Avolites Q3 User Manual
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Avolites Q3 User Manual

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Avolites Ltd
Q3, Q3H and Q3pro
User Manual
For MK1 DVI hardware and MK2 HDMI hardware
Manual Stock number M8200-8000
Related to software versions and dates
Firmware August 20 2018
Ai V10.3
USB Expert V6.6 build 14
This manual and the products it describes are intellectual property of Avolites Ltd.
England
Copyright Avolites Ltd 2018
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Summary of Contents for Avolites Q3

  • Page 1 Manual Stock number M8200-8000 Related to software versions and dates Firmware August 20 2018 Ai V10.3 USB Expert V6.6 build 14 This manual and the products it describes are intellectual property of Avolites Ltd. England Copyright Avolites Ltd 2018 Page | 1...
  • Page 2 (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, business interruption, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use or inability to use the Q3 Media server range even if Avolites Ltd. has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    3.11 Production DVI ports (Q3HMK1) 3.12 DVI protector information 3.13 Production DisplayPort (Q3HMK1) 3.14 Production HDMI ports (Q3 and Q3pro MK11 servers) 3.15 Optional Genlock input 3.16 Optional capture card DETAILED SETUP SOFTWARE FEATURES LCD appearance Screen text samples in this manual...

  • Page 4: Please Read This

    INTRODUCTION 1. Please read this The Q3 and Q3pro Media server is a high performance server that needs to be treated right to gain the best performance, please follow the below instructions to assure a good experience with this product.

  • Page 5: This Document

    This document This manual is designed to help you get the most out of your Avolites Q3 and Q3pro Media server, even if you hate reading manuals, read this section (Section 2) because the next couple of pages contain some important safety information and product information which you should be aware of.
  • Page 6 Note: High ambient temperatures may reduce GPU performance. Note: MIDI input is not yet supported in Ai V10.3 on the Q3 hardware The Q3 MK2 HDMI Media server capacity and features; 1x graphics user interface port (GUI) on DVI (single link) with Hardware EDID...
  • Page 7 Note: Please read the Ai user manual regarding the different AIM file formats and their use. Note: High ambient temperatures may reduce GPU performance. Note: MIDI input is not yet supported in Ai V10.3 on the Q3 hardware Page | 7...

  • Page 8: Important Product Safety Information

    Approximate product weight Boxed as shipped 11 Kg / 25 lbs Environmental maximums • Do not operate the Q3/Q3Pro Media server if the humidity and ambient temperature cause condensation on or inside the product, allow the product to dry first before connecting to the mains supply.
  • Page 9 Recycle the CMOS Lithium-ion button cell battery in accordance with local law Please be aware that Lithium-ion button cells are a particular danger to small children. Page | 9...
  • Page 10 Hazardous voltage may be present inside the PSU for up to one minute after disconnecting from the mains • Do not operate the Q3 media server without the PowerCON internal cover. • Replace safety critical parts like PSU, battery, fuses, mains connector, and internal mains lead with original parts.

  • Page 11: Quick Start Instructions

    [Left-Click] on the desired media tile. ➔ To add more media into the media bank, drag-and-drop files from Windows Explorer into Ai. Note: Videos must be encoded in the AiM Codec. Details on how to perform this can be found at www.avolites.com Page | 11...

  • Page 12: Detailed Features

    This key is noted as [Menu] in this manual. Identify This key will be used in conjunction with Avolites Titan and Synergy to quickly pair a Q3 media server with a Titan console. Cursor keys These are used to navigate the menu structure, or expose additional information.

  • Page 13: Mains Inlet And Loop Out

    Ethernet connections Ethernet 1 and Ethernet 2 ports are identical in type, ratings, and setup Connectors The Neutrik EtherCON is compatible with standard RJ45 connectors, Avolites advises to use Cat5e or better cables. Ethernet speed and status The ports are 10/100Mb and 1Gb compatible, however for a reliable system Avolites strongly advises to only use 1Gb networks.

  • Page 14: Ltc Input And Loop Out

    LTC input and loop out LTC connector Female XLR 3 pin, LTC input, Male XLR 3 pin, LTC Loop through The connector pinout are as follows: XLR pin Signal Ground - LTC + LTC LTC signal The SMPTE LTC input and loop-out are both balanced. The input and loop out are connected in parallel, the input is protected with a 600Ω...

  • Page 15: Midi Input

    If required the ground connection for the Audio output can be lifted by the user using the “Earth lift” switch on the back of the server. When this is done the Lifted LED indicator (Red) is lit. Midi Input MIDI connector 5 pin DIN 180°...

  • Page 16: Production Dvi Ports (Q3Hmk1)

    3.12 DVI protector information Even the gold plated DVI connectors that are used on the Q3 Server are typically only rated for a few hundred mattings, this is due to too high signal frequencies and low signal currents of the DVI TMDS signals.

  • Page 17: Production Displayport (Q3Hmk1)

    1920x1200@60 3.15 Optional Genlock input The Q3 and Q3Pro Servers can be fitted with an optional Genlock card set.(Avolites PN M1796-1114). This option is either fitted at the factory of fitted after purchase. Instructions for fitting the options are given in a different section of this manual below.

  • Page 18: Optional Capture Card

    Ai application manual. 3.16 Optional capture card The Q3 Server can be fitted with an optional capture card, there are currently two capture cards supported. These options are either fitted at the factory of fitted after purchase.

  • Page 19: Screen Text Samples In This Manual

    After power-up; Screen text samples in this manual This manual shows the HDMI version of the Q3 Server in the screen samples used to explain each feature, the difference is that the production outputs are listed as HDMI versus DVI or DP, the functionality of the menus are the same for each server, except for output capacity selections.

  • Page 20: Main Screen Information

    HDMI-1:Centre HDMI-2:IMAG Eth1:1Gb Eth2:1Gb HDMI-3:Wall Production output name, resolution Production output name, can be set in Ai. Pressing [Left] or [Right] will show the output resolution. MK1 DVI Q3 Server shown as sample Q3H:00014 Centre TC 24:60:60:25 Ai:Running DVI-1:Centre DVI-2:IMAG...

  • Page 21: Menu Structure And Navigation

    Menu structure and navigation The Q3 media server uses a menu structure which is detailed below, to navigate through the menus: Press the [Menu] Key ➔ Press [Left] or [Right] to select the desired function or function group ➔ Press [Up] or [down] to change a setting ➔...

  • Page 22: Output Setup

    Output Setup To change the resolution of the production outputs and GUI follow the procedure below. When changing resolutions and framerates, the Ai application will have to be shut down to allow for Ai to control the outputs correctly. You must manually shut down Ai before changing the resolutions.
  • Page 23 It is possible to run the production outputs and GUI on different frame rates. This can in some cases cause lower server performance or tearing. Avolites strongly advises to keep all the outputs at the same frame rate for the best user experience.
  • Page 24 Press [Menu] to exit the menu without saving ➔ Note: See end of the manual for the complete list of refresh rates. Note: When changing the refresh rate selection holding the [Up] or [Down] for more than 2 seconds will trigger the value to auto-increment or auto- decrement first in steps of 5 then steps of 10.
  • Page 25 Page | 25...

  • Page 26: System Frame Rate Setup

    2 seconds will trigger the value to auto-increment or auto- decrement first in steps of 5 then steps of 10. Note: the Q3 Server performs better if all outputs are on the same frame rate, therefor the frame rate setting is system wide, including the GUI.

  • Page 27: Ip Setup

    The IP setup menu allows DHCP to be enabled and disabled, IP address, mask and gateway address to be set To change the IP settings of the Q3 media server follow the procedure below. DHCP Press the [Menu] Key ➔...
  • Page 28 Changing the IP address, Mask and Gateway Note: If DHCP is enabled the IP address cannot be set manually, disable DHCP first to set the IP address, mask and gateway manually. The procedure for setting the IP address, Mask and Gateway is as follows; Press the [Menu] Key ➔...

  • Page 29: Panel Lock

    Panel Lock Enabling the panel lock code Press the [Menu] Key ➔ Press [Right] three times to select the “Panel Lock” function ➔ Q3H:00014 Centre TC 24:60:60:25 Ai:Running HDMI-1:Centre HDMI-2:IMAG: Eth1:1Gb Eth2:1Gb HDMI-3:Wall Output Frame Rate Panel Head- System Setup Setup Setup Lock...

  • Page 30: Headphone Level

    Headphone level To change the headphone level follow the procedure below Changing the headphone level Press the [Menu] Key ➔ Press [Right] four times OR [Left] twice to select the “headphone” function ➔ Q3H:00014 Centre TC 24:60:60:25 Ai:Running HDMI-1:Centre HDMI-2:IMAG: Eth1:1Gb Eth2:1Gb HDMI-3:Wall Output...

  • Page 31: System Tools

    Test fans @ full Tools Temp 21 C Temp 23 C Disabled Firmware date August 6 2018 Serial No Q3-0001 Available Information; ➔ Intake temp Air temperature just behind the internal fans Internal Temp Air temperature at the rear of the server...
  • Page 32 Wipe Test fans @ full Tools Temp 21 C Temp 23 C Disabled Firmware date August 6 2018 Serial No Q3-0001 ➔ Press [Left] to select the “Wipe-all” ➔ Press [OK] to select Wipe-all Q3H:00014 Centre TC 24:60:60:25 Ai:Running HDMI-1:Centre HDMI-2:IMAG:...

  • Page 33: Output Capacity Licencing

    4.11 Output capacity licencing The MK2 Q3 Servers (Q3 and Q3HPro ) use a licencing system to set the maximum production port resolutions. This is fixed at the factory and part of the AvoKey licensing system. The server hardware knows which license it has been given at the factory.
  • Page 34 ➔ Locate the Jumpers Set the jumper links as follows Product SN code Q3 MK2 HDMI Not fitted Not fitted Q3Pro MK2 HDMI Fitted Not fitted Note: Setting the jumper wrong will not damage the server, however it will prevent the production ports from being enabled. The selected type and the licence need to match ➔...

  • Page 35: Screen Order Management

    Be aware that this can render the server in-operative, requiring a Wipe all or in rare cases an OS recovery. In order to assure that the correct output order is maintained in the OS the Q3 media server has special software that constantly monitors and corrects the output order.

  • Page 36: Os Recovery

    4.14 OS recovery The Q3 media server has the ability to re-install the operating system and Ai with minimal user intervention. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. We particularly advice rental houses to use this feature in order to assure a clean media server for every job with known settings.

  • Page 37: Hardware Specification

    Hardware specification. Hardware specification Dimensions Shipping box dimensions: 655mm x 600mm x 290mm (25.8” x 23.7” x 10.7”) Weight • Approximate product weight 11 Kg / 24.3 lbs • Approximate product weight Boxed as shipped 12.5 Kg / 27.6 lbs Electrical •...
  • Page 38 Environmental • Do not operate the Q3 media server if the humidity and ambient temperature cause condensation on or inside the product, allow the product to dry first before connecting to the mains supply. • Max humidity is 95% relative humidity non-condensing •...

  • Page 39: Installing Optional Cards

    Genlock option are shipped with eh option. Avolites advises the user to purchase the server with the correct option as this allows us to test the full solution Installing optional capture card Avolites strongly advises to only fit capture card obtained from Avolites as they will have been tested to be compatible and have the correct firmware.
  • Page 40 ➔ Fit the supplied capture card brace and fix to the side of the server with the supplied screws, make sure that the nut is on the inside of the server. ➔ Unpack the Capture card and engage it into the server PCI slot and capture card secondary fixing(Red Arrow), then angle it up to engage the Primary fixing ➔...

  • Page 41: Installing Optional Genlock Card

    ➔ Test the input card. Installing optional Genlock card Avolites strongly advises to only fit Genlock card obtained from Avolites as this will have been tested to be compatible and have the correct firmware. You will receive all the correct parts to mount the card to assure it can tour. The part numbers are given below.

  • Page 42: Appendix

    M1796-1111 Ai Q3 Server Single DVI capture M1796-1015 Ai Q3 Server Dual DVI capture M1796-1116 Ai Q3 Server Quad SDI capture M1796-1117 Ai Q3 Server Dual DP 4K capture Optional Genlock input: M1796-1114 Ai Q3 Server Genlock Option Cables and accessories 1808-0200 HDMI-Protectors 1808-0210 Neutrik PowerCON True1 source and 1.5M 3x 2.5mm2 Cable...

  • Page 43: Appendix D Firmware Upgrade Procedure

    Appendix D Firmware upgrade procedure The firmware of the Q3 Server can be updated though the USB expert application Avolites will advise if this is required. Note: custom EDID data will be lost from the hardware, assure the Custom EDID...
  • Page 44 Wipe Test fans @ full Tools Temp 21 C Temp 23 C Disabled Firmware date August 6 2018 Serial No Q3-0001 ➔ Press [Left] to select the “Wipe-all” ➔ Press [OK] to select Wipe-all Q3H:00014 Centre TC 24:60:60:25 Ai:Running HDMI-1:Centre HDMI-2:IMAG:...

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