Grass Valley TTN-CP-64GPI - Manual (Page 10)

CP-64GPI Rev. 2
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3 NCB connection
Via the Network Control Bus system several routers and control panels can be interconnected. CP-64GPI
utilises MIDI and/or RJ-45 connectors for connecting to the NCB.
Up to 16 levels of routers, or combinations of routers, can be controlled from the Triton - Router Control
System. The NCB system and all RS-232 ports interchange the system status. This means that any control
system, either from Triton, or from a third party manufacturer, connected to any RS-232 port in the NCB
loop, will have access to all communication data on the bus.
3.1 Control bus structure
The Network Control Bus follows the standard MIDI bus definition. The NCB is defined as a closed chain
of units. This means that the NCB OUT of the last unit must be connected to the NCB IN of the first unit
in the NCB chain. To avoid problems with the control of Triton units the installer/user has to assure that
the bus structure is installed according to this definition. The total number of Triton devices in an NCB
chain is limited to 20.
3.2 Maximum distance between NCB devices
The standard MIDI definition allows a maximum cable length of 250 meters between two devices. To
avoid grounding problems all NCB ports have opto-coupled inputs.
3.3 Several routers in one system
The NCB system allows the interconnection of up to 16 routers with different levels in one system. A
combination of routers working married counts as one level. This might for example be 1 audio router + 1
video router working as an audio follows video routing system, or 3 video routers working as 1 RGB
(YUV) routing system. All routers in such a constellation must be configured to the same level.
3.4 Connecting control panels
To get a control panel working with a specific router, configure the control panel to the same level as the
router. Several panels can be configured to control the same router. The CP-64GPI can control 2 levels
with breakaway function. If it is necessary to control more levels with breakaway an additional panel must
be used. Panels can also be connected to a router via the RS-232 interface. See hereunder for
connection details.