DTC Communications HVT250-S Handheld Video Transmitter User Manual HVT Manual Rev2b

DTC Communications Inc. Handheld Video Transmitter HVT Manual Rev2b

Users Manual

Portable Day/Night Camera andDigital COFDM TransmitterDTC COMMUNICATIONS, INCORPORATEDHandheld Video Transmitter
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.2warrantyDTC warrants its manufactured componentsagainst defects in material and workmanshipfor a period of two (2) years, commencing onthe date of original purchase.Products manufactured by others that areapproved for use with DTC equipment arewarranted for the manufacturer’s warrantyperiod, commencing from the date of shipmentfrom DTC.PN OP1920330 REV 2copyright noticeCopyright © 2005, 2006DTC Communications, Inc. All rightsreserved. No part of this document may bereproduced, transmitted, transcribed, storedin a retrieval system or translated into anylanguage or computer language, in any formor by any means, including but not limited toelectronic, magnetic, mechanical, optical,chemical, manual or otherwise, without theprior written permission of DTCCommunications, Inc.disclaimerThe information in the document is subject tochange without notice. DTC makes norepresentations or warranties with respect tothe contents hereof, and specifically disclaimsany implied warranties of merchantability orfitness for a particular purpose. DTC reservesthe right to revise this publication and tomake changes from time to time in thecontent hereof without obligation of DTC tonotify any person of such revision or changes.trademarksTrademarks of DTC Communications, Inc.include:• DTC• MiniPIXTM• SplitPIXTM• DynaViewTM• PalladiumTM• ArmorNetTMOther product names used in this manual arethe properties of their respective owners.how to contact DTCFor operator and troubleshooting information,customers are encouraged to refer to thedetails in this manual. For additionalclarification or instruction, or to order parts,contact DTC.Customer Service is available Monday throughFriday between the hours of 9:00 AM and5:00 PM EST at:Tel: 603-880-4411Fax: 603-880-6965Website: www.dtccom.comEmail: info@dtccom.com486 Amherst StreetNashua, New Hampshire 03063
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 3NOTE: Describes special issues you shouldbe aware of while using a particular function.WARNING: Calls out situations in whichequipment could be damaged or a processcould be incorrectly implemented, but inwhich operator safety is not a factor.TIP: Describes application hints.RF EXPOSURE STATEMENTA separation distance of at least 20 cm must bemaintained between the antenna and the body ofthe user or nearby persons.NOTE: This device is for occupational useonly. Occupational users are those personswho are exposed as a consequence of theiremployment, provided these persons are fullyaware of and exercise control over theirexposure.manual conventions Quick Start ............................................................................ 4-5Complete These Steps ................................................................ 4Battery Charging ......................................................................... 5Introduction ............................................................................... 6Operation ............................................................................... 7Using your HVT........................................................................... 7Changing your Transmitter Configuration .................................... 7Components ........................................................................... 8-9Programming ...................................................................... 10-15System PC Controller Application Software .............................. 10Transmitter Control Application ................................................. 11Specifications..................................................................... 16-17Accessories ............................................................................. 18Contact Us ............................................................................. 19TABLE OF CONTENTS
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.4Complete these steps:QUICK STARTAccessories• Shipping Case w/Quick Guide• Extra Battery Pack• Battery Chargers (2): • Connect to Battery (External) • Connect to Flashlight (Internal)• External DC Power Conditioner w/Cigarette Adapter• Programming Cable• Programming CD• User Manual• Lens Cleaning Wipes• Lens Cleaning Cloth• Silicon O-Ring LubricationHVT Shipping Case1. Make sure the antenna is connected to the transmitter.2. Be sure to start each mission with a fully-charged battery pack.See Charging the HVT battery pack (page 5). The RED LED blinkswhen the battery is low. If using alternative power source, connectthrough Ext. DC Power Source module supplied.3. Select the Channel on the transmitter that matches the frequency andsettings of your receiver or repeater receive Channel.For programming instructions, see Programming on pages 10 to 15.4. Unlock the Main Power Switch. Set the Main Power switch to LEFT forillumination, or RIGHT for camera TX only.5. To operate the spotting laser, press the Laser ON/OFF Button. An LEDin the button indicates ON/OFF State. The laser spots forapproximately 30 feet, placing a dot in the center of the image. The laserproduces a beam strength of less than 5 mW and is blink safe. WARNING: Do not apply power to the transmitter unless an antenna or non-radiating load is connected to the Antenna SMA connector.WARNING: Do NOT connect external DC power sources directly tothe HVT. Connect all external DC sources through the suppliedExt. DC Power Source module. (Examples: car battery, customer-supplied battery, etc.)NOTE: Ensure the Zoom Retainer is plugged-in to theMonitor Zoom connectorto ensure a 1:1 zoomsetting. (See Page 7.)Otherwise, the zoomsetting is not controled.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 5QUICK STARTHandheld Video Transmitter,Rear View (Antenna position shown forreference only. Adjust antenna positionfor best performance.)O-Ring LubricantCharging the HVT battery pack(external method):A. Make sure the Main Power Switch is in the center position.B. Loosen and remove the front bezel.C. Grasp black plastic ring and carefully pull out assembly.D. Unplug 13-pin Hirose connector and fully remove assembly.E. Unplug DC power connector, loosen Velcro straps and replace batterypack with a fully charged spare (at least 3 hours charging time).Charging the HVT battery pack(internal method):F. Turn the HVT Main Power Switch to OFF (center).G. Attach the Battery Charging cable to the Ext. Power Input Connector.H. Connect AC Charger unit to proper power source.(The battery will charge at a slower rate when the HVT is powered from the Ext. DC Power Conditioner.)J. Charge the HVT battery pack for at least three hours.Reassembly Tips• Align external and internal switches to center position to preventdamage to switch.• Keep threads, O-ring groove, and inside lip of bezel lubricated withSilicone Grease.• Screw together firmly. Periodically check O-ring for damage.BATTERY CHARGER:ORANGE = CHARGING,FLASHING GREEN or ORANGE = CHARGING TOP OFF,GREEN = CHARGEDWARNING: Make sure the Main Power Switch is in the centerposition during disassembly and reassembly or damage to theswitch may occur.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.6INTRODUCTIONThe Handheld Video TransmitterThe Handheld Video Transmitter is the latest innovation in tactical videoreconnaissance and digital video transmission from DTC. First responderswill find the HVT valuable for search and rescue, assessing threats,physical security, and disaster sites. The HVT is an essential tool forgovernment, military, and law enforcement teams.Weighing only 5.5 pounds and completely portable, the HVT uses aPalladium digital transmitter and fits in a durable 9.8 by 9.0 by 4.8 inchpackage. Rechargeable Lithium batteries provide a nominal runtime ofthree hours with all features ON. Even longer runtimes are achieved withthe illuminator LED’s and laser turned OFF. The LED’s are ultra-brightand efficient, providing sufficient illumination for excellent video in neartotal darkness.A red spotting laser provides a safe method of effectively pointing thecamera without the need for a monitor. The HVT was designed to govirtually anyplace and to work well in virtually any environment fromsunlight to darkness. The HVT is the essential tool for tactical videocollection and transmission. A miniature color video camera is fitted in thecenter of the HVT, with dual banks of illuminator LED’s in concentriccircles around the camera.Two types of LED’s are used with illumination beam-widths of 20 degreesand 45 degrees. This combination provides both a spot light and aneffective flood light, with a combined output designed to recognize a personin a dark room at a 12-foot distance.The HVT can be ordered to provide either NTSC or PAL video.HVT, Front View
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 7OPERATIONUsing your HVT TransmitterFollow the instructions given in the Quick Start section on pages 4-5.When power is first applied to the HVT, the unit reverts to the last usedchannel and RF (ON/OFF) state. One of the green channel LEDs will turnON indicating the active channel. The Alarm LED may be ON, whichindicates that there is no active video input.NOTE: Since the Palladium transmitter always returns to the lastconfiguration on power-up, the unit should always be deployed withthe RF switch ON. Therefore, once deployed, control of the unit mustbe restricted to applying and removing power via the HVT MainPower Switch.Changing your Transmitter ConfigurationThe Palladium Transmitter can store up to 8 different configurations,which can be selected on the front panel. Each of these configurations canbe programmed into the Transmitter with the supplied DTC ProgrammingSoftware and a Windows PC. Refer to the Programming section on page 10for more information.To cycle through your preconfigured channels press the CONFIG buttononce to advance to the next setting. By default, the Palladium will turnOFF the transmitted signal while you are changing channels. This is toprevent accidental interference. Push the RF button after channel selectionto resume RF transmission of your video image.NOTE: DO NOT HOLD THE RF BUTTON DOWN FOR MORE THANONE SECOND, or the unit will go into sleep mode. In sleep mode, theunit is non-functional. If necessary, recover from sleep mode bypressing and holding the RF button for more than two seconds.HVT Transmitter Control Panel,Located on BottomZoomRetainerPlug-in the Zoom Retainer to ensure a1:1 Zoom setting. If not plugged-in, thezoom may change state randomly.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.8COMPONENTSWARNING: You can damageinternal compoinents if youdo not take precautions.Electrostatic Discharge (ESD),caused by static electricity,can damage sensitiveelectronic parts. You canreduce the chances of ESDdamage by using propergrounding and handlingtechniques, especially whenaccessing battery packs.Handle with care and do notexpose internal componentsto dirt, water, or other foreignsubstances.Camera ModuleAuto IrisThe Auto Iris camera feature allows the device to automatically adjust forvarying lighting conditions. This feature emulates the human iris, whichopens in dark conditions to let in more light and closes down in brightlight to prevent overexposure.The HVT camera will accomodate a wide range of ambient light from brightsunlight to near total darkness. You may notice a slight delay for thecamera to adjust when moving between these conditions.Auto NightshotWhen ambient light is too dim for color reproduction, the HVT cameraautomatically switches to black and white mode. Black and white moderequires less light than color. This feature emulates the human eye, whichsees in black and white in darkened conditions. You may notice a slightdelay for the camera to adjust when moving between these conditions.Auto FocusThe HVT camera can focus on objects from a few inches away to infinity.The Auto Focus feature constantly monitors distance and adjusts the focusto optimize the image. You may notice a slight delay for the camera toadjust when moving between these conditions.Camera MountThe HVT is equipped with a standard 1/4 - 20 camera mount forconvenient attachment to a tripod, monopod, or other support.Ext. DC Power SourceUse only the Ext. DC PowerConditioner provided. This is aregulated, filtered DC to DC convertersuitable for automotive power connection. Ithas a cigarette-lighter adapter. Other DC powersources can be connected to the Conditioner throughthe Ext. DC Power Input Jack: Input voltage range: 10.0 to 15.0 VDC.,Output voltage: 12 VDC @ 75 Watts.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 9COMPONENTSALARM LED This red LED indicates a valid video signalis not present. In addition, if no other LED is ON, theALARM LED indicates battery is less than 10 Volts.RF LED This green LED indicates that the RFoutput is ON.RF Button This membrane switch toggles ON/OFF theRF output. Normally this should be left ON.CONFIG Button This membrane switch cycles throughthe eight channels.Channel LEDs These green LEDs, numbered 1 through8, indicate the channel number currently selected.Each channel represents a set of preconfiguredsettings.Do not cinch the Velcro® battery strap here or youcould damage the PC board inside.Cinch the battery strap here.Power ConnectorPower ConnectorHirose ConnectorBattery PackYou must disconnect the Hirose Connector and thePower Connector in order to access the Battery Pack.HVT, Partially Disassembled ViewHVT Transmitter Control Panel,Located on Bottom
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.10PROGRAMMING System PC Controller Application SoftwareAdvanced control of the system is available by using the PC controlapplication software. Typically users may want to customize the defaultconfigurations to control settings such as frequency, scrambling keys,modulation parameters, and video resolution.The transmitter is controlled by the application DTC_tx_ctrl.exeavailable on the CD delivered with the product.A PC is required with an available RS232 Serial COM port to control thetransmitter.Installation of the control program is as simple as copying the file from theCD to a suitable location on the PC. No install shield routine is launched.Note that the application generates its own log and initialization files, so itis best to create a dedicated directory for these applications, perhaps withlinks to the applications from the desktop of the PC.Getting Started•Use the supplied programmingcable to connect the chosen COMport of your PC to the transmitterto be configured.•Launch the application by doubleclicking or using the Run...command.•Connection with a transmittershould be automatic, but the usercan force selection of the correctCOM port using the drop down,followed by the Connect button.•Select the channel to be configuredfrom the unit’s front panel CONFIGbutton•Click Refresh in the application todisplay the current configuration.•Update thecurrentsettings inthe applica-tion, thenclick Applyto save tomemory TransmitterMulti-I/OConnectorTo PC SerialRS-232 PortTo TransmitterMulti-I/OConnectorTo ExternalHVT BatteryPack Conn.WARNING: Connect an antenna to the TXbefore connecting power.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 11PROGRAMMINGTransmitter Control ApplicationOutput Frequency (MHz)The transmit frequency can be changed by entering the new desiredfrequency in this field. Values outside the range supported by a particulartransmitter type will be rounded to the highest or lowest supportedfrequency as appropriate. The transmit frequency may be entered in1MHz steps.Modulation Output (same as RF button functionality)This control is used to turn on and off the RF output. After a configurationchange, the output always reverts to OFF. It must be ON for operation.Either press RF button on front panel or select ON and Applyfrom application.Modulation FEC*The default FEC is 2/3, however improved range operation can be achievedby selecting FEC 1/3. FEC 1/3 will improve signal range by 3dB. HoweverFEC 1/3 reduces link capacity to 1.2Mb/s. FEC 2/3 is recommended.Modulation Guard IntervalThe Guard Interval is fixed at 1/16 in current firmware releases.Modulation BandwidthFor the Palladium transmitter products, the modulation bandwidth is fixedat 2.5MHz in current firmware release.COFDM ModeThe COFDM mode can be changed between QPSK and 16QAM. QPSK isthe default mode and will give the strongest most rugged RF linkperformance. Selecting 16QAM reduces the link performance by 5dB butdoubles the link data throughput. Default values are shown in red.OFF2/31/162.5 MHzQPSK(your frequency)*Advanced options are shown in blue. Theseoptions are for trained and experienced technicians only.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.12Output AttenuationThis control can be used to make minor adjustments to the output powerlevel, but in normal operation should not be changed from factory settings.(0 attenuation = full output power, greater than 0 attenuation = reducedpower in 1 dB steps.)Video InputThis control is used to select the composite video input standard. Optionsare PAL, and NTSC both with and without 7.5 IRE black level pedestal.PAL/NTSC should be selected according to the camera format. NO pedestalis correct for most applications.Video Bitrate (status only)Displays data capacity for video channel.Horizontal resolutionThe video coding resolution can be selected from 704, 528, 480 and 352pixels. For optimum performance, choose a resolution one step better thanyour camera’s resolution.Audio EncoderNot available in this device.PROGRAMMING(As Desired)NTSC1.1528OFFDefault values are shown in red.Advanced options are shown in blue. Theseoptions are for trained and experienced technicians only.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 13Audio Input LevelNot applicable to this device.Unit NameEnter up to 16 characters to identify unit as desired.Sleep ModeThis control allows the unit to be forced into a Sleep Mode where mainfunctions are disabled, and the power consumption is significantly re-duced.DataFuture use.Data Baud RateFuture use.Chaining InputFuture use.Chain NumberFuture use.PROGRAMMING24 dB(As Desired)NOOFF1200OFF0Default values are shown in red.Advanced options are shown in blue. Theseoptions are for trained and experienced technicians only.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.14Current Config (same as display panel)This field reports the last loaded configuration number (1-8). Note that forthe Palladium transmitter, changes applied after the configuration hasbeen loaded are saved immediately into the current configuration. To selectanother configuration, enter number (1-8) then click Apply.ScramblingScrambling is enabled at the transmitter by selecting AES in thescrambling field. At this point the user will need to ensure that the correctkey is in use and this is done by using Options/Write AES key. The key is128 bits and is entered as 32 ASCII hexadecimal characters (0-9 and A-F).(256 bit is optional.)Video Locked (Status Only)This status information indicates whether the transmitter is successfullylocked to the incoming composite video signal. Unlocked status mayindicate cabling faults, or poor quality incoming video feeds to the unit.Software Version (Status Only)This status information describes the version of the software running thetransmitter product.FPGA Version (Status Only)Engineering use only.Serial Number (Status Only)This status information is the electronic serial number of the transmitterPCB. This number can be used for upgrades or support.Chaining (Status Only)Future use.PROGRAMMING(Ch. No.)OFFDefault values are shown in red.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 15OptionsTimeouts – password protected access to change timeouts used duringthe serial communications between the unit and the controller.Engineering – password protected access to further diagnostic andcalibration features.Write License Code – open a further password protected box for enteringlicense codes for future upgrade.Change RS232 address – (future use).Write AES Key – opens a dialog box for entering a customer-selectedscrambling key. A key is a combination of 32 hexadecimal characters (64for optional 256-bit encryption). Hexadecimal characters are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F. The receiver and transmitter must haveidentical AES keys.Restore Defaults – restores factory default settings in the transmitter.Polling Enabled – selecting this option makes the control applicationautomatically refresh the data presented to the user every few seconds.FileLoad Config – used for loading configuration data to text file.Save Config - used for saving configuration data to text file.Change Logfile – opens a standard Windows file save dialog box whichallows the user to change the path and name of the log file generated bythe application.Exit – exits the control application.PROGRAMMINGAdvanced options are shown in blue. Theseoptions are for trained and experienced technicians only.
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.16PhysicalUnit Dimensions (approx.) 9.8” (24.892cm) L x 9.0 (22.86cm) ”H x4.8” (24.892cm) DWeight 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg)5:1 Water: Chlorine bleach solution Protected from immersion at 1 meter deep for30 minutes (IP67)Tripod Mount 1/4 - 20 threaded hole at bottom of housingEnvironmentalOperational Temp 0o F (24.892oC) to 120o F (48.99oC)PowerInput Voltage 10 to 15 VDC through Ext. DC PowerConditioner 12 VDC @ 60 Watts max.Battery Voltage 12 V @ 20 W typicalLow Battery Red LED is ON when battery approaches end-of-life (approx. 10.5 VDC).Battery Life 3 hours nominal on full charge w/illuminator at50% duty cycle.Chargers (1) Internal, (1) External100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz InputControlPC Control Interface RS-232.Memory 8 user-programmable configurationsVideo EncodingCompression Standard MPEG-2 with non-DVB modesChrominance Profile 4:2:0Line Standard PAL 625 or NTSC 525Horizontal Resolution 704, 528, 480, 352 pixels (528 as standard)Vertical Resolution 576 (625 lines) or 480 (525 lines)Video Bitrates 1Mbps to 10 MbpsSystem Latency End to end delay of approx. 54 millisecondsSPECIFICATIONS
DTC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 17SPECIFICATIONSScramblingScrambling type Fixed key scrambling systemAlgorithms offered include AES.(AES 256 Optional)COFDM RF outputOutput Frequency Band DependentOccupied Bandwidth 2.44 MHzPower 250 mWConnector SMACOFDM Standard Proprietary, 2.5 MHz channel bandwidth.Video OutputExternal Video Output Optional Remote Video Out and Zoom ControlCameraImage Sensor 1/4-inch CCDResolution 500 TV LinesAuto Iris AESLens F1.8 to 2.9, f= 4.2 to 42 mmFocus AutomaticAntennaOmnidirectional, articulating base Rubber duck style dipole SMA 50 OhmsLaser PointerSpotting laser 5 mW (blink safe) red, button switch actuatedIlluminatorUltrabright LED array 141 total candlepower
Accessories DTC Part Number• Shipping Case w/Quick Guide QG1920330• Extra Battery Pack 8030091• Battery Chargers (2): • Connect to Battery (External) 4640129 • Connect to Flashlight (Internal) 8340090• External DC Power Conditioner w/ Cigarette Adapter 8340093• Programming Cable 4640168• Programming CD 8002027• User Manual OP1920330• Lens Cleaning Wipes 8530102• Lens Cleaning Cloth 8530101• Silicon O-Ring Lubrication 8500173ACCESSORIES
CONTACT USContact InformationNashua Main Office Numbers486 Amherst StreetNashua, New Hampshire 03063 USA(T) 603 880-4411(F) 603 880-6965Toll Free in the USA1-800 233-8639REGIONAL SALES MANAGERSHoward Richtoll free (888) 819-8570voice (860) 626-8570fax (860) 626-8571NY, MA, CT, RI, PA, NJ, MD, DE, WV, DChrich@dtccom.comGary Nicholstoll free (866) 794-2823voice (765) 473-8917fax (765) 473-8920MN, WI, MI, IA, MO, IL, IN, OH, KY, NEgnichols@dtccom.comJoe Parkinsontoll free (800) 952-4914voice (928) 443-9399fax (928) 443-9302CA, AZ, NV, HI, UT, AKjparkinson@dtccom.comInside SalesState & Local Law Enforcement603 546-2217Federal Law Enforcement603 546-2169Military603 546-2121International603 546-2217A complete listing of Contact Individualscan be located on our website at:www.dtccom.comChristine Guzmantoll free (800) 233-8639voice (603) 546-2217fax (603) 880-6965NH, VT, MEcguzman@dtccom.comEd Bryanttoll free (800) 396-0295voice (903) 725-7229fax (903) 725-6952cell (903) 399-5496CO, KS, OK, AR, NM, TX, LAebryant@dtccom.comGreg Langleyvoice (702) 236-0021fax (702) 293-6448WA, OR, ID, MT, ND, WY, SDglang46@aol.comFrank Priolitoll free (800) 246-2610voice (727) 392-4761fax (727) 320-0509FL, GA, AL, MS, TN, NC, SC, VAfprioli@dtccom.com
486 Amherst Street • Nashua, New Hampshire 03063 • 603-880-4411www.dtccom.com

Navigation menu