Brainstorm Electronics Support & Downloads
Check out all the Software and Firmware Downloads, PDF Owners Manuals, Data Sheets and Technical Support Documentation below. If you need more information please contact us using the Contact Us & Support Request form on this page.
Quick Links to Download Sections Below: DXD-8 • DXD-16 • DXD Options • DCD-24 • SR-112 • SR-28
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DXD-8 Universal Clock
3.0 Firmware posted 1st June 2023
DXD-8 FAQs
How many different sync signals and rates can the DXD-8 generate simultaneously?
The DXD-8 can generate up to 4 different sync signals similtaneously. These can be WC, AES, Video Sync or 10MHz. They can be routed to any of the 4 pairs of universal output. They can be set to any standard (or non-standard) rate.
Can the DXD-8 be set up to have 8 video sync outputs, 1080p tri-level sync for example?
Yes, the Universal Outputs can be set to any of the formats mentioned in FAQ #1 above, which means that, if 8 outputs of 1080p tri-level sync is what is needed, the DXD-8 can be set up to do just that.
What is the purpose of the DXD-8 Real Time Clock (RTC)?
The RTC is a backup clock used by the DXD-8 to guarantee that Time-of-Day (TOD) will always be present. Here is how it works:
Just after power up, the DXD-8 transfers the date & time information from the RTC to the main System Time (TOD); when the DXD-8 locks to a new reference, if that reference does not have date & time, the TOD simply continues counting along its current time sequence; if it has date & time, that information is transferred to the TOD.
The RTC is battery-powered and is continuously running. It can be adjusted manually or set for automatic update from GPS or NTP in menu 8.2.
What is the best way to use the DXD-8 NTP client?
Menu 6.2 refers to a ‘Pseudo’ Client Mode because, when enabled, the NTP time is not automatically sent out to the server side. Instead, the Time-of-Day received from the external NTP server can be
- transferred manually to the System Time (menu 6.2) or
- transferred automatically to the Real Time Clock (menu 8.2).
When NTP is available, it is recommended to set it to update the RTC automatically in menu 8.2 (AUTO UPDATE RT CLOCK > NTP). This way, the DXD-8 will always start with a relatively accurate TOD (see previous FAQ on the RTC).
DXD-16 Universal Clock
3.0 Firmware posted 1st June 2023
DXD-16 Engineering Notes / Modifications
DXD-16 FAQs
How many different sync signals and rates can the DXD-16 generate simultaneously?
The DXD-16 can generate up to 6 different sync signals similtaneously in any combination of WC, AES, Video Sync or 10MHz. These sync signals are then sent to the 16 universal outputs. At any standard (and non-standard) rate.
Can the DXD-16 be set up to have 16 video sync outputs, 1080p tri-level sync for example?
Yes, the Universal Outputs can be set to any of the formats mentioned in FAQ #1 above, which means that, if 16 outputs of 1080p tri-level sync is what is needed, the DXD-16 can be set up to do just that.
Are the 4 DXD-16 Ethernet ports identical?
Each network connector supports an electrically and logically independent network. From a PTP standpoint, the 4 ports are identical but firmware updates and remote control are from port #4 only.
What is the purpose of the DXD-16 Real Time Clock (RTC)?
The RTC is a backup clock used by the DXD-16 to guarantee that Time-of-Day (TOD) will always be present. Here is how it works:
Just after power up, the DXD-16 transfers the date & time information from the RTC to the main System Time (TOD); when the DXD-16 locks to a new reference, if that reference does not have date & time, the TOD simply continues counting along its current time sequence; if it has date & time, that information is transferred to the TOD.
The RTC is battery-powered and is continuously running. It can be adjusted manually or set for automatic update from GPS or NTP in menu 8.2.
What is the best way to use the DXD-16 NTP client?
Menu 6.2 refers to a ‘Pseudo’ Client Mode because, when enabled, the NTP time is not automatically sent out to the server side. Instead, the Time-of-Day received from the external NTP server can be
- transferred manually to the System Time (menu 6.2) or
- transferred automatically to the Real Time Clock (menu 8.2).
When NTP is available, it is recommended to set it to update the RTC automatically in menu 8.2 (AUTO UPDATE RT CLOCK > NTP). This way, the DXD-16 will always start with a relatively accurate TOD (see previous FAQ on the RTC).
DXD Options
DCD-24 – Word Clock Distributor/Generator
DCD-24 Engineering Notes / Modifications
DCD-24 FAQs
Can the DCD-24 generate several WC frequencies simultaneously?
It can, but only multiple numbers. The DCD-24 is a single domain generator but it has a divider/multiplier on outputs 21-24 so that two multiple frequencies can be generated simultaneously such as 48KHz and 96KHz for example or 176.40KHz and 44.1KHz.
How can I see the frequency of the reference or the input frequency?
While holding down the VIEW button, the 6 digit display shows the frequency of the reference or input frequency. When you release it, it returns to displaying the output frequency.
What does it mean when the GEARBOXING LED lights up?
The term Gearboxing is used when mixed rates are synchronized together. The DCD-24 has the ability to generate a frequency different than that of the reference. For example, with a 44.1KHz reference the DCD-24 can generate 96KHz. That is when GEARBOXING lights up.
SR-112 – Time Code Distripalyzer
SR-112 Engineering Notes / Modifications
SR-112 FAQs
Where does the word Distripalyzer come from?
The original SR-15 had 3 main functions: It was a DISTributor, a STRIPper and an anALYZER. The SR-112 no longer strips pilot tone as this feature is no longer in demand. But it is still a DISTRIButor and an anALYZER. It also has several new features (see next FAQ).
What are some of the new features of the SR-112 compared with the older SR-15?
- 12 outputs instead of 5
- Accepts HD Video Sync as well as SD Video Sync.
- Large reader display.
- Ethernet
- Dual redundant power supplies
- Optional Time Code Generator
- Card slot for future I/O’s.
Is the SR-112 distributor the same as an audio DA?
No. An audio DA is designed to distribute an audio signal. The SR-112 on the other hand not only distributes time code, but also reshapes it, eliminating distortions and amplitude fluctuations. Also, an audio DA may no be designed to handle a 2.4KHz square wave and may induce distortions.
Can the SR-112 generate time code?
Yes. With the optional TCG software, the SR-112 can generate new time code, locked to video or not. It also includes a repair mode that enables you to Jam-sync or regenerate time code, repairing errors such as drop outs, jitter or video phase alignment.
When updating firmware on my SR-112, which file should I use: ‘Complete’ or ‘Software’?
Whenever possible, you should use the ‘software’ only because, if a crash was to occur during the ‘programming’ phase, due to a power failure for example, you can always revert to the ‘Loader’ mode (see 13.3 in the User Manual). But, when making a major software update (primary rev number change), a ‘complete’ update is required. For example, updating from 2.00 to 2.01 can be ‘software’ only. But updating from 1.xx to 2.xx must be “complete”. Be certain power is not interrupted during the 'programming' phase of a 'complete' update.
How do I connect the time code outputs 1-8?
Outputs 1-8 are on a DB25 connector with the same pin configuration as Tascam/Avid. Standard DB25 to XLR breakout cables are readily available and can be ordered from Brainstorm Electronics.
SR-112 Options
SR-28 – Time Code Distributor / Reshaper
SR-28 Engineering Notes / Modifications
SR-28 FAQs
Is the SR-28 distributor the same as an audio DA?
No. An audio DA is designed to distributes an audio signal. The SR-28 on the other hand not only distributes time code, but also reshapes it, eliminating distortions and amplitude fluctuations. Also, an audio DA may not be designed to handle a 2.4KHz square wave and may induce distortions.
How do I connect the time code outputs?
The SR-28 uses a DB25 connector with the same pin configuration as Tascam/Avid. Standard DB25 to XLR breakout cables are readily available and can be ordered from Brainstorm Electronics.
What if I need more than 8 outputs?
Multiple SR-28 units can be used in cascade. In that case, we recommend setting the rise time of the output(s) feeding the cascaded unit(s) to 1μs (square wave).No. An audio DA is designed to distribute an audio signal. The SR-112 on the other hand not only distributes time code, but also reshapes it, eliminating distortions and amplitude fluctuations. Also, an audio DA may no be designed to handle a 2.4KHz square wave and may induce distortions.
Can I switch input remotely?
Yes, an external switch can be used to change the SR-28 input selection. On the mother board, 2 pads are labeled 'External Switch Connection’. A momentary SPST switch can be connected to those pads. The front panel LED always indicates the currently selected input. For detailed instructions, download here.
