Can it not be
buffered and level-shifted?
I'm sure it can be. I only know little bits about video magic, so it's
beyond me to design a fix. I would not be adverse to building an active
buffer, but I have no idea where to start. It should be powered by
either +5VDC or +12VDC to minimize hassle when connecting the VIP to
the VR201 in the first place (one needs one voltage, the other needs
the other; why add a third voltage unless it's something like -5VDC).
Ethan,
Easily done, pick off a 5V to -9V DC to DC converter unit from NIC
that has BNC connector. Completely self-contained, feed it w/ 5V and
you get -9V with decent current since that coax RX/TX IC ran hot.
Cheers,
Wizard