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Details the RS232 and RS422 serial communication interfaces, including pin-outs and cable configurations for connecting to Quartz routing systems.
Provides the pin-out configuration for the Quartz D9 serial port used for RS232 and RS422 communication.
Describes the necessary cabling and pin connections for establishing an RS232 interface between a PC and a Quartz router.
Explains the interface for the FU-0003 embedded control system, including DIP switch settings for computer port enablement.
Defines the command format for setting a route (crosspoint) between a source and destination on specified levels.
Allows setting up to 16 routes in a single command, with optional level specification for each destination.
Explains commands for locking, unlocking, and interrogating destination locks to prevent unauthorized changes via control panels.
Details the command to execute a pre-programmed salvo, equivalent to the .QF command.
Describes how to query the current source routed to a specific destination and level.
This command is reserved for future use and defines a format for setting multiple crosspoints.
Provides two formats for interrogating routes, listing current sources for specified destinations or destinations using a specific source.
Explains commands to retrieve destination, source, or level mnemonics from the system's configuration.
Details commands for changing destination, source, or level mnemonics within the system.
Allows reading back eight bytes of the router's internal configuration EPROM at a time.
Enables rewriting the router's internal configuration EPROM, requiring specific hardware.
Enables dynamic creation, modification, and firing of multiple salvos during runtime.
Covers the .QC command for creating, selecting, or deselecting salvos.
Details the .QR command for resetting the content of a specified salvo.
Explains the .QS command for loading crosspoint data into the currently selected salvo.
Describes the .QF command for firing a salvo immediately or at a specified time.
Details the .QD command for deleting a specified salvo.
Explains the .QL command to list the number of items contained within a specific salvo.
Describes the .A(cr) response, indicating a successful reception and processing of a command without errors.
Explains the .E(cr) response, which is returned when an error is detected in a command sequence.
Details the output message when the matrix is powered up or reset, indicating it is online.
Describes update messages sent by the matrix when routes are changed, including the format for normal takes.
Explains a specific update format used on the SC1000 controller for tie-line connections, including level and source information.
Details the RS232 and RS422 serial communication interfaces, including pin-outs and cable configurations for connecting to Quartz routing systems.
Provides the pin-out configuration for the Quartz D9 serial port used for RS232 and RS422 communication.
Describes the necessary cabling and pin connections for establishing an RS232 interface between a PC and a Quartz router.
Explains the interface for the FU-0003 embedded control system, including DIP switch settings for computer port enablement.
Defines the command format for setting a route (crosspoint) between a source and destination on specified levels.
Allows setting up to 16 routes in a single command, with optional level specification for each destination.
Explains commands for locking, unlocking, and interrogating destination locks to prevent unauthorized changes via control panels.
Details the command to execute a pre-programmed salvo, equivalent to the .QF command.
Describes how to query the current source routed to a specific destination and level.
This command is reserved for future use and defines a format for setting multiple crosspoints.
Provides two formats for interrogating routes, listing current sources for specified destinations or destinations using a specific source.
Explains commands to retrieve destination, source, or level mnemonics from the system's configuration.
Details commands for changing destination, source, or level mnemonics within the system.
Allows reading back eight bytes of the router's internal configuration EPROM at a time.
Enables rewriting the router's internal configuration EPROM, requiring specific hardware.
Enables dynamic creation, modification, and firing of multiple salvos during runtime.
Covers the .QC command for creating, selecting, or deselecting salvos.
Details the .QR command for resetting the content of a specified salvo.
Explains the .QS command for loading crosspoint data into the currently selected salvo.
Describes the .QF command for firing a salvo immediately or at a specified time.
Details the .QD command for deleting a specified salvo.
Explains the .QL command to list the number of items contained within a specific salvo.
Describes the .A(cr) response, indicating a successful reception and processing of a command without errors.
Explains the .E(cr) response, which is returned when an error is detected in a command sequence.
Details the output message when the matrix is powered up or reset, indicating it is online.
Describes update messages sent by the matrix when routes are changed, including the format for normal takes.
Explains a specific update format used on the SC1000 controller for tie-line connections, including level and source information.
The Evertz Quartz Routing Switcher Remote Control Protocol, detailed in Application Note 65, outlines a comprehensive ASCII text-based communication method for controlling Quartz routing systems. This protocol facilitates remote management of routing switchers, allowing for a wide range of functions from simple crosspoint setting to complex system configurations and diagnostics. It supports both serial (RS232/422) and Ethernet physical interfaces, providing flexibility in integration with various control systems and computers.
The core function of the Quartz Routing Switcher Remote Control Protocol is to enable external control over the routing matrix. This includes setting individual crosspoints, managing system destination locks, firing salvos (pre-configured sets of crosspoints), and reading/writing various system parameters.
The most fundamental operation is setting a crosspoint, achieved with the .S{level}{dest},{srce}(cr) command. This allows a specified source to be routed to a destination on one or more designated levels (ee.g., video, audio 1, audio 2, control/time code). The protocol supports both 8-level and 16-level systems, with level identifiers ranging from V, A, B, C, D, E, F, G to H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O for 16-level systems. For instance, .SV1,2(cr) would route source 2 to destination 1 on the video level. The system provides an update message (.U{level}{dest},{srce}(cr)) upon successful routing, confirming the change.
For more complex routing scenarios, the protocol offers a "Multiple Set Xpt Message" using the .M command. This command allows a block of up to 16 routes to be set simultaneously within a single command, provided the command length does not exceed 256 bytes. It supports specifying levels for individual destinations or applying a default level from a previous definition within the same command. This feature is particularly useful for quickly configuring multiple routes, such as .MVA001-005,010-014(cr), which sets a range of destinations to a range of sources on control levels 1 and 2.
To ascertain the current routing status, the protocol includes interrogation commands. The .I{level}{dest}(cr) command queries a single destination to determine its current source. The router responds with .A{level}{dest},{srce}(cr). This is crucial for verifying routes, especially in systems where tielines might modify the returned source value to include control level information.
For listing multiple routes, the .L command offers two formats. .L{level}{dest},-(cr) lists up to 8 routes from a specified starting destination on a given level, showing their current sources. The router replies with a series of .A{level}{dest},{srce} messages. Alternatively, .L{level}{dest},{srce}(cr) lists only those destinations from a specified starting point that are currently using a particular source.
The protocol provides robust control over system destination locks, preventing unauthorized changes from standard control panels. The .BL{dest}(cr) command locks a destination, while .BU{dest}(cr) unlocks it. To check the lock status of a destination, .BI{dest}(cr) is used, with the router responding with .BA{dest},{lock status}(cr), where lock status indicates whether the destination is unlocked, protected by a panel, or unprotected.
Salvos are pre-configured sets of crosspoints that can be fired as a single command. The protocol allows for dynamic creation, modification, and firing of these salvos during runtime, complementing salvos created via the WinSetup configuration editor.
.QC{n}(cr) command changes the current salvo to salvo n, creating it if it doesn't exist. If n is zero, the currently selected salvo is deselected..QR{n}(cr) resets the content of salvo n..QS{level}{dest},{srce}(cr) loads crosspoint data into the currently selected salvo, using a format identical to the standard Set Xpt message..QF{n}(cr) fires salvo n immediately. The protocol also supports firing salvos at a specified time using .QF{n}T1:hh:mm:ss:ff(cr), assuming hardware support for time code reference..QD{n}(cr) destroys salvo n..QL{n}(cr) lists the number of items in salvo n. If n is not specified, it lists items in the current salvo. The response .QL{n},{m}(cr) indicates the current salvo n and the number of items m within it.The protocol allows for reading and writing of mnemonic names for destinations, sources, and levels. These mnemonics are displayed on LCD button panels.
.RD{dest}(cr), .RS{source}(cr), and .RL{level}(cr) read 8-character mnemonics for destinations, sources, and levels, respectively. For 10-character mnemonics (displayed in two rows of five characters), .RE{dest}(cr), .RT{source}(cr), and .RM{level}(cr) are used. The router replies with .RA[D/S/L]{mnemonic string}(cr) or .RA[D/S/L]{dest/source/level},{mnemonic string}(cr)..WD{dest},{mnemonic string}(cr), .WS{source},{mnemonic string}(cr), and .WL{level},{mnemonic string}(cr) write 8-character mnemonics. For 10-character mnemonics, .WE{dest},{mnemonic string}(cr), .WT{source},{mnemonic string}(cr), and .WM{level},{mnemonic string}(cr) are used.For embedded control systems, the protocol offers commands to read and write the internal configuration EPROM.
.?{addr}(cr) reads eight bytes of configuration data from a specified address. The router replies with .A{addr},{byte 1},{byte 2},...,{byte 8}(cr)..!{addr},{byte 1},{byte 2},...,{byte 8}(cr) writes between one and eight bytes to the EPROM at a specified address.A suite of engineering commands provides deeper system interaction and diagnostics. These commands, identified by a # prefix, allow for:
.#00(cr))..#01(cr))..#02(cr))..#12,{xx}(cr))..#23(cr) and .#34(cr))..#40, .#41, .#42, .#43)..#44,{xx}(cr))..#45,{xx}(cr))..#46, .#47, .#48)..#49, .#50, .#51)..#56, .#67, .#78)..#80,75(cr) and .#81(cr)).When the status display operates in stand-alone mode, commands like .VP-(cr), .VP+(cr), and .VP{xx}(cr) allow for page decrement, increment, or direct selection of a display page.
Specific engineering commands are available for Ethernet configuration, allowing the setting and retrieval of TCP/IP addresses for local and remote controllers, network gateways, and TCP/IP address masks. These commands are prefixed with .&.
ASCII Text-Based Protocol: The protocol's reliance on ASCII text makes it highly accessible. Remote changes can be easily implemented using a simple terminal or terminal emulation software, simplifying debugging and direct interaction.
Flexible Physical Interfaces: Support for both RS232/422 serial and Ethernet interfaces ensures broad compatibility with existing control infrastructure. This allows for integration into various network environments, from direct serial connections to complex TCP/IP networks.
Standard TCP/IP Stream Sockets: For Ethernet communication, the protocol utilizes standard TCP/IP stream sockets (Berkeley sockets). This ensures compatibility across different host environments and operating systems, making it straightforward for client applications to establish and maintain connections with the router controller.
Master/Slave Configuration: The protocol supports master/slave router configurations, with specific DIP switch settings to define the role of each router. This is crucial for redundant systems and distributed control architectures.
Error Handling and Acknowledgment: The system provides clear responses to commands. A successful command typically receives an .A(cr) acknowledgment, while an error in syntax or command recognition results in an .E(cr) error message. This feedback mechanism is essential for reliable control system development.
Update Messages: The router actively sends update messages (.U{levels}{dest},{srce}(cr)) whenever routes are changed, whether by remote panels or the remote control protocol itself. This ensures that all connected control systems are aware of the current routing state, facilitating synchronization and real-time monitoring.
Tieline Support: The protocol accounts for tieline routing, where the destination and source may operate on different control levels. Update messages for tieline takes include both destination and source level information, allowing for accurate interpretation of complex routing paths.
Configurable Baud Rates: While the default baud rate for embedded control systems is 38400, other baud rates and parity options can be configured via WinSetup, offering flexibility to match existing serial communication setups.
Dynamic Salvo Creation: The ability to dynamically create, modify, and fire salvos during runtime provides significant operational flexibility. This allows operators to quickly adapt to changing production requirements without needing to reconfigure the system offline.
Multiple Level Control: The protocol supports setting crosspoints across multiple levels (e.g., video, audio) within a single command, simplifying the control of multi-channel signals and ensuring synchronized switching.
Revision History: The manual includes a detailed revision history, documenting changes and updates to the protocol over time. This is valuable for understanding protocol evolution, ensuring compatibility with different firmware versions, and troubleshooting issues related to specific revisions.
Embedded Control System Diagnostics: Commands for reading and writing the internal configuration EPROM are vital for maintenance and advanced troubleshooting. This allows technicians to diagnose configuration issues, restore settings, or update firmware parameters directly through the protocol.
Q-Link Protocol Enquiries: Engineering commands like .#00(cr) allow for querying the Q-Link Protocol version and address of devices. This is useful for verifying device compatibility and network configuration.
Connection Testing: The .#01(cr) command provides a simple way to test if a router is connected, which is a fundamental diagnostic step for serial and Ethernet links.
Router Reset: The .#12,{xx}(cr) command allows for a remote reset of the router, which can be useful for clearing transient errors or applying new configurations without physical access to the device.
Q-Link Status Monitoring: Commands like .#45,{xx}(cr) provide the Q-link status of devices, indicating whether they are online, offline, or the current unit. This is essential for monitoring the health and connectivity of the routing system.
Error Count Management: The protocol includes commands to get general and specific error numbers (.#46, .#47) and to clear error counts (.#48). This enables technicians to track and manage system errors, aiding in proactive maintenance and problem resolution.
Device Information Retrieval: Commands like .#50,{xx}(cr) allow for retrieving type and version numbers of Q-link devices, which is important for inventory management, compatibility checks, and ensuring that the correct firmware is running on each component.
Detailed Pin-Out Information: The manual provides clear pin-out diagrams for D9 and D25 serial connectors, along with cable wiring instructions for PC-to-Quartz RS232 interfaces. This is crucial for correct physical installation and troubleshooting serial communication issues.
DIP Switch Settings: Information on router DIP switch settings for enabling the computer port and configuring master/slave roles is provided, which is essential for initial setup and re-configuration of embedded control systems.
Timing Information: For embedded control systems, the manual includes details on transmit times and the delay between vertical sync and RS232 messages. This information is critical for optimizing system performance and ensuring precise video switching.
Support for Older Systems: A dedicated section addresses older routing products, detailing their specific interface requirements (e.g., CI-0001 computer interface) and operational parameters (e.g., 9600 baud rate). This ensures that the protocol remains relevant for legacy installations and aids in maintaining older equipment.
Appendix A Command Support Matrix: The comprehensive table in Appendix A, detailing which commands are supported by different Quartz products and firmware versions, is an invaluable resource for maintenance. It allows technicians to quickly ascertain command compatibility, preventing attempts to use unsupported functions and streamlining troubleshooting efforts across diverse hardware platforms.
General| Model | Quartz D9 |
|---|---|
| Type | Video and Audio Router |
| Input Formats | 3G/HD/SD-SDI |
| Output Formats | 3G/HD/SD-SDI |
| Video Standards | SMPTE ST 424 (3G-SDI) |
| Audio Support | Embedded audio |
| Processing | Frame synchronization |
| Control Interface | RS-422 |
| Dimensions | 1RU, 19" rack mountable |
| Routing & Distribution | Routing & Distribution |
