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AEC-BOX-50 Literature
BRIEF: This device is designed to make the Ampex VPR-3, VPR-6, VPR-80,
and VPR-300 tape machines look like Sony BVH-2000 tape machines, from a serial
control standpoint (allows a 'Sony protocol' (P2) controller to control 'Ampex
protocol' devices).. In addition to the standard RS422 input, an RS232 input is
provided to allow direct control from a personal computer if desired.
As of mid 2012, the AEC-BOX-50 model is available in very limited
supply. Contact the factory for specific details to see if one is still
available.
AEC-BOX-50 AMPEX TO SONY SERIAL PROTOCOL CONVERTER
The AEC-BOX-50 is envisioned as the first in a series of serial protocol
converter products. It is designed to make the Ampex VPR-3, VPR-6, VPR-80, and
VPR-300 tape machines look like Sony BVH-2000 tape machines, from a serial
control standpoint. In addition to the standard RS422 input, an RS232 input is
provided to allow direct control from a personal computer if desired.
The AEC-BOX-50 is small (modem sized), rugged (all metal), and attractive.
For both reliability and convenience, an internal power supply is used, for
which 115VAC/230VAC is required, and which is Hi-Pot tested for your (and our)
safety.
Installation is very easy. The video reference signal going to the VTR must
be looped through the AEC-BOX-50 (for timing purposes). Standard RS422 cables
are required for the controller and VTR connections. Other than that, no setup
work is required.
All documented (and many undocumented) Sony Betacam serial commands are
supported, allowing full transport control and record/playback editing
capabilities, subject only to the inherent limitations of your particular VTR.
For this reason, we believe that the AEC-BOX-50 will work with almost any
controller which is properly set up to control a Sony BVH-2000 (or BVW-40) VTR.
Our 15 day money back guarantee on this product, if you are not fully satisfied,
supports this claim.
If your application requires something a little different from what you see
here, please give us a call. These boxes (and their software) have been designed
with customization in mind. Since we are a small company, we can (usually)
respond quickly to your particular needs, and at a reasonable price.
Please call us at 1-800-782-2321, or at the number above, if you have any
questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tracey Ruesch, President
AEC-BOX-50 SOFTWARE & PRICING INSIGHTS
What started out as a fairly simple software project, merely translating
"Sony" instructions as they are received into the equivalent "Ampex"
instructions, eventually had to be abandoned and replaced with a much more
sophisticated product. Without giving away any trade secrets, let it suffice to
say that the present AEC-BOX-50 software turned out to be almost as much work as
all of a typical VTR's internal software. We have to charge accordingly.
Compared to the price of the machines themselves, we feel that the AEC-BOX-50
price is reasonable.
VTR REQUIREMENTS
The VTR being controlled needs to have a 9-pin RS422 serial interface port,
which is an option on the VPR-6 and VPR-80. The AEC-BOX-50 has been tested with
VPR-3, VPR-6, VPR-80, and VPR-300 VTRs, as well as with TimeLine LYNX audio
transport interfaces, yet may or may not work properly with other "Ampex
protocol" devices. We are (usually) willing to work with you in adapting the
AEC-BOX-50 to other devices.
FLEXIBILITY
The AEC-BOX-50 includes a large EEPROM, along with special modem interface
software, which allows easy operational modifications and software upgrades in
the field if ever needed.
VPR-80 COMPATIBILITY
The VPR-80 transport is much slower and harder to control than most VTRs. The
AEC-BOX-50 software takes this into account, and "improves" things
significantly. However, dynamic differences do remain. We chose to emulate the
BVH-2000 because its dynamic behavior is close to that of the VPR-80. Some
editors and VTR controllers handle these differences better than others. For
example, it may be necessary to use 7 second prerolls in order to obtain trouble
free synchronization of the VPR-80 to other machines.
NTSC/SMPTE AND PAL/EBU COMPATIBILITY
The AEC-BOX-50 senses whether an NTSC or PAL type VTR is present, and
automatically adjusts its operations as needed to handle the types of signals
present. No setup work of any kind is required to switch between NTSC/SMPTE and
PAL/EBU operations.
AEC-BOX PROTOCOL TRANSLATORS ORDERING GUIDE
(US$)
Model Description Price
=================================================================
AEC-BOX-50 Ampex to Sony Serial Protocol Converter ......... 695
Makes Ampex VPR-3/6/80/300 VTRs
look like Sony BVH-2000 VTRs, from a
serial control standpoint. Box software
automatically adjusts itself to work with
the particular Ampex VTR and video sync
standard (NTSC/PAL/SECAM) being used.
Requires a video sync input and a standard
9-pin RS422 cable to the VTR's controller.
No other setup work is required.
AEC-BOX-xx Put your idea here... ........................... TBD
Each box comes with an instruction manual, schematics, a 115VAC
internal power supply, a 2 year warranty, a 3m VTR cable, and a
15 day money back guarantee if not fully satisfied.
=================================================================
Options:
230VAC Converts internal power supply to 230VAC .......... 0
=================================================================
Accessories: (feet/3.3 = meters)
ESBUSCBL2 ESbus RS422 cable (5 cond) .......... 25 + 0.90/meter
BOX232CBL Nonstandard 9-pin RS232 Cable, ...... 23 + 0.70/meter
with 9-pin to 25-pin adapter.
BOX232MAC 8-pin Macintosh RS232 Port Cable (2 meters) ...... 25
XMAN Extra Instruction Manual ......................... 20
=================================================================
AEC-BOX is a trademark of Adrienne Electronics Corporation.
Prices subject to change without notice. (C) January 1997 AEC
Made in U.S.A.
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