INSTALLATION

Installation || Operation Section || Maintenance Section || Serial Protocols

INTRODUCTION

This section provides the information required for installation of the Chameleon HB Routing Switchers into their operating environment.

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Unpack the Chameleon HB Routing Switcher carefully and verify that the serial number matches the number quoted on the packing list.  Before installing it into a system, check the outside of the unit carefully for signs of damage and check that none of the fasteners have come loose.

INSTALLATION

The Chameleon HB Routing Switcher is designed to be mounted in a standard 19” rack.

VIDEO AND AUDIO CONNECTIONS

The Chameleon HB Routing Switchers can be configured as video routers or audio routers, or as hybrids with both video and audio.

Inputs:

The input connectors are on the upper 2/3 of the rear panel.

For standard, non-hybrid routers, all the rear panel connectors will be BNC’s for video, and RCA’s or Phoenix screwtype for unbalanced or balanced audio, respectively.  In these cases the input connectors are numbered consecutively from 1 to 128 or 1 to 256.  Connect audio or video inputs as desired. 

For hybrid routers the left rear (looking from the rear) connectors will be all the BNC’s, numbered from 1 to 128 and the right rear connectors will be all the RCA’s or Phoenix connectors, numbered from 129 to 256.  Connect audio and video inputs to the appropriate side as desired. 

Outputs:

The output connectors are on the bottom of the rear panel.  For each main switcher card installed there will be 16 outputs labeled 1 to 16.  Blank (filler) panels will indicate that no switcher card is installed in the slot above.

For standard, non-hybrid routers, all the rear panel output connectors will be BNC’s for video, and the RCA’s or Phoenix screwtype for unbalanced or balanced audio, respectively.  Connect video or audio outputs as required.

For hybrid routers the left rear (looking from the rear) output connectors will all be BNCs and the right rear connectors will all be RCAs or Phoenix connectors.  Connect audio and video outputs as required.

RS232 CONNECTIONS

The Chameleon HB Routing Switcher can be controlled by its optional front panel keypad controller, by Knox remote controllers, or by external RS232 devices via the three 9-pin connectors on the rear panel.  To use an external driver connect a source of RS232 serial data to one or more of the three DB9 connectors marked P1, P2, and P3.  The Chameleon HB Routing Switchers are wired as data terminals; that is, data out of the Chameleon HB is on pin 2, data in is on pin 3, and pin 5 is ground (common).

A direct connection (pin-to-pin) from a PC-compatible serial port normally works well; select 9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity, on or two stop bits, and no flow control, for best compatibility.

When a second chassis (usually audio) is to be slaved to the first (usually video) it is customary to connect the controller to one of the RS232 input connectors on the first chassis, wired normally.  Then connect a cable from another of the input connectors on the first chassis to one of the input connectors on the second chassis wired as follows:  first chassis pin 2 to second chassis pin 3, pin 5 on the first to pin 5 on the second.

INITIALIZING THE FRONT PANEL CONTROLLER

On power-up, the front-panel LCD display will indicate which Knox routing switcher the Keypad Controller has been set up to operate.  If it is not set for the Chameleon, push the S key, then 93, then ENter.  The display will prompt you for the type of routing switcher you are controlling.  ENter 4 for the Chameleon, the push Enter (use 1 for RS4x4, 2 for RS8x8, or 3 for the RS16X16).

If the front panel controller is being used for the first time, or in the event of a complete memory loss, there will be nonsense characters in the current crosspoint pattern map.  To reinitialize these patterns, push the S key, then 94, the Enter.  Then enter a 1 to re-initialize, or push 0 to quit.

INITIALIZING THE CPU MEMORY

If the battery in the CPU has been changed there will be nonsense characters in the twenty stored patterns and in certain other memory areas.  To clear the memory, send the command C, followed by Enter to one of the serial ports. 

CAUTION--- reinitializing erases all your stored patterns!

SETTING A DIFFERENT BAUD RATE

All the communication ports on the Chameleon HB are set at the factory for 9600 baud, no parity, 1 or 2 stop bits.  To change a baud rate, send the command U followed by a two-digit number followed by an Enter.  The first digit in the string is the port, 1 to 4, and the second is the speed:

1. 1200 baud

2. 2400 baud

3. 9600 baud

4. 19.2Kbaud

CAUTION:  Setting a different baud rate for one of the ports can cause a communications failure in the event another operator is unaware of the change.  Use this command with caution.

OPERATION SECTION

Installation || Operation Section || Maintenance Section || Serial Protocols

INTRODUCTION

CONNECTION AND SETUP

Connect the video, audio and data to the Chameleon HB Routing Switchers described in Installation.  There is no requirement that all inputs be used or terminated.

If outputs are left over, they may be used like a distribution amplifier to buffer and distribute an input signal.  To use extra outputs in this way simply route the input you wish to distribute to as many available outputs as desired. 

Outputs should not be looped back to the inputs driving them.  If an output is then routed to its input an illegal condition will exist and the output will oscillate at frequencies which could spill over onto other crosspoints.

OPERATING FROM THE FRONT PANEL CONTROLLER

SELECTING THE MODE

The Keypad Controllers can operate in one of four modes:  (1) Full Matrix, (2) Single Output, (3) Strings, and (4) Recall.  To select the mode push the Mode switch (in the Keypad16, push the S key, then 83, the Enter) then a number from 1 to 4.  The current mode will be indicated in the scrolling display.

Mode 1:  Full Matrix- in this mode all the functions of the router switcher may be controlled by the remote; any input may be routed to any output, and the pattern storage, recall, and timed operation can be invoked.

Mode 2:  Single Output- in this mode the controller has been assigned to control a single output; pattern storage, recall, and timed operation cannot be invoked in this mode.

Mode 3:  Strings-in this mode the controller sends one of up to 64 preprogrammed strings of ASCII characters to the router.  Normally these would be series of commands to put some of the router outputs in a predetermined position.  Strings can be entered from the keypad or from an upstream terminal.

Mode 4:  Recall-in this mode the controller can only be used to recall the stored patterns.

FULL MATRIX MODE

HOW TO ROUTE AUDIO AND VIDEO IN ONE COMMAND

To route audio and video from the same input, push the B (BOTH) key on the front panel controller, then a one-, two-, or three-digit number for the output you wish to route to, then a one-, two-, or three-digit number for the input you wish to route both audio and video from, then push the ENter key.  (The number of digits must be the same for inputs and outputs.)

To route nothing to an input, just enter a 0, 00, or 000 for the input number (the number of zeros must correspond to the number of output digits).

After the first B command has been executed it is not necessary to push the B before the output and input numbers on subsequent commands.

Examples:  B18[Enter], B0164[Enter], B127016[Enter]

HOW TO ROUTE VIDEO ALONE

To route video alone, push the V (VIDEO) key, then a one-, two, or three-digit number for the output you wish to route to, then a two-digit number for the input you wish to route to, then push ENter.

After the first V command has been executed it is not necessary to push the V before the output and input numbers on subsequent commands.

Examples:  V18[Enter], V0164[Enter], V127016[Enter]

HOW TO ROUTE AUDIO ALONE

To route audio alone, push the A (AUDIO) key, then a one-, two, or three-digit number for the output you wish to route to, then a two-digit number for the input you wish to route to, then push ENter.

After the first A command has been executed it is not necessary to push the V before the output and input numbers on subsequent commands.

Examples:  A18[Enter], A0164[Enter], A127016[Enter]

HOW TO STORE A CROSSPOINT PATTERN

The keypad controller also has the ability to store up to twenty complete crosspoint patterns in its local memory.  As crosspoints are being made on the front panel controller, or from an external RS232 device, they are stored in the current crosspoint map.  That map may be stored at any time in one of the twenty available locations. 

Push the S (STORE) key, then a two-digit number from 01 to 20, then the ENter key.  Note:  the pattern previously stored at that location will be over-written.

Examples:  S01[Enter], S20[Enter]

HOW TO RECALL A STORED PATTERN

To recall and send a stored pattern to the router push the R (RECALL) key, then a two-digit number from 01 to 20 for the pattern to be recalled, then the ENter key.  Updating the entire pattern can take up to 30 seconds.

Examples:  R01[Enter], R20[Enter]

HOW TO TURN A CROSSPOINT OFF

Sometimes it is helpful to be able to disconnect a crosspoint altogether;  that is, have nothing connected to an output.  To turn an output off, type a letter (B for both, A for Audio, of V for video), then the output number, then 0, 00, or 000, then Enter (the number of zeros must correspond to the number of output digits).  To turn the output back on, route any input to it.

HOW TO SEND A SALVO COMMAND

Sometimes you want to send the same input to a range of consecutive outputs; this is called a salvo.  To send a salvo command, push the SALVO mode button, the select B, V, or A, and enter one to three digits for the first output in the range, the one to three digits for the last output in the range, then enter one to three digits for the input number to route from, and push Enter (all inputs and outputs must have the same number of digits).  All the outputs in the range will then be connected to the input named.  (Note that the display will show an X for a B, a Y for a V, and a Z for an A- this denotes that the controller is in the Salvo mode.)

Examples:  X181[Enter], Y326406[Enter], A001128064[Enter]

HOW TO USE THE QUEUE COMMAND

Sometimes it is important to have a number of switches made all at the same instant.  It is possible using the keypad controller to queue a number of pattern changes ahead of time, then to have them all executed at once.  Push the QUEUE button, then enter crosspoint changes as usual, selecting B, V, or A, and entering the output and input numbers followed by the Enter key.  (Note that the display will show and E for a B, and F for a V, and a G for an A- this denotes that the controller is in the Q mode.)  Each change will be recorded at the routing switcher but the changes will not take place until the QUEUE button is pushed a second time, or if a change is made at the router’s front panel controls.

Examples:  E18[Enter], F3208[Enter], G128064[Enter]

HOW TO INTERROGATE A CROSSPOINT CONDITION

To determine the condition of a particular crosspoint, enter the Display Mode by pushing the DISPLAY key.  Then enter a one, two or three-digit output number, and push ENter.  The LCD display will show all the crosspoints two at a time, beginning at the output number.  Push the ENter key to see more outputs; the display will return to READY after a few seconds if no more ENter’s are pushed.  To repeat the last output queried, push the DISPLAY button followed by the Enter button.

HOW TO USE THE TIMED PATTERN RECALL MODE

The controller can be programmed to recall the crosspoint patterns stored in the router at timed intervals.  To turn the timed mode on, push the S key, then enter 90, then push ENter.  The display will read TIMED MODE ON.  To return timed mode off, push S, then 91, then ENter.  The display will read TIMED MODE OFF, then return to the READY prompt after a few seconds.

To set the time between patterns, push the S key, then enter 92, then ENter.  The display will prompt you for a time interval from 1 to 999; enter a one, two or three digit number and push Enter.  Each increment of the time interval is about 1 second.

SINGLE OUTPUT MODE

SETTING THE OUTPUT STATION

In single-output mode, the output being controlled is listed on the scrolling display.  To change the output push the S key, then 82, then enter a one to three-digit output number, and push Enter.

HOW TO ROUTE THE SELECTED OUTPUT

Push the B, V or A key to choose Both, Video Only, or Audio Only, then enter a one-, two-, or three-digit number representing the input you wish to connect to.  It is not necessary to push Enter after a three-digit number.  After B, V, or A has been pushed it is not necessary to push it again before subsequent commands.

To move between various inputs it is possible to use the SALVO and QUEUE buttons to move up or down through the inputs.  Push the SALVO button to move on the next higher input (or QUEUE to move to the next lower) and push ENter to execute the command.

STRINGS MODE

In strings mode only the pre-programmed strings can be sent from the controller; thus only the numeric keys and the S are used (the SALVO, QUEUE, B, V, A and R buttons are not used).  To send a string, enter the two digit number from 01 to 64 for the string to be sent.

Simple strings may be entered from the keypad; more complex strings must be entered from an upstream terminal.  From the keypad, in STRINGS mode, push the S key and a two digit number between 01 and 64.  Then enter the command exactly as you wish it to be sent (e.g., S01, then V1608), the push Enter.  The carriage return after the command will be appended automatically.

In storing ASCII strings from an upstream terminal, the command $Sxx, where xx is a two-digit number from 01 to 64, must precede the actual string to be stored.  Strings may contain any ASCII or HEX characters, but the HEX characters must be represented in brackets; e.g., <OD>, for Odh (the carriage return function).  No carriage return is appended, so each string must end with <OD> if a carriage return is desired.  For example, if the terminal sends this sequence of characters:

            $S01B0101<OD>B2208<OD>B0401<OD>

string 01 will contain a command to connect output 1 to input 1, output 22 to input 8, and output 4 to input 1 for both video and audio.

            To replace a string simply store a new string over the old one.

RECALL MODE

In recall mode only patterns stored in the router’s memory can be recalled (the SALVO, QUEUE, B, V, A, S and R buttons are not used).  To recall a pattern, enter the two-digit number of the pattern.  It is not necessary to push Enter.

SUMMARY OF S-KEY FUNCTIONS

OPERATING FROM THE RS232 INPUT

A simple protocol allows all crosspoints to be set through the RS232 ports.  There are three independent RS232 inputs connectors on the rear of the Chameleon HB unit; each may be connected to an upstream terminal, computer, or other software-driven RS232 device.

CAUTION-While each port is independent of the other, there is an aggregate maximum data transfer rate that can be accommodated by the ChameleonHB’s CPU.  Use caution in driving more than one port with heavy traffic at the same time.

A fourth RS232 port is available on the CPU card inside the Chameleon HB.  It is reserved for use by the front panel controller, or for diagnostic use by service personnel.

Note: You may use upper or lower case letters in any command.

ROUTING VIDEO

To route video, send a four, six, or eight-byte command in the form:

  Vxy(ENTER),

  Vxxyy(ENTER),

  Vxxxyyy(ENTER)

Where xxx is an output number (001 to 128) and yyy is an input number (001-256).  The number of digits in the input number must match the number of digits in the output number.

Examples:  V16[Enter], V1802[Enter], V005127[Enter]

ROUTING AUDIO

To route audio, send a four, six, or eight-byte command in the form:

  Axy(ENTER)

  Axxyy(ENTER)

  Axxxyyy(ENTER)

Where xxx is an output number (01 to 64) and yyy is an input number (01-64).  The number of digits in the input number must match the number of digits in the output number.

Examples:        

  A16[Enter], A1802[Enter], A005127[Enter]

ROUTING VIDEO AND AUDIO TOGETHER

To route both audio and video from the same input, send a four, six or eight-byte command in the form:

  Bxy (ENTER),

  Bxxyy (ENTER),

  Bxxxyyy (ENTER)

Where xxx is an output number (01 to 64) and yyy is an input number (01-64).  The number of digits in the input number must match the number of digits in the output number.

Examples:  B16[Enter], B1802[Enter], B005127[Enter]

To route both audio and video from different inputs, send a five, eight, or eleven-byte command in the form:

  Jxyz (ENTER),

  Jxxyyzz (ENTER),

  Jxxxyyyzzz (ENTER)

Where xxx is an output number (1 to 128), yyy is a video input number (1-256), and zzz is an audio input number (1 to 256).  The number of digits in the input number must match the number of digits in the output number.

Examples:  J161[Enter], J183202[Enter], J005127001[Enter]

TURNING AN OUTPUT OFF

Sometimes it is helpful to be able to disconnect a crosspoint altogether; that is, have nothing connected to an output.  To turn an output off, send a letter (B for both, A for audio, or V for video), then the output number, then 0, 00, or 000 (to match the number of digits in the output number) then ENter.  To turn the output back on, route any input to it.

Examples:  B10[Enter], V1800[Enter], A127000[Enter]

HOW TO SEND A SALVO COMMAND

Sometimes you want to send the same input to a range of consecutive outputs; this is called a salvo.  To send a salvo command, send a B, V, or A, and enter one to three digits for the first output range, then one to three digits for the last output in the range, then one to three digits for the input number to route from (the number of digits in each output and input must match), and push ENter.  All the outputs in the range will then be connected to the input named.

Example:  B161[Enter], V183202[Enter], A005127001[Enter]

HOW TO USE THE QUEUE COMMAND

Sometimes it is important to have a number of switches made all at the same instant.  It is possible to queue a number of pattern changes ahead of time, then to have them all executed at once.  Send the crosspoints as usual, but substitute and E, F, or G in place of the B, V, or A, respectively.  The new crosspoints will be stored and ready to be executed.  To execute the commands all at once, send a final command in the regular form using B, V, or A, or just send the command,

  EE (ENTER)

All the commands will be executed at once.

Examples:  

  E11[Enter]E0216[Enter]EE[Enter]

  F18[Enter]G32[Enter]B22[Enter]                               

   E005127[Enter]E61[Enter]E007128[Enter]EE[Enter]

HOW TO STORE A CROSSPOINT PATTERN

To store the current pattern into the router’s pattern memory, send an S, then a two-digit number from 01 to 20, then an ENter.  The current pattern will then be stored in the memory position you specified.  Note:  the pattern previously stored at that location will be over-written.

Examples:  S01[Enter], S20[Enter]

HOW TO RECALL A STORED PATTERN

To recall one of the stored patterns from the router’s memory, send an R, then a two digit number from 01 to 20, then an ENter.  The entire pattern will be updated all at once.

Examples:  R01[Enter], R20[Enter]

HOW TO INTERROGATE A CROSSPOINT POSITION

To determine the condition of a particular crosspoint or crosspoints, send a D, then a two-, four-, or six-digit number indicating the first and last crosspoint to be displayed, then push Enter.

Sending just an M followed by an Enter will display the entire crosspoint map.

Examples:  D48[Enter], D0820[Enter], D001128[Enter], M[Enter]

HOW TO USE THE TIMED PATTERN RECALL MODE

The controller can be programmed to recall the twenty crosspoint patterns stored in the router one at a time, at timed intervals.  To turn the timed mode on, send a T followed by a one-, two-, or three-digit number corresponding to the number of seconds between patterns, followed by an ENter.

To stop the timed mode, send an N and Enter.

Examples:  T2[Enter], T20[Enter], T999[Enter]

ANSWERBACK

A correctly formed and executed command will elicit the answerback, DONE.  An incorrectly formed or un-executable command will elicit the answerback, ERROR.

INTERROGATING

To initiate the signon message (which contains information about the revision level of the software), send an I followed by an Enter.

To interrogate the Chameleon as to the active cards send the command W followed by an Enter.  Each audio and video card present will respond in return.

HELP COMMAND

The ChameleonHB CPU responds to the command:

  H (ENTER)

by listing the strings available in the command protocol.

The typical terminal readout is:

KNOX Chameleon II COMMANDS (FOLLOWED BY <CR>:

OPERATING FROM AN UPSTREAM DEVICE VIA THE CONTROLLER

Generally, commands from an upstream controller or terminal device can be passed through the Front Panel Keypad Controller or the Remote Keypad Controller to the router, and generally, all responses from the routing switcher to the controller will be echoed upstream to the terminal device.

However, all commands to the controller which are preceded by a $ are blocked.  The S-key functions listed below can be activated from a terminal by adding the $ in front of the command.  The command arguments must be a part of the string from the terminal (e.g., $S8012 stores the current pattern into local pattern 12).

SERIAL PROTOCOLS

Installation || Operation Section || Maintenance Section || Serial Protocols

ROUTING VIA THE RS232 INPUT

A Simple protocol allows all crosspoints to be set through the RS232 port (one of two DB9 connectors on the rear panel). The RS232 port will accept inputs from a terminal, computer, or other software-driven control device. No handshaking is required. Set the RS232 driver for 9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity, and two stop bits. You may use upper or lower case letters in any command.

Pin connections for the DB9 are as follows:
Data is sent from the router on pin 2.
Data is received by the router on pin 3.
Pin 5 is ground.

SETTING THE BAUD RATE

The router is shipped with the baud rate set at 9600.  The baud rate may be reset using positions 1 and 2 of the dip switches located on the rear panel of the router.  Set the switches for the desired baud rate as follows:

*All baud rates are 8 bit, no parity, one stop bit.

Switches are ON when pushed to the right (as viewed from the back of the panel)  The switches are read by the microprocessor only at power up; for switch configurations to take effect, cycle the power input to the router.

ROUTING VIDEO

To route video, send a six-byte command in the form:

Vxxyy(ENTER),

Where xx is an output number (01 to 64) and yy is an input number (01-64).

ROUTING AUDIO

To route audio, send a six-byte command in the form:

Axxyy (ENTER),

Where xx is an output number (01 to 64) and yy is an input number (01-64).

ROUTING VIDEO AND AUDIO TOGETHER

To route both audio and video from the same input, send a six-byte command in the form:

Bxxyy (ENTER),

Where xx is an output number (01 to 64) and yy is an input number (01-64).

To route both audio and video from different inputs, send an eight-byte command in the form:

Bxxyyzz(ENTER),

Where xx is an output number (01 to 64), yy is a video input number, and zz is an audio input number (01-64).

TURNING AN OUTPUT OFF

Sometimes it is helpful to be able to disconnect a crosspoint altogether; that is, have nothing connected to an output. To turn an output off, send a letter (B for both, A for audio, or V for video), then the output number, then 00, then ENter. To turn the output back on, route any input to it.

ANSWERBACK

Each correctly formatted command is answered by the card to which it was directed. The answerback is in the form: XX_OK, where XX is the card number responding. The video cards are in slots 1-8 and the audio cards in slots 9-16. For example, the command B0101 will answerback:

01_OK

09_OK

provided there is a card at both of those locations.

INTERROGATING

To interrogate the Chameleon as to the active cards send the command

1(ENTER)

each card will respond in turn:

01_OK

02_OK, etc.

MAINTENANCE SECTION

Installation || Operation Section || Maintenance Section || Serial Protocols

INTRODUCTION

The ChameleonHB uses passive air flow (convection) to keep its front panel-mounted power supply within a comfortable operating temperature range.  It is important to check for and correct against an accumulation of dust at least annually, or more often in a dusty environment.

The CPU card and the optional front panel controller both have battery backed-up memory for their crosspoint pattern storage and other non-volatile functions.  It is important to check the batteries annually and replace them when necessary.  For each board, the battery is Adl1220 type (one-half inch in diameter, 1/10 inch thick) with a 3.2 volt rating.  To avoid memory loss, replace the battery when the measured voltage falls below 2.8 volts.  Be sure the replacement battery is installed with the + side visible. 

No other routine maintenance is required in the Chameleon HB.

SWITCH/JUMPER OPTIONS

Each crosspoint card has 8 jumper positions labeled J2-J3 for configuring the cards.  Jumper positions 1 (far left) and 8 (far right) are used to identify whether a card is a video or audio card:

Jumper positions 2 through 7 are used to modify the card’s apparent position in the chassis to allow simultaneous switching of multiple cards, as with stereo audio or component video.  With these jumper positions OFF Each board has an address from 0 to 15; adding the jumpers modifies the card address as follows:

For example, to have a card in the 9^th slot (outputs 65-80) switch as though it is in the first slot (outputs 1-16), add jumper 4.  To have a card in the 15^th slot switch as though it is in the 9^th slot, add jumpers 2 and 3.

Installation || Operation Section || Maintenance Section || Serial Protocols