Murraypro Test Chest Quick start guide

Test Chest: Manual
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Murraypro
Test Chest
+
EYE~POD
Operational Manual
Issue: 1V0

Test Chest: Manual
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Test Chest
Manual 1V0
Congratulations onthe purchase of your Murraypro Test Chest
We are certain you willfind this tobeanextremelyquick to use, and
powerful diagnostic Tool. It will become atruly indispensable iteminyour dailywork
on the Bench, or whilst awayelsewhere investigatingproblemsunder batterypower.
Test Chest is an impressive Product,so let’sspend a fewmomentstogether
gettingto knowit, and exploringit’s features. In fact of course,most ofthemajor
features areimmediatelyobvious as theyare menu selected, but other rather more
subtle features maybea keypress or two away. Users who wish to get the most out
ofthe Test Chest arerecommended tofamiliarise themselves with the contents of
this Manual, and theUnit itself,before attemptingserious operational use of the
instrument inthe Field.We offer a short demoVideoshowingmany features:-
http://www.murraypro.com/testchest3g.htm
Introduction:
Test Chest is controlled bymeans ofatouch sensitive LCD panel and onlya
gentle touchingaction will be required to achieve the desired action.The LCD's
surface must NEVER be activated bya stylus such as a capped ball-pen, or,worse
still, a hardpoint suchas anuncapped pen ora screwdriver! Such activityis highly
likelyto cause scratch-damage tothe LCD's front panel;physical damage of this sort
is specificallyexcluded fromwarrantycover, and LCD replacements due to this
cause will be chargeable.
Ensure that the ‘Battery Off/Norm’ switch, situatedonthe leftend panel,
is in the‘Norm’ position, and 'Power up' is initiated byjust lightlytapping
the LCD panel anywhere, with the flesh of a finger. Next, ‘confirm’ this
'power-up?' command with a light tap on theSwitch Icon itselfwithin 4
seconds. Major functions arethen selectedand initiated bytapping the required
menufunctionfromthe'HomeMenu'page, which is presented immediatelyafter the
Test Chest power-up confirmation.Ina number ofinstances, Test Signal Generation
and the Wave-Formdisplay mode, for example, selection of the required output Test
Signal or WFM displaymode, will require a subsequent selectionprocess, via a sub-
menu. This direct switchingprocess is highlyintuitive, and extremely quick to
implement. There is no place on Test Chest for assignable 'Hot Keys' or anythingof
that nature. Often useofsuch key functions are verydifficultto track, as the required
'next' function's position changes as eachnew menu page is presented!
Users shouldbeaware thatsome Menu options, although subtle, will
substantiallyalter themode of operation. As maybe appreciatedfrom
the Test Chest’s “Video Generation” flowchart, selecting'Clapper
Board' for example, will bypass most other Video selections; whilst
selecting'OUT~LOOP'bypasses the local TSG, forcingthe output to be
a reclocked & equalised ‘LOOP’ ofthe input signal..... naturally, this can
onlyoccur if a signal isactually present at the input!

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Selection of one of these powerful modes, whilst quite normal, could have a
high nuisance value' ifunintentional, andso the TC will helpfullyflagup such an
activation with a cautionaryyellowcoloured icon, or legend.
The cluster of4 BNCs on the right sideofthe front panel carryVideoinput
and outputs. Unbalanced AES and External sync is input on BNC2,whilst the TDR
cable-testalso shares this Port.
Balanced stereo audio input andoutput, together with the balanced AES OP,
are carried bythe D-25F connector on the left panel which coupleswith the
“Audio~POD” breakout adapter. The 3.5mmHeadphone Jackis locatedheretoo.
Test Chest: Front.
Power considerations.
Test Chest is powered when portable, from an internal 3000mAH 7V2 Lithium
Polymer batterypack. We have achieved nearly5 hours endurancewith a freshly
charged batteryin tests, so realisticallyUsers could anticipate in excess ofthree
hours operation.Power drain will be dependent to someextent upon LCD back light

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brightness, the mode used, andthe Clock rate ofthe TV Standard.
Test Chest is unusualin that it has two quite distinct modes of operation, and
theseare totallydifferent, and separate, fromanybatterychargingconsiderations:-
a) In Which-Wire? mode, theunitwill detect an inputsignal on BNC1, and
power up automatically, displayingthe signal as soon asit is detected. NO action
beingrequired fromthe User, other to plugthe unknown sourceintoBNC1.
In “W-W?” mode, TC will automaticallypower down a momentor two after the
input signal is removedfromBNC1. 'Touching' the LCD panel will end the “ W-W?”
mode, andmanual 'power down' will be required to restore “W-W?” mode.
b) In the Generation and Measurementmodes,it will be necessaryto turn the
Unit ON manually. This is achieved gentlytappingtheLCD panel,and
CONFIRMING your 'power on' request bytappingthe Switch ICON presentedin the
bottom-right oftheLCD. In thesemodes, the Test Chest is 'powered down' bybriefly
tappingthe YELLOWswitch icon on the menuhomepage.
Test Chest provides essentially9functions,whicharedescribed
more fullylater,but theseareatpresent,perhaps,bestinitially
consideredunder3major separate function headings:-

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1) Which-Wire?
Which-Wire? is an exceptionally powerful investigative tool in which Test
Chest emulates our earlier Murraypro 'Which-Wire?' Unit, and itis not even
necessaryto ‘manually’ power the Unit up for operation inthis mode.As soon as a
signal is appliedto the 'Which-Wire?' input Test Chest automaticallyawakens,
determines it’s signal format, automaticallyselectingtheoptimummanner to display
the detected signal, whether it be TV monitor, WFM,or asan audio histogram.
AdditionallyifaTV signal is detected,it identifiesthe source's TV Standard as 3G-
SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI, CVBS, together with it's Frame Rate,which is reported on a
Banner atthe top of the 16:9 LCD screen.
“W-W?” capabilityincludes 'Tri-Level' and
'Colour Black' Sync detection.Either sync signal is
displayed in the WFM's 'H Expand' mode.
“W-W?” capabilityon BNC1 includes the
detection ofUNBALANCED AES andSPDIF sources.
When present, the LCD displayautomatically selects
AES mode on the 'Audio Monitoring' page.
“W-W?” detection mode has beenextended to now
include High Definition Video Interfacesources which are applied
to the connector twixtBNC1 & 2.When detected, HDVIimages
@TV relatedscanrates will be displayed, sources onother
standards will be detected, butmaynot be coherentlypresented.
Users shouldconnecttheir 'mysteryIP signal' to the lowest BNC connector,
BNC1, designated“WW?” at the bottomright ofthe frontpanel. This connector
always terminates the inputwith 75W, so it is never necessaryto provide a separate
external termination. The fundamental feature of Which-Wire? Mode is that CVBS,
SDI and AES signals enter the Unit via the same connector.It is never necessaryto
double guess what signal maybe presenton a given cable, asthe Test Chest will
automaticallyswitch tothe appropriateDigital, Analogue, AES or Tri-level/Composite
sync mode, as required to correctlydisplaythe detected input which nowincludes
HDVI signals with TV related imageformats.
It is vital to appreciate that “Which-Wire?” mode can ONLY beinitiatedwith
the Test Chest un-powered, it cannot function when the Test Chest is already
powered upas it will already be in a ‘manually’ selected operating mode!
Followinga ‘manual’ power-up, the main menu is presentedfromwhich the
User selects ‘TV’, WFM’ or ‘Audio’ mode asrequired. ~ Let us assume ‘TV’ mode is
manuallyselected, so applyinga TVsignal tothe “W-W?” input will indeed display
an immediate picture, and infact this will be even faster thanfromquiescent, as the
Unit is alreadypowered, BUTit can’t identify Tri-level sync, or AES audio for
example, nor displaythese in anymeaningful manner in TV Monitor mode, as this
doesn’t offer any'WFM display' or AES measurement capability!

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This powerful “Which-Wire?” auto-detection feature is an importantandvital
difference pioneered by Murraypro which completelyseparates Test Chest from
anyother product. Other testers will require Users to consecutively,and tediously,
offer an unknown signal to the separate SDI, CVBS and AES inputs in turn; if indeed
theyactuallypossess anyanaloguecapability at all!Consider for a moment, just how
does oneinvestigate and resolve a Station Reference Pulse problemwithout any
analoguecapability?
AES inputs in “Which-Wire?” mode.
Be aware that Test Chest’s highlyimpressivecapabilityofdetecting and
identifying“AES” signals fed in via BNC1, ONLY applies when the Unit is in
“Which-Wire?” mode, havingpowered itselfup automatically.
It most certainlydoes NOT applywhen theUnit hasbeen manuallypowered,
or if the “W-W?” mode has beenmanuallyover riddenwith a subsequent 'touch'
command. Under these powered conditions itis necessaryto applythe unbalanced
AES source directlyto BNC 2, the normal AES IP port, andwhich is labeledas such.
Under all 'powered' modes use of BNC 2 as the AES input port is mandatory.
AES signals manually presented to the “Video”port BNC1, will NOT be recognised.
2a) Test Signal Generation ~ Video
TSG.
The Test Chest contains a powerful,high quality,
10 bitTSG thatis suitable for testing TVequipment.
TheTV video format, categorized by‘Clock rate’ is selected first (1080 @ 3G, 1080

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or 720@ 1.5G, or SD @ 270MB), followed by the required Frame rate (24, 25, 30,
50 or 60Hz), and on 60Hzrelated standards, subsequent sub-selection between
1.000 & 1.001 rates.On non-progressive only standards, interlacemaybe selected.
Support for Level B Dual Link at 3G is provided.
Menu selectionofthe differentTestsignals is easy
and intuitive, with the Generator providingparallel SDI
and CVBS outputs ofthe selected Test Signal on SD.
Tri-level syncgeneration.
The CVBS video output can ofcourse onlybevalid whilst the Test Chest is
generatingat 'Standard Definition' on 525 or 625 Standards, and is muted on HD.
However on all high definition standards BNC 3 will output Tri-level syncs, and this
changeover is completelyautomatic and transparent.
Tri-level syncs maybe loopedfromBNC 3 round to BNC 2,and then used as
an external reference for the Wave Form Monitor; this will particularlyuseful when
Test Chest is used to measure ‘Latency’ through digital equipment.
HDVI Signal generation.
Test Chest containstwo HDVI ports usingindustrystandard connectors
and suitablefor use with commerciallyavailable, or pre-installed HDMI cables; one
each for input andoutput and both are independentlyavailable whilstthe systemis
powered. A digital DVI OP is available via a proprietarypassive HDMI/DVI adapter.
These signals are primarilyintended for use inTelevision based
Engineeringapplications, rather than ‘Multi-Media’ entertainmentenvironments. So
although industrystandard connectors are used for convenience, the generation and
displaycapabilityis pitched towards confirmation offunction with SD andHD
Professional TV related displaystandards, and anon-exhaustive list ofthe generally
TV related Graphics standards that can be coherentlydisplayed is tabulated in the
Specification section.
HDVI signals generated by Test Chest maybe selected fromeithera
dedicated TSG or the LCD panel’s screen,and in either case theOP standardis
800x640.Either source maybe used as a convenient HDVI streamfor quickly
checkingconnectivityor systemfunction, and neither areintended for detailed
systemanalysis purposes although elementsof‘681 are supported.
Unlike some other Generators producingaPC/Graphics output, the
signals produced by Test Chest’s separate Graphics TSGdonot strayfrom ‘legal
values’.
If required, Test Chest can generatea separate SPDIF compatible audio
output too from the AES OP stream, via theAudio-POD’s integral BAL/UN matching
transformer.
Input looping ~ ‘Processing Amplifier’ mode.
SDI Equalisation and reclocking:
Usingthe Home Menu it is practical to “LOOP” external SDI signals
through the Unitand benefit fromthe internal equalisation and re-clocking
facility. Note that the menu flags this unusual settingwith yellow text.
CVBS looping:
Test Chest will also loop CVBS inputs. CVBS will be ac coupled to remove any

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possible dc off–set on the input,and then clamped to remove dc changes due to
variations with Average Picture Level.
Text Ident:
A locallygeneratedidentification text stringmaybe inserted into the
output video,a particularlyuseful feature when identifyinglonglines. The
Character Generator's non-volatile memoryis pre-loaded with “TEST-
CHEST” when shipped; however it is veryeasilyreprogrammed to individual
requirementsbyusingthe Textmenu provided, an operationfamiliarto all mobile
phone Users.
ExternalvideoReference:
TC maybe Gen-locked (Slaved) to an external video Reference,this
allows the outputsignal to be ‘timed’ to a Vision Mixer, for example.
The external reference is applied as either a Composite video,Composite
or Tri-Level sync to BNC2. Selection betweenmodes is via menuicon. Beaware
that Mixed or Composite sync is onlyappropriate for SD, andthat HD standards
require Tri-level syncs.
Genlock operationis initiated via themain menu's “Gear” icon, which
leads to the Set-Up sub-menu page. TheTSG outputwill be maintained
locked within ½TVline ofthe Reference, enablingfullysynchronous
operation with digital equipment employing2H digital synchronisers.
Backlight:
Once the TSG mode has been set up, onemaywish to reduce the LCD's
back light drive to alower brightness. Using the 'Set Up' menuthebrilliance maybe
reduced, or switched to 'LCD DIM' modeto conserve batterypower.
Auto/Manual Power Management:
Under certain circumstances itmaybe desired to set the Test Chest to
generate a test signal for a prolonged period, perhaps whilst tests are
performed elsewhere.
If noicon 'activation' is detected for 10minutes, in ‘Auto off’ mode the Unit will
automaticallyshut down to conserve batterypower.
This time-out maybe defeatedbyselecting'Always ON' in the main menu. Be
aware however that when runningon batterypower, the Unit will continue tooperate
until the battery’s lowvoltage cutofflogic activates. No Li-Pobatterydistress will
occur, but the Unitwill not be capable offurther batterypowered operation until the
batteryis recharged.
Murraypro recommend thatthe battery isrecharged assoon as possible.
Test Chest maybe used, andwill continue to operate normallywhilst it's
batteryis beingrecharged. Charge completion is indicated bythe extinguishingof
the yellowLED twixt BNC 3 & 4.
It is not necessaryto remove the lowvoltage lead when chargingis
completed, and Test Chest maybe safelyrun for protractedperiods with the
‘charge/external power’ lead connected.

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2b) Test Signal Generation~Audio
Test Chest generatesaudio in 3different formats simultaneously:-
1) Embedded Audio is inserted inGroup 1bydefault, but Group2, 3 or 4 maybe
manuallyselected for instead. Each channel 1~4 within the selected Group
maybe enabledor muted asrequired, with on-screen mappingto track and
displaythe current setup.
Audio modulation may be muted to ‘Digital Silence’. This does not affect the
digital house-keeping data, which is alwaysgenerated.
2) AES output stream. This is enabledbydefault andruns inparallel with and
uses the same source as Embedded Audio, via the'GenerateAudio'page.
Channels 1 or 2 maybe enabled, or mutedasrequired.
The Unit’s dual channel AES output is presented on the D-25F
connector asan110Wbalanced 48KHzAES encoded stream.This output
port is automaticallycoupledthrough to theAudio-POD when it is connected;
and itis accessed via the AES OP XLR3-M.
For Un-Balanced 75WAES operation, the balancedOP should befirst
routedto theBAL/UN (110W:75W)transformer on the Audio-POD,and then
extendedtotheloadfromthe POD's unbalanced AES 75 WBNC as usual.
3) Balanceddual channel analogue audio. Enable this mode which runs in
parallel with, and uses the same source as Embedded Audio, via the
'Generate Audio' pageand,as with the Embedded Audio, Channels 1 or 2
maybe enabled, or muted, as required.
The Unit's dual channel Analogueoutput is also presented on the D-
25F connector, and these lowimpedance balanced output ports arealso
convenientlycoupled through tothe Audio-POD, where it is accessed via the
AnalogueOP's dual XLR3-Ms.

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AES Matchingwiththe Audio POD:
Generation & Monitoring
AES:Unbalanced IP @ 75 W.
Veryeasy, just couplethe coaxcable to BNC2Test Chest’s mainAES input.
AES:Balanced IN on XLR3-M @ 110W.
Couple IP cable XLR3-M to the POD’s
Transformer XLR3-F, and loop a short
BNC~BNC coaxroundto TC’s BNC2.
AES:Balanced OP@110RW.
Veryeasy! Just connect your XLR3-F cable to the POD’s AES OP.
AES:Unbalanced OP@ 75W.
Use an XLR~XLR ‘double ender’, couple
the POD’s XLR3-M AES OP back into
the POD’s transformer,andthen plug
your coaxcable into the POD’s 75W
BNC.
Output amplitude considerations:
The Embedded and AES digital audio bit-streamsmaybe operatedover a
muchgreater encodedamplitude range than that ofthe balanced analogue audio,
where practical considerations confines Test Chest’s limits to about +/-10dBU.
Do notconfusetheencoded audio amplitude data with the actual amplitude of
the AES bit streamwhich remains unaltered, at aroundRS422 levels; normally
around 3~4 V PP.
Digital outputs maybe adjusted in 1dB steps from0dBFS down to -80dBFS.
This lowoutputamplitude is useful for testingthe digital microphoneinputs ofa
Mixer realistically.Whilst theoverall envelopeofthe AES signal will remain atthe
standard RS422 level at all times, digital microphones usuallyemulate their
analoguepartners' lowOP level, generatingan AESoutput with a similar lowdigital
modulation amplitude.
Analogue amplitude:
The analogueaudio channel is aligned such that a level of“-18dBFS” will