Installation

Virtual Reality Interface

VRi Box
Installation Guide

Part No. V4083-0001

EN

www.vintenradamec.com

Copyright 2012
All rights reserved.
Original Instructions: English
All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this document may be stored in a retrieval system,
transmitted, copied or reproduced in any way, including, but not limited to, photocopy, photograph,
magnetic or other record without the prior agreement and permission in writing of the Vitec Group plc.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. Vitec Videocom
Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the information or specifications without obligation to notify any
person of such revision or changes. Changes will be incorporated in new versions of the publication.
We are making every effort to ensure that our manuals are updated on a regular basis to reflect changes
to product specifications and features. Should this manual not contain information on the core functionality
of your product, please let us know. You may be able to access the latest revision of this manual from our
website.
Vitec Videocom Ltd reserves the right to make changes to product design and functionality without
notification.
Trademarks
All product trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of The Vitec Group Plc.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
Published by:
Vitec Videocom Ltd
Supports Technical Publications Department
Western Way, Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3TB
United Kingdom
Email: technical.publications@vitecgroup.com

Contents
Safety & Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Components and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rear View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Box Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Compatibility and Mounting Kits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Mounting to a Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mounting to a Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mounting to Lens Rods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Genlock I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
System Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Powering Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Maintenance and General Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
FCC Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Declaration of Conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Environmental considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pollution statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Safety & Warnings

Important information on the safe installation and operation of this
product. Read this information before operating the product. For
your personal safety, read these instructions. Do not operate the
product if you do not understand how to use it safely. Save these
instructions for future reference

Warning Symbols Used in these Instructions

Safety warnings and cautions are included in these instructions. These
safety instructions must be followed to avoid possible personal injury
and avoid possible damage to the product.
WARNING!
Where there is a risk of personal injury or injury to others,
comments appear supported by the warning triangle symbol.
Where there is a risk of damage to the product, associated
equipment, process or surroundings, comments appear
supported by the word Caution.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Where there is a risk of electric shock, comments appear
supported by the hazardous voltage warning triangle.

Intended Use
The VRi box is designed to interface with instrumented support
equipment and lenses to provide camera tracking data for use with VR/
AR systems. The VRi box is intended for use by television camera
operators within a TV studio environment or on outside broadcasts
(OB) when protected from weather by a suitable waterproof cover.

Electrical Connection
WARNING! Risk of electric shock. Always disconnect and
isolate the product from the power supply before attempting
any servicing or removing the covers.
WARNING! Risk of electric shock. Always check cables
for signs of damage. Damaged cables can cause personal
injury and/or damage the equipment.
WARNING! The external DC PSU used must be approved
to IEC 60950-1, 2nd edition, and have a power output
limited to the requirements of the equipment.
CAUTION! This product must be connected to a power
supply of the same voltage (V) and current (A) as indicated
on the product. Refer to the Technical Specifications for the
product.
CAUTION! All connections to other devices must be made
using shielded cables.
CAUTION! We recommend that you use the power supply
cable supplied with the product.
CAUTION! Using alternative power sources will invalidate
the system EMC liability.
CAUTION! Do not exceed the current output limit of the
product when powering auxiliary devices.
CAUTION! Always use a fuse of the correct type and rating
for the product. Refer to the Technical Specifications for the
product.

Safety & Warnings

Basic Electrical Insulation (Class 1 equipment)
WARNING! This product is Class 1 equipment. For safe
operation this equipment must be connected to a power supply
that has a protective earth connection (US: ground).

Mounting and Installation

WARNING! Do not install this product onto a bracket,
support or other equipment that is not designed to support
the weight of the product and its payload. All ceiling or wall
supports must comply with local government regulations.
WARNING! Installation of this product must only be
performed by qualified and trained electrical engineers.
WARNING! Always ensure that all power and auxiliary
communications cables are routed so that they do not
present any danger to personnel.

Water, moisture and dust

WARNING! Protect the product from water, moisture and
dust. The presence of electricity near water can be
dangerous. When using this product outside, protect from
rain using a suitable waterproof cover.

Operating Environment
CAUTION! The product should not be used outside the
operating temperature limits. Refer to the product Technical
Specifications for the operating limits for the product.

Cleaning
WARNING! Risk of electric shock. Always disconnect and
isolate the product from the power supply before cleaning.
CAUTION! Do not use solvent or oil-based cleaners,
abrasives or wire brushes. Only use detergent-based
cleaners.

Maintenance
WARNING! The fitting of non-approved parts and
accessories, or the carrying out of non-approved alterations
or servicing can be dangerous and could affect the safety of
the product. It may also invalidate the terms and conditions
of the product warranty.

Ventilation
CAUTION! Slots and openings are intended for ventilation
purposes to ensure reliable operation of the product and
protect it from overheating. Do not block or cover any slots
and openings.

About this Manual

The Virtual Reality interface (VRi) box has been designed to integrate
with the Vinten Vector i series heads and the Quattro SE pedestal.
This manual covers the installation of the VRi box and its connections
with compatible products and studio equipment.
When installation is complete, the VR system must be configured
before the VRi box is used for VR tracking.
The VRi box can be configured using the VR software application
running on a Windows-based PC or on a Vinten Radamec PDA. The
configuration software is provided on a USB stick for installation on a
PC or is pre-installed on a Vinten Radamec PDA.
For more information on configuring the VRi box, refer to the
configuration guides installed on the USB memory stick supplied with
this product, or contact Vinten Radamec.

Components and Connections

Front View

11

2
3

10

1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DC In power supply socket

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DC Out power supply socket
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ventilation slots
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Screw holes (for shoulder mounts)
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Genlock Out
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethernet connectors (Network/Comms)
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .USB connectors
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APS/FP port (not currently in use)
9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inclinometer connector
10 . . . . . . . . . . . .Head encoder port (for E series heads)
11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lens encoder port

8
7
6

Components and Connections

Rear View

12
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

24

23

22
13
14
21

15
20

19

18

17

16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mounting/cable clamp
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cable clamp
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . DeviceLink.i port (for i series heads)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genlock Out
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genlock In
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genlock indicator LED
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VR port (tracking data)
. . . . . . . . . User Interface (UI) connector (for PC/PDA)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuse holder
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power socket AC mains
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RESET button/indicator LEDs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power On/Off switch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jib/FH port (not currently used)

Installation
Box Contents

1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VRi Box
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Devicelink.i interconnect cable, 0.75m
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS232 null modem cable
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USB memory stick
NI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Installation Guide
NI = Not Illustrated

Compatibility and Mounting Kits

PRODUCT

VRi BOX

MOUNTING KIT PART NO.

Vector 430i

V4089-1004

Vector750i

V4080-1010
V4080-1011

Vector 950i

V4056-1002

Tripod

Use mounting clamp

Lens Rods

Use mounting clamp

Slip Rings

V4094-0001

Installation
Mounting to a Head

Mount to the second stage of the tripod if a two-stage tripod is used.

The VRi box can be mounted directly to a Vinten Vector i series head
using the appropriate mounting kit. For information about mounting the
VRi box to a head, refer to the Mounting Kits Installation Guide
(publication part no. V4006-4981).

Mounting to a Tripod
CAUTION! To prevent overheating, the VRi box must be
mounted with the ventilation slots facing downwards.
To mount the VRi box on to a tripod, proceed as follows:

2
8

Installation
Mounting to Lens Rods

When mounting the VRi box on to lens rods attached to a Vector head,
the additional payload will affect the balance. This will need to be readjusted as necessary. To mount the VRi box onto lens rods, proceed
as follows:

2
9

Installation

6
4

CAUTION! Check and re-adjust the balance of the

head after fitting the VRi box.

10

Installation
Power Options
POWER
SOURCE

Power Output
POWER LEDS

AC Mains
AC Mains

AC Mains

CAUTION! Do not exceed the current output limit of the

product when powering auxiliary devices.

24V Available

12V Available, but

restricted by the
input DC supply

12V
5V

AC Mains
Battery Pack

CAUTION! 24 volts potentially present on the VDC OUT

XLR socket. Check the compatibility of the auxiliary device
with the pin out configuration of the XLR socket. Refer to
the Technical Specification section of this manual.

12V Available

12V
5V

DC Supply

POWER OUPUT

24V Not available

12V Available, but

restricted by the
input battery pack

12V
5V

24V Not available

11

Installation
Genlock I/O Connections

Genlock
Source

Note: Genlock output from the

camera must be configured
as genlock black.

Genlock
Source

12

Installation
System Connections
CAUTION! All cables must be secured and dressed using
the cable clamp to minimise the risk of damage.

Ethernet Connection
The ethernet (NET2) port is used to communicate with a Quattro SE
pedestal. The ethernet port can also be used for diagnostic and
servicing purposes.

Lens Encoder Connection

Use the appropriate compatible cable to connect Canon or Fujinon
lenses with quadrature encoder output. The lens port can also be used
to connect externally mounted (bolt-on) lens encoder devices.

Note: If the Quattro SE is fitted with a slip ring, refer to the Slip Ring
Setup Guide (publication p/n V4094-4980) for more details on
connections.

13

Installation
Head Connection

User Interface Connection

Use the supplied Devicelink.i cable (V3980-5052-9075) to connect to

the i series head to the VRi box. The length of this cable
accommodates head mounting of the VRi box

Use the PDA power/data cable (V3980-5051-9075) supplied with the

PDA to connect the VRi box to the Vinten Radamec PDA.

Note: A longer version of the Devicelink.i cable will be required for

other mounting configurations, such as when mounted to a
tripod.

14

Alternatively, use the supplied RS232 null modem cable (D200-157) to

connect the VRi box to a host PC or laptop.

Installation
Studio VR Connection

Powering Up

Connect the VR port to the studio VR graphics system. This port

provides formatted tracking data from the head, lens and pedestal.

Before powering up the VRi box, ensure that all external cable
connections are secured correctly.
To power up, operate the on/off rocker switch. If powering the VRi box
from the AC power supply all three power LEDs will illuminate. If
powering from the DC power supply, only the 5V and 12V LEDs will
illuminate.

Studio VR
graphics
system

VR Data Port Pin Designations

The VR Data port transmits the VR data to the studio VR graphics
system. The RS422 pin designations are as follows:

VR Connector
Pin Number

Function on VR
Connector

Function on VR Studio
System

RXD-/RXA

TXD-/TXA

RXD+/RXB

TXD+/TXB

TXD-/TXA

RXD-/RXA

TXD+/TXB

RXD+/RXB

Note: Pin number allocations at the VR studio system end are

product-specific.

If the power LEDs do not illuminate, refer to the Troubleshooting section

of this manual.

1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9

15

Troubleshooting

Fault
VRi box is switched on, but
mains, 5V and 12V power
indicator LEDs are not
illuminated.

Check

Comments

Check that either a 5060 Hz AC mains power supply of 100

240V or a DC power supply of 9.528V is connected.
If DC output from the VRi box is in use, try disconnecting it in
case the load is too high
If a mains supply is connected to the VRi box, check and/or
replace the fuse.

Genlock indicator LED is red.

Check that the genlock signal from the studio supply is connected to the Genlock In BNC connector.
If using a camera as a genlock source, the output must be
configured to genlock black.

16

If the problem persists, contact Vinten or

Vinten Radamec customer support.

Maintenance and General Notices

Routine Maintenance

Technical Specification

The VRi box requires minimal routine maintenance, apart from

checking the connections and overall operation periodically.

Dimensions

Routine checks
During use, check the following:

Check cables for signs or wear or damage. Replace as necessary.

Periodically, check the fixings securing the VRi box to the head or
tripod.

Check that all cables are connected properly.

WARNING! Risk of electric shock. Always check cables
for signs of damage. Damaged cables can cause personal
injury and/or damage the equipment.

Cleaning
WARNING! Risk of electric shock. Always disconnect and
isolate the product from the power supply before cleaning.
During normal use the only cleaning required should be a regular wipe
over with a dry, lint-free cloth. Dirt accumulated during storage or
periods of disuse may be removed with a vacuum cleaner. Particular
attention should be paid to all connection ports.

Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.2 kg (9.3 lb)

Height (incl. adaptor clamp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 mm (5.8 in.)
Width (incl. cable clamp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 mm (8.0 in.)
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 mm (10.2 in.)

Power
AC power input . . . . . . . . Autoranging 80250V, 5060Hz, 2.6A max.
DC power input . . . . . . . . . . . .Autoranging 9.528V DC @ 4.4A max.
Power output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12V DC @ 1A / 24V DC @ 1.5A
Fuse type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T3.15A

Environmental
Temperature range (operation) . . . . . . 0C to +40C (32F to +104F)

Data Specification
Supported data protocol. . . .RS422 (Vinten Radamec D1 data packet)
RS232 compatible.

Genlock Specification
Composite Video (CVBS) and S-Video (Y/C):
SDTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SMPTE 170M (NTSC), ITU-R BT.140 (PAL)
Component Video (YPBPR/GBR):
SDTV . . . . . .SMPTE 125M, SMPTE 267M, ITU-R BT.601 (480I, 576I)
EDTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITU-R BT.1358 (480P, 576P)
HDTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . SMPTE 296M (720P), SMPTE 274M (1080I/P)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SMPTE RP211 (1080PsF)

17

General Notices
VDC OUT XLR Socket

PIN

Description

-12V

-24V

+24V

+12V

Technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

18

General Notices
FCC Certification

FCC Declaration of Conformity

This product complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
VRi
V4083-0001

1.This product may not cause harmful interference.

2.This product must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operations.

FCC Notice
This product complies with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on. The user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that

to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician

for assistance.

FCC Warning
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate
the equipment.

Declaration of Conformity

Vitec Videocom Limited declares that this product has been

manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. A copy of the
Declaration of Conformity is available upon request.

Environmental considerations
ROHS Compliance Statement
Camera Dynamics Limited is compliant with the European Union
Directive 2002/95/EC Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
that restricts the use of hazardous substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment.

19

General Notices
European Union Waste of Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive (2002/96/EC)

This symbol marked on the product or its packaging indicates that this
product must not be disposed of with general household waste. In
some countries or European Community regions separate collection
systems have been set up to handle the recycling of electrical and
electronic waste products. By ensuring this product is disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for
the environment and human health. The recycling of materials helps
conserve natural resources.
Visit our website at for information on how to safely dispose of this
product and its packaging.

In countries outside the EU:

Dispose of this product at a collection point for the recycling of electrical
and electronic equipment according to your local government
regulations.

Pollution statement
This equipment is designed for operation in Pollution Degree 2
environments.

20

Publication part No. V4083-4980/2

Vinten Radamec
A Vitec Group brand