Nebula Editor

Index

Getting Started

Hardware Requirements
Installing the Editors

The Editor

Starting the editor
The Main Screen - a tour
Creating a new database using the Configuration Wizard
Defining the Levels
Naming and Saving the new database
Opening an existing database

Saving a Database with a new name

Converting existing databases

Editing the database

Level records

Naming Sources

Trigger Method
Audio Parameters
Inhibit Tables
Editing Source Associations
Editing Destination data
Salvo Editing

Reconfiguring an existing database

Configuring Devices

Panels

Editing Keypads
Button per Source/ Destination keypads
Dial up Source/ Destination keypads
Editing key entry sequences
Assigning Salvos to sequences
Keypad assignment

UMD's - Under Monitor Displays

Going 'Online'

Problems going ‘Online’

Hardware settings

X-Y Panels
Multibus Panels
Button per Crosspoint Panels
UMD's

Connecting a PC to a Nebula Controller


Getting Started ‑ Hardware requirements

The Pro-Bel Nebula editor has been designed to run on the Microsoft Windows NT4, 2000 or XP operating systems.

The editor and associated programs require around 8.5 Mbytes of hard drive space.

Each saved database typically requires 2.5 Mbytes.

To use the editor 'On-Line' then the PC must have an RS 232 port capable of operating at 38.4 Kbaud.

Back to Index


Installing the Editors

The Nebula Editor can be supplied either on a CD, or as a download from an ftp server.

To install from disk:

Insert the CD into the PC's CD drive and either;

·         Click 'Start', then select Run from the start menu, then type D:Setup and click OK, (where D is the drive letter for the CD Drive) or

·         Run Explorer, view the contents of the CD and select Setup.exe and follow the instructions on screen.

To install from a downloaded file:

Save the compressed folder to the hard drive and extract all files.

Run Nebula Setup from either the start menu, or Explorer and follow the instructions on screen.

In both cases a START menu folder called NEBULA (under Programs>Pro‑Bel), a desktop shortcut and a new directory, c:\Program Files\Pro‑Bel\Nebula Editor will be created.

The Nebula folder will contain the following files;

Back to Index


The Editor

Starting the Editor

During the installation process, a desktop shortcut is created for the Nebula Editor.


To run the program either double click the desktop Icon, or select Nebula.exe from the Nebula folder.


The editor opens with a blank screen offering the options to create a new database or open an existing one.

It is only possible to go ‘on‑line’ with the editor after a database has been opened with the editor

Back to Index


The Main Screen - a tour

The toolbar at the top of the main screen contains a set of buttons as shown below;

Click on the buttons above to view a detailed explanation of the function provided by the button.

Back to Index


Creating a New Database using the Configuration Wizard

Selecting the 'New' icon

Starts the Nebula Editor Configuration Wizard and displays the Welcome screen.

The Wizard enabling the user to create an initial database file, populated with default database information by entering system data, such as number of levels, level type and size.

Pressing the Close button at any time during this process will exit the Wizard, and abandon the database configuration.

Selecting the 'Next' and 'Back' buttons permits previous forms to be viewed and edited before the final database is created and saved to disk.

After pressing the 'Next' button, the editor gives the option to either select the database version that is required, or ‘check’ the Controller type to determine the required database version. It should be noted that the PC must be connected to the Nebula controller to use this feature.

Once the editor has confirmed the controller version, an on screen message will be shown detailing which version of Nebula database is needed for the controller.

If the editor can not communicate with the controller, a ‘no comms’ error message will be displayed.

First level entry form is displayed. This form allows the number of levels within the routing system to be defined. A Nebula controller can support up to eight discrete router levels. The required number of levels can be entered either directly into the text window, or selected by using the up and down arrows. Pressing the 'Next' button opens the 'level entry' forms.

Back to Index


Defining the levels

For each of the defined levels within the system, a form similar to the one shown above will be displayed. As Nebula can support Cygnus, Pyxis, Sirius, HALO, AXIS, Freeway and TX series routers, it is necessary, in order for the system to operate correctly, to define the Signal type, level type, partitioning (operation) and size for each level of the router. It is possible to interface TM series routers onto the Nebula controller, however this requires a non‑standard, control bus converter cable.

When entering the router size, the source/ destination value can be increased or decreased using the ‘up’ and ‘down’ buttons, or the required size can be typed directly into the text field.

Available signal types are;

Serial Digital Video (SDV)
Analogue Video
Digital Audio (AES)
Analogue Audio
Audio Mix (Both Analogue and AES within the same level)
Timecode and
RS 422 (Port and distributive)

In the case of some levels, a single level can be partitioned into a married dual, triple or four (quad) level router for use as YUV, RGBS levels etc. It is not necessary in these cases to enter the level into the database more than once.

Once all levels within the system have been defined, pressing the next button opens the final form, permitting the database to be 'named and saved'.

Back to Index


Naming and Saving the database

A default database name 'Nebula' will be displayed in the text window. Either leave the default name, or type in a new name for the completed database then press the 'Finish' button to save the database. Configurations saved using the Nebula Windows Editor are saved as files with a .FR1 extension.

Once configuration is completed the database will be displayed in the Editor and the following message box will be displayed.

If a database already exists with the same name the following Confirmation dialogue box will be shown. Selecting Yes will overwrite the existing version of the database.

Selecting No opens the Save As form allowing the database to be given a different name and be saved in a specific location.

The saved database is, at this point, filled with default source and destination information and will require further editing to complete it.

Back to Index


Opening an existing database

Pressing the open button shows all database files (NE1, NE2 and NE3 extension) present in the working directory allowing them to be opened and loaded into the editor. Using the ‘Open' window to browse the pc, databases in other directories can be selected and opened. The selected database can then be edited and saved either as itself or as a new database file.

Back to Index


Saving a database with a new name

After editing an open database it can be saved as a new database file. During normal off-line editing, pressing the Accept or OK buttons automatically saves any changes to the open file. Therefore, in order to prevent changes being made to a previously configured database, the file should always be saved with a new name before editing takes place.

During on-line editing, any changes made within the database are automatically saved to disk as CURR_SYS.NE3 (or NE1/ NE2 depending on the database type currently open).

If at any time during editing it is necessary to save the on-line configuration to disk with a new name, this can be achieved using the Save as function.

As the Save As button is disabled while editing on-line, it is necessary to go off-line before saving the configuration.

Once the database has been saved, on-line editing may be resumed.

Back to Index


Converting Existing Databases

Editor includes a database conversion utility, permitting databases to be converted from earlier formats to any of the three Nebula formats. The table below details the formats each database type can be converted to.

It is not possible to convert databases to earlier formats

From

To

fr1

(Freeway and Router database)

ne1, ne2, ne3

ne1

(Nebula version 1)

ne2, ne3

ne2

(Nebula version 2)

ne3

it will create the converted database in the same folder as the database being converted with default file name: Nebula. if it exists, there will be a warning,

Press no then enter a new name and press Save.

Back to Index


Editing the database

Once the default database has been configured using the Configuration Wizard, or an existing database has been opened, it is displayed on the main screen as a tree structure.

The left hand side of the screen displays a graphical representation of the database structure, while the right hand side of the screen displays the contents of the selected section where applicable. The tree structure can be opened, or collapsed, by selecting '+' or '‑' respectively at the tree nodes.

The Nebula database structure always shows all possible control devices, whether they are configured or not. Devices which have not been configured are held in the 'storeroom' until they are assigned to a control port.

Double clicking the icons that form the database will open edit screens permitting the database and system parameters to be modified. It is also possible to open these screens by using the 'right' mouse key.

Back to Index


Level records

Select a level from the database tree structure and double click the icon. The Edit form for the level will open and display the Level data form. The fields on the form are, with the exception of level mapping and Park Source, view only and display data entered in the database from the configuration wizard.

The Level mapping function enables a single level to be addressed within the system as a number of logical levels. This feature is extremely useful in systems where a single audio level must be split into two, or more sections, or if the system needs to switch two inputs (or a single input) to two outputs at the same time. Each level should be defined as the same size from the configuration wizard, with the same input and output names. The level mapping index should then be set the same for both levels, corresponding to the address of the physical router. Source and destination associations for these levels should be configured as if there were two physical levels.

PARK sources only need to be defined for RS422 levels. This ensures that RS422 outputs can be ‘cleared’, enabling the previously used source to be available to route to other destinations.

Back to Index


Naming Sources

The sources available on each level can be given a unique eight character name. To edit source names, double click the appropriate level icon in the database tree structure then select the Sources tab.

After selecting the appropriate source, type in a source name of up to eight characters to describe the source connected to each input. If the same sources are connected to the same inputs on all levels, check the apply names to all levels box and press either the Apply button to apply all changes, or the OK button to save and exit. If source names are not identical on all levels, each level can be independently edited as detailed above.

Other source data that can be edited from this form are Trigger Method and Audio Parameters.

Back to Index


Trigger Method

As Nebula provides dual reference inputs, it is possible to independently configure any source on any level to switch to any of the available reference inputs, or a TTL pulse applied to the 625 reference input.

To edit the trigger method, double click the required level from the main database tree structure then select the source tab. From the Sources table select a source, and then select the required reference type from the drop down menu.

Axis and Halo routers only have a single Analogue reference input, therefore only the 525 reference should be selected. This input is multi standard, and will accept either 625 or 525 and generate the correct trigger point for the standard being used. Selecting 525 simply selects the correct physical reference input on the Nebula controller.

After assigning the trigger method, either select the next source for editing or save the changes made by pressing the Apply or OK button.

Where all sources on the router are the same standard, a global trigger assign can be performed by selecting the relevant radio button from the ‘Set all’ group.

The 'Read Trigger Params' button is enabled when the database is brought on-line. Pressing this button will upload the current state of each trigger from the control frame and save it to the database file when it is saved.

In addition to assigning each source to use a particular reference, the trigger position can be set for each reference to be either Field or Frame. To set these parameters, select ‘Trigger Positions’ from the database tree structure and double click the icon.

Select the required Switch Point for each reference used by the system, then press the OK or Apply button to accept any changes made.

When using a Tri‑Level reference for Progressive format signals, i.e. 720p, it is essential that the HD switch point is set for Field.

Setting the HD switch point as Frame, for these signals will result in the router not switching any source set to use the HD reference.

Back to Index


Audio Parameters

The ability to define how an audio input or output will function can be set from these editors. The Audio parameters can only be edited for analogue audio I/O, whether they exist within an analogue or mixed analogue/ digital audio level.

Editing Input audio parameters

Double click the required level from the main database tree structure then select the source tab. From the Sources table select a source, and then select the new audio parameter for that input from the drop down menu.

Options available for inputs are as shown above. A detailed definition for these options can be found in the relevant router technical handbook.

The 'Read Source Params' button is enabled when the database is brought on-line and the level is declared to use 'Audio Params' during configuration. This will upload the current state of each audio parameter from the control frame.

The audio parameter for all sources can be set to the same value by selecting the required radio button from the ‘Set all’ group. These functions work similarly on the 'Destinations Audio Params' page.

Editing Output audio parameters

As with the Input parameters, these settings are modified for individual outputs. In order to edit these parameters, double click the required level from the main database tree structure then select the Destination audio params tab. From the Destination table select the required destination, and then select the new audio parameter from the drop down menu.

The audio parameter for all Destinations can be set to the same value by selecting the required radio button from the ‘Set all’ group. These functions work similarly on the 'Destinations Audio Params' page.

Options available for outputs are as shown above. A detailed definition for these options can be found in the relevant router technical handbook.

Back to Index


Inhibit Tables

Route inhibit tables exist for each level within the Nebula system. Inhibits are typically set where a machine or system resource appears as both a source and a destination such as a VTR, and it is not desirable to route the device to itself.

To access the route inhibit tables, first select the level by double clicking the required level from the main database tree structure then select the inhibit tab. A grid representing the router level shows pictorially the inhibits set for that level. An inhibit is displayed as an 'X' in the relevant cell within the grid. Moving the cursor over the grid causes the Source and Destination displays to update indicating the crosspoints the cell represents.

To inhibit a crosspoint either double click on the required cell, or select the required cell then press the inhibit button at the bottom of the form.

Inhibits can be cleared either by double clicking the cell, or by pressing the Clear button at the bottom of the form after the cell has been selected.

Blocks of inhibits can be set, or cleared, by clicking and holding the 'left' mouse key and dragging the mouse to highlight the required block of cells. Inhibits can be either set or cleared for the selected block by pressing the relevant button at the bottom of the form.

 Back to Index


Editing Source Associations

Before editing a source association, the sources on each of the levels should, if required, be named.

To edit a source association Double click on the Source association icon

The default database created by the Database Wizard assumes that all associations will be 1 to 1.

When entering new source associations, or editing existing ones, and the associations across all levels need to be 1 to 1, check the ‘1 to 1 Associations’ tick box before entering any source details into the form. Once the source has been entered, and the next cell selected, the source names/ numbers for higher database levels will be auto populated.

If the associations are not 1 to 1 and need to be independently edited, first decide if the data will be entered by source number or name and then select the appropriate radio button. To edit an association enter the source number, or name, for each level against the corresponding source association. The primary level is, by default, assigned as association 1 to n where n is the number of the maximum physical source available on that level. Associations without a primary level association can be added to the end of the association table at association number n+1. An example of this would be an audio only source where the left channel is on matrix level 2 and right is on level 3.

Back to Index


Editing Destination data

Naming Destinations

Double click on the Destination Association icon in the database tree view.

From the Destination Association form select the association to be re-named and enter the new name, up to eight characters. Pressing the up or down arrow moves the cursor to the previous or next association.

After all changes have been made either click the Apply button to save the changes or the OK button to save changes and exit the form. The Apply button can also be used to save changes as they are made. Pressing the Cancel button at any time will close the form and abandon any changes made since the last apply operation.

Editing Destination Associations

To edit a destination association, in multi‑level systems, double click on the ‘Dest Association’ icon in the database tree view.

When creating a multi‑level database using the Wizard, the destination associations are assumed to be one to one, therefore the same destination number will be selected across all levels. 

If associations for level 2 and above are to use the same destination, but are different to the one shown for level 1, the 1 to 1 Associations tick box can be selected and the required destination number entered in the Level 2 field. Pressing the Apply button, or moving to the next/ previous association, will force the destination number entered in the level 2 field to be entered in all level fields above 2.

If however the associations are not 1 to 1, enter the destination number for each level against the corresponding destination association. The primary level cell is, by default, assigned as association 1 to n where n is the number of the maximum destination available on that level. Associations without a primary level association can be added to the end of the association table at association n+1. An example of this is an audio only destination where the left channel is on matrix level 2 and right is on level 3. Once all associations have been edited, press OK to exit the form.

Back to Index


Salvo Editing

To edit or create a Salvo, Double click on the Salvo icon on the main screen.

Before a Salvo can be created or modified, the required Salvo record must be opened.

Pressing the Open button opens a select window; permitting any of the 32 available Salvo's to be opened. Highlight the required Salvo and press OK.

Once the Salvo record is opened, the Salvo name will be shown in the Name field and additional command options become available to Clear, Rename or Save the Salvo file.

To create a Salvo select the required destination from the scroll window and press the Insert button. The destination name will be entered alongside the table, in the first position. Continue adding destinations to this list by repeating the select and insert operation. Decide whether the sources are to be added to the table either numerically or by name and select the appropriate radio button. If the same source is to be entered across all levels check the apply sources across levels box. Click on the first cell and enter the required source.

Note that the names entered, if the Display radio button is set for ‘name’, must be the same as those in the source names list. It may be easier to use numbers when creating Salvo’s. When all of the required sources have been entered, the ‘Names’ radio button can be selected allowing the editor to display the names of the selected sources in the edit form.

 

To remove a destination from a Salvo, select the required destination from the scroll list, then select the Remove button. Select OK to complete the removal of the destination.

Once completed, the Salvo can be saved using the save button from the commands section of the form.

To Rename the Salvo, select the Salvo to re-name, then press open. Press the Rename button and enter the new 8 character name.

Press OK to save the new name.

X-Y, multibus or button per crosspoint panels can be programmed to recall Salvo’s.

Back to Index


Reconfiguring an existing database

As systems expand, it may be necessary to increase the size of the database by adding levels or increasing level sizes. Pressing the Reconfigure button on the toolbar opens the Configuration Wizard permitting the open database to be used to generate a new database, re-using the previously entered system data. Where the system has been increased, default values will be entered by the wizard.

Back to Index


Configuring Devices

Control panels and UMD's (Under monitor Displays) are held in the Storeroom until they are assigned to a system control port. These devices can be configured while in the storeroom and then assigned to ports when necessary. Selecting a device in the storeroom and dragging it to a control port automatically assigns it to the first available multi-drop address on that port. Should the multi-drop address need to be changed, it can be set from the Panel data form within the control panel edit form. Devices can also be returned to the storeroom in the same manner if they need to be removed from the system.

Double clicking a panel or UMD icon either in the Storeroom or on a port will open the edit form for that device.

Control Panels

Double clicking on a panel icon opens the panel edit form.

The Panel Data form permits the panel to be defined by type and with a unique name. The drop down type list for panels displays the Pro-Bel panel type and, where appropriate, the panel function.

Once the panel type has been selected, the Master Panel check box and brightness text box become active, dependent on panel type. Once changes have been made to the panel, pressing the Apply button saves the panel data. Pressing the Cancel button closes the form and deletes any changes made since the last Apply. Pressing OK saves the data and closes the form.

Selecting the operation tab allows the panel operation to be defined. Some options may not be available for some panel types and will therefore be greyed out.

In order to keep the system flexible, up to 32 different button per source keypads can be defined along with eight dial up destination and eight dial up source keypads. Keypads for all panel types are defined using the radio buttons and edited by pressing the Edit Keypad button. The keypad form provides a graphical representation of the keypad for the panel type being edited.

These keypads can be used by panels of the same type. For instance a system with ten 6276 X-Y panels may only have one dial up source keypad, and one dial up destination keypad, defined and are used by all the 6276 panels in the system.

Back to Index


Editing Keypads

Pressing the Edit Keypad button on the panel operation form opens the keypad edit form. The form presented depends on the panel type, however only two types of editable keypad exist, these are Button per Source/ Destination and Dial up Source/ Destination.

Button per Source/ Destination

Assigning sources or destinations to buttons is achieved by simply selecting the required source, destination or salvo from the scroll boxes and dragging them to the required button on the panel. Source keys are grey and can have sources or salvos assigned to them while destination keys are green.

On some panel types it is possible to edit the key types. Clicking the 'right mouse' button on any key will display a list of available options for the button. These can be selected for the panel and changes applied.


Dial up Source/ Destination

Each key assigned to the keypad is given a unique key number. These key labels can be edited by dragging any of the suggested key names from the list on the left of the screen to the key. The editor displays the first block of characters from each source and destination name in this list.

Names can be added to the list by clicking on the new name text box, typing the new name, then pressing the ‘Add’ button from the Functions group of buttons.

     

The new name will appear in the list and can then be dragged to a key.

Any names added to the list are deleted once the edit form is closed.

On some panel types, buttons can be assigned as special function keys. Clicking the 'right mouse' button on any key will display a list of available options available for that key. Selecting the required function from the displayed list assigns that function to the selected key.

 

Once a button has been assigned as a special function key it changes to Red and the function is indicated on it. For example after assigning Clear, Protect, Line‑Up, Next and Previous buttons to an X‑Y panel, the keypad display would be as shown below

Editing key entry sequences

Once the keypad layout has been defined, click the Sequences tab. This will change the view at the bottom of the screen.

Before starting to programme each new key sequence press the New button.

To create a key sequence, press the keys on the keypad in the order they will be pressed in normal operation. Note that the maximum number of key presses allowed in each sequence is four. A tree will be built up in the key sequences window at the left of the form. Pressing the remove button deletes either the last key press in the current sequence, or any highlighted key press or sequence. The Clear All button clears all entries for the current keypad.

  

    

Once a keysequence has been created it can be assigned to select either a source, destination or both. it can also be assigned to recall a salvo. To assign a keysequence to a source or destination, first select the final keypress in the required sequence, then highlight the required source and/ or destination and click the appropriate check box.

The final key in the sequence will be coloured green, indicating it selects a source, yellow for a destination and split green and yellow for both.

The source part entry name which is displayed in the 8 character display on the control panel can be edited by selecting the Src or Dest part entry radio button, then highlighting the required key and clicking with the right mouse key. This will bring up a list of options for the key.

Selecting Name part entry display allows a part entry name to be entered.

For key sequences used to select both source and destination associations, it is necessary to edit the part entry names for source and destinations independently.

Back to Index


Assigning salvos to key sequences

To assign a salvo to a key sequence, click with the right mouse key on the final node in the entry sequence.

After selecting Assign Salvo, the final node is coloured magenta.

Select the required salvo from the Salvo list box and click the check box before pressing apply to save the change.

Back to Index


Keypad Assignment

In order to assign an already configured keypad to a panel press the configure button. An edit form showing the source and destination forms already in the system, along with the panel name they are currently assigned to are shown.

The text boxes at the bottom of the form show the panel name and currently assigned keypad numbers.

Existing keypads can be either ‘copied’ to the panel being edited, or ‘used’ on the panel.

Copy Keypads

Copying the keypads, copies all of the keypad data to from one panel to the other. This allows the keypad on the new panel to be edited without affecting the original panel it was copied from.

Use Keypads

Using the keypad will assign the selected keypads. 

In order to re-use the source and destination keypads already defined for the panel named X-Y, simply click on the required keypad in the grid next to X-Y. The Source and Destination Keypad window at the bottom of the form will now show the new keypads for this panel, in this case 1 and 1. Pressing Apply will save the new settings to the database, OK will save the new settings and close the form while Cancel will close the form and ignore any changes made since the Apply button was pressed.

Back to Index


UMD's - Under Monitor Displays

Nebula supports the Pro-Bel range of eight or dual eight character multidrop UMD's.

Double clicking on a UMD icon opens the UMD edit form. The first tab enables the name and type to be set for the display. Once the UMD is assigned to a device port it will automatically be assigned an address which can be changed if required from this form. The second tab defines which destination the UMD will follow. A dual 8 character display will have the option of two follow destinations. Select the required destination from the drop down boxes then either press the Apply or OK button.

 

Back to Index


Going on-line

 

The Online button can be displayed with one of two different Icons indicating the current state of the editor.

Pressing the Online button when shown as   will open the com port selection form. The editor can only go on‑line when a database of the correct version for the controller is open.

Providing the PC is connected to a Nebula controller, select the required com port then press OK. Initially, the form shows COM1 selected, however it is still necessary to select COM1 from the port list to ensure the correct port is selected.

A further screen showing the port configuration will be displayed. This is for information purposes only and cannot be changed.

 

Pressing the OK button causes the system to go On Line.

Once the Editor is Online, the system will compare the Editor database with the system database. If the databases are not the same, a Database Mismatch warning is displayed.

After pressing the OK button, the system provides the option to either upload (Read) the system database into the PC, or download (Apply) the PC database to the controller.

Pressing the Yes button will open the Read Configuration Options for. This allows selection of the database components which should be transferred with the database. Select the tick boxes for the additional components to transfer, then press the OK button.

The Database will then be read from the frame, and a progress bar will indicate the transfer is taking place.

Once the database has been read, the editor will confirm it is complete.

Press OK to complete the read operation, then the database can be viewed and edited online.

Selecting No will open the next form
and give the second option, to send the open database from the PC to the controller.

As with the Read operation, the editor will enable selection of the additional database components that will be applied to the controller. Select the tick boxes for the additional components to transfer, then press the OK button.

The Database will then be applied to the frame, and a progress bar will indicate the transfer is taking place.

Once the database has been transferred, the editor will confirm it is complete.

Press OK to complete the read operation, then the database can be viewed and edited online.

Any changes made while the system is online are applied to the controller immediately and are also saved to the PC as CURR_SYS.NE3 (or NE1/ NE2). All changes made while online are saved on the PC as CURR_SYS.NE3, or NE1/ NE2 depending on the database type currently open.

Pressing the Online button when shown as  will cause the system to go Offline.

Back to Index


Problems going ‘Online’

If the PC and editor are not connected, or if the editor cannot establish communication with the controller, a warning dialogue will be displayed.

If this warning is displayed, the following should be checked;

·          That no other applications are open and/ or using the selected com port,

·          The cable between the controller and PC is connected and wired correctly,

·          That the correct com port has been selected on the PC,

·          The PC is connected to the active editor port (for Sirius, Pyxis and Cygnus routers)

Back to Index


Reading and Applying Databases

 

Selecting the Read or Apply Config buttons when online, will cause the open database to be read from the controller to the PC, or downloaded to the controller from the PC respectively.

This should not be necessary in normal operation as, when the editor is Online, the displayed database should always be in step with the controller.

It may be useful to apply a configuration, after changing trigger and/ or audio parameters when on‑line to ensure all changes have been applied to the controller.

An open database can be saved to disk, providing the editor is Off‑Line, with a new name by pressing the Save As button.

Opening a database using the Open button will cause the editor to go Offline, allowing the new database to be opened but not automatically applied to the controller.

Back to Index


Hardware Settings

X-Y Panels

Type 6276

6276 panels can be used as either an X-Y panel or as a single or dual bus panel.

 

To ensure correct operation with Nebula, the DIL switch located on the rear of the panel should be set as detailed in the table below;

 

Switch No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Setting

Up

Up

Up

Down

Down

Down

Down

*

 

* Set switch 8 'Up' for panels with addresses in the range 1-15 and down for panels with address 16.

 

Software EPROM number SP-0079-003 or later must be fitted.

If 2 wire multi-drop is used then SP-0079-004 or later must be fitted.


Back to Index


Multibus Panels

The 6277 control panel provides control for between 2 and 16 busses, depending on panel type.

 

To ensure correct operation with Nebula, the DIL switch located on the rear of the panel should be set as detailed in the table below;

 

Switch No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Setting

Up

Up

Up

Down

Down

Up

Down

*

* Set switch 8 'Up' for panels with addresses in the range 1-15 and down for panels with address 16.

Software EPROM number SP-0079-003 or later must be fitted.

If 2 wire multi-drop is used then SP-0079-004 or later must be fitted.

Back to Index


Button per Crosspoint Panels

Panels type 6280-6289, 6299

To ensure correct operation with Nebula, the DIL switch located on the rear of the panel should be set as detailed in the table below;

 

Panel type

Operation

 

 

BPX 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

6280/ 6282

24 way

Up

Down

Down

Down

Down

Down

Up

*

6284/ 6285

32 way

Up

Up

Down

Up

Down

Down

Up

*

6286

16 way

Down

Down

Down

Down

Down

Down

Up

*

6298

48 way

Down

Down

Up

Up

Down

Down

Up

*

6283/ 6289

Dual 8 way

Up

Down

Up

Up

Down

Down

Up

*

6287

Dual 16 way

Down

Down

Down

Down

Down

Down

Up

*

 

X-Y 

 

6281

24 x 12

Up

Down

Up

Down

Down

Down

Up

*

6283/ 6289

8 x 8

Down

Down

Down

Up

Down

Down

Up

*

6287

16 x 16

Down

Up

Up

Down

Down

Down

Up

*

 

* Set switch 8 'Up' for panels with addresses in the range 1-15 and down for panels with address 16.

For correct operation software EPROM number SP-0047-014 or above must be fitted.

Panels type 6705-6709

 

To ensure correct operation with Nebula, the DIL switch located on the rear of the panel should be set as detailed in the table below;

 

Panel type

Operation

Switch settings

 

BPX

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

6709 BPX

16 way

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

Off (0)

Off (0)

Off (0)

6705 BPX

32 way

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

Off (0)

On (1)

Off (0)

6706 BPX

48 way

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

Off (0)

Off (0)

On (1)

6709 Dual BPX

Dual 8 way

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

Off (0)

Off (0)

Off (0)

6705 Dual BPX

Dual 16 way

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

Off (0)

On (1)

Off (0)

6706 Dual BPX

Dual 24 way

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

Off (0)

Off (0)

On (1)

6707 Dual BPX

Dual 16 way

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

Off (0)

On (1)

On (1)

 

X-Y 

 

6709 8x8 X-Y

8x8 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

On (1)

Off (0)

Off (0)

6709 16x4 X-Y

16x4 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

On (1)

Off (0)

Off (0)

6705 16x16 X-Y

16x16 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

On (1)

On (1)

Off (0)

6705 32x4 X-Y

32x4 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

On (1)

On (1)

Off (0)

6706 24x24 X-Y

24x24 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

On (1)

Off (0)

On (1)

6706 48x4 X-Y

48x4 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

On (1)

Off (0)

On (1)

6706 32x16 X-Y

32x16 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

Off (0)

On (1)

On (1)

6707 16x16 X-Y

16x16 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

Off (0)

On (1)

On (1)

On (1)

6708 24x12 X-Y

24x12 X-Y

Off (0)

Off (0)

n/u

n/u

On (1)

On (1)

On (1)

On (1)

 

Back to Index


UMD's - Under Monitor Displays

The 6140/6141/6143/6144 series of UMDs can be used.

To ensure correct operation with Nebula, the DIL switch located on the display board of each UMD should be set as detailed in the table below;

SW 1 sets the multidrop chain address - select 1 to F for addresses 1 to 15

SW 3 defines the UMD operation.

Switch No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Setting

Down

Down

Down

Down

Up

Down

Up

Down

Note: Access to these switches requires the removal of the front panel diffuser

Software EPROM number SP-0089-002 or later must be fitted.

Back to Index


Connecting a PC to a Nebula Controller


Configuration of the Nebula controller is via the RS 232 port on the rear of the Router mainframe housing the control module.

For PC's fitted with standard RS 232 ports, then a pin to pin cable, usually 9 way D type Plug to Socket will provide the correct connections to allow editing to take place.

Where a non standard RS 232 pinout is provided at the PC, a cable terminating in a 9 Way D type Plug at the Nebula end should be made to the following pinout.

Pin

Function

1

N/C

2

RX

3

TX

4

N/C

5

0V

6

DTR Common

7

RTS

8

CTS

9

N/C

Back to Index


Please email any feedback, or questions to support@pro-bel.com or

call Pro-Bel support on +44 (118) 9214214.

Visit the Pro-Bel Website here.