Vicon V1400X-VLD User manual

V1400X-VLD Instruction Manual
V1400X-VLD Video Loss Detector
Warning: To reduce a risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
Vicon Industries Inc. does not warrant that the functions contained in this equipment will meet your requirements or that the
operation will be entirely error free or perform precisely as described in the documentation. This system has not been
designed to be used in life-critical situations and must not be used for this purpose.
Copyright © 1999 Vicon Industries Inc. All rights reserved.
Product specifications subject to change without notice.
Vicon and its logo are registered trademarks of Vicon Industries Inc.
Vicon Part No. 8006-8941-01-00 Section 11 Rev 1299

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FCC Notice
Note: Complies with Federal Communications Commission Rules & Regulations Part 15, Subpart B for a
Class A digital device.
WARNING
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in
strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction, may cause interference to radio and television
reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in
accordance with the specification in subpart B of part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in a commercial installation. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio
and television reception, which can be determined by turning equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient the receiving antenna.
• Relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver.
• Relocated the equipment away from the receiver.
• Plug the equipment into a different electrical outlet so that the equipment and receiver
are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions.
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
“Interference Handbook, Bulletin CIB-2”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Mailstop
SSOP, Washington, D.C. 20402-9328, ISBN 0-16-045542-1.
Warning: Power must be removed from this unit before removing circuit modules or ribbon cables.
Caution: This unit contains circuit cards with integrated circuit devices that can be damaged by static
discharge. Take all necessary precautions to prevent static discharge.

Coaxial Cable Recommendations
Coaxial cables used to route video signals to and
from the unit must meet the video
recommendations discussed in this section.
Caution: Careful selection of the proper cable
is essential to obtain the best
performance from this equipment.
Vicon assumes no responsibility for
poor performance when cables other
than those recommended are
installed. In all cases, coaxial cable
impedance should be 75 ohms.
Materials
Use only cable with a pure copper center
conductor. Do not use cable with either a copper-
plated steel or an aluminum center conductor
because these do not transfer signals effectively in
the frequency range used in CCTV networks. A
center conductor with low DC resistance is
required for effective CCTV operation.
Solid-core bare copper conductor is best suited to
video applications, except where flexing occurs. If
the coaxial cable will be subjected to flexing during
normal use, select a cable with a stranded center
conductor.
The preferred dielectric material is cellular (foam)
polyethylene. It has better electrical characteristics
than solid polyethylene, but is more vulnerable to
moisture. Therefore, use only solid polyethylene
dielectric cable with a heavy exterior insulation in
applications subject to moisture. The shield must
be copper braid providing 95% or better coverage.
Cable Types
The most commonly used cable types are RG-
59/U and RG-11/U. Each is a family of cables with
widely varying electrical characteristics, some of
which are not suitable for CCTV applications.
Choose a cable type by referring to the
characteristics and maximum distances listed
below. You may exceed the maximum distances
by using video amplifiers to boost the video signal.
Materials and construction must follow the
guidelines above. Note that “BC” refers to bare
copper and “TC” refers to tinned copper.
Recommended Coaxial Cable Types
Cable
Type
Belden
Type
No.
Alpha
Type
No.
West
Penn
Type No.
Type Center
Conductor
Type Shield and
% Coverage
DC Resistance
per 1000 feet
(km)
Max Distance for
Best Picture
ft (m)
RG-11U 8213 9847 811,4811 14 Solid BC BC braid (95%) 2.6 (8.5) 820 (250)
RG-6U 9248 9804C 806,4806 18 Solid BC Foil + 61% TC
braid (100%)
7.5 (24.6) 530 (160)
RG-59/U 8281 9803 815 20 Solid BC 2 TC braids
(96%)
9.9 (32.5) 400 (120)
RG-59/U 9259 ---- 816 22 Strand BC BC braid (95%) 15.0 (49) 400 (120)
RG-59/U 9659 ---- ---- 22 Strand BC BC braid (95%) 15.0 (49) 400 (120)

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X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector Contents •iii
Contents
Introduction .........................................................................................................................1
Installation ...........................................................................................................................2
Preliminary Programming Steps........................................................................................3
Accessing the Menus.....................................................................................................................................3
Setting and Changing Passwords ................................................................................................................4
Setting and Displaying the Time and Date ..................................................................................................4
Alarms ..................................................................................................................................6
Alarm Indications ...........................................................................................................................................6
Alarm Acknowledgment ................................................................................................................................7
Enabling the Alarm Buzzer and Printouts ...................................................................................................7
Addressing the Video Loss Detector ...........................................................................................................7
Setting the Detection Type ............................................................................................................................8
Viewing and Clearing Alarm History ............................................................................................................8
Monitors and Cameras........................................................................................................9
Defining the Monitor Number........................................................................................................................9
Setting the Camera Range.............................................................................................................................9
Enabling/Disabling Cameras.......................................................................................................................10
Setting the Sensitivity Level........................................................................................................................10

iv •Contents X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector
Defaults and Diagnostics................................................................................................. 11
Installing Defaults ........................................................................................................................................ 11
System Diagnostics..................................................................................................................................... 12
Serial Port.......................................................................................................................... 13
Serial Port Communication Settings ......................................................................................................... 13
Serial Commands......................................................................................................................................... 14
Operation........................................................................................................................... 17
Normal Operation (No Detection)............................................................................................................... 17
Alarm Indications......................................................................................................................................... 17
Shipping Instructions....................................................................................................... 19
Index .................................................................................................................................. 21

X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector Important Safeguards •v
Important
Safeguards
GRAPHIC SYMBOL EXPLANATION
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION:
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the unit.
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the video product is
operated.
2. Retain Instructions - All the safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the video product
and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning - Step aapplies to equipment that can be
disconnected from the CCTV system without seriously
jeopardizing security. Step b applies to equipment that
must operate continuously such as video switching
equipment at military installations.
a. Disconnect this video product from its power source
before cleaning. Do not use caustic, abrasive, or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
b. Use a damp cloth to clean the equipment. Do not
allow moisture or liquids to enter any vents. Do not
use caustic, abrasive, or aerosol cleaners.
6. Attachments - Do not use attachments not
recommended by Vicon as they may cause hazards.
7. Water and Moisture - Do not use this video product
in any location where it may be exposed to water or
moisture. This does not apply to outdoor camera
housings, outdoor pan-and-tilt drives, and other
equipment designed for direct exposure to outdoor
environments.
8. Accessories - Do not place this video product on any
unstable surface or table. The video product may fall,
causing serious injury to a person and serious damage
to the video product. Use only with a mounting accessory
recommended by Vicon, or sold with the video product.
Any mounting of the video product should follow Vicon’s
instructions, and a mounting accessory recommended
by Vicon should be used.
9. Ventilation - Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation
of the video product and to protect it from overheating,
and these openings must not be blocked or covered.
The openings should never be blocked by placing the
video product on a rug or other similar surface. This
video product should never be placed near or over a
radiator or heat register. This video product should not
be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or
rack unless proper ventilation is provided or Vicon’s
instructions have been adhered to.
10. Power Sources - This video product should be
operated only from the type of power source indicated
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power supplied to your installation site, consult your
Vicon dealer or local power company. For video
products intended to operate from battery power, or
other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
11. Grounding - This applies to video products
equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug
having a third (grounding) pin. This plug only fits into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If

vi •Important Safeguards X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector
you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
12. Power-Cord Protection - Power supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked
on or pinched by items placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the video product.
13. Outdoor Cable Grounding - If an outside cable
system is connected to the video product, be sure the
cable system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up static
charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70-1984, provides information with respect
to proper grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of
antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode.
14. Lightning - For added protection for this video
product when it is not used for long periods of time,
disconnect it from its power source and from the cable
system. This prevents damage to the video product due
to lightning and power-line surges.
15. Power Lines - An outside cable system should not
be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or
other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall
into such power lines or circuits. When installing an
outside cable system, extreme care should be taken to
keep from touching such power lines or circuits as
contact with them might be fatal.
16. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
17. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of
any kind into this video product through openings as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the video product.
18. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this video
product yourself as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service - Disconnect this video
product from its power source and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following
conditions. Note that step cdoes not apply to outdoor
camera housings, outdoor pan-and-tilt drives and other
equipment specifically designed for direct exposure to
outdoor environments.
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into
the video product.
c. If the video product has been exposed to rain or
water.
d. If the video product does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore
the video product to its normal operation.
e. If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet
has been damaged.
f. When the video product exhibits a distinct change in
performance - this indicates a need for service.
20. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are
required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by Vicon or that have the
same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
21. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this video product, ask the service technician
to perform safety checks to determine that the video
product is in proper operating condition.

X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector Introduction •1
Introduction
Note: Read all of the instructions completely before installing or operating this equipment.
The information in this manual covers the installation, programming and operation of the Vicon V1400X-VLD
Video Loss Detector. The installation procedures should only be performed by a qualified technician using
approved materials in accordance with national, state and local wiring codes. Read these instructions
completely before attempting installation. The unit complies with FCC standards for a Class A device and with
European Community EMC Directive 89/336. The product was subjected to the testing outlined in European
Normalization Standard EN 50081-1 (Electromagnetic Compatibility - General Emissions Standard Part 1:
Residential, Commercial and Light Industry), and EN 50082-1 (Electromagnetic Compatibility - Generic
Immunity Standard Part 1: Residential, Commercial, and Light Industry).
The V1400X-VLD is designed to provide detection of sync loss or sync and video signal loss. Video loss may
set for detection at various upper and lower percentages as compared to an average of the video signal level
in a particular scene. The detection level for each camera in the system may be set (this is not a global
setting).
Each video loss detector in your system can detect video/sync loss from up to 256 cameras. Check your
control system documentation to determine if you may use the detector with your system. Note that the
detector may not be used with the V1422 (VPS328). If your control system includes high speed switching
output functionality, you must define the monitor number and range of cameras at the control system
software’s programming menus. Other systems may have dedicated monitors for high speed switching
output, each with a predefined range of cameras, without control system software settings. In this case, you
must make the appropriate hardwired connections in order to use the monitor(s) that the control system will
use for the dedicated high speed switching monitor(s). As these specifics are control system dependent, they
are not defined in this manual. Refer to the appropriate control system manual for details.
Navigating the programming menus is easy using the two buttons and joystick on the front panel of the
V1400X-VLD. Refer to Figure 1.
MENU MON
MENU
RUBOUT ENTER
V1400X-VLD
Figure 1
V1400X-VLD Front Panel

2 •Installation X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector
Installation
Warning: Do not apply power to any unit until all connections are properly made.
Make connections as shown in the figure and tables below.
250V SB
.25A 240V
.5A 120V
CAUTION
RISK OF FIRE
REPLACE FUSE
AS MARKED
L
E
N
OUT IN
RS232 XIA INTERFACE LOCAL ALARM INPUTS VIDEO CONTROL
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
NO COM NC
Connect to the control system's
video switcher output or to a
switcher card cage.
Connect to appropriate
power source after all
connections are made.
Replace blown fuse
with 250 V, slo-blo:
120 V units: 0.5 A
230 V units: 0.25 A
Connect to host computer
or printer's RS-232 serial
port connector.
Connect the menu
monitor here or to the
front panel BNC
labeled MENU MON.
Connect to control
system's alarm
connector.
Connect a device to
this relay in order to
activate the device
for any active alarm.
(Contact rating:
24 VDC, 1 A;
115 VAC, 0.5A)
Connect up to 15
hardwired alarm
devices.
Relay
Connect to the monitor
specified in the Monitor
Selection screen.
Connect to the next X-IA device's
control input connector or to the next
VLD's XIA Interface In connector.
Connect to Video Control In
on the next VLD in line or to
another switcher card cage.
VLD
X-IA
1
11
1
1
1
Figure 2
V1400X-VLD Installation
Connector supplied in accessory kit.
- - - - - - Cable supplied in accessory kit.
………. Cable not supplied. Refer to Coaxial Cable Recommendations.
Notes: Use multi-jacketed, shielded cable for RS-232 connections. Use
manufacturer suggested cable for alarm and relay devices.
Caution: The XIA Interface In connection must be made to the control
system for buzzer and relay operation. Set the appropriate alarm to
Normally Closed at your control system programming menu (refer
to Alarm Indications on page 6 for more information).
When using the V1300X-IA Interface, the VLD must be in line
before the XIA (i.e., control system - VLD - XIA).
Local Alarm Interface Connections
Pin No. Signal Name at Detector
1 Alarm Input 1
2 Alarm Input 2
. .
. .
15 Alarm Input 15
17-19 Ground
RS-232 Connections
Pin No. Signal Name at Detector
2 TxD
3 RxD
4 RTS
5 CTS
7 Ground

X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector •3
Preliminary Programming Steps
Accessing the Menus
After installing the unit, simultaneously press the
Rubout and Enter keys and hold them for
approximately 5 seconds.
Caution: The detector is in inactive mode (no
detection) when you are in the menus.
The 15 local alarms may still activate.
Make sure that you exit the menu
system when programming is
complete, in order to restore operation
of the unit.
If you have already set a password, the Enter
Password screen will display. In this case, you
must enter the password correctly before the Main
Menu shown will display. Follow the onscreen
instructions to access Main Menu submenus.
Caution: You are still in active (detection)
mode until the correct password is
entered. You may receive alarm
messages while in the Enter
Password screen.
Settings: 10 digits

4 •Preliminary Programming Steps X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector
Setting and Changing Passwords
Main Menu Î Administration Î Change Password
You may password your detector to limit access to
the programming menus. To do so, go to the
Change Password screen and deflect the joystick
up and down to change the blinking zero to
another digit. Then deflect the joystick to the right
to move to the next digit in the 10-digit password
(the password may be less than 10 digits). If you
have defined a password, it must be entered
before the detector’s Main Menu can be accessed.
Settings: 10 digits
Setting and Displaying the Time and Date
Main Menu Î Administration Î Screen Control
Use the menu to the right to turn the display of the
time and date off or on. When enabled, the time
and/or date will display at the bottom center of the
non-programming screens.
Disabling the time and date display will give more
room for the display of camera numbers on the
Video Loss Alarm screen (this screen lists
cameras in alarm during the active (non-
programming) state. There will be five additional
camera numbers onscreen if you disable the time
display, and an additional five spaces if you also
disable the date display. The Video Loss Alarm
screen is shown on page 18.
Settings: On, Off
Main Menu
Î Time/Date Î Set Format
You may specify the format of the time and date
display.
Settings: (Time) 12 HR, 24 HR
(Date) MM/DD/YY, YY/MM/DD, DD/MM/YY

X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector Preliminary Programming Steps •5
Main Menu
Î Time/Date Î Set Time (Set Date)
If your time and/or date is incorrect, enter the
corrections using the onscreen instructions. The
Set Time screen is shown in this example. Note
that incrementing or decrementing the hours in the
Set Time screen will toggle the PM or AM
indicator.

6 •Alarms X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector
Alarms
Alarm Indications
Note: Detection is not active when you are in the programming menus.
When video loss and/or sync loss is detected, some or all of the following indications will be given at the
video loss detector:
• the 16th alarm of the specified XIA (refer to Addressing the Video Loss Detector) will be
reported to the control system
• the LED on the front panel will flash
• the alarm buzzer will sound*, **
• the printer will output an alarm message*
• the menu monitor will list the number(s) of camera(s) experiencing loss of sync or video
• the relay device will activate for any video loss or sync loss.
* must be enabled in the programming menus.
** the control system will activate this indicator as a response to a video or sync loss.
Note that in the first bullet item above, the specific alarm that will be indicated at the control system depends
upon the XIA address that you choose in the Select Alarm Group screen (refer to page 7). For example, if you
choose XIA address 1, alarm 16 will be shown as active at the control system. If you choose XIA address 2,
alarm number 32 will be shown as active at the control system, and so forth. The video loss detector is
always the 16th alarm in the XIA address that you choose in the Select Alarm Group screen. This alarm
number must be set to Normally Closed in the control system programming menus.
If you have alarms connected to the Local Alarm Inputs connector, alarm indications will be sent to the control
system whenever any of the local alarms are activated. The control system will send a signal back to the
video loss detector to flash the LED and activate the relay. XIA alarms (alarm interface devices connected to
the XIA Interface connectors) will also cause the LED and relay to activate.

X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector Alarms •7
Alarm Acknowledgment
Alarms are acknowledged at the control system. Refer to the appropriate instruction manual for your control
system for acknowledgment procedures. You may not acknowledge an alarm at the video loss detector.
Enabling the Alarm Buzzer and Printouts
Main Menu Î Alarm Î Set Alarm Actions
If enabled, one or more active alarms will generate
alarm reports at the printer and a buzzer will
sound.
Note: The XIA Interface In connection must be
made to the control system for buzzer and
relay operation. This connection is shown
on page 2.
Settings: Enabled, Disabled
Addressing the Video Loss Detector
Main Menu Î Alarm Î Select Alarm Group
You must specify an address for the video loss
detector so that it may be identified by the control
system. Using this number, the control system
identifies the video loss detector as it polls through
the X-IA units. The video loss detector must be
given an address that is unique with respect to the
X-IAs in the system.
Settings: 1 to 16

8 •Alarms X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector
Setting the Detection Type
Main Menu Î Alarm Î Video Detection
Vicon’s video loss detectors allow you to detect a loss of sync
signal or a loss of video and sync signal. Video loss occurs
when the video level is outside the upper and lower
percentage limits set in Setting the Sensitivity Level on page
10. Sync loss occurs when there is no signal, for example, if
the camera becomes disconnected or loses power.
Settings: Sync and Video, Sync Only
Viewing and Clearing Alarm History
Main Menu Î Alarm Î Display Alarm History
You may display an alarm history of video and sync loss for your system. To do so, choose the Display Alarm
History selection from the Alarm menu. All alarms will be shown, with the type (video or sync), time and date
on which the loss was detected. If a loss has been cleared (for example, you had a power loss and then the
video was restored), a “C” will display. Acknowledgement is indicated by an onscreen “A”. If you have more
alarms than are able to be displayed on a single screen, you may use the Next Page and Previous Page
commands at the bottom of the screen to move to a new screen (page). The page number is shown at the
upper right of the screen.
The alarm history can store up to 256 alarms. You may have less than that in your alarm history if you have
used the Clear Alarm History function.
Note: The most recent alarm is shown to the right of the word “Camera” on the first page of alarms. The next
recent alarm is the next camera number to the right, and so forth, moving from left to right down through
the pages of alarms.
Main Menu
Î Alarm Î Clear Alarm History
If you no longer need the alarm history data available using the Display Alarm History screen, you may clear
the data by following the onscreen commands on the Clear Alarm History screen. If your history contains 256
alarms, you will be prompted to clear the alarm history from the following screen.

X941 Rev 1299 Video Loss Detector Monitors and Cameras •9
Monitors and Cameras
Defining the Monitor Number
Main Menu Î Monitor
Select the monitor number of the monitor that will
be used for video loss detection. For example, if
you looped video out of monitor output 12 on your
control system to make the connection to the IN
BNC on the rear panel of the video loss detector,
you must choose monitor number 12 in this
screen.
Note that in some control systems, the monitor
that you must use is hard-coded. For example,
monitors 129-136 may be the dedicated high
speed switching monitors. In other systems, you
will choose a high speed switching monitor in the
control system software. You must refer to your
control system instruction manuals for details.
Settings: 1 to 256
Setting the Camera Range
Main Menu Î Camera Î Select Camera Range
In the video loss detector software, each group of 256
cameras is pre-assigned to a group number. For
example, group 1 is always cameras 1 through 256.
Select the group number of the cameras that will be
checked for video and/or sync loss at this video loss
detector (refer to Enabling/Disabling Cameras on page
10 to enable/disable specific cameras within the chosen
group). Each detector in your system will check a
different group of numbers.
In some systems, the monitor number chosen dictates
the camera range that you must use. For example, your
control system may be hard-coded to use monitor 129 for cameras 1-256. In other systems, you will define
the range in the control system software (refer to the control system software for details). Note that these are
actual camera/matrix input numbers and not dial-up or call-up numbers from your control system software.
Settings: group 1 (cameras 1 to 256) to group 16 (cameras 3841 to 4096)