XVideo10 - User Manual
The XVideo10 is a video switch that allows you to switch between video cameras based on X10 motion detectors, X10 software, or X10
manual controllers. It is designed to be directly connected to a
X10 CM11A Computer Interface
. No computer is required, but a computer
can be used to change the default house code if desired.
Features
- Works with any composite video (NTSC) cameras
- Supports controlled switching of four cameras or other video sources via X10 protocol
- Display video on standard monitor or capture card.
- Does not require X10 cameras - use standard security cameras or X10 cams.
- Compatible with any X10 controllers or automation software
- Advanced scanning capability, adjustable scan interval
- Supports any house code (one per video switch)
- No PC required for operation
- Connects to the power lines via the
X10 CM11A Computer Interface
(not included)
Requirements
To use the XVideo10 you need one or more of the following items (not included):
- A X10 CM11A (or equivalent) controller dedicated to the XVideo10. This module is sold as part of the
X10 CK11 Home Automation Kit
.
- An X10 controller
- Optional: Wireless modules, wireless receiver RR501 or TM751, home automation software.
The following computer interface modules are expected to be compatible replacements for the CM11a, but have not been tested: IBM Home Director HD11, RCA HC60CRX, X10 CM10A, IBM HD16.
How it works
The XVideo10 monitors a CM11a computer interface module. The XVideo10 acts as a computer to control the module. During operation, the XVideo10
listens to one house code on units 1-4. When it receives ON signals, it switches to the appropriate video channel. When it receives
OFF signals, it switches to scanning mode and scans the available video cameras (or other video sources such as DVD players, TV tuners, etc.). The
XVideo10 can be used to respond to security sensors, or just as a video switch for home electronics or security cameras.
Additionally, unit codes 5-6 are used to provide direct control of scanning and camera selection for keychain remote controls.
The XVideo10 will respond to only one house code (P by default). This allows the XVideo10 to be used with other CM11a units on the same
house system. You must dedicate a CM11a interface to the XVideo10.
Configuring the XVideo10
The XVideo10 comes with a cable to connect to a computer serial port for programming. Out of the box, the XVideo10 is configured for four cameras,
5 second scan interval, house code P, and idle scanning. If you wish to change these settings, you must connect the XVideo10 to your computer and
configure it. The procedure for activating the command menu is as follows:
- Connect the serial cable from the XVideo10 to the PC serial port
- Open up a terminal program (kermit, HyperTerminal, etc) on your computer.
- Configure the terminal program for 4800bps, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (8N1)
- Configure the terminal program for the com port to which the XVideo10 is connected.
- Unplug the power on the XVideo10 and wait five seconds.
- Reconnect the XVideo10 power.
- On the computer, type !!! (three exclamation points) in the terminal program window. You must enter !!! within five seconds to
access the menu. If you type anything else the menu will be locked out and you will need to disconnect and reconnect the power again.
- Once !!! has been entered, the XVideo10 will respond with a menu.
- Use the single letter commands to change the options. The menu will update with each change.
The configuration menu
XVideo10 (c)2007 Tech World, Inc. RevA
C:Cameras:4
S:ScanTime:5sec
H:HouseCode:P
I:IdleMode:S
?:Menu
The configuration menu shows the current settings for the XVideo10. To change a setting, select the letter in front of that setting. The setting
will change and the menu will be updated to show the new settings.
Configuration Menu commands
| C | Changes the number of cameras to scan. When the XVideo10 enters scanning mode, cameras 1 thru the selected number will be
displayed. This feature allows you to connect only two cameras and have the scan ignore the empty camera channels. The number of cameras selected
here does not need to match the number of cameras connected. You can for instance connect four cameras and configure the scan to show only two
cameras. The other cameras are still available for viewing, but will not be displayed in scan mode. This may be useful for some applications. |
| S | Changes the scan interval. You can adjust the time that each camera is displayed from 5-30 seconds. |
| H | Select the house code to monitor A-P. |
| I | Select the idle detection and Units 1-4 OFF behavior. When no camera changes occur for 1 minute the selected option is
triggered. When units 1-4 are turned OFF the selected option is triggered.
| S | Start Scan Mode - The XVideo10 starts scan mode. |
| P | Switch to Camera 1 - This establishes camera 1 as a priority camera. Whenever there are no camera changes for 1 minute, the XVideo10
will switch back to camera 1. Put your preferred camera on line 1. This option can be used with 3rd party motion detection software to prevent constant
triggering that would occur in scan mode as a result of images changing. |
| N | Do Nothing - Idle mode scanning is disabled. OFF commands for Units 1-4 are ignored. The XVideo10 will stay on whatever channel
you select unless you select scan mode manually. |
|
| ? | Redisplays the menu |
Connecting the XVideo10 to the CM11A
To setup the XVideo10 with the CM11A, simply use the short interconnect cable to connect the RJ45 jack on the XVideo10 to the RJ22 jack on the CM11A
as shown here:

Plug the CM11A into a power outlet. Plug the XVideo10 power adaptor into the power outlet on the CM11A. The XVideo10 will configure the CM11A and
begin responding to X10 commands after a few seconds. The default house code is P.
Note: The XVideo10 performs a setup of the CM11A when it powers up. You should connect the XVideo10 to the CM11A, Plug in the CM11A and then plug in
the XVideo10 power. If the XVideo10 is not responding to commands, and you have verified your house codes, unplug the power from the XVideo10, wait
five secconds and reconnect the power. If this does not correct the problem, see the troubleshooting FAQ using the support link on our website.
The XVideo10 will reprogram the CM11A periodically and after any power failure automatically.
Using the XVideo10
The XVideo10 responds to ON/OFF commands like any modules, with a few differences. To allow easy intuitive use, the XVideo10 operates on multiple
unit code numbers at one time. Units 1-6 of the selected house code are used by the XVideo10. You may use other modules on the same addresses if
desired.
| Unit # | Unit ON command | Unit OFF command |
| 1 | Switches to Video 1 | Starts Idle Mode Action based on the IdleMode setting (see configuration
menu above). OFF commands are only effective for the currently selected video channel. This allows multiple motion detectors to switch video
simultaneously without returning to scan mode. The XVideo10 will switch back and forth between active motion detectors as long as they are active.
Idle Mode: (S)Switches to Scan mode, (P)Switches to camera 1, or (N)stays on this channel. |
| 2 | Switches to Video 2 |
| 3 | Switches to Video 3 |
| 4 | Switches to Video 4 |
| 5 | Starts Scan Mode | Video Off |
| 6 | Prev Camera | Next Camera |
The command structure is designed to support several types of wireless remote sensors. These include the MS14A motion detector units, the KC674 or KR19A
slimfire keychain remote control and the HR12A remote control pads. The XVideo10 is also fully compatible with manual controllers, home automation software
and any other X10 controllers.
Command notes
- Selecting ON for unit code 1-4 will activate the corresponding video channel
- OFF commands are ignored for all but the active channel. This feature is intended to allow multiple motion detectors to override each other
with detection events. See the motion detector section below for more details.
- Select ON for unit code 5 will enter scan mode.
- Select OFF for unit code 5 will turn video off.
- The unit code 6 options are intended for use with keychain remote controls, but may be used from any controller.
- The XVideo10 does not respond to All Lights ON or OFF commands.
- The XVideo10 does not respond to Dim commands or other extended commands.
- Because only one video channel at a time can be displayed, switching from one channel to another implies that the previous channel was turned OFF.
This means that if P1 ON, P2 ON is sent, then P1 OFF is not necessary, it is implied by P2 ON that P1 is now OFF.
- The XVideo10 does not support macro or time based functionality. The time clock on the CM11a will be cleared when connected to the XVideo10.
Batteries are not required in the CM11a.
Working with motion detectors
A RR501 radio receiver module is required to monitor wireless remote modules. The XVideo10 can be easily used with the X10 motion detectors to switch
video sources as motion events are received. The command structure was designed with these detector modules in mind. For instance: Configure a
MS14A Hawkeye modules to address P1. When the module detects movement it will send a P1 ON command. The XVideo10 will switch to Video Channel 1.
When the modules send the all clear, the XVideo10 will receive a P1 OFF command and switch back to scanning mode. You can set your motion
detectors to four different unit codes to activate video monitoring response in this fashion.
When using multiple motion detectors, more than one event may be triggered at the same time. For instance, if someone walks from one sensor to
another, the XVideo10 will receive ON commands from both sensors. Depending on the timeout interval you programmed into your motion detectors
(if available) the OFF commands may come out of sequence such as: P1 ON, P2 ON, P1 OFF, P2 OFF. To prevent the XVideo10 from switching back to
scan mode on the P1 OFF command while motion is still occuring at unit P2, the XVideo10 accepts OFF commands only for the last unit code that was
switched on. This applies only to unit codes 1-4. Also note that simultaneous activation of multiple montion detectors will result in the
XVideo10 switching back and forth between the active sensor channels while motion events are being received.
See the application notes for details on working with motion detection modules.
Working with a keychain remote
A radio receiver module is required to monitor wireless remote modules. The KC674 or KR19A slimfire remote control allows you to control two unit codes (1-2 or 5-6). The XVideo10 command structure supports two modes of operation for
this remote control depending on the unit codes you choose.
When set to codes 1-2, you can activate units 1 and 2 or scan mode.
When set to codes 5-6, you have advanced control of the video switch. You can use the buttons to switch to prev/next camera. This allows
you to monitor all of the video channels. The XVideo10 command structure was designed with this remote control in mind, and this is the
recommended mode.
Working with a wireless control pad
A radio receiver module is required to monitor wireless remote modules. When working with a wireless control pad, simply address the desired video
channel using the corresponding unit code as shown in the command table.
Working with a standard controllers
When working with standard controllers simply address the desired video channel using the corresponding unit code as shown in the command table.
Working with automation software
When working with automation software, simply address the desired video channel using the corresponding unit code as shown in the command table.
Working with multiple control sources
If you are using a mix of manual controllers, automation software, or wireless controllers, keep in mind that video switching may occur based on inputs
from other controllers and sensors. For instance, if you select P1 ON, P2 ON from a manual controller while a motion detector on P2 is in the middle
of a detection event, the XVideo10 will switch back to scan mode when the motion detector clears and sends P2 OFF.
See the application notes for details on working with motion detection modules.
Additional application notes are available for working with your X10 modules.
Trademarks
XVideo10™ is a trademark of Tech World, Inc.
X10 products are produced by the X10 company. See x10.com for more information on X10 and their products.
Pinouts
Specs
- Power: Typical draw 9VDC 25mA
- Operating frequency: 8Mhz
- Scan rate: 5-30 seconds, adjustable
- Connectors: 4 RCA Female, 1 RCA Male, 1 RJ45 for Serial, 2.1mm x 5.5mm Coax Power Jack
- EMI: Verified FCC Part 15 Class B compliant. This product has not been certified for CE mark.
- Video: NTSC and PAL compatible
- Hardware platform: VS4T1
- Firmware: XVideo10
Note:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Warranty and Use Limitations
This product is warranteed for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase against defects. No warranty is provided against abuse, damage,
improper wiring or use in a manner contrary to the guidelines and specifications listed in this document. Opening the product case voids the
warranty. Electrical damage to the device introduced thru the external connections voids the warranty. The purchaser assumes all liability for
custom cabling, cabling practices and video equipment installation. Tech World warranties only the equipment we sell, not a particular installion
of application. Third party installers and equipment are the responsibility of the user.
This product is not intended for use in life or property protection security systems or for life sustaining or life critical medical applications.
Use of the product for these applications is at your own risk and subject to the following terms:
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tech World, Inc. and any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, information providers,
partners, advertisers, suppliers, and any of our successors, as-signs or licensees, together with any of their respective officers, directors,
and employees, from and against any and all damages, losses, liabilities, suits, actions, demands, proceedings (whether legal or administrative),
judgments, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees), arising out of any and all claims by you or a third party relating to your
use of the product or application notes contained on the website, or any breach or violation of these Terms of Use or any other term or condition
contained on the Tech World website. You agree that sole remedy for claims arising out of use of the product will be replacement of the product
or refund of the purchase price at the sole discretion of Tech World, Inc.
If you do not agree to these terms, you may return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund within 10 days of purchase.
Safety
Installation of this product should be performed following proper industry standard wiring practices. Outdoor cabling should be properly grounded for lightning
protection. This product should not be used outdoors.
This product is intended for indoor use only. Keep this unit away from heat sources such as radiators and furnace vents and use it in a properly
ventilated area. To prevent shock or fire hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture or use near water. The power supply packaged with
this unit is intended for US and Canadian power systems and should only be used with compatible systems. No user serviceable parts are contained
inside the device. This device is not intended for use by children. This device does not contain any user serviceable parts.
This product is not intended for use with RF, VGA or amplified audio signals. If high voltage signals, such as amplified TV antennas or speaker
outputs, are connected to the device damage or fire may occur. This device is intended only for composite video signal switching of NTSC signals. It
is not certified for use in the European Union. Current inventory of this product is not completely certified for European RoHS standards. The internal
electrical components of this device may contain lead. Newly manufactured units will be made RoHS compliant. This product is not intended
for export outside the USA.
Country of Origin
This product was manufactured in Taiwan and designed and programmed in the USA.
We do not stock all X10 accessories at all times.
Please refer to the
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