Wheatstone E-Series Guide

600 Industrial Drive, New Bern, N.C. 28562 ( tel [phone] / fax [phone] / [e-mail] )
Technical DocumenTaTion
VMI
e-SerieS VirTual mixer inTerface

Technical
DocumenTaTion
Wheatstone Corporation
August 2010
VMI
e-SerieS VirTual mixer inTerface

600 Industrial Drive
New Bern, North Carolina 28562
tel [phone] / fax [phone]
E-Series Virtual Mixer Interface Revised
©2016 Wheatstone Corporation

page 1
VMI / Nov 2016
VIRTUAL MIXER INTERFACE
Virtual Mixer Interface
Introduction......................................................................................2
Host Controller (HC-3).....................................................................2
HC-3 BIOS Settings/Format........................................................................................ 2
Installation and Rack Mounting .....................................................3
Power Supply...................................................................................3
I/O Connections...............................................................................4
Audio Network Wiring.................................................................................................. 4
Ethernet Interface Wiring............................................................................................. 4
Typical CAT5/6 Cabling ............................................................................................... 5
Typical Ethernet Cable ............................................................................................. 5
Typical Crossover Cable........................................................................................... 5
RJ-45 Connections .................................................................................................. 6
Energizing ........................................................................................6
Using the VMI...................................................................................7
Local Video/Mouse...................................................................................................... 7
Glass E Software......................................................................................................... 7
Contents

page 2
VMI / Nov 2016
VIRTUAL MIXER INTERFACE
Virtual Mixer Interface
Introduction
The WheatstoneVMI Virtual Mixer Interface is a 1RU rack mountable unit that emulates
a Wheatstone E-Series Digital Control Surface. It can be used in a Wheatstone Gibraltar
system (TDM-based), a Wheatstone Wheatnet system (also TDM-based), or a Wheatstone
WheatNet‑IPsystem(IP‑based).TheVMIunitispre‑conguredatthefactoryforthetype
of system it will be used with, and in particular E-Series Model that it will emulates. The
total number of faders emulated is also set at the factory.
In an IP based system, the VMI needs only an Ethernet connection to the system. In a
TDM based system, the VMI will need an AT LINK connection, in addition to an Ethernet
connection. The AT LINK connection needs to be connected to either a DSP Port on an
E-SAT, or to the MIXER Port on an M-DSP (Micro Digital Signal Processor). In either
case it is important that the connection is made to the correct port in the system.
WARNING! The VMI unit should NOT be opened for any reasons! The unit has no
user-serviceable parts inside! If you have an issue with the unit contact Wheatstone
Support to arrange an RA for repair service.
Host Controller (HC-3)
The host controller card used in the VMI incorporates a PC/104 computer mounted on
theHC‑3PCB.ThehostcomputerutilizesRAM,aashdisk(emulatedasIDEdrive),
andanEthernetport.ThereisnotraditionalHardDiskDrive.AVideoportissuppliedto
the DB-15 connector on the rear of the VMI.
The purpose of the host controller is to provide control of the VMI. The HC‑3
communicatestotheXPointCongurationPCviaTCP/IPoverEthernetviaastandard
Ethernet switch connection to a switch. Additionally, it communicates with the TDM sys-
temviatheATLINKconnection.
Hardwareandsoftwareconguration,aswellasrealtimecrosspointinformation,is
savedinnon‑volatilestorageontheHC‑3cardandisrestoreduponpoweruporreset.This
congurationinformationprovidesdetailstothehostapplicationrunningontheHC‑3,
suchasthespecicaudiohardwareavailable.
HC-3 BIOS Settings/Format/IP Address
BIOS Setup and formatting of the Host CPU is completed prior to the testing of your
VMI at the Wheatstone factory. There are no user adjustable settings. Additionally the
VMI ships with the host controller IP address set. Stand–alone systems NOT interfaced to
an existing network require no IP address changes.

page 3
VMI / Nov 2016
VIRTUAL MIXER INTERFACE
Installation and Rack Mounting
TheVMIisdesignedtotintoanindustrystandard19”equipmentracks,andrequires
onerackunit(1.75inches)ofverticalspace.Verticalslotspositionedinthesidepanels
allowairowtoandfromtheVMI.Additionallyaninternalfandirectstheairtocool
componentsasrequired.Wheninstallingitisimportanttoavoidrestrictingairowin
andaroundthevents.
The VMI may be mounted between other devices in an equipment rack, and in
accordancewithgoodengineeringpractices,shouldnotbemountedabovedevicesthat
generatesignicantamountofheat.Ifsuchalocationisunavoidable,itisrecommended
thatatleast1RUofspaceisavailablebetweentheheatgeneratingdeviceandtheVMI.
An1RUrackpanelblankcanbeusedcovertheopenspaceinthefrontoftherack.
The power feed recom-
mended in the text is often
installed and referred to in
studios as an “isolated AC
ground” outlet. It is usually
orange in color.
Power Supply
The VMI is powered by a factory supplied power adapter rated
at the following:
100-240V/50-60Hz input
90WMaximumoutputpower
Input AC current to the Supply is less than 3.75Amps.
Power is supplied via the 4ft. long output cable, and can be
plugged into either of the POWER A or POWER B ports on the rear
of the VMI.
A second redundant power adapter can be optionally purchased.
When using two power supplies to the VMI, one is plugged into the
POWER A port and the second to the POWER B port.
When necessary, the VMI may be powered down by disconnecting
theAC connection to the power supply(s). DO NOT disconnect power
using the DC cable connection to the VMI, unless the AC inputs are
already disconnected.
The power supply adapter is supplied with a 3-wire grounded AC cord that should
bepluggedintoa“clean”ACpowersource.ItisrecommendedthatthesameACsource
that supplies power to your other Studio gear is used, rather than the same supply that
supplies power for lighting, HVAC systems, or other non-broadcast gear.

page 4
VMI / Nov 2016
VIRTUAL MIXER INTERFACE
I/O Connections
All user wiring to and from the VMI is made via connectors located on the rear
panel. The two jacks on the right are for power supply connections. There are two RJ-45
connectors; one, labeled ENET, which connects to a standard Ethernet network switch
andtheother,labeledATLINK,whichconnectstoaspecicDSPcardinanE‑Series
SAT cage or to an M-DSP unit. In the case of using a WheatNet-IP system the AT LINK
port on the VMI would not be connected at all.
Additional connectors include a DB-15 connector for a VGA Monitor connection,
and PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard ports. Pinouts for the RJ-45 connections appear later in
this document.
Audio Network Wiring
TheATLINKRJ‑45connectorprovidesthecontrollinkbetweentheVMIandthe
Gibraltar Router or Wheatnet system, and for those types of systems, all settings and
commandsgeneratedontheVMIpassthroughthislinkviaaspecialCAT5/6cablewired
in“crossover”fashion.ThisspecialcableconnectstheRJ‑45jackontherearoftheVMI
to a RJ-45 jack on the Gibraltar Router or Wheatnet system. There are many possible
RJ-45 jacks in the Gibraltar Router or Wheatnet system, and for proper termination the
VMImustbeconnectedtotheRJ‑45connectordenedforitintheGibraltarRouteror
Wheatnetconguration.Crossovercablepinoutsfollowlaterinthisdocument.
AT LINK CoNNeCTor PIN DeTAIL
Pin 1 – TXD +
Pin 2 – TXD -
Pin 3 – RXD +
Pin 4 – N/C
Pin 5 – N/C
Pin 6 – RXD -
Pin 7 – N/C
Pin 8 – N/C
Ethernet Interface Wiring
TheENETRJ‑45connectstheVMItoyourEthernetLANviastraight(pintopin)
CAT5/6 cable. The LAN (Local Area Network) connection is for communicating with
computersrunningWheatstonesoftwaresuchasXPoint,PC‑XYC,andEventComputer.
In the case of a WheatNet-IP system, this link also carries the settings and commands
normally carried on the AT LINK connection in TDM systems. If you are connecting
directly between a PC and the VMI using this link, with no network switch or hub in
between,use a CAT5/6crossovercable.Typical CAT5/6 straight and crossover cable
pinouts are found later in this document.

page 5
VMI / Nov 2016
VIRTUAL MIXER INTERFACE
eTH CoNNeCTor PIN DeTAIL
Pin 1 – TXD +
Pin 2 – TXD -
Pin 3 – RXD +
Pin 4 – n/C
Pin 5 – n/C
Pin 6 – RXD -
Pin 7 – Ln LED
Pin 8 – LK LED
Typical CAT5/6 Cabling
Typical Ethernet Cable
Used for connecting the host controller to your network hub.
Typical Crossover Cable
Used for mixer (AT) link connector.
1
2
3
4
TXD +
TXD -
RXD +
RXD -
PIN
1
2
3
4
PIN
RJ-45
Plug RJ-45
Plug
White/Orange
5
6
7
8
N/
C
N/
C
5
6
7
8
Orange
White/Green
Blue
White/Blue
Green
White/Brown
Brown
N/
C
N/
C
White/Orange
Orange
White/Green
Blue
White/Blue
Green
White/Brown
Brown
1
2
3
4
TXD +
TXD -
RXD +
RXD -
PIN
1
2
3
4
PIN
RJ-45
Plug RJ-45
Plug
White/Orange
5
6
7
8
N/
C
N/
C
5
6
7
8
Orange
White/Green
Blue
White/Blue
Green
White/Brown
Brown
White/Green
Green
White/Orange
Blue
White/Blue
Orange
White/Brown
Brown
N/
C
N/
C
RXD +
RXD -
TXD +
TXD -
N/
C
N/
C
N/
C
N/
C

page 6
VMI / Nov 2016
VIRTUAL MIXER INTERFACE
RJ-45 Connections
Ethernet Connecto
r
(RJ-45)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TXD +
TXD -
RXD +
RXD -
N/C
N/C
LN LED
LK LED
Mixer (AT) Link CAT5
Connector (RJ-45)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TXD +
TXD -
RXD +
RXD -
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
(crossover)
Energizing
Once the VMI unit is mounted into its location, you can now energize it. There is
no power switch on the VMI unit itself.
AggressiveAC input ltering is utilized at the AC input of the VMI; however,
it is recommended to always to use a surge protection/suppression and/or an
un-interruptible power supply (UPS), especially when AC power quality could be
questionable.
Use of a UPS is a good idea and will protect the VMI from short duration power
interruptions, which may cause it to reboot. During boot up audio control is interrupted
for up to 40 seconds
LED indicators at the center of the front panel display power, Ethernet, AT LINK,
andexternalclockfunctions.IntheunlikelyeventofaVMICPUfailure,theERROR
led will illuminate.

page 7
VMI / Nov 2016
VIRTUAL MIXER INTERFACE
Using the VMI
Local Video/Mouse
You can connect a VGA Monitor to the DB-15 VGA port, and a PS/2 mouse to the PS/2
mouseportontherearoftheVMI.RememberthattheE‑SeriesSurfacewillbepre‑dened
at the factory. When connected in this way, control of the Virtual Mixer is the same as if it
were an E-Series console surface. Refer to E-Series Surface manual that matches your VMI
versionformoredetailsonoperationalinformation.
GLASS E Software
YoucanconguretheVMItoacceptGLASSEconnectionsonaspeciedport.Oncesetup,
youcancongureGLASSEsoftwaretoconnecttotheVMIasifitwereanE‑SeriesSurface.
Refer to the E-Series Surface manual that you are emulating in your VMI foroperational details.