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The AEC-1 and AEC-2 are small 10x1 and 10x2 video/audio
routing switchers. Both models are designed with audio follow video, but the
AEC-1 also has audio and video breakaway available.
SMALL
BROADCAST QUALITY ROUTING SWITCHERS
NOTE: As of Aug. 31, 2007 - We are winding
down production on this product line as we can no longer obtain the switches for
this product without ordering very expensive 'custom' production. At this time,
we do not expect to be able to fill any orders beyond those that we already have
received. Thanks for your support. We should be able to handle additional orders
for those parts/models that do NOT require switches for a short time.
Note: Sept. 2009 - We have only a couple
of base model units available and a small selection of optional parts, etc.
Contact the factory for specific availability if you are interested in getting
any of these parts/options.
By "small" we mean our 10 input, 1 output (10x1) model "AEC-1" video/audio
routing switchers, and our 10 input, 2 output (10x2) model "AEC-2" video/audio
routing switchers. Somewhat larger routing systems (up to 100x1 or 10x6) are
possible by connecting several of these routing switchers together (call for
details).
Key features of these routing switchers include broadcast quality audio and
30MHz video signal switching, up to three 10x1 audio boards in a 1RU chassis,
proven high reliability (over 100 years actual MTBF), and our reasonable prices
and availability.
TV stations, production studios, network facilities, automation systems, and
important educational and corporate clients depend on us 24 hours a day for
smooth and reliable signal switching.
Options for these routing switchers include an RS232/RS422 serial interface
board, a dual tally relay board, a screw terminal audio wiring adapter board,
and a variety of serial and parallel remote control solutions.
Below you will find specifications, model numbers, prices, and other
information you need to reach a decision.
So, the next time you need a small routing switcher, buy a good one (from
Adrienne Electronics). Please call Tracey at 1-800- 782-2321, or at the number
above, if you have any questions or wish to place an order. We look forward to
hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tracey Ruesch, President
Adrienne, AEC, AEC-BOX, PCI-TC, USB-TC and PC-TC are trademarks of Adrienne
Electronics Corporation. SMPTE is a registered trademark of the Society of
Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Inc. GVG and TEN-XL are trademarks of
Grass Valley Group, Inc.
INTRODUCTION TO SMALL ROUTING SWITCHERS
We introduced the AEC-1 series of routing switchers in May 1987 to address
the need for high quality, reliable, yet reasonably priced 10x1 routing
switchers. The AEC-2 followed several years later. Both routers have proven to
be very reliable, with an actual (not estimated) Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF)
of greater than 100 years. Most companies don't even know what their failure
rates are. We also offer GVG TEN-XL control compatibility, reasonable prices, a
two year warranty, plus toll free technical support should it ever be needed. We
will begin below with a description of our 10x1 "AEC-1" routing switchers.
AEC-1 CONTROL SYSTEM NOTES
The front panel of the AEC-1 contains ten pushbutton switches numbered 1-10.
Each switch selects its corresponding video and audio input signal(s) to appear
at the output. If needed, the audio and video channels can be controlled
independently of each other by use of the red and green "breakaway" buttons on
the front panel, which must be held down whenever breakaway crosspoint
selections are made. For example, video input 2 and audio input 4 can be
selected simultaneously.
Each switch assembly includes red (for video) and green (for audio) tally
LED's, so that you always know how the routing switcher is configured, even when
the router is controlled remotely. Also, the switch fronts can be easily labeled
with standard (included) or custom mnemonics such as VTR1, CAM2, etc..
Each routing switcher includes a 24 hour (minimum) crosspoint memory which
automatically restores the crosspoint status after power outages.
AEC-1 VIDEO SYSTEM NOTES
The broadcast quality 10x1 video switching system passes full amplitude 30MHz
video signals for superior picture quality. All video inputs are high impedance
looping, and are DC clamped for smoother switching. The video output gain is
unity, adjustable +1dB via the front panel. The two isolated and source
terminated video output signals are fully DC restored (black is at ground).
Switching is always performed in the middle of line 10 of the video signal
currently selected, with 50ms backup in case no video is present. All video
paths are carefully matched for delay and frequency response characteristics.
The video inputs remain high impedance even if the router's power supply fails,
thus ensuring that other signal paths will never be interrupted.
AEC-1 AUDIO SYSTEM NOTES
The 10x1 audio switching system has high impedance differential balanced
inputs, and low impedance differential balanced outputs. The output gain is
nominally unity, but may be adjusted +7dB/-3dB from the front panel. Signal
amplitudes up to +24dBu can be handled without clipping. Audio inputs remain
high impedance should the router's power supply ever fail, thus ensuring that
other signal paths will never be degraded.
Audio connections to the routing switcher are made through a 37- pin "D"
connector. We supply the mating connector parts at no charge. Alternatively, you
may purchase the "SCRW" screw terminal adapter boards to make the wiring a bit
easier, although high frequency audio crosstalk will increase somewhat.
A significant advantage of the AEC-1 over other models is its ability to hold
up to three 10x1 audio boards in its 1RU enclosure. The third audio channel is
commonly used for time code (LTC) or second language broadcasting. Audio boards
can be easily added in the field should your needs change in the future.
If more than 3 audio channels are needed, an "audio slave" router can be
added, which then expands system capacity up to a total of 6 audio boards. Call
if you need further information.
SERIAL REMOTE CONTROL OPTIONS
The routing switcher can be controlled by either RS232 or RS422 serial remote
control messages if the internal "SIO" serial interface option board is
installed. We fully support the standard ASCII and SMPTE protocols of the GVG
TEN-XL, and have developed quite a few other operating modes for security and
other special applications. The "SIO" board can be easily added in the field.
When ordering, please specify the protocol, address, baud rate, data bits, and
parity you desire (call if you have any questions). You can always change the
setups in the field, but it's even easier if we do it for you ahead of time.
The AEC-1/SCP serial remote control panel looks just like a standard AEC-1
routing switcher, but contains only pushbuttons, a serial board, and a power
supply. It controls our routers remotely via RS232 or RS422 serial cables,
including the use of modems and leased or switched telephone links if needed.
The routing switcher being controlled by the serial control panel must have an "SIO"
board installed (is standard inside the SCP).
Please note that all serial connections to the router, while identical to
those for the GVG TEN-XL, do not use computer industry standard RS232 or RS422
pinouts. Thus you will either need to order the appropriate cable from us or
make your own.
PARALLEL REMOTE CONTROL OPTIONS
All routers come with a GVG TEN-XL compatible parallel remote control port on
the back. This 25-pin "D" connector contains 5V CMOS control inputs and
audio/video tally outputs, power for remote panels, and access to the serial
interface board (if installed). Simple switch closures to ground can control up
to 5 of the router's inputs. Encoding is required if all 10 inputs are to be
controlled. The AEC-1/WPX board does this for you.
The standard AEC-1/RCP remote control panel looks just like the front of the
routing switcher, but without the fuse assembly and gain pots. The 18-conductor
AEC-1/RCC remote control cable, which may be up to 300m (1000') long, is used to
connect the remote control panel to the routing switcher. Multiple control
panels, including the local panel, may be connected to a given routing switcher
at the same time, provided that keys from two or more panels won't be pressed at
the same time (gives indeterminate results until somebody lets go).
COMPONENT VIDEO OPERATIONS
It is possible to link several routing switchers together for wideband (30MHz
full power bandwidth) component video applications. Typically the "Y", "G", or
"S" channel is used as a sync source master, and the other routers in the system
slave to it (switch at exactly the same time). The "YCC", "RGB", and "RGBS"
router versions do not include audio, although audio channels may be easily
added via the AEC-1/AUD option.
INPUT EXPANSION OPTIONS
By chaining 2 or more routers together, you can easily construct 19x1, 28x1,
even up to 100x1 routing systems. To maintain signal quality, the audio/video
signals never have to go through more than two router levels. The control
systems of these routers are connected together via special remote cables (see
ordering guide) so that you only need to press one button which corresponds to
the desired signal source. All the other routers in the system will
automatically change (as needed) simultaneously.
OUTPUT EXPANSION OPTIONS
Stacking routers and looping their inputs together can be done to create 10x2
or larger (up to 10x6) routing systems. Each system output then has its own
power supply and local control panel. We recommend that no more than about 6
routers be connected in this fashion, because after that point it usually
becomes easier to install, and more economical to purchase, a small matrix
router. Even if you don't need this capability initially, it's nice to know that
it can be done if your needs change. For some applications, the 10x2 AEC-2
router might be a prudent choice.
AEC-2 10x2 ROUTING SWITCHER INFORMATION
The AEC-2 series of 10 input, 2 output (10x2) routing switchers are derived
from, and very similar to, their AEC-1 predecessors. They pack twice as many
crosspoints into the same 1RU enclosure, yet cost only about 50% more than their
10x1 counterparts. Each output can independently select any one of the ten
common inputs. For example, one output can be looking at input 3, while the
other output is looking at input 10. All AEC-2 characteristics are identical to
those of the AEC-1, except as noted below.
AEC-2 CONTROL SYSTEM NOTES
The AEC-2 uses the same remote connector pinout, control panels, serial
remote protocols, etc., as the AEC-1, except that the AEC- 2's two control
levels are used for what we call the "RED" and "GREEN" outputs, which correspond
to the colors of the tally LED's on the front panel. The AEC-2 thus has no audio
breakaway capability (the audio always follows the video). Furthermore, either
the "RED SELECT" or "GREEN SELECT" button must be held down while making
crosspoint selections (determines which output will be changed). If both buttons
are held down, both outputs change. If neither button is held down, no outputs
change, which prevents accidental changes to one or both of the outputs.
AEC-2 VIDEO NOTES
The AEC-2 video performance is identical to that of the AEC-1, except that
the gain for each video output is internally fixed at unity, +0.1dB. Also, each
of the two video output signals has its own two isolated output BNC's, so there
are a total of 4 video output BNC's (2 per output signal).
AEC-2 AUDIO NOTES
Because of space limitations, the AEC-2 can have at most two(2) audio
crosspoint boards installed. The 10x2 audio specifications surpass those of the
10x1 router, with >66dB common mode rejection, <-96dB worst case crosstalk, and
>120db signal/noise. The audio gain is internally fixed at unity, +0.05dB.
GVG TEN-XL COMPATIBILITY NOTES
The AEC-1 is both hardware and software compatible with the GVG TEN-XL 10x1
routing switcher. It is a well known fact that our owner,
Bruce Waggoner, designed the hardware and wrote the software for both products.
The AEC-1 is significantly different on the inside, yet maintains complete
external compatibility. The audio connector pinouts are identical. The remote
control connector pinouts are identical. The ASCII and SMPTE serial interface
protocols are identical. Remote control panels from one product will control the
other product.
However, as noted, there are some differences. The TEN-XL has differential
video inputs, optional dual power supplies, and removable boards. The AEC-1 has
better video performance, higher reliability (fewer connectors to fail), up to
three audio boards in one chassis, toll free technical support, and costs about
$500 less than the TEN-XL. Thus, if you don't need removable boards and dual
power supplies, our AEC-1 is a better choice.
GENERIC ROUTING SWITCHER NOTES
One of the key specifications which is often missing or fudged on other
routing switchers is "crosstalk". Any device which has a lot of audio and video
signals going into it will have an output which (by nature) contains a small
amount of every input signal. The total amount of unwanted signals getting into
the desired output signal is termed "crosstalk". Crosstalk tends to get worse at
high frequencies, and requires a lot of work to be kept to a minimum.
High quality routing switchers (such as ours) have very low crosstalk, even
at the high frequencies. Some routing switcher manufacturers hide their product
deficiencies by only measuring crosstalk at low frequencies (where crosstalk is
much lower), or by measuring crosstalk with only one other input signal
connected to the routing switcher (bogus). Compare our audio and video crosstalk
specifications with theirs. If they are hiding something in this category, look
out.
Other key specifications include maximum audio level, video bandwidth,
differential phase and gain, and the retention of high impedance audio/video
inputs even if the power fails.
We invite you to compare our proven track record, reliability, performance,
control options, availability, and prices against those of any other router
manufacturer. We are confident you will call us when ready to order.
AEC-1 SPECIFICATIONS (4)
CONTROL SYSTEM:
Type Binary, 5V CMOS
Breakaway Momentary
Crosspoint Memory 1 hour minimum, 24 hours typical
(10 years if serial interface installed)
Remote Connector 25pin D subminiature
Parallel Remote Cable 18 conductor, 300m (1000') maximum
Serial Remote Requires serial interface option board
VIDEO INPUTS (10):
Connectors 2 BNC's each (looping)
Impedance 33kohms typical (high-Z)
Return Loss (75ohm) >46dB to 5MHz
Level 1Vpp nominal, 2Vpp maximum
DC on Input +1V maximum
Gain Mismatch +0.02dB maximum
Delay Mismatch +0.5* maximum at 3.58MHz
VIDEO PERFORMANCE:
Gain Unity, +1dB adjustable
Frequency Response +0.1dB maximum, 0-8MHz,
(ref. 1MHz) and +1.0dB maximum, 8-30MHz
Crosstalk <-65dB to 5MHz,
(9 hostile) and <-30dB to 30MHz
Hum & Noise <-70dB, 0-5MHz, ref. 1Vpp
Differential Gain <0.1% at 1Vpp, 10%-90% APL
Differential Phase <0.1* at 1Vpp, 10%-90% APL
Tilt <0.2%
Switch Point Line 10 (adjustable)
Overshoot/Ringing <0.5% @ 1Vpp
Slew Rate >70V/us
VIDEO OUTPUT:
Connectors 2 isolated BNC's
Impedance 75ohms, source terminated
Return Loss >40dB to 5Mhz
Isolation >40dB to 5Mhz
Level 1Vpp typical, 2Vpp maximum
DC Offset +50mV maximum
AUDIO INPUTS (10 per channel):
Type Balanced, AC coupled
Connector 37pin D subminiature
Impedance 80kohms typical
DC on Input +1V maximum
Level (3) +24dBu maximum
Common Mode Rejection >60dB, 20Hz-20kHz
Gain Mismatch +0.02dB maximum
AUDIO PERFORMANCE:
Gain Unity, +7dB/-3dB adjustable
Frequency Response +0.05dB maximum, 20Hz-20kHz
Crosstalk <-100dB, 20Hz-2kHz,
(9 hostile) and <-90dB at 20kHz
Signal/Noise Ratio >110dB, 20Hz-20kHz, ref. +24dBu
Distortion (THD) <0.02%, 20Hz-20kHz, at +8dBu and +24dBu
Distortion (IMD) <0.02% (SMPTE)
Slew Rate >5V/us
AUDIO OUTPUT:
Type Balanced
Connector 37pin D subminiature
Impedance 1ohm typical (150/600ohms optional)
Output Level +24dBu maximum
External Load 600ohms minimum
Cable Length Up to 150m (500') of Belden 8451
MISCELLANEOUS:
Size (2) 48cm wide x 4.4cm high x 23cm deep
(19" wide x 1.75" high x 9" deep)
Weight 2.5kg (5.5 pounds)
Power Source 100-130VAC, 60Hz, or 200-260VAC, 50Hz
Power Consumption 10 Watts typical
Operating Temperature 0 to 50 degrees Centigrade
Relative Humidity 0 to 95%, noncondensing
Notes:
(1) All specifications are subject to change without notice.
(2) Allow sufficient space at rear for cables and connectors.
(3) "dBu" and "600 ohm dBm" are equivalent (0dBu = 0.7746Vrms)
(4) See text for AEC-2 spec variances.
SMALL ROUTING SWITCHER
ORDERING GUIDE
(US$)
Model Description Price
=================================================================
AEC-1VAAA 10x1 Video and Triple Audio Routing Switcher .... 1295
AEC-1VAA 10x1 Video and Stereo Audio Routing Switcher .... 1145
AEC-1VA 10x1 Video and Mono Audio Routing Switcher ....... 995
AEC-1V 10x1 Video Only Routing Switcher ................. 845
AEC-1AAA 10x1 Triple Audio Only Routing Switcher .......... 995
AEC-1AA 10x1 Stereo Audio Only Routing Switcher .......... 845
AEC-1A 10x1 Mono Audio Only Routing Switcher ............ 695
AEC-1YCC 10x1 YCC Component Video Routing Switcher ....... 2245
AEC-1RGB 10x1 RGB Component Video Routing Switcher ....... 2245
AEC-1RGBS 10x1 RGB & Sync Video Routing Switcher .......... 2945
AEC-2VAA 10x2 Video and Stereo Audio Routing Switcher .... 1645
AEC-2VA 10x2 Video and Mono Audio Routing Switcher ...... 1445
AEC-2V 10x2 Video Only Routing Switcher ................ 1245
AEC-2AA 10x2 Stereo Audio Only Routing Switcher .......... 945
AEC-2A 10x2 Mono Audio Only Routing Switcher ............ 745
AEC-2YCC 10x2 YCC Component Video Routing Switcher ....... 3445
AEC-2RGB 10x2 RGB Component Video Routing Switcher ....... 3445
AEC-2RGBS 10x2 RGB & Sync Video Routing Switcher .......... 4545
NOTE - All of the above units include an instruction manual,
schematics, audio connector kits (where applicable),
a 2 year warranty, and a local control panel.
NOTE - If local control is not needed, add the suffix "R" to
the model number, and subtract $100 from the list price.
For example, the "switchless" AEC-1VR costs only $695.
Order remote control panels and cables below as needed.
=================================================================
Options:
AEC-1/SIO or AEC-2/SIO Serial Interface Board (internal) . 250
AEC-1/230V or AEC-2/230V 230VAC Power Supply ................ 20
AEC-1/PAL or AEC-2/PAL Optimized for PAL Video Signals .... 20
AEC-1/RLY 2P-10T Relay Board (for time code or tally) .... 150
AEC-1/AUD Extra Audio Board .............................. 150
AEC-1/PAUD Additional charge for premium audio specs .... 25/bd
(120dB SNR, 100dB Xtalk, 70dB CMRR, etc.)
AEC-1/SYNC External Sync Input (loop through) .............. 30
AEC-1/3VID Adds a third isolated video output BNC .......... 20
Note - You cannot order both the "SYNC" and "3VID" options.
=================================================================
Parallel Remote Control: (feet/3.3 = meters)
AEC-1/RCP or AEC-2/RCP Parallel Remote Control Panel ....... 250
AEC-1/RCC or AEC-2/RCC Parallel Panel Cable .... 30 + 2.70/meter
AEC-1/LCP Leverwheel Switch Control (0-9) .... 50 + 0.70/meter
AEC-1/WPX Wire-Per-Crosspoint Control Adapter ............. 50
=================================================================
Serial Remote Control: (feet/3.3 = meters)
(The router being controlled must have the "SIO" option in it.)
(In this section, replace "AEC-1" with "AEC-2" if appropriate.)
AEC-1/SCP Serial Remote Control Panel .................... 645
AEC-1/SCC Router to Serial Ctrl Panel Cable .. 20 + 0.70/meter
AEC-1/232 Router to 9-pin RS232 Port Cable ... 23 + 0.70/meter
(with 9-pin to 25-pin adapter)
AEC-1/MDM Router to 25-pin Modem RS232 Cable . 20 + 0.70/meter
AEC-1/422 Router to 9-pin ESbus RS422 Cable .. 25 + 0.90/meter
=================================================================
Miscellaneous:
AEC-1/SCRW or AEC-2/SCRW Screw Terminal Audio Adapter .... 50/bd
AEC-1/WYE Wye Cable (allows use of 2 remote panels) ....... 30
AEC-1/ALPn Audio Looping Cable for "n" AEC-1's ....... 10(n+1)
AEC-1/CLPn Control Looping Cable for "n" AEC-1's ..... 10(n+1)
AEC-1/19X1 19x1 Control Cable .............................. 30
AEC-1/28X1 28x1 Control Cable .............................. 50
AEC-1/IEKn Input Expansion Kit for "n" AEC-1's ... 150 + (25*n)
AEC-1/RKT or AEC-2/RKT Remote Connector Kit (2 ends) ...... 20
AEC-1/XMAN or AEC-2/XMAN Extra Instruction Manual ........... 20
=================================================================
Adrienne, AEC are trademarks of Adrienne Electronics Corporation.
Prices subject to change without notice. (C) January 1997 AEC
Made in U.S.A.
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