Datapath VSNMini 300 User Manual

Datapath VSNMini 300 User Manual

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VSNMini 300 Wall Controller
Engineering the world's best visual solutions

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Summary of Contents for Datapath VSNMini 300

  • Page 1 User Guide VSNMini 300 Wall Controller Engineering the world’s best visual solutions...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    VSNMini 300 User Guide CONTENTS DISCLAIMER/COPYRIGHT STATEMENT CHAPTER 1 – INITIAL SETUP 1.1 Keyboard and Mouse 1.2 Connect to a Network (Optional) 1.3 Connecting Video Input Sources 1.4 Connecting a Control Screen 1.5 Powering up the System 1.6 Configuring the system to a horizontal setup 1.7 Windows 10 Setup...
  • Page 3 VSNMini 300 User Guide 4.2 Associated Output/Input Cards and Related Products 4.3 Product Datasheets CHAPTER 5 - HARDWARE 5.1 VSNMini 300 CHAPTER 6 - CABLING 6.1 Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse 6.2 Connecting to a Network 6.3 Connecting Input Sources 6.4 Connecting a Control Screen...
  • Page 4 VSNMini 300 User Guide 11.5 Firmware Updates 11.6 Restoring Windows CHAPTER 12 - CERTIFICATION AND COMPLIANCES 12.1 CE & UKCA 12.2 FCC 12.3 Disposal...
  • Page 5: Disclaimer/Copyright Statement

    © Datapath Ltd, England 2024 Datapath Limited claims copyright on this User Guide. No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, released, disclosed, stored in any electronic format, or used in whole or in part for any purpose other than stated herein without the express permission of Datapath Limited.
  • Page 6: Chapter 1 - Initial Setup

    VSNMini 300 User Guide CHAPTER 1 – INITIAL SETUP 1.1 Keyboard and Mouse Connect Keyboard and Mouse to convenient USB Ports. USB Ports are located on both the front and rear panels of the system. It may be more convenient to use the USB ports on the front for easy access.
  • Page 7: Connect To A Network (Optional)

    VSNMini 300 User Guide 1.2 Connect to a Network (Optional) If the VSNMini 300 wall controller is to be used over a network, connect the controller to a network point (cables not supplied) using one of the LAN connectors on the rear panel.
  • Page 8: Connecting Video Input Sources

    1.3 Connecting Video Input Sources As each VSNMini 300 wall controller is custom built, the number and type of video inputs will differ from system to system. If you have purchased a VSNMini 300 wall controller with video inputs, the input connectors are...
  • Page 9: Connecting A Control Screen

    VSNMini 300 User Guide 1.4 Connecting a Control Screen Your VSNMini 300 wall controller is configured to use a control screen connected to the system’s internal graphics device prior to leaving the factory. Connect the control screen to the motherboard graphics output connector on the rear of the VSNMini 300 wall controller.
  • Page 10: Configuring The System To A Horizontal Setup

    1.6 Configuring the system to a horizontal setup The VSNMini 300 can be configured to stand in one of two horizontal positions as opposed to the vertical position setup when shipped. The parts required to set up horizontally are shipped with the system.
  • Page 11: Windows 10 Setup

    You are strongly recommended to create a “Restore USB Flash Drive” (as detailed later in this guide). 1.8 Display Configuration Once the operating system setup is complete, the VSNMini 300 wall controller will reboot and the control screen will show a Windows desktop displaying the Display Driver Configuration Tool (DDCT). The DDCT will guide you, step by step, through the configuration of the graphics outputs, enabling you to quickly create one or more video walls.
  • Page 12 VSNMini 300 User Guide Click on Continue. The tool will then display a configuration page for the type of display you selected.
  • Page 13: What Type Of Displays Do You Have

    VSNMini 300 User Guide 1.9 What type of displays do you have? Use the manufacturer and model dropdown lists to select the displays you are using for your wall. If the wall consists of different displays, select each one in turn to configure the type of display. The DDCT has an extensive database of displays, however if your display is not contained in the list, you can input the details manually by selecting Create Custom Display.
  • Page 14 VSNMini 300 User Guide Once the layout has been created and the type(s) of displays configured, click on Add Displays & Continue and the following dialogue is displayed: At this stage of the set up you can choose to create another independent display group from the same system, this would be considered if one machine will be used to drive a number of separate video walls.
  • Page 15 VSNMini 300 wall controller. The printed input/output diagram shipped with your VSNMini 300 wall controller shows where the display connectors are located on your system. If your VSNMini 300 wall controller is connected to a printer, you can print a copy of the wiring diagram using the Print a Wiring Diagram function.
  • Page 16: Wallcontrol 10 (Optional)

    VSNMini 300 User Guide 1.11 WallControl 10 (Optional) Before opening the WallControl 10 Client interface you may need to start the WallControl 10 Server should it not start automatically. The Server icon is displayed in the System Tray. Server icon If the Server fails to start automatically, start the Server by clicking on it in the “All Programs”...
  • Page 17: The Wallcontrol 10 - Security Administration Client

    VSNMini 300 User Guide Display wall Display wall Sources When opened, the display wall tab shows a live representation of the physical wall and the sources available to display on it. To place a source on the video wall, simply click on the required source in the sources tab and drag it onto the display wall representation.
  • Page 18 VSNMini 300 User Guide Start | All Programs | WallControl 10 - Security Administration Client The WallControl 10 - Security Administration Client allows Administrators to assign specific users to roles on a wall by wall basis. For example, a user can be assigned a role allowing unrestricted access on one wall but assigned a role on another wall which only allows the opening of pre-determined layouts.
  • Page 19: Create A Restore Usb Flash Drive

    VSNMini 300 User Guide 1.15 Create a Restore USB Flash Drive To create your Restore USB Flash Drive you will need a USB memory stick with a minimum capacity of 32GB. It is recommended that once your restore flash drive has been created, it is stored in a safe place accessible to personnel who may be required to restore the system.
  • Page 20 VSNMini 300 User Guide Click on the Create Restore Media icon then insert the USB flash drive into a vacant USB slot (min capacity 32GB). It should be noted that any data currently stored on the USB Flash Drive will be deleted permanently during this process.
  • Page 21: Chapter 2 - Introduction

    VSNMini 300 User Guide CHAPTER 2 – INTRODUCTION 2.1 Introduction TheVSNMini 300 wall controller has been manufactured and tested to the highest standards offering unparalleled quality and reliability. The aim of this user guide is to assist you through the installation of the system safely and effectively and act as a reference guide for future use.
  • Page 22: Terminology And Definitions

    An optional software application for controlling and managing Vision, IP-Camera and third-party application windows on a Datapath Wall Controller. Providing a graphical representation of the video wall and a toolbar through which to manipulate all available input sources and applications.
  • Page 23: Chapter 3 - Safety

    CHAPTER 3 – SAFETY 3.1 Safety Precautions To prevent damage to your Datapath product or injury to personnel operating the equipment, please read the following safety precautions prior to operation. These instructions should be made available to all those who will use and operate Datapath products.
  • Page 24: Unpacking And Initial Inspection

    Check the chassis for damage that could have an adverse effect on the operation of the system or could cause injury to the operator. Should there be any physical damage to the power supply unit, for example damaged power sockets or exposed wiring do not connect to a power source, contact Datapath for further instructions.
  • Page 25: Chapter 4 - General

    The VSNMini 300 is also designed to drive operator workstations in mission-critical Aetria environments. With three PCIe slots, the VSNMini 300 can be configured to capture large volumes of data, from baseband video (HDMI, DisplayPort) to IP streams, web pages, and remote desktops. This data can then be displayed across up to four 4K screens at the operator workstation for local monitoring and control.
  • Page 26: Product Datasheets

    VSNMini 300 User Guide We are constantly updating our product portfolio, for the latest details on our full product range please visit our website: www.datapath.co.uk. 4.3 Product Datasheets Product datasheets are available to download from www.datapath.co.uk.
  • Page 27: Chapter 5 - Hardware

    VSNMini 300 User Guide CHAPTER 5 – HARDWARE 5.1 VSNMini 300 5.1.1 Front Power, on-off USB Ports 5.1.2 Rear Power connector USB Ports...
  • Page 28 VSNMini 300 User Guide Display outputs Ethernet ports...
  • Page 29: Chapter 6 - Cabling

    The optional Wall Control software enables the user to operate and manage the video wall display remotely via a network. The VSNMini 300 system has 2 ethernet ports, plug in your network cable (not supplied) to a LAN port and connect the wall controller to the LAN, as shown:...
  • Page 30: Connecting Input Sources

    As each VSN wall controller is custom built, the number and type of video inputs will vary from system to system. If you have purchased a VSNMini 300 with video inputs, the input connectors are located on the rear panel as shown in the example below.
  • Page 31: Connecting A Control Screen

    6.4 Connecting a Control Screen Datapath VSNMini 300 systems are configured to boot off the onboard graphics device therefore there is a requirement to connect a control screen. The control screen is a standalone monitor which is separate from the monitors on the display wall.
  • Page 32: Connecting Power Cables

    VSNMini 300. Ensure cable(s) are fully inserted into the power supply sockets on the rear of the VSNMini 300 wall controller. Use the cable locking strap(s) to firmly secure the connectors. Failure to do so could result in...
  • Page 33: Chapter 7 - Operation

    7.1.1 Switching on the Main System The VSNMini 300 is supplied with a built in power supply unit – ensure the system is plugged into a mains power supply then turn on the system power switch located on the front of the VSNMini 300.
  • Page 34 VSNMini 300 User Guide 7.2.1 Select Language Pack Language selection is the responsibility of the customer and is not part of the system pre-configuration prior to shipment. Windows language settings can be changed using Control Panel/Language. Language packs are available to download as optional updates.
  • Page 35: Display Driver Configuration Tool (Ddct)

    VSNMini 300 User Guide 7.2.3 Names and Password Next, you will be prompted to create an account for your computer by entering a username, a computer name and a password. It is recommended that only Internet-standard characters are used in the computer name.
  • Page 36 VSNMini 300 User Guide Click on the “Information Icon” to open a sliding window which gives version details and copyright information. The latest version of the DDCT is available to download from the Datapath website. To commence your wall configuration, click on “Start Wizard”. “Import Layout” is covered later.
  • Page 37 VSNMini 300 User Guide 7.3.2 Displays with Bezels 7.3.3 Overlapable Displays 7.3.4 LED Displays Representation Wall Naming...
  • Page 38 VSNMini 300 User Guide 7.3.5 Application Tools The application tools enable the user to manipulate the design of the wall. The table below describes the tool functionalities: Undo All – Undo all commands made on this page. Undo – Undo the last command.
  • Page 39 VSNMini 300 User Guide Representation The representation grid (6) see para 7.3.4 displays the physical arrangement of the wall as it is being created. Displays can be arranged as required by clicking and dragging them to their required positions using the application tools.
  • Page 40 VSNMini 300 User Guide 7.3.8 Add Displays Add Displays is available for displays with bezels or overlapable displays. It enables you to configure the layout of your wall or display group. Use the “Displays Across” and the “Displays Up” to create a plan of your layout.
  • Page 41 VSNMini 300 User Guide It is strongly recommended that measurements are taken from the display manufacturers specifications if available. Once a layout has been designed and the type of displays have been selected, you can add the displays to the representation by clicking on the “Add Displays”...
  • Page 42 VSNMini 300 User Guide 7.3.12 Wiring How do you want to wire up your wall controller? The DDCT can recommend the best wiring configuration for your system, ensuring the load is balanced between the graphics hardware. Click on “Recommended” for the optimal configuration for your system.
  • Page 43 You can print a copy of the wiring diagram using “Print a Wiring Diagram”. Note: The Datapath Diagnostic Suite must be installed on the system to print a wiring diagram. To manually select the outputs, right click on the display group and select “Edit”. You can then select each individual display and allocate your preferred output.
  • Page 44 VSNMini 300 User Guide Hover the mouse over each group to display basic information about the display group: The group name, the resolution and details of each input: The “Primary Display” can be assigned to any group by clicking on the icon and toggling between each display group.
  • Page 45: Opening Wallcontrol 10 (Optional)

    WallControl 10 is an optional video/display wall management software application specifically designed for Datapath Wall Controllers. WallControl 10 consists of two separate elements that work together to enable you to control the display wall, the Client (application) and the Server.
  • Page 46 VSNMini 300 User Guide The WallControl 10 Client can be installed on systems running up to and including Windows 10 Operating Systems. Open the WallControl 10 Client application: Start | All Programs | WallControl 10 7.4.3 WallControl 10 – User Interface Open the application by selecting WallControl 10 Client and the user interface will be launched.
  • Page 47: Chapter 8 - Software

    WallControl 10 has a tabbed interface that allows a user to manage multiple video walls. WallControl 10 allows multiple walls to be delivered by a single VSNMini 300. Walls in separate areas of a building can be independently driven from a single location. Multiple walls can be easily set up using the Wall Management functionality and if required each wall can be assigned a unique set of sources or video resources.
  • Page 48 VSNMini 300 User Guide Opening the WallControl 10 Client Start | All Programs | WallControl 10 – Client The WallControl 10 – User Interface Indicates the server you are connected to. A representation of the display wall(s) associated with the server.
  • Page 49 VSNMini 300 User Guide Sources Display Wall Tab Display Wall Representation When opened, the display wall tab shows a live representation of the physical wall and the sources available to display on it. To place a source on the video wall, simply click on the required source in the sources tab and drag it onto the display wall representation.
  • Page 50: Software Utilities

    Assign roles to walls. 8.2 Software Utilities Datapath provides a group of software utilities designed to assist you fine tune your system for specific individual system requirements. All the software utilities can be found on the Recovery Media that was shipped with your system, alternatively, you can download the most up-to-date versions from the Downloads page on the Datapath website.
  • Page 51: Chapter 9 - Specifications

    Technical drawings of the chassis How to obtain the technical specification of the VSNMini 300 9.1 Technical Drawings 9.2 Technical Specifications Detailed technical specification datasheets for the VSNMini 300 range of wall controllers can be downloaded from the Datapath website.
  • Page 52: Chapter 10 - Warranty

    10.2 RMA Returns Policy If your Datapath product is not working as you expect, we recommend that you contact Datapath Ltd in the first instance for support. Many issues that may first appear as hardware faults are actually installation or set-up problems and can normally be resolved without having to ship any hardware back to us.
  • Page 53 PLEASE NOTE: Datapath will not accept responsibility for the safety, integrity or security of any programmes, data or other content held on hard drives or any other type of rewritable media which is sent to us either separately or as part of any equipment returned to us for repair or for any other purpose.
  • Page 54: Chapter 11 - Advanced Users

    VSNMini 300 User Guide CHAPTER 11 – ADVANCED USERS This chapter is aimed towards advanced users and covers the following: WallControl 10 Command line Interface Updating Firmware Software Development Kit (SDK)? System Recovery Replacing Cards 11.1 WallControl 10 – Command Line Interface The WallControl 10 command line interface can be accessed from a command prompt and also by using Telnet for issuing commands remotely, specifying wcmd.exe.
  • Page 55 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Inputs -provider={Capture|Video|Word|Application|Quant|Image|IPDecode| Web|Pdf|Remote} Target a type of provider on the server. -provider The types of Provider that may be available are: Images, MS Word, IP, Internet, Quant, Applications and PDF providers.
  • Page 56 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Used to specify a username for a stream source. Must be paired with password. -streamusername -sun wcmd.exe -provider=<provider> -addinput=<url> -alias=<name> -streamusername=<username> -streampassword=<password> Used to specify a password for a stream source. Must be paired with username.
  • Page 57 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Used in conjunction with the –layout command to create a scheduled task to execute a specific layout. This creates a single scheduled task: wcmd.exe -layout=<name> -schedule=<datetime> -schedule Specify date time format as “DD/MM/YYYY HH:mm:ss” dependent on windows culture settings.
  • Page 58 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example wcmd.exe -setpowerlevel=<Eco | EcoAdvanced | Bright | Normal> Sets the power level of the screens for the current wall, valid levels are -setpowerlevel -spl Eco, EcoAdvanced, Bright and Normal Note: A delay can occur when setting the power level due to the hardware.
  • Page 59 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Window -window=[left],[top],[width],[height] Set the position and size of the window. Commas must be used between values. Must be used in conjunction with the –id switch. To display a Vision window a typical command line argument would be:...
  • Page 60 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example IpDecode, Video and Capture sources only. Allows the user to switch aspect ratio on or off <true|false> for a selected capture. For example: wcmd.exe –id=<window number> -aspectratio=<true | false>...
  • Page 61 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Only valid for Web Provider. Allows a web page to be refreshed every X seconds. For example: -refresh wcmd.exe –id=<window number> -refresh=<seconds> It can also be used with the open window command (-window) Used in conjunction with the web provider.
  • Page 62 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Sets the OSD text to be Bold, true or false. Used as part of the definition of an OSD. -osdtextbold -osdtb Default = false wcmd.exe -id=<window id> -osdtext=<text> -osdtextbold=<true | false>...
  • Page 63 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Sets the OSD content’s background to be transparent, true or false. Used as part of the definition of an OSD. -osdbtransparent -osdbt Default = false wcmd.exe -id=<window id> -osdtext=<text>...
  • Page 64 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example System wcmd.exe -machine=<server>:<port> -closewindows -machine wcmd.exe -machine=<server> -wall=<wall name> -closewindows This has been added so that users are not required to know about the random port numbers for direct connection to a wall, they...
  • Page 65 VSNMini 300 User Guide Action Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example -help=-<command> Example Usage: To return a list of all command switches and comment wcmd -help -help To return specific help for a command wcmd.exe -helpwcmd.exe -help=<-command> Authentication Commands Long Switch Short Switch Description/Example Only relevant is the user is using User Rights Management (URM).
  • Page 66 VSNMini 300 User Guide Change the source of Window 1 to a known internet source wcmd –machine=10.0.0.21:8081 –id=1 –provider=Web –input=”google” Note: The input used must exist within the repository and the name “google” must exist as an internet source accessible via the source menu.
  • Page 67: Display Driver Configuration Tool - Command Line Interface

    To import and apply a Display Driver Configuration via the command line please use the following command: C:\Program Files\Datapath Drivers\ModeSetupTool\ModeSetupToolCmd.exe -import=”[path to file].wall” The command line tool will return one of three values when it has applied the new configuration: The operation completed successfully and the new configuration is active.
  • Page 68: Installing Additional Image2K/4K Cards

    The procedures for updating the firmware of your cards can be found in the relevant user guide which is available on your Support Tile on the Start Menu. Check the Datapath website for the latest version of the user guides.
  • Page 69 VSNMini 300 User Guide It should be noted that the dialogue is only displayed briefly, approximately 3 seconds. This will lead you to the Windows Restore Menu as shown below: Click on the “Create Restore Media” icon then insert the USB flash drive into a vacant USB slot (min capacity 32GB).
  • Page 70 VSNMini 300 User Guide Once the Windows Restore USB Flash Drive has been created a “Build Complete” dialogue is displayed: Click on “OK” to complete the process. 11.6.2 Restoring the Windows Operating System To restore the Windows Operating System you will need to boot the system from your “Restore...
  • Page 71 Once the Windows configuration process is complete, the Display Drivers need to be re-installed and if required, the Wall Control application software. The Display Drivers and WallControl 10 software can be found in the Support Tile on the Start Menu. For the latest drivers and software go to www.datapath.co.uk...
  • Page 72 12.3 Disposal At the end of life all Datapath products should be disposed of as per local laws and regulations dictate. In the UK contact Datapath to arrange disposal. Our WEE registration number is WEEE/AA0005ZR.
  • Page 73 VSNMini 300 User Guide Datapath UK and Corporate Headquarters Bemrose House, Bemrose Park, Wayzgoose Drive, Derby, DE21 6XQ, United Kingdom +44 (0) 1332 294 441 sales-uk@datapath.co.uk Datapath North America 2490 General Armistead Avenue, Suite 102, Norristown, PA 19403, USA +1 484 679 1553 sales-us@datapath.co.uk...

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