Autocue BORIS Multiple control - Manual (Page 3)

Virtual Spider Box Guide Page 3
1. I
NTRODUCTION
This document is intended to provide information on the Virtual Spider Box (VSB) –
a software replacement for the now obsolete hardware spider box. The VSB is a
licensable option contained within WinCue Pro 1.3 from Build 607 Onwards.
2. S
PECIFIC H ARDWARE R EQUIREMENTS
The user must have an available Serial port for each scroll control they wish to
connect to the prompter machine. Additional Serial ports may be added to machine
via Multiport Serial Cards, we currently support the Digi Neo 4 and 8 Port cards.
Hybrid Multibutton and IMT Two-Button scroll controls are not supported by the
VSB as this would require an additional IMT card for each individual hybrid
multibutton and causes problems with the software handling of scroll rates and button
presses (especially Fwd/Rev). Diagrams are provided in the appendices for instruction
on the rewiring of hybrid multibuttons to a straight serial multibutton.
Converted multibutton scroll controls will work individually or as part of the spider
box from WinCue Pro 1.3 Build 607 Onwards.
3. VSB
A DVANTAGES
The software based VSB allows the user to have more than then the previous
hardware spider box maximum of 4 scroll controls connected at any one time and
removes the need for dual extension cabling for each multibutton,
The data sent over the single cable is straight serial data so cables can also be
extended over a greater distance than before.