model RS-2/9
Installation Instructions


Hardware
The RS-2/9 adapter connects between a PC's serial COM port (RS232) and any RS422-capable VTR. When installing the RS-2/9, be careful to note which end goes to which device. The RS232 end connects to the computer via a 6' cable; the RS422 end connects to the VTR via a 10' cable. The adapter's label clearly shows the correct orientation.

Check the Master/Slave pushbutton on the side of the RS-2/9 for the correct position for your application. The button should be out (actually, about flush with the case) if the PC is acting as a controller, sending commands to a VTR. The button should be locked in if the PC is emulating a VTR, receiving commands from a controller.

When the software has enabled the COM port for deck control, the adapter's built-in diagnostic LEDs should both light up to indicate that power is available to the adapter. If only one LED is illuminated, your applications software is not driving the serial port correctly. If both LEDs are dark, then check 1) cables plugged in, 2) correct serial port chosen, and 3) software correctly configured for the chosen port. Not only do the LEDs indicate a presence of power, they can help to determine which serial port is which. The upper LED, labeled "data", will flash whenever data is transmitted or received, helping to confirm which serial port is active.

For any VTR that uses a 25-pin RS232 connector, this adapter will not work. For these machines (i.e.- Sony UVW1200 and 1400, the Panasonic AJ-D230), Addenda Electronics offers a converter that enables these machines to be used with the "Sony Serial" protocol usually found on 9-pin RS-422 connectors.



Software
The enclosed diskette contains several software packages. Each program is fairly well documented on the diskette. Some of the programs directly support the RS-2/9 adapter while others are of general interest. All of these programs require the Master/Slave button to be out. WSONY is a simple VTR controller program that runs under MS Windows. WSONY features a finished, professional look and the ability to capture a timecode value into a word processing program.

Addenda offers two software packages that are useful for testing editor and controller applications. VTMulate is a VTR emulator that performs a very transparent emulation of a Sony BVW-75; editors and controllers can't tell the difference between the emulation and a real deck. VTDecode performs a protocol decode of the RS422 "Sony Serial" protocol. With VTDecode, it's possible to see all commands and responses as they pass between controller and deck.