Contemporary Research 232-STA User manual

17630 Davenport Road, Suite 113 • Dallas, TX 75252
Phone: [phone] • Toll-Free: 888-972-2728 • Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail] • Website: www.crwww.com
Product Manual
232-STA
Stereo TV Tuner
Ver. 4.4 May 24, 2008

Contemporary Research 2 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Table of Contents
TUOverviewUT .............................................................................................................................................3
TUNew Features (Rev 3.3-4.0)UT ....................................................................................................................3
TUSpecificationsUT ......................................................................................................................................4
TUPhysicalUT .................................................................................................................................................4
TUFront PanelUT ............................................................................................................................................4
TURear PanelUT .............................................................................................................................................4
TURF TunerUT ...............................................................................................................................................5
TUIncludesUT ................................................................................................................................................5
TUOptionsUT .................................................................................................................................................5
TUTroubleshootingUT ..................................................................................................................................6
TUFront Panel ProgrammingUT ...................................................................................................................6
TUModes 10 and aboveUT ..............................................................................................................................6
TUFront Panel Programming CommandsUT ................................................................................................7
TURS-232 Control ProtocolUT .....................................................................................................................8
TUOverviewUT ...............................................................................................................................................8
TUGeneral protocol specificationsUT ................................................................................................................8
TUCommand String StructureUT ......................................................................................................................8
TUCommand and Status ResponseUT...............................................................................................................8
TUGeneral RS-232 CommandsUT .....................................................................................................................9
TUCharacter Generator CommandsUT ............................................................................................................11
TUKeypad Channel CommandUT....................................................................................................................12
TUIC-RC Remote EmulationUT.......................................................................................................................12
TUTune Ring Commands and RepliesUT .........................................................................................................13
TUTerminal Communication CommandsUT .....................................................................................................13
TURS-232 Command Hints and TipsUT ...........................................................................................................13
TUResponse StringsUT ..............................................................................................................................14
TUChannel/Source Status Response String (T):UT ...........................................................................................14
TUAudio Status Response String (V):UT .........................................................................................................14
TUFront Panel Mode Status Response String (S):UT ........................................................................................14
TURS-232 Cable ConnectionsUT................................................................................................................15
TUSingle TunerUT ........................................................................................................................................15
TUMultiple TunersUT ....................................................................................................................................15
TURack MountingUT ..................................................................................................................................16
TURK1 Single Unit Rack MountUT ..................................................................................................................16
TURK2 Side-by-Side Rack KitUT .....................................................................................................................16
TUSafety InstructionsUT ...........................................................................................................................17
TULimited Warranty and DisclaimerUT .....................................................................................................18

Contemporary Research 3 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Overview
The Contemporary Research 232-STA is a versatile RS-232 controlled video tuner featuring stereo audio, 125-channel
access in off-air, CATV, HRC, or IRC modes, front-panel operation and feedback, and intelligent control. Fully
programmable, the unit can restore all settings on power-up from non-volatile memory. A list of accessible channels,
called channel rings, can be stored in memory, used for convenient channel up/down control and to control direct
access to unlisted channels. Switchable inputs for NTSC video and stereo audio are included for display of PC graphics,
a character generator information channel, camera or other A/V sources.
The front-panel buttons and alpha-numeric display can be used for general operation and to program basic features
for tuning, RS-232 baud rate and local control. Full setup, control, and feedback is provided by RS-232. Up to nine
232-series tuners can be controlled from a single RS-232 port. In addition, remote tuning ring channel up and down
operation can be accessed through contact closure inputs.
•Interacts with PCs and control systems via RS-232, using simple ASCII-format commands and feedback, up to
9 tuners can be linked to a single RS-232 control port
•Tunes 125 channels in off-air, CATV, HRC, or IRC modes, using true synchronous video detection and
intercarrier SAW filter
•Stores programmable tuning ring in memory to control channel access
•Provides front-panel control for A/V Mute, mode select, and channel up/down, with LED feedback for
Mute, current channel and programming mode
•Accesses tuning ring channel up/down from contact closure inputs
•Restores all operation status after loss of power from data stored in non-volatile memory
•Mutes both audio and video with front-panel LED indicator
•Delivers stereo audio with programmable volume, bass, and treble levels, as well as stereo, mono and SAP
audio modes
•Switches between tuner and external composite stereo A/V input
•Enables and disables front-panel control via RS-232
•Mounts in 19" rack with optional RK1 or RK2 kit for dual side-by-side installation
•Firmware updateable via modem or PC software (available soon)
New Features (Rev 3.3-4.0)T
•Shares new processor from 232-STS S-Video Stereo Tuner
•Adds new front-panel (12-14) and RS-232 programming modes (Q2-Q4) to match 232-STS
•Upgradeable firmware, presently updated via modem from factory, software tools available soon for local
update
•Units shipped with new processor start with serial number 223-5009-001, Rev 3.1 or higher
Serial number can be read as follows—xxx (production run) - 5009 (232-STA) – xxx (unit number)
•Request Tune Ring and Channel Label (3.4)
•IC-RC Remote emulation (V3.4)
•Up to 9 units can be controlled from a single RS-232 control port, up to 19.2 Kb (V 3.5)
•Sending a command to Unit#0 (Zero) acts as a global command to all tuners (V4.0)

Contemporary Research 4 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
TTSpecifications
Physical
Size: 8.5" [216mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 6.0" [153mm] deep
Weight: 1.5 lbs [0.68kg]
Enclosure: All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint
Mounting: Rack mounting for one or two units side-by-side optional (RK1, RK2)
Front Panel
Mute A/V: Toggles audio and video mute on/off, blanks all video and audio when active
Mute LED: Red LED lights when A/V is muted
Volume: Up and down buttons raise and lower volume
Channel: Up and down buttons select channels from stored tuning ring
Display: Red LED 3 digit, 7 segment alphanumeric display for channels and modes
Rear Panel
Power In: 2.1mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive), 350 mA maximum
11.5 to 16.5 VDC, 12 VDC typical (may be unregulated)
North American version includes UL/CSA listed wall power supply
RS-232 Control: DB-9 male connector, baud rates from 300 to 9600 baud
User selectable 300 to 19,200 (9600 default) baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Employs standard ASCII strings from any terminal program, PC, or control system
2 momentary closure inputs - Channel Up (Pin 4), Down (Pin 9), GND (Pin 5)
Antenna/Cable: ‘F’, female, 75 ohm impedance
Video Input: RCA female, NTSC composite
Video Output: RCA female, NTSC composite, 75 ohm impedance, 1V peak-to-peak typical
Audio Outputs: 2 RCA female, stereo 1K ohms, unbalanced, 1K ohm impedance
Selectable for stereo, mono and SAP modes
Response: Stereo/SAP: Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 1% maximum, 0.3% typical
Channel Separation: 25dB minimum, 30dB typical,
50Hz to 12KHz
Mono: Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.5%, 0.1% typical
20Hz to 20KHz
Level: 500 mV RMS typical output level (at max volume)
Volume control 0 to -70 dB and mute in 64 steps

Contemporary Research 5 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
USpecifications
RF Tuner
Frequency Range: NTSC television 55.25 to 801.25 MHz, 62.5KHZ fine tune resolution
Maximum Input: Maximum Input: +20dBmV max, +10dBmV nominal*
Video Gain: ±5% maximum, 2% typical
Video Phase: ±3 degrees maximum, 2 degrees typical
*All tuners with firmware V3.7 to V4.1 made between Apr and Nov 2005 should be upgraded to new V4.3
(or higher) to ensure higher RF input level specs and best video performance.
Includes
12 VDC power supply, 400 mA min (North American shipments only)
Options
Onscreen text/captioning – use 232-STS
CC-232 RS-232 Control Cable (specify make and model)
RK1 Kit for mounting single unit in 19” rack, RK2 Kit for mounting two units side-by-side in 19” rack

Contemporary Research 6 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Troubleshooting
Symptom: Front-Panel Channel Up does not operate, advances one channel when powered
The RS-232 port has contact closures for Channel Up and Down on pins 4 and 9. Off-the shelf RS-232 control cables (such
as consumer null modem cables) that include those wires can lock up channel operation. If the problem clears up when you
unplug the RS-232 cable, use a cable with only 3 wires for GND, Transmit, and Receive.
Symptom: Problems with Cable Channels
There are three types cable channel systems, Cable, IRC, and HRC. While the Cable setting works for over 90% of
installations, there are a few cable systems set for IRC and HRC channel frequencies. Here’s how to tell which is which:
•IRC– Channels 5 and 6 are missing. Change to IRC and they will appear.
•HRC – None of the channels work. Change to HRC.
Front Panel Programming
To Enter a Front Panel Programming Mode:
1. Press and hold the Mute A/V button such that the red LED light above is lit (indicating Mute On).
2. Press Volume Up.
3. Release all buttons, the 232-STA will now be in the front panel programming mode.
4. The front panel display is dedicated to programming information display while in this mode.
5. Changes are saved in non-volatile memory as they are entered.
6. The Volume up/down buttons scroll through programming modes 0 through 9 and 10+.
7. The Channel up/down buttons scroll through possible parameters for each mode.
To Exit the Front Panel Mode
Push and release the Mute All A/V button.
Modes 10 and above
When you select programming mode 10 and above, the Mode digit and decimal point will flash. For example, if
Mode 14 is selected, the display will show a flashing 4. - followed by the current parameter setting.
Modes 10 – 14 are identical to RS-232 Commands Q0 – Q4, included for RS-232 programming compatibility
with the 232-STS. Most functions are fixed, Mode 13 is the only function that can be changed in the 232-STA.

Contemporary Research 7 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Front Panel Programming Commands
Mode 0-9 Parameters Mode 10+ Parameters
RF Tune 0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
CATV
Broadcast
HRC
IRC
Caption Type 10.0
10.1
10.2
Captioning off (fixed)
No function
No function
Baud Rate 1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
300
600
1200
2400
4800
9600
19,200 (V3.5)
Caption Mode 11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.X
No function (default)
No function
No function
No function
No function
Unit Number 2.1
2.2
2.3
2.x
One
Two
Three
Four – Nine (V3.5)
Video Detect 12.3 No function (fixed)
Not Used 3.0 AV Status 13.0
13.1
13.2
13.3
No AV status (default)
Stereo/Mono status
Disable S/M status
Enable S/M status
Panel Lockout 4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
None
Channel up/dwn
Volume up/dwn
Channel & Volume up/dwn
Mute A/V
Channel up/dwn & Mute A/V
Volume up/dwn & Mute A/V
All
Label Mode 14.0
14.1
14.2
14.3
No function
No function
No function (default)
No function
Power-up Volume 5.0
5.X restore previous level 1 – 63 sets volume level
Firmware Version 6.40 Ex: Version 4.0 - Press and hold
Channel Up, then Mute AV to
restore tuner to default settings
Audio Decode 7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
Mono both channels
Left/right stereo
Mono/SAP
SAP/SAP
Bass Gain 8.0
8.X -12 dB bass level 0-19 sets bass
-12 to 16.5dB
Treble Gain 9.0
9.X -12 dB treble level 0-8 sets treble,
-12 to 12 dB
Bass Level Settings
Level Gain (dB) Level Gain (dB)
19 16.5 9 1.5
18 15.0 8 0
17 13.5 7 -1.5
16 12.0 6 -3.0
15 10.5 5 -4.5
14 9.0 4 -6.0
13 7.5 3 -7.5
12 6.0 2 -9.0
11 4.5 1 -10.5
10 3.0 0 -12.0
Treble Level Settings
Level Gain (dB)
8 12
7 9
6 6
5 3
4 0
3 -3
2 -6
1 -9
0 -12

Contemporary Research 8 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
RS-232 Control Protocol
Overview
The 232-STA full duplex RS232 scheme enables a system programmer to control all TV Tuner functions as well
as monitor 3 groups of TV Tuner status. All commands are sent as ASCII strings. No delays between characters
or commands are required, as data is interrupt driven and buffered.
The 3 status groups are: Channel/Source Select, Audio Levels/Mode and Front Panel. The Mute A/V button-
function status from the 232-STA front panel has been grouped with the Channel/Source for simplicity in the
most common modes of operation. Each of the groups has one ASCII status response string containing all of
the status data for that group. The current status string of a group is sent from the 232-STA whenever a valid
command for that group is received by the 232-STA RS-232 port or front panel. A group's status may be
requested at any time via the RS-232 port. Status of all 3 groups is sent at power up. The format of each
group's status response string remains the same always.
Up to 9 232-STAs may be cabled together and addressed for individual control from a single RS-232 port. Each
232-STA is assigned a unique unit code (Front Panel Mode 2).
Communications parameters (Front Panel Mode 1) are 300 to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit.
Factory default is 9600 baud, Unit#1.
All settings are saved to NVRAM in the 232-STA.
General protocol specifications
Characters in command strings to the 232-STA are common ASCII keyboard characters.
Command strings sent to the 232-STA begin with the ASCII > (greater than symbol) as an 'Attention' character
and end with carriage return - ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard Enter - as an 'End-of-command' character.
Responses from the 232-STA begin with the ASCII < (less than symbol) as an 'Attention' character and end
with a carriage return followed by line feed an ASCII LF or Hex $0A as 'End-of-command' characters. A carriage
return is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples.
Command String Structure
[Attention] (Unit#) [Command] (Parameters) [Return]
Attention Single character (>) starts the string
Unit# The Unit# is expressed as an ASCII 0-9 when used in multiple tuner applications.
To address all units, use a Unit # of 0 (Zero – versions 4.0 and above)
Sending no unit number will default to Unit#1
Command A two-character command
Parameters Added attributes to some commands
Return A carriage return ends the command string, you may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard
‘Enter’ in programming. For simplicity, the programming examples in the manual will not show
the ‘CR’ – so remember, you’ll need to add it in your control code.
Command and Status Response
Commands can be sent back to back at any time without any delay. To allow for rapid, multiple commands,
status responses are intentionally delayed by about 125mS, sending the most current status in response to
control commands or user actions.

Contemporary Research 9 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
General RS-232 Commands
Q Q-series commands Included for compatibility with 232-STS programming. As the
STA does not have on-screen text or video detection, most
commands will have no affect in tuner operation.
Q0= Caption Mode Off (0-2) Sets captioning mode
0=Captioning off (fixed)
Q1= Captioning Type (1-8)
Turns on captioning type, no functionality in 232-STA
1=Caption 1 (default)
2=Caption 2
3=Caption 3
4=Caption 4
5-8= Text 1-4 (rarely used)
Q2= Video Loss Detection (0-3) Selects response when a loss of video signal is detected
3=No Function (fixed)
Q3= A/V Detect Status (0-3)
Example: ‘>Q3=1’ or ‘>Q31’
Enables/disables sending status response when Stereo/Mono or
Video Loss Detect changes. Only status operation is affected,
the functions continue to operate.
0=Disable Stereo/Mono detection(default)
1=Enable Stereo/Mono
2=Disable Stereo/Mono
3=Enable Stereo/Mono
Q4= Label Mode with Status (0-3)
0= No Function 1= No Function
2= No Function (default)
3= No Function
TR= Set Tune Ring (TR)
Example: ‘ >2TR=2,4,7-10’ Limits access to specified channels, 120 chars max
Stores unit#2 Tune Ring as 2,4,7,8,9,10
TT= Select tuned channel (0-126)
Example: ‘ >TT=28’
0=video mute, 255=video unmute*
126=External AV Inputs
Selects channel 28 only if 28 is present in current TR
TC= Force tuned channel (0-126)
Example: ‘ >TC=39’
0=video mute, 255=video unmute*
126=External AV Inputs
Selects channel 39 regardless of current TR
TP Set to previous channel Selects previous channel only if present in current TR
TU Tune channel up
Example: ‘ >3TU’ Selects next higher channel in stored Tune Ring Bumps Unit#3 tuned channel up one from available Tune Ring
TD Tune channel down Selects next lower channel in stored Tune Ring
XT Toggle Mute A/V Alternates Mute A/V on and off
XX Mute A/V off Turn A/V outputs on at previous level
XM Mute A/V on
Example: ‘>XM’ Mutes A/V outputs Mutes audio and video outputs
P0 Power Off Same as XM
P1 Power On Same as XX
PT Power Toggle Same as XT
* If the optional character generator is installed, Video Mute will display a blue screen, useful as a character
background. Without a CG, Video Mute will blank the video output. The Video Mute command does not mute
the audio.

Contemporary Research 10 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
UGeneral RS-232 CommandsU
VU Ramp volume up Starts volume ramping up
VD Ramp volume down Starts volume ramping down
VL Ramps volume to level (0 – 63) Sets volume to specific level
VX Volume Mute off Restores audio volume to previous level
VV Stop volume ramp Stops volume ramping
VT Toggle Volume Mute Alternates audio mute on and off
VM Volume Mute on
Example: ‘ >VM’ Turns off audio outputs Mutes audio outputs
S0= Set tune mode 0=CATV
1=Broadcast
2=HRC
S4= Set front panel lockout mode 0=None
1=Channel
2= Volume
3=Channel & Volume
4=Mute A/V
5=Channel & Mute A/V
6= Volume & Mute A/V
7=All
S5= Power-up volume 0=restore to previous level
1-63= Restore to preset volume level (1 min, 63 max)
S7= Set audio mode 0=Mono/Mono, 1=Stereo, 2=Mono/SAP, 3= SAP/SAP
S8= Set bass gain level (0-19) See Bass Level chart on page 6
S9= Set treble gain level (0-8) See Treble Level chart on page 6
SS Request Front Panel status Unit sends “S” Front Panel status string
ST Request Channel status
Example: ‘>ST’ Unit sends “T” Channel/Source status string Returns Channel/Source status response string
SV Request A/V status Unit sends “V” Audio status string
A carriage return is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples. The ‘=’ sign for
parameters may be omitted if desired, though it is helpful for clarity in checking programming.

Contemporary Research 11 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Character Generator Commands
Before the introduction of the 232-STS, 232-STA models offered an optional character generator, supporting an
on-screen display that is 28 columns (characters) across by 11 rows (lines) down. An imaginary cursor
represents the current screen write position. Writing text automatically increments the cursor to the next
character space. The character text is always white.
TM=<label mode>
Sets on-screen channel label mode.
0=None
1=Alpha only
2=Numeric only
3=Both alpha and numeric labels
Channel labels are displayed overlaying the video in the top-left corner
of the screen for about 10 seconds after each channel change.
Example: '>TM=2' Sets channel mode to display channel number only.
TN=<channel>,<alpha label> Sets the alpha label for the specified channel. Alpha labels may be up
to 8 characters and are displayed on screen when a channel changes, if
alpha labels are enabled by the 'TM' command.
Example: '>TN=8,ABC' Sets the alpha label for channel 8 to be 'ABC'.
TN=0,0 Clears (blanks) all stored alpha labels
TC Displays the current channel label on screen for about 10 seconds
DG=<row>,<column> Moves the cursor to the specified row and column position. If row is 0,
then row will not be changed, and if column is 0, then column will not
be changed.
E7=<column> Moves cursor to specified column.
E8=<row> Moves cursor to specified row.
EA Clear on screen display. Also, moves cursor to column 1 and row 1.
EB Moves cursor down to the first column of the next row (like a carriage
return plus line feed).
DC Clear on screen display from the cursor to the end of the screen.
Cursor position does not change.
DB Clear on screen display from the cursor to the end of the current line.
Cursor position does not change.
E9=<num spaces> Clears the specified number of spaces. Cursor position does not change
DM Clears on-screen display. Also, moves cursor to column 1 and row 1,
unblanks screen if it was blanked, and cancels an active ‘KC’ or ‘KT’
keypad command
DN<text> Clears on screen display, then writes the specified text to the display
starting at column 1 and row 1.
DW<text> Writes the specified text to the display starting at current cursor
position.
DQ=<time> Sets screen timeout to specified time in seconds. If time is 0 or 255,
any text on the screen will persist indefinitely, or until cleared.

Contemporary Research 12 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Keypad Channel Command
If you’re using an external control system, this command will emulate the pressing of numeric keypad buttons
for channel selection, which means you won’t need to use extra elements for capturing channel commands in
your programming. The KC command will access any channel, KT will only access a channel stored in the Tune
Ring.
KC=0 Emulates ‘0’ key, accesses any channel.
KC=1 Emulates ‘1’ key, accesses any channel.
KC=9 Emulates ‘9’ key, accesses any channel.
KC Emulate ‘Enter’ key, accesses any channel.
KT=9 Emulates ‘9’ key, accesses channel if it exists in current Tune Ring.
KT Emulate ‘Enter’ key, accesses channel if it exists in current Tune Ring.
KD Clears or cancels any KC or KT channel entry
After 3 seconds, with no other key, the selected channel will be tuned to. Optionally, you can have an Enter key
send the command KC or KT to select the channel immediately. Using the KD command can cancel a channel
entry before the time delay or Enter executes the channel change.
IC-RC Remote Emulation
You can also emulate IR commands sent from the CR IC-RC Wireless Remote. If you are using the numeric
keys to select a channel, the user or program will need to follow the numeric command with an Enter.
. KK=<key> Emulates IC-RC remote key codes
0=Release Key
9=Power (toggling)
10= 0 (numeric keypad)
11=1
12=2
13=3
14=4
15=5
16=6
17=7
18=8
19=9
21=Enter
22=Channel up or +
23=Channel down or –
24=Volume up or + (use Release Key (0) to stop volume ramp)
25=Volume down or – (use Release Key (0) to stop volume ramp)
26=Volume mute
30=Switch to tuner AV (previous channel) if unit is currently set to External AV
31= Input (toggling)

Contemporary Research 13 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Tune Ring Commands and Replies
$R Request Tune
Ring Asks for reply with list of channels in Tune Ring
Example: ‘>$R’ asks for list from Unit 1
Reply: ’<1$TR2-31,35,52,126’
$N=xxx Request Label Asks for reply with channel text assigned to specific channel
Example: ‘>$N31’ asks for label assigned to channel 31
Reply: ‘<1$TN038,ABC’
Terminal Communication Commands
EF Echo Off Characters received will not be re-transmitted (power up default)
EN Echo On Characters received will be re-transmitted.
Example: ‘ >EN’ Characters received will be re-transmitted.
ID Product ID Returns the product model number and software version.
Z! Zap Reconfigures unit for all factory default settings.
RS-232 Command Hints and Tips
Leading zeros may be included or omitted from command parameters.
Example: ‘ >TC=009’ Selects channel 9 as A/V output, same as ‘>TC=9’.
Multiple commands may be concatenated as single strings up to 120 ASCII characters long.
Example: ‘ >XXTC=9’ Selects Mute A/V off, channel 9.
Example: ‘ >S0=0S4=0’ Selects CATV mode, no front panel lockout.
Mute A/V Off command is not required in any command; however it may be useful to send Mute A/V Off in case
Mute A/V had been set On from the front panel.
Sending all 3status request commands to the 232-STA back-to-back for a full status update is allowed.
Example: ‘ >STSVSS’ Returns all 3response strings back-to-back.
The carriage return line feed at the end of each 232-STA response allows for easy monitoring of responses with
an ASCII terminal program. You may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard ‘Enter’ in programming.
You don’t have to use the ‘=’ character between the command and parameter – the string works either way.

Contemporary Research 14 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Response Strings
Typical: [Attention] [Unit#] [data ...data] [cr] [lf]
232-STA status response strings contain ASCII characters similar to those used for the same functions in
command strings. An ASCII 'carriage return' and ‘line feed' follow each response string. Functions shown as N/A
are not applicable; characters will appear in status strings as lower-case x.
Channel/Source Status Response String (T):
Start Unit CMD Power Channel Video
Mute N/A
1-9 U=On
M=Off Current Channel
3 digits
U=Unmuted
M=Mute 2 digits
< 1 T U 008 U xx
Audio Status Response String (V):
Start Unit CMD Power Volume Volume Mute Stereo
1-9 U=On
M=Off 0-63 2 digits U = Unmuted M =Mute S=Stereo M=Mono
< 1 V U 63 U S
Front Panel Mode Status Response String (S):
Start Unit CMD Audio Mode Audio Tune Mode Lockout Bass Treble
1-9 0=Mono/Mono
1=Stereo
2=Mono/SAP
3=SAP/SAP
S=Stereo
M=Mono 0-3 0-9 0-9 2 digits 0-8
< 1 S 1 S 0 1 08 4

Contemporary Research 15 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
RS-232 Cable Connections
Single Tuner
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD 2
GND 5
TXD 3
Control Wiring – Single Unit
9-pin D-sub
female
RS-232
Control Port
Channel Up 4
Channel Down 9
RS-232 wiring for control or programming should only use pins 2, 3, 5. Cables with all pins wired can
lock out front-panel programming and data communication (Pins 4 and 9 are inputs).
Multiple Tuners
Up to nine tuners can be daisy-chained from one RS-232 control port. Remember that you will need to
use the Unit# address in your programming when you control more than one tuner from the same
control port.
Set the first unit in the RS-232 chain to the highest Unit#, then wire in sequence to the last tuner in
the chain. The reason for this is that CR tuners use an intelligent data bus - the highest number tuner
receives all commands, and then passes on commands addressed to tuners with lower unit numbers.
The next tuner in the chain does the same, and so on until the last unit.
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD 2
GND 5
RS-232 Wiring – Two Units
Unit 2
9-pin D-sub
female
RS-232
Control Port
Unit 1
9-pin D-sub
female
TXD 3
GND 5
TXD 3
RXD 2
5 GND
2 RXD
3 TXD RXD 2
GND 5
TXD 3
RS-232 Wiring – Three Units
Unit 3
9-pin D-sub
female
RS-232
Control Port
Unit 2
9-pin D-sub
female
Unit 1
9-pin D-sub
female
TXD 3
GND 5
GND 5
TXD 3
RXD 2
RXD 2

Contemporary Research 16 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Rack Mounting
Two options are available for rack-mounting tuners.
RK1 Rack Mount RK2 Rack Mount
RK1 Single Unit Rack Mount
Size Long Bracket: 9.5" [206mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 1.75” [38mm] deep
Size Short Bracket: 1.0" [22mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 1.75” [38mm] deep
Weight: 3.25 oz [0.148kg]
Enclosure: All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint
Hardware: Qty 4 CS, Phillip, Flathead, 82deg, Black, 8-32 x .25”
Attach the long and short rack ears to the side and towards the front of the unit with the four (4) supplied
8-32 by ¼” (black) countersunk screws.
RK2 Side-by-Side Rack Kit
1. Remove top cover of the first unit by removing the ten (10) black screws.
2. Attach cover of first unit to the side of the second with three (3) supplied 4-40 by 1/4" (silver colored)
panhead screws and split lock washers. Note that only one side of the second unit has the (3) built in
nuts to accept the screws above.
3. Reinstall the bottom/chassis of the first unit underneath its cover and attach with just eight (8) of the
screws removed in step 1.
4. Attach short rack ears to the side and towards the front of each unit with the four (4) supplied 8-32 by
1/4" (black) countersunk screws.

Contemporary Research 17 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Safety Instructions
Read before operating equipment.
1. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
2. Power Sources - Use supplied or equivalent UL/CSA approved low voltage DC plug-in transformer.
3. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If you connect an outside antenna or cable system to the product, be
sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides
information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
4. Lightning - Avoid installation or reconfiguration of wiring during lightning activity.
5. Power Lines - Do not locate an outside antenna system near overhead power lines or other electric light
or power circuits or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna
system, refrain from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.
6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
7. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, resulting in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
8. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
9. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
•When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
•If liquid spills or objects fall into the product.
•If the product is exposed to rain or water.
•If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product
to its normal operation.
•If the video product is dropped or the cabinet is damaged.
•When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
*Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call CATV system installer's attention to
Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part I), that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as possible.

Contemporary Research 18 232-STA Stereo TV Tuner
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
Contemporary Research Corporation (CR) warrants this product to be free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years from the date of purchase from CR.
Should such a defect occur CR will repair or replace, at their option, the defective product at no cost
for parts or labor.
This warranty extends to product purchased directly from CR or an Authorized CR Dealer. Consumers
should inquire from selling dealer as to the nature and extent of the dealer's warranty, if any.
All warranty claims must be shipped pre-paid to the factory. Call or fax to obtain a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number.
CR is not liable for any damages caused by any of its products or for the failure of any products to
perform, including any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or consequential damages. CR is
not responsible for any claim made by a third party or made for you by a third party. This limitation of
liability applies whether damages are sought, or a claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort
claim (including negligence and strict product liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This
limitation of liability cannot be waived or amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be
effective even if CR or an authorized representative of CR has been advised of the possibility of any
such damages.
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts. Some states do not allow
the limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products. In such
states, the limitation or exclusion of the Limited Warranty may not apply to you. This Limited
Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that may vary from state to
state. You are advised to consult applicable state laws for a full determination of your rights.
Except as expressly set forth in this Limited Warranty, CR makes no other warranties, expressed or
implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. CR
expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties that may
be imposed by law are limited to the terms of this Limited Warranty.