Summary of Contents for Imagine Platinum Predator II-GRF 1RU
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Installation And Operation Manual Platinum™ Predator II-GRF 1&2RU Expandable Multiviewer Series Applies to: ZP2-GRF4-FR1RU ZP2-GRF8-FR1RU ZP2-GRF12 ZP2-GRF16 Edition A Delivering the Moment...
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English without the written consent of Imagine Communications. All others uses are illegal. This publication is designed to assist in the use of the product as it exists on the date of publication of this manual, and may not reflect the product at the current time or an unknown time in the future.
Contents Preface Manual Information ........................v Purpose ............................ v Audience ..........................v Revision History ........................v Writing Conventions ....................... v Obtaining Documents ......................vi Unpacking/Shipping Information ....................vi Unpacking a Product ......................vi Product Servicing ........................vi Returning a Product .......................vi Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Compliance ............vii Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Compliance ........vii Safety ............................viii Safety Terms and Symbols in this Manual ................viii...
Preface Manual Information Purpose This manual details the features, installation, operation, maintenance, and specifications for the Predator II GRF series of 1RU and 2RU Multi-window Display Processors. Audience This manual is written for engineers, technicians, and operators responsible for installation, setup, maintenance, and/or operation of the Predator II GRF 1RU and 2RU Multi-window Display Processor.
Preface Table 1-2. Writing Conventions Term or Convention Description Internet address Indicates a jump to a website or URL Indicates important information that helps to avoid and troubleshoot problems Indicates advice or recommended practice. Obtaining Documents Product support documents can be viewed or downloaded from our website. Alternatively, contact your Customer Service representative to request a document.
Preface Ship products back to us for servicing prepaid and, if possible, in the original packaging material. If the product is still within the warranty period, we will return the product prepaid after servicing. Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Compliance The European Union (EU) Directive 2002/95/EC—commonly known as the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS)—sets limits on the use of certain substances found in electrical and electronic equipment.
Preface In accordance with this EU Directive, companies selling electric or electronic devices in the EU will affix labels indicating that such products must be properly recycled. (See our website for more information.) Contact your local Sales representative for information on returning these products for recycling.
Chapter 1 Introduction Overview Predator II GRF series are multi-window display processors designed to support DVI sources in 1RU and 2RU racks. Figure 1-1. Predator II GRF, 1RU and 2RU versions The 1RU range provides 4 or 8 DVI inputs and the 2RU range provides 12 or 16 DVI inputs. Due to high levels of heat dissipation, the front cover, with its integral fans, must be kept closed and ventilation grilles must not be covered.
Chapter 1: Introduction Main Features This list includes features supported by firmware version 4v5.1 and above. • 4, 8, 12 or 16 factory configured autosensing DVI-I/DVI-D or RGB inputs • Dual DVI outputs to 1920 x 1200 single head or 1920x1080 dual head •...
Chapter 1: Introduction Signal Flow and Rear I/O Figure 1-3. Predator II GRF signal flow All I/O connections are available at the rear of the frame. Figure 1-4. Predator II GRF with 16 DVI IN computer inputs in a 2RU frame. Predator II GRF with 8 DVI IN computer inputs in a 1RU frame.
Chapter 1: Introduction Introducing ZConfigurator for Predator II GRF ZConfigurator is the primary configuration and control application for Predator multiviewers. It is installed on the PC that is connected to one or more multiviewers using the Ethernet connector on the rear of the frame. In addition, ZConfigurator provides signal monitoring, alarm feedback, and layout creation and design capabilities.
Chapter 1: Introduction The Layout Editor As well as allowing layouts to be loaded into multiviewers the Layout Editor allows layouts to be created by starting with an existing template and making changes, or by building custom layouts from scratch. Templates define the number, size, position and initial Z-Order or layering priority of each PiP.
Chapter 1: Introduction Ordering Codes The ordering codes for base Predator II GRF models and available options are as follows: Table 1-1. Predator II GRF 2RU base model part numbers Predator II GRF Model Comment ZP2-GRF4-FR1RU Four DVI-I input 1RU model ZP2-GRF8-FR1RU Eight DVI-I input 1RU model ZP2-GRF12...
Chapter 2 Installation Overview This chapter describes the Predator II GRF installation process, including the following topics: • “Unpacking a Predator II GRF Frame” on page 7 • “Installation Guidance and Safety” on page 8 • “Installing the Predator II GRF Frame” on page 9 •...
Chapter 2: Installation Checking the Packing List Table 2-1. Available Product Packages Ordered Product Content Description Predator II • One GRF frame with modules and rear Predator II GRF (all connectors fitted according to order. versions) Predator II • One GRF Installation and Operation Manual Predator II...
Chapter 2: Installation Installing the Predator II GRF Frame Install the Predator II in a standard 19 inch rack as follows: • Use a support tray to hold the frame securely in the rack • Allow at least 20mm space for the ventilation grilles on the left and right hand side panels •...
Chapter 2: Installation A source of longitudinal timecode may be connected to the connector marked LTC on the rear panel of the 2RU frame to synchronize on-screen clocks. High quality screened dual-core cable is recommended for LTC. For information on cables and connector pinout refer to Appendix 2: “Connectors and Cables”...
Chapter 3 User Upgrade Overview This chapter describes Predator II GRF upgrades, including the following topics: • “Using Z_Upgrade” on page 11 • “Expansion Kits” on page 17 Updating Firmware As product developments occur, firmware updates may be released to introduce new features or or improve functionality.
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Chapter 3: User Upgrade The required upgrade files or folders MUST be present within the same folder as the Z_Upgrade utility before the upgrade procedure is started. If the desired multiviewer is not shown, ensure that neither ZConfigurator or any other instance of the update tool is running.
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Chapter 3: User Upgrade For each input card, use the VID4 and DVI2 tabs to select the specific files to update. The VID4 file settings should be left at default values unless otherwise instructed by Harris Customer Services. The DVI2 file settings should be left at default values unless otherwise instructed by Harris Customer Services.
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Chapter 3: User Upgrade Click on OK when ready and then select Start from the main screen to commence the upgrade. A message will appear warning that language packs and custom presets will be overwritten and should be backed up before proceeding. If the required backups have not been performed, select Cancel now and use ZConfigurator to perform backups.
Chapter 3: User Upgrade When the upgrade process is finished, Z_Upgrade will display an Upgrade Status message showing any errors. If necessary, double click on an entry row to see error details. Z_Upgrade and the multiviewer front panel(s) should display a message asking for the unit(s) to be power cycled.
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Chapter 3: User Upgrade The upgrade will always proceed even if it is already updated. Q: How do I refresh the list of multiviewers? Under the Command menu, select Multiviewer Search to refresh the multiviewer list. Q: Can processor or rear I/O cards be hot-swapped? Always remove power before pulling or inserting cards.
Chapter 3: User Upgrade Expansion Kits Expansion Kits for the Predator II GRF frames are made to order and contain an Installation Guide and a variable number of the following components: ZP2-OPT-GRF dual DVI-I input modules and their rear connectors Blank plates and fitting screws, nuts and washers as required Table 3-1 on page I/O plates for the DVI kit carry four mounting screw holes with the generic text ‘DVI IN’...
Chapter 4 Using ZConfigurator Overview This chapter introduces how to operate the Predator II GRF using ZConfigurator. The following topics are discussed in this chapter: • “Operating Notes” on page 18 • “Connecting to Predator II GRF for the First Time” on page 18 •...
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator If the Predator II GRF is a local device, the easiest way to change its IP address to match your network is to use the Front Control Panel. “Changing the IP Address” on page 49 in the “Using the Front Control Panel”...
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator If the multiviewer is not local, or if it is more convenient, a new address can be assigned using ZConfigurator over a LAN, but the current IP address must still be known. The default address is usually 192.168.1.250, but it can be discovered by watching its DVI output during boot up when it is displayed for a few seconds.
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Changing the IP Address To give the multiviewer a unique IP address to match the network it will be used on, proceed as follows: • Select System Setup from the ZConfigurator Main Panel and click on the Network Settings tab.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Trouble Shooting Failed Connections Connected multiviewers with IPs in the same range as the PC are normally discovered automatically. However, there may be times when a network scan has to be forced or a manual connection has to be made or is preferred. To force a network scan, proceed as follows: Right click in the Device List and select Scan Network or relaunch ZConfigurator.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Getting Started with ZConfigurator Once a connection to one or more multiviewers has been achieved, the next step is to carry out basic configuration steps to ensure that the best performance and full-feature set of each multiviewer is realized.
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator To take this PiP full screen on the attached display immediately, double-click with the cursor at the current position. The PiP will be shown full screen and the PiP in Control View will change to indicate how to restore the normal layout. Double click when the cursor changes to a '-' Zoom Out symbol and Restore Layout is shown.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Introduction to the Layout Editor The Layout Editor is the main workspace where basic templates from the Template Library are furnished with PiP elements such as sources, borders, labels, clocks, timers, alarms and bitmap backgrounds. There are also ready made PiP designs containing many of these items which can be drag-n-dropped from the Elements Library to any PiP.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator The PiP Container, Panels and Elements The PiP Container encompasses all the elements that a PiP contains including the main panel and any label, quick menu access icons, the lower text, tally area and source graphic area. The following illustration shows some of the panels, panel objects, graphic source objects and PiP elements that are used in a PiP.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Setting DVI Source Options DVI source properties are set via their properties form obtained by right clicking on a computer source icon and selecting Properties or by pressing Alt+Enter. General tab settings The general tab shows details of the DVI video source; Physical Identifier, Type and Maximum Size.
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator To adjust the DVI card re-sampling clock frequency and phase, use the frequency and phase spin box controls. These controls are provided so that the re-sample clock can be set to match the clock driving the digital to analog converter at the device producing the current analog source.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Using the Stand Alone Text Box The stand alone text box is a new element that allows a simple text message to be applied to the centre of a PiP. To use the stand alone text box, scroll the elements library contents to the bottom, and drag-n-drop a standalone text box to a PiP.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Configuring Predator II GRF Settings The following settings are configured on the System Properties dialog box in ZConfigurator. Before you begin, make sure that you have connected the Predator II GRF module to the PC that runs ZConfigurator (see “Connecting to Predator II GRF for the First Time”...
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Configuring DVI Output and Resolution On the ZConfigurator Main Panel, click System Setup. 5. Select the Display tab and click Configure. It lists the manufacturers of the available output modules on your system. 6. In the Manufacturer list, select the appropriate manufacturer name or select Generic for a list of industry standard resolutions.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Communication Ports The Ethernet communication ports available on the connected multiviewer can be configured to work with external controllers. In addition if the multiviewer supports serial ports, they can be configured here. The port(s) currently in use to establish communication will be greyed out and cannot be configured.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Using Serial Ports For serial ports remember to select the Baud rate (default is 57600) and check the Enable box for Com 1 before using it. For RS485 (RS422) ports select a unique sub-address between 1 and 99 to allow multiple ports to be identified.
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator LTC - clocks are synchronized to Longitudinal Time Code at the update rate selected. Connect an LTC signal to the LTC BNC at the rear of the frame (if available). Horita - clocks are synchronized to LTC using the Horita LTC to Serial option (no longer available) and cannot be used with multiviewers that do not possess a serial port.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Managing Language Packs and Fonts The system fonts that an attached Predator II multiviewer uses to display on-screen features can be changed from a choice of fonts installed to the multiviewer. The fonts menu is not available on multiviewers that do not support this feature. In addition, Language Packs can be obtained from Harris to support different languages and special fonts.
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator • Navigate to System Setup >> System Properties >> Fonts. • Highlight the language pack, check one or more fonts to install, then click Install. Predator II GRF Installation and Operation Manual...
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator The required font will be installed to the multiviewer. An Input Method Editor (IME) and or special keyboard may be required to enter a font such as Simplified Chinese and view it in the Layout Editor and use it on-screen. Also refer to the documentation that came with your language pack for any additional help that may be available.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Using SNMP Agents The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is used to allow network attached multiviewers to be monitored remotely for alarms and other conditions that might require administrative attention. An SNMP agent receives requests from and sends responses to ZConfigurator when an event, such as a video or audio alarm occurs.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Setting System Properties The system tab shows information about the connected multiviewer such as Unit Type, Serial Number, Software Version and Connection Type. System Information Every multiviewer has a physical serial number printed on a plate on the rear of the unit. In addition, most multiviewers also have the serial number and unit type name programmed into the CPU of the unit itself.
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Locking the Front Panel To prevent unauthorized or inadvertent user access from the multiviewer front panel (if fitted), ensure that the Front Panel Locked check box is ticked. Restoring Factory Settings To recall the multiviewer factory settings, click the Factory Reset button. A message will be shown warning that all layouts currently stored on the multiviewer will be overwritten.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Copying Settings to Other Units System Settings and Layouts can be copied to other Predator II GRF units by using the Replicator function. In addition, multiviewer Profiles may be saved to local storage and loaded at any time to any multiviewer (of the same type). To access the Replicator and Profile functions navigate to System Settings >>...
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Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Profile Save and Load To save both Settings and Layouts of the current unit to local storage as a named Profile, click on Save. Type a memorable name for the profile and click OK. Profiles are normally located at C:/MyDocuments/ZConfigurator/Profiles/. To load a saved profile, choose System Settings and/or Layouts by placing a tick beside the desired option(s) and click on Load.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Setting Master GPI Output Options Master GPI Output settings can be changed to affect the alarm state condition for the Master GPO. Go to System Setup >> Master GPO. The alarm trigger action of the Master GPO may be set to either High Asserted or Low Asserted to indicate the presence of an alarm.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Using Bitmap Images Bitmap graphics may be stored on a multiviewer to provide a background to PiPs. They can be used to introduce a product image or station logo or for any other effect where a background image is applicable.
Chapter 4: Using ZConfigurator Changing System Themes A system theme is a set of on-screen ‘rendering’ styles that affect the look of every PiP element in a layout rendered by a multiviewer. Each multiviewer can support only one active system theme at a time. To change the active system theme used by all currently applied layouts, select it from the Current System Theme drop down list.
Chapter 5 Using the Front Control Panel Overview This chapter deals with initial set-up and system configuration from the front control panel. Refer to Chapter 4: “Using ZConfigurator” for help with creating and editing display layouts. The front panel user interface consists of 6 buttons and an LCD display. Figure 5-1.
Chapter 5: Using the Front Control Panel Navigating the menu The LCD menus available at the front panel are intended to provide a simplified range of operation and configuration functions to allow standalone Predator II multiviewers to be operated and to allow initial configuration to be performed such as matching the output resolution to the native resolution of the attached external display.
Chapter 5: Using the Front Control Panel Example Menu Operations Selecting Presets Use the Left and Right buttons to cycle through available layout presets. <> ^¬ OK Preset Recall:1 2x2 1x1 Press the OK button to Recall the selected preset layout, activate it and display it. <>...
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Chapter 5: Using the Front Control Panel Change Display Mode Navigate to the Display Mode menu in System Configuration. The current display mode is shown <>^¬ OK Display Mode: Single Head Select the required resolution with the Left or Right arrows. <>^¬...
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Chapter 5: Using the Front Control Panel Press OK to enter edit mode <>^¬ OK IP Address vvv.www.xxx.zzz Enter the new address. The left/right buttons move the character position, the up/down buttons change its value. Press OK when done to activate it. Press MENU to leave the menu and move back up the menu system.
Chapter 6: Specifications GPI I/O Master GPI I/O are only available on the ZP2-GRF 12/16 2RU frames Table 6-3. Master GPI Item Specification Number of inputs Number of Outputs Harlink 10 position, 2 row mating cable receptacle. Connector Note: This connector is shared with Audio Monitoring Output To connect to the 10 position Harlink connector use the Harlink breakout cable;...
Chapter 6: Specifications Housing 19” Rack Mount frames with ears Table 6-5. Frame Sizes Predator II GRF Model Frame Sizes ZP2-GRF4/8-FR1RU Outline Dimensions: 480mm(W) x 1RU high; 386mm(D) x 44mm(H) ZP2-GRF12/16 Outline Dimensions: 480mm(W) x 2RU high; 386mm(D) x 88mm(H) Weight and Power Consumption The weight and power consumption for Predator II GRF frames: Table 6-6.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Card Edge Features LEDs are fitted at the front card edge to provide status information and switches may help with troubleshooting. The front cover of the frame must be lowered to provide access. Figure 7-1. Predator II GRF DVI-I Processor Module (Front Edge) Table 7-1.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions Table 7-2. Predator II GRF Troubleshooting Tips Problem Solution • Check that the cables are connected correctly. The output display is not working correctly. • Check that the output display is calibrated for high picture quality. For example, the display brightness and contrast should be set so that neither black nor white crushing occurs.
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Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Table 7-2. Predator II GRF Troubleshooting Tips (Continued) Problem Solution • In Windows™ Control Panel, double-click Network Connections. How do I change my PC’s IP Address? • Right-click the network on which the PC and multiviewer reside, and then choose Properties.
Chapter 2 Connectors and Cables Predator II I/O The initial complement of front processors and DVI-I connectors are factory fitted. All I/O connections are at the rear of the unit. Figure 2-1. Predator II GX 2RU with 16 DVI-I inputs (ZP2-GRF16). Figure 2-2.
Chapter 2: Connectors and Cables Communication Ports Figure 2-3. Communication ports and LAN interface. Table 2-1. RS232 serial port Com 1 female 9 way ‘D’ Pin No Function Pin No Function Table 2-2. RS422/485 serial port Com 2/3 female 9 way ‘D’ Pin No Function Pin No...
Chapter 2: Connectors and Cables DVI Connector Figure 2-4. DVI connector Table 2-3. DVI pinout (applies to DVI input and output connectors) Pin No. Description Pin No. Description DATA 2+ Hot Plug Detect DATA 2- DATA 0- DATA 2/4 SHEILD DATA 0+ DATA 4- DATA 0/5 SHIELD...
Chapter 2: Connectors and Cables Master GPI I/O Figure 2-5. White Harlink socket near mains I/IIP Table 2-4. MGPO pinout Function Wire Color Reserved for future use rose Master GPI Output black Reserved for future use rose Reserved for future use rose orange Reserved for future use...
Index Keywords Full Screen using the front panel Cabling requirements using ZConfigurator Cards front edge LEDs CLI (Command Line Interface) Graphics See Communication ports overlay specification Communication ports Ethernet, serial using bitmap images pinout Control view ZConfigurator, introduction Horita See Communication ports DVI input specifications Installation...
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Index Master GPI I/O Safety pinout installation specifications precautions viii Multiviewers Serial ports – connecting to a system enabling using Settings copying to other units NTP (Network Timecode Protocol) system information synchronization ZConfigurator Shipping information Signal flow diagram Simple Network Management Protocol Packing list See SNMP Parameter settings...
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Index ZConfigurator communication ports WEEE directive – configuration connecting to a system DVI output, resolution, refresh rate failed connections Z_Upgrade fonts trouble shooting getting started using graphics, using bitmap images installing introducing language packs layout editor, introduction master GPO PC IP address profiles, settings and layouts replication settings...
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