Grass Valley UniConfi NVISION Series v.1.3 - Manual (Page 113)

UniConfig Configuration Application • User’s Guide 101
11. Managing Machine Control Ports
Machine control ports are used for communicating between machines. Machine control ports are
bi-directional; neither inputs nor outputs. Only the NV5128 and the NV5256 route machine control
signals. Machine control signals are configured separately from audio, video, or time code signals.
For more information on managing other signals, see
Managing Inputs and Outputs on page 87.
Using the ‘Connections’ window, you can view, test, and update machine control port switching
configurations. Testing and updating is done by performing a ‘take’. A ‘take’ is a specific moment
in time when signals are switched based on defined parameters.
Although changes to the switching matrix can be made using the ‘Connections’ window, it is rec-
ommended that crosspoint management occur through the router control system. The ‘Connec-
tions’ window is mainly a means of testing and viewing switching configurations or making minor
changes when the router control system is unavailable.
Important Note
Machine control routes established using the ‘Connections’ window do not obey the rules defined
when partitions are configured. (See
Setting Up Partitions on page 51.) Be careful when making
routing connections in the ‘Connections’ window that you do not route incompatible signals.
Routes made using the ‘Connections’ window always follow the ‘Data Reverse’ mode.
In addition, the ‘Machine Control Setup’ window is used to configure machine control ports. (See
Setting Up Machine Control Ports on page 101.) The viewing and testing of machine control
switching (i.e., performing ‘takes’) is performed using the ‘Connections’ window. Whatever mode
is set in the ‘Machine Control Setup’ window overrides whatever is set in the ‘Connections’ win-
dow.
Saving and Uploading Switching Configurations
Switching matrices are viewed and managed using the ‘Connections’ window. A “snapshot” of the
current configuration can be saved for uploading at a future date. This snapshot is called a “salvo”.
For more information, see
Working With Salvos on page 145.
This sections provides information on how to set up, test, and manage machine control ports.
Setting Up Machine Control Ports
When setting up the machine control ports, the ports can be configured to function in a specific
manner. By default, all machine control ports are set to ‘Dynamic’. A dynamic port changes its con-
figuration to match the current operation requirements as directed by the router control system.
Machine control ports are bi-directional, but can be set to send signals in only one direction. If set
as a Controlling device, the ports only send and do not receive signals. If set as a Controlled device,
the ports only receive and do not send signals. This is valuable when you want to send signals from