This document describes the Quartz Q16/Q32 Routing Switcher System Manual, covering installation, operation, and maintenance.
Function Description
The Quartz Q16/Q32 is a routing switcher system designed to handle various signal formats, including video, audio, and RS422 data. It supports matrix sizes from 16x1 up to 1024x1024 by combining frames. The system incorporates sophisticated control, allowing the integration of standard Q-Link panels and a mix of different router types within a single control system.
The Q16 range handles 16 inputs and up to 16 outputs, with each signal format in a separate 1U package. The Q32 range handles 32 inputs and up to 32 outputs, with each signal format in a separate 2U package. Backup power supplies are available as an option for Q32 frames. Larger systems, such as Q6400, Xenon, and Q128 ranges, offer greater capacities and additional features like backup controllers and power supplies, with expansion capabilities up to 1024x1024 by combining frames.
The system uses a Q-Link control bus for interconnecting panels and frames via a single coaxial cable, simplifying installation. It also features RS232/422 computer ports for configuration and remote control.
Important Technical Specifications
Analog Video
- Video Inputs:
- Nominal signal level: 1V p-p (video), 2V p-p (sync pulses), 1V p-p (subcarrier)
- Max signal level: +6dB (video), 2.5V p-p (sync pulses), +/-0.7V (video or subcarrier)
- Impedance: 75Ω terminating
- Return Loss to 5.5 MHz: 40dB
- DC on input (DC restored): +/-3V
- Video Outputs:
- Impedance: 75Ω
- Return Loss to 5.5 MHz: 35dB
- DC on output: +/-50mV (Note 1: In DC coupled mode, DC on output is specified with input terminated in 75Ω. In DC restored mode, specification refers to black level when sync amplitude is 300mV.)
- Insertion Gain:
- Insertion gain: +/-0.1dB
- Gain spread between inputs: +/-0.05dB
- Adjustment range: +/-0.5dB
- Linear Distortion:
- HF response 15KHz to 5.5MHz: +/-0.1dB
- HF response 5.5 to 10MHz: +/-0.2dB
- HF response 10MHz to 100MHz: +0.5, -1.0dB
- HF response above 100MHz: smooth roll off
- HF adjustment at subcarrier: +/-0.5dB
- LF response, tilt at 50 Hz: +/-0.5%
- Y-C gain inequality: +/-0.5%
- Y-C delay inequality: +/-5nsec
- Non-Linear Distortion:
- Differential Gain (10-90% APL): 0.15%
- Differential Phase (10-90%APL): 0.15°
- Luminance non-linearity: 0.2%
- C-Y intermodulation: 0.5%
- Dynamic gain (Y, C, sync): 0.5%
- Transient gain (Y, C, sync): 1%
- Unwanted Residual Effects:
- Crosstalk, to 5.5MHz worst case: 58dB
- Noise to 5.5MHz: -70dBrms
- Video spikes at switching: +/-20mv
- Switching Reference:
- Signal level: 1V p-p +/-3dB (1-4V pulses)
- Impedance: looping
- DC on input: +/-1V
- Switching occurs on lines: 6/319 to 10/323 (link selectable)
- Field or frame rate: link selectable
- Propagation Delay:
- Path length - Q16 and Q32: 13nsec typical
- Timing spread at 4.43MHz (one output): +/-1°, (all outputs): +/-2°
- Power:
- Voltage: 90-264V, 50/60Hz (universal)
- Power consumption: 20 watts (Q16, Q32)
- Connector (Q16): IEC with latch
- Connector (Q32): IEC with latch x 2
- Power Fail Alarm Output (Q32): screw terminals, closing relay contact rated at 250mA, 50V (Power Supply good), open relay contact (Power Supply failed/absent)
- Control:
- Q-link to remote panels: 75Ω video cable, 500M max. length
- Computer port RS232/RS422: D9 socket
- Mechanical:
- Height: 1U (Q16), 2U (Q32)
- Width: 19" rack mount
- Depth: 500mm
- Weight: 6Kg (Q16), 12Kg (Q32)
- Environmental:
- Operating and storage (ambient): 0-40°C
- Specification maintained (ambient): 10-30°C
- Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing
Analog Audio
- Audio Inputs:
- Impedance: 20KΩ
- Common Mode Rejection: -80dB, -100dB typical (20Hz to 3KHz), -70dB typical (3KHz to 20KHz)
- Common Mode Level (Q16, Q32): +/-20dBu maximum with no signal
- Common Mode Level (Q6400): +/-27dBu maximum with no signal
- Audio Outputs:
- Impedance: 40Ω balanced
- DC on output: +/-50mV
- Signal Path:
- Insertion gain: +/-0.1dB
- Frequency Response 20Hz to 20KHz: +/-0.25dB
- Frequency Response 20Hz to 150KHz: -3dB
- Relative delay between two routes: 1 µsec
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%, 0.01% typical
- Crosstalk 20Hz to 20KHz (Q16, Q32): -90dBu to +20dBu, 20Hz to 20KHz
- Crosstalk 20Hz to 20KHz (Q6400): -80dBu worst case, -95dBu typical
- Noise 20Hz to 20KHz: -85dBu rms, unweighted, -90dBu typical
- Power:
- Voltage: 90-264V, 50/60Hz (universal)
- Power consumption (Q16): 20 watts (20 watts driving max signal into 600Ω loads)
- Power consumption (Q32): 40 watts (70 watts driving max signal into 600Ω loads)
- Power consumption (Q6400): 120 watts (195 watts driving max signal into 600Ω loads)
- Connector (Q16): IEC with retaining latch
- Connector (Q32, Q6400): IEC with retaining latch, backup optional
- Power Fail Alarm Output: screw terminals, closing relay contact rated at 250mA, 50V (Power Supply good), open relay contact (Power Supply failed or absent)
- Control:
- Q-link to remote panels: 75Ω video cable, 500M max. length
- Computer port RS232/RS422: D9 socket
- Mechanical:
- Height (Q16): 1U, 44mm, 1.75"
- Height (Q32): 2U, 88mm, 3.5"
- Height (Q6400): 3U, 88mm, 5.25"
- Width: 19" rack mount
- Depth: 500mm
- Audio Connectors: D50 connector
- Environmental:
- Operating and storage (ambient): 0-40°C
- Specification maintained (ambient): 10-30°C
- Fan cooled (DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTS): Q32, Q6400 draw cool air from front and exhaust warm air from both sides.
- Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing
Serial Digital Video
- Video Inputs:
- Signal level: 800mV p-p, nominal
- Impedance: 75Ω terminating
- Return Loss, 5 to 270 MHz: 15dB, 16dB typical
- DC on input: +/-3V
- Cable equalisation at 270Mb/s (Q16/Q32): 250M, 300M typical Belden 8281, PSF1/2; 200M, 230M typical PSF 1/3
- Cable equalisation at 270Mb/s (Q6400): 220M, 250M typical Belden 8281, PSF1/2; 175M, 200M typical PSF 1/3
- Cable equalisation at 270Mb/s (128): 200M, 250M typical Belden 8281, PSF1/2; 150M, 200M typical PSF 1/3
- Video Outputs:
- Signal Level: 800mV +/-10%
- Impedance: 75Ω
- Return Loss, 5 to 270MHz: 15dB
- DC offset: +/-0.5V
- Rise/fall times into 75Ω resistive load, 20 to 80%: 0.6 to 0.9ns
- Jitter: 500ps p-p max.
- Switching Reference:
- Signal level: 1V p-p +/-3dB or 1-4V pulses
- Impedance: looping
- DC on input: +/-1V
- Switching occurs on lines: 6/319 to 10/323, field or frame rate, link selectable
- Power (Q16 & Q32):
- Auto-ranging: 85-264V 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: Q16 = 30 watts, Q32 = 60 watts
- Connector (Q16): IEC with retaining latch
- Connector (Q32): IEC with retaining latch, backup optional
- Power Fail Alarm Output: screw terminals, closing relay contact rated at 250mA, 50V (Both Power Supplies good), open relay contact (One Power Supply failed or absent)
- Control:
- Q-link to remote panels: 75Ω video cable, 500M max. length
- Computer port RS232/RS422: D9 socket
- Mechanical:
- Height: Q16 = 1U, 44mm, 1.75"; Q32 = 2U, 89mm, 3.50"
- Width: 19" rack mount
- Depth: Q16, Q32 = 500mm
- Weight: Q16 = 5.2Kg, Q32 = 6.6Kg
- Environmental:
- Operating and storage (ambient): 0-40 °C
- Specification maintained (ambient): 10-30 °C
- Fan cooled (DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTS): Q16/Q32 draws cool air from the front of the frame and exhausts warm air from both sides (and lid if clear of obstructions).
- Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing
AES/EBU Digital Audio
- Audio Inputs:
- Sample rates: 32, 44.1, 48KHz
- Impedance: 110Ω +/-20%
- Transformer coupled
- Signal level: 0.2-7 volts p-p
- DC on input: +/-50V
- Audio Outputs:
- Rise/fall times into 110Ω resistive load: 5-30ns
- Jitter: <20ns
- Signal Level: 2-7 volts p-p
- Impedance: 110Ω
- Transformer coupled
- DC isolation: +/-50V
- Power (Q16 & Q32):
- Auto-ranging: 85-264V 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: 15watts
- Connector (1U frame): IEC with retaining latch
- Connector (Q32 only): IEC with retaining latch, backup optional
- Power Fail Alarm Output (only): screw terminals, closing relay contact rated at 250mA, 50V (Both Power Supplies good), open relay contact (Power Supply failed or absent)
- Technical and chassis earth, cable screens: screw terminals
- Power (Q6400):
- Auto-ranging, 85-264V 50/60Hz (8U BNC Version)
- 90-132V 50/60Hz, 180-264V 50/60Hz (3U D50 Version, rear panel voltage selector)
- Power consumption: 75watts
- Connector: IEC with retaining latch, backup optional
- Power Fail Alarm Output: screw terminals, closing relay contact rated at 250mA, 50V (Both Power Supplies good), open relay contact (Power Supply failed or absent)
- Technical and chassis earth, cable screens: screw terminals
- Control:
- Q-link to remote panels: 75Ω video cable, 500M max. length
- Computer port RS232/RS422: D9 socket
- Mechanical:
- Height (Q16/Q32): 1U, 44mm, 1.75" (Q1600), 2U, 89mm, 3.50" (Q3200)
- Width: 19" rack mount
- Depth: 500mm
- Weight (Q16/Q32): 5.2Kg (Q16), 6.6Kg (Q32)
- Audio Connectors for balanced: 50 way D connector
- Audio Connectors for un-balanced: 75Ω BNC
- Environmental:
- Operating and storage (ambient): 0-40 °C
- Specification maintained (ambient): 10-30 °C
- Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing
RS422 Control Level
- Matrix Router RS422 Signal Inputs:
- Impedance: 110Ω
- Maximum baud rate: 1Mbaud
- Connector: D9 socket
- Matrix Router RS422 Signal Outputs:
- Signal Level: 2-7 volts p-p, differential
- Impedance: 110Ω
- Rise/fall times into 110Ω resistive load: 5-30ns
- Connector: D9 socket
- Port Router:
- Signal path is through relays
- Connector: D9 socket
- Power:
- Q1600-RS, rear panel voltage selector: 90-132V 50/60Hz, 180-264V 50/60Hz
- Q6400-PR, auto-ranging: 85-264V 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: 15watts
- Connector: IEC with retaining latch
- Control:
- Q-link to remote panels: 75Ω video cable, 500M max. length
- Computer port RS232/RS422: D9 socket
- Mechanical:
- Height (Q1600-RS): 2U, 89mm, 3.5"
- Height (Q6400-PR): 3U, 133mm, 5.25"
- Width: 19" rack mount
- Depth: 500mm
- Weight: 10Kg
- Environmental:
- Operating and storage (ambient): 0-40 °C
- Specification maintained (ambient): 20-30 °C
- Humidity: 10-90% non-condensing
Usage Features
- Installation: Designed for simple installation in standard 19" equipment racks. Modules plug in from the front, requiring 800mm clearance for maintenance. Fan-cooled units (Q16/Q32 Serial Digital Video Routers, Q32 Analogue Audio Router) require clear ventilation slots.
- Electrical Connections: Uses standard 75Ω coaxial cable for video, D50 multi-way connectors for balanced audio, and BNC connectors for unbalanced AES audio. Proper cable support is crucial. Video inputs are terminated internally, and outputs are single.
- Video Reference: Looping input for standard syncs, typically color black, to determine vertical blanking interval switching. A 75Ω terminator plug is required if one looping input connector is unused.
- Audio Connections: D50 multi-way connectors for balanced audio (16 inputs, 16 outputs). Each signal has hot (+), cold (-), and screen pins. For digital audio, 110Ω data cable is recommended. Unbalanced AES audio uses standard video cable with BNC connectors.
- RS422 Data Routers: Port routers allow any connector to be routed to any other. Matrix routers have dedicated input and output connectors. Features "Last Take Wins" and "Take From Idle" to manage connections. Supports RS232 via SIMM modules.
- Relay Routers: Supports independent signals or pairs of signals, with matrix sizes up to 16x16.
- Q-Link Remote Control: Single coaxial link (75Ω video cable) daisy-chained between frames and panels. Both ends of the link must be terminated in 75Ω. Supports up to 64 devices (V5 firmware). Address switches on each unit define its identity. Multiple Q-Links can be used in larger systems with a CI-0004 module.
- RS232/422 Computer Port: D9-type or RJ45 sockets on the rear of each router frame. Used for configuration via WinSetup and remote switching. Master routers typically use Serial 1 for WinSetup and Serial 2 (with CI-0001 or CI-0004 module) for high-speed control.
- Power System: Q16 frames have single power supplies, Q32 frames support dual power supplies. PSUs are auto-ranging. Power fail alarm outputs are provided on Q32 frames.
- Configuration: DIP switches and rotary hex switches are used to set hardware parameters (Master/Slave mode, Serial Port mode, Baud Rate, Force Input, Address). Changes require pressing the RESET button.
- Status LEDs: Provide visual feedback on General Error, Power OK, Processor Running, Reset, No Q-Link, Xpt Set, and Serial Rx status.
- WinSetup Software: Used to configure routing functions, control panel operation, signal levels, frame/panel connections, and input/output naming.
Maintenance Features
- Module Removal and Replacement: Modules are front-pluggable. Unscrew front panel catches, lower the panel, disconnect ribbon cables (if local control panel is fitted). Pull handles to release locks and withdraw modules. Ensure handles are wide open when re-inserting modules until resistance is felt, then push evenly to secure.
- Fault Finding:
- Initial Checks: Verify external equipment, cabling, and power connections.
- Fuses: Check mains/power fuse (located in a drawer in the inlet socket) if no sign of life. Check DC fuses on power module (accessed by removing front panel) if pilot LEDs are out. Check DC fuse for remote panels (accessed by removing top cover). Always replace with correct rating.
- Reset Microprocessor: If the green LED on matrix modules/control panels is not flashing, press the RESET button.
- Visual Inspection: Unplug modules, check gold edge connector fingers for cleanliness and damage, ensure components in sockets are seated, and internal cables are plugged in. Clean dirty fingers with a clean cloth and solvent-based cleaner (e.g., alcohol), avoiding plastic parts.
- Configuration: Verify all hardware links, DIP switch settings, and address switch settings are correct as per Section 1 (Custom) and Section 3 (Installation).
- Common Faults:
- Incorrect Q-Link termination (both ends must be terminated in 75Ω for long cables).
- Duplicate address (hex) switch settings for frames.
- Incorrect Master/Slave status (one master, others slaves).
- Failure to press RESET after changing DIP or address switches.
- Alignment: Q16/Q32 products use modern high-stability components and conservative design, requiring no user alignments.
- Routine Maintenance:
- Cooling fans (in some matrix frames) are the only items requiring routine maintenance.
- Clean fan filters periodically.
- Fans are rated for 50,000 hours; replacement is recommended after five years as part of routine maintenance rather than waiting for failure. The equipment can operate without the fan in ambient temperatures up to 35°C, but extended use may reduce component life.
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