DaVE P169: Difference between revisions

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P169s are 8x4 video matrix switchers.  IE they can simultaneously send any of eight sources to any of four outputs.  Crucially (because each of the eight inputs is buffered) the same input can be sent to two, three or four destinations - this couldn't be achieved by simply having a mechanical switch.
P169s are 8x4 video matrix switchers.  IE they can simultaneously send any of eight sources to any of four outputs.  Crucially (because each of the eight inputs is buffered) the same input can be sent to two, three or four destinations - this couldn't be achieved by simply having a mechanical switch.


The P169s can be controlled via RS232 and so which input feeds each of the four outputs can be dictated remotely.  This is currently done with a touch-screen monitor and is useful for OBs.  A current limitation on the interface is that the 'buttons' which appear on the touchscreen have fixed names.
Ideally we would like to be able to change these names so that the director can easily see which each of the eight inputs is, without resorting to labelling the side of the monitor with LX tape.


YSTV used to have three identical P169s; VT P169, Preview P169, DaVE P169.  However, DaVE P169 is the last one which offers acceptable performance (albeit not perfect performance) and so the other two have been thrown.
==Remote control (RS232)==
The P169 can be controlled via RS232 and so which input feeds each of the four outputs can be dictated remotely.


There is a lot of debate as to the cause of the problems which P169s seem prone to giving.  Previously in YSTV, some improvement was found by replacing the two large capacitors which are related to the power supply.  To me (--[[User:Malcolm.chambers|Malcolm.chambers]] 16:14, 24 December 2009 (UTC)) this seemed a very strange cause particularly since, after the mammoth reordering of the Vision path and control room at the end of Summer 2009, genuine VT P169 started failing on most inputs and outputs, but DaVE P169 only experienced problems on one input and one output.  the only thing I could think of that would cause this is something which would affect only one or two of the ICs in the P169.  Such as heat damage.  Following this I reorganised a couple of things in the rack, to allow more air flow around DaVE P169, and there hasn't yet (24/12/2009) been any deterioration in performance.
[[File:Serial.jpg]]


The genuine VT P169 mixed its eight inputs and sporadically sent this 'crazy scrolling combination' to some of its outputs.  This was of course completely unuseable. It was hastily replaced with VT 'P169' which is actually an 8x4 switcher with slightly limited functionality of the actual P169s.
==Software==
* P169 Laptop & Touch screen
**A current limitation on the interface is that the 'buttons' which appear on the touchscreen have fixed names.
**Ideally we would like to be able to change these names so that the director can easily see which each of the eight inputs is, without resorting to labelling the side of the monitor with LX tape.
* '''P169.net''' controls the machine over three wire serial (tx,rx,gnd), copies of this can be found on P169 laptop, director control PC, and the ''trac'' system.
 
==Individual units==
YSTV used to have three identical P169s;
*VT P169
**mixed its eight inputs and sporadically sent this 'crazy scrolling combination' to some of its outputs.  This was of course completely unuseable.
**Binned
**Replaced with [[VT 8x4 Video Switcher|VT 'P169']] (like a P169, but no serial, and needs B&B, is called TTR900)
*Preview P169
**Binned
**functions now combined with VT P169 (capt,studioprev,vidsrvin... etc through DA's)
*DaVE P169
**Last one which offers acceptable (not perfect!) performance.
**imminent WEEEskippage - like 5 weeks ish
 
==Death and ressurection of P169's==
Being 1980's technology, the P169's are quite old! As such, they occasionally need some TLC:
*Some improvement was found by replacing the two large capacitors which are related to the power supply.
*P169's may be sensitive to heat - Previous shuffling in the rack to allow for more air circulation seems to have stopped anything else happening to them.
[[Category:Vision Path]]
[[Category:Old Equipment]]

Latest revision as of 12:45, 6 August 2023

bomb.png WEEE!
This piece of equipment has been disposed of.


cancel.png Information on this page may be out of date or apply to old equipment. Use with caution.

Template:HDNO P169s are 8x4 video matrix switchers. IE they can simultaneously send any of eight sources to any of four outputs. Crucially (because each of the eight inputs is buffered) the same input can be sent to two, three or four destinations - this couldn't be achieved by simply having a mechanical switch.


Remote control (RS232)

The P169 can be controlled via RS232 and so which input feeds each of the four outputs can be dictated remotely.

File:Serial.jpg

Software

  • P169 Laptop & Touch screen
    • A current limitation on the interface is that the 'buttons' which appear on the touchscreen have fixed names.
    • Ideally we would like to be able to change these names so that the director can easily see which each of the eight inputs is, without resorting to labelling the side of the monitor with LX tape.
  • P169.net controls the machine over three wire serial (tx,rx,gnd), copies of this can be found on P169 laptop, director control PC, and the trac system.

Individual units

YSTV used to have three identical P169s;

  • VT P169
    • mixed its eight inputs and sporadically sent this 'crazy scrolling combination' to some of its outputs. This was of course completely unuseable.
    • Binned
    • Replaced with VT 'P169' (like a P169, but no serial, and needs B&B, is called TTR900)
  • Preview P169
    • Binned
    • functions now combined with VT P169 (capt,studioprev,vidsrvin... etc through DA's)
  • DaVE P169
    • Last one which offers acceptable (not perfect!) performance.
    • imminent WEEEskippage - like 5 weeks ish

Death and ressurection of P169's

Being 1980's technology, the P169's are quite old! As such, they occasionally need some TLC:

  • Some improvement was found by replacing the two large capacitors which are related to the power supply.
  • P169's may be sensitive to heat - Previous shuffling in the rack to allow for more air circulation seems to have stopped anything else happening to them.
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