Barco ACTAS 2 User manual

BARCO PROJECTION SYSTEMS
Date :
170297 Art. No. : R5975636
R9827961
R9827968
OWNER'S MANUAL
ACTAS 2
Revision :
02

Due to constant research, the information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Produced by BARCO NV, February 1997.
All rights reserved.
Trademarks are the rights of their respective owners.
Printed in Belgium
BARCO nv/Projection Systems
Noordlaan 5
B-8520 Kuurne
Belgium
Printed in Belgium

Table of contents
i-1
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP THE ACTAS
Unpacking the ACTAS ........................................................................................................................... 1-1
Composite units of the ACTAS............................................................................................................... 1-2
The ACTAS Interface ............................................................................................................................................................ 1-2
The ACTAS Control Unit ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-3
The ACTAS Sensor .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-4
Interconnecting the ACTAS Units........................................................................................................... 1-5
Connecting the Interface to the Control Unit .......................................................................................................................... 1-5
Connecting the Control Unit to the Sensor unit ...................................................................................................................... 1-5
Power(mains) Connection...................................................................................................................... 1-6
On safety .............................................................................................................................................................................. 1-6
Power requirements .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-6
Power Adaptation.................................................................................................................................................................. 1-6
CHAPTER 2 THE ACTAS SOFTWARE
Overview flowchart of the ACTAS menu ................................................................................................ 2-1
Start-up messages ................................................................................................................................................................ 2-1
Command menus.................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
Set parameters menu ............................................................................................................................ 2-2
Selecting menu style ............................................................................................................................................................. 2-2
Selecting auto pause mode ................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Selecting test pictures ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Test pictures for color alignment ............................................................................................................ 2-3
Basic concepts about color alignment ................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Test pictures generated by the ACTAS Interface unit ............................................................................................................ 2-4
Test pictures generated by a host computer linked to the ACTAS ......................................................................................... 2-5
Test pictures generated by a manually controllable source.................................................................................................... 2-6
Test pictures generated by a fixed source ............................................................................................................................. 2-6
Select / Learn configuration command menu ......................................................................................... 2-7
Selecting a configuration memory block ................................................................................................................................ 2-7
Learn configuration command ............................................................................................................................................... 2-7
Get reference menu ............................................................................................................................... 2-8
Select / Edit setup menu ........................................................................................................................ 2-8
Selecting a Setup memory block ........................................................................................................................................... 2-8
Editing the setup memory blocks........................................................................................................................................... 2-9
Selecting the projector type .................................................................................................................................................2-10
Selecting adjustment modes ...............................................................................................................................................2-11
Selecting a reference kind ...................................................................................................................................................2-12
Specifying the phosphor type ..............................................................................................................................................2-14

Table of contents
i-2 5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
Initialization brightness & contrast ON/OFF......................................................................................................................... 2-15
Defocusing the blue picture tube ON/OFF........................................................................................................................... 2-16
Tracking correction ON/OFF ............................................................................................................................................... 2-17
Selecting a source for generating test pictures.................................................................................................................... 2-17
Setting the horizontal and vertical scan frequencies for the test pictures ............................................................................. 2-18
Selecting a Sync signal generated by the ACTAS Interface unit .......................................................................................... 2-18
Setting window parameters ................................................................................................................................................. 2-19
Setting horizontal and vertical segments ............................................................................................................................. 2-19
Setting margins................................................................................................................................................................... 2-20
Setting the flicker coarse and flicker fine ............................................................................................................................. 2-20
Setting the measuring frequency........................................................................................................................................ 2-21
Coarse adjustment ON/OFF ............................................................................................................................................... 2-21
Setting the adjustment tolerance ......................................................................................................................................... 2-22
Setting the extra stabilization time ....................................................................................................................................... 2-22
Start adjust menu................................................................................................................................. 2-23
Send again command menu ................................................................................................................ 2-23
Show unadjusted projectors command menu ....................................................................................... 2-23
Remote control command menu .......................................................................................................... 2-24
The 'Adjust keys' mode ....................................................................................................................................................... 2-24
The Pause/Unpause mode ................................................................................................................................................. 2-24
The stand-by/operate mode ................................................................................................................................................ 2-25
The contrast & brightness mode ......................................................................................................................................... 2-25
CHAPTER 3 COLOR ALIGNMENT OF A SINGLE STAND-ALONE PROJECTOR
Connections........................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Communication connection between the ACTAS Interface unit and the projector .................................................................. 3-1
RGB connection between the ACTAS Interface unit and the projector (or video splitter)........................................................ 3-1
Installing the ACTAS sensor onto the projector ...................................................................................... 3-2
Initial installation ................................................................................................................................................................... 3-2
To move the Sensor unit to other projectors.......................................................................................................................... 3-2
Power connection .................................................................................................................................. 3-2
Procedure for alignment......................................................................................................................... 3-3
Set Parameters.................................................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Select / Learn Configuration................................................................................................................................................. 3-3
Select / Edit Setup ............................................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Start Adjust.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Send Again .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-3

Table of contents
i-3
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
CHAPTER 4 COLOR ALIGNMENT OF A PROJECTOR WALL
Connections........................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Walls of a split video type...................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Walls of the MVGS system ................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
The 'Host computer' .............................................................................................................................................................. 4-2
Power connection .................................................................................................................................. 4-2
Procedure for alignment......................................................................................................................... 4-3
Set Parameters .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Select / Learn Configuration ................................................................................................................................................. 4-4
Get reference ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4-4
Select / Edit Setup ............................................................................................................................................................... 4-4
Start Adjust .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Send Again .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4-6
CHAPTER 5 ERRORS AND WARNING MESSAGES
Adjustment obstacles............................................................................................................................. 5-1
Hardware problems ............................................................................................................................... 5-2
Projector communication problems ........................................................................................................ 5-2
Host computer communication problems ............................................................................................... 5-3
Trouble shooting .................................................................................................................................... 5-3
APPENDIX A. SPECIFIC REMARKS ABOUT VIP CUBE
APPENDIX B. SERIAL COMMUNICATION
General..................................................................................................................................................B-1
Master-Slave configuration................................................................................................................................................... B-1
RS232 formats ..................................................................................................................................................................... B-1
Communication protocol....................................................................................................................................................... B-1
ACTAS specific commands.................................................................................................................... B-3
Use of the serial commands................................................................................................................... B-4

Introduction
ii-1
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
INTRODUCTION
BARCO presents to you this total new product ACTAS 2 - Automatic Color Temperature Alignment System.
The ACTAS was developed to automatically align the color temperature and brightness for all BARCO
present and future CRT projectors.
The incorporation of a unique hardware and software system in the ACTAS ensures both a quick and highly
accurate alignment. It only takes three minutes to align a projector !
The ACTAS can be used to align a single stand-alone projector to ensure a precise color display: it is
necessary where a high quality color re-display is required. The most important application of the ACTAS
is to align multiple projectors in a graphical wall to obtain an overall uniform color display so as to ensure a
precise color picture projection wall.
This manual consists of 5 chapters. In Chapter 1, the ACTAS hardware is explained, and its setup. The
ACTAS software is described in Chapter 2. Procedures for aligning a single stand-alone projector can be
found in Chapter 3 and for a projector wall in Chapter 4. When problems occur, you can refer to Chapter 5
for possible causes and solutions. At the end, there are two appendices: one concerning the VIP cube, the
other concerning the RS232 communication protocol used by the ACTAS Interface.
Please bear in mind that an exact color alignment can only be obtained when the three primary colors (red,
green, blue) from different projectors match. It means that for the projectors identical characteristics are
required as regards to the picture tube phosphors, the lenses, the lens coupling (liquid or air) and the type
of screens (especially for retro projection). Do not try to align multiple projectors of different types.
This manual aims to provide users with related information and operating guidelines to ensure the optimal
use of this system.
Note :Before using the ACTAS for the first time, please read this manual carefully.
Please keep it for future reference.

ACTAS set-up
1-1
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
1SETTING UP THE ACTAS
ACTAS INTERFACE 230V (or 120V) R762622 (or R7626228) 1
ACTAS CONTROL UNIT R762621 1
ACTAS SENSOR R762623 1
15 meter long cable with male-to-female D9-D9 connectors R3482602 2
Cable with 5 BNC-to-BNC connectors Z348331 1
Cable with male-to-male DIN mini 8 connectors Z3420076 1
Light cover R805734 1
Owner's manual R5975636 1
Sensor
ControlUnit
Interface
Light cover
Cables
UNPACKING THE ACTAS
All parts of the ACTAS are nicely packed and placed in a flight case.
For protection during the transport, the flight case is put into a matching carton box.
The following items are included in the flight case :
Part Part number Quantity

1-2 5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
ACTAS set-up
COMPOSITE UNITS OF THE ACTAS
The ACTAS Interface
The ACTAS Interface supplies power, generates
test pictures and provides communications with the
host computer for the ACTAS system.
1
C-Sync BG/Gs/Video
R
TEST PICTURE
OUTPUT
OnthefrontpaneloftheACTASInterfacethere
are three D9-connections : one for the ACTAS
ControlUnit;onefortheRS232portofaprojec-
tor ; one for the host computer. There is also a
powerindication lamp(LED). When thepower
is on, the LED will illuminate.
OntherearpaneloftheACTASInterfacethere
isapowercordwitha3-wiregroundingplugfor
the power (mains) supply.
There are 4 BNC connectors marked as TEST
PICTURE OUTPUT. These connectors supply
the test pictures for the ACTAS alignment.
Rear panel : AC power cord with a
3-wire grounding plug
Front panel :
"TO PROJ. RS232 IN" :
port for connecting
a projector
Power indication lamp "TO HOST" :
port for connecting
a host computer
"TO CONTROL UNIT" :
port for connecting
the Control Unit

ACTAS set-up
1-3
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
The ACTAS Control Unit
TheACTAS ControlUnit isahand-held microcontroller
with8controlbuttonsinthemiddleanda4x20character
LCDdisplayatthetop.TheLCDdisplayisbacklit which
allowsoperations in thedark.Operatinginstructionswill
beshownonthisLCDdisplay.TheControlunithasnon-
volatilememorytostorethereferencedata.TheControl
Unit is built in a rugged metal housing to increase
protection against damage.
The buttons are configured similarly to the adjustment
buttons on a standard BARCO Remote Control Unit
(RCU).
ADJUST key : to enter the edit mode
EXIT key : toreturnwithoutsavingchangesorto
stop adjustment
ADDRESS key : to start up the initialization process
ENTER key : to save changes or to confirm a
selection
ARROW keys : Left, Up, Right, Down keys
to make selections inside menus
Note :The function of each key will be explicitly
explained in Chapter 2.
The Control Unit provides two connecting ports : one
DIN mini 8 port marked as 'TO SENSOR' at the top end
isusedtoconnecttothe ACTASSensorandoneRS232
communicationport markedas'TO INTERFACE'at the
bottom end is used to connect to the ACTAS Interface.
2
"TO SENSOR" :
port for connecting
the Sensor unit
"TO INTERFACE" :
port for connecting
the Interface unit
LCD display

1-4 5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
ACTAS set-up
3
The ACTAS Sensor
The Sensor unit consists of three adjustable grip de-
vices thatcanbeattachedtothethreelensesofaCRT
projector. They are marked as 'BLUE', 'GREEN' and
'RED'. The middle grip marked as 'GREEN' is fixed,
whiletheothertwoonthesidescanbemovedhorizon-
tally and turned around through the slots.
Internally, the Sensor unit contains 3 photo sensors
and an A-D convertor.
There is a DIN mini 8 port provided on the Sensor unit
for connecting to the Control Unit.
The supplied light cover (black cloth) is used to place
over the grips, when strong ambient light is present
during the alignment process. The connecting cable
can be passed through openings in the cloth. "TO CONTROL UNIT" : port for
connecting the Control Unit
Millededgescrews
Grip for
the blue CRT Grip for
the green CRT Grip for
the red CRT
Slotstomove thegripshorizontally
Slots toturnaroundthegrips
One set of 3 claws to
be attached to a lens
of a projector Photo sensor

ACTAS set-up
1-5
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
INTERCONNECTING THE ACTAS UNITS
The ACTAS consists of three units as
explained in the above sections : the
Interfaceunit,theControlUnit,andthe
Sensor unit. All necessary cables to
interconnect them are supplied.
vv Connecting the Interface
unit to the Control Unit
Useone ofthe twoidentical cables
withmale-to-femaleD9-D9connec-
tors ( Part No.: R3482602) :
u Insert the connector at one end
to the port marked as 'TO CON-
TROLUNIT'locatedonthefront
panel of the Interface unit;
u Insertthe connectorat theother
end into the port marked as 'TO
INTERFACE'locatedonthebot-
tom end of the Control Unit.
vv Connecting the Control Unit
to the Sensor unit
Use the supplied cable with male-
to-maleDINMini8connectors(Part
No.: Z3420076) :
u Insert the connector at one end
to the port marked as 'TO SEN-
SOR'located on the front endof
the Control Unit;
u Insertthe connectorat theother
end into the port marked as 'TO
CONTROLUNIT'locatedon the
Sensor unit.
Aftercompleting the above procedure, thethree unitsare correctlyinterconnected. TheACTAS system is
ready for use.

1-6 5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
ACTAS set-up
POWER (MAINS) CONNECTION
On safety
This product should be operated from an AC power source.
Operating AC power voltage of the projector :
Part No. : R9827961 230V (AC)
Part No. : R9827968 120V (AC)
1. Remove the bottom housing to access the interface
module :
u Place the ACTAS Interface unit upside down on
a table;
u Pry the four screw caps off using a screwdriver;
u Turn out the sunk screws using a Phillips screw-
driver;
u Separate the bottom housing from the top hous-
ing.
Power requirements
Powerrequirement forelectrical equipmentdiffers from
country to country. Please ensure that this apparatus
meets the power requirement in your country.
If the power cord of the Interface is equipped with a
ANSI73.11plug:thefactorypresetpowervoltageis120
VAC 60mA 50/60 Hz.
IfthepowercordoftheInterfaceisequippedwithaCEE7
plug:thefactorypresetpowervoltageis230VAC40mA
50/60 Hz.
If in doubt, consult a qualified technician for voltage
adaptation.
Power Adaptation
To adapt the power voltage of the Interface unit, please
proceed as follows :
CEE 7 plug
ANSI 73.11 plug
Warning :
Unplug the power cord before
proceeding with the power voltage
adaptation of the Interface unit.
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE
The part number of the product is given on the labels
pasted on the flight case and on the Interface unit.

ACTAS set-up
1-7
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
3. For nominal 120VAC operation, proceed as follows:
u Change the line fuse to a 160mA slow blow type
fuse;
u Remove the 230V soldered link on the module
(see fig. a);
u Solder two links (marked as 110V) provided for
120V operation (see fig. b);
u Remove the existing plug from the power cord
andstripthewirestoattachtheappropriatepower
plug, ANSI 73.11.
Power cord with ANSI 73.11 plug
The wires of the power cord are colored in accord-
ance with the following code :
Green-and-yellow : Earth (safety earth)
White : Neutral
Black : Line (Live)
ANSI 73.11 plug
2. Fornominal230VACoperation,proceedasfollows:
u Change the line fuse to a 80mA slow blow type
fuse;
u Removethetwo120V(markedas110V)soldered
links on the module (see fig. b);
u Solder one link provided for the 230V operation
(fig. a);
u Remove the existing plug from the power cord
andstripthewirestoattachtheappropriateCEE7
power plug.
line fuse
T80mA
230 V link
230VAC operation
Fig. a
CEE 7 plug
110 V link
110 V link
Power cord with CEE 7 plug
The wires of the power cord are colored in
accordance with the following code :
Green-and-yellow : Earth (safety earth)
Blue : Neutral
Brown : Line (Live)
T80mA
230 V link 110 V link
110 V link
Fig. b
120VACoperation
line fuse
T160mA

ACTAS software
2-1
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
2
OVERVIEW FLOWCHART OF THE ACTAS
MENU
TheACTASsoftwareprovidesmenusand displaymes-
sages to guide you through the alignment process.
All those menus and messages will be shown on the
LCD display on the Control Unit.
Start-up messages
AftertheACTASispowered,the start-upmessageswill
bedisplayed:itgivestheinformationabouttheEPROM
versions of the ACTAS Control Unit and the Interface,
thetypeofthesensorandwhetheritisconnectedornot.
Next, another message will be displayed, indicating
some settings.
Finally, the command menu 'Start adjust' will be dis-
played and it will remain until operations take place.
Command menus
There are 8 command menus available. Starting from
the'Start adjust'menu, pressthe ' è 'key continuously,
the following command menus will be displayed :
u Send again
u Show unadjusted projectors
u Remote control
u Set parameters
u Select /learn config
u Get reference
u Select /edit setup
Use the ' çç ' key or ' èè ' key on the Control Unit to
select a desired menu.
Pressthe<ENTER>keytoentertheselectedpathor
execute the selected command.
start-up
messages
THE ACTAS SOFTWARE
Press the ' è ' key
Press the ' è ' key
Press the ' è ' key
Press the ' è ' key
Press the ' è ' key
Press the ' è ' key
Press the ' è ' key
Press the
' è ' key
ACTAS
(c) 1995, 1996 BARCO
BARCO ACTAS
CONTROL UNIT V 1.00
Checking hardware ...
SETUP 2 CONFIG 6
MODE auto
PROJ auto
ADJPICT actas interf
BARCO ACTAS
CONTROL UNIT V 1.00
INTERFACE UNIT V1.00
PROBE TYPE NR. 1
ENTER : start adjust
çè : other command
ENTER : send again
çè : other command
ENTER : show
unadjusted
projectors
çè : other command
ENTER : remote control
çè : other command
ENTER : select / edit
setup
çè : other command
ENTER : get reference
çè : other command
ENTER : select / learn
config
çè : other command
ENTER : set parameters
çè : other command

ACTAS software
2-2 5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
SET PARAMETERS MENU
In the 'Set parameter' command menu press the <EN-
TER>
key to access the 'Edit parameters' menu.
Press the <ADJUST> key to enter the edit mode.
Press the <EXIT> key to return.
The menus allow you to select the following items :
u Test picture
u Auto pause mode
u Menu style
ENTER : set parameters
çè : other command
Edit parameters
Auto pause on
ADJ : edit / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Press the ' è ' key
Edit parameters
Menu style short
ADJ : edit / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture pluge
ADJ : edit / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Press the 'ENTER' key e.g.
Press the ' è ' key
Press the
' è ' key
Selecting menu style
Therearetwomenustylesavailable:theshortstyleand
the advanced style. In the advanced menu style, more
menus can be viewed and more parameters can be
changedunder'Edit setup'.Pleaserefer to Page2-9for
details. For an average user, it is advisable to use the
short style.
To change the style:
u Press the <ADJUST> key to enter the edit mode;
u Use the ' é ' key or ' ê ' keys to toggle between 'short'
and 'advanced';
u Press the <ENTER> key to save the style;
or press the
<EXIT> key to return without changes.
Selecting auto pause mode
When the 'ON' mode is selected, the ACTAS puts the
adjustedprojector inpause topreventthe burn-inof the
picture tubes.
To change the mode:
u Press the <ADJUST> key to enter the edit mode;
u Use the ' é ' key or ' ê ' keys to toggle between 'ON'
and 'OFF';
u Press the <ENTER> key to save the parameter;
or press the
<EXIT> key to return without changing
the parameter.
Edit parameters
Menu style short
ADJ : edit / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Press the 'ADJUST' key
Edit parameters
Menu style short
éê : change / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Menu style advanced
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Press the ' é ' key
Edit parameters
Auto pause on
ADJ : edit / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Press the 'ADJUST' key
Edit parameters
Auto pause on
éê : change / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Auto pause off
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Press the ' ê ' key

ACTAS software
2-3
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
Selecting test pictures
There are 7 patterns of test pictures to be chosen :
window, pluge, v bars (vertical bars), h bars (horizontal
bars), gamma, blocks and corners.
To select a pattern :
u Press the <ADJUST> key to enter the edit mode;
u Usethe' é 'or' ê 'keystomovetothedesiredpattern;
u Press the <ENTER> key to save the parameter;
or press the
<EXIT> key to return without changing
the parameter.
Edit parameters
Test picture window
éê : change / çè : other
EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture pluge
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture h bar
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture v bar
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture gamma
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture corner
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture blocks
éê : change / çè : other
ENT: save / EXIT: quit
Edit parameters
Test picture window
ADJ : edit / çè : other
EXIT: quit
TEST PICTURES FOR COLOR ALIGNMENT
Basic concepts about color alignment
To evaluate colors properly, a correct reference is
needed. In professional terminology, it is named as
'WhiteBalance'.ByadjustingtheWhiteBalancewecan
obtain a correct reference (i.e. daylight) for the color
alignment.
The ACTAS uses a window pattern (a white square in
the middle of a black screen) as the "Test picture" to
adjust the Low Level White Balance and the High Level
White Balance. The "Gain" adjustment is used for the
High Level White Balance and the "Cut-off" for the Low
Level White Balance.
There are 6 other test pictures used to examine the
results:thepluge,theverticalbar,thehorizontalbar,the
gamma, the blocks and the corners.
Press the 'ADJUST' key
Press the ' é ' key
Press the ' é ' key
Press the ' é ' key
Press the ' é ' key
Press the ' é ' key
Press the ' é ' key
Window

ACTAS software
2-4 5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
The test pictures can be generated from four kinds of
sources:theInterfaceunitoftheACTAS,ahostcompu-
ter, a manually controllable source and a fixed source.
Test pictures generated by the ACTAS
Interface unit
TheACTASInterfaceunithasaRGBpicturegenerator.
The generated signals are then sent to the projector
through the TEST PICTURE OUTPUT connection. The
parametersofthetestpicturescanbeprogrammedwith
thehelpofthe ACTASControl Unitandcanbestored in
the 'Set-up memory blocks' of the ACTAS Control Unit.
Horizontal scan frequency of the signals
u Range : 15.625 to 99.990kHz
u Resolution:ontheControlUnitthisisprogrammable
in 10Hz steps, but since lines consists of 280ns
pieces,the actualresolution isabout 70Hzwhenthe
scan frequency is around 15kHz, and about 3kHz
when the scan frequency is around 100kHz.
Vertical scan frequency
u Range: 42Hz to 150Hz
u Resolution:ontheControlUnitthisisprogrammable
in 1Hz steps.
Sync type
u RGsB (sync on green, non-interlacing)
u
RGB_S (sync separate, non-interlacing)
u RGsB interlace (sync on green, interlacing)
u RGB_S interlace (sync separate, interlacing)
Test picture patterns for evaluating results
u Window : also used for adjustment,
1 grey level, limited in size
u Pluge : useful for manually aligning the
brightness level :
the +5% rectangle should be distin-
guishablefromthe0%background,
and the -5% rectangle not.
u Vertical bar : 8 grey levels
u Horizontal bar : 8 greys levels
u Gamma : as many as possible levels
(up to 128)
u Blocks : 50 grey levels
u Corners : 1 grey level, limited in size
Note : The chosen picture pattern under the 'Edit pa-
rameters'menuistheonewhichwillbedisplayed
when the ACTAS is idle, it is not the picture
pattern used for adjustments.
Vertical bar
Horizontal bar
Gamma
Blocks
Corners
+5% brightness
0% brightness on background
Pluge
-5% brightness

ACTAS software
2-5
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
Splitting the test pictures
The parameters such as the Horizontal segment and
Verticalsegmentareusedtosplitthetestpicture.When
the segments are set to be more than 1, the test picture
will be split up when it is fed to a splitter system with the
samesegmentation.Sothat,theoriginallyintendedtest
picture will be displayed on each projector of the wall.
Withoutthe splitter, inthe center ofthewall apractically
full white screen would be displayed in case the "Win-
dow" picture is chosen.
Via a splitter : Horizontal segment =3; vertical segment =2
Without a splitter : Horizontal segment =3; vertical segment =2
è
Left margin c
b
a
a>b>c
Centering the test pictures
Theparameters suchasthe Left-margin,Right-margin,
Top-margin, and Bottom-margin are used to center the
test picture correctly. This can be of interest if the test
picture is split.
Whenusingtheleft-margintoshiftthepictures,theshift
distancetothe right reducesgradually,thesame princi-
ple applies to the other margins.
Test pictures generated by a host computer linked to the ACTAS
When the host computer is connected to the ACTAS through the RS232 connection marked as "TO HOST" on the
ACTAS Interface unit, the host computer can generate the test pictures replacing the output from the generator of
the ACTAS Interface, upon request from the ACTAS Control Unit.
In this case, the requests for building up the required test pictures are directed from the ACTAS Control Unit to the
host computer instead of to the ACTAS Interface. The ACTAS Interface is the Master, the computer is the Slave.
The following commands will be used to allow communications between the ACTAS and the host computer :
u IDENT : to tell the host computer where the test picture has to be put and where the test picture can
be removed
u REQ_SHAPE : for communicating the picture type, level, color and size to be generated and for switching
the levels
u READ_SOURCE : for flicker compensation of the measurements
Please refer to
Appendix B for detailed description about the serial communication protocol among the ACTAS
Control Unit, the ACTAS Interface or the host computer.

ACTAS software
2-6 5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
RGB/video
ACTAS Interface
Control unit
ACTAS
RS232 RS232
Projector
Set source to 20%;
then ENTER
EXIT : abort
Set source to 60%;
then ENTER
EXIT : abort
Color adjusted
in 4 iterations
ENT: again / EXIT
RGB/video
ACTAS Interface
Control unit
ACTAS
RS232 RS232
Projector Picture generator
Fixed source
Picture generator
Manually controllable
source
Test pictures generated by a manually
controllable source
An external picture generator (could be a computer) is
usedtoprovidethetestpicturesfortheACTAS.Thetest
picturecannotbechangeduponrequestoftheACTAS,
asitisnotconnecteddirectlytotheACTASInterfacebut
indirectly via a projector. However, the output level can
be switched to the low or high light level by means of
manual operations. This should be done in accordance
with the prompt messages displayed on the ACTAS
Control Unit.
Whenthemessage'Setsourceto20%'isdisplayed,the
user has to switch on the low light test picture. When it
isready,pressthe<
ENTER >key,theadjustmentwillbe
carriedoutautomaticallyincasetheadjustmentmodeis
set to 'Auto' (please refer to Page 2-11).
Whenthemessage'Setsourceto60%'isdisplayed,the
user has to switch on the high light test picture. When it
isready,pressthe
<ENTER> key,theadjustmentwillbe
carriedoutautomaticallyincasetheadjustmentmodeis
set to "Auto".
When the
<EXIT> key is pressed, the adjustment pro-
cess will be stopped.
Test pictures generated by a fixed source
Afixedsourceinsteadofamanuallycontrollablesource
is used to provide the test pictures for the ACTAS. It is
also not connected to the ACTAS Interface through
RS232 communication. The output level of the test
picture can not be changed. The ACTAS imitates the
high and low light level switching by manipulating the
contrast setting.
This method normally lacks precision, and is mainly
reserved for internal evaluation purposes.

ACTAS software
2-7
5975636 ACTAS 2 170297
SELECT / LEARN CONFIGURATION
COMMAND MENU
The'Select/learn config'command menuallowsyouto
selecta configurationblock andtostart upthe projector
to learn the configuration.
Press the
<ENTER> key to access the 'Select config'
menu.
Selecting a configuration memory block
Thereare2setsof20independentnon-volatilememory
blocksintheControlUnittostorethe'Configuration'and
'Setup' settings.
The configuration memory blocks have an identical
structureandarenumberedfrom0to19.Theyareused
to store the result of the configuration learnt by the
ACTAS. When using the ACTAS for the first time, there
is no information stored in the blocks.
Follow the steps below to select a configuration block :
u Use the ' é ' key and ' ê ' key to access the higher or
lower number configuration block;
u Press the
<ENTER> key to save the change: a
message will be displayed to report the saving pro-
cess;
Or press the
<EXIT> key to return without changes:
a message will be displayed to report the reverting
process.
Learn configuration command
Before using this function, please make sure that the
projector operates at a baud rate of 9600, and has an
address not equal to 253 and 254. The projector to be
adjusted must be either in operation or in pause.
In case of a wall system, all projectors in the RS232
chain must operate at a baud rate of 9600, and have
unique addresses. If a host computer is connected and
generates the test pictures on request of the ACTAS
Control Unit, the address 252 must not be used as well,
in addition to the 253 and 254 addresses.
In the 'Select config' command menu, press the
<AD-
JUST>
to start up the scanning process.
TheControl Unit will scan theconnected projectorsand
retaintheiraddresses.Pressingthe
<EXIT> keywillstop
the process. The result of the scanning will be stored in
the configuration block as displayed (e.g.nr 7).
Anendmessagewill bedisplayed toreportthetermina-
tion of the process and number of projectors in the
configuration will be shown.
Press the
<ENTER> key to repeat.
Press the
<EXIT> key to return.
Select config
8 : ( 0 projectors)
ADJ : learn / éê :change
ENT: select / EXIT: quit
ENTER : select / learn
config
çè : other command
Select config
8 : ( 0 projectors)
ADJ : learn / éê : change
ENT: select / EXIT: quit
Press the 'ENTER' key
Select config
7 : ( 0 projectors)
ADJ : learn / éê :change
ENT: select / EXIT: quit
Press the 'ADJUST' key
Select config
7 : ( 0 projectors)
/ éê : change
ENT: select / EXIT: quit
Press the ' ê ' key
Press the 'ENTER' key
Select config
7 : ( 0 projectors)
ADJ : learn / éê :change
ENT: select / EXIT: quit
Learn Config :
5 proj found;
checking proj 6...
EXIT : abort
Learn Config :
6 proj found.
ENT : again / EXIT