Nagra NAGRA-D II User manual

NAGRA-D II REGISTRATION FORM
Please carefully fill in this page (IN CAPITAL LETTERS) and return it to us upon receipt of your NAGRA-D II. We
will then be able to send you upgrade pages for your manual, as well as inform you of future developments in
software.
Please return this page to: NAGRAVISION SA
Kudelski Group
Route de Genève, 22
1033 CHESEAUX
SWITZERLAND
ATTN: Support Technique
Audio division
NAGRA-D II Serial Number : __________
Purchase date : __________
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NAGRA DIGITAL
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Location of Keys / Connectors / Functions
Chapter 3 Operation / settings of the NAGRA-D II
Chapter 4 Synchronization / Remote control
Chapter 5 Specifications
Chapter 6 Options and Accessories
Index
NAGRAVISION S.A., Route de Genève 22, 1033 Cheseaux, Switzerland.
TEL: + 41.21.732.01.01 FAX: + 41.21.732.01.00

GUARANTEE
We hereby certify that this instrument was thoroughly inspected and tested prior to leaving our factory and is in
accordance with the data given in the accompanying test sheet.
We guarantee the products of our own manufacture against any defect arising from faulty manufacture for a
period of one year from the date of delivery.
This guarantee covers the repair of confirmed defects or, if necessary, the replacement of the faulty parts,
excluding all other indemnities.
All freight costs, as well as customs duty and other possible charges, are at the customer's expense.
Our guarantee remains valid in the event of emergency repairs or modification being made by the user.
However we reserve the right to invoice the customer for any damage caused by an unqualified person or a
false manoeuvre by the operator.
We decline any responsibility for any and all damages resulting, directly or indirectly, from the use of our
products.
Other products sold by NAGRAVISION S.A. are covered by the guarantee clauses of their respective
manufacturers.
We decline any responsibility for damages resulting from the use of these products.
We reserve the right to modify the product, and / or the specifications without notice.

Sept 1999
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
USING THIS MANUAL............................................................................................................................1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................................1
TAPE DURATIONS.................................................................................................................................2
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE............................................................................................................3
TAPE CARE / HANDLING......................................................................................................................3
ANALOG OUTPUT CONNECTIONS (TO A MIXER).............................................................................3
HEAD CLEANING...................................................................................................................................4
FOOTPRINT OF THE FORMAT.............................................................................................................5
LONGITUDINAL TRACKS......................................................................................................................6
HELICAL TRACKS .................................................................................................................................7
TAPE SPEED..........................................................................................................................................7
THE LARGE REELS OPERATION.........................................................................................................8
POWERING THE NAGRA-D II................................................................................................................9
REMOVING THE INTERNAL BATTERY PACK ....................................................................................9

Chapter 1 Sept. 1999
1
INTRODUCTION
USING THIS MANUAL
This instruction manual is designed to enable the operator to understand, and use the NAGRA-D II. The basic
principles of audio recording or digital technology are not covered, except where the concept within the NAGRA-
D II is different from that normally applied. The manual is broken down into chapters covering different aspects
of the machine. At the end of the manual there is a comprehensive index, which should guide the operator to the
correct page quickly. If in the future there is a page to be added in the middle of a chapter, then the new page to
be added will have a page number followed by a decimal point and then 1, 2 or 3 etc. For example if a page is to
be added between pages 5 and 6 of a particular chapter then the new page will be numbered 5.1. This manual
covering Version 3.0 software for the NAGRA-D II.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The concept of the NAGRA-D was to build a truly professional machine based on a format that is reliable and
lends itself well to archiving. The NAGRA-D II is a second generation of the NAGRA-D which implements several
improvements which have been developed since the introduction of the NAGRA-D in 1992. The arguments
regarding the format, choice of tape etc. are not covered here.
The NAGRA-D II is a four channel digital audio recorder having 24 bits per sample recording on 6.35mm metal
oxide tape. It accommodates the sampling frequencies of 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz (with
the on-board A/D converters) rendering it suitable for all types of professional recording applications. The
NAGRA-D II is transparent to the AES bus giving connection possibilities to a wide range of external digital
equipment. The format of the NAGRA-D II records 4.608 x 106bits per second, meaning that on a 5" reel of tape
contains 16.03 x 109bits (16 giga bits) of data. The combination of selected tape speed and number of channels
to be recorded gives tape durations to satisfy all applications.

Chapter 1 Sept. 1999
2
TAPE DURATIONS
96 kHz 88.2 kHz 48 kHz 44.1 kHz 32 kHz
5” reel 4 channel mode
2 channel mode N/A
1 hr. N/A 1 hr. 05 mins 1 hr. 2 hrs. 1 hr. 05 mins. 2 hrs. 10 mins. 1 hr 30 mins. 3 hrs.
7” reel 4 channel mode
2 channel mode N/A
2 hr. N/A 2 hrs 10 mins. 2 hrs. 4 hrs. 2 hrs. 10 mins. 4 hrs. 20 mins. 3 hrs. 6 hrs.
Apart from the two AES digital inputs, four analogue inputs are available for microphone input sources. If Line
inputs are to be used, then either input attenuators (ND-LIA #10550) or the line input circuit (ND-IL #10323) must
be fitted to the machine. When in microphone operation each of the four inputs is switchable between Dynamic,
"T" powering and +48V phantom. The signal levels are adjusted using the input sensitivity potentiometers, and
the levels are indicated on the four microprocessor controlled meters.
The four head scanner (2 for recording and 2 for playback) allows read after write (off-tape monitoring /
confidence playback) which can be heard through the two, level adjustable, headphone outputs.
The longitudinal tracks (CUE and Time Code) give flexibility of operation and additional features never before
seen in a professional recorder.
Microprocessor control of the entire machine gives almost limitless possibilities, not only as far as the digital
recording is concerned, but also for external control, fault diagnosis, tape directory management etc., from a PC
equipped with the NADCOM for Windows software ND-SNCW (KSA # 10516)
This has been a brief outline of the machine, all the points mentioned here will be covered in more detail later.
NOTE: The NAGRA-D II has few user selections / switches inside (except the type of CUE microphone to be
used - factory selection is for the ND-CM and one bank of DIL switches on the direct amplifier, the use
of which is covered under the relevant chapter). All other mode selections etc. are made via an external
PC or by the MENU mode.

Chapter 1 Sept. 1999
3
IMPORTANT NOTES
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE
The NAGRA-D II's electronic circuits are all SMD (Surface Mounted Devices) using CMOS and MECL
technology, which renders them very susceptible to electrostatic discharge. These circuits are fully protected
while installed in the machine, however if any of the circuits are to be disconnected and removed from the
machine then the operator must at all times be connected to ground via a wrist bracelet, and the circuits must
only be placed on a conductive mat also connected to ground. If circuits are to be transported for any reason
then they must be kept in anti-static plastic bags at all times. All the circuits are printed with the international sign
indicating the danger. Eproms can also be damaged if frequently handled therefore we suggest this earthing
procedure whenever work is to be carried out on the NAGRA-D II.
International symbol indicating static discharge danger
TAPE CARE / HANDLING
Although scissors editing is technically possible on the NAGRA-D II, it is not recommended to touch the tape
unless absolutely necessary. Cotton gloves are recommended in order to prevent moisture (finger prints) from
the skin affecting the tape or clogging of the heads.
When certain tapes are rewound, the air trapped between the windings during rewinding can cause the tape to
wind unevenly on the reel, meaning that the edges of the tape stand proud. If the plastic reel is then handled,
there is a risk of physically damaging the edges of the tape. On the lower edge of the tape in the format of the
NAGRA-D II are the time code and Control track (see FORMAT) which will cause problems for playing back the
tape if the edges of the tape are damaged. Normal winding speed in each direction is 4 m/s however slower
winding can be selected in the MENU mode (1, 2, 3, 4 m/s).
ANALOG OUTPUT CONNECTIONS (TO A MIXER)
The NAGRA-D II does not have transformers on its analogue audio outputs. This means that if the outputs are to
be connected to the inputs of a mixing console (For example so that the four channels can be mixed down to
two) then be sure that the inputs to the mixer are set to the LINE position before the connection to the NAGRA-D
II is made. If they are set to the Phantom +48V position then the output OP-Amps of the NAGRA-D II will almost
certainly be damaged by the D.C. voltage coming from the microphone power supply of the mixer.

Chapter 1 Sept. 1999
4
HEAD CLEANING
The NAGRA-D II, like any tape recorder requires that the user clean the heads and other parts of the tape
transport periodically. The frequency of this depends on many factors, such as the operating environment, the
tape type, mechanical alignment of the machine's transport etc. as with any recorder. It is therefore difficult to
give a specific time frame. As a guide, we suggest that the heads are cleaned once per day if the machine is
being heavily used. However if the cloth does not appear to be dirty after cleaning, and no apparent problems
have occurred then more time can be left before cleaning. If however the scanner etc. has been touched, and
there are finger marks on it then the heads need to be cleaned immediately. Increasing error count in the ECC
display gives an indication that the heads may need to be cleaned. If the user feels that more frequent cleaning
is necessary then he is free to do so. This will not damage the machine in any way if the correct procedure is
followed.
Procedure
To clean the heads etc. firstly remove the tape and carefully clean the entry and exit guides of the scanner along
with the erase head and the longitudinal control track and CUE / TC heads, using a soft cloth which has been
dipped in alcohol (preferably MYTHYL alcohol but ISOPROPYL can also be used). Make sure that the ramp of
the scanner is also perfectly clean as any deposit on this ramp will cause the tape path to be altered affecting
both recording and playback.
Once this has been done the rotary heads in the scanner can be cleaned. There are two different methods for
doing this. The first is to hold the alcohol soaked cloth against the surface of the scanner using your thumb, then
gently rotating the scanner with the other hand while keeping the cloth still. The other is to lace a tape, put the
machine in STOP, press RDY and then gently press the alcohol soaked cloth against the rotating scanner
NEVER MOVE VERTICALLY UP AND DOWN ON THE SCANNER AS THIS
CAN BREAK THE HEADS. ALWAYS CLEAN THE SCANNER IN A
HORIZONTAL MANNER.
NEVER USE Q-TIPS OR OTHER COTTON BUDS AS THEY WILL LEAVE
HAIRS ON THE HEADS OF THE SCANNER.
ALWAYS ALLOW THE TRANSPORT TO DRY OFF AND THE ALCOHOL TO
EVAPORATE BEFORE ENGAGING THE TAPE.

Chapter 1 Sept 19995
FOOTPRINT OF THE FORMAT
Diagram showing the track layout on the tape.
The NAGRA-D II records information on the tape not only using the rotary heads in the scanner but also using
longitudinal heads. The "footprint" above shows the positioning of these various tracks on the tape. (diagram is
not to scale).
A. Time code track lower edge Reference edge
B. Time code track upper edge 0.300
C. Control track lower edge 0.500
D. Control track upper edge 0.800
E. Digital data area lower edge (Ref. point) 0.900
F. Digital data area width 4.650
G. Cue track lower edge 5.700
H. Cue track upper edge 6.200
I. Helical track width 0.07
J. Helical track pitch 80.70 µm
N. Helical track data length 44.20
∅. Track angle 5.835°
W. Overall tape width 6.250 (±0.05)
Y. Beginning of data 0.971
All measurements are in mm (unless otherwise specified) taken from the reference edge of the tape.

Chapter 1 Sept 19996
LONGITUDINAL TRACKS.
As shown in the diagram on the previous page there are three longitudinal tracks which are:
TIME CODE TRACK
The time code track is only recorded on machines equipped with the ND-TC (#10370) option, and assuming that
the time code lock-out switch is in the ready position.
This is a longitudinal SMPTE/EBU 80 bits time code track recorded using Manchester Bi-phase which allows the
reading of time code at very high speeds. The internal time code system of the NAGRA-D II includes a time code
generator corresponding to all the presently used formats (including drop frame). Time code can be recorded
from the internal generator or an external source. Both the time and user information can be set from the
keyboard or a PC. When in rapid winding (especially at half-speed) the time code passes the head at more than
60 times nominal speed and cannot be correctly read from the tape. In these instances the time code output and
display is updated from the counter roller.
Recording of time code in the INSERT mode is not permitted with software version V3.00.
CONTROL TRACK
This track is similar to the control track of a video recorder. Data is automatically recorded along the tape, which
serves as "markers" indicating the start point of each helical scan. The purpose of these "markers" is to enable
the servo system of the NAGRA-D II to synchronise the position of the heads of the scanner with respect to the
position of the helical scan on the tape. This ensures that the heads track the helical scans accurately and do
not read between the scans. This track cannot be accessed by the user and contains no user data.
If necessary, the alignment of this track can be adjusted using the TRACKING control in the OTHERSET menu.
CUE TRACK
The CUE track of the NAGRA-D II is a low quality analogue track which has two principle functions:
1. In normal operation it will record a mix of the information being recorded on the 4 digital channels, from
either the analogue or digital inputs, allowing rapid audible searching on the tape of a particular point in
the recording. A cue microphone can also be recorded at the same time if desired. This is the normal
mode and will operate as described whenever the machine is put into recording mode and the cue
channel "lock out" switch is in the READY position. The output of the CUE track can only be monitored
on the headphone outputs, if searching is being done at speeds other than nominal then the analogue
and digital outputs of the NAGRA-D II are muted. The Cue track output is automatically switched to the
headphone outputs whenever the tape is not at nominal speed.
2. It can be used to record Cue information by means of a commentary microphone (ND-CM #10530),
connected to the EXTENSION socket on the left-hand side of the machine. A standard dynamic
microphone may be used instead of the ND-CM but an internal selection needs to be made on the CUE
TRACK circuit, located next to the time code input connector.
The switch should be towards the rear of the machine in order to use the ND-CM and towards the front
of the machine for any other standard dynamic microphone.
Recording of the cue track in the INSERT mode is not permitted.