V16X User’s GuideSYNCHRONOUS SHOW CONTROLLER

May 12, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. 2
WELCOME! ................................................................................................................................... 5
PRODUCT FEATURES ................................................................................................................ 6SHOW CONTROL FEATURES .................................................................................................................................... 6
SYNCHRONIZATION FEATURES................................................................................................................................ 6
PHYSICAL FEATURES .................................................................................................................................................. 7
TECHNICAL SUPPORT .............................................................................................................. 8
GETTING STARTED.................................................................................................................... 9WIRING AND CONNECTIVITY ................................................................................................................................. 9
NETWORK CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................................ 10
CONTROLLING WITH WINSCRIPT LIVE ................................................................................................................ 13
HARDWARE INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 14
OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
DISPLAY AND NAVIGATION WHEEL ..................................................................................................................... 14
INDICATOR LEDS.................................................................................................................................................... 14
CONNECTORS ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
SYNCHRONIZATION ............................................................................................................... 23
PHASE-LOCKED CLOCKS ........................................................................................................................................ 23
PRECISE TRIGGERING .............................................................................................................................................. 24
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE .......................................................................................................................................... 26
SYNC CONFIGURATION ......................................................................................................................................... 27
WIRING GUIDE .......................................................................................................................... 29
DIGITAL INPUT WIRING ......................................................................................................................................... 29
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 30
CONTROL ................................................................................................................................................................ 30

May 12, 2021

2

SYNCHRONIZATION ............................................................................................................................................... 30
PHYSICAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
BLOCK DIAGRAM ..................................................................................................................... 31
PRODUCT PHOTOS ................................................................................................................. 32

May 12, 2021

3

Copyright © 1996-2021 Alcorn McBride, Inc. All rights reserved.
Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, and the reliability of
the Alcorn McBride V16X hardware and software. Errors can sometimes go undetected, however. If you find one,please bring it to our attention so that we can correct it for others. Alcorn McBride welcomes comments andsuggestions on the content and layout of its documentation.
Applications described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Alcorn McBride Inc. assumes no responsibility or
liability for the use of these products, and makes no representation or warranty that the use of these products for
specific applications will be suitable without further testing or modification. Alcorn McBride products are notintended for use in applications where a malfunction can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury.
Customers using or selling Alcorn McBride products for use in such applications do so at their own risk, and agree
to fully indemnify Alcorn McBride for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale. Alcorn McBride Inc.
reserves the right to make changes to these products, without notice, in order to improve their design or
performance. The unit requires installation into a suitable fire enclosure in the final assembly.
V16X™ is a trademark of Alcorn McBride Inc., all rights reserved.
This unit has been tested and found to comply with the following:
FCC 47 CFR Part 15B:2017, ISED ICES-003: Issue 06 (2016)
EN 55032 Class A Conducted and Radiated Emissions
EN 55035, EN 61000-3-2, and EN61000-3-3 Immunity

Caution, shock hazard, disconnect all power sources before servicing.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant topart 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiateradio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmfulinterference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

May 12, 2021

4

WELCOME!
Congratulations on your shiny new Alcorn McBride V16X Show Controller!
The V16X is designed to be the ultimate show control solution for attractions that demand precisely synchronized
control between multiple systems.
One significant challenge with ride-based attractions is the ability to precisely synchronize on-board audio with offboard audio, video, lighting, animatronics, etc. For these types of attractions, the V16X is intended to serve as theoff-board synchronized control source. It works in tandem with RidePlayer, AV Binloop Uncompressed, and manyother devices to ensure that both on-board and off-board systems are tightly synchronized. This is accomplishedby our state-of-the-art SyncCore synchronization system that can use one of several methods to maintain lockbetween products like the V16X and RidePlayer. These industry-standard methods include PTP (IEEE-1588), NTP,
GPS, SMPTE LTC, and Video Genlock.
It’s also common for ride-based show control applications to require advanced communications with manydifferent types of third-party equipment. This includes devices like the PLC systems commonly used for ride
control, projectors, video players, audio players, audio DSPs, matrix switchers, motion controllers (animatronics),
and much more. The V16X harnesses the power of the Alcorn McBride show control engine to easily integratewith many industry-standard devices and serve as the master show control system for themed attractions. This
includes capabilities like using timelines to synchronize audio playback to SMPTE timecode or triggering complex
playback routines via GPIO, Serial, or Ethernet commands. It even works in tandem with our ShowTouch apps
and devices to provide intuitive touch panel controls that can be custom-made for the attraction.
This product leverages 32 years of experience designing products specifically for themed entertainment
applications. In true Alcorn McBride fashion, the solid-state and rugged design will ensure years of 24/7
maintenance free operation which is essential to zero downtime for attractions. At Alcorn McBride, it is our
passion to engineer solutions that are uniquely suited for themed entertainment. We hope that you love using thisproduct as much as we enjoyed designing it!

May 12, 2021

5

PRODUCT FEATURESSHOW CONTROL FEATURES
This product features the powerful and flexible Alcorn McBride ControlCore. This technology provides the ability
to control and monitor components deployed in themed attractions like PLCs, animation controllers, video
playback, projection, DSP systems, matrix switchers, and much more.
The control feature set is as follows:
•

•
•

•
•
•
•

Alcorn McBride Show Control Coreo Control of 3rd Party Devices (PLC, DSP, Animation, AV, etc.)
o Timeline Programmingo ShowTouch Integrationo PLC Integration – ride control monitoring/triggeringo Advanced Scripting Control
4 x Network Control Ports (Isolated)
16 x Serial Control Portso 4 x RS422/RS232
o 12 x RS232
o 1 x DMX
16 x CC/Voltage Inputs
16 x CC Outputs /w Self-Healing Polymer Fuse
16 x User-Programmable Front-Panel Buttons
4.3” Touch-Enabled TFT Display

SYNCHRONIZATION FEATURES
V16X is equipped with the Alcorn McBride SyncCore system to provide for extremely precise synchronization
between the on-board and off-board systems. This technology uses several industry-standard methods to maintaina very precise clock between V16X and other SyncCore-enabled products like the RidePlayer.
Synchronization features include:
•
•
•
•
•

PTP (IEEE-1588)
NTP
GPS /w PPS Clock Input
SMPTE LTC
Genlock

May 12, 2021

6

PHYSICAL FEATURES
This product’s solid-state design enables it to integrate well into any commercial A/V installation. It’s designed tobe mounted into a standard 19” equipment rack and requires only 2RU of space. The rear-panel of the unit offers
professional-grade phoenix terminals for easy wire termination in the field, and industry standard connectors for
network, genlock, and power.
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Phoenix connectors for solder-free installation
Flexible Power Supply Options
o V16X - Built-in 110-240VAC Auto-sensing power supplyo V16X-DC – Built-in 24VDC power supply
4.3” TFT Display
Control status LEDs
IO status LEDs
Front-panel buttons
Removable SD Card for storage of scripts and panels
Dimensions – 19”W x 14”D x 3.5”H - 2U Rack Mount
Weight – 14 Lbs.

May 12, 2021

7

TECHNICAL SUPPORTNow that we’ve tantalized you with all of the wonderful things this product can do, I’ll bet you’re chomping at the
bit to flip all the switches and push all the buttons. Not so fast! Before we get to the fun stuff, we just want totake a moment to remind you that we are here to help. Chances are that you’re building something really cooland we want you to have access to the resources and support you need to be successful.
To start, you’ll find a wealth of information on our website. This includes Application Notes that give you detailed
documentation and examples for how this product is used in common types of themed entertainment projects.
You’ll also find the latest downloads for software, firmware, drawings, 3D models, cutsheets, and other helpful
resources on our Support page. The Knowledge Base is especially handy for common questions and helpful
troubleshooting tips. And last, but certainly not least, you always have our friendly and mildly entertaining staff
available by email or telephone.

Training

https://www.alcorn.com/training

Application Notes

https://www.alcorn.com/applications

Support Resources

https://www.alcorn.com/support

Knowledge Base (FAQ)

https://alcornmcbride.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Email Support

support@alcorn.com

Telephone Support(407) 296-5800 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm EST)May 12, 2021

8

GETTING STARTED
Alright, time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! This section will guide you through basic concepts that will
help you get on your way with an V16X.

WIRING AND CONNECTIVITY
A few connections are required to experience the core functionality of an V16X. If you’re the DIY-type that’s
comfortable with purchasing and terminating your own connectors, you’ll be happy to know that this product uses
industry-standard connectors which are documented in detail in the Hardware Information section of thisUser’s Guide.

POWER
The V16X can be ordered with one of two power supply options:••

V16X - Built-in 110-240VAC Auto-sensing power supply
V16X-DC – Built-in 24VDC power supply

The AC option is the standard and preferred by manycustomers; however, there are many applications that benefit
from having a DC power input. Whichever your preference, besure to order the appropriate version of the V16X for yourpower needs.
For the standard V16X, you simply need to connect AC powerusing the included IEC power cable.
For the V16X-DC, you need to apply a 24VDC power source
to the power input terminals. Be sure to observe the correct
polarity for the Positive (+24VDC) and Negative (-) terminals.
Once you have connected the power source, the V16X can be powered up by simply flipping the power switch to
the ON position. HEY!!! What are you doing?!? We didn’t actually say to power up yet, but you went ahead and
did it anyway didn’t you?!?! <Head Slap> Alright… clearly you’re excited so I guess we’ll cut you some slack, but
could you at least try to follow instructions next time?

May 12, 2021

9

NETWORK CONTROL
While the V16X sure looks pretty when you power it up, network
connectivity is required to actually make it do magical things. The goal
here is to interface a V16X to your Windows or macOS computerrunning our WinScript Live software. This application empowers you
to configure, program and monitor the unit.
The V16X has 4 standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors that support
10/100/1000BT networks. They provide access to 4 isolated networks
labeled Network A, B, C, and D that can be used by the V16X tocontrol and monitor devices that are connected to the networks.
Let’s go ahead and plug in one end of your Ethernet cable to Port A
and the other end to your computer.

NETWORK CONFIGURATION
Now that we’re good to go with connections, we just need to do a little bit of configuration before we canconnect your computer to an V16X. Before we get started, it’s helpful to know that a V16X ships with thefollowing default IP address configurations:
V16X Port C
Control IP
192.168.2.254
Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0

V16X Port D
Control IP
192.168.3.254
Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0

V16X Port A
Control IP
192.168.0.254
Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0

V16X Port B
Control IP
192.168.1.254
Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0

If you’re at ease in the world of networking, you can easily adjust these settings for your V16X to operate on an
existing network. For more information on how to access the network configuration menu, see the Display andNavigation Buttons section of this User’s Guide.
For those that just wish to connect a computer directly to Network A of the V16X, the easiest way is to set yourcomputer to a static IP address that is compatible with V16X default network settings. For example, thisconfiguration would work nicely for your computer:
Computer Ethernet PortIP
192.168.0.100
Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0

May 12, 2021

10

CONFIGURING STATIC IP - WINDOWS 10
1.

Right-click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left and select Network Connections

2.

Select Change adapter options

3.

Right-click on the network interface that is connected to the V16X and select Properties

4.

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list of items and click the Properties
button below.

5.

Select Use the following IP address, enter the IP address as 192.168.0.100, and enter the Subnet
Mask as 255.255.255.0 as indicated in the screenshot below:

6.

Click the Ok button to apply the static IP address.

May 12, 2021

11

CONFIGURING STATIC IP – OS X
1.

Click on the network icon in the OS X menu bar and select Open Network Preferences.

2.

Select the network interface that is connected to the V16X from the available interfaces on the left.

3.

Configure the network interface Manually, specify an IP address of 192.168.0.100, and a Subnet Mask
of 255.255.255.0 as indicated in the screenshot below.

4.

Click Apply to enable the new static IP configuration

May 12, 2021

12

CONTROLLING WITH WINSCRIPT LIVEAt this point, everything should be wired up, configured, and ready to go. The next step is to connect to the
V16X using our WinScript Live software. Once connected, you will have access to configure, control, and monitor
your V16X unit.
Before we can get started, you’ll want to make sure to install the latest version of WinScript Live on your
Windows or macOS computer. This software can be downloaded for free from our website at www.alcorn.com.
Once the software is installed, follow these instructions to start a test sequence:1.

Launch WinScript Live and click the Connect button on the splash screen

2.

Your V16X unit should automatically appear in the connection list. Click it once to select, and then click
the OK button to connect.

3.

Select Retrieve and click OK. WinScript Live will then load the project currently stored on the V16X.

4.

Congratulations! You are in control of your V16X unit. There are many places you can go from here,
but here are some helpful suggestions:oThe powerful show control engine of the V16X empowers you with advanced scripting
capability, timeline features, and device control. To learn more, the detailed documentation of
our show control platform is built right into the WinScript Live software. If you are new to
Alcorn McBride show control, we also strongly encourage you to access the training content
included with WinScript Live using the Examples screen and/or sign up for our next trainingclass.

oVisit our Applications page at www.alcorn.com to access more detailed examples on applicationspecific topics.

May 12, 2021

13

HARDWARE INFORMATIONOVERVIEWThe V16X has an assortment of dedicated hardware for the purpose of configuration, status monitoring, andinterfacing to other hardware. This section covers these features in more detail.

DISPLAY AND NAVIGATION WHEELThe V16X features a 4.3” TFT display. This display
is primarily used to share project-specificinformation (i.e. “Preshow – Running - 01:02:03.00”)
from the show control script. However, this display
also offers a full menu system that can be accessedusing the navigation wheel adjacent to the display.
To access the menu system, simply press in the navigation wheel. The wheel can then be rotated and pressed tobrowse the menu system, select items, and change settings.

INDICATOR LEDS
The front-panel of a V16X has a full set of indicator LEDs to provide an overall status of different features of thedevice.

STATUSPower – ON whenever power is applied to the unit and the power switch is on
LTC – ON whenever SMPTE LTC is being actively generated or read
Lock – ON whenever the sync system is locked to the configured sync source
Live – ON whenever WinScript Live is connected to the unit

May 12, 2021

14

NETWORK

These indicators display both network link and activity for all of the Control Network ethernet ports.
LED State

Description

OFF

No network link

SOLID GREEN

Network link active – No network activity detected

BLINKING ORANGE

Network link active – Network activity detected

INPUTS

These are digital inputs that can be used to trigger show control events. These inputs can be configured via
software to accept contact-closure or voltage triggers (5-24VDC).
LED State

Description

OFF

Inactive – No contact closure detected or voltage input is <9VDC

GREEN

Active – Contact closure detected or voltage input is 9-24VDC

May 12, 2021

15

OUTPUTS

These are dry-contact relay outputs that are rated to 900mA and protected with inline self-healing polymer fuses.
These relays are normally open (NO) and both relay contacts (COMMON = C, and NORMALLY OPEN = NO)
are accessible for each output.
LED State

Description

OFF

Inactive – Relay contact is OPEN

RED

Active – Relay contact is CLOSEDBUTTONSThe front panel buttons can be configured by WinScript Live software to trigger show control. Panel space is left
above these buttons to allow for labels to be installed.

May 12, 2021

16

CONNECTORSNETWORK PORTS
These are standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors that support 10/100/1000BT networks. They provide access to 4
isolated networks that can be used by the V16X to control and monitor devices that are connected to the
networks. They are also used by a computer running our WinScript Live software to connect to the V16X to
configure, program, and monitor the unit.

Connector Information
Connector Type
Mating Plug

RJ45 Female
RJ45 Male

Some portions of the network interface, such as FTP access, are protected with a configurable username andpassword. By default, these credentials are configured to:User Name
Password

admin
passwordIt’s also important to mention that only network ports A and B can be used for network synchronization
protocols such as PTP and NTP.

May 12, 2021

17

SERIAL PORTS
The V16X has a total of 16 serial ports that can be used to control devices. Ports 1-4 can be configured tooperate in either RS422 or RS232 mode, and ports 5-16 operate in RS232 mode. Port 1 can also be configured to
output DMX512 for basic lighting control applications.

Connector Information
Connector Type
Mating Plug (1-4)
Mating Plug (5-16)
Recommended Wire

Phoenix
Phoenix Contact 5447890
Phoenix Contact 5447874
18 AWG Stranded

Pinouts
Serial Port 1
RS232 TX
RS422 TX (-)
DMX OUT (-)
RS422 TX (+)
DMX OUT (+)
RS422 RX(-)
RS232 RXRS422 RX (+)
Ground1

Serial Ports (2-4)
RS232 TX
1
RS422 TX (-)

Serial Ports (5-16)
RS232 TX
1

2

RS422 TX (+)

2

Ground2

3
4RS422 RX(-)
RS232 RXRS422 RX (+)
Ground34RS232 RX3

5

5

May 12, 2021

18

GPS PORT
This port functions as a dedicated GPS interface (including PPS input) to provide highly accurate clock
synchronization. It can function in both RS232 and RS422 modes and is configured via software.

Connector Information
Connector Type
Mating Plug
Recommended Wire

Phoenix
Phoenix Contact 5447913
18 AWG Stranded

Pinouts
GPS Port
GroundPower (5VDC)
RS232 RXRS422 RX(+)
RS422 RX(-)
RS422 TX(+)
RS232 TX
RS422 TX(-)
GPS PPS

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

May 12, 2021

19

SMPTE LTC
These connectors provide access to the SMPTE Timecode (LTC) input and output.

Connector Information
Connector Type
Mating Plug
Recommended Wire

Phoenix
Phoenix Contact 5447874
18 AWG Stranded

Pinouts
LTC INLTC IN (+)
LTC IN (-)
GND

LTC OUT1
2
3

LTC OUT (+)
LTC OUT (-)
GND

1
2
3

GENLOCK
These are standard BNC connectors that provide access to the genlock system of the V16X. The input will accept
a Blackburst, Composite Sync, or Tri-level video sync source. The output will provide a Composite Sync signalthat can be fed into other genlock-capable devices like the AV Binloop Uncompressed video player. A yellow LED
illuminates when the V16X has successfully genlocked to an incoming sync source. DIP switches allow the user toconfigure termination and video genlock type for the genlock input.

Termination Switch
ON (UP)75 Termination
OFF (DOWN)No Termination

Sync Mode Switch
ON (UP)Blackburst/Tri-level
OFF (DOWN)
C-SyncMay 12, 2021

20

DIGITAL INPUTS
These are digital inputs that can be used to trigger show control events. These inputs can be configured via
software to accept contact-closure or voltage triggers (5-24VDC).

Connector Information
Connector Type
Mating Plug
Recommended Wire

Phoenix
Phoenix Contact 5447926
18 AWG Stranded

Pinout
T1
B1

T2
B2

T3
B3

T4
B4

Digital Inputs (1-8)
IN1(+)T1
IN1(-)
T2
IN2(+)T3
IN2(-)
T4
IN3(+)T5
IN3(-)
T6
IN4(+)
T7
IN4(-)
T8
IN5(+)
T9
IN5(-)
T10
IN6(+)
T11
IN6(-)
T12
IN7(+)
T13
IN7(-)
T14
IN8(+)
T15
IN8(-)
T16

T5
B5

T6
B6

T7
B7

T8
B8

T9
B9

T10
B10

T11
B11

T12
B12

T13
B13

T14
B14

T15
B15

T16
B16

Digital Inputs (9-16)
IN9(+)
B1
IN9(-)
B2
IN10(+)
B3
IN10(-)
B4
IN11(+)
B5
IN11(-)
B6
IN12(+)
B7
IN12(-)
B8
IN13(+)
B9
IN13(-)
B10
IN14(+)
B11
IN14(-)
B12
IN15(+)
B13
IN15(-)
B14
IN16(+)
B15
IN16(-)
B16

May 12, 2021

21

DIGITAL OUTPUTS
These are dry-contact relay outputs that are rated to 900mA and protected with inline self-healing polymer fuses.
These relays are normally open (NO) and both relay contacts (COMMON = C, and NORMALLY OPEN = NO)
are accessible for each output.

Connector Information
Connector Type
Mating Plug
Recommended Wire

Phoenix
Phoenix 5447926
18 AWG Stranded

Pinout
T1
B1

T2
B2

T3
B3

T4
B4

Digital Outputs (1-8)
OUT1(NO)
T1
OUT1(C)
T2
OUT2(NO)
T3
OUT2(C)
T4
OUT3(NO)
T5
OUT3(C)
T6
OUT4(NO)
T7
OUT4(C)
T8
OUT5(NO)
T9
OUT5(C)
T10
OUT6(NO)
T11
OUT6(C)
T12
OUT7(NO)
T13
OUT7(C)
T14
OUT8(NO)
T15
OUT8(C)
T16

T5
B5

T6
B6

T7
B7

T8
B8

T9
B9

T10
B10

T11
B11

T12
B12

T13
B13

T14
B14

T15
B15

T16
B16

Digital Outputs (9-16)
OUT9(NO)
B1
OUT9(C)
B2
OUT10(NO)B3
OUT10(C)B4
OUT11(NO)B5
OUT11(C)B6
OUT12(NO)
B7
OUT12(C)B8
OUT13(NO)B9
OUT13(C)B10
OUT14(NO)
B11
OUT14(C)B12
OUT15(NO)B13
OUT15(C)B14
OUT16(NO)
B15
OUT16(C)B16

May 12, 2021

22

SYNCHRONIZATION
Precise synchronization between show systems, especially those involving ride vehicles, is one of the biggest
challenges faced in themed entertainment applications. Doing this properly involves achieving two criticalconditions:1.
2.

Phase-locked Clocks – All clocks must operate at the same rate to avoid ‘drifting’ from one another
Precise Triggering - All systems must start playback simultaneously with extreme precision

The unique design of the SyncCore technology integrated into RidePlayer, V16X, and BinloopX enables theseproducts to easily achieve both conditions and ensure precise synchronization between all on-board and off-board
show systems throughout the entire attraction.

PHASE-LOCKED CLOCKS
Let’s say you and a friend buy identical wristwatches and set both to the exact same time. When you meet up
again a week later, you might be surprised to see that the watches are likely many seconds off from one another.
Why? Well, there are many contributing factors such as crystal frequency precision, temperature, mechanicaltolerance, etc. Bottom line… the watches run at slightly different rates and this difference compounds over time.
The same concept also holds true with the audio and video clocks used as the basis for AV playback. Without ashared reference clock, all AV components will play at slightly different rates and drift from one another over time.
The solution to this problem is to phase-lock these clocks with each other. This generally involves one piece ofequipment serving as the clock ‘master’ and distributing its clock to other ‘slave’ devices. The ‘slave’ devices thenspeed up or slow down their clocks to stay in perfect time with the ‘master’ device.
SyncCore allows AV clocks to be phase-locked by any of the following methods:••••

PTP (IEEE-1588)
NTP
GPS
Genlock

May 12, 2021

23

PRECISE TRIGGERING
No matter how perfectly locked clocks may be, it doesn’t do much good if you can’t start playback at the sametime. To illustrate by example, let’s walk through a typical dark ride system that requires synchronized on-board
audio and off-board audio. If the on-board audio starts playing 300ms late, it’s going to be off consistently for
300ms the entire time. There are several common factors that make this a challenging problem to contend with.

PLAYBACK LATENCYFirst, most AV playback equipment is not capable of triggering consistently upon command. This is especially true
for PC-based hardware running operating systems that are often busy running unpredictable tasks. Let’s say you
send a command to play audio and playback begins about 100ms after the command is issued. Repeat this sameprocess, and next time it might take 200ms. It is simply impossible to ensure synchronization between two (ormore) devices when playback reaction time is not consistent.

Network Latency + Inconsistent Playback Device

NETWORK LATENCYSpecialized AV playback equipment can greatly improve this situation by offering consistent reaction time. Let’s saythat this equipment guarantees that playback will begin exactly 100ms after a command is received. The idea isthat you send the same command to two different devices and they both start after exactly 100ms. Viola! They
are synchronized! The catch is that those commands must be received by both devices at exactly the same time
for this concept to work. This is quite challenging, especially via wireless networks where packet latency cansometimes exceed 300ms.
Network Latency + Consistent Playback Device

May 12, 2021

24

SCHEDULED PLAYBACK
To overcome these common problems, SyncCore enabled products take a unique approach. The same clockreferences that are used to maintain phase-lock between on-board and off-board devices are also used to maintaina very precise master clock. In other words, all devices keep track of the current hour, minute, second, andmillisecond with a precision as tight as a few nanoseconds.
With this approach, playback times are scheduled based upon this shared master clock. This greatly reduces theimpact of network latency because the time that the command arrives is irrelevant as long as it arrives before thescheduled playback time.
Scheduled Playback TimeMay 12, 2021

25

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
Sounds great! But how do we actually use it in a real application?
To answer that question with a pretty picture, here is a representation of a typical dark ride system that uses the
Ride Control PLC as the PTP clock master for the entire attraction. In this example, the V16X, BinloopX, and
RidePlayer would all be configured to lock directly to the PLC’s master PTP clock to ensure perfectsynchronization for all show systems throughout the attraction.

May 12, 2021

26

SYNC CONFIGURATIONThe SyncCore system is able to achieve precise synchronization from any of the following reference clocks:
•
•
•
•
•

PTP (IEEE-1588)
NTP
GPS
SMPTE LTC
Genlock

Here’s a simple diagram to illustrate these synchronization methods, how they can be selected, and the resulting
outputs that can be used to synchronize the entire system:

LOCKING TO A SYNC REFERENCE
Within your WinScript Live project, you can configure an external sync reference by accessing theConfiguration Sync menu option. Here, you can choose the reference source you want this unit tosynchronize with and specify a master Frame Rate for the show control system.

If your application does not require the use of an external reference clock, you can leave this selection at its
default value of Internal. In this mode, the product will generate its own clocks internally.

May 12, 2021

27

DISTRIBUTING A SYNC REFERENCE
Not only can this product lock to an external sync reference, it is also capable of distributing sync references as
well.
Genlock is always distributed automatically based upon the master Frame Rate you have selected. There’s also theoption to distribute a clock via network using NTP or PTP as well. This option is also configured from the Sync
Configuration screen which is accessed using the Configuration Sync menu.

One important thing to note is that it is possible for SyncCore products to lock to an external reference andsimultaneously distribute another type of reference. A common example of this would be configuring a V16X tolock to an external PTP Master (i.e. Ride Control PLC). This V16X may then need to synchronize precisely with
RidePlayers over a wireless network which may not support PTP distribution. To overcome the limitations of thewireless network, the V16X could be configured to distribute a sync reference as an NTP Server. We would thenconfigure the RidePlayer units to lock to the V16X via NTP.
The hybrid system architecture would look like this:May 12, 2021

28

WIRING GUIDEDIGITAL INPUT WIRINGVOLTAGE
Using Voltage Inputs instead of Contact Closures will add complexity to the wiring but will provide greater
reliability over long distance cable runs.
Advantages•

The installer can overcome long distances when connecting contact closures by using higher voltage
sources to compensate for resistance in wiring.

•

Inputs can be completely isolated from one another.

Disadvantages•

The installer must provide an external power supply for the contact closure(s).

CONTACT CLOSURE
Using Contact Closures over Voltage Inputs provides a simple installation but limits cabling distance.
Advantages•

Contact closure installations require only wiring and contacts•

No external power supply is required.

Disadvantages•

To be reliable, the contact closure must be located close (10-20 ft) from the unit.

•

The wiring will not be isolated. Errors and problems in any circuit could affect other contact closure
inputs.

•A high voltage short to this wiring could damage the V16X.

May 12, 2021

29

SPECIFICATIONSCONTROL
Show Control

Display
LED Indicators
Ethernet

SerialDMX
Digital Inputs
Relay Outputs
Show Memory

Advanced Scripted Control
Timeline Programming
ShowTouch Touch Panel Integration
Intuitive Device Control (PLC, DSP, Animation, AV, Projection, etc.)4.3” TFT LCD /w navigation wheel
Power, LTC, Sync, Live Mode, Ethernet, Inputs, Outputs
4 x 100/1000 BaseT (RJ45)
Isolated Networks – No internal switch/bridge
Device Control
Programming
4 x RS232/RS422 (5-pin Phoenix)
12 x RS232 (3-pin Phoenix)
1 x DMX512 Output (5-pin Phoenix – Port 1)
16 x Contact/Voltage Inputs (2 x 16-pin Phoenix)
Software Configurable for Voltage (5-24VDC) or Contact Closure
16 x N.O. Dry-contact Relay Output (4 x 8-pin Phoenix)
Self-Restoring Polymer Fuses (900mA)
Removable SD Card /w Captive Socket

SYNCHRONIZATION
Sync Inputs

Sync Outputs

Frame Rates
GPS Type
Clock Accuracy

PTP In – IEEE-1588/CIP-Sync (RJ45 – Network A or B)
NTP In (RJ45 - Network A or B)
GPS In (7-pin Phoenix)
SMPTE LTC In (3-pin Phoenix)
Genlock In - Blackburst, C-Sync, Tri-level (BNC)PTP Out – IEEE-1588 (Network A or B – RJ45)
NTP Out (Network A or B – RJ45)
Genlock Out - C-Sync (BNC)
SMPTE LTC Out (3-Pin Phoenix)
23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.952, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
NMEA-0183 /w PPS Clock Input
PTP - <1uS /w <1ppB Free-run accuracy
NTP - <1mS /w <10ppB Free-run accuracy
GPS - <1uS /w <1ppB Free-run accuracy

PHYSICALPower
Size
WeightEnvironment
Mounting
Compliance

V16X – 110-240VAC (50W Max)
V16X-DC – 24VDC
19”W x 14”L x 3.5”H (483mm x 356mm x 89mm)
14lbs (6.4kg)
0C (32F) to 38C (100F)
0-90% Relative Humidity
2U 19” Rack Mount
UL, CE, CB, WEEE, RoHS

May 12, 2021

30

BLOCK DIAGRAM

May 12, 2021

31

PRODUCT PHOTOS

Front View

Rear View

May 12, 2021

32