======================================= - Alcorn McBride Inc. - - Binloop Controller Card - DBAP4 --------------------------------------- ***************************************** * * * How to Update the DBAP4 * * * ***************************************** The DBAP4 Controller Card must be updated over an RS-232 serial connection. This will require you to have a Windows PC with an RS-232 port (or a USB->RS-232 serial adapter). This PC should also have the latest version of the Binloop Config software installed. Once you have met these requirements, follow these instructions to update the DBAP4 Controller Card: 1. Download the latest firmware for the DBAP4 from http://www.alcorn.com/support/firmware.html 2. Extract the zipped firmware update files to your PC. These are the files: DBAP4.HEX - Main Controller Card Firmware SMPTECOR.HEX - SMPTE Interface Firmware REL_DBAP4.TXT - A copy of these release notes 3. Launch the Binloop PC Software (This software can be obtained at http://www.alcorn.com/support/software.html) 4. Launch the Firmware update utility by clicking on Help->Update Firmware... 5. Use this screen to update both the Controller firmware and the SMPTE Interface firmware. On-screen instructions will be provided. ***************************************** * * * Release Notes * * * ***************************************** ************************* * Version 1.57 * ************************* 12/10/14 -Fixed grouping of REPROs (1st REPRO could miss its group assignment) ************************* * Version 1.56 * ************************* 11/25/14 -Sampling frequency math bug fixed ************************* * Version 1.55 * ************************* 10/27/14 -Removed restriction on FILM mode in cages with other then REPRO-HD2s installed ************************* * Version 1.54 * ************************* 10/24/14 -Added SR lock option (requires binloop config v5.2.1.5+) -Fixes to controller card messages addressed for REPROs -Added FILM video format (1080P23976) ************************* * Version 1.53 * ************************* 10/28/13 -Fixed rare-case EEPROM corruption -Added additional storage space tests for reliability -Added LCD options for reboot/load defaults -Added LCD options for unit information ************************* * Version 1.52 * ************************* 09/10/13 -Added network broadcast response ************************* * Version 1.51 * ************************* 09/04/13 -Added 1080P 29.97/25 format -Fixed SMPTE framerate change bug -Re-ordered video formats on the LCD ************************* * Version 1.50 * ************************* 07/23/13 -Checksum check with auto-defaults added for backwards compatibility. ************************* * Version 1.49 * ************************* 04/16/13 -Added front panel defaults load. Press and hold PLAY/PAUSE/STOP on boot to load defaults. ************************* * Version 1.48 * ************************* 04/01/13 -Added REPROHD2 support ************************* * Version 1.47 * ************************* 05/22/12 -Implemented Add/Clear Trigger Commands to Pioneer/AMI Protocol -Implemented Permanent, Temporary, and One-shot Pioneer Trigger Feature -Horizontal and Vertical Sync Offset settings are now retained in non-volatile memory -Implemented 'Set Volume' command in Pioneer Protocol (i.e. 100%R1AD) -Implemented Serial String (SS) command in Pioneer Protocol to allow for generic serial messages to be transmitted from the 'Show Control' port. -Implemented Ethernet String (NS) command in the Pioneer Protocol to allow for generic UDP messages to be transmitted from the Ethernet port. ************************* * Version 1.46 * ************************* 04/09/12 -Implemented Video Enable/Disable Command for Binloop HD (Requires REPRO-HD firmware v1.22) ************************* * Version 1.45 * ************************* 10/05/11 -Fixed an issue that could very intermittently cause SMPTE triggers to be missed. -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.30 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.30 * ************************* -No changes that affect Binloop -Corrected an issue that could cause the hour boundaries to be skipped in LightCue/LightCuePro ************************* * Version 1.44 * ************************* 09/29/11 -Implemented Reproducer Sync Mode Configuration to allow user to disable reproducer sync if necessary -Fixed an issue that could cause the REPRO-HD's to sometimes get 'stuck' in PAL or NTSC formats ************************* * Version 1.43 * ************************* 09/14/11 -Repackaged this release to include new SMPTE Interface firmware -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.28 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.28 * ************************* -Corrected an issue where connecting a V-Sync input would result in a change in SMPTE output level ************************* * Version 1.43 * ************************* 06/28/11 -Corrected a slight sample clock inaccuracy that could cause A/V sync in long video files to drift over time. ************************* * Version 1.42 * ************************* 03/02/11 -Fixed an interrmittent problem where the sample rate could deviate seriously after powerup when operating in the 'SMPTE Read' sample rate lock mode. -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.27 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.27 * ************************* -Increased accuracy of frame clock when SMPTE module is in READ mode when no timecode is being received. -Fixed an issue with the SMPTE read clock that is broadcast on the Binloop backplane. The problem involved intermittent dropouts of this clock, which caused inaccuracies for the reproducers whenever they were observing this clock (i.e. Synchronous Play). ************************* * Version 1.41 * ************************* 02/23/11 -Fixed a problem that could potentially allow Ethernet activity could disrupt communications to the 'Show Control' port. -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.25 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.25 * ************************* -Fixed an issue with the SMPTE read clock that is broadcast on the Binloop backplane. The problem involved intermittent dropouts of this clock, which caused inaccuracies for the reproducers whenever they were observing this clock (i.e. Synchronous Play). ************************* * Version 1.40 * ************************* 02/16/11 -Fixed a problem with the Ethernet interface that could cause the Binloop to stop responding when connected to a network. -All reproducer commands are now referenced to the SMPTE frame clock. This is important for consistent synchronized starts from control equipment that is not referenced to timecode (i.e. AMI Terminal, etc.) ************************* * Version 1.39 * ************************* 01/18/11 -Fixed an issue that would severely impact the Audio Sample Rate if External V-Sync was lost/reacquired when the Binloop was actively reading SMPTE timecode. -Fixed a problem with the 'A/V Sync Only' Sample Rate Lock mode could possibly allow incoming SMPTE timecode to affect the sample rate. -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.24 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.24 * ************************* -Fixed problem where VSYNC LED was not being activated by controller if requested while SMPTE timecode was actively being read. -Fixed an issue where a SMPTE user bit could cause the SMPTE reader to interpret incoming timecode with a 40 hour offset (i.e. 00:00:00.00 would be interpreted as 40:00:00.00). -Fixed an issue that would negatively impact the SMPTE Interface if the 'Current Time' was set while the interface was in the 'Stopped' state. ************************* * Version 1.38 * ************************* 12/07/10 -Implemented 'Play Request' and 'Play Request Independent' in Pioneer/AMI protocol. -Implemented 'Play Next Independent'in Pioneer/AMI protocol. NOTE: Both of these features require REPRO firmware V1.73 or newer. ************************* * Version 1.37 * ************************* 11/30/10 -Corrected a problem that would cause the MIDI control interface to intermittently miss incoming characters. -Changed behavior of MIDI 'SMPTE Stop' command so that it not only stops timecode, but also sends a 'Stop All' command to the reproducers. This change was to maintain backward compatibility with the DBAP2 Controller card. -Corrected an issue that would cause the Audio Sample rate to not be synchronous with an external V-Sync reference. ************************* * Version 1.36 * ************************* 06/09/10 -Added 'Sample Rate Lock Mode' Setting ************************* * Version 1.35 * ************************* 05/28/10 -Fixed an interrmittent problem where Show Control triggers (i.e. Start Sequence) could cause the Binloop to stop functioning. -Improved LCD interface so that a faulty or disconnected LCD display will not affect the operation of the Binloop. -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.21 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.21 * ************************* -Fixed an issue where restarting SMPTE would intermittently fail when the SMPTE generator was configured for "Unmuted while Stopped". The Binloop display would indicate incrementing SMPTE, but the output would remain stalled. ************************* * Version 1.34 * ************************* 04/22/10 -Fixed an issue that could potentially corrupt long serial string transmissions (i.e. MIDI Loopback test) -Fixed an issue with the legacy 'Upload Configuration' Alcorn 9-bit command -Fixed an issue that was corrupting the trigger table when the user exceeded 128 Timecode triggers -The 'Idle Read Event' now occurs when a)incoming LTC repeats the same value 3 frames in a row or b)incoming LTC drops out and the self-gen period expires. (Proper operation of this feature requires SMPTE Interface Firmware V1.20 included in this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.20 * ************************* -SMPTE Interface now enters the 'Awaiting SMPTE' state instead of the 'Idle' state when incoming timecode is dropped and the self-gen period expires. ************************* * Version 1.33 * ************************* 04/08/10 -Added the capability to receive multiple carriage return (0x0D) terminated Pioneer commands within a single UDP packet. -Improved Ethernet packet buffer capacity so that the Binloop can handle more incoming packets in a short period of time. -Pioneer protocol now responds with an 'E13' if a Reproducer Query command is addressed to a reproducer that is not installed. This includes the '?V', '?C' and '?P' commands. ************************* * Version 1.32 * ************************* 03/17/10 -Implemented 'Info' screen within the 'Repro Setup' menu of the front-panel interface -Made 'Repro Setup' menu contents dynamic depending on the type of reproducer -Implemented additional SMPTE Idle Events that allow you to stop groups and reproducers ************************* * Version 1.31 * ************************* 03/04/10 -Repackaged this release to include new SMPTE Interface firmware -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.19 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.19 * ************************* -Fixed an issue where the SMPTE drop flag could be active in non-drop formats -Improved accuracy of 29.97 framerate when not operating in Generate /w V-Sync mode ************************* * Version 1.31 * ************************* 02/17/10 -Implemented 'Pause SMPTE' (0x18) and 'Idle SMPTE' (0x19) legacy commands to the Alcorn 9-bit protocol -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.17 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.17 * ************************* -Fixed an issue that would prevent the 'Set Current SMPTE Time' command from taking effect when the SMPTE Interface was idle. -Fixed an issue that could cause some SMPTE readers to be unable to read generated SMPTE due to incorrectly set bits in the SMPTE timecode stream. ************************* * Version 1.30 * ************************* 02/08/10 -Improved Ethernet efficiency to greatly reduce the chance of dropped packets during high-traffic conditions -Fixed an interrmittent issue when changes to Video Format were sometimes not passed on to the reproducers -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.14 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.14 * ************************* -Fixed a problem that would cause the V-Sync LED to turn off even though the system was still locked to external V-Sync. ************************* * Version 1.29 * ************************* 01/26/10 -Disabled the SMPTE Sample Rate Lock system when External Video Sync is connected. This means that video sync takes priority as the locking source for the audio sample clock. -Fixed an issue that would cause a flickering issue on a newer generation of front-panel displays for the Binloop ************************* * Version 1.28 * ************************* 01/21/10 -Reactivated IO debug statements to help troubleshoot IO issues. ************************* * Version 1.27 * ************************* 09/28/09 -Implemented V-Offset and H-Offset settings in the front-panel LCD interface -Implemented a trigger menu in the front-panel LCD interface that allows you to clear all triggers -Implemented SMPTE Status commands (GS) to the Pioneer/ASCII control interface -Inverted SMPTE Frame Interrupt to eliminate a 1/2 frame lag when playing audio in reference to external SMPTE -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.10 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.10 * ************************* -Fixed a problem where the SMPTE 'drop-frame' but was 'sticking' on after a framerate change -Inverted SMPTE Frame output to eliminate 1/2 frame lag when playing audio in reference to external SMPTE -Fixed a problem where the 30d and 29.97 rates were mixed up. ************************* * Version 1.26 * ************************* 07/16/09 -Implemented Alcorn command for configuring the SMPTE Self-Gen feature -Implemented Pioneer command for configuring the SMPTE Self-Gen feature -Changed External Sync method from 'Crash Lock' to 'Drift Lock'. The ReproHD was not a big fan of the 'crash' method, and would sometimes reset. -Fixed a problem that caused the 'SMPTE Idle Mode' selection to appear twice in the SMPTE Setup LCD Menu ************************* * Version 1.25 * ************************* 06/24/09 -Fixed a problem with the IP Address LCD screen that would cause it to go blank after selecting the first IP field ************************* * Version 1.24 * ************************* 06/17/09 -Improved precision of sample rate lock system implemented in V1.22 -Corrected sample rate values. Beginning with V1.22, sample rates were running a bit fast when external was not being fed into the Binloop. Rates are now correct. ************************* * Version 1.23 * ************************* 05/15/09 -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.06 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.06 * ************************* -Fixed an issue that would cause SMPTE to intermittently and briefly drop out when reading. This dropout would be so short that you would only momentarily see the display flicker and hear the 'Running' relay click off and on. ************************* * Version 1.22 * ************************* 05/13/09 -Implemented a feature that 'locks' the audio sample rate clock of the Binloop to incoming SMPTE timecode when the SMPTE interface is configured to READ SMPTE. NOTE: A physical PROM update is required to take advantage of this feature. SMPTE firmware V1.05 (included with this release) is also required. -Updated SMPTE Interface firmware to v1.05 (firmware included with this release) ************************* * SMPTE Interface v1.05 * ************************* -When operating in READ mode, the SMPTE Interface now senses the incoming framerate -Fixed an issue where the SMPTE interface would not lock on to incoming timecode if the value of that timecode was a repeating value. Before this fix, the timecode value had to increment before lock was acheived. -Fixed an issue that happened when the current SMPTE time was set while the SMPTE generator was idling. Prior to this fix, the SMPTE generator would not apply the new value until SMPTE was started again. Now, this new value takes effect immediately. ************************* * Version 1.21 * ************************* 04/08/09 -Fixed a bug that would allow non-Pioneer/AMI reproducer responses to be returned to the controlling device. For example, the controller might receive a 0xAA character in addition to the 'R' Pioneer/AMI response. This affected both the RS-232 (via the Show Control port) and the Ethernet interfaces when using the Pioneer/AMI protocol. -Changed the default 'Show Control' port mode to Pioneer/AMI rather than Alcorn 9-bit ************************* * Version 1.20 * ************************* 03/30/09 -Implemented the 'Search Offset' command in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol ************************* * Version 1.19 * ************************* 03/19/09 -Fixed an Alcorn 9-bit bug that could cause an Alcorn configured RS-232 port (Programmer Port, and possibly the Show Control Port) to stop receiving messages. ************************* * Version 1.18 * ************************* 03/04/09 -Implemented Reproducer 'Independent' Status Request in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol -Implemented Reproducer 'Independent' Filename Request in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol -Implemented Reproducer 'Both' Status Request in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol - Used by V16Pro -Implemented Reproducer 'Both' Filename Request in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol - Used by V16Pro ************************* * Version 1.17 * ************************* 02/20/09 -Implemented a 30 second inactivity timeout for the front-panel menu interface -Implemented Set/Get S-Play delay command in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol -Implemented Get Colorspace command in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol -Implemented Reproducer Version Request in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol -Implemented Reproducer Status Request in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol -Implemented Reproducer Filename Request in the Pioneer/AMI Protocol ************************* * Version 1.16 * ************************* 01/06/09 -Added support for new CobraNet PROM that prevents L/R channel swapping issue ************************* * Version 1.15 * ************************* 12/12/08 -Implemented 'Ping' feature for Alcorn 9-Bit Protocol -Implemented the 'Set HD Video Format' command for the Alcorn 9-bit protocol (for use with Binloop Software) -Fixed a bug that would return the incorrect Unit ID to the Binloop Software ************************* * Version 1.14 * ************************* 12/09/08 -Implemented 'Stop Independent' Command in the Pioneer/AMI and MIDI Show Control Protocols -Implemented MIDI Acknowledge -Implemented configurable Synchronous Play Delay that can be used for VREPRO2, REPRO16V, REPRO24D, and REPROHD -Implemented SMPTE Output Level feature that is available on DBAP4 Rev E hardware and newer ************************* * Version 1.13 * ************************* 12/05/08 -Fixed a CobraNet problem that could cause L/R channel swap when Binloop powered up with an active external V-Sync source -Fixed an issue with the Pioneer/AMI Protocol that could cause the Show Control port to stop responding to commands -Implemented the 'Set HD Video Format' command in the AMI/Pioneer Protocol (for Binloop HD) ************************* * Version 1.12 * ************************* 11/17/08 -Implemented Independent Playback using the MIDI Show Control Protocol ************************* * Version 1.11 * ************************* 09/10/08 -Fixed an issue introduced in V1.10 that would prevent the system from powering up properly in PAL mode. -Fixed a problem that could sometimes cause Binloop.exe to report an error after a SMPTE firmware update even though the update was successful. ************************* * Version 1.10 * ************************* 08/20/08 -Implemented the ability to send non-alcorn serial messages out of the show control port from a SMPTE trigger -Implemented a configurable Self-Gen mode for the SMPTE reader. You can now disable Self-Gen, Self-gen from 1-8 seconds, or self-gen indefinitely when an incoming SMPTE signal is lost. NOTE: SMPTE Core firmware V1.04 required (included with this release) -Added Mute Video, Mute Audio, and Set Colorspace to the Pioneer protocol -Fixed a problem where triggers would sometimes only take effect after the Binloop was power-cycled (rather than immediately after the download) ************************* * Version 1.09 * ************************* 5/27/08 -Fixed a problem that would cause the SMPTE Frame clock not to work in READ mode when SMPTE was inactive. The lack of the SMPTE Frame clock causes reproducers to become partially unresponsive. -Added the 'Awaiting SMPTE' state to the LCD display. This state occurs when the SMPTE module is configured to READ and there is currently no active SMPTE input. -Changed the SMPTE time readout to display --:--:--.-- whenever the SMPTE clock is inactive (not generating or receiving SMPTE) -Added a safeguard that disables (stops) SMPTE whenever configuration data is changed. For example, if you change the SMPTE mode from GEN to READ when timecode is being generated, the SMPTE module will stop generating. -NOTE: This version requires SMPTE Core Firmware V1.03 or newer. ************************* * Version 1.08 * ************************* 3/13/08 -Fixed a problem that limited the pioneer protocol to a maximum reproducer file number of 255 (the actual limit is 1023) ************************* * Version 1.07 * ************************* 3/12/08 -Corrected a problem that would prevent a sample rate change from taking effect until the video format was changed too. ************************* * Version 1.06 * ************************* 3/07/08 -Corrected an issue that would cause reproducers to blink green indefinitely when in the PAL Video Format -Corrected an issue that could potentially cause the SMPTE Generator to drop out intermittently ************************* * Version 1.05 * ************************* 2/13/08 -Corrected 44100Hz Sample Rate issue - Sample clock was running a bit too fast. ************************* * Version 1.04 * ************************* 1/23/08 -Implemented Ethernet->Reproducer communication via the Alcorn Ethernet Protocol ************************* * Version 1.03 * ************************* 12/14/07 -Implemented Idle Read Event feature ************************* * Version 1.02 * ************************* 12/13/07 -Fixed an issue that would cause the trigger download from Binloop.exe to timeout with a large amount of triggers. -Fixed an issue that would cause triggers to remain in memory after a blank trigger table was downloaded. -Fixed Stop button functionality to always send a stop command to the reproducers. -Fixed a problem related to Controller/Reproducer version requests when connected to a show controller. ************************* * Version 1.01 * ************************* 12/03/07 -Added Reproducer OSD mode to LCD Menu -Implemented LCD front-panel lockout feature (PIN number) -Implemented Pioneer/AMI Protocol for Serial and Ethernet Control -Corrected a Serial issue that would affect large data transfers (script downloads) -Corrected a sample rate issue with the 44.1kHz setting ************************* * Version 1.00 * ************************* 11/06/07 -Initial Release of DBAP4