Dave Jones Design - Intro to synchronizers page 4

There are a lot of different models of LasrPlay and DVDplay synchronizer. The connectors and controls are the same between the two series and are described in detail in the following section. 1, 2, and 3 channel synchronizers come in small boxes that are about twice as thick as an external modem. The larger models come in rackmount boxes that fit in standard 19 inch equipment racks, though they can have the rack mounting brackets removed if you simply want them in a box to place on top of other machines. Synchronizers with 4 through 7 channels come in "1RU" (one rack unit) boxes which are 1 3/4 inches tall. Synchronizers with more channels come in taller rackmount boxes.

The 1, 2, and 3 channel models don't have a power switch because they use a fraction of a watt of power, and in most installations they are plugged into a power strip along with the players, so all devices get turned on and off from the strip. When you plug them in the lights on the front will start by glowing red so you know they are working. The rackmount versions have a power switch mounted on the front so they can easily be turned off (power cables in equipment racks are traditionally hard to get to).

The other controls and options are the same between the smaller units and the rackmount units except that the small units have the player connectors on the front while the rackmount models have them on the back.

2 and 3 channel synchronizers in small boxes

Power Switch (only on rackmount units) - To turn the synchronizer on and off. This lights up when the unit is on.

Reset Switch - Pressing this momentary toggle switch will reset the synchronizer. All channels will pause for 7 seconds and then start up as if power had just been turned on.

Status LEDs - The multi colored status lights provide some feedback to the user as to what the synchronizer is doing.

  GREEN = playing
  RED = initializing
  ORANGE = programming (or not connected)
  OFF = synchronizing or waiting to start the loop

Player Connectors - The 15 pin D-shell connectors are connected to the programming cable during programming, and are connected to the Pioneer players during normal operation. This is the serial control signal that tells the player what to do.

Voltage Selector - This is a rotary switch that can be changed by inserting a small screwdriver in the slot and turning. The voltage selector chooses between 100-125 volts and 220-240 volts. The voltage does not have to be precise, the switch just selects the voltage range.

4 through 7 channel synchronizers in rackmount boxes

Power Inlet - The power cord gets plugged in here. The fuse is also inside this part. The fuse can only be removed when the power cord is not plugged into the power inlet. The fuse is inside a small drawer that can be opened with a fingernail or small screwdriver. The fuse is a 5x20mm, 0.3 amp slow blow type of fuse. When running only on 220-240 volts, this can be a 0.15 amp fuse. The synchronizers have internal surge protectors that will cause this fuse to blow if the input voltage goes above 130 volts when set for 110 or above 260 volts when set for 220. The power cord is a standard international IEC type power cord. Replacements are available at most computer stores around the world.

Comp Sync/Black Burst Out (optional) - This is an optional video reference signal output that is fed to the ext. sync input on certain Pioneer players to ensure that the video outputs are locked at the vertical interval. When this option is installed, it is done with a BNC connector on the back panel.

Network Connector (optional) - This can be used to connect multiple LasrPlay or DVDplay synchronizers to each other to make a larger synchronizer. It can also be used as a way to externally start the playback loop. As long as this connector is shorted with a "normally closed" switch or a set of contact closures from a relay or external device, the synchronizer will not start playing it's loop. Once the contacts are opened the synchronizer will start it's playback loop. It will continue to play the loop even if the contacts are closed again, but will not start the next loop if the contacts are closed by the time the synchronizer is ready to play the next loop. When this option is installed, it is done with an RCA (phono) connector on the back panel.

You only need to program the synchronizer if it was not done for you when you ordered it or if you want to adjust some of the parameters. This is done using the included programming cable and software. The software is only available in PC format. For specific instructions on programming the synchronizers, refer to the booklets "LasrPlay Programming and Installation Manual" and "DVDplay Programming and Installation Manual".

Step by step instructions for installing the synchronizers can be found in the Programming and Installation Manual for the specific synchronizer. It is fairly simple. Once it is programmed, the synchronizer is simply connected to power and to the players using the supplied cables. After that just turn on the power and walk away.

The only problem that installers sometimes have is forgetting to set the BAUD rate on their players to match the BAUD rate they programmed into the synchronizer. You need to do this before using the system for the first time.