitation of liability:Avitech’s liability under this warranty shall not exceed
the purchase price paid for the defective product. In no event shall Avitech be
liable for any incidental, special, or consequential damages, including without
limitation, loss of profits for any breach of this warranty.
If Avitech replaces the defective Product with a replacement Product as provided
under the terms of this Warranty, in no event will the term of the warranty on the
replacement Product exceed the number of months remaining on the warranty
covering the defective Product. Equipment manufactured by other suppliers and
supplied by Avitech carries the respective manufacturer’s warranty. Avitech
assumes no warranty responsibility either expressed or implied for equipment
manufactured by others and supplied by Avitech.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, including
without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose, all of which are expressly disclaimed.
iii

This Hardware Warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure, or damage:
zcaused by improper use of the Product or inadequate maintenance and care
of the Product;
zresulting from attempts by other than Avitech representatives to install,
repair, or service the Product;
zcaused by installation of the Product in a hostile operating environment or
connection of the Product to incompatible equipment; or
zcaused by the modification of the Product or integration with other products
when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or
difficulties of servicing the Product.
Any Product which fails under conditions other than those specifically covered
by the Hardware Warranty, will be repaired at the price of parts and labor in
effect at the time of repair. Such repairs are warranted for a period of ninety (90)
days from date of reshipment to customer.
Extended Warranty Options
Avitech offers OPTIONAL Extended Warranty plans that provide continuous
coverage for the Product after the expiration of the Warranty Period. Contact an
Avitech sales representative or details on the options that are available for your
Avitech equipment.
Services and Repairs Outside the Warranty Period
Avitech make its best offer to repair products that is outside the warranty period,
provided the product has not reached its end of life (EOL). The minimum charge
for such repair excluding shipping and handling is $200 (US dollars).
iv

Regulatory Information
NOTE: Marking labels located on the exterior of your device indicate the regulations that
your model complies with. Please check the marking labels on your device and refer to the
corresponding statements in this chapter. Some notices apply to specific models only.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Statement
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 energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Properly shielded and grounded cables and connectors must be used in order to
meet FCC emission limits. Avitech is not responsible for any radio or television
interference caused by using other than recommended cables and connectors or
by unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment. Unauthorized
changes or modifications could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
v

European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices
Statements of Compliance
English
This product follows the provisions of the European Directive 1999/5/EC.
Danish
Dette produkt er i overensstemmelse med det europæiske direktiv 1999/5/EC.
Dutch
Dit product is in navolging van de bepalingen van Europees Directief
1999/5/EC.
Finnish
Tämä tuote noudattaa EU-direktiivin 1999/5/EC määräyksiä.
French
Ce produit est conforme aux exigences de la Directive Européenne 1999/5/EC.
German
Dieses Produkt entspricht den Bestimmungen der Europäischen Richtlinie
1999/5/EC.
Greek
To προϊόν αυτό πληροί τις προβλέψεις της Ευρωπαϊκής Οδηγίας 1999/5/EC.
Icelandic
Þessi vara stenst reglugerð Evrópska Efnahags Bandalagsins númer 1999/5/EC.
Italian
Questo prodotto è conforme alla Direttiva Europea 1999/5/EC.
Norwegian
Dette produktet er i henhold til bestemmelsene i det europeiske direktivet
1999/5/EC.
Portuguese
Este produto cumpre com as normas da Diretiva Européia 1999/5/EC.
Spanish
Este producto cumple con las normas del Directivo Europeo 1999/5/EC.
Swedish
Denna produkt har tillverkats i enlighet med EG-direktiv 1999/5/EC.
vi

Australia and New Zealand C-Tick Marking and
Compliance Notice
Statement of Compliance
This product complies with Australia and New Zealand's standards for radio
interference.
vii

Preface
Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing this Avitech Rainier-4a / 4a1V / 4d / 4d1V.
Building on the popularity of the Rainier series, Avitech’s Rainier-4a / 4a1V / 4d
/ 4d1V multi-image processor has four auto-sensing SD-SDI (for 4d and 4d1V
only) and composite video inputs as well as high quality DVI output with up to
1440×900 (for 4a and 4a1V only) 1920×1200 (for 4d and 4d1V only) resolution.
The Rainier provides full flexibility of sizing and positioning of the windows.
The processor also displays embedded audio meter, alarms, tally and aspect ratio
marker.
Up to four Rainier processors can be cascaded in a single display.
About this Manual
This manual contains comprehensive information about your Avitech Rainier to
help you operate the device.
Throughout the manual, the following conventions are used to distinguish
elements of text.
NOTE: provides additional hints or information that requires special attention.
CAUTION: identifies important information which, if not followed, may result in loss of data
or damage to your device.
Any name of menu, command, icon or button that you can see on the screen is
shown in a bold typeset. For example:
On the Start menu, select Settings.
viii

1 Getting Started
This chapter introduces you to the features and specifications, as well as the
external components of your Avitech Rainier. It also guides you through the
proce
he
ss of setting up your Rainier for use.
NOTE: Depending on the model you purchased, the cabinet color and the look of t
accessories may be different from the ones shown in this manual.
After unpacking the shipping carton, you should find these standard items:
1.1 Package Contents
Avitech Rainier DVI-to-VGA Adapter
RS-485 Cascading Cable DVI Cascading Cable
(optional – when purcha 2 or more Rainier)sing (optional – w e Rainier)hen purchasing 2 or mor
RJ-50 GPI Terminal Block Standard Powe customers only)r Cord (US
Utility Disc (contains software and user’s manual) Set of screws (optional)
1

Blank Panel (already installed on Rainier upon order for Ear (already installed on Rainier upon order for
assembly on to rack mount) assembly on to rack mount)
Keypad (optional)
1.2 Product Features
Model DVI / VGA / YPbPr Video Input Maximum Output
Input NTSC / PAL Resolution
Rainier-4a N/A (not applicable) 4 1440×900
Rainier-4a1V 1 4 1920×1200
Rainier-8a1V 1 8 1920×1200
Rainier-12a1V 1 12 1920×1200
Rainier-16a1V 1 16 1920×1200
Rainier-4d N/A 4 SD-SDI 1440×900
Rainier-4d1V 1 4 SD-SDI 1920×1200
Rainier-8d1V 1 8 SD-SDI 1920×1200
Rainier-12d1V 1 12 SD-SDI 1920×1200
Rainier-16d1V 1 16 SD-SDI 1920×1200
zAutomatic sensing of SD-SDI and composite analog input.
zComputer graphic input: DVI-I input resolution up to 1920×1200
(WUXGA).
2

zMinimal processing delay of less than one frame.
zAutomatic detection of aspect ratio – 16:9 and 4:3.
zUp to 26 internal configuration presets.
zEmbedded audio meter that allows any mono or stereo audio to be
monitored.
zOn-screen display of labels, borders, and video alarms (future option).
zCommunication control via RS-232.
zCompatibility with Galaxy software for configuration, monitor layout, and
multiple-system control.
zAvitech ASCII Protocol (AAP) support.
Specifications
Parts Specifications
VideoInputs Automatic sensing via BNC
SD-SDI (NTSC/525i, PAL/625i, 525p/59.94, 625p/50)
Composite analog (NTSC, PAL)
Number of inputs: 4
DVI-I Automatic detection
Input resolution: up to 1920×1200 (WUXGA)
For background display or for cascading multiple modules together
Number of input: 1
Audio Display 2 channels of embedded audio per SD-SDI audio
Output Resolution up to 1920×1200 (WUXGA) via DVI-I connector
Number of output: 1
GPI 8 inputs
Serial portData input /
output
Number of port: 1
Baud rate: up to 1 Mbaud
RS-232 / 422 supporting TSL (one RS-422 to RS-232 converter may be
needed for each connection to an Avitech module)
Ethernet Network Type: 100Base-T
Number of port: 1 RJ-45
RS-485 Number of ports: 2
3

Parts Specifications
Power supply Less than 30 watts
100 – 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz (external)
12 V DC
Housing Metal
Dimension
(W×D×H)
1/2 rack 209.6×271.8×44.5 mm (8.25×10.7×1.75 inch)
Two can be mounted side-by-side in 1 RU
Weight 2.3 kg (5 lbs)
TemperatureEnvironment Operating: 0 °C (32 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F)
Storage: –10 °C (–4 °F) to 50 °C (122 °F)
Humidity 0 % to 80 % relative, non-condensing
Safety regulations FCC / CE / C-Tick, Class A
Operating Features
zStandalone operation (single Rainier) with control via RS-232 cable or;
multiple operations (up to four Rainier – three DVI).
zTwo Rainier can fit in a single rack unit space for a maximum of eight video
inputs and one multimedia input.
zSD-SDI units can de-embed one stereo audio pair for meter displays and
each audio source can be outputted via AES audio.
zSingle scaleable DVI input for use with VGA / DVI / component inputs.
zComputer (DVI-I) input can be in any size / position.
zRJ-50 GPI terminal block adapter is provided for tally or loading presets.
zUp to 26 presets / configurations can be saved and recalled from the
module’s Flash EEPROM.
zNot compatible with ACC-8000, MCC-8004, or VCC-8000 series modules.
4

1.3 Identifying the Front Hardware Component
Ref Component Description
Power LED Lights green when the Rainier is powered on.
n
1.4 Identifying the Rear Hardware Components
IMPORTANT: Refer to the next table’s “Description” column for availability of the ports on
your particular model.
5

Ref Label / Component Description
Video Input 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
nBNC connectors for SD-SDI (for Rainier-4d / 4d1V) /
composite video inputs.
Audio I/O AES connectors for audio cascade.
o
NOTE: These ports are not available for the Rainier-4a and
4a1V.
Keypad
pRS-232 connector for signal from optional TACP
(Touch-Screen Control Panel) or numerical
Simplified Control Panel (SCP) keypad.
RS-232
qRS-232 connector for signal from PC.
100-250V AC
rPower jack for connecting the AC power cord.
DVI-I Input
sDVI-I connector for multimedia input
(cascade from other Rainier series device).
NOTE: This port is not available for the Rainier-4a and 4d.
DVI-I Output
tDVI-I connector for output to monitor display.
ID
uRotary dial to assign unique addresses in systems
with two or more units.
GPI
vRJ-50 connector for GP input / output.
wRS-485 (in) (out) RS-485 connectors for serial cascading input / output.
DIP switches For updating the firmware (left dip switch) and for
reverting the Rainier back to the factory-default
setting (right dip switch).
1.5 Getting Your Rainier Ready for Use
Basic Hardware Connections
Perform the following steps to get your Rainier up and running:
NOTE: The steps outlined next would depend on the type of configuration you wish to set
up.
6

1. Connect up to four BNC cables to the four Video Input 1 / 2 / 3 / 4ports for
SD-SDI (for Rainier-4d / 4d1V) / composite video inputs or;
– composite video inputs.
Or, connect a VGA / DVI cable to the DVI-I Input port for VGA / DVI video
input.
2. Connect up to two audio cables to the two AES Audio I/O ports for audio
cascade.
NOTE: Skip this step for the Rainier-4a / 4a1V models only.
3. Connect the RS-232 cable to the RS-232 port for signal from PC.
4. Connect the DVI-I cable to the DVI-I Input port for video input to the Rainier.
NOTE: Skip this step for the Rainier-4a / 4d models.
5. Connect the DVI-I cable to the DVI-I Output port for video output to the
monitor display.
6. Make sure to assign a unique address to your Rainier ID rotary dial when
connecting to systems with two or more units.
7

7. Connect the AC power cord to the 100-250V AC power jack.
Cascading
NOTE: Video cascading not applicable for the Rainier-4a / 4d models.
To cascade two or more Avitech Rainier, perform the following steps:
1. Set the rotary ID on the first Avitech Rainier (Master module) to 0, set the
rotary ID on the second Avitech Rainier to 1, set the rotary ID on the third
Avitech Rainier to 2, and so forth (can be other values as long as both are
different from each other’s setting).
2. Connect one end of the DVI cascading cable to the DVI-I Output port of
Rainier ID 0 (Master module) and the other end to the DVI-I Input port of
Rainier ID 1. Connect one end of another DVI cascading cable to the DVI-I
Output port of Rainier ID 1 and the other end to the DVI-I Input port of Rainier
ID 2. Continue for the other cascaded Rainier.
8

3. Module interface is cascaded through RJ-45 (RS-485) which is used to loop
communication from one module to the next. The data stream carries control
and configuration information. Take the RS-485 cascading cable and
connect one end to the RS-485 (out) of the Master (first) module (N) and the
other end to RS-485 (in) of the next module up (N+1). Refer to the sample
module combination as follows:
4. Connect one end of the DVI cable to the DVI-I Output port of the last Rainier
cascaded and the other end to the monitor display (you may need to use a
DVI to VGA adapter for monitor display with VGA input).
NOTE: The analog part of the DVI-I Input port is bypassed (relays) in case the module has
no power or is defective. A powered down or a defective unit in the chain will not
compromise the whole system, other modules in the chain will not be inhibited to display
properly.
5. Connect one end of the RS-232 cable to the computer’s RS-232 port and the
other end to the RS-232 port of Rainier ID 0 (Master module).
9

6. If the computer application uses multimedia input, connect one end of the
DVI cable to the computer’s DVI port and the other end to the DVI-I Input
port of Rainier ID 0 (Master module).
7. Connect the power cables to the Rainier(s) and make sure that power is
available.
1.6 Using the Galaxy Configuration Software
The Galaxy configuration software is designed for all Avitech Multiviewer
modules. This program requires no installation, and should not be run from a
“read-only” device, such as an optical disc. This section introduces the Galaxy
software for setting up your system.
NOTE: Make sure the Rainier is powered on and connected properly to your computer (see
previous section) before launching the Galaxy software.
10