Coretec VCX-2400-E User manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Revision Date: March 3, 2010
VCX-2400-E MPEG-2 Encoder, IP
VCX-2400-ER MPEG-2 Encoder, IP Rack Mount
VCX-2400-D MPEG-2 Decoder, IP
VCX-2400-DR MPEG-2 Decoder, IP Rack Mount
Core Tec Communications, LLC
2950 Lake Emma Rd
Suite 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746 USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.coretec.com
Technical Support:
U.S. 877-331-0547
(Toll Free)
Elsewhere: 407-331-0547

TableofContents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3
Familiarization with the VCX2400-E......................................................................................... 4
Com Port Data Interface ............................................................................................................. 5
Video Input Interface.................................................................................................................. 5
Ethernet Interface........................................................................................................................ 5
Audio Interface ........................................................................................................................... 5
Power .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Display........................................................................................................................................ 6
Mounting the Encoder................................................................................................................. 6
Quick Start...................................................................................................................................... 7
If user wishes to test video using the VCX-2400-E and VCX-2400–D:.................................... 7
If user wishes to configure settings of VCX2400-E via COM Port or Network:....................... 8
Updating Firmware using VCXNetBurner................................................................................... 10
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 10
Overview................................................................................................................................... 10
Screenshots ............................................................................................................................... 10
Menu Bar .................................................................................................................................. 13
Instructions for Use................................................................................................................... 16
IP Configuration............................................................................................................................ 16
Overview................................................................................................................................... 16
Initial IP Addressing................................................................................................................. 16
Connecting to Unit........................................................................................................................ 18
Program Commands...................................................................................................................... 28
Network Setup .......................................................................................................................... 28
Comm Port Setup.................................................................................................................. 30
Encoder Commands.............................................................................................................. 32
Decoder Commands.............................................................................................................. 35
Common Commands ............................................................................................................ 38
SAP Settings ......................................................................................................................... 40

MISCALLANEOUS SETTINGS......................................................................................... 42
Specifications................................................................................................................................ 42
Model Numbers ............................................................................................................................ 44
Appendix A................................................................................................................................... 45
Pinouts....................................................................................................................................... 45
Com Port Data Interface Pin Out (uses RJ-45 Plug)............................................................. 45
Standard Ethernet Pin Out .................................................................................................... 46
RJ-11 to Serial Interface Adaptor Pinout.............................................................................. 47
Introduction
The VCX-2400-E and VCX-2400-D are the chassis versions of the Core Tec stand-alone VCX-
2400 MPEG-2 IP product series. These units are fully compatible with the “-R” card cage versions of the
product series.
The VCX-2400 Digital Video Codec system consists of a video encoder/decoder pair providing
the capability for one-way end-end transmission of compressed digital video in IP packets at data rates in
the 1.2 to 6.0 Mbps range.
The system employs MPEG-2 MPEG2 standard ISO/IEC 13818-2 (ITU-T H.262) encoding. The
encoding-decoding process is applied to an NTSC (or PAL) video input, selected in software.
The video encoder converts the analog video to a serial digital signal, which is multiplexed with
any data sub-channels present. The stream is then formatted into a series of IP packets sent to the
network through a standard Ethernet connection.
Modification of video format and resolution, data sub-channel characteristics, and basic IP
parameters is achieved through one of the following means:
a) A Terminal Program
b) Telnet through the Ethernet connection
c) Core Tec Watchdog software
d) Web Interface (only available for VCX-2400-E)
The video decoder receives the IP packets, separates the video data from the data sub-channels,
and converts the video data to analog form, providing an NTSC (or PAL) output.
The units feature two bi-directional data sub-channels (programmable for RS-232 or RS-422). Data
bits are multiplexed with the digital data stream.

FamiliarizationwiththeVCX2400E
The VCX-2400-E Video Encoder accepts one video and two data signals. The output from the
encoder is a stream of IP packets. It also contains a fluorescent LED display to allow monitoring of unit
performance and to facilitate troubleshooting. The encoder has a programmable reset, which prompts the
re-initiation of the video stream.
The VCX-2400-D Video Decoder accepts the signal from the network originally generated by a
VCX-2400-E video encoder. The unit effectively decompresses this data stream and re-creates an analog
waveform in NTSC (or PAL) video format. The unit supports the bi-directional data transmission of two
data sub-channels, corresponding to the encoder. The unit also features an LED display. The encoder has
a programmable reset, which prompts the re-initiation of the video stream, as well as a reboot command.
The decoder also has a programmable reset command, tied to errors in the incoming video stream, as well
as a reboot command.
Front Panel
VCX2400-E-H, Full Size Encoder
Back Panel
VCX2400-E-H, Half Size Encoder
Power Supply
Refer to “Power
Interface” in
Table of Contents
Video Input
Please refer to
“Video Interface” in
table of contents
Ethernet
Refer to “Ethernet
Interface” in Table
of Contents
2 Data Sub-
channels
Refer to “Com Port
Data Interfaces” in
Table of Contents
Control Port
-Used to directly
communicate with
encoder to configure
settings
Power
switch
-controls the
unit power

ComPortDataInterface
There are 2 bi-directional data interfaces, RS-232 and RS-422 selectable, on the encoder and
decoder assemblies. Each interface uses RJ-45 connectors. Refer to Appendix A for the correct pin out.
When using the RS-232 configuration pin 7 is ground. Com Port parameters are configured through the
system software.
Refer to Appendix A for the correct pin out.
VideoInputInterface
Connect a BNC-terminated coaxial cable from a composite video source (e.g., CCTV camera) to
the BNC connector labeled “VIDEO IN” (encoder). The composite video input should be in NTSC or
PAL format. The maximum length of cable that should be interfaced to the encoder or decoder is 100
feet, although the specific installation environment will dictate the actual permissible length.
EthernetInterface
There is one Ethernet interface for encoder and decoder, which uses a standard RJ-45 connector.
Refer to Appendix A for the correct pin out.
Refer to Appendix A for the Straight Through and Crossover Ethernet Pin Out.
AudioInterface
There is an optional stereo audio Interface for each assembly, which uses the standard RCA-type
audio connector. This is contained on units equipped with the “-A” option. Stereo audio connection is
made via the two stacked (red – right channel; white – left channel) RCA type audio connectors. These
connectors are located next to the video (BNC) connector.
Audio levels are standard line level (1 v p-p) levels.
Note that the audio is uni-directional, in the same direction as the video.
Power
Power is applied through a standard IEC type detachable line cord at the rear of the unit. The unit
automatically senses 110 VAC or 220 VAC supply and will operate with either.
Note that the LED display will be illuminated when power is applied. The display will show
parameters upon activation of the ON/Off switch.

Display
The fluorescent LED display provides a scrolling list of key parameters when the unit is in its active (non-
stand-by) state.
The display is a two-line display. Each parameter is displayed, in turn, for three seconds on the
bottom line. It then moves to the top line while the next parameter is displayed on the bottom line.
The parameters displayed are as follows:
Name of unit
Software version
Device IP address
Sub-net mask
Video IP (multi-cast group)
Maximum Bit Rate (encoder only)
Audio On or Off
Com 1 On or Off
Com 1 Bit Rate
Com 1 IP
Com 2 On or Off
Com 2 Bit Rate
Com 2 IP
MountingtheEncoder
The VCX-2400-E Encoder and VCX-2400-D Decoder mount in an identical fashion. The 1RU
high units are furnished with mounting ears allowing installation in a 19” rack frame.
All signal connections are from the rear, eliminating any need for setback from the front plane of
the rack. The user programming port on the front panel is used to alter system parameters via Hyper
Terminal.
A circulation fan is located on the side of the unit.


QuickStart
IfuserwishestotestvideousingtheVCX2400EandVCX2400–D:
1. Unpack the VCX-2400-E Video Encoder.
2. Connect a BNC-terminated coaxial cable from a composite NTSC (or PAL) video source
(e.g., CCTV camera) to the BNC connector labeled “VIDEO IN” on the VCX-2400-E Video
Encoder.
3. Connect a BNC-terminated coaxial cable to a composite NTSC (or PAL) video output (e.g.,
CCTV monitor) to the BNC connector labeled “VIDEO OUT” on the VCX-2400-D Video
Decoder.
4. Connect the VCX-2400-E Video Encoder to the VCX-2400-D Video Decoder via the
Ethernet port (RJ-45), located to the left of the two RJ-45 sub channel-ports on the rear of
each unit, using a Cat 5 Ethernet cross over cable (the send and receive pairs are swapped
end-to end). Normally, when units are connected to an Ethernet Switch, straight through
cables are used, unless connecting to a crossover port on the Ethernet Switch.
Refer to Appendix A for Ethernet Straight through and Cross Over Pin Outs.
5. Insert the detachable line cord into the receptacle on the rear of the VCX-2400-E Encoder and
VCX-2400-D Decoder. The unit automatically senses 110 VAC or 220VAC supply and will
operate with either.
6. The LED display will be illuminated when power is applied.
7. The display will scroll through the parameters currently programmed in the unit.
8. After a few moments, video should appear on the output of the VCX-2400-D Video Decoder.
9. If no video is present on the VCX-2400-D decoder verify the following:
a. Both the Encoder and Decoder LED display are in the operate mode. Display should
indicate “Core Tec Communications Initializing”.
b. The link light on the Ethernet port (RJ-45), located on the upper left of the port
connector is lit on both the Encoder and Decoder. If not the Ethernet cross over cable
may be defective.
c. If the above are correct, please read the network setup installation instructions
included in the manual. Note: the setting in default network setup may have been
changed.

IfuserwishestoconfiguresettingsofVCX2400EviaCOMPortorNetwork:
Set up for COM Port:
User may configure VCX2400-E setting using a PC connected to the encoder control port
at the front of the unit. A simple 6-wire phone cable (PCA-2400 programming cable) with the
RJ-11 adaptor described in Appendix A will supply the proper RS-232 connection to the PC’s
serial port. Note: This is not the same as the “Sub-Channel” interface. Do not use the RJ-11
adaptor for this channel.
This configuration will permit the unit configuration by a terminal program running on a PC.
Once you have connected the encoder to the PC’s serial port open your terminal program. The
encoder will boot up then ask for a password. The default password is: admin.

The PC should have its Com Port configured as:
Baud rate 38,400 kbps
Data bits 8 bits
Parity No Parity
Stop Bits 1 Stop Bit
Flow control None

Refer to Appendix A for pin layout for RJ-11 connector.

Set up for network:
If the operator wishes to configure the unit through the network the user may accomplish
this by the following procedure. Note: The operator must be sure that the VCX-2400-E is
accessible on their SUBNET. Before completing this step, please refer to the Programming
Configuration Section of this Manual. Here you will set the IP address and SUBNET Mask of
the VCX-2400-E so that it is accessible on your SUBNET and has a valid IP address. (An
example IP address is being used in the following example.):
Open a “cmd” window and enter the following commands:
Telnet192.168.0.253 <enter>
The encoder will reply asking for a password. Default password is “admin”.
Password: admin
Having used either of these methods, the encoder is ready to receive configuration commands.
Main unit configuration
The VCX-2400-E units incorporate support for one form of encoding from two different input
channels. It is important the operator understand this to be able to configure the unit properly. All
commands follow this simple format:
(command<space>parameter<enter>)

From the command prompt, the operator may view the current configuration by entering the
“display” command. This will dump the entire configuration status for the selected encoder. Remember
there are two encoders in one unit. Enter the following configuration for each of the encoder channels.
Take note the IP address must be of valid encoders on the network. The IP addresses below are just used
as an example. Locate a VCX-2400-E (MPEG2 encoder).
Connection Configuration
ip 192.168.5.150 (use a valid IP on your network)
ipmask 255.255.240.0
name CoreTec Encoder
com1 1
com1ip 192.168.5.151 (IP address of the decoder that is sending sub-channel commands)
com1tcp 1 (assume a universal decoder)
com1server 0
com1timeout 10
com1baud 38400
MPEG2 Configuration
The MPEG2 encoder requires the following parameters be configured to your network:
videoip 239.5.5.151 (use a valid IP on your network)
port 4570
bitrate 1000
res cif
fps 15
Saving Configuration
When all the configuration parameters have been entered, they must be saved to memory and the unit
restarted by entering the following command:
Commit<enter> (please wait a moment until the following prompt appears:)
COMMIT
DONE
Reboot<enter>

UpdatingFirmwareusingVCXNetBurner
Introduction
VcxNetburner is a Windows 2000/XP application that allows updating of the VCX-2400
Encoder/Decoder firmware (as well as the VCX4400E and VCX6400E.) VcxNetBurner can
simultaneously update the firmware of all VCX-2400 devices that can be accessed on your network. If
you can telnet to the device then VcxNetBurner can update the firmware. The only exception is that the
device’s current firmware version must be v1.5 or higher. Firmware v1.4 does not contain the update
feature.
Overview
VcxNetBurner has a few interface features that the user should be familiar with before attempting to
update a device. The basic steps are… 1) import the firmware description, 2) broadcast the server IP, and
then 3) initiate the update. However the user needs to be aware of the general process, optional steps,
potential problems, and what to do in the case of an error. We will start with an overview of the user
interface.
Screenshots
The Activity Screen
The Activity screen contains a list of the current activity and a history of past update operations.
A VCX-2400 device that has finished updating will indicate either 1) Complete, 2) Version Current, or 3)
Failed. The Device column lists the serial number of each unit that is responding to the update command.
NOTE: It is important that a VCX-2400 device that has a Failed status NOT be turned off or rebooted.
At the point that the failure occurs the device will not be in a bootable state. If power is cycled or the
firmware cannot be updated without failure after repeated attempts then the firmware chip will need to be