XCS Basic HD User manual

Xtended Camera Support, Inc.
5/2020 Rev 1.18
Basic HD
Programmable Digital Level
Operations Manual

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WARNINGS AND SAFTY PRECAUTIONS
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT
This is a precision electronic instrument and is designed to be rugged and weather resistant. It can be damaged or
may cause injury if not used properly.
Do not operate equipment without first reading this manual in its entirety. Failure to follow safety precautions could
result in component failure.
Observe the following precautions to maximize the useful life of the HD Programmable Digital Level (HD-PDL).
* This sensor has a maximum mechanical shock rating of 3000 G’s. However, this unit is not intended for high shock
or high vibration applications.
* Do not drop this instrument.
* Do not immerse in water.
* Do not try to remove this instrument from its housing.
* Do not plug into any power source higher than 33.00 Vdc.
* Do not connect to any Alternating Current (AC) power.
* Do not use in locations subject to hazardous gases or explosive gases.
* Do not use caustic solvents or abrasive cleaners on any part of the aluminum case, keypad or connectors.
* The unit is not waterproof. However, it is designed to be used outdoors and in damp environments.
* Be sure to observe proper electrical safety precautions in damp and wet environments.
* Be sure to cover all open video and connector ports when not in use. This will minimize any possible failures.
* There are no user serviceable parts inside.
* Do not draw current back through the PDL from a monitor/battery to power your sled or any other device.
* We do not recommend the total wire length from HD-PDL to monitor to exceed 30” in length, minimum 24 Awg.
* If mounting the HD-PDL with alternative brackets other than what XCS Inc. provides, you must seal all open
mounting screw holes in the HD-PDL to prevent water from entering.
* You should only use high definition 75 ohm bnc video cable with HD 75 ohm connectors with this device.
* Moisture condensation: If your HD-PDL is brought directly from below freezing to above freezing, moisture may
condense on the circuit board causing a malfunction. If moisture condensation has occurred, leave your level for
about 1 hour in the warm climate without turning it on.
To avoid moisture condensation when you bring your level in from a cold place into a warm place, put your level in
a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible and seal it tightly. Remove the PDL from the bag when the air
temperature inside the plastic bag has reached the ambient room temperature (after about 1 hour).
Warranty
Read this information before using your Programmable Digital Level.
The use of 50 ohm bnc connectors can permanently damage the connectors on the unit. The use of 50 ohm
connectors is considered to be misuse of the equipment and will therefore invalidate the unit’s warranty. If you are
unsure of the type of your current bnc connectors and cables and unable to find out, replace them with correct 75
ohm HD compatible cable and connectors.
Xtended Camera Support, Inc. will warranty this product for a period of one year from the original date of purchase in
its original form, to the original owner.
This includes electronics, aluminum case, connectors & keypad.
Warranty will be voided for any of the following reasons:
Any unauthorized service or repairs. Unauthorized modifications. Misuse or abuse such as, but not limited to:
Impact damage, incorrect power source, incorrect power wiring, incorrect bnc connectors, other faulty equipment it
was connected to, used in such a manner as it was not intended or damage caused by acts of God.
Buyer will be responsible for all shipping costs for service and warranty repairs.
All products being returned to XCS must have an authorization number (RMA#). We can be reached at or through
www.xcsinc.com
Xtended Camera Support, Inc.
www.xcsinc.com
Keep this manual in a safe location for future reference.
Do not operate this equipment without first reading this manual in its entirety. Failure to follow safety precautions in
this chapter could result in component failure.

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RoHScompliant
Regulatory Information:
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment under FCC & CE certification.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply within the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and the EMC tests performed on the EUT and are in accordance
with EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2 standards for emissions and immunity testing respectively.
The tests were performed to allow verification of the product to meet the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
(Formerly 89/336/EEC).
Radiated emissions tests were performed to measure the electromagnetic emissions in the frequency
bands described in EN 55103-1 for an Environment 4 product (Environment 4 as defined by customer per
EN 55103-1 definitions). The radiated emissions measurements are used to determine whether these
emissions are below the limits expressed within the standard.
Radiated immunity testing was performed to determine the susceptibility of the EUT to the surrounding
EMI environment, by virtue of complying with the appropriate basic standard. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Xtended Camera Support, Inc.
Model No.: 104000
Responsible Party: Xtended Camera Support, Inc.
Address: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This manual covers the BASIC HD Programmable Digital Level software.

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XCS offers custom software for your needs. Please contact us for a quote of your vision of our design.
Thank you for your purchase. This is the next step of original and only HD Programmable Digital Level
Plus design. This version is for those who need the most accurate flexible digital level design in our
industry. Engineered specifically for our industry from the ground up, we offer you a wide range of user
settings with precise accuracy, reaction speed, and system setting that only XCS provides.
HD video will only continue advancing. The HD-PDL is already ahead of the curve with our ability to
accept a wide range of 3G, HD, SDI video signal types. This version of the HDPDL does not accept
analogue video signals. For that version you will need to look at the XCS HDPDL Plus.
Major Features:
Highest sensor resolution level design available equaled only by the full featured HDPL Plus
Multiple user programmable overlay functions: Level, Frameline, voltage monitoring and more
Supports both digital SMPTE (SDI, HD, 3G) video inputs
Converts 3G single link to standard HD
Internal SMPTE test pattern generator
Extra digital video Loop-Through output (no overlays) of SDI & HD 1920 x 1080 incoming sources
Correct video input reporting of signal
Wide input voltage operational range 11.0-33.0 Vdc
5 Backlit silicone rubber sealed pushbuttons
Automatically saves all user settings in non-volatile memory
Multiple case mounting orientations, vertical, front or rear facing
Reverse-circuit protected
Low power consumption
Automatic Thermal Compensation for accurate readings over a wide temperature range
Features by Function:
DIGITAL LEVEL Features:
Multiple visual level display styles: single axis (Horizon) & dual axis 2D (horizon & tilt)
Increased range of user selectable target areas, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 degrees
Multiple color variations and intensity control
Non linear scaling of level reporting gives you the most accurate level information
Wide sensitivity range
XSC engineers the most accurate digital levels on the market period
FRAMELINE Features:
Frameline generator with black, white, red, green, blue and colored zebra bar
New Line Width control
Border shading control of video image outside the frameliner
Color variations and intensity control
Other SYSTEM Features:
Voltage display with programmable on, off or automatic on screen display mode
Internal SMPTE test pattern generator in 2 discrete video signal formats -
HD/SDI 1080i60 or 1080i50
User programmable low battery indicator.
Concise on screen reporting of input video information
On screen displays of the 3 Menu pages and user selectable settings
No video input warning indication.
Video Payload Identification readouts
Let’s Get Started

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For those who wish to jump in and are more familiar with past XCS software designs we have the quick
start method. It gives brief explanations of the functions and initial startup. But please read the entire
manual when you have time. Quick Start doesn’t cover in depth details on the High Definition BASIC
Programmable Digital Level. For those who are not familiar with our products, start here and continue
through to the end.
Quick start:
Mounting your Programmable Digital Level securely is important. XCS has gone to great lengths to keep
the same hole mounting pattern as our previous design. The level is only as accurate as your mounting.
Use two screws to prevent it from moving. Keep it flat against a rigid surface. Don’t leave the chassis or
mating connectors unprotected from damage due to cable stress or impact damage of any kind.
Remember this unit uses DC current only with a voltage input range of 10.0- 33.0 volts.
Do not input two separate video signals in at the same time.
Power input connector are standard 4 pin wiring for all XCS 0B 304 connectors.
See wiring diagram under Specifications at the end of this manual for pin outs.
There is no power on/off switching option on the HD-PDL. Even though you may have all the graphic
displays turned off, the HD-PDL system still requires power to run the internal video distribution and
keypad. If the HD-PDL is not powered, it will not pass video. You can test to see if power is present
simply by pressing the MENU button. This will illuminate the pushbuttons green LED’s.
Pushbuttons
5 backlit silicone rubber pushbuttons allow you to adjust all the PDL’s settings.
ZERO: ReZERO’s the level at any angle at any time except when you’re in Edit mode.
Press and hold the zero button. On screen text will appear indicating
ZERO WAIT and when it is saved to memory will indicate ZERO SET.
For operators new to XCS PDL’s you are zeroing to a bubble vial placed on the
flat of the camera or camera plate.
Button is always active unless you are in the menu’s edit mode.
SELECT: Allows you to enter (unlock) and (lock) a user programmable SETTING in a
specific PARAMETER on that MENU page.
Button is only active after you press the MENU button and times out with the on
screen menu.
UP/DOWN: Scrolls through the available PARAMETER list on each MENU page and also
scrolls through each available user programmable SETTING when you are
editing.
Button is only active after you press the MENU button and times out with the
menu.
MENU: Edit mode. Scrolls through the three editable MENU pages LEVEL,
FRAMELINE, SYSTEM. This button is always active for quick selection of your
MENU pages. The PDL memorizes and returns to the last MENU page and
PARAMETER (line item) you were editing.
We have preset all the HD-PDL settings including how long the MENU pages stay on screen before they
time out. In the beginning you may wish to increase the length of time the menus stay on screen so you
can familiarize yourself with all the available settings. You will find this feature under the SYSTEM MENU
page and is listed as MENU TIMEOUT with the user settings of 4, 6, 8, 10, OFF (OFF means the MENUs
stays on screen. But will time out after 30 minutes automatically).
Editing the MENU pages

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To select and edit any MENU page is a simple process.
1) Select the MENU page you wish to edit by pressing the MENU button to sequentially scroll
through the three different MENU pages LEVEL, FRAMELINE, SYSTEM.
2) Use the UP/ DOWN buttons to scroll through the PARAMETER list of editable settings for that
page.
A curser > indicates the current PARAMETER you are selecting as it moves UP/DOWN the list.
3) Press the SELECT button to enter the editable settings. A second curser > indicates the
current setting and you are now in edit mode.
4) While in edit mode use the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll through your available settings for that
PARAMETER. Leaving your setting on screen indicates that you have selected that setting.
5) Press the SELECT button to save the setting if you wish to continue editing a different
PARAMETER on the same MENU page. Using the UP/DOWN arrows move to the next
PARAMETER you wish to edit on that same MENU page.
OR
Press the MENU button instead of SELECT if you are switching to edit a different MENU page.
OR
Let the system time out.
Any of the above three actions will automatically save your setting.
SMPTE PATTERN GENERATOR
You will not need to input a video signal to start exploring the HD-PDL. Just connect the correct power
into the HD-PDL’s 4 pin POWER IN connector and the video line to the video output of the HD-PDL. The
HD-PDL will automatically generate a SMPTE color bar pattern in 50 or 60 Hz. We have designed the
HD-PDL allowing access to all the user programmable menus and settings with no additional video signal
input. When an incoming video source is detected it will replace the SMPTE pattern.
The HD-PDL was also designed to work as a pattern generator to troubleshoot cable, sled and
transmitter issues. Having a built-in SMPTE pattern generator and true signal (VPID) Video Payload
Identification readouts can be a great time saver in isolating video issues.
How to get a signal from the HDPDL to a monitor
Option 1
Running no video signal into the HD-PDL. Using the HD/SDI output bnc connected to your monitor.
You will notice two onscreen text boxes at start up and the SMPTE test pattern.
PDL TEST PATTERN 1080i 60 Hz
This is telling you the HD-PDL is generating a 1080i 60 Hertz video signal out. This text box will appear
on startup. A second blinking text box indicates no video signal input is recognized into the HD-PDL and
the SMPTE test pattern is being generated by the HD-PDL.
NO SDI/HD VIDEO
Once a valid video input is detected, the VPID Identifier text box remains on for a fixed 10 seconds
indicating the video signal input type.

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Option 2
Running an HD/SDI video signal into the HD-PDL. Output video to an HD/SDI
HD/SDI MONITOR
You are inputting an HD/SDI video signal into the HD-PDL. You will see your input video signal
on your monitor screen, the VPID data briefly indicates the input signal type (*10 seconds) and
you can start exploring the MENU’s and settings.
Additional notes for those who use “quick start”method.
1) Always reZERO your level when flipping from high to low mode or low to high mode.
Changing sweep direction of the level display is your option and available in the menu
settings.
2) Allow a 5 minute warm up time before you ZERO your level.
3) HD-PDL’s connectors:
COMPOSITE/PWR IN: Connector is for 10.0-33.00 Vdc in.
HD/SDI bnc IN: 3G, HD, SDI video signal types. See supported formats in the
Specifications section at the end of the manual.
HD/SDI bnc OUT: 3G, HD, SDI video signal out. This connector will retransmit that same
input signal with the HD-PDL overlays and outputs a SMPTE HD 1080i
color bar test pattern when the input signal is not recognized.
HD/SDI bnc LOOP This connector loops through 3G, 3G2K, HD, SDI video formats
present at the bnc connector labeled HD/SDI IN, but without the HD-
PDL overlays or menus. The SMPTE HD 1080i color bar test pattern
is NOT available at this output under any conditions. No 3G/2K down
conversions to FHD is available on the LOOP through.
HDMI out: Is for future expansion and is currently not operational.
We have preset all the HD-PDL’s indicators to be on, but they may not be optimized for your
personal preference. The on-screen voltage display needs special attention to be accurate.
There are three SYSTEM MENU parameters that deal with the voltage display that need special
attention: VOLTs DISPLAY, VOLTs THRESHOLD and VOLTs CALIBRATE.
VOLTs DISPLAY ON/OFF/ON WHEN LOW
VOLTs THRESHOLD ADJ UP/DOWN
VOLTs CALIBRATE ADJ UP/DOWN
We recommend spending 10 minutes or so the first time to calibrate the voltage display correctly.
This will give you correct voltage indication of your “low battery warning indicator”. A voltmeter will
also be necessary to meter the voltage correctly.
Although we have preset the low battery indicator settings for you, it is an “estimated average”
based on battery manufacturer’s recommendations for low voltage draw down on battery packs.
(1.4 volts below nominal rating on lithium batteries with high current loads). This maximum
voltage draw down on a battery pack is not representative of all battery chemistries.
In addition, voltage loss over different sled manufacturers’ sled power wiring can have the
greatest effect on voltage loss in a system.
Another consideration, what do you wish the “low battery indicator”to actually read? It can be set
up to accurately read different low battery conditions for different sled components.

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For example:
The onscreen voltage indicator can be set up to match the actual voltage at the monitor, at the
top stage, at the camera while under load, or perhaps at the battery source.
All of these have slightly different CALIBRATION settings and test points for a truly accurate
indication on your battery status. This allows you the best possible run times without shortening
the life of your batteries or running out of power during a take.
For more explanation on the voltage display settings read page 15/16.
Backlit keypad feature. The phosphorus infused rubber keypad will always have a slight glow in
the dark. This is to aid you for quick identification of the keys on the keypad. We have also added
a back light feature in each key that appears only when a key is pressed and stays on the length
of time you have programed the MENU TIMEOUT in the SYSTEM MENU.
Like all XCS PDL’s we recommend a 4-5 minute warm up before zeroing the PDL at the start of
your day, or anytime that you experience a large temperature fluctuation during the day, usually
50 degrees F.
For a more in depth explanation of MENUs, functions, user interfaces and details on each PARAMETER
we encourage you to read on. Or keep the manual handy for reference. If you need a copy of this manual
while at remote location it can be found on our web page - www.xcsinc.com.

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Programmable Digital Level’s three MENU pages
The three MENU pages are LEVEL, FRAMELINE and SYSTEM.
On each of the three MENU pages you have the PARAMETER’s list on the left side, for example Level,
Range, Reaction, etc. and user programmable selected SETTING’s on the right side.
On screen you will see only your programmed setting that has been previously selected for each
PARAMETER.
For example: Viewing the LEVEL menu, you would see ON or OFF depending on the current setting.
The MENU listings below show all of the possible settings for each PARAMETER:
LEVEL MENU SETTINGS
PARAMETER LIST
LEVEL ON/OFF
RANGE +/- 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 DEGREES
REACTION SNAIL, SLOW, MEDIUM, FAST, HYPER
V POSITION ADJ UP/DOWN (moves level display up/down)
STYLE GOAL POSTS, MESHED BARS, H SLIDER, 2D SLIDER, 2D TARGET
COLOR BLACK, RED, GREEN, BLUE, WHITE, MAGENTA, CYAN
SIZE SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, XLARGE, XXL
LEVEL FLIP NONE, HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, BOTH (changes sweep direction)
INTENSITY 20-100% (20% increments adjusts the color intensity)
BACKGROUND 0-100% (10% increments. Shades background on GOAL POST indicator only)
EXIT MENU
FRAMELINE MENU SETTINGS
PARAMETER LIST
FRAMELINE ON/OFF
TOP EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN (up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline)
BOTTOM EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN (up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline)
LEFT EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN (up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline)
RIGHT EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN (up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline)
COLOR BLACK, WHITE, RED, GREEN, BLUE, ZEBRA BAR WHITE&BLACK,
WHITE&RED, WHITE&GREEN, WHITE&BLUE
LINE WIDTH 1, 2, 3, 4
INTENSITY 20-100% (20% increments adjusts the color intensity)
BORDER SHADING 0-100% (10% increments shades the background outside frameline)
EXIT MENU
SYSTEM MENU SETTINGS
PARAMETER LIST
VOLTs DISPLAY ON/OFF/ON WHEN LOW
VOLTs THRESHOLD ADJ UP/DOWN (see parameter description for details)
VOLTs CALIBRATE ADJ UP/DOWN (see parameter description for details)
DOWN CONVERTER OFF, 3G to HD
MENU TIMEOUT OFF, 4, 6, 8, 10
RESTORE MEMORY NO, Automatic factory reset when selected, you will not be prompted
SYSTEM VERSION SHOW
SYSTEM TIME SHOW
EXIT MENU

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Pushbutton Keypad Functions
Five backlit silicone rubber pushbuttons allow you to adjust all the PDL’s settings.
ZERO: Press and hold for 2 seconds - zeros (centers) the level. On screen text tells you when the level
has been reZEROed. This pushbutton is always active except while you are editing the MENU
pages to prevent accidental re-zeroing. If you try to reZERO while the MENU page is displayed
an on screen text box will appear notifying you ZEROing DISABLED DURING MENU’s.
Whether you are in single or two axis mode the ZEROing is transparent for both.
If you switch to a 2 dimensional visual display from single axis, you will want to reset the ZERO
to set both axes. Good practice would be re-zeroing anytime you change the level display style.
SELECT: SELECT button is only active after the MENU button is pressed.
Button has two functions:
1) Unlocks the current programmed setting by SELECTing it, so you can edit that setting.
2) Saves your user SELECTed setting so you can continue editing another PARAMETER.
For example: You wish to edit the levels REACTION setting.
Press the MENU button until the LEVEL MENU page appears.
You will see a curser > indicating the last PARAMETER edited. Use the UP/DOWN
buttons to move through the list to the REACTION setting, the curser will follow.
Stop at the REACTION setting, press the SELECT button, a second curser will appear >
next to the current programmed setting. Again use the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll and
select your new setting, SNAIL, SLOW, MEDIUM, FAST, HYPER.
You now have three options to save this setting into memory:
1) Let the menu time out because you are done editing.
2) Press the MENU button to edit another page.
3) Press the SELECT button that saves the setting if you are continuing to edit another
PARAMETER on that same MENU page.
UP: UP has two functions: Button is active only after MENU button is pressed.
1) Scrolls you through the list of available PARAMETERS on that MENU page. A curser >
indicates the MENU item that is currently selected.
2) When editing a SETTING, a second curser > appears indicating that you are in edit
mode and the UP button scrolls through the available user programmable settings for that
PARAMETER.
DOWN: DOWN has two functions: Button is active only after MENU button is pressed.
1) Scrolls you through the list of available PARAMETERS on that MENU page. A curser >
indicates the MENU item that is currently selected.
2) When editing a SETTING, a second curser > appears indicating that you are in edit
mode and the DOWN button scrolls through the available user programmable settings for
that PARAMETER.
MENU: Sequentially scrolls through the three editable MENU pages LEVEL, FRAMELINE,
SYSTEM. This button is always active for quick selection of your MENU pages. The HD-
PDL memorizes and returns to the last MENU page and PARAMETER (line item) you
were editing in non-edit mode when you recall the MENU after it has timed out.

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Editing the MENU pages
To select and edit any MENU page is a simple process.
1) Select the MENU page you wish to edit by pressing the MENU button once per MENU page to
sequentially scroll through the three different pages LEVEL, FRAMELINE, SYSTEM.
2) Use the UP/ DOWN buttons to scroll the editable PARAMETER list on that page.
A curser > indicates the current PARAMETER you are editing as it moves UP/DOWN the list
indicating your selection with each press of the button.
3) Press the SELECT button to enter the editable settings. A second curser > indicates the
current setting and you are in edit mode.
4) While in edit mode, use the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll through your available settings for that
PARAMETER. Leaving your setting on screen indicates that you have selected that setting.
5) Press the SELECT button to save the setting if you wish to continue editing a different
PARAMETER on the same MENU page. Using the UP/DOWN arrows to move to the next
PARAMETER you wish to edit.
OR
Press the MENU button instead of SELECT if you are continuing to edit a different MENU page.
OR
Let the MENU time out.
Didn’t like your last setting? Simply press the MENU button after the menus have timed out and you will
return to the last edited MENU page and the last PARAMETER selected in non-edit mode.
This allows for quick adjustments of your last setting.
All the HD-PDL settings are stored in nonvolatile memory even after the unit is powered down. There are
no internal batteries to worry about changing. This has been an XCS standard for all our product designs.
UNDERSTANDING THE VISUAL LEVEL DISPLAY
All XCS visual displays of the level have a center target area. *The target area is indicated by the center
tic mark, box or bars, and left/right side tic mark. This distance is what is called the RANGE setting. The
example below indicates you have the level set to a RANGE of 2 degrees. That’s 2 degrees left and 2
degrees right of the center tic mark.
Within the target area, the level indicator is linearly scaled. However, when the level indicator travels
beyond the target area tic marks, it is nonlinearly scaled to widen your target range selected. For
example, with a RANGE setting of ± 2 degrees and with linear scaling alone a non XCS level indicator
would "peg" at the left or right side of the setting at just under 3 degrees and the scale size would be
miniscule in size. However, the XCS HD PDL's nonlinear scaling permits continuous indication of rotation
for a far greater factor of your RANGE setting without "pegging".
*The 2D Target indicator does not have the left, right, top and bottom tic marks. Its horizontal range is the
same as all other range settings.
+/- 2 targeted area

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The 2D TARGET & 2D SLIDERs vertical tilt (vertical range) indicator is ½ the horizontal travel range. This
was decided due to the current standard aspect ratios. 1:66, 1:78, 1:85, 2:40:1.
MENU PARAMETERs and USER SETTINGS
You must be in edit mode to edit any MENU’s SETTINGS
LEVEL PARAMETERS SETTINGS
> LEVEL ON/OFF
RANGE +/- 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 DEGREES
REACTION SNAIL, SLOW, MEDIUM, FAST, HYPER
STABILIZATION: OFF, ON (OPTIONAL)
V POSITION ADJ UP/DOWN (moves level display up/down)
STYLE GOAL POSTS, MESHED BARS, H SLIDER, 2D SLIDER, 2D TARGET
COLOR BLACK, RED, GREEN, BLUE, WHITE, MAGENTA, CYAN
SIZE SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, XLARGE, XXL
LEVEL FLIP NONE, HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, BOTH (changes sweep direction)
INTENSITY 20-100% (20% increments adjusts the color intensity)
BACKGROUND 0-100% (10% increments adjusts the levels GOAL POST box
background)
EXIT MENU
LEVEL: ON / OFF. Turns the level’s visual display on/off.
RANGE: +/- 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 degrees.
These are your display’s, target range settings. A setting of 2 degrees for example will cover a total of 4
degrees total, +/- 2degrees left and right or top to bottom in 2D mode in the targeted area contained
inside the tic marks. Approximately 70% of the horizontal screen area represents user selected range.
The level indicates a full +/- 45 degree range left to right of center.
REACTION: SNAIL / SLOW / MEDIUM / FAST / HYPER.
Adjusts the bubble levels response time (speed) to your movements. Using this dampening control in
conjunction with the RANGE control, you will quickly find the optimal REACTION of the level display for
your shot requirements. This new REACTION scaling is different from the original PDL. MEDIUM on the
new HD-PDL is about equal to SNAIL on the legacy analog PDL setting.
V. POSITION: UP / DOWN.
Moves the level display over the active video field from top to bottom. The video field is determined by the
camera's video signal output, not by the monitor’s rescaling. So it is possible to have a two or four sided
black box around your active image where the HD-PDL generated images can’t be driven.
For example: an Under Scan setting on the LCD monitor.
You are able to bring the generated graphics to within 2 pixels of the camera active video field’s edge.
STYLE: GOAL POSTS, MESHED BARS, H SLIDER, 2D SLIDERS, 2D TARGET.
Five discrete visual displays to choose from. All are size, color and intensity adjustable in the software.
Three discrete visual displays in a horizontal single axis mode and two in 2D mode, horizon and tilt.
GOAL POSTS, MESHED BARS: Both continue to be the established “Standard” for level
indicators for many obvious reasons. Both are easily seen without having to focus on them so you
can concentrate on the shot. Both also give immediate recognition of the center target area and
floating level indicator.
H SLIDERs, 2D SLIDERs: We have added a new single axis slider called H SLIDER, and 2D
SLIDERs for additional tilt indication. Easily recognizable in its appearance, it is designed to ride
over the internal frameline generator built into the HD-PDL. This keeps the indicator in your
“targeted field of focus”without blocking any “action area” in the frame.

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Visually there are two horizontal SLIDERs in single access mode and two vertical SLIDERs are
added in 2D SLIDER mode.
The SLIDERs on screen position move in conjunction with the frameline position. So positioning
of the SLIDERS is done in the FRAMELINE MENU. The colors of SLIDER indicators are
adjustable in the LEVEL MENU so it can be different than the frameline color.
If you don’t wish to use the built in HD-PDL frameline but want the H SLIDER that’s fine. You can
position the H SLIDER’s where you want them by moving the PDL’s framelines into position and
then turn off the frameline generator leaving the H SLIDERS on and using the cameras frameline
generator.
2D TARGET: This is straight forward. You have a stationary centered target box that is SIZE
adjustable and a floating box frame that moves in both directions horizon and tilt.
There are no left and right tic mark indicators on this visual display.
The 2D vertical tilt range indicator is about ½ the horizontal travel range. So if a horizontal bubble
travels 1 inch, it’s equal to about ½ inch of vertical travel. This is because of the current standard
aspect ratios. 1:66, 1:78, 1:85, 2:40:1.
COLOR: BLACK, RED, GREEN, BLUE, WHITE, MAGENTA, CYAN.Adjusts the color of your
level indicator. You can also modify the selected color or shading by adjusting the color INTENSITY
settings.
SIZE: SMALL / MEDIUM / LARGE / XLARGE / XXL.Adjusts the levels visual size.
LEVEL FLIP: NONE, HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, BOTH
Reverses the on screen levels bubble orientation from left to right, and right to left. In low mode you can
reverse your sweep direction from high mode. This will maintain the proper bubble orientation.
For 2D mode depending on your cameras orientation you may have to flip the level top and bottom
direction. Always re ZERO your level when flipping from high to low mode or low to high mode.
INTENSITY: 20-100%.Sets the color intensity of the level display. Adjusts intensity in 20%
increments. This will change the shade of the colored level display to different shades of that selected
color.
BACKGROUND: 0-100%. Adjusts the density of the shaded box around the level display in single
axis mode for the Goal Post indicator only due to the “narrow targeted area indicators”. 0% represents
no video (opaque BLACK), 100% no shading at all (transparent).
Useful in high contrast situations when using color monitors and have a colorful background or
level display and they bleed together making them indistinguishable from one another.
EXIT MENU: Allows you to select it to exit the MENU pages or you can allow it to “time out”.

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FRAMELINE MENU SETTINGS
Factory Preset: ON, Zebra bar White & Blue, Width 1
The single frameline has no preset aspect ratios. You can adjust it over the entire height and width of the
video field up to 2 pixels from all edges.
> FRAMELINE ON/OFF
TOP EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN
BOTTOM EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN
LEFT EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN
RIGHT EDGE ADJ UP/DOWN
COLOR BLACK, WHITE, RED, GREEN, BLUE, ZEBRA BAR WHITE&BLACK,
WHITE&RED, WHITE&GREEN, WHITE&BLUE
LINE WIDTH 1, 2, 3, 4
INTENSITY 20-100% (20% increments adjusts the frameline color intensity)
BORDER SHADING 0-100% (10% increments shades the background outside frameline)
EXIT MENU
FRAMELINE: OFF, ON. Frameline on, off control.
TOP EDGE: ADJ UP/DOWN.Up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline up and down.
BOTTOM EDGE: ADJ UP/DOWN.Up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline up and down.
LEFT EDGE: ADJ UP/DOWN.Up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline left and right.
RIGHT EDGE: ADJ UP/DOWN.Up/down pushbuttons moves the frameline left and right.
COLOR: BLACK, WHITE, RED, GREEN, BLUE, ZEBRA BAR WHITE&BLACK, WHITE&RED,
WHITE&GREEN, WHITE&BLUE. Adjusts the color of your FRAMELINE. You can also
modify the selected color or shading by adjusting the color INTENSTY settings.
LINE WIDTH: 1, 2, 3, 4 Adjusts the frameline width. Line width appearance varies depending
monitor resolution. A full 1080 LCD screen will have thinner lines than a 1280 LCD screen at the same
setting.
INTENSITY: 20-100%.Sets the color intensity of the frameline display. Adjusts intensity in 20%
increments.This will change the shade of the colored level display to different shades of that selected
color.
BORDER SHADING: 0-100%. Adjust the shading outside the single frameline in 10% increments.
0% represents no video (opaque), 100% no shading at all (transparent).
EXIT MENU: Allows you to select it to exit the MENU pages or you can allow it to “time out”.
NOTE: In HSLIDER and 2D SLIDER Level Mode, the FRAMELINE positioning controls the level indicators position.
Since the SLIDERS ride directly on top of the frameline, these two level displays can only be moved in the
FRAMELINE MENU.

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SYSTEM MENU SETTINGS
>VOLTs DISPLAY ON, OFF, ON WHEN LOW
VOLTs THRESHOLD ADJ UP/DOWN
VOLTs CALIBRATE ADJ UP/DOWN
OUTPUT MENUs to SDI/HD, ANALOG
DOWN CONVERTER OFF, 3G to HD
MENU TIMEOUT OFF, 4, 6, 8, 10
RESTORE MEMORY NO, Automatic factory reset when selected, you will not be prompted
SYSTEM VERSION SHOW
OPERATION TIME SHOW
EXIT MENU
VOLTAGE DISPLAY: ON, OFF, ON WHEN LOW (automatic)
User programmable low battery display will indicate battery voltage in real time with a 3 ½ digital readout.
It appears on the lower right hand side of your monitor screen with three user programmable display
options OFF, ON, ON WHEN LOW. It is not positionable.
Data box, 3 ½ digit indicator:Displays current battery voltage. 10.0 v to 34.0 v. Black box with
two different colors of text helps enforce battery status. Green text indicates the battery condition
is good and 0.6 volts above your programmed VOLTs THRESHOLD setting.
Yellow text indicates your voltage has dropped to 0.5 volts above your low battery VOLTs
THRESHOLD setting and will also blink once every second.
When your programmed VOLTs THRESHOLD is reached the indicator will blink twice a second.
ON: Data box is always on screen indicating voltage.
OFF: Data box display will not appear at all.
ON WHEN LOW: Indicator is hidden until the batteries fall within 0.5 volts of your programmed
low battery THRESHOLD setting. At that time your data box will appear on screen, yellow text
and will blink once a second.
VOLTs THRESHOLD: ADJ UP/DOWN (On screen text box will appear)
Factory Preset: 12.5 volts
Under this parameter you are able to program a voltage point at which you would like to run your batteries
down to at their lowest voltage point. We recommend you consult your battery pack supplier or battery
handbook to determine the lowest voltage your battery chemistry can be safely run, given your current
draw. It varies between battery chemistry. Also be aware if you run battery voltage too low under high
current draws and then “Hot Swapping” battery packs, they may not have the capacity during this
swapping to keep a camera powered.
You should take into account the voltage loss through your sled wiring. This is important to understand
and accommodate for it to prevent your sled and camera from shutting down when trying to hot swap
battery packs.
Programming the VOLTs THRESHOLD setting:
When you enter this editable menu setting a text box will appear in addition to the SYSTEM MENU on the
upper left side displaying: ADJUST THE THRESHOLD THAT IS DISPLAYED IN THE VOLTAGE FIELD.
This is directing you to use the voltage box on the lower right to set your LOW BATTERY THRESHOLD
voltage. Example 13.2 At this point the voltage displayed is your threshold setting. NOT the actual
battery voltage. Use the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to set the THRESHOLD adjustment. Each press of the
arrow button will change the voltage settings in 0.1 volt increments.

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Running the HDPDL from 24 volt batteries:
If you run both 12 and 24 volt cameras you can set up the low battery indication for both 12 and 24 volt
ranges. You will need 24 volts into the HD-PDL to set this higher voltage range. Most operators will not be
setting this upper range because they do not run the HD-PDL off these higher voltages
19-33.00 volts.
If you set up the 12 volt low threshold indication only, it will automatically double this setting when you go
to 24 volt input into the HD-PDL, or are using 24 volt batteries into the HD-PDL.
For example:
Voltage display set to be always ON screen.
You have programed the low battery THRESHOLD indicator on 12 volt cameras to 13.2 volts.
When the battery drops to 13.7 volts the indicator will switch from Green text to Yellow and blink
once a second.
When the battery reaches 13.2volts your set THRESHOLD the indicator will blink at twice a
second.
(Continued)
If you switch to 24 volt mode without programming the 24 volt THRESHOLD range indication:
When the battery reaches 27.4 volts the indicator will switch from Green text to Yellow and blink
once a second.
When the battery reaches 26.9volts the indicator will blink twice a second.
VOLTs CALIBRATE: ADJ UP/DOWN (On screen text box will appear)
Under this parameter you will be setting the true battery voltage reading of the batteries at a specific point
on the sled. This triggers when the low battery indicator appears on the monitor screen.
For a true indication of your actual battery voltage it is important to get an accurate reading of the voltage
using a volt meter and knowing where you actually wish to monitor the voltage. Some operators are
interested in the voltage at the camera if they power the camera. Others may only be interested in the
LCD monitor battery voltage and wish to indicate that battery. While others wish to monitor all batteries at
the source, so you have options.
When measuring voltage with the volt meter, don’t be surprised to see a voltage drop of 1.0-1.5 volts from
the battery on the bottom of the sled to the top stage on some sled wiring under nominal current loads.
It’s important to know this voltage loss exists for a true indication of the camera battery status if that is
what you wish to read.
If want to read the camera voltage you can use the voltage reading on the camera to set your VOLTAGE
CALIBRATE setting.
It is not necessary to have hot batteries on the sled in order to make these settings.
Programming the VOLTs CALIBRATE setting:
When you SELECT to edit the VOLTs CALIBRATE menu setting, a text box will appear in addition to the
SYSTEM MENU on the upper left side displaying:
ADJUST THE VOLTAGE DISPLAYED AS REQUIRED TO CALIBRATE.
This is directing you to use the UP/DOWN pushbuttons and voltage box on the lower right to set the
voltage. Example 15.3. At this point the value displayed should be adjusted to match the actual battery
out voltage measured where you wish to monitor it. Whether it be battery source as measured with a volt
meter, camera power input measured or reported by the camera, etc.
Example: Monitoring battery voltage at the camera for your low battery VOLTs CALIBRATION
You have two or three 14.4V battery blocks on the sled.
The sled you are running is in 12 volt mode and all components are powered.

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The voltage readout on the ALEXA or RED is reading 15.3.
This 15.3 volt setting is what you use for the VOLTs CALIBRATE setting.
Repeat the process for 24 volt cameras with your sled in 24 volt mode and the HD-PDL receiving 24
volts. If you don’t, when you run 24 volt systems the HD-PDL will automatically double the setting you
programmed in 12 volt mode. Using the example from above it will automatically use 30.6 volts as your
true voltage reading at the camera.
Another option putting your sled into 24 volt mode and read the voltage readout on the camera LCD. If it
states for example 28.6 volts, you would set the VOLT’s CALIBRATE to 14.3 if you are running the PDL
in 12 volt mode while the camera is in 24 volt mode.
*Note. If you are monitoring the battery voltage at the camera it’s important to note that the HD-PDL is running off the
same batteries and not an isolated battery. Otherwise it would read only the isolated monitor battery.
DOWN CONVERTER: OFF, 3G to HD
OFF setting passes the 3G & 2K through the HDPDL with graphics in its native resolution. You
must have a 3G, 2K compatible monitor to see this image.
3G to HD down-converts the double clock 3G image to function with non 3G compliant monitors.
MENU TIMEOUT: 4, 6, 8, 10, OFF.
Preset to: 4 seconds
Programmable time delay in seconds between the last pushbutton pressed and the time it takes for the
MENU list to disappear. In OFF mode the on screen text will remain on for 30 minutes and will
automatically timeout. This will also time out your backlit keypad.
RESTORE MEMORY: NO, FACTORY RESET
Allows a FACTORY reset of the HD- PDL. This will bring all HD-PDL values back to factory presets.
When you select the NO value with the UP or DOWN button it will automatically reset taking 5-8 seconds.
A second method of total factory reset is available using the UP/DOWN pushbuttons at power up without
the use of the MENU system.
With the HDPDL’s input power off, press and hold down the UP & DOWN pushbuttons.
Continue to hold them down while you power up the HDPDL throughout the reset process.
This takes approximately 30 seconds.
You will know when the HDPDL is resetting because the keypad will be illuminated for 15
seconds, then it will blink in 8 distinct blinks, pause for 1 second, and blink again during the reset
process. Your monitor’s image will be blank.
When reset has occurred the video image will appear on your monitor screen and the keypad will
go dark. After reset the monitor image will appear.
If you’re not plugged into a monitor you will notice the keypad has stopped blinking and is no
longer illuminated. This indicates the HDPDL has reset.
SYSTEM VERSIONS:
Display’s software version, Serial Number, Board Revision, and Firmware version when you press the
SELECT button. A security feature XCS started over 20 years ago by coding the serial number in the
memory chip so it can’t be removed. This makes the unit easier to trace in case it is lost or stolen.
OPERATION TIME: Displays the number of hours the PDL has been operational.
EXIT MENU: Allows you to select it to exit the MENU pages or you can allow it to “time out”.

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ON SCREEN SMPTE PATTERN GENERATOR:
A SMPTE test pattern generator will automatically appear on screen if no input video is
recognized on any of the input connectors after 5 seconds. It will automatically turn off when an input
video signal is recognized.
The test pattern is an HD 1080 i 60 Hz (or 50 Hz) signal on the HD/SDI output bnc connector
When the pattern generator appears on screen two different text boxes will appear:
1) PDL TEST PATTERN 1080 i 60Hz This indicates that the HD-PDL is generating the currently
displayed test pattern; and whether it is a 60 or 50Hz 1080i HD format.
2) NO HD/SDI VIDEO This indicates no valid video input signal is recognized by the HD-PDL.
The test pattern generator was designed to be used as a troubleshooting tool and warning indicator due
to the loss of video into the HD-PDL. It also allows setting up of the HD-PDL without an input
video source. The HD-PDL SMPTE test pattern generator can be used to drive any monitor, transmitter or
cable to trouble shoot video issues in your sled and video transmitter.
VIDEO IDENTIFICATION Text Box and VPID
The video identification text box will appear for 10 seconds when the video signal is first recognized and
can be very useful in trouble shooting signal related issues. The HD-PDL correctly identifies and reports
important input video characteristics: pixel resolution, video scan type (progressive, interlace, PsF),
vertical field rate, and the particular video standard (SDI, HD, 3G). Text box examples:
1920 x 1080 p 60Hz 3G 1920 x 1080 p 30Hz HD 1920 x 1080 i 60Hz HD 1920 x 1080 PsF 60Hz HD
The HD-PDL also decodes the embedded SMPTE-352M Video Payload Identifier Data (VPID) and
correctly distinguishes between 1080 PsF and 1080 i formats which are otherwise indistinguishable.
Many devices incorrectly identify 1080 PsF formats as 1080 i. If the SMPTE VPID data is missing, the
HD-PDL reports this by displaying "i/PsF". For example: 1920 x 1080 i/PsF 60Hz HD.
TEXT MESSAGE BOXES:
Various on screen text box messages can help navigate, inform & warn you.
PDL TEST PATTERN 1080 i 60 Hz Example of 1 of 4 HD-PDL’s test pattern generated by the HDPDL
ZEROING DISABLED DURNING MENUS Zeroing the level not allowed while editing the MENUs.
ZERO WAIT Zero pushbutton activated.
ZERO SET Zeroing of level memorized.
NO HD/SDI VIDEO No video input recognized to the HD-PDL.
1920 x 1080 p 23.98Hz VPID data reported. One for each signal type and rate.
1920 x 1080 i / PsF 60 Hz This would be an example of a video identification text box when the HD-PDL
was not able to differentiate between 1080 i 60Hz and 1080 PsF 30Hz because no VPID data is present
in the video input stream.
ADJUST THE VOLTAGE DISPLAYED AS REQUIRED TO CALIBRATE Refer to pg.15/16 for setting.
ADJUST THE THRESHOLD THAT IS DISPLAYED IN THE VOLTAGE FIELD Refer to pg.15/16.
27.0 Example of voltage display of battery status. Color will vary depending on battery status.

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FACTORY MEMORY RESET
There are two ways to completely reset the HDPDL memory back to factory standard.
1) Located under the SYSTEM MENU in the software menu scroll down the menu to RESTORE
MEMORY, press Select button you have NO as the option. When you press either the UP or
DOWN button the system will automatically reset, the image will appear on screen after reset.
This reset takes approximately 5 seconds.
2) With the HDPDL’s input power off, press and hold down the UP & DOWN pushbuttons. Continue
to hold them down while you power up the HDPDL throughout the reset process. This takes
approximately 30 seconds.
You will know when the HDPDL is resetting because the keypad will be illuminated for 15
seconds then it will blink in 8 distinct blinks pause for 1 second and blink again during the reset
process. Your monitor’s image will be blank.
When reset has occurred the video image will appear on your monitor screen and the keypad will
go dark. After reset the monitor image will appear.
If you’re not plugged into a monitor you will notice the keypad has stopped blinking and is no
longer illuminated.
Keypad software reset started version 1.6
You can check your systems software version under the SYSTEM menu, under SYSTEM
VERSION.
VIDEO SIGNAL FLOW CHART:
The HD-PDL signal routing.
Digital video input:
With a digital video input, the HD-PDL captures and routes the video to the "HD/SDI OUT" and
"LOOP" outputs at the same resolution/signal type and aspect ratio as the input video signal. There is no
video content loss, distortion or time delay in the HDPDL. The only type of delay is standard electronic
“propagation” which means standard travel time through electronics measured in pico seconds.
All SDI/HDSDI video formats will be output and displayed in there incoming aspect ratio.
HD-PDL’s
FPGA
0B304,
PWR IN
11-33 Vdc (In)
Pwr
HD-SDI IN
BNC
HD-SDI OUT
BNC
3G,HD,SDI
To Monitor
3G,HD,SDI
From Camera
LOOP BNC
3G,HD,SDI