The INCAM-G is a wireless camera transmitter designed to integrate seamlessly into the rear housing of Grass Valley LDX series cameras. It functions as a comprehensive solution for transmitting high-definition video and audio, along with camera control data, in broadcast environments.
Function Description:
The primary function of the INCAM-G is to provide wireless transmission of full HD, 3G SDI video, and audio from a camera. It incorporates a built-in wireless camera control receiver module, enabling remote control of the camera. The system supports various video resolutions including 1080p, 1080i, and 720p, utilizing H.264 encoding for broadcast quality. It offers ultra-low delay transmission, down to 20ms, with adjustable Group of Pictures (GOP) settings. The transmitter can operate with either COFDM DVB-T or LMS-T modulation schemes, which are factory options. An optional linear distortion pre-correction feature for the COFDM RF carrier improves spectral re-growth and co-channel performance. The INCAM-G is compatible with Grass Valley OCP 400 and Gigawave OCP5 camera control panels, and can also be configured via a USB connection using Windows PC software. It is fully compatible with Vislink's Gigawave and Link receivers.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Frequency Bands: 1.5 to 7GHz in bands, with a 1.95 to 2.7GHz factory option.
- Tuning Range: 500MHz standard bandwidth, with up to 16 pre-set channels or tuning in 500kHz steps.
- Transmit Power: Switchable in steps from 10 to 200mW (frequency band dependent).
- Transmit Antenna: Gigawave Omni Directional 4dBi gain (nominal).
- Modulation: Switchable between DVB-T 2K and LMS-T (single and double COFDM carriers, factory option).
- Modulation Modes: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM.
- FEC: Viterbi (1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8) and LDPC (LMS-T).
- Guard Interval: 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4.
- RF Bandwidths: DVB-T selectable 6, 7, 8MHz.
- Encoding: Video H.264/MPEG-4 level 4.1, Profile selectable 4.2.0 / 4.2.2, H.264 Level selectable 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 4.0, 4.1. Video GOP selectable (GOP M, GOP GN). Audio MPEG1 Layer 2 or Layer 1 selectable. Audio encoding rate selectable 128, 256, 384kBit/s. PIDs are user adjustable.
- Latency: Selectable Standard, Low, and Ultra Low delay (sub one frame, 20ms).
- Video Input: HD SDI 1080i, 1080p, 720p as defined by the camera.
- Audio Input: Audio encoding rate selectable 128, 256, 384kBit/s.
- ASI Connector: Dual-purpose connector for ASI output or input (DVB ASI transport stream 188/204), with internal ASI MUX.
- User Data: 9600 baud.
- Remote Control: Via USB connection with Windows PC Software.
- Camera Control RX Operating Bands: UHF 430 to 470MHz or 450 to 490MHz.
- Tuning Step Size: 12.5kHz or 6.25kHz.
- Modulation (Camera Control): GMSK.
- Power Requirements: 12 - 16VDC, 18 Watts.
- Mechanical Interface: Mounts inside the camera rear housing.
- Weight: Rear housing with transmitter fitted: 2.3kg.
- Environmental Temperature: -20° to +50°C.
- Altitude: 4500m.
- Humidity: 95% humidity long term.
- Connectors:
- Telemetry Antenna (1): For telemetry.
- Video Out (2): 75Ω BNC, provides video out for a steadicam monitor (switchable between HD-SDI/SDI and Composite).
- Power In (3): For alternative camera power (11 to 17Vdc).
- Power Switch (4): Three-way switch for Off, Standby, and On (transmitting).
- Steadicam Tally (5): 5-pin Lemo, provides CVBS and Tally drive levels for an external tally box.
- Return Data (6): Binder 719 3 Sockets, RS232 data path from camera to OCP400.
- External Audio (7): XLR 3 Pins, for external microphone or radio mic.
- Remote Configuration (8): Binder 719 Sockets, for PC connection via TTL to USB converter cable.
- RF Antenna (9): 50Ohm "N" Type, for Vislink antenna range.
- Return In (1) (Side): 75Ω BNC, SDI input from an external return video receiver.
- SDI Out (2) (Side): 75Ω BNC, HD-SDI/SDI video out.
Usage Features:
- Integrated Design: The INCAM-G is designed to be built into the rear housing of Grass Valley LDX series cameras, offering a compact and streamlined solution.
- Flexible Powering: Can be powered via the camera's battery or an alternative power source through the dedicated Power In connector.
- Three-Way Power Switch: Allows for easy control of the transmitter's operational state (off, standby, or transmitting).
- Comprehensive Configuration: All parameters can be monitored and controlled via a Windows PC application ("INCAM Programmer") connected via USB. This GUI allows for setting Tx Power Level, channel/frequency, modulation scheme, constellation, code rate, guard interval, video delay, H.264 encoder profile/level, GOP structure, and entropy encoding.
- Camera Control: Supports camera control via a UHF data receiver, compatible with Grass Valley OCP 400 and Gigawave OCP5. It can also be integrated into systems with multiple OCPs and cameras using a single data transmitter, where control data is multiplexed onto a single narrow-band RF carrier.
- Steadicam Support: Features a dedicated connector for Steadicam Tally, providing CVBS and Tally drive levels for external tally boxes.
- External Audio Input: Allows for connection of external microphones or radio mics, configurable via the PC GUI.
- Return Video/Data: Includes connections for return video (SDI Input) and return data for camera control.
- DVB-T and LMS-T Bit Rates: Detailed tables are provided for DVB-T bit rates across 6, 7, and 8 MHz bandwidths, as well as LMS-T bit rates for single pedestal operation, offering flexibility in transmission quality and efficiency.
Maintenance Features:
- Environmental Protection: The INCAM-G is IPxx rated and should be protected from dripping or splashing water/fluids. When used outdoors, it should be protected by the camera's rain cover.
- RF Power Hazard Awareness: Users are warned about high levels of RF power and the potential for burns or harm. It is crucial to switch off supplies before removing covers or disconnecting RF cables and to avoid standing in front of high-gain antennas.
- Toxic Substances Warning: Certain components contain Gallium Arsenide and Beryllium Oxide, which are toxic. Users are advised not to cut, break, incinerate, or chemically process these components and to consult local authorities for disposal.
- Tantalum Capacitors Caution: Warns about the potential for rupture if subjected to reverse or excess forward voltage, ripple current, or temperature.
- ESD Precautions: The system contains MOS devices, requiring Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) precautions to prevent accidental damage.
- Disposal Instructions: Equipment and batteries should not be disposed of with household waste or incinerated; they should be taken to local environmental waste sites.
- Pre-Operation Checks: Before deployment, it is recommended to check battery charge, verify the transmitter's operational setup (MPEG encoding, COFDM modulation, RF channel frequency), and ensure receiving equipment (antennas, receivers, cables) is clean, compatible, and in good working order.
- System Trial: It is strongly advised to set up and trial the entire system at the base before going on-site to ensure all components are working correctly and to allow for adjustments.