Belden Grass Valley CopperHead 3404 User manual

CopperHead 3404 User Guide
M4051-9900-103
6 April 2016

ii
Notices
Copyright & Trademark Notice
Copyright © 2013–2014, Grass Valley. All rights reserved.
Belden, Belden Sending All The Right Signals, and the Belden logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and
other jurisdictions. Grass Valley, CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Grass Valley. Belden Inc., Grass Valley, and other parties may also
have trademark rights in other terms used herein.
Terms and Conditions
Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. By using CopperHead 3404
documentation, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Grass Valley, a Belden Brand (“Grass Valley”) hereby grants permission and license to owners
of CopperHead 3404 to use their product manuals for their own internal business use.
Manuals for Grass Valley products may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any
purpose unless specifically authorized in writing by Grass Valley.
A Grass Valley manual may have been revised to reflect changes made to the product
during its manufacturing life. Thus, different versions of a manual may exist for any given
product. Care should be taken to ensure that one obtains the proper manual version for a
specific product serial number.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Grass Valley.
Warranty information is available in the Support section of the Grass Valley Web site
(www.miranda.com).
Title CopperHead 3404 User Guide
Part Number M4051-9900-103
Revision 6 April 2016

iii
Table of Contents
1About CopperHead 3404. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About CopperHead 3404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Notes on Power Supply Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About this User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Optical Fiber Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Power Fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unpacking the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fiber Cable Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Fiber Optic Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Fiber Optic Connector Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Signal paths in the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Block Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Low Power Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
High Power Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Components . . . . . 13
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
CopperHead 3404 Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Additional Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4Feature Detailed Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Front Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Area A - Connector Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Area B - Camera Mounting Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Area C - Signal/Data Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Area D - Optical Link Signal Strength Indicator & Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Area E - Fan Control Switch and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Back Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Area A - Connector Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Area B - Audio/Intercom Connector Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Area C - Intercom Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Area D - Miscellaneous Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Area E - Fiber Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Area F - Battery Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
CopperHead 3404 Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
CopperHead 3404 Base Station Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

iv
Table of Contents
Area A - Front Panel Optical Connector (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Area B - Audio Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Area C - Video/Data Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Area D - Signal Strength Indicators/Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Area E - Status/Power Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CopperHead 3404 Base Station Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Area A - Power & Fiber Connectors (Power Module) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Area B - Sync/Data/Control Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Area C - Video/Ethernet Connectors & Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Area D - Audio/Intercom Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Four Wire Intercom Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Additional CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
“Power Wafer" Camera Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
MPS External Power Wafer Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
"PowerPlus" Camera Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
HDX Power Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
5Installing and Connecting the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Installing the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Mounting the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit to the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Mounting the Power Wafer Unit to the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit. . . . . . . . .43
Mounting the PowerPlus Unit to the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit. . . . . . . . . . .44
Connecting the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Connections between Base Station and Camera Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Tactical Fiber between the Base Station and Camera Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SMPTE Hybrid Fiber between the Base Station (powered) and Camera Unit . . . . 46
SMPTE Hybrid Fiber between Base Station and Camera Unit (Infrastructure) . . . 47
SMPTE Hybrid Fiber between the MPS Power Unit and Camera Unit . . . . . . . . . . . 48
SMPTE Hybrid Fiber between the HDX Power Unit and Camera Unit . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Connections to the CopperHead 3404 Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Multi-Pin Cable Assemblies Used with the CopperHead 3404 Base Station. . . . . .49
Connectors into and out of the CopperHead 3404 Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Connections to the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Multi-Pin Cable Assemblies Used with the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit . . . . .52
Connectors into and out of the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Back Side . . . . . .53
Connectors of the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Front Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Camera Unit Connection Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Camera Unit (Camera Facing Side) to Camera Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Camera Unit (Power Adaptor or Battery Facing Side) to Camera Connections . . .57
Camera Unit Audio and Data/Control Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
6Operation of CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System . . . . . 59
Set Up of the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System for operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Powering the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Powering the CopperHead 3404 Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Powering the CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Understanding Intercom Usage with the CopperHead 3404. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Intercom Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

v
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System
User Guide
Adjusting Intercom Sidetone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Audio/Intercom/IFB 4-Switch Panel. . . . . . . . . . . .65
A Brief Guide to Measurement of Fiber Optic Signal Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
The CopperHead 3404 Base Station Digital Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
The CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Digital Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Shutting Down the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
7Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
A Connector Pin Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Base Station Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Camera Unit Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Data 1 (Camera Control) Pinout Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
B Available Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Wider Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
C Multi-Pin Signal Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Camera Signal Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Base station cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Base Station Remote Control Panel Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Camera Remote Control Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
D Multi-Pin Wiring Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Base Station Breakout Data/GPI Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Base Station 25-Pin Audio Input Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Base Station 25-Pin Audio Output Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
E System Overview Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Base Station Back Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Camera Front and Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Camera Unit Indicators and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
CopperHead Base Station Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

vi
Table of Contents

1
About CopperHead 3404
This chapter provides an overview of the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System and
includes the safety and warranty information about it.
About CopperHead 3404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Unpacking the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2
About CopperHead 3404
About CopperHead 3404
About CopperHead 3404
The CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System is a camera video, audio, and data multiplexing
system that isinstalled between a portable video camera and its power source.It is
connected via a single fiber optic cable to a Base Station in a truck, studio, or other video
production setup. All video, audio, and data usually carried on Triax or multi-core cable is
sent, bi-directionally, over a single lightweight fiber over distances as long as 5 km or more.
The CopperHead 3404 is specifically designed to support the use of 4K, 3D, or Dual-Link
camera setups.
The Camera Unit fits between the battery or optional power supply and the camera. The
CopperHead Camera Unit is configured at time of purchase with special interface plates to
accommodate the appropriate camera battery type.
The camera Battery or optional power source attaches to the Camera Unit, which in turn,
attaches to the video camera. Batteries accommodated are Sony V-Mount, Anton-Bauer,
and PAG.
The CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System consists of two main components:
• The CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit has two options:
• the battery physical interface system
• the fiber connector
• The CopperHead 3404 Base Station has three options
• the power configuration
• the fiber connector
• the intercom module
Typically options are determined at the time of product order and the units are delivered
pre-configured, although some options can be field-changed by qualified personnel.
Notes on Power Supply Usage
When using your CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System, please ensure that the power
supply in use meets the power requirements of your camera. The amount of power
available to be sent to the camera through a hybrid Fiber Optic cable depends on the Grass
Valley power supply used.
• The available Grass Valley Power Wafer unit provides up to 95 Watts of continuous
power.
• The available Grass Valley PowerPlus unit provides 100 Watts continuous power and
150 Watts peak power.
About this User Guide
This CopperHead 3404 Fiber Optic Transceiver System can be delivered in a number of
configurations depending on the Power and Battery Mount options selected. This User
Guide is designed to cover all of the various options, so not every page in this Guide will
apply to your specific system.

3
CopperHead 3404
User Guide
Optical Fiber Safety
Never look directly into the end of the optic fiber while either end of the system is
operating.
This CopperHead 3404 contains CDRH Class 1 laser devices. Always avoid looking directly
at, or staring into, the laser light located on an optical connector or on the end of a fiber. Eye
damage can result.
Infrared radiation is produced at the ST fiber connection and at the end of any un-
terminated optical fibers that are attached to this connection. Avoid any direct exposure to
the light that comes from these sources.
Do not power up the unit when no fiber is attached to the fiber port.
There are no user adjustments inside the CopperHead 3404. Do not attempt any type of
service to this instrument other than any as instructed this manual. Refer all servicing to
Grass Valley, a Belden Brand.
Always keep the Fiber Optical connectors protected. when not connected. Use protective
caps if available. This protects the connector from damage and the unlikely event of
exposure to an operating optical link. Keeping the connectors protected when the
connectors are not in use will prevent dirt and dust from entering the connector and
degrading the performance of the optical link.
Power Fuses
The CopperHead 3404 Base Station with internal power is equipped with Dual Cartridge
fuses located next to the AC Power receptacle at the left rear of the unit. Refer to Multi-Pin
Wiring Suggestions on page 100 for specific location information.
NEVER operate the CopperHead 3404 Base Station without properly installed and rated
fuses. Severe electrical and heat damage could result as well as personal injury or death.
The fuses supplied are standard 4 Ampere fuses – 5 x 20mm. Both fuses are in operation at
all times – both the AC Line Hot and the AC Line Neutral are fused.

4
About CopperHead 3404
Unpacking the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System
Unpacking the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System
The following table lists the various items shipped with a system depending on the
particular configuration.
Individual items shipped with a CopperHead 3404 system depend on the particular
configuration.
Please consult your packing slip and purchase order to ensure that you have received all of
the expected components. Inspect all components for scratches and other mechanical
damage, and inspect the electrical connectors for bent or damaged pins and latches.
Report any missing or damaged components to Grass Valley. See Product Returns on
page 5.
You must use your own video and audio cables to make connections for Video, Tally, Black
Burst/Genlock, Base Station monitor, intercom, and other ancillary signals and equipment.
Suggestions for these cables are discussed later in this User Guide.
Leave the protective caps on the optical connectors whenever the fiber is disconnected.
CopperHead System Type
Description Part Code
Tactical Fiber (local
power at camera)
Hybrid Fiber -
Standard Power
(Power Wafer)
Hybrid Fiber -
High Power
(PowerPlus)
CopperHead Camera Unit CHG3-CAM   
CopperHead Base Station CHG3-BS   
AC-to-DC Power Supply ADAP-AC No No
Panel-Mountable Fiber
Extension
CH3BFC   No
Camera Remote cable CHCR   
Camera Signal cable CH3CS   
Base Station Remote cable CHBR   
Power Wafer w/jumper cable CHG3-PW No No
Eternal Power Wafer Supply CH3-MPS No No
PowerPlus PWRPLS No No 
HDX Power Supply HDX No No 
Fiber jumper(s) various No No 
Reel or coil of Tactical Fiber CA No No
Reel or coil of Hybrid Fiber CA No  
Operations Manual CA   
Standard
Optional

5
CopperHead 3404
User Guide
Product Returns
In the unlikely event of damage to your CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System during
shipping or delivery please note the damage with the delivery or shipping service and
document the packaging and product where you see damage. If any component does not
work correctly out of the box, please contact Grass Valley (see Contact Us on page 81).
If the problem cannot be remedied through a service telephone call, you will receive an
RMA number (Return of Merchandise Authorization). Please note this RMA number inside
and outside of all shipping boxes and on all documentation provided with the items to be
returned.

6
About CopperHead 3404
Product Returns

7
System Overview
This chapter provides a system overview about the Fiber Cables and the Transceiver
System.
Fiber Cable Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Signal paths in the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

8
System Overview
Fiber Cable Concepts
Fiber Cable Concepts
Fiber Optics and Fiber Optic Cable are the core technologies at the heart of the
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System. The ability to multiplex and de-multiplex a variety
of video, audio and data signals so that they can be carried over a thin strand of Fiber Optic
cable for long distances enables the CopperHead System. The theory and operation of
Fiber Optics is beyond the scope of this document: this document explains the different
types of Fiber Optic Cable and Fiber Optic Cable Connectors.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fig. 2-1: Tactical Fiber Optic Cable Cross-section
Tactical Fiber cable is heavy duty, Kevlar protected, and capable of carrying CopperHead
signals extended distances. The cable can generally withstand a variety of environmental
hazards such as being crushed or run-over. Tactical Fiber can be used in the field mounted
on Portable Fiber Reels in lengths up to 2000 feet.
Fig. 2-2: Hybrid Fiber Optic Cable Cross-section
Hybrid Fiber Cable has the same Fiber Optic characteristics with the addition of copper
cables. This allows the transmission of power through the cable. This increases weight and
reduces operating distance. Hybrid Fiber Cable also includes a pair of Sense/Signal wires
that allow systems to determine if there is an open or shorted cable. Hybrid Fiber Cable is
also larger in diameter then Tactical Fiber Cable.

9
CopperHead 3404
User Guide
Fiber Optic Connector Types
Depending on the type of Fiber Optic Cable used, different Connector types can be
configured. The following table summarizes the various types of connectors typically used
in a CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System configuration and the allowed Fiber Optic Cable
usage. Each connector type is illustrated below.
Connector Type
Tactical
Fiber Use
Hybrid
Fiber Use
Camera
Unit Use
Base
Station Use Notes
ST Fiber Connectors Yes Not
Typically
No Yes Less Expensive - not as durable
as OpticalCON, SMPTE 304M or
MX
ST Fiber Connectors
with Molex Power
Plug
No Not
Typically
No Yes Used with separate Fiber and
Power cables
LC Connectors No No No No Infrastructure and Internal
Equipment Use
SMPTE 304M No Yes Yes Yes
OpticalCON Cable
Connector (Neutrik)
Yes Yes 
(up to 95V)
Yes Yes
OpticalCON Panel
Connector (Neutrik)
Yes Yes No No Infrastructure Use Only
MX Expanded Beam
Connector
Yes No Yes Yes
ST Cable
Connectors
ST Panel
Connectors
ST Panel w/
Molex
OpticalCON
Cable
OpticalCON
Panel
LC Connectors SMPTE 304M
Cable
SMPTE 304M
Panel
MX Expanded
Beam Cable
MX Expanded
Beam Panel

10
System Overview
Signal paths in the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System
Signal paths in the CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System
The CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System utilizes an optical fiber link between the Base
Station and the Camera Unit to carry all of the required signals necessary for operation of
the camera and associated production equipment. The Camera Unit multiplexes electrical
signals from the camera and other remote sources and converts them to an optical signal
for transmission over the fiber. Simultaneously, an optical return signal is received at the
Camera Unit from the Base Station; this signal is then converted to electrical analog
information for use by the camera, camera operator, and auxiliary equipment at the camera
location.
When the hybrid fiber cable option is used, the link also provides power to the Camera Unit
and the camera itself. Only the single fiber link or hybrid fiber link is required between the
Base Station and the Camera Unit.
Fig. 2-3: Base Station to Camera Unit Connection

11
CopperHead 3404
User Guide
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Block Diagrams
Low Power Version
Fig. 2-4: CopperHead System Model 3404 Low Power Version Block Diagram

12
System Overview
High Power Version
High Power Version
Fig. 2-5: CopperHead System Model 3404 High Power Version Block Diagram

13
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System
Components
The chapter describes the CopperHead 3404 components.
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CopperHead 3404 Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Additional Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

14
CopperHead 3404 Transceiver System Components
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Overview
CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit Overview
Fig. 3-1: CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit, Front and Back Sides
The actual appearance of your CopperHead 3404 Camera Unit will vary depending on the
battery mount and fiber cable connection options specified at the time of purchase.
CopperHead 3404 Base Station
Fig. 3-2: CopperHead 3404 Base Station Front Panel
Fig. 3-3: CopperHead 3404 Base Station Connector or Back Panel
The actual appearance of your CopperHead 3404 Base Station will vary depending on the
fiber cable connection and power options specified at the time of purchase.
Camera Unit Front Side
(attached to the camera)
Camera Unit Back Side (attached
to the battery/power supply)