ADcom Information Services VM105 User Manual

 

The SSU (p/n 10179) is part of the VM105 television viewership metering system.  Along with the MBU 
(p/n 10182),  the system monitors and records the time of day and channels viewed by household television 
sets.  A typical installation will use only one MBU, and as many SSU’s as  there are television sets.  Only 
ADcom trained technicians are to install the VM105 system. 
 

Installation. 
Determine Install Site.  

An SSU must be attached to each television in the household.  The only 

exceptions are televisions which are too small (< 13” diagonal screen), or are portable.  The SSU must be 
located within 6 feet of the TV to allow the puck cables to reach.  A hidden location is preferable where 
possible.  Under the TV stand, behind the entertainment cabinet, right behind the TV, are all good choices.  
Ideally it will be located where the householder will never see it. 
 

Connect Power Supply.

  The SSU uses a 5 watt ‘wall wart’ power supply, rated at 9VDC at 500mA.  

Connect this to an unused outlet.  If none is available, add an extension cord  or power strip to the setup.  It 
is always advisable to plug the SSU power supply into the same power strip as the TV set.  This way the 
home owner will remember to plug the power strip or extension cord back in if it is unplugged for any 
reason.  The power supply should be secured through the use of nylon tie wraps to the power strip or 
extension cord.  If available, use a screw down clip for attaching the power supply to an outlet.  Connect 
the output of the power supply to the SSU. 
 

Verify RF Link.

  Verify that the SSU is receiving commands from the MBU via the RF link.  To do this, 

make sure the MBU is in ‘Auto Poll’ mode, and enable the LED’s on the SSU by depressing the LED DIP 
switch.  Every few seconds you should see the XMIT LED blinks which indicates that the SSU is 
responding.  Also note the signal strength reported by the MBU.  Position the SSU in its proposed final 
resting spot, and verify that the RF link signal strength is adequate. 
 

Connect to the Television Set.

  Use the TVI box (see TVI operator’s manual) to determine the 

VSYNC puck location and affix the puck to the television set.  Also, determine whether to use an RCA 
connection or a puck for the audio signal.  Use the TVI box to verify the signal integrity.  Connect the 
audio feed to the SSU.  Split the incoming coax cable using an RF tap, and route the tapped signal to the 
SSU. 
 

Perform Learn Mode.

  Once all connections are made to the SSU, connect the RF output of the TVI 

box to the input of the splitter.  Refer to install diagram 1.  Also connect the SSU’s Audio Blanking jack the 
the Audio Blanking jack of the TVI box.  Verify the TV volume is set to a medium loud listening level, and 
depress the SSU’s Learn button.  Observe the display and the Learn LED during the learn process.  The 
display should initially show channel 3, the LED will blink rapidly for a few seconds, then show steadily 
on.  After a few more seconds, the Learn LED will flash twice to indicate a successful learn operation, and 
the unit will reset itself.   
 

Clock Update.

  Command the MBU to perform and End of Data Day, which will set the SSU clock and 

clear the viewership memory. 
 

Acquisition Testing.

 After a successful learn operation, re -attach the coax cable to the input of the 

splitter, and verify by observing the display that the SSU accurately acquires the viewed channels.  Perform 
an acquisition test, which typically consists of 6-8 different channels viewed for at least one minute, 
followed by turning the TV off.  Verify that the SSU successfully tracks the different channels and then 
indicates ‘OFF’.  If the TV setup includes a VCR, insert a test tape and verify that the SSU successfully 
senses VCR playback.