Sound Control Technologies RC-SDA Distribution Amplifier User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- Sound Control Technologies
Table of Contents
Sound Control Technologies RC-SDA Distribution Amplifier
Product Information
- Product Name: RC-SDATM Distribution Amplifier (2021)
- Description: The RC-SDATM Distribution Amplifier is a module that provides dual output paths from a digital video source and offers 2 independent RS232 control inputs to an attached camera. It is designed to be optimized for use with Poly camera output and camera input requirements.
- Manufacturer: Not specified
- Tech Support: 203-854-5701
Product Usage Instructions
What does the RC-SDATM do?
The RC-SDATM module provides dual output paths from the digital video source and 2 independent RS232 control inputs to the attached camera. It is optimized for use with Poly camera output and camerainput requirements.
Why does the RC-SDATM have 2 HDMI outputs?
The RC-SDATM makes 2 copies of the digital video signal input and sends those copies to the HDMI outputs. It is recommended to connect the Poly codec to Output 1 for compatibility. Output 2 can be connected to an external monitor or HDMI to USB video converter for soft codec applications.
Why are there two serial inputs and only one output?
The RC-SDATM provides an RS232 port to connect to an RC4-HETM or RC7-HETM (Head-End Receiver) for serial control of an attached camera or camera system. There is a pass-through RS232 input intended to come from a host codec camera control path. Additionally, there is a direct RS232 input intended to come from a serial control system (e.g., Extron, Crestron, AMX) to control the attached camera directly.
Can the RC-SDATM translate between RS232 protocols?
Yes, the RC-SDATM can translate between VISCA and Poly protocols with firmware v5.0 or higher. If you have a Poly codec and want to use a Sony camera, for example, you can set DIP switch 4 On and switch 5 Off as per the provided chart.
Does the RC-SDATM support far-end camera-control (FECC)?
Yes, when used with a Poly codec as the primary host, the RC-SDATM supports FECC as a passthrough RS232 control channel to the camera. This allows a control system (e.g., Extron, Crestron, AMX) to directly control the camera while maintaining the control path from the codec to the camera.
I’m not using a Poly codec and my EagleEye Director 2 (EED2) goes to sleep after 3 minutes. What can I do?
The RC-SDATM has an intrinsic keep awake mode called Director-II mode for the EED2. This mode enables a dual-use application of the camera system, such as transitioning to a soft-codec environment or using the EED2 with a video switcher front-end to a videoprocessor. To enable this mode, switch 5 should be in the ON (UP) position and switch 6 in the ON (UP) position.
I have changed the DIP switch settings, but nothing changes in the RC- SDATM. What’s wrong?
The RC-SDATM reads the DIP switch settings only during the power-up initialization. To change the mode of operation, you need to remove power, change the switch setting, and then re-apply power.
My control system doesn’t act upon the attached Poly camera.
What’s wrong?
The control system must use the appropriate control codes for the Poly camera. Poly uses a special communication language embedded in locked modules provided by AMX, Crestron, and Extron respectively. Additionally, ensure that the control system’s RS232 port is set to 9600 8/E/1 to establish proper communication with the Poly camera.
What is the microSD slot for?
The purpose of the microSD slot is not specified in the provided text. Please refer to the product manual or contact tech support at 203-854-5701 for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions Tech Support: 203-854-5701
Q: What does the RC-SDA™ do?
A: This module provides dual output paths from the digital video source,
plus provides 2 independent RS232 control inputs to the attached camera. The
system is optimized for use with Poly camera output and camera input
requirements.
Q: Why does the RC-SDA™ have 2 HDMI outputs?
A: The RC-SDA™ makes 2 “copies” of the digital video signal input and
sends those copies to the HDMI outputs. The Poly codec should always be
connected to Output 1 to ensure compatibility. Output 2 can be connected to an
external monitor or HDMI to USB video converter for soft codec applications.
Q: Why are there two serial inputs and only one output?
A: The RC-SDA™ provides an RS232 port to connect to an RC4-HE™ (Head-End
Receiver) or RC7-HE™ (Head-End Receiver) allowing serial control of an
attached camera or camera system. There is a “pass-through” RS232 input
intended to come from a host codec camera control path. There is also a
“direct” RS232 input intended to come from a serial control system (e.g.,
Extron, Crestron, AMX) to control the attached camera directly (camera
control-code provided by others).
Q: Can the RC-SDA™ translate between RS232 protocols?
A: Yes (requires firmware v5.0 or higher). The RC-SDA™ can translate from
VISCA to Poly or Poly to VISCA. If you have a Poly codec and want to use a
Sony camera, for example, set DIP switch 4 On and switch 5 Off per the chart
below.
Q: Does the RC-SDA™ support far-end camera-control (FECC)?
A: Yes, when used with a Poly codec as the primary host, the FECC is
supported as a “pass-through” RS232 control channel to the camera. In this
way, a control-system (specifically, Extron, Crestron, and AMX) may be used to
directly control the camera, yet the control path from the codec to camera is
not compromised.
Q: I’m not using a Poly codec and my EagleEye Director 2 (EED2) goes to
sleep after 3 minutes. What can I do?
A: RC-SDA™ has an intrinsic “keep awake” mode (called Director-II mode)
for the EED2. It allows for a dual-use application of the camera system, such
as transitioning to a soft-codec environment or using the EED2 with a video
switcher front-end to a video processor. Switch 5 should be in the ON (UP)
position and switch 6 in the ON (UP) position to enable this mode.
Q: I have changed the DIP switch settings, but nothing changes in the RC-
SDA™. What’s wrong?
A: The RC-SDA™ “reads” the DIP switch setting during the power-up
initialization and at no other time. To change the RC-SDA™ mode of operation,
one should remove power, change the switch setting, and then re-apply power.
Q: My control system doesn’t act upon the attached Poly camera. What’s
wrong?
A: The control system communicating with the Poly camera must use the
appropriate controlcodes for that camera. Poly uses a special communication
language that is embedded in locked modules provided by AMX, Crestron, and
Extron respectively. Also, make sure the control system’s RS232 port is set to
9600 8/E/1, or there will be no communications to thePoly camera.
Q: What is the microSD slot for?
A: The microSD slot on the RC-SDA™ allows for field upgradable firmware
and diagnostics.
Q: What do the DIP switches do?
A: The following chart shows the functions of the 8 position DIP switch:
| Switch | Function | OFF | ON |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reserved for future use | ||
| 2 | 3-Pin (RS232) Mode | 9600, 8/N/1 (VISCA) | 9600, 8/E/1 (POLY) |
| 3 | 3-Pin Listen Mode | RS232 responses from the camera are Disabled | RS232 |
responses from the camera are Enabled
4| Codec DB9 (RS232) Mode| 9600, 8/N/1 (VISCA)| 9600, 8/E/1 (POLY)
5| Camera DB9 (RS232) Mode| 9600, 8/N/1 (VISCA)| 9600, 8/E/1 (POLY)
6| Poly Director-II Mode| Disabled| “Keep Alive” Enabled
7| Reserved for future use – Keep in the OFF position
8| Reserved for future use – Keep in the OFF position
Q: What do the S1 and S2 buttons do?
A: S1 and S2 are momentary pushbuttons on the front of the RC-SDA™. S1
triggers a camera reset and re-initializes the tracking mode of the EED2 when
the RCSDA ™ is in Director-II mode. S1 is also used to initiate firmware
upgrades and write log files to the microSD card. Refer to the “RC-SDA (2021)
Firmware/Log Guide” at www.soundcontrol.net for
details. S2 is reserved for future use.
Q: I’m sharing the EED2 with a Poly codec and a soft codec PC
application. Why does my EED2 camera keep shutting off and turning around
backwards?
A: Your Poly codec may have a sleep timer set which causes the EED2 to
sleep as well. You should turn off the sleep time in the codec web interface.
Q: I’m installing in a secure environment. Are there any options to be in
compliance?
A: Some secure environments don’t allow memory card slots on devices. In
the Tech Support Downloads section of
www.soundcontrol.net there is a special version
of Secure firmware that will completely and permanently disable the microSD
slot.
Note : This is not reversible.