Belden Grass Valley Python Plus User manual

13-00055-000 February 2019 v1.2
Python Plus
User’s Guide
Multichannel Fiber Optic SDI and IP Transport System with
CWDM

Copyright
Copyright Grass Valley Canada 2019. Copying of this document and giving it to others, and the
use or communication of the contents thereof, are forbidden without express authority. All
rights are reserved in the event of the grant of a patent or the registration of a utility model or
design. Liable to technical alterations in the course of further development.
Trademarks
Grass Valley, LDX Series and derivatives are trademarks of Belden Inc. or Grass Valley Canada.
All other tradenames referenced are service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.
Website
Visit the Grass Valley public website to download the latest user’s guide updates and additional
information about your broadcast product:
www.grassvalley.com

3
Table of Contents
1About Python Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About the Python Plus System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fiber Cable Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Unpacking the Python Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Product Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety and Fiber Optic Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Optical Fiber Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
FCC Part A Manual Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2Hardware and Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Available Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Block Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
PY3-FRAME + PY3-TX-G/PY3-RX and W4-TX-ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
3Python Plus Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Python Plus configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Python Plus front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Power and display panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Python Plus front panel cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
PY3-RX card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
PY3-TX card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Python Plus rear panel plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Python Plus Units with CWDM and Fiber Capability (Dual Input/Output) . . . . . . .22
Python Plus Rear panel operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Area A - Rear Panel Power Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Redundant Power Supply Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Area B – ST Fiber Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Power Connector Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Fiber ADAP Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
4Python Plus Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Fiber Optical Channel Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Using the Python Plus Optical Measurement Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Python Plus Optical Measurement Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Condition 1: No Optical Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Condition 2 – Optical Link good but no SDI data present.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Condition 3 - Active usable optical link with SDI Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
System Firmware Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Technical Information Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

4
Table of Contents
Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
5Understanding Python Plus Model Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Part number ordering options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Coaxial Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Fiber Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Rear Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Blank Plates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

5
About Python Plus
This chapter provides an overview of the Python Plus and includes the safety and warranty
information about it.
About the Python Plus System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety and Fiber Optic Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6
About Python Plus
About the Python Plus System
About the Python Plus System
The Python Plus transmitter multiplexes a number of HD/SDI signals into a fiber optic
transport stream. The number of signals can be 4, 8, 12, or 16 – always in multiples of four.
Similarly, the Python Plus receiver de-multiplexes a corresponding number of fiber optic
signals into HD/SDI.
The method of fiber optic signal transmission can use one-for-one pass through conversion
of each HD/SDI signal or CWDM (course wavelength division multiplexing) for up to 16
HD/SDI signals combined into a signal fiber optic cable.
In addition to Python Plus transmitter and receiver models, Transceivers are also available
which allow various combinations of transmit and receive in the same unit. Please see
Available Models on page 12 for the model list.
Python Plus units accept electrical digital signals (via BNC), ranging from 19.4 Mbps up to
12 Gbps-uncompressed HD/SDI.
Along with LEDs to indicate the presence of an HD/SDI signal at each BNC input and output,
the Python Plus features an integrated optical power meter for monitoring the received
power for each optical HD/SDI signal. Fiber optical power is measured only at the receiver
end of the signal path.
Figure 1-1 is a conceptual overview of an example Python Plus signal path.
Fig. 1-1: Python Plus Conceptual Overview
The Python Plus also features dual 12-18 VDC power inputs for electrical redundancy. Up to
3Gb/s (SDI) or 10 Gb/s (IP) is supported on each optical channel.
The Python Plus handles a wide range of digital video rates. Supported formats include:
• 12 Gb/s HD/SDI: SMPTE 2081
• 6 Gb/s HD/SDI: SMPTE 2082
• 3 Gb/s HD/SDI: SMPTE 424M

7
Python Plus
User Guide
• 1.5 Gb/s HD/SDI: SMPTE 292M
• 143 Mb/s: SMPTE 259M
• 270 Mb/s DVB/ASI (re-clocked)
• 19.4 Mb/s ATSC: SMPTE 310M
• Non-standard digital signals to 3 Gb/s
The unit is interoperable with industry standard optical HD/SDI signals to/from other
equipment, such as Rattler™, Diamondback™, SHED™, HDX™, and Viper™ series frames and
modules, as well as other manufacturers' routers, DAs, etc.
The Python Plus has four Input/Output card positions that can either convert incoming
SDI/Data BNC signals into Fiber Optic signals or can detect received Fiber Optic signals and
convert them to SDI/Data. Each position handles four channels
In the above example the two card positions A-1 and A-2 are transmitter cards. Slot A-1
handles 1310 nm low range signals and slot A-2 handles 1310 nm high range signals.
Please see Understanding Python Plus Model Numbers on page 33 for a list of all of the
available I/O cards.
Positions A-3 and A-4 each h ave a four channel detec tor card that converts the inco ming
de-multiplexed fiber optic feed into individual SDI/Data signals.
The eight input signals are multiplexed (B) and sent to the CWDM Band Coupling I/O card
(D). This I/O card manages on a single ST Fiber Connector the eight outgoing and eight
incoming Fiber Optic signals. 16 signals are coupled on to a single Fiber I/O. The band
coupler combines 1310 nm and 1550 nm ranges into a single Fiber Optic signal.
The incoming eight Fiber signals are decoupled, de-multiplexed (C) and sent to the
Detector cards for conversion to SDI/Data.
Fiber Cable Overview
Fiber Optics and Fiber Optic Cable are the core technologies at the heart of the Python Plus
System. The Python Plus features 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. The specific theory and operation of Fiber Optics is beyond the
scope of this document.
Fig. 1-2: Single Mode Fiber Optic Cable Cross-Section (Illustrative Only)

8
About Python Plus
Unpacking the Python Plus
Unpacking the Python Plus
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 8).
Leave the protective caps on the optical connectors whenever the fiber is disconnected.
Product Returns
In the unlikely event of damage to your Python Plus during shipping or delivery, take note
of any damage with the delivery or shipping service. If any component does not work
correctly out of the box, please contact Grass Valley Fiber Solutions service (Contact Us on
page 37).
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.

9
Python Plus
User Guide
Safety and Fiber Optic Systems
Optical Fiber Safety
Never look directly into the end of the optic fiber while either end of the system is
operating.
This Python Plus contains CDRH Class 1 laser devices. To prevent damaging your eyes,
always avoid looking directly at, or staring into, the laser light located on an optical
connector or on the end of a fiber.
Infrared radiation is produced at the fiber connection port on the rear of the TX units and at
the end of any un-terminated optical fibers that are attached to this port. Avoid any direct
exposure to the light that comes from these sources.
Do not power up the unit if there are no fiber cables connected to the fiber port.
There are no manual adjustments to make inside the Python Plus. Do not attempt any type
of service on this instrument, other than any procedures as instructed in this Guide. Refer all
servicing to the Fiber Solutions division of Grass Valley (see Contact Us on page 37).
Always use cable connector caps when the cables are not connected. This protects the
connector from damage and the unlikely event of exposure to an operating optical link.
Keeping the caps in place when the connectors are not in use will prevent dirt and dust
from entering the connector and degrading the performance of the optical link.
FCC Part A Manual Notice
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 (RF) energy. If not installed and used in accordance with this User Guide, this
equipment may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

10
About Python Plus
FCC Part A Manual Notice

11
Hardware and Block Diagrams
This chapter lists the models available with the Python Plus and lists the block diagrams of
these models.
Available Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

12
Hardware and Block Diagrams
Available Models
Available Models
The Python Plus is available in a variety of standard models. The following list covers the
models available at the time of publication. Please see Understanding Python Plus Model
Numbers on page 33 for an explanation of how to understand Python Plus Model Numbers.

13
Python Plus
User Guide
Block Diagrams
PY3-FRAME + PY3-TX-G/PY3-RX and W4-TX-ST
Fig. 2-1: 4 Channels Python Plus.

14
Hardware and Block Diagrams
PY3-FRAME + PY3-TX-G/PY3-RX and W4-TX-ST

15
Python Plus Components
This chapter describes the main components of the Python Plus.
Python Plus configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Python Plus front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Python Plus rear panel plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

16
Python Plus Components
Python Plus configuration
Python Plus configuration
Designed as a modular product, Python Plus supports a wide variety of signals, with each
port providing multirate capability. Each unit can transport a mix of digital and IP cameras
or virtually any digital video transceiver through fiber or copper cables. One unit can
support up to eight of any type of cameras, 2,048 AES channels or any mix of these signals
desired, all in a compact 1 RU frame. All of these signals can be converted individually to
fiber, or muxed to transport them over a single or pair of fibers.
A typical Python Plus unit consists of a Python Plus frame that can be equipped with up to 4
Fiber/Coaxial Cards and Rear panel options.
The Python Plus has two main interface/interconnection panels:
• The Front panel
• The Rear panel
Fig. 3-1: Python Plus Frame front panel.
Fig. 3-2: Example of a Python Plus front panel with four mounted modules.
Fig. 3-3: Empty Python Plus Frame back panel.
Fig. 3-4: Example of a Python Plus back panel with fiber plates installed.
PYTHON PLUS
1324 91110 125768 13 1514 16
CHANNEL
SELECT
PYTHON PLUS
1324 91110 1257 68 13 15 14 16
CHANNEL
SELECT
12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA IN 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA IN 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA OUT 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA OUT
MAIN
AUX
16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
LEGEND
RXTX
OPTIONAL REDUNDANCY - REFER TO MANUAL
12-18V , 2.3A MAX
MAIN
12-18V , 2.3A MAX
AUX
MAIN
AUX
16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
LEGEND
RXTX
OPTIONAL REDUNDANCY - REFER TO MANUAL
12-18V , 2.3A MAX
MAIN
12-18V , 2.3A MAX
AUX

17
Python Plus
User Guide
Python Plus front panel
The composition of the Python Plus front panel varies depending on the configuration of
the frame: transmitters or/and receiver cards can be installed, both coaxial and fiber
options are possible. Identify the particular Python Plus module of interest and then go to
the page indicated.
Power and display panel
Fig. 3-5: Power and display area
The Power and Display Area has four features.
•1: CHANNEL SELECT – scrolls the LED display through each of the Fiber Channels
•2: Digital Display – display optical power levels, firmware version and operating
temperature
•3: Power Monitor LED – indicates the current Power status
•4: ON/OFF Switch – controls power to the Python Plus unit
For information on how to use the CHANNEL SELECTION switch and the digital display see
Using the Python Plus Optical Measurement Display on page 29.
1 2 3 4
CHANNEL
SELECT
-7

18
Python Plus Components
Python Plus front panel cards
Python Plus front panel cards
PY3-RX card
Fig. 3-6: Coaxial 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data OUT card.
TP3-RX card
Fig. 3-7: Fiber 3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data OUT (passive) card.
TP3-ARX card
Fig. 3-8: Fiber 3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data Out (active) card.
The Fiber 3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data out (active) card has 4 3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data output BNC
connectors. All four outputs operate identically.
• On units without CWDM, the four outputs correspond to the four Fiber Optic inputs on
the back panel.
• For CWDM units, the four outputs are de-multiplexed from a single Fiber Optic input.
Each output has an LED indictor that indicates the following status:
•Green: the Python Plus is receiving a signal for the indicated channel over the
Multiplexed Fiber Optic Cable and SDI signal is present
•Alternating between Red and Green: a Fiber Optic connection is detected for the
indicated channel but no SDI is present.
•Red: no optical connection is detected or the active optical signal has fallen below 
-22 dBm
TP3-RX10 card
12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA OUT
FIBER 3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA OUT
FIBER 3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA OUT

19
Python Plus
User Guide
Fig. 3-9: Fiber 10G/IP out card.
PY3-TX card
Fig. 3-10: Coaxial 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data IN card.
The coaxial12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data IN card has four SDI/DATA In BNC Connectors. All
four inputs operate identically, but CWDM models are multiplexed for transmission on the
fiber output of the unit for demultiplexing to the four SDI outputs on the receiving unit. On
pass-through models, conversion to fiber optical signal occurs individually and four Fiber
Optic optic outputs are available on the rear panel.
The SDI/DATA connections can carry a variety of Baseband and Data type signals (see
Specifications on page 35 for a list).
Each input has a LED indicator that indicates the following:
•Green: SDI signal present
•Unlit : Nothing connected
TP3-TX card
Fig. 3-11: Fiber 3G/HD/SD-SDI/Data IN card.
TP3-TX-BK card
.
Fig. 3-12: Fiber 10G/IP In card.
FIBER 10G/IP OUT
12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA IN
FIBER 3G/HD/SD-SDI/DATA IN
FIBER 10G/IP IN

20
Python Plus Components
Python Plus rear panel plates
Python Plus rear panel plates
The configuration of the Python Plus rear panel varies depending on whether the unit is a
receiver, transmitter or transceiver. It also varies depending on whether the unit is a CWDM
unit or an SDI to Fiber conversion unit.
The following sections describe the different types of Rear Panel options that are available,
but the caption letters in each figure refers to the following sections:
•A - Power Connector Area - see Area A - Rear Panel Power Connectors on page 24
•B - Rear panel options Area - see below:
TR-LC plate
Fig. 3-13: Rear panel option 1.
S2-TX-LC plate
Fig. 3-14: Rear panel option 2.
S2-RX-LC plate
Fig. 3-15: Rear panel option 3.
TR-ST plate
MAIN
AUX
16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
LEGEND
RXTX
OPTIONAL REDUNDANCY - REFER TO MANUAL
12-18V , 2.3A MAX
MAIN
12-18V , 2.3A MAX
AUX
A B