StarServe Installers Guide Audiovisual distribution for your home. clipsal.
Table of Contents Preface 4 Structured Cabling System 5 Clipsal StarServe 6 StarServe Lite 7 StarServe Video 10 StarServe Pro 12 Additional StarServe Components 13 StarServe Installation Requirements 19 Labeling & Identification 19 Installation Tools 20 Telephone/Data Cabling Requirements 21 Telephone Hub 8054/6TL 23 Telephone & Data Harmonicas 24 Video Distribution 25 StarServe Video Distribution 27 System Losses 31 Interference and Trouble Shooting 32 Cable 33 Video Re
Preface The StarServeTM Installers Guide has been compiled to assist installers with the design and installation of the StarServe system components. This guide is not however, intended to be a complete guide to all aspects of structured cabling systems. Installers of StarServe products should be conversant with the above documents. Copyright Notice ©2002 Copyright Clipsal Integrated Systems Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. The information contained in this guide is advisory only.
Structured cabling systems Commercial Origins Structured cabling systems have been installed in commercial buildings for many years. Their purpose is to distribute communication services via the cable infrastructure installed during construction. Problems with RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and other forms of interference are minimised, as during construction strict cabling standards can be readily adhered to.
Clipsal StarServe TM The structured wiring solution offered by Clipsal Integrated Systems is StarServe. The StarServe system is available in various basic configurations, all of which incorporate a grid assembly that allows each system to be expanded to meet the needs of the user. The ‘wiring topology’ of a system is its physical layout and how it is connected. The topology in a structured wiring system is called ‘Star Wired’ or ‘Home Run’. This is where all the cables start at a central location (i.e.
TM StarServe Lite StarServe Lite is an entry-level system for telephone and video reticulation. The VDU is powered by a 12Vdc regulated plug pack. It provides telephone distribution for four incoming exchange lines, with each being connected to up to six telephone points within the home. In addition, the unit has two, 8-pin RJ45 modular connectors.
Mounting StarServeTM Lite modules Telephone Connections page 8 [StarServe Installers Guide]
StarServeTM Lite Video Connections StarServeTM Lite Video & Telephone Connectors [StarServe Installers Guide] page 9
TM StarServe Video StarServe Video distributes Broadband (RF) video, and can distribute both local and broadcast (TV) video services to eight locations. The system comprises of a three input / eight output Video Distribution Unit (VDU), mounting grid and cover, a 12Vdc regulated power pack and 12 F-Type connectors.
Video StarServeTM Mounting Modules StarServeTM Video Video Connections [StarServe Installers Guide] page 11
TM StarServe Pro StarServe Pro has a greater capacity for expansion than the Lite or Video systems. Telephone, data and video distribution is combined, with the capacity to add C-Bus DIN rail mounted devices, such as a C-Bus Network Interface device. There are two types of harmonicas supplied with the StarServe Pro. • Eight Way Harmonica, which provides eight individual RJ45 sockets. • Eight Way Harmonica, which provides two banks of four RJ45 Sockets (common connections).
TM Additional StarServe Components Each of the StarServe systems can be expanded based on:- • The cabling infrastructure. If enough cable was not installed initially, it will probably be cost prohibitive to expand the system with additional StarServe products. • The StarServe products currently installed and the expandability of those products.
Infra-red Options The Video Distribution Unit supplied with both the StarServe Video and StarServe Pro system is the 8053/8VHPIR. This VDU incorporates an Infra-red distribution engine. The infra-red engine comprises of circuitry that facilitates the transmission of infra-red signals. Normally, infra-red control works based on line of sight, therefore the remote control requires an unobscured view of the equipment to be controlled.
Infra-red Output Plate, 2031RFT The Infra-red Output Plate has two emitter sockets, a power input, and a passthrough F-Type coaxial connecter (one connection on the front and one on the rear). Infra-red Diagram The plate is powered by a 12V regulated plug pack, which also powers the Video Distribution Unit. Power is applied to the coaxial cable from the rear of an F-Type connector to power the VDU. Hence, the VDU does not require its own plug pack. No power passes through to the front F-Type connector.
Single Channel Modulator 8051VMP The single channel modulator is configured via a series of dipswitches, and provides channel selection from UHF 28 - 67. Baseband video and audio inputs. Modulator output. Power Input. Channel programming dipswitches. Two & Four Channel Modulators 8052VMPIR / 8054VMPIR The two and four channel Modulators are internally combined and provide a single coaxial output. They also provide infra-red outputs for the connection of emitters.
Typical Modular Connections Two Channel Modulator connecting to a DVD and a VCR Typical Modular Connections Four Channel Modulator connecting to a VCR, DTV, DVD, and Pay TV [StarServe Installers Guide] page 17
Modulator Combiner The StarServe Modulator Combiner is an eight-input, oneoutput device and is designed to combine multiple modulated sources on to a single output. This output can then be connected to an input on the Video Distribution Unit. It is designed primarily to combine single channel Modulators, and will not pass a dc current or infra-red signals.
StarServe Installation Requirements The StarServe system allows distribution of telephone, data and video services. The installation requirements can be broken down into these three elements. Recommendations made in this guide are based on Australian, New Zealand and US cabling standards. Installation of the StarServe product should be performed by a licensed or appropriately certified installer according to the rules, regulations and standards determined by the relevant governing bodies.
Surround IDS Label Makers Within the Clipsal 2000 series, there are surround IDs that allow identification of a plate via a plug in ID number. Whilst it does not identify single connections, i.e. individual sockets or F-Type connectors, it can be useful to differentiate between multiple plates within a single room. Either used alone or in tandem with the ID systems, label makers provide a simple and easy way of labeling each point in the system.
Telephone/Data Cabling Requirements Only cabling for services required today will result in an inflexible system for tomorrow. Cabling for a range of future possibilities will provide the flexibility to be able to change the services without the need to recable later. All telephone and data cabling should be Category 5 or higher, with Category 5e recommended. Cable categories refer to the bandwidth available on the cable, the higher the category the greater the bandwidth.
Other Telephone / Data Cabling Requirements • Cables from a wall outlet to a network interface • • • • • • • • (e.g., computer or printer) should be a maximum of 3 metres. A minimum of two outlets at each location. The recommended jumper/patch cord length is 7 metres. A maximum of 2 patch cords per horizontal run. To reduce untwisting of cable pairs, strip back only as much cable jacket as required. The untwisting of a pair should not be greater than 13mm for Category 5 cable. Maintain proper bend radii.
Telephone Hub 8054/6TL The Telephone Hub for the StarServe Lite allows each of the four incoming lines to be distributed to six points. These lines are terminated on a punch down block using a 110-termination tool. 110 punch down tool Keep sheath close to connector Untwist 13mm max. Note order of colours The expansion port (labeled RJ31X) is a special modular socket that provides line routing for line one, in the same way as a Mode 3 configuration.
Telephone & Data Harmonicas Incoming Telephone Lines Incoming telephone lines are terminated on a voice block located behind the hinged panel and fixed to the rear of the StarServe Pro enclosure. From the voice block, the telephone lines are terminated on the telephone harmonicas. The voice block serves as a disconnect / test point and the telephone harmonica serves as the distribution device. The telephone harmonicas have internal wiring, which link the sockets in two groups of four.
Data Connections The Ethernet Hub attaches to the grid within the StarServe enclosure. Each port on the Hub can be connected to a network device (e.g., a network card in a computer) by using the patch cords to patch to one of the sockets on an eight way harmonica. Additional devices such as an ADSL modem or a Cable Modem with an Ethernet connection can also connect directly to the Hub.
Broadband Video Broadband Video refers to multiple video signals transmitted via a single medium, such as television (terrestrial broadcast), satellite or cable. Video transmitted over the air (television) is basically the same as that transmitted over cable or via satellite. The primary difference between any of the mediums is the signal level. To be able to transmit numerous video signals across a single medium, each video signal must only use a portion of the available bandwidth.
StarServe Video Distribution The StarServe Video Distribution Units or ‘VDUs’ distribute broadband video signals to multiple locations within the home and are designed to simplify MATV design. The 8053/8VHPIR VDU supplied with the StarServe ‘Video’ and ‘Pro’ allows for distribution of locally generated video signals in addition to free to air TV. StarServe is essentially the distribution end of a MATV system.
-6 dBmV Absolute minimum 1 to 6 dBmV Acceptable signal range -5 to –1 dBmV Less desirable than 0dBmV 7 to 19 dBmV Optimal range of signal 0dBmV The reference level 20 dBmV Maximum signal allowable dB Conversion Chart Voltage dBmV Microvolts 10.00 11.22 12.59 14.13 15.85 17.78 19.95 22.39 25.12 28.18 31.62 35.48 39.81 44.67 50.12 56.23 63.10 70.79 79.43 89.13 100.00 112.2 125.9 141.3 158.5 177.8 199.5 223.9 251.2 281.8 316.2 354.8 398.1 446.7 501.2 562.3 631.0 707.9 794.3 891.3 1000.
The MATV Head-End The Head End of a MATV system usually consists of an antenna which receives broadcast signals, processing equipment to filter the signals and a distribution amplifier to amplify the signals to compensate for distribution losses. Antennas, amplifiers, taps, filters and attenuates are used in this portion of the system. The MATV Antenna Signal Survey The quality of TV reception can be no better than the quality of the signal from the antenna.
Masthead Amplifiers The MATV Distribution System In weak signal areas, it is often necessary to amplify the signal before the distribution amplifier. This will ensure a signal of sufficient strength and acceptable quality. This is achieved using a Masterhead Amplifier. A well-designed distribution system is necessary to guarantee an adequate signal at every receiver connected to the system. The distribution of MATV is the role of the StarServe Video Distribution Unit.
Attenuators As there are many signals received by an antenna, there may be a wide variation in signs levels. In order to ensure the same picture quality on all channels, the signal levels may require equalisation to prevent the stronger signals from overriding the weaker ones. Equalisation is achieved by using attenuators, which reduce the incoming stronger signals by a specified amount. Attenuators can be either fixed or variable.
Interference and Trouble Shooting Cross Modulation Interference Cross modulation interference occurs in Broadband preamplifiers and distribution amplifiers when one or more signals (TV Channels) exceed the amplifiers rated output capability. This causes two or more signals (TV channels) to beat together resulting in the picture information of one channel appearing superimposed upon another. This interference usually manifests itself as a windshield wiper effect or as a negative image.
Ghosting There are three common causes of ghosting:• Pickup of reflected signals by the antenna. • Direct pickup of a signal by the TV or TV lead. • Poor installation techniques. Not all signals reach an antenna directly. They can be reflected by buildings, mountains, or bodies of water. These reflected signals arrive at the antenna microseconds after the direct signal. This causes a second, fainter image to appear on the TV screen, just to the right of the main image. This is called a trailing ghost.
Video Requirements StarServeTM Lite The StarServe Lite VDU provides six outlets for video distribution. Four outlets are designated as short and two as long. The distance recommendation for both short and long is based on the level of gain that the VDU provides. Cable lengths in excess of the recommendations will work, as long as the incoming signal level (i.e. the antenna signal) is suitably high. Catalogue No.
StarServeTM Video & Pro The Video Distribution Units (80053/8VHPIR) in StarServe Video and Pro can be coupled together to expand the number of outputs. Catalogue No.
System Design Points To Remember • All video distribution should use RG-6 Quad Shield cable, • • • • even the short leads from the wall plate to the TVs. The total length for any RG-6 cable run should not exceed the recommended lengths. All telephone and data should be cabled with Category 5 cable or greater. This higher grade cable isn’t required for telephone service, however having both data and telephone points cabled with Category 5 gives the flexibility to interchange those services.
Types of Baseband Video Composite Video Composite Video is the most familiar format. It uses a single cable with RCA or Phono connections, usually colour coded. Composite refers to the fact that all components that make the video signal are combined into a single ‘composite’ signal. This means that the ‘Luminance’ (Black & White detail), ‘Hue’ (Red, Green & Blue colour balance), ‘Saturation’ (the richness of the colour) and sync pulses are all combined.
The Digital Television Signal The ‘digital’ signal used for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) is different to the PAL analogue signal. DTTB utilises a form of modulation called COFDM (Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) and is defined by DVB-T standards. The purpose of COFDM is to provide a vehicle for the carriage of digital signals that is highly robust to the effects of echoes or ghosts. COFDM spreads data between many carriers.
Same Coverage A planning requirement for all service areas is the concept of ‘same coverage’, where the introduced DTTB service is received by viewers currently receiving an analogue service.
Impulse Noise Interference Impulse noise from house appliances, vehicle ignitions or overhead power lines may interfere with the reception of the digital services, causing intermittent picture blocking or freezing. The disturbance to sound may be of greater annoyance. Both level and quality margins may be consumed by the interference caused by impulse noise.
Approximating Signal Level The tuner in modern televisions have a ‘knee’ in performance at about -10dBmV input signal strength. Below this ‘knee’, the noise begins to increase rapidly. (Note: Noise is identifiable as snow. If there is a pattern to when it is seen, it is not noise). 1. Connect the variable attenuator to the TV set and tune to a station. 2. Increase attenuation until the ‘knee’ is found (the point where noise begins to rapidly increase).
Notes page 42 [StarServe Installers Guide]
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