ALFAtron ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC User manual

www.alfatronelectronics.com
ALFATRON ELECTRONICS GmbH GERMANY
ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC
18G 2x1 Presentation Switcher with Soft
Codec and CEC
All Rights Reserved

ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC
Preface
Please carefully read through this user manual before using the product’
. Pictures shown in this manual are for reference only. Models and specification may
differ and are subject to final product releases and future product updates’. This manual
is only for operation instruction, please contact the local distributor for maintenance
assistance. The functions described in this version were updated till April, 2019. In the
constant effort to improve the product, we reserve the right to make functions or
parameters changes without notice or obligation. Please refer to the dealers for the
latest details.
FCC Statement
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial
installation.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which
case the user at their own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacture would void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Do not dispose of this product with the normal household waste at the end of
its life cycle. Return it to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic devices. This is indicated by the symbol on the product, user
manual or packaging. The materials are reusable according to their markings.
By reusing, recycling or other forms of utilisation of old devices you make an
important contribution to the protection of our environment. Please contact
your local authorities for details about collection points.

ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To ensure the best from the product, please read all instructions carefully before using
the device. Save this manual for further reference.
Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packing material for
possible future shipment.
Follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock and injury
to persons.
Do not dismantle the housing or modify the module. It may result in electrical shock
or burn.
Using supplies or parts not meeting the products’ specifications may cause
damage, deterioration or malfunction.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or install
this product near water.
Do not put any heavy items on the extension cable in case of extrusion.
Do not remove the housing of the device as opening or removing housing may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Install the device in a place with fine ventilation to avoid damage caused by
overheat.
Keep the module away from liquids.
Spillage into the housing may result in fire, electrical shock, or equipment damage.
If an object or liquid falls or spills on to the housing, unplug the module immediately.
Do not twist or pull by force ends of the optical cable. It can cause malfunction.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to
the device before cleaning.
Unplug the power cord when left unused for a long period of time.
Information on disposal for scrapped devices: do not burn or mix with general
household waste, please treat them as normal electrical wastes.

ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC
Table of Contents
1. Product Introduction....................................................................................................1
1.1 Features ............................................................................................................1
1.2 Package List ......................................................................................................2
2. Specifications..............................................................................................................3
3. Panel Description........................................................................................................5
3.1 Front Panel ........................................................................................................5
3.2 Rear Panel.........................................................................................................6
4. System Connection.....................................................................................................7
4.1 Usage Precaution ..............................................................................................7
4.2 System Diagram ................................................................................................7
5. Button Control.............................................................................................................8
5.1 Manual Switching ..............................................................................................8
5.2 Automatic Switching ..........................................................................................8
5.3 Display Control ..................................................................................................8
5.4 EDID Settings ....................................................................................................9
6. RS232 Control ..........................................................................................................11
6.1 RS232 Control Software .................................................................................. 11
6.2 RS232 Command ............................................................................................13
6.2.1 Device Control .......................................................................................13
6.2.2 Source Switching...................................................................................13
6.2.3 User-defined EDID ................................................................................14
6.2.4 Serial Baud Rate Setting .......................................................................14
6.2.5 CEC/RS232 Function Setting ................................................................15
6.2.6 Display Control ......................................................................................16
6.2.7 Third-party Device Control.....................................................................17
7. Panel Drawing ..........................................................................................................22
8. Troubleshooting & Maintenance ...............................................................................23
9. Warranty ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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1. Product Introduction
The ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC HDMI 2.0 2x1 Presentation Switcher is designed to switch
HDMI input or USB-C input to one HDMI output. It supports video resolution up to
4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4 8bit, 1080P, and 3D. In addition, there is smart built-in EDID setting
which can be selected by the 4-pin DIP switch on the front panel.
The switcher supports stereo and multichannel audio on the HDMI inputs. In addition to
the audio embedded in the HDMI output stream, the audio is simultaneously de-
embedded to a balanced analog audio output. It also supports device extension by
providing one type-B USB port for host connection, and two type-A USB ports for HID
devices such as a camera, microphone, keyboard etc.
The switcher features multiple methods of control. When in the AUTO mode, the
switcher will automatically switch to the first detected source device. When the active
source is removed, the switcher will switch to the lowest numbered input. The switcher
can be manually controlled by the front panel buttons and RS232 commands. CEC
allows the display device to be controlled by the front panel buttons and RS232 CEC
commands.
1.1 Features
18G 2x1 switcher with HDMI and USB-C inputs.
Supports automatic switching.
Controllable via front panel buttons and RS232.
Supports HDMI 2.0, 4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, HDCP 2.2.
Provides charging on USB-C port up to 40W.
Provides USB data (USB 3.0/2.0) and 4K video transmission on USB-C port.
Balanced analog audio for audio de-embedding.
Peripheral units (e.g. microphone and camera) can be connected by type-A USB
(USB 3.0/2.0) ports and automatically switched along with HDMI and USB-C input
as USB DEVICES for corresponding HOST.
Smart EDID management capable with applications and customized setting.
Front panel buttons trigger both CEC and RS232 commands for display control.
(ON, OFF, MUTE, VOL+, VOL -).

ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC
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1.2 Package List
1x ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC 18G 2x1 Presentation Switcher
2x Mounting Ears with 4 Screws
4x Plastic Cushions
1x 5-pin Terminal Block
1x RS232 Cable (3-pin terminal block to DB9)
1x Power Cord
1x Power Adapter (24V DC, 2.71A)
1x User Manual
Note:Please contact your distributor immediately should any damage or defect in the
components is found.

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2. Specification
Video
Video Input
(1) HDMI, (1) USB-C
Video Input Connector (1) Type-A female HDMI, (1) Type-C USB
HDMI Input Resolution Up to 4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4 8bit
USB-C Input Resolution
Up to 4Kx2K@30Hz 4:4:4
Video Output
(1) HDMI
Video Output Connector (1) Type-A female HDMI
HDMI Output Resolution
Up to 4Kx2K@60Hz 4:4:4 8bit
HDMI Version
2.0
HDCP Version 2.2
USB Version 3.0
HDR 10
Supported
CEC
Supported
HPD Supported
Audio
Audio Output
(1) AUDIO OUT (Stereo balanced L/R)
Audio Output Connector
(1) 5-pin terminal block
HDMI Audio Format LPCM 7.1 audio, Dolby Atmos®, Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby Digital®
Plus, DTS: X™, and DTS-HD® Master Audio™ pass-through
Stereo balanced L/R audio
Format
PCM
Max Output Level 2.0Vrms ± 0.5dB. 2V = 16dB headroom above -10dBV (316mV)
nominal consumer line level signal
THD+N <0.05% (-80dB), 20Hz ~ 20KHz bandwidth, 1KHz sine at 0dBFS
level (or max level)
SNR >80dB, 20Hz ~ 20KHz bandwidth
Crosstalk Isolation >70dB, 10KHz sine at 0dBFS level (or max level before clipping)
L-R Level Deviation
< 0.3dB, 1KHz sine at 0dBFS level (or max level before clipping)
Frequency Response Deviation
<±0.5dB 20Hz ~ 20KHz
Output Load Capability 1KΩ and higher (supports 10x paralleled 10KΩ loads)
Stereo Channel Separation >70dB@1KHz
Control Part
Control
(1) EDID, (1) FW, (1) RS232, (1) HOST, (2) DEVICE
Control Connector (1) 4-pin DIP switch, (1) Micro-USB, (1) 3-pin terminal block, (1)
Type-B USB 3.0, (2) Type-A USB 3.0
General
HDMI 2.0 Cable Length 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 ≤5m,
4K@60Hz 4:2:0 ≤ 10m,

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1080P ≤ 15m
Bandwidth
18Gbps
Operation Temperature
-10
℃
~ +55
℃
Storage Temperature -25℃~ +70℃
Relative Humility
10% ~ 90%
External Power Supply
Input: AC 100~240V, 50/60Hz, Output: 24V DC 2.71A
Power Consumption
54W (Max)
Dimension (W*H*D) 168.0mm x 24.5mm x 95.0mm
Net Weight
245g

ALF-21E-SOFTCODEC
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3. Panel Description
3.1 Front Panel
①Power LED: The LED illuminates red when the device is powered on.
②INPUT:
A. HDMI: The LED illuminates green when the HDMI input is selected in AUTO
mode or illuminates orange when the HDMI input is selected in manual mode.
B. USB-C: The LED illuminates green when the USB-C input is selected in AUTO
mode or illuminates orange when the USB-C input is selected in manual mode.
C. SELECT AUTO/3s: Press the button to select the next input source or press
and hold the button at least 3 seconds to enable auto switching mode. Note
that the factory default switching mode is AUTO.
③DISPLAY:
A. Press ON to turn on the display.
B. Press OFF to turn off the display.
C. Press to mute/unmute display audio.
D. Press to decrease the audio volume gradually or press and hold it to
decrease the audio volume continually.
E. Press to increase the audio volume gradually or press and hold it to
increase the audio volume continually.
④EDID: 4-pin DIP switch for EDID setting.
⑤FW: Micro-USB port for firmware upgrade.
FW
EDID
ON
OFF
1
0
1 2 3 4
OFF
ON
HDMI USB-C SELECT
AUTO/3s
INPUT DISPLAY
12
AA
BB
CCDE
345

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3.2 Rear Panel
①HDMI IN: Type-A female HDMI input port to connect HDMI video source.
②USB-C IN: Type-C USB with charging capability to connect the MacBook or other
device with Slim Port output.
Note: The USB 3.0 cable is recommended to be used to ensure optimal machine
performance.
③HDMI OUT: Type-A female HDMI output port to connect video display.
④AUDIO OUT: 5-pin terminal block for balanced audio output.
⑤RS232: 3-pin terminal block to connect control device (e.g. PC) or third-party
device for RS232 control.
⑥HOST: Type-B USB ports for host connection.
⑦DEVICES: Two type-A USB ports to connect HID devices (e.g. microphone and
camera). The HID devices are used to control the HOST when the HDMI input has
been selected, or to control the USB-C source device (e.g. MacBook) when the
USB-C input has been selected.
⑧DC 24V: DC barrel port for power adapter connection.
HDMI IN USB-C IN HDMI OUT AUDIO OUT DEVICES
1 2
RS232 HOST
L R
Tx Rx
DC 24V
12345678

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4. System Connection
4.1 Usage Precaution
Make sure all components and accessories are included before installation.
System should be installed in a clean environment with proper temperature and
humidity control.
All of the power switches, plugs, sockets, and power cords should be insulated and
safe.
All devices should be connected before power on.
4.2 System Diagram

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5. Button Control
5.1 Manual Switching
When the switcher is in the manual switching mode, press the SELECT AUTO/3s
button repeatedly to cycle through the two video inputs, and the corresponding source
LED illuminates orange immediately.
5.2 Automatic Switching
Press and hold the SELECT AUTO/3s button at least three seconds to enable
automatic switching. The current input source will not be changed, and its source LED
will turn green.
When in the AUTO mode, the switcher will switch according to the following rules:
Press and hold the SELECT AUTO/3s button at least three seconds again to exit
AUTO mode, but the input source will not be changed, and the corresponding
source LED will turns orange.
New input: Upon detecting a new input, the switcher will automatically select the
new input.
Press the SELECT AUTO/3s button can also forcibly change the input source.
Reboot: Once power is restored to the switcher, it will automatically reconnect the
input before powered off.
Source removed: When an active source is removed, the switcher will switch to the
other active input.
5.3 Display Control
Manual Control: Press the below DISPLAY buttons on the front panel to
simultaneously send RS232 and CEC commands to control the display device.
ON: Display On.
OFF: Display Off.
: Mute/unmute display audio.
: Volume down display audio.
: Volume up display audio.

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Auto Control: When detecting a video input signal (5V or TMDS), automatically send
CEC and RS232 commands to turn on the display device. When not detecting any
video signal within the setting time (default 10mins), automatically send RS232 and
CEC commands to turn off the display device.
The RS232 command can be set by sending commands, please refer to the 6.2.7
Third-party Device Control for more details.
5.4 EDID Setting
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is used for the source device to match
its video resolution with the connected display. By default, the source device obtains its
EDID from the first connected display. Meanwhile, since the displays with different
capabilities are connected to the switcher, the 4-pin DIP switch on the front panel can
be used to set the EDID to a built-in fixed value. Use the following table to determine
the setting for the 4-pin DIP switch for specific video resolution and audio capabilities.
The switch represents “0” when in the lower (OFF) position, and it represents “1” while
putting the switch in the upper (ON) position.
Switch Status
Video Resolution
Audio Format
0000 (Default)
EDID pass-through
0001 1280x720@60Hz RGB 4:4:4 Stereo
0010
1920x1080@60Hz
DVI
0011 1920x1080@60Hz 2D PCM 2.0
0100
1920x1080@60Hz RGB 4:4:4
Stereo
0101 1920x1080@60Hz RGB 4:4:4 High Definition
0110
1920x1200@60Hz RGB 4:4:4
Stereo
0111 3840x2160@60Hz RGB 4:2:0 HDR Stereo
1000
3840x2160@60Hz RGB 4:2:0 HDR
High Definition
1001 3840x2160@60Hz RGB 4:4:4 Stereo
1010 3840x2160@60Hz RGB 4:4:4 High Definition
1011
User-defined EDID (Please refer to the 6.2.3 User-defined EDID)
1100
1101
1110
1111

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Note: The EDID DIP switch only used for setting the EDID of HDMI source device, the
USB-C source device will automatically gain the EDID of display device.

18G 2x1 Presentation Switcher with Soft Codec and CEC
11
6. RS232 Control
Connect the RS232 port to control device (e.g. PC) with RS232 cable. The switcher can
be controlled by sending RS232 commands.
6.1 RS232 Control Software
Installation: Copy the control software file to the control PC.
Uninstallation: Delete all the control software files in corresponding file path.
Basic Setting:
Connect the switcher with all input devices and output devices needed, then to connect
it with a PC which is installed with RS232 control software. Double-click the software
icon to run this software.
The software CommWatch.exe is used as an example:

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The main view is shown as below:
Set the parameters of COM number, baud rate, data bit, stop bit and the parity bit
correctly, then you are able to send command in command sending area.
Parameter configuration area
Monitoring area show the commands
and its feedback information.
Command sending area
Operation area

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6.2 RS232 Command
Communication protocol: RS232 Communication Protocol
Baud rate: 9600 Data bit: 8 Stop bit: 1 Parity bit: none
Note:
All commands need to be ended with “<CR><LF>”.
In the commands, “[”and “]” are symbols for easy reading and do not need to be
typed in actual operation.
Type the command carefully, it is case-sensitive.
6.2.1 Device Control
Command Description Command & Feedback
Example
#GET_FIRMWARE_VE
RSION
Get the firmware version. @V1.0.0
#FACTORY_RESET
Factory reset.
@FACTORY_RESET
#REBOOT
System reboot
@REBOOT
#HELP Get the command details.
Example: #HELP
SET_AV
Feedback:
@SELECT VIDEO AND
AUDIO INPUT PORT
#SET_AV PARAM1
PARAM1=H,C
H - HDMI
C - TYPE-C
6.2.2 Source Switching
Command Description Command & Feedback
Example
#SET_AV H
Switch to HDMI input.
@AV H
#SET_AV C
Switch to USB-C input.
@AV C
#GET_AV Get the current input source.
@AV H
@AV C
#SET_AUTO_SWITCH 1
Enable auto switching mode.
@AUTO_SWITCH 1
#SET_AUTO_SWITCH 0
Disable auto switching mode.
@AUTO_SWITCH 0
#GET_AUTO_SWITCH Get the auto switching status.
@AUTO_SWITCH 1
@AUTO_SWITCH 0

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6.2.3 User-defined EDID
There are five EDID values that can be customized by sending the below command.
Command
Function & Operation
#UPLOAD_USER_EDID
[PARAM].
[PARAM]=1~5, represents the EDID, its DIP switch status shows as
below:
[PARAM]
DIP Switch Status
1
1011
2
1100
3
1101
4
1110
5
1111
Operation:
Step 1: Prepare the EDID file (.bin).
Step 2: Set the 4-pin DIP switch status, for example: “1011”.
Step 3: Send the command “#UPLOAD_USER_EDID 1.”, and the
feedback is “@USER_EDID 1 READY
PLEASE SEND EDID DATA IN 10S”.
Step 4: Send the EDID file (.bin). If successfully upload, the feedback is:
“OK”.
6.2.4 Switcher Baud Rate Setting
Command Description Command & Feedback
Example
#SET_RS232_BAUD 0
Set the RS232 baud rate to 115200.
@RS232_BAUD 0
#SET_RS232_BAUD 1
Set the RS232 baud rate to 57600.
@RS232_BAUD 1
#SET_RS232_BAUD 2
Set the RS232 baud rate to 38400.
@RS232_BAUD 2
#SET_RS232_BAUD 3
Set the RS232 baud rate to 19200.
@RS232_BAUD 3
#SET_RS232_BAUD 4
Set the RS232 baud rate to 9600.
@RS232_BAUD 4
#SET_RS232_BAUD 5
Set the RS232 baud rate to 4800.
@RS232_BAUD 5
#SET_RS232_BAUD 6
Set the RS232 baud rate to 2400.
@RS232_BAUD 6
#GET_RS232_BAUD Get the RS232 baud rate.
@RS232_BAUD 0
@RS232_BAUD 1
@RS232_BAUD 2
@RS232_BAUD 3
@RS232_BAUD 4
@RS232_BAUD 5
@RS232_BAUD 6

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6.2.5 CEC/RS232 Function Setting
The ending mark of command is “<CR><LF>”.
Command Description Command & Feedback
Example
#SET_SYNCACT_CEC 1
Enable the function of automatically
sending CEC commands.
When detecting video input signal or not
detecting any video signal, the switcher will
automatically send the corresponding CEC
command to control the display device.
@SYNCACT_CEC 1
#SET_SYNCACT_CEC 0 Disable the function of automatically
sending CEC commands.
@SYNCACT_CEC 0
#GET_SYNCACT_CEC Get the function setting status of
automatically sending CEC commands.
@SYNCACT_CEC 1
#SET_SYNCACT_RS232
1
Enable the function of automatically
sending RS232 commands.
When detecting video input signal or not
detecting any video signal, the switcher will
automatically send the corresponding
RS232 command to control the display
device.
@SYNCACT_RS232 1
#SET_SYNCACT_RS232
0
Disable the function of automatically
sending RS232 commands.
@SYNCACT_RS232 0
#GET_SYNCACT_RS232 Get the function setting status of
automatically sending RS232 commands.
@SYNCACT_RS232 1
#SET_DTIME [PARAM1]:
[PARAM2]
When not detecting video input signal, set
the auto power-off time of display device to
[PARAM1]: [PARAM2]. The default time is
10 minutes.
[PARAM1]=0~30 minutes.
[PARAM2]=0~1800 seconds.
#SET_DTIME 1:30
@DTIME 1:30
#GET_DTIME Get the auto power-off time of display
device.
@DTIME 30:0

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6.2.6 Display Control
Command Description Command & Feedback
Example
#SET_AUDIO_MUTE Mute/unmute the display audio through
CEC and RS232 channels.
@AUDIO_MUTE_UNMUTE
#SET_VOL + Increase the display audio through CEC
and RS232 channels.
@VOL -
#SET_VOL - Decrease the display audio through CEC
and RS232 channels.
@VOL +
#SET_DISPLAY 1
Power on display device (Simultaneously
sending CEC and RS232 commands to
display device).
@DISPLAY 0
#SET_DISPLAY 0
Power off display device (Simultaneously
sending CEC and RS232 commands to
display device).
@DISPLAY 1