Runco Vx 40d Projector User Manual

							
63Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating ManualSection 3: Operation

Enter a checkmark for 
LAMP MESSAGE to enable a warning message that will appear 
upon  power-up  when  the  lamp  has  reached  the  specified  lamp  limit  and  should  be 
replaced. Delete the checkmark to prevent display of this message—instead, when your 
lamp expires, only the status display messages on the back of the projector will provide 
the visual warning to replace the lamp.
NOTES: 1) It is recommended that the Lamp Message checkbox remain enabled.  
2) When a lamp warning message appears, press Exit to temporarily cancel the 
message. The message will continue to appear upon power-up until you install a new 
lamp.
Set  LAMP LIMIT to the number of hours you expect to log on the current lamp before 
replacing it. This will trigger a lamp message on-screen (if enabled).
NOTES: 1) If you change modes over the life of a lamp, the lamp limit you originally 
expected may no longer be possible. 2) Turning the lamp on and off reduces lamp life 
significantly, as do other factors. 
3) It is recommended that Lamp Limit not exceed the 
expected lamp life, otherwise a lamp could become dangerously fragile with overuse.
Set which  LAMP MODE you want to use in order to control the 
light output. You can choose to run the lamp as bright as possible 
(i.e.,  always  using  maximum  power—this  is  the  default  upon 
power  up)  or  you  can  power  the  lamp  with  a  specific  wattage 
appropriate  for  the  installed  lamp  or  you  can  set  a  specific 
intensity (brightness) to maintain. Although there are exceptions, 
generally higher light output or higher power settings can shorten 
lamp life.
Use the lamp mode that best suits your brightness needs. For example, in a tiled application 
you may want to precisely match brightness levels between adjacent images—judge by 
eye  and  set  each  individual  Lamp  Power  setting  as  necessary.  Or  if  you  want  images 
to be as bright as possible—choose  Max Brightness. Always keep in mind that higher 
lamp power settings can shorten lamp life.
Lamp modes are described below:
•   Max Brightness:  The lamp will always burn as brightly as possible, driven by 
100% of the power level rating for the installed lamp  (see Section 6, Specifications). 
Keep in mind that the “maximum brightness” for any lamp gradually diminishes 
with age — images will become dimmer over time. Its current output level appears 
in the “Intensity”  option (note:  not in lumens).
•   Intensity:  Brightness will remain close to a specified level for as long as possible. 
Once you select this option, enter a number representing the intensity level 
(brightness) you wish to maintain—the projector will automatically adjust power 
as needed to maintain this intensity as closely as possible. Note that the intensity 
value is a correlation only and does not represent an actual lumens level. See 
“Intensity”  on the next page.
•  Power:  The power supplied to the lamp will remain at your specified wattage 
level. Once you select this option, enter the number of watts representing the 
power level you wish to maintain. See  “Power” on the next page.
Figure 3.19. Lamp Mode 
						

							
64Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 3: Operation

POWER – This slidebar and number indicates how many 
watts  are  applied  to  the  lamp.  You  can  apply  anywhere 
from approximately 60-65% of the maximum power intended for the installed lamp up to 
100%  of  the  lamp  rating.  Set  for  the  number  of  watts  as  desired,  keeping  in  mind  that 
lower power levels produce dimmer images. When in either 
Power or 
Max Brightness 
modes, the power level remains constant. Specifying a maximum power level here is the 
same as operating in Max Brightness mode.
NOTES: Power level can be set only if the lamp is in Power mode.
INTENSITY  –  This  value  and  slidebar  represents  the 
current  brightness  of  your  lamp,  decreasing  over  time 
when  you  are  operating  in  Max  Brightness  mode  or  at  a  specific  Power  level.  When 
you are operating in “Intensity” mode this value remains at the original “Intensity” setting 
chosen and cannot be adjusted.
NOTE: The number shown for “intensity” is not the actual lumen output, but rather a 
correlated value only—1246 may represent 3500 lumens, for example.
To use 
“Intensity” mode, judge by eye (or use a meter) and set the level as desired for 
your application. Over time, the projector will automatically increase the power supplied to 
the lamp as needed to maintain the chosen intensity as closely as possible.
HOW LONG CAN I MAINTAIN BRIGHTNESS? Software can maintain your 
“Intensity” 
setting until the required power reaches the maximum rating for the lamp. The lower the 
setting,  the  longer  it  will  take  to  reach  this  threshold  and  the  longer  you  can  maintain 
the  desired  brightness.  Keep  in  mind  that  once  the  lamp  power  reaches  its  maximum 
wattage (see 
“Power”, above), this tracking is no longer possible. At this point, the lamp 
will  gradually  begin  to  dim  as  usual,  even  though  your  original 
“Intensity”  value  will  still 
appear in the menu. To resume accurate tracking, reduce the intensity setting so that the 
resulting 
“Power”  value  is  less  than  its  maximum—the  lower  the  intensity,  the  longer  it 
can be maintained.
For  example,  a  1000  watt  lamp  can  be  driven  at  no  more  than  1000  watts.  To  produce 
desired brightness at the screen, a new lamp would likely need less than this maximum 
rating — perhaps 812 watts (example only). Over time, however, the lamp will require more 
and more current in order to generate the desired light, until eventually the lamp wattage 
reaches its 1000-watt maximum and the lamp power automatically levels off. At this point, 
the tracking function terminates (i.e., the power level stabilizes) and the lamp will begin to 
dim normally. Either reduce your 
“Intensity” setting or replace the lamp.
Do  not  lower  the 
“Intensity”  so  much  that  the  corresponding “Power”  value  reaches 
its minimum—the intensity setting will be inaccurate and cannot be maintained. For best 
results in achieving uniform intensity amongst tiled images, choose an 
“Intensity” setting 
that enables all lamps to operate at less than the maximum number of watts available in 
your projector but high enough to keep the corresponding lamp power above its minimum. 
See “Power”, above.
NOTES: 1) Lamps become more stable over time, thus a specific intensity is more easily 
maintained as the lamp ages. 
2) Intensity can be set only if the lamp is in “Intensity” mode 
3) Intensity cannot exceed the output of Max Brightness mode. 
						

							
65Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating ManualSection 3: Operation

OPTICAL  APERTURE  –  The  optical  aperture 
inside  the  projector  controls  the  diameter  of  the 
light  beam  passing  through  the  system.  With  a 
fully  open  aperture  (slidebar  default  of  “0”),  the 
maximum  amount  of  light  passes  through  for 
maximum brightness in your images. Increase the slidebar setting to reduce the aperture 
diameter and maximize contrast ratio instead.
LAMP  HISTORY  –  This  read-only  option  lists  the  lamps  most  recently  installed  and 
recorded in the projector. 
Lamp History automatically updates whenever 
you  record  a  new  lamp  serial  number—the  new  lamp  is  added  to  the 
bottom of the list.
Use CHANGE LAMP to record the serial number for a newly installed lamp:
In the  Lamp S/N window, use the number text entry keys to record the new lamp serial 
number  and  press 
Enter  again  to  accept  the  change.  See  Using  Slidebars  and  Other 
Controls if you need help entering the number. Once entered, the new lamp serial number 
will be added to the Lamp History menu and the  Lamp Hours timer will reset to “0”. 
Lamp 
Mode and Lamp Limit remain as they were for the previous lamp and can be changed 
at any time.
NOTE: Enter a serial number only if you have just installed a new lamp. This will help 
ensure that lamp timer is not reset on an old lamp and that the number of hours logged 
on the lamp will be accurate.
IMPORTANT
Always record the serial number of a NEW lamp.
Figure 3.20. Recording the New Lamp Serial Number 
						

							
66Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 3: Operation

When a new lamp is installed and its serial 
number  recorded  by  selecting  “Change 
Lamp”  in  the 
Lamp  menu,  the  lamp  timer 
resets  to  “0”  and  begins  logging  time  for 
the  new  lamp.  This  tally  appears  in  both 
the Lamp  menu  (see  right)  and  the Status 
menu.
To  review  the  number  of  hours  logged  for 
previous  lamps,  consult  the  Lamp  History
 
menu.
If the “Lamp Message” checkbox has been enabled in the 
Lamp menu (recommended), 
an  expiry  message  will  appear  upon  power-up  when  the  lamp  has  reached  its  defined 
“Lamp Limit”. The lamp should be replaced.
The  “Lamp  Limit”  setting  should  not  exceed  the  expected  lamp  life,  as  an  old  lamp 
becomes  increasingly  fragile  and  more  prone  to  sudden  failure.  See  also  4.4,  Lamp 
Replacement.
The  read-only 
Status  menu  lists  a  variety  of  details  about  the  standard  and  optional 
components  currently  detected  in  the  projector.  Refer  to  the 
Status  menu  for  versions 
of hardware and software installed, the type (size) of lamp, the hours logged in total and 
for  a  specific  period  (such  as  a  rental  period),  and  for  your  projector  model  name  and 
serial number. In addition, the 
Status menu identifies the current channel, its location, its 
frequencies and other details.
Scroll the full  Status menu using ▲ and  ▼ on the directional keypad. Use  ◄ and  ► 
for page up/down.
How Old is My Lamp? ➤
When to Replace ➤
            the Lamp 
3.8 Status Menu 
						

							
67Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating ManualSection 3: Operation

Occasionally the projector will encounter an error condition that can interrupt normal 
operation. Such a condition can be caused by a simple invalid keypad entry, an input 
signal error (most common) or a system error. The manner in which users are to be 
notified of error conditions is set in the 
Menu Preferences menu:
•   To see error messages displayed on-screen, select the “ Screen” or “All” option. 
(recommended by Runco)
•  To be notified via a serial communication only, select the “ RS232” option.
•  To receive both types of notifications, select “ All”.
•   To disable error messages (except for “invalid user key entry”, which can’t be 
hidden), select “ Off”.
Note that a two-digit error code appears in the status LED display window located 
beside the built-in keypad at the rear of the projector. Normal operation is indicated 
by the “On”status code. 
Invalid User Entry
A keypad entry not recognized by the projector triggers a short on-screen error message 
identifying the problem. For example, if you specify a channel number that is not available, 
the  message  “Invalid  Channel”  will  appear.  Or  if  you  try  to  enter  the  wrong  password, 
you’ll see “Invalid Password”. Press Enter or Exit to clear the message and try again.
NOTE:  On-screen  display  of  “Invalid  User  Entry”  messages  cannot  be  disabled,  even  if 
Display Error Messages has been set to “Off”.
An  input  signal  error  message  occurs  if  you  are  in  presentation  level  (i.e.,  there  are  no 
menus present) and have selected an input on which the projector detects a problem.
While menus remain operational and any key press will temporarily remove any displayed 
error  message,  you  must  resolve  the  signal  problem  in  order  to  permanently  eliminate 
the message.
No Signal
The message  “No signal” occurs when there is no source signal detected at the selected 
input—both  HSYNC  and  VSYNC  are  inactive  and  the  screen  background  is  black. 
Connect or correct the signal, or try another input.
Bad Sync
The  message  “Bad  Sync”  occurs  when  HSYNC  or  VSYNC  are  active  but  the  signal 
cannot  be  displayed.  Such  a  condition  occurs  when  only  one  of  the  two  sync  signals 
is present or when either sync signal is unstable or of the wrong frequency. Correct the 
signal or select another input.
3.9 Error Conditions
➤  User Errors
➤ Input Signal Errors
LED status 
display window 
						

							
68Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 3: Operation

Other Signal Error Messages
In addition to the common 
“Bad Sync” and “No Signal”  errors, you may encounter a 
signal error message indicating that HSYNC and/or VSYNC are either too fast or too 
slow. When such a message appears, check the frequencies shown in the Status 
menu. If they are correct, then the signal is not recognized by the projector. On some 
PCs you may be able to change the settings to generate a compatible signal. If the 
frequencies shown in the Status menu are incorrect, check the cabling to see where 
the problem might originate.
When the projector encounters a system malfunction, either a System Warning message 
or a System Error message may appear. Both types of messages are accompanied 
by a numerical error code on the status LED display. A system malfunction can be 
cleared with Exit from presentation level, but may indicate the need for service by a 
qualified service technician.
NOTE: System messages appear on-screen only if Display Error Messages has been set 
to “Screen” or “All”.
System Warnings
A system warning indicates that a system malfunction has been detected (see  Status 
LED Codes, below). A system warning message replaces any input signal message 
and disappears when the input signal status changes. While the projector will remain 
operational, the message indicates the presence of a potentially serious problem 
that should be investigated. You can press  Exit to remove the message, but for best 
results you should reset the projector—power the projector down and up again with 
the (power) key.
System Errors
A system  error message indicates that a serious malfunction has been detected 
and must be investigated as soon as possible (see  Status LED Codes, below). The 
projector will no longer operate and must be reset—power the projector down and 
up again with the (power) key.
The Status LED Codes
If the status code display on the back of the projector shows one of the following 
values, you have encountered a likely system error requiring the attention of a qualified 
service technician (see  System Warnings and System Errors , above). Acknowledge 
and clear the error with Exit from presentation level, or try resetting the projector by 
powering it off and on again, cooling when necessary. Refer to Table 3.3 and contact 
your dealer if the problem persists.
The specific code number identifies the source of the error detected, and is particularly 
useful in cases where the projector is far away. For example, the code “27” means 
the lamp could not be turned on. Table 3.3 lists the error codes for this projector. 
						

							
69Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating ManualSection 3: Operation

Code Description
GENERAL
12 
Software bug. Contact dealer/factory.
13 CRC error in flash ROM. Download new software.
14 Engineering-only programming is complete. Call Runco, replace TIPM.
15 Attempting to download code without being in boot mode
16 Invalid interrupt. Power off/on. If it persists, contact dealer/factory.
17 User forced system to stay in boot mode
18 Jumper for programming boot not installed
LAMP FAILURES
20  Lamp turned on unexpectedly (fault related to ballast)
21 Lamp airflow low, overheating imminent
23 Cannot read valid ballast ID
26 Lamp 1 Interlock: lamp door open, lamp not installed
27 Can’t turn lamp on
28 Lamp turned off unexpectedly
29 Lamp ballast overheated
POWER AND COOLING
46 Red DMD temperature probe overheated
4C Projector shutdown due to critical error
C0 Lamp blower failure (lamp not turned on)
51 LVPS fan failed (Fan 1)
52 LVPS/ Red cooling fan failed (Fan 2)
53 DC lamp fan failed in 500W / 1kW models (Fan 3)
54 Red DMD heatsink fan failed on 1kW and 1.2kW models (Fan 4)
55 Green DMD heatsink fan failed on 1kW and 1.2kW models (Fan 5)
56 Blue DMD heatsink fan failed on 1kW and 1.2kW models (Fan 6)
57 TIPM fan failed (Fan 7)
58 TIPM fan failed (Fan 8)
TIPM (Image Processor)
60 Boot code CRC failed
61  Unable to program DigMux PLD
62 Unable to program Control PLD
63 Unable to program Bubks PLD
64 Unrecognized ROM type
65 Write to flash ROM failed
66 TIPM failure
67 Downloaded code will not fit 
68 Scaler communication problem
BUILT-IN KEYPAD
70 Unable to access EEPROM on the built-in keypad
71  EEPROM memory re-initialization on the built-in keypad
PANEL DRIVER AND FORMATTER
80  Unrecognized Panel Driver
81 Unable to program device on Panel Driver
82 TI flash download failure
83 TI flash download failure
84 TI flash download failure
85 TI-I2C write failure
86 One or more Formatters not responding — Probable Formatter s/w fault
87 Formatter reports RDRAM failure
88 Red modular Formatter communication failure
89 Green modular Formatter communication failure
8A Blue modular Formatter communication failure
93 Modular formatter architecture error
94 Modular formatter DMD mismatch
95 Modular formatter sequence mismatch
MISCELLANEOUS
A0 Unable to program the optional module
A1 Unable to power the optional module
A2 Unable to program the Dual Slot Backplane Module (DSBP)
A3 Unable to program the optional Post Processing Module (Warp module)
Clear system errors with ‘Exit Exit’. If 
necessary, try resetting the projector 
by powering it off and on again 
(cooling if necessary).  Contact 
dealer/factory if error persists. Codes 
omitted from this table should not 
appear in your projector.
Table 3.3 Error Codes 
						

							
70Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 3: Operation
This page is intentionally left blank. 
						

							
71Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
The projector is an international regulatory agency approved product designed for 
safe and reliable operation. To assure complete safety at all times it is important to 
acknowledge the following precautions while operating the projector.WARNING
Always remove the lens when shipping the projector.
WARNING
NEVER look directly into the projector lens. The high brightness of this projector
could cause permanent eye damage.
WARNING
For protection from ultraviolet radiation, keep all projector shielding 
intact during operation.
Installation should be performed by qualified personnel.
Observe and follow all warnings and instructions marked on the projector.
The exclamation point within the equilateral triangle alerts the user to important operating 
and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the projector.
The lightning flash and arrowhead symbol within the equilateral triangle alerts the user to 
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the projector’s enclosure that may be of sufficient 
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
Read all operating instructions prior to using the projector.
Operate  the  projector  in  an  environment  that  meets  the  operating  range  specified  in 
Section 6 – Specifications.
  •  Do not operate the projector close to water, such as near a swimming pool. Do  not operate in extremely humid environments.
  •  Do  not  place  the  projector  on  an  unstable  cart,  stand  or  table.  A  projector  and  cart combination should be used with care. Sudden stops, excessive force and 
uneven surfaces may cause the projector and cart combination to overturn.
  •  Only  use  Runco-approved  ceiling  mount  fixture,  if  the  projector  is  to  be  ceiling 
mounted.
Maintenance
SECTION 4
4.1  Warnings and 
Safety Guidelines
DEPENDENT
Installer
➤  Labels and Markings
➤ Instructions
➤ Projector Location 
						

							
72Runco VX-40d/-50d/-60d/-80d Owner’s Operating Manual
Section 4: Maintenance

Lamp: The projector uses a Cermax® Xenon lamp to deliver its high brightness. A lamp 
should be replaced when it has reached its end of life (1000 hrs, typical) or if a noticeable 
change in brightness or excessive lamp flicker occurs. Keep track of the number of hours 
the lamp has been in use (Lamp Menu) and be aware of any changes to brightness. These 
indicators will help you effectively maintain operation of the projector.
WARNING
Wait approximately 5 minutes after powering down
 
the projector to allow internal cooling fans to stop and for
 
the lamp to cool sufficiently before removing.
The lamp is under great pressure when hot and may explode causing  physical injury and/or property damage. Allow a lamp to cool before  handling or unplugging the projector.
WARNING
Use lamps of the correct wattage for your projector model when replacing.
Use only lamps supplied by Runco.
Refer to 4.4 Lamp Replacement for instructions.
Use  only  the  attachments  and/or  accessories  recommended  by  Runco.  Use  of  others 
may result in the risk of fire, shock or personal injury.
WARNING
Use only the AC power cord supplied. Do not attempt operation if the AC 
supply is not within the specified voltage and power range. 
Refer to the Specifications in Section 6.
•  Do not set or rest items on the power cord. Place the projector in an area where 
the projector cord cannot be abused or damaged by persons walking on it or by 
objects rolling over it.
•   Operate the projector at the specified voltage only. Do not overload power outlets 
and extension cords as this can result in fire or shock hazards.
•   The projector is equipped with a three-wire plug having a third grounding pin. This 
is a safety feature – if you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet contact an 
electrician to have the outlet replaced. Do not defeat the safety purpose of this 
grounding-type plug.