Plura SPT-H1 User manual

TIMING SOLUTIONS
MTD Timer
SPT
SPT-H1
Studio Production Timer
Network-based generator of six
programmable timers
Operating Manual
Version: 2.10
January 25, 2024

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 3
CONTENTS
A1 REVISION HISTORY
A2 COPYRIGHT
A3 WARRANTY
A4 UNPACKING/SHIPPING/REPACKAGING INFORMATION
A5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
A6 CERTIFICATIONS & COMPLIANCES
1. SHORT DESCRIPTION: THE FIRST STEPS 11
1.1.1. Preparation 11
1.1.2. SPT: Installation and Set-Up 11
1.1.3. SC Clock and UD Display: Installation and Set-Up 14
1.1.4. Basic Functions of the SPT + SC Clock + UD Display System 16
2. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 17
2.1. INTRODUCTION 17
2.2. POWER SUPPLY 18
2.3. START-UP SEQUENCE 19
2.4. OPERATING MODES 20
2.4.1. Overview 20
2.4.2. The Keyboard 20
2.4.3. The Displays 21
2.4.4. The Access Rights 21
2.4.5. The Display Modes 22
2.4.5.1. Overview 22
2.4.5.2. Local Stop Timer 23
2.4.5.3. SPT: Real-Time and Date 23
2.4.5.4. MTD: Real-Time and Date 24
2.4.5.5. NTP: Real-Time and Date –Local Time Zone or Reference Time 25
2.4.5.6. Time Code (TC) 26
2.4.5.7. SPT: Timer A - F 26
2.4.5.8. MTD: Timer A - F 27
2.4.5.9. “Main Timer” Functionality 28
2.5. CONFIGURATION 29
2.5.1. The Configuration Program 29
2.5.2. “Profile” Tab: Store and Load a Complete Set-Up 30
2.5.3. “System” Tab: View and Change System Parameters 31
2.5.4. “Source” Tab: Select the Signal Source 32
2.5.5. “Ethernet” Tab: IP Addresses ... 33
2.5.6. “Keyboard” Tab: Function Keys, Access Rights, Beeper 35
2.5.7. “Shifted Keys” Tab: Programming Alternate Functions 37
2.5.8. “Timer Names” Tab: Customize the Text Display 38
2.5.9. “Display” Tab: Display Mode, Brightness, ... 39
2.5.10. “MTD” Tab: General Set-Up of MTD Timers 41
2.5.11. “Timer” Tab: Set-Up of Timers A –F and Time & Date 42
2.5.12. “Real-Time” Tab: Set-Up of the NTP Real-Time Parameters 44
2.5.13. “GPI” Tab: Programming GPI Inputs and Outputs 45
2.6. PROGRAMMING FUNCTION KEYS AND GPI INPUTS 47
2.7. FIRMWARE UPDATE 51

Page 4 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
3. TECHNICAL DATA 52
3.1. CONNECTIONS AT THE REAR 52
3.2. SPECIFICATIONS 54
3.3. MECHANICAL 55
3.3.1. Desktop Housing 55
3.3.2. Module in a 19” 3 RU Housing 55
3.3.3. Special Tabletop Mounting 55
3.3.4. 19” 1 RU Version: SPT-H1 56
3.4. EPSD AND EPSW: POWER ADAPTERS 57
3.4.1. Description and Technical Data 57
3.4.2. Safety Precautions 58

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 5
A1 Revision History
No.
Date
Subject
0.x
Preliminary documents, changes without notice.
1.0
February 28, 2012
First released document.
2.0
January 16, 2013
- Tab “Ethernet”: It is possible to enter an IP address of a “Secondary MTD
Master”.
- Tab “Shifted Keys”: Alternate functions of keys.
2.1
April 2, 2014
Chapter “System Tab: View and Change System Parameters”: added note if
password is lost.
2.2
November 10, 2015
Added GPI connector for SPT-H1.
2.3
September 26, 2017
Added configuration of MTD main timers.
2.4
September 26, 2019
Changed address of Plura Europe GmbH
2.5
December 3, 2020
Re-formatted in new design.
2.6
December 2, 2021
Added description of MTD / Frame Rate.
2.7
May 9, 2023
Added selection of time code sources.
2.8
May 10, 2023
Added specifications of LTC IN.
2.9
January 9, 2024
Updated download links and update instructions.
2.10
January 25, 2024
Clarified rear connections of SPT-H1.
Renamed TCU-EP and UD-EP to EPSD and EPSW.
The latest document describes the functions of the latest product’s software. You can download
the latest software version from:
https://plurainc.com/products/spt/
https://plurainc.com/products/spt-h1/
A2 Copyright
Copyright © Plura Europe GmbH 2012-2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, translated into another language, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise without the prior written consent of Plura Europe GmbH.
Printed in Germany.
Technical changes are reserved.
All brand and product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Information in this publication replaces all previously published information. Plura Europe
GmbH assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
For further information please contact your local dealer or:
Plura Europe GmbH
Binger Weg 12
D- 55437 Ockenheim
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http://www.plurainc.com

Page 6 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
A3 Warranty
Plura warrants that their products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of two years from the date of shipment. If this product proves defective during the
warranty period, Plura, at its option, will repair or replace the defective product without
charge, provided this product is returned to Plura freight prepaid.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Plura of the defect before
expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of
service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to
Plura, please notice the Shipping Information given below.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by abuse, misuse,
improper use, negligence, accident, modification, alteration, or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care.
This warranty is given by Plura with respect to this product in lieu of any other warranties,
express or implied. Plura and its vendors disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. Plura’s responsibility to repair or replace defective products is
the sole and exclusive remedy provided to the customer for breach of this warranty. Plura and
its vendors will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
irrespective of whether Plura or the vendor has advance notice of the possibility of such
damages.

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 7
A4 Unpacking/Shipping/Repackaging Information
This product has been carefully inspected, tested and calibrated before shipment to ensure
years of stable and trouble-free service.
The shipping carton and pads provide protection for the product during transit. Retain the
shipping cartons in case subsequent shipment becomes necessary.
Carefully unpack the product from its transit material and carefully check the product for signs
of damage. In the event that the product has been damaged during transit, contact the carrier
and your Plura dealer.
Please confirm that all items listed on the packing list have been received. Check the items
against your original order to ensure that you have received the correct parts. If any item is
missing, please contact your Plura dealer.
Ensure that all packaging material is removed from the product and its associated
components before installing the unit.
Products returned to Plura for servicing or repair should have a tag attached showing:
•Name and complete address of the owner and the name of the person that can be
contacted.
•Unit’s serial number and a description of the service required, or failure detected.
Products returned should be shipped prepaid in the original packaging material if possible. If
the original packaging is not available or is unfit for use, supply an adequate packaging
which should meet the following criteria:
•Packaging must be able to withstand the product weight.
•Product must be held rigid within the packaging.
•Allow at least two inches of space between the product and the container.
•The corners of the product must be protected.
•Seal the carton with shipping tape or an industrial stapler.
If the product is still within the warranty period, the product will be returned by prepaid
shipment after servicing.

Page 8 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
A5 Safety Instructions
The general safety information in this part is for both operating and service personnel. Plura
products are only to be used as directed. Specific warnings and cautions will be found
throughout the manual where they apply.
Review the following safety instructions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or
any products connected to it.
•Read these instructions.
•Keep these instructions.
•Heed all warnings.
•Follow all instructions.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms and Symbols in this manual:
CAUTION: Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in damage to this product or other property.
Terms and Symbols which may be found on the product:
ATTENTION: Refer to the manual.
Observe precautions for handling electrostatic-sensitive devices.
Signal Ground.
Product Damage Precautions
PREVENT OVERHEATING
To prevent product overheating, position the unit only where sufficient air
circulation can be maintained. Good air circulation is essential to prevent
internal heat build-up, do not block any ventilation openings. Do not expose
the unit to direct sun light or any other strong lights. Keep the unit away from
heat sources.
PROVIDE PROPER ENVIRONMENT
Dust, humidity, shocks and strong electromagnetic fields must be avoided. Do
not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing water. Ensure that no
objects filled with liquid are placed on the apparatus.

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 9
OBSERVE EMC REGULATIONS
The EMC regulations are observed only under the following condition:
Use high quality shielded cables at data inputs and outputs.
SUSPECTED FAILURES
Whenever it is likely that safe operation is impaired, the apparatus must be
made inoperative and secured against unintended operation. The appropriate
service authority must then be informed. Do not operate with suspected
failures. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: CLEANING
Qualified Service Personnel Only: The apparatus should be cleaned often
enough to prevent dust or dirt from accumulating. Dust accumulating in the
apparatus acts as an insulating blanket, preventing proper cooling, and
possibly causing overheating and component breakdown. Under high humidity
conditions, accumulated dust can also provide an electrical conduction path.
Remove accumulated dust with a soft cloth or small paint brush. Remove
hardened dirt with a soft cloth, dampened in a mild detergent and water
solution. Do not use polish or abrasive cleaners or any other chemical cleaning
agents.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: VISUAL INSPECTION
Qualified Service Personnel Only: Visually inspect the apparatus for signs of
damage, scorched components, and loose or disconnected pin connectors. If
you discover heat damaged parts, try to determine the cause of the
overheating before replacing the damaged parts; otherwise, the damage may
repeat.
ATTENTION:
Observe precautions for handling electrostatic-sensitive devices. See
“Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions” below for details.

Page 10 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
All semiconductor devices are sensitive to ESD. To prevent any damage or
degradation on components of the product caused by ESD, observe these
precautions when directed to do so (installing, removing sensitive
components):
1. Use a Ground Strap. Wear a grounded anti-static wrist or heel strap to discharge the
static voltage from your body.
2. Use a Safe Work Area. Avoid handling components in areas that have a floor or work
surface covering capable of generating a static charge. Also, nothing capable of gener-
ating or holding a static charge should be allowed in the work area.
3. Handle ESD sensitive components carefully. Do not slide components over any surface.
Do not touch exposed connector pins. Pick-up components by the body, never by the
leads.
4. Transport and store sensitive components or assemblies in a static-protected bag or
container.
A6 Certifications & Compliances
CE-Declaration:
We,
Plura Europe GmbH
Binger Weg 12
D- 55437 Ockenheim
herewith declare under our sole responsibility that the
SPT / SPT-H1
meets the intent of the following directives, standards and specifications:
89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN 50081-1 Emissions
•EN 55022
•EN 55103-1
EN 50082-1 Immunity
•EN 55024
•EN 55103-2

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 11
1. Short Description: The First Steps
1.1.1. Preparation
The following description refers to installation and set-up of a system consisting of 1 x SPT,
1 x SC studio clock and 1 x UD Series display.
Application: Display of local real-time at SC clock,
stop timer display at UD display,
stop timer control at SPT.
Apart from SPT, SC clock and UD displays you need the following accessories:
•Ethernet switch + RJ45 Ethernet patch cables (one per unit).
•Computer with USB and Ethernet interfaces.
•Product CD, included.
•IP address of an NTP Server which will be the real-time reference.
•Maybe a standard USB cable: A –B type.
The computer should have been connected to your local network. Connect SPT, SC clock and
UD display via RJ45 patch cables to an Ethernet switch. Switch on all units.
1.1.2. SPT: Installation and Set-Up
S1 Start UD SC Config.exe program from CD. At “Filter”, “Group = <all>” should have
been selected. SPT, SC clock and UD display should appear on the list:
If SPT does not appear on the list, proceed as follows:
S1a Connect SPT via USB to the computer. Maybe a driver has to be installed. This
driver is part of Windows, it can be found automatically.
S1b Execute UD SC Config.exe again.
S1c Start the set-up with double-clicking on SPT.
S1d At Ethernet tab:
Click on button Change ..., then a new window appears, there click on Use
DHCP. Make a restart of SPT and start again at S1.

Page 12 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
S2 If there are any other devices on this list, please take notice of the number shown after
the name at the “Mode” column (= group number).
S3 Start the set-up with double-clicking on SPT.
S4 At System tab: Give the device a significant name.
S5 At Source tab: Click on “SPT”.
S6 At Ethernet tab:
•Primary Server IP Address: Enter the IP address of an NTP Server.
•Group: If –according to S2 –there is no other group in the network, choose “1”,
otherwise choose any other number not selected so far.
S7 At Display tab: Select “Mode = Timer A”.
This selection determines the display mode after switching on the unit.

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 13
S8 At Timer tab:
•Select Time out of dropdown list Timer.
•At Time Zone: This set-up determines your local time zone. The example below
shows the set-up for CET/CEST = Central European Time including DST. Please refer
to chapter:
“Timer” Tab: Set-Up of Timers A –F and Time & Date.
S9 At Keyboard tab:
•At Buttons: Programming function keys. In order to control a stop timer, assign
“Down” to one function key, for example. Assign “No Operation”to keys which are
not used.
•At Access Rights: This set-up enables you to reduce the functionality of the unit, so
that you just work with the functions which are really required for your application. If
you just want to control one timer, click “On” at “Timer A” and “Off”everywhere else.

Page 14 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
S10 Installation and basic set-up of SPT is now completed. Click button Disconnect.
The text display at SPT now shows:
DOWN
UP
TIMER A
1.1.3. SC Clock and UD Display: Installation and Set-Up
U1 If the list does not show SC clock or UD display, perform steps S1a –S1d for SC or UD
correspondingly.
U2 Start the set-up with double-clicking on SC Clock.
U3 At System tab: Give the device a significant name.
U4 At Source tab: Click on “MTD”.

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 15
U5 At Ethernet tab:
•Automatic MTD Master IP Address: Check this control box.
•Group: Enter the same group number as selected at SPT set-up (item S6).
U6 At Clock tab: Select “Mode = Real-Time”. The SC clock will show local real-time.
U7 Installation and basic set-up of the SC clock is now completed. Click button Disconnect.
U8 Perform steps U2 –U5 for the UD display correspondingly.
U9 At Display tab: Select „Mode = Timer A”. The UD display will then show stop timer “A”.
U10 Installation and basic set-up of the UD display is now completed. Click button
Disconnect.

Page 16 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
1.1.4. Basic Functions of the SPT + SC Clock + UD Display System
Switch SPT and UD display off and on again. After an initialization process, SPT and the UD
display indicate the time of the stop timer (= timer A, = 0), the SC clock indicates the current
local real-time.
STOP
RESET
DOWN
UP
TIMER A
7 8 9
654
1 2 3
0+ _
Alpermann+Velte
START
SPT
UDxxE
UDxxE
12:00:00
0
NTPServer
Local
Network
The following keys at SPT are provided to control the stop timer:
START/STOP/RESET Timer starts, timer stops, or timer resets to zero.
0 –9 Enter a preset value.
DOWN Accept preset value and set stop timer to mode DOWN.
Example: Enter a preset value, and then press DOWN key; now the preset
value is indicated at UD display as well. Now press START key →
timer counts downwards starting from the preset value.
•Counter automatically counts upwards if START is pressed at preset = 0.
•Counter automatically counts downwards if START is pressed at preset > 0.

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 17
2. Functional Description
2.1. Introduction
SPT is a control unit with a numerical LED display, a text information display and a backlit
keypad:
•The LED display has 15mm digit height 7-segmented LEDs in a red colour. It simply
displays a time in a HH:MM:SS format.
•The text display shows the status information. It’s a white LCD or on older devices (built in
2016 or earlier) a yellow OLED display (Organic Light Emitting Diode).
•The keypad has 18 illuminated keys, 15 keys have an inscription. All keys except the
numeric keys 0 –9 can receive a programmable function. The three keys without inscrip-
tion are the special function keys, where the current selected function is indicated directly
above on the text display.
STOP
RESET
OFFSET
TIME
DOWN DIFF
TIME
DOWN
TIMER A
789
654
123
0+ _
Alpermann+Velte
START
•SPT accepts time & date of an NTP Server as reference, i.e. SPT works as an NTP Client.
•SPT controls and handles six stop timers.
•SPT works as a central unit of the Plura MTDoE system. Any Plura UD Series displays with
Ethernet interface and any Plura SC Series studio clocks with Ethernet interface are able
to display stop timers as well as real-time (synchronized to the reference time) generated
from SPT. TCU units with Ethernet interface can be added to this system as well, this
enables controlling stop timers from different locations.
Local
Network
A 12:59:59
UDxxE
12 123
4
5
6
7
8
9
1011
SCxxxEStudio Clocks
B 00:03:00
UDxxE
STOP
RESET
OFFSET
TIME
DOWN DIFF
TIME
DOWN
TIMER A
7 8 9
654
1 2 3
0+ _
Alpermann+Velte
START
SPT

Page 18 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
2.2. Power Supply
SPT receives power either via an external DC power supply or via “Power over Ethernet”(PoE).
EPSD: External Power Supply for SPT EPSW: External Power Supply for SPT-H1
EPSD and EPSW are 24 VDC/20 W external AC/DC adapters. They are not part of the
delivery.
EPSD has a DC output cable with a DSUB9 female connector suitable to connect to the
DC connector at SPT.
EPSW has a DC output cable with a 2-pole jack suitable to connect to the DC terminal
connector at SPT-H1.
Refer to chapter “EPSD and EPSW: Power Adapters”for detailed technical data.
USB
1
DC
ETHERNET
GPI
1
DSUB9F:
6/7: V-
8/9: V+
External Power Supply:
Option EPSD
1: V-
2: V+
External Power Supply:
Option EPSW
DC
1 2
USBETHERNET
1 . . . . . 8
GPI
1
12
PoE: “Power over Ethernet”
Power over Ethernet or PoE technology describes a system to pass electrical power,
along with data, on Ethernet cabling.
USB
1
DC
ETHERNET
GPI
POE
PoE Switch
Pi: “Power Injector”
PI is an external AC/DC adapter. It is not part of the delivery.
In the case your network devices cannot supply PoE, using this PoE injector keeps the
advantage to have only one cable connected to your SPT or SPT-H1.
USB
1
DC
ETHERNET
GPI
Non-PoE Switch
External Power Supply:
Option PI
Power-over-Ethernet Injector
~
ACPower

Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1 Page 19
2.3. Start-Up Sequence
The text display indicates step by step:
•the firmware revision number,
SPT
2.3
•and then installed options –if any Option,
•and then the selected source,
MTDMASTE
SRC: SPT MTD CLIEN SRC: MTD NTP CLIEN SRC: NTP
•and then it switches to normal operating mode.
In the beginning, all of the LEDs and lamps will light up shortly.
The red LED display indicates status information step by step:
Current display mode at the last two digits of the LED display:
Digits Mode Source
∏L Local SPT / MTD / NTP
г Г Real-Time SPT / MTD
г d MTD Date SPT / MTD
ГA Timer A SPT / MTD
ГB Timer B SPT / MTD
ГC Timer C SPT / MTD
Гd Timer D SPT / MTD
ГE Timer E SPT / MTD
ГF Timer F SPT / MTD
∏1 Main 1 SPT / MTD
∏2 Main 2 SPT / MTD
∏3 Main 3 SPT / MTD
Г LTime Code SPT / MTD
n ГNTP Time NTP
n d NTP Date NTP
“Init” indicates that the Ethernet initialization is still in progress.
After success “Init o” shortly will be displayed, then or after one
minute at the latest the device switches to normal operating
mode.
In case “source = MTD”:
The device tries to find any MTDoE Master responsible for the
indicated MTD group number.
In case “source = MTD”:
The MTDoE Master has been found, now the device
synchronizes its internal clock with NTP commands.

Page 20 Operating Manual SPT / SPT-H1
2.4. Operating Modes
2.4.1. Overview
SPT is a timer display and control unit. A timer can be a local time or date, a stop timer, or a
remaining time, or more.
SPT offers three different main operating modes. The main operating mode is determined by
configuration selecting the data source (chapter “Source” Tab: Select the Signal Source).
•Source = SPT (MTD Master): SPT is able to generate local time & date as well as six
independent programmable timers. Each timer can show a stop timer, a remaining
time, a time difference, a time of a time zone etc. SPT can control these timers, e.g. by
start/stop/reset commands, or by setting a preset value, etc.
•Source = MTD (MTD Client): SPT decodes and displays data of an MTDoE system.
These data include six independent programmable timers, real-time, date, and a time
of a time code. Each timer can show a stop timer, a remaining time, a time difference,
a time of a time zone etc. SPT can communicate with an MTDoE Master and control
these timers, e.g. by start/stop/reset commands, or by setting a preset value, etc.
•Source = NTP: SPT receives and displays a time & date. The received reference time
can get a programmable offset. It is possible to enable a Daylight-Saving Time
handling. This programming is done by configuration of the unit.
•Each main operating mode offers to control and display a local stop timer - even
without an Ethernet connection.
SPT offers a numerical keypad, programmable function keys, and two displays.
2.4.2. The Keyboard
7 8 9
654
1 2 3
0
F1 F2 F3
START
RESET
STOP
+_
SPT
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 0
START STOP
RESET
+
_
SPT
H1
F3
F2
F1
•0 –9 keys to enter numerical values; these keys are not programmable.
•The +and –keys are preferably used to switch to the next display mode, but they
could also receive a user defined function.
•The START/STOP/RESET keys are preferably used for a stop timer operation, but they
could also receive a user defined function.
•The F1 –F3 keys receive a user defined function, e.g. UP or DOWN to select a stop
timer mode, or A, B, to switch to a specific display mode. The backlit lamp in the key
will light up if the programmed function is currently activated. A text on the text display
just near the key describes the programmed function.
•Programming of the keys is done by configuration of the unit and will be stored at a
non-volatile memory of SPT (chapter “Keyboard” Tab: Function Keys, Access Rights,
Beeper).