GMS VETA User manual


Cobham Surveillance
GMS Products
1916 Palomar Oaks Way Ste 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
100-M0133X1 05/27/09 T: 760-496-0055
F: 760-496-0057
www.cobham.com/gms
The most important thing we build is trust.
Technical Operations Manual

VETA Receiver

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RevisionHistory
Version Date Main Changes from Previous version Edited by
X19‐26‐2009InitialReleaseNM
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Table of Contents
1.ACRONYMS............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.1Key System Features....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.GENERAL SYSTEM INFORMATION........................................................................................................................................ 7
3.1Warranty...............................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.2Safe Operating Procedures ..........................................................................................................................................................8
4.GETTING STARTED........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1Initial Checkout .................................................................................................................................................................................9
4.2Key RF Settings For COFDM Transmission........................................................................................................................ 10
5.HARDWARE OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.1VR Front Panel................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.1.1Power Switch...............................................................................................................................................................................................12
5.1.2Received Signal Strength Green LED-s ............................................................................................................................................13
5.1.3RF Green LED ...............................................................................................................................................................................................13
5.1.4Lock Yellow LED..........................................................................................................................................................................................13
5.1.5Alarm Red LED.............................................................................................................................................................................................13
5.1.6Green Config LEDS 1 to 8......................................................................................................................................................................13
5.1.7Config Button..............................................................................................................................................................................................13
5.1.8RF Button.......................................................................................................................................................................................................14
5.1.9Mode Button ...............................................................................................................................................................................................14
5.2VR REAR PANEL .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.2.1RF AND IF CONNECTIONS....................................................................................................................................................................15
5.2.2ASI OUT.........................................................................................................................................................................................................16
5.2.3Video ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
5.2.4Audio...............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
5.2.5J1 Multifunction DB-15 (F) Connector............................................................................................................................................17
5.2.6J2 Multifunction DB-9 (M) Connector.............................................................................................................................................17
5.2.7RJ-45, VIDEO SERVER (Optional Video Server) ...........................................................................................................................18
5.3Using External Down-Converters........................................................................................................................................... 18
6.SOFTWARE CONTROL OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................................... 22
6.1System Requirements.................................................................................................................................................................. 22
6.2Software Installation ................................................................................................................................................................... 22
6.3VR Configurator Functions ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
7.VETA CHAINING FEATURE...................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.1VETA Digital Repeater (VDR).................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.2Compact Surveillance Modem (CSM) ................................................................................................................................. 24
7.3UDP Transmitter ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24
8.SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................................................................ 25
8.1C-OFDM RF INPUT........................................................................................................................................................................ 25
8.2C-OFDM IF INPUT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25
8.3DEMODULATION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
8.4VIDEO DECODING ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25
8.5AUDIO DECODING ....................................................................................................................................................................... 26

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8.6POWER................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
8.7Physical............................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
8.8Environmental................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
8.9Optional LAN/USB Interface .................................................................................................................................................... 27
8.10RS232 DATA OUTPUT ................................................................................................................................................................ 27
8.11CONTROL........................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
8.12REMOTE CONTROL....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
8.13LOCAL MONITORING .................................................................................................................................................................. 27
8.14REMOTE MONITORING.............................................................................................................................................................. 27
8.15SECURITY OPTION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
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List of Tables
TABLE 1 – RF CONNECTIONS.........................................................................................................................................................................16
TABLE 2 – ASI CONNECTOR............................................................................................................................................................................16
TABLE 3 – VIDEO CONNECTOR .....................................................................................................................................................................16
TABLE 4 – AUDIO CONNECTIONS...............................................................................................................................................................16
TABLE 5 – J1 MULTIFUNCTION CONNECTOR.......................................................................................................................................17
TABLE 6 – J2 MULTIFUNCTION CONNECTOR.......................................................................................................................................18
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List of Figures
FIGURE 1 – BASIC VDL SETUP..........................................................................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 2 – VR RF ESSENTIALS......................................................................................................................................................................11
FIGURE 3 – VR FRONT VIEW ..........................................................................................................................................................................12
FIGURE 4 – VR FRONT PANEL.........................................................................................................................................................................12
FIGURE 5 – VR OSD .............................................................................................................................................................................................14
FIGURE 6 – VR REAR VIEW ..............................................................................................................................................................................15
FIGURE 7 – BDC SETTINGS WINDOW.......................................................................................................................................................20
FIGURE 8 – EXTERNAL BDC SETUP..............................................................................................................................................................21
FIGURE 9 – VR CONFIGURATOR COM PORT SELECTOR...................................................................................................................23
FIGURE 10 – VR CONFIGURATOR MAIN SCREEN................................................................................................................................23
List of Appendixes
APPENDIX A – LED INDICTORS .....................................................................................................................................................................28
APPENDIX B – TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION.......................................................................................................................................29
APPENDIX C – CONTROL CABLE ...................................................................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX D – VR DEFAULTS, LS BAND ....................................................................................................................................................31
APPENDIX E – VR DEFAULTS, S1 BAND.....................................................................................................................................................32
APPENDIX F – VR DEFAULTS, C2 BAND....................................................................................................................................................33

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1. Acronyms

Thissectionlistsanddescribesthevariousacronymsusedinthisdocument.



NameMeaning
16QAM16‐stateQuadratureAmplitudeModulation
A/VAudio/Video
AESAdvancedEncryptionSystem
ABSBasicEncryptionSystem(8bit)
CSMCompactSurveillanceModem
COFDMCodedOrthogonalFrequencyDivisionMultiplexing
CVBSCompositeVideo
BDCBlock‐DownConverter
FECForwardErrorCorrection
GUIGraphical User Interface
I/OInput/ Output
KBaudKilobaudpersecond
KbpsKilobitspersecond
MbpsMegabitspersecond
MERModulationErrorRate
MPEGMovingPictureExpertsGroup
NTSCNationalTelevisionSystemCommittee
PALPhaseAlternationLine
QAMQuadratureAmplitudeModulation
QPSKQuadraturePhaseShiftKeying
RFRadioFrequency
RXReceiver
S/NSignal‐to‐NoiseRatio
THDTotalHarmonicDistortion
TXTransmitter
UDPUserDatagramProtocol
VDCVolts(DirectCurrent)
VDLVETADigitalLink
VDRVETADigitalRepeater
VMTVETAMiniatureTransmitter
VNAVETANetworkAdapter
VRVETAReceiver
VTVETATransmitter

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2. Introduction
GMS’ Very Efficient Transmission Apparatus (VETA) product line provides several key features that
enable high-quality and low-latency wireless Audio/Video (A/V) transmission for the most demanding
short or long distance point to point or to multipoint transmission applications. VETA uses a robust
digital modulation system known as Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division (COFDM) that provides a
robust link that is immune to multipath interference and provides crisp, clear pictures in the most
difficult of terrains.
This manual provides information on how to operate the VR (VETA Receiver) as well as pertinent
technical information related to the overall system.
2.1 Key System Features
COFDM Demodulation 2K Carriers or 400(1)
Bandwidths from 1.25(2)MHz to 8 MHz
Input Frequency: 0.174 to 8.5 GHz (In-Bands)
Internal or External Down-Converters
Low End to End System Latency (down to ~44mS)
Secure – ABS / BCRYPT 128 or 256 Encryption(3)
Optional LAN IP Streaming Interface
Optional Video Server
(1), (2) 400 carriers is optional with the 1.25 or 2.5MHz RF bandwidths
(3) BCRYPT 128 or 256 bit optional

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3. General System Information
The VR (VETA Receiver) receives and demodulates DVB-T 2k carriers’ signals with bandwidths of 6, 7
or 8 MHz. Additionally, optional 1.25 or 2.5 MHz RF bandwidths with 400 carriers allow both
increased reception range and larger quantity of simultaneous A/V links to operate in the same
frequency band. The wider bandwidths provide greater throughput that allow the system to transfer
the highest quality video.
The standard VR is supplied with dual Diversity inputs and internal RF Block-Down Converters (BDCs)
with a user selected (at time of purchase) frequency band. The VR’s Maximal Ratio Diversity Combiner
provides optimum reception in difficult fading and multipath environments. Additionally, the Diversity
combining can provide up to 2.5 dB in link performance, increasing the receiver’s sensitivity to -97.5
dBm at 8 MHz bandwidth! Optional external GMS BDCs are available that can support other frequency
bands and optimize reception when mounted directly to remote Antennas. These remote BDC can be
powered from the IF line of the VR or, their own power supply. The VR can also be optional supplied
with internal LNAs for operation below 860 MHz or no internal Down-Converter or LNA. The latter
option is used when the BDC is remotely mounted, usually with an Antenna.
One of the biggest problems encountered in the transition from analog to digital A/V systems has been
the inherent digital coding/decoding delays that in some digital systems are 400ms or more. The
VETA Transmitters & Receivers employ internal MPEG-2 or MPEG-4(4) (User Selectable) Encoders and
Decoders with specially designed ‘low-delay’ coding technology, which provides an end to end latency
down to 44ms without the introduction of any further MPEG encoding artifacts. This ensures that
the picture you see is what is happening now - crucial for applications such as surveillance, and law
enforcement, where personnel are reacting to real-time events.
Control and status monitoring can be accomplished via the VR Front Panel or via an external IBM PC
and GMS’ M.S. Windows application control software. Critical performance parameters like Signal To
Noise Ratio (SNR), Pre and Post FEC Bit Error Rate (BER) and Packet Errors are provided
both on the On-Screen Display and M.S. Windows control program.
The VR also includes internal low-latency Audio/Video Decoder (MPEG-2 or MPEG-4(4)) and output
circuits that provide video, L/R audio and data channels. Security of transmission is ensured by the use
of Standard ABS encryption or, for greater security, the optional BCRYPT 128 or 256 bit scrambling
algorithms.
The optional VETA IP Network Adapter (VNA) provides the VR with a video streaming capability for
network interfacing. An optional M.S. Windows software Decoder and Recording application is also
available. See Section 7 on VETA ‘Chaining’ feature. Alternatively the VR can have an integrated video
server installed for web streaming applications.
The VR’s versatile housing can be optionally mounted in a suitcase, can sit on a desktop, or be
configured to mount in a 19-inch instrumentation rack.
(4) Option Dependant

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3.1 Warranty
GMS offers a 12 month standard product warranty. During this period, should the customer encounter
a fault with the equipment we recommend the following course of action:
Check the support section of the website for information on that product and any
software/firmware upgrades.
If fault persists call our support line and report the fault. If fault persists and you are
informed to return the product, please obtain an RMA number from the GMS support
department or website and ship the equipment with the RMA number displayed and a
description of the fault. Please email the support section the airway bill/consignment
number for tracking purposes.
Depending on the nature of the fault GMS endeavor to repair the equipment and return it to the
customer within 14 days of the item arriving at our workshops. Obviously it is impossible to cater for
all types of faults and to manage 100% replacement part availability, and delays are sometimes
inevitable.
Please contact GMS for details of packages that can be tailored to meet your individual needs,
whether they are service availability, technical training, local geographic support or dedicated spares
holdings.
3.2 Safe Operating Procedures
• Ensure that the power supply arrangements are adequate to meet the requirements of VETA
product.
• Operate within the environmental limits specified for the product.
• Only authorized, trained personnel should open the product. There are no functions that
required the User to gain access to the interior of the product.

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4. Getting Started
The VR is pre-configured by GMS prior to shipment (based on customer requirements), thus is ready to
work “right out of the box”.
NOTE: Additional cables and antennas may be delivered by GMS based on customer application.
Contact GMS for further information.
4.1 Initial Checkout
Prior to installing a VR unit into the desired target environment, an initial checkout should be
performed to ensure proper operation of the unit. The initial checkout consists of configuring a
basic VDL (Veta Digital LINK) wireless link. In the case outlined, we will assume a VETA
Miniature Transmitter (VMT) is used to transmit to the VR. Note, that any MPEG-2, DVB-T
compliant transmitter can be employed instead if the VR is set-up in standard DVB-T Mode (RF
BW 6, 7, or 8 MHz) and not in ultra-low delay mode.
Figure 1 shows a basic VDL configuration wireless link. The following setup can be done, either
wirelessly with antennas, or through hard line connection with 50Ωcable. In either case, make
sure there is enough attenuation from the Tx to the Rx to avoid overdriving the receiver. In
most DVB-T receivers, their optimal input power ranges from -30 to -70 dBm. The VR shown
has internal BDCC installed locally within unit, which is our standard VR configuration. The steps
necessary to setup the configuration shown are stated below:
Figure 1 – Basic VDL Setup
(VR)
(
VT
)
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Install omni-directional antennas (or ones best suited for the application) onto the RF IN A
and RF IN B ports on the Veta Receiver and one on the SMA RF connector on the VMT.
(Hard lined connection can be made instead, make sure enough attenuation is present
when performing a hard line checkout)
Attach the VMT breakout cable (780-C0449 or equivalent) and apply +12VDC to the red
pigtail and GND to the black pigtail. Ensure power supply can supply at least 0.5A at
+12VDC.
Attach a composite video source to the BNC video input cable that is located on the VMT
breakout cable.
Note which VMT Configuration 1 through 16 is shown (rotary switch or through control
software); this number must match the receiver.
Attach a video cable from BNC VID output port on the VR (VETA Receiver) to the
composite Video input port of a video monitor.
Apply +12Vdc to the VR, pins 1, 2, +12V and 3, 4 ground to the J2 dB connector (if using
provided cable use the red (+12V) and black (GND) pigtails. Power supply must be able to
source 2 AMP at 12VDC.
Turn on the video source and video monitor equipment.
Turn on the VR with the PWR switch on the front panel (up is ON). The VR will output a
‘blue’ screen to your video monitor when no video is present to the VR.
Once the VR has powered-up, ensure the selected green LED1 through 16 (above the
CONF button) matches the same configuration LED as the transmitter. If not use the
CONF button to select the correct configuration, select the same number as the
transmitter. (See section 5.1.6 for explanation of binary representation of configs).
If the configuration LED is flashing green press the RF button on the front keypad (this
action provides power to the internal down converters) and the LED will stay solid green.
After approximately 5 seconds, the link should be established and video provided by the
source should be displayed on the monitor. The RF green LED should light as well as the
signal strength green LED indicators.
Press the MODE button to turn on the diagnostic OSD (on screen display).
If the red Alarm LED lights it may be an indication that the receiver is unable to lock to a
signal. Check the following:
Ensure the receiver and transmitter lit configuration green LED (1 through 16)
located above the CONFIG button is the same. If not press the CONFIG button
on either the transmitter or receiver so they match.
Ensure the PWR switch for the VR is ON and that the RF button has been pressed
after apply +12VDC.
If the TX and RX are physically too close to each other, the RX may overload
causing distorted Video. You may reduce the power of the TX (low power mode
through VMT GUI) or move the TX & RX further apart. 50 Ohm RF attenuators can
also be used to attenuate power from the Tx.
4.2 Key RF Settings For COFDM Transmission
The RF settings shown in Figure 2 show the key COFDM configurations for setting up any
COFDM link. The settings underlined in RED must be matched specifically to the VETA
Transmitter for proper RF lock and demodulation (the other COFDM parameters are auto-