Do-It-Yourself Installation

►Hardware
All Argentem Products use off-the-shelf hardware, because this helps to keep the costs low,  simplifies maintenance, and brings prompt service.  Argentem products are optimized for computers manufactured by IBM and Dell, and when you purchase them in your own country you are guaranteed fast service.  Contact Argentem by email for the latest computer model numbers.

In addition to computers, you will want to buy serial communication ports, and may want to buy optional video/audio switchers, and an optional time code reader which can be synchronized to your video signal.  With only synchronization, and no time code input, clock accuracy is a function of the sync generator and is about one second per week.

►Software
The software uses the latest version of C# on the Microsoft .Net platform, and if you use an operating system older than Windows XP you will need to install the free .Net framework.  The Argentem applications are self-loading, and none of the configuration files use the computer's *.ini files, so corruption of them by the software is impossible.

Software updates from time to time will be supplied to all users who have a software maintenance contract in effect.  This is advised for those who want to update the application to handle new versions of software in the video/audio equipment being controlled.

►360 Systems server configuration

Argus100/200 applications control a video server via RS 422 port using VDCP protocol (Video Disc Communications Protocol).

In order to control video and audio output of the video server do the following for each channel to be controlled.:

• Make sure “Serial Control” box is checked for that channel.
• From the menu bar select Configure and System item. Select “Control” tab. Set desired control server port (COM1, COM2, COM3) to “VDCP” in “Serial Protocol” group box. Use dropdown box to change factory default setting “P2 (9-Pin)” to “VDCP”.
• In The “VDCP Options” group box, , check “Report Play (vs Still) at end” option
• In the “VDCP Options” group box, , check “Cue w/offset (vs timestamp)” option
• Click Apply and then Ok.
• Reboot server in order for changes to have an effect (Go to Start\Shutdown\Quick restart).

For more information about 360 Systems, visit www.360systems.com