Equipment identification help wanted please :)

[Mike Connell]

Update on this. Finally pulled everything out and started testing it all. Last used December 2024 it seems. Got into showvault no trouble at all and as I went through all the kit it all seems up to date. Need to check the certificates to be sure either way. However, I’ve hit an issue with the imb in the nc900 - pci cable is in but no matter what I do I can’t get the Ethernet to work on any of the four ports and so the showvault is showing a communication error, which is most frustrating. The “soft” indicator is flashing above the imb slot. Anyone any ideas what to check??

[Leo Enticknap]

The RJ45 ports are not Ethernet.

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The two highlighted in green are for AES3 audio: each carries four pairs, so 8 channels 1 to 8 top, 9 to 15 bottom. You connect regular Ethernet cables to them (has to be twisted pair and ideally shielded; buy cat6 shielded and that is guaranteed to work), but depending on what model of audio processor you have, you may need a DB25 to RJ45 adapter to make the hookup at the other end.

The two highlighted in red are GPIO (in top, out bottom). Again, four pairs per cable, so four ins and four outs. They can be used for automation functions, but as most devices that receive automation commands from a DCP server can do so via RS232 and/or Ethernet, they are very rarely used.

If the PCI-e cable is connected, the ShowVault should not throw any errors relating to a connection to the IMB. To be sure that the IMB is OK, you can go to diagnostics > media block, as so:

image.png

This screenshot is from an IMS2000, but the ShowVault's web UI is almost identical. If you see a green light for the security manager, the IMB is OK.

You may see a "projector communication error" in the top banner. To fix that, you'll need to connect the SV to a LAN with the projector also on it, set addresses for both in the same subnet, and then in the SV's device manager, create an entry for the projector (or edit the existing one) with the correct address. If you feel out of your depth with these steps, my suggestion would be to schedule a call by a qualified tech to install and get this stuff running for you.

[Mike Connell]

You may see a "projector communication error" in the top banner. To fix that, you'll need to connect the SV to a LAN with the projector also on it, set addresses for both in the same subnet, and then in the SV's device manager, create an entry for the projector (or edit the existing one) with the correct address.

So how do I connect the projector to a LAN without an ethernet port? AM I misconctruing your instructions? Apologies if I am.

There an "internal" subnet of 192.168.10.x for all the kit and I've found all of that out. The MC900 and the IMB have a 192.168.10.x address already setup on the SV. When I boot the SV the VGA screen shows me a "Security module communication failure", as though it's detecting the module but can't reach it.

I'll be back with SV portal screenshots to maybe help with more diagnosis

And yes, even after this i'll be taking it to a tech to get it all checked out anyway, but this is an excellent learning task for me anyway

[Mike Connell]

Follow up to the follow up. I'm an idiot.

I didn't have the actual projector plugged in, and my brain hadn't got the speperation between the IMB and projector. Rookie error from a rookie.

I'll be back...

[Mike Connell]

Yep, I'm in a much better place now. I've got a secuirty manager red light, but I think this is to do with the no maintenance warning as it's probably gone past it's service schedule (not sure how ot resolve this, but assume that'll come when I get it service by a proper tech), I know the system clock battery needs replacing...

[Carsten Kurz]

Yup. The SV and IMB is running current software, and the certificate extension was successful. You only need to make sure the certificate battery on the IMB is okay. I wouldn't depend on a maintenance entry for the battery change. I would probably try to measure the cell voltage first. But before you do this, consult the forum about the proper procedure. ShowVault/IMB is still a nice working server, and it would be silly to lose it with a hasty operation.

[Mike Connell]

I still don’t have a key to get in to the projector despite reaching out to NEC directly and a couple of suppliers, so there comes a point where I may have to drill it if nothing comes to fruition soon so the battery can be swapped.

[Dave Macaulay]

These barrel locks were once fairly secure, but are now considered easily pickable. There are picking/decoding tools available that open them in a few seconds with little skill needed. A good locksmith can pick it, then you can get a replacement lock or a knob replacement (no key needed), if decoded a new key can be made. Picking gets annoying on things like vending machines where the lock has to be turned multiple times (they relock every 90 degrees) but not on your projector. Possibly Japanese ones have a diameter that common decoding tools won't work on but are still pickable.

[Mike Connell]

Thanks Dave. Kit ordered. Watched some YouTube and seems simple enough.

[Ryan Gallagher]

Thanks Dave. Kit ordered. Watched some YouTube and seems simple enough.

If the learning to pick it is fruitless, it seems the key set Steve correctly cited is available from at least a few dealers (via searching for the part number).

For the NC900C, the keys should be: 79TY1701

Both Strong and CinemaNext at least have web listings for the key only (at a premium industry price of course):

https://strong-tech.com/shop/project...100l-79ty1701/

https://shop.cinemanext.com/shop/p00...nly-4161#attr=

[Carsten Kurz]

The CinemaNext offering is just 10US$ for a set of two. Shipping will probably be 10 times that, unfortunately.