Altinex MT310-104 User manual

MT310-104 Audio Matrix Switcher 16x16 User’s Guide
400-0659-001
Welcome!
Everyone at Altinex greatly appreciates your purchase of the
MT310‑104. We are confident that you will find it to be reliable
and simple to use. If you need support, please do not hesitate to
call us at 714-990-2300.
At Altinex, we are committed to developing unique and state of
the art Signal Management Solutions®for demanding audiovisual
installations. Welcome to the Altinex family of satisfied customers
around the world!
1. Precautions and Safety Warnings
•Please read this manual entirely before using your
MT310‑104. You can download a full version of this
manual at www.altinex.com. These instructions are to
ensure the reliable operation of your switcher and to
prevent fire and shock hazards. Please read them
carefully and heed all warnings.
1.1 General
•Qualified Altinex service personnel or their authorized
representatives must perform all service.
1.2 Installation Precautions
•To prevent fire or shock, do not expose this unit to water
or moisture. Do not place the MT310‑104 in direct
sunlight, near heaters or heat-radiating appliances, or near
any liquid. Exposure to direct sunlight, smoke, or steam
can harm internal components.
•Handle carefully; dropping or jarring can cause damage.
•Do not pull any cables attached to the MT310‑104.
1.3 Cleaning
•Clean the MT310‑104 with a dry cloth only. Never use
strong detergents or solvents such as alcohol or thinner.
Do not use a wet cloth or water to clean the card. Do not
clean or touch any component or PCB.
1.4 FCC Notice
•This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
•This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 2 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions found herein, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at their own expense.
•Any changes or modifications to the unit not expressly
approved by Altinex, Inc. could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
2. Installation Procedures
Note: Download and read the entire online manual to become familiar with the MT310-104 and for detailed installation instructions
and configuration details.
Step 1: Turn off power to the MultiTasker enclosure.
Step 2: Remove 4 adjacent slot covers to make room for the MT310-104.
Step 3. Slide the MT310-104 into the enclosure making note of the slot number. This is needed for control.
Step 4. Secure the card to the enclosure using the thumb screws attached to the card.
Step 5. Restore power to the enclosure and wait for the system to initialize. Once ready, press the button on the enclosure front panel
to verify the new card is recognized.
Step 6. Connect the audio cables to the MT310-104. The inputs are on the left and the outputs are on the right.
Step 7. On a LAN, the enclosure IP can be discovered via a UDP broadcast of “?Altinex” to port 30305.
3. Warranty and Return Policies
Please visit the Altinex website at www.altinex.com for details on warranty and return policies. In the case of a unit needing repair,
please complete a RMA (return material authorization) form by clicking the Warranty link located on the bottom of the Altinex
homepage. Once completed, please email the form to s[email protected].

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4. Technical Specifications
Specifications are subject to change due to design improvements. Please see www.altinex.com for up to date information.
Features/Description
UT310-104
Input Connectors
Audio
5-pin Terminal blocks (16)
Output Connectors
Audio
5-pin Terminal blocks (16)
Compatibility
Signal types
Stereo audio
Table 1. UT310-104 General
Mechanical
UT310-104
Slots
4
Weight
1.3lb (0.6kg)
Connector Panel
Black Anodized
T° Operating
10°C-45°C
Humidity
90% non-condensing
MTBF (calc.)
38,000 hrs.
Table 2. MT310-104 Mechanical
Electrical
UT310-104
Audio Input Signals
Maximum level
+4 dBu (1.228 VRMS)
Impedance
50 kOhm
Audio Throughput
Gain, adjustable
0~90 dB
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Audio Output Signals
Maximum Level
+4 dBu (1.228 VRMS)
Impedance
50 Ohm
Power
+12V
1.5 A (7.5W) max.
Table 3. MT310-104 Electrical

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5. About Your MT310-104
•16 Balanced Stereo inputs and outputs
•Full matrix control
•Input level control
•Mute all outputs
•Save default settings
The MT310-104 is a Balanced Stereo Audio Matrix Switching Card. This card allows any input to be independently switched to any
output or combination of outputs. All inputs and outputs can be wired for unbalanced stereo audio, or balanced audio allowing longer
cable runs and superior noise resistance.
This card utilizes AC coupling on its inputs for ideal signal transfer characteristics. Switching is controlled with easy-to-use ASCII
commands from a control system or computer connected to the TCP/IP or RS 232 ports of the MultiTasker enclosure. Each card
requires 4 slots in a MultiTasker enclosure and all input and output connections are accomplished via captive screw pluggable
terminal blocks.
Each stereo pair is switched together; you cannot switch the left and right channels of an input independently. The MT310-104
features individual input gain control on each input via the TCP/IP or RS 232 control of the MultiTasker.

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6. Application Diagrams
Diagram 1: Typical Setup

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Diagram 2: Internal View

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Diagram 3: Description

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7. Operation
7.1 Control
The MT310-104 has many advanced remote control
capabilities when used in the MultiTasker enclosure. These
capabilities are accessible through standard RS232 or TCP/IP
communication. The actual controlling can be accomplished
through a computer control system or any other device capable
of sending commands.
7.1.1 RS232/TCP Interface
This section lists all the RS232/TCP control and configuration
command formats and their ranges.
The TCP/IP ports have the following default settings:
IP address... 192.168.10.84
Port.............. 23
The rear panel RS232 port has the following settings:
Baud............ 115k
Data bits...... 8
Stop bits...... 1
Parity........... None
Flow............. None
7.1.2 Command Basics
The control commands for the MT310-104 are in a simple
ASCII character format.
1. Square brackets "[ ]" are part of the command.
2. Use uppercase letters for all commands.
3. Spaces are NOT legal characters.
4. Do NOT send carriage returns or line feeds;
these are invalid characters.
A command that instructs the card only to perform an action
will generate feedback of "[Card ID]". The open bracket
followed by the card ID and then a close bracket indicates the
card received and executed a valid command. If the command
requested information from the card, the feedback generated
by the card is the acknowledgement of having received a valid
command.
[C04] Card C4 (slot 4) executed a valid command
Invalid commands generate feedback that includes "ER" and
may also include an error code.
[ERC04] Card C4 (slot 4) failed to execute a command
Check command syntax.
Check values sent are within a valid range.
Commands ending in "S" will be saved into memory.
Commands not ending in "S" are executed, but not restored at
reset or power up.
7.1.3 Conventions Used in this Manual
Card IDs:
In this manual, cards are referenced by their card ID which is
equivalent to their slot number:
C1, C2, C3, C4 ... C20
Group IDs:
Groups are referenced by their group ID:
G1, G2, G3 ... G8
7.2 Description of Commands
Each command consists of three parts: Function, Card ID, and
Unit ID.
[ Function , Card ID , Unit ID ]
Example: [VERC4U0]
VER = Function
C4 = Card ID or Group ID
U0 = Unit ID (optional for Unit ID 0)
The card ID is a unique identifier, equal to the enclosure slot
number. As the slot number, the value can range from 1 to 20
depending on the enclosure.
The group ID is a number representing a group of cards
defined with the [GROUP] command. When using the group
ID, all cards in the group perform the same instruction.
Changing the position of a card significantly affects the
commands recorded on software definitions or third-party
control systems.
1. [?]
This command returns information about the MultiTasker
cards installed in the unit.
Command Format: [?]
Example:
A MultiTasker has a front panel with part number
MT300-201 and contains an MT310-104. Send the
command [?] and receive feedback:
[(MT300-201U00)(MT310-104C04)]
MT300-200U00 = Panel Number and Unit ID
MT310-104C04 = An MT310-104 is in slot 4

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2. [?C]
This command returns card information and status.
Command Format: [?Ci]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
The MT310-104 in slot 8 has Input 5 connected to all
outputs. All outputs are ON. Send the command [?C8] to
receive feedback:
[(MT310-104C08)(VR690-0430-001C08)
(MA05050505050505050505050505010505C08)
(ON1111111111111111C08)
(VI31313131313131313131313131313131C08)
(MU0C08)(PR10620C08)(TP28C08)]
All status feedback is enclosed in brackets, “[ ]”. Each data
field within the status is enclosed in parentheses. The first
two characters identify the status type. The last three
characters are the card’s ID.
MT310-104 = Card Model Number
VR690-0430-001 = Firmware version
ON1111111… = Output ON/OFF status
MA0505050505…= Matrix I/O connections
VI313131…= Input Levels
MU0 = Mute On/Off Status, 0 = off
PR10620 = Card power consumption in mW
TP28 = Card temperature Celsius
The matrix I/O connections are also read left to right
representing outputs 1-16 and the input to which each is
connected. The first two digits show the input number to
which Output 1 is connected. The third and fourth digits are
for Output 2, and so on.
The ON/OFF status is read from left to right, outputs 1-16.
A “1” indicates the output is on and a “0” indicates off.
Input levels are read the same as the matrix connections.
The first two digits are Input 1 level, the third and fourth are
for Input 2, and so on. A level of 33 is maximum.
The mute status is either a “1” or a “0”. A “1” indicates the
card outputs are muted. A “0” means the outputs are on.
The last two are card power consumption and card
temperature.
3. [C]
This command returns the status of the card.
Command Format: [Ci]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
There is an M310-104 card in slot 8. Send [C8] to the
MultiTasker and receive feedback:
MT310-104
16x16 AUDIO MAT
INP LEV 01~08: 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33
INP LEV 09~16: 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33
OUT STS 01~08: 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
OUT STS 09~16: 01 01 01 01 01 01 01x01x
CARD PWR: 11888 mW
CARD TEMP: 26C
GROUP: 00
In this example, Input 1 is connected to all and all input
levels are set to maximum. Outputs 15 and 16 are turned
off as indicated by the ‘x’ next to the 01 (input number).
If there is no card in slot 8, sending the [C8] command
does not return any feedback.
4. […S] –SAVE
This command saves the configuration command being
sent in memory. Send [I1O1C8S] and after reset or power
up, Input 1 will be connected to Output 1 on C8. This
command only saves the Input 1 to Output 1 connection
above. Use the [CiS] command to save all current settings.
5. [CiS]
This command saves the input to output connections,
on/off status, and input levels. The saved configuration is
restored after the system is reset or powered off, then on.
Command Format: [CiS]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
S = Save configuration
Example:
Input 1 is connected to all 16 outputs. Send [C8S] and
receive feedback.
MT310-104
16x16 AUDIO MAT
INP LEV 01~08: 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33
INP LEV 09~16: 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33
OUT STS 01~08: 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
OUT STS 09~16: 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01
CARD PWR: 12839 mW
CARD TEMP: 29C
GROUP: 00
[SAVEDC08]

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6. [DISP]
This command returns the card information that displayed
on the enclosure LCD window.
Command Format: [DISPCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Read what is displayed on the LCD by sending [DISPC8].
The feedback displays the text for both the top row and the
bottom row.
[MT310-104,16x16 AUDIO MAT C08]
7. [FRST]
This command clears the card, restoring the default
settings; In 1 to Out 1, In 2 to Out 2 … In 16 to Out 16. All
outputs on and all input levels to maximum.
Command Format: [FRSTCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
To clear the card in slot 8, send [FRSTC8]. The card in slot
8 is now set to its default values.
8. [GROUP]
This command assigns a card to a group of cards. If a
group command is sent to the enclosure and the group
number matches, the group command is executed by all
cards in the group. The is no feedback with group
commands.
Command Format: [GROUPxCi]
x = Group ID (x = # from 1 to 8)
Ci = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Assign the card in slot 8 to group 2 by sending
[GROUP2C8]. Execute a group command by sending the
command with a group ID. For example, [ON1G2].
9. [HWEN]
This command enables and disables the cards internal
hardware. Disabling the hardware reduces power
consumption, but keeps critical components powered to
respond to a power on command. Use the hardware enable
command to save power when the device is not in use.
Command Format: [HWENxCi]
x = Power state (x = 1 to enable, 0 to disable)
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Enable the card power for card in slot 8 by sending
[HWEN1C8].
10. [IxOy]
This command connects a single input to a single output, or
all outputs, in the matrix.
Command Format: [IxOyCi]
x = Input (x= # from 1 to 16)
y = Output (y = # from 1 to 16, * for all)
Ci = Card ID (i = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Connect Input 1 to Output 1 for the MT310-104 in slot 8.
Send the command [I1O1C8] and Input 1 will be connected
to Output 1.
11. [I*O*]
This command connects In 1 to Out 1, In 2 to Out 2, etc.
Command Format: [I*O*Ci]
Ci = Card ID (i = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Connect each input to its corresponding output by sending
[I*O*C8].
12. [MOD]
This command returns the model number of the card.
Command Format: [MODCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Read the model number of the card in slot 8. Send
[MODC8] and the card returns it model number:
[MT310-104C08]
13. [MUTx]
This command turns on the all the outputs without
changing the input port selected and without changing any
input level settings.
Command Format: [MUTxCi]
x = On/off (x = 1 to enable, 0 = disable)
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Disable all 16 outputs by sending [MUT1C8] to the card in
slot 8. Send [MUT0C8] to un-mute the outputs to their
original levels. The output status reads as follows when the
outputs are muted.
OUT STS 01~08: 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 (MUTED)
OUT STS 09~16: 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 (MUTED)

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14. [OFF]
This command disables one or all outputs of a single card
or group of cards.
Command Format: [OFFxCi]
x = Output No. (x = # from 1 to 16, * for all)
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Disable Output 1 of the MT310-104 in slot 8 by sending
[OFF1C8].
15. [ON]
This command enables one or all outputs of a single card
or a group of cards.
Command Format: [ONxCi]
x = Output No. (x = # from 1 to 16, * for all)
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Enable all outputs of the MT310-104 in slot 8 by sending
[ON*C8].
16. [PRG]
This command puts the card into firmware update mode.
Only use when working with Altinex Technical Support.
Command Format: [PRGCi]
17. [PWR]
This command returns the card power consumption in
watts.
Command Format: [PWRCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Read the current power consumption of the card in slot 8
by sending [PWRC8]. The card returns feedback like the
following:
[10.93WC08]
18. [PWRM]
This command is the same as the [PWR] command but
returns the power milliwatts.
Command Format: [PWRMCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Read the current power consumption of the card in slot 8
by sending [PWRC8]. The card returns feedback like the
following:
[10937mWC08]
19. [QUIET]
This command enables and disable quiet mode. In quiet
mode, command acknowledgements are not returned.
Requested feedback from commands like [VER] is always
returned.
Command Format: [QUIETxCi]
x = Mode (1=enabled, 0=disabled)
The default is enabled.
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Disable quiet mode by sending [QUIET0C8].
20. [SFT]
This command resets the card. It is the equivalent to
powering just the card off and on.
Command Format: [SFTCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Reset the card in slot by sending [SFTC8]. The card
responds with [RSTC08] indicating the card is resetting.
21. [STA]
This command enables and disables automatic feedback
from the card. The feedback format is the same as the [?Ci]
command, but only changes are reported.
Command Format: [STAxCi]
x = On/off (x = 1 to enable, 0 disables)
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Feedback Prefix Definitions:
MT Card Model Number
VR Firmware Revision
ON Output On/Off Status
MA Matrix Connections
VI Input Level
MU Mute On/Off
Example:
Command = [I2O*C8]
Feedback = (MA020202…C08)
MA = Matrix Connections
0202.. = Input 2 to Output 1
Input 2 to Output 2
etc.
C08 = Card ID/Slot Number

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22. [TEMP]
This command returns the card temperature. The value is
returned in degrees Celsius.
Command Format: [TEMPCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Read the temperature of the card in slot 8 by sending
[TEMPC8]. The card responds with feedback:
[25C08]
23. [TEST]
This command returns the firmware build information.
Command Format: [TESTCi]
Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to max slots)
24. [VER]
This command displays the software version and card type
for the card.
Command Format: [VERCn]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
Send the command [VERC8] to check the version of the
MT310-104 in slot 8. The card returns feedback:
[690-0430-001C08]
690-0438-001= firmware version
C08 = card ID
25. [VLI]
This command sets the input level for one or all inputs. The
maximum level is 33 for unity gain. The minimum is 0 which
sets about 90 dB of attenuation.
Each step from 33-21 reduces the input level by 1 dB/step.
Each step from 21-9 reduces the input level by 2 dB/step.
Each step from 9-1 reduces the input level by 3 dB/step.
1 approximately 60 dB
0 approximately 90 dB
Command Format: [VLIxAyCi]
x = Input No. (x # from 1 to 16, * for all)
y = Input Level (# from 33 down to 00)
Ci = Card ID (y = # from 1 to max slots)
Example:
The input voltage on input 1 is 1.0 Vrms (about 2.828 Vpp).
Reduce the input level for Input 1 of C8 by 3 dB by sending
the command [VLI1A29C8]. The input level is now reduced
to approximately 0.707 Vrms (about 2.0Vpp).
7.3 Summary of Commands
1. [?] Show system cards
2. [?Ci] Show parseable card status
3. [Ci] Show card status
4. […S] Save command
5. [CiS] Save current configuration
6. [DISPCi] Display LCD information
7. [FRSTCi] Factory reset
8. [GROUPCi] Set group ID
9. [HWENxCi] Enable/disable card hardware
10. [IxOyCi] Switch input to output
11. [I*O*Ci] Switch in number to same out number
12. [MODCi] Show model number
13. [MUTxCi] Mute/un-mute all outputs
14. [OFFxCi] Disable one or all outputs
15. [ONxCi] Enable one or all outputs
16. [PRGCi] Upload mode
17. [PWRCi] Show card power in watts
18. [PWRMCi] Show card power in milliwatts
19. [QUIETxCi] Enable/disable quiet mode
20. [SFTCi] Reset (re-initialize) card
21. [STACi] Enable/disable unsolicited feedback
22. [TEMPCi] Show card temperature
23. [TESTCi] Show build info
24. [VERCi] Show firmware version
25. [VLIxAyCi] Set one or all input levels

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8. Troubleshooting Guide
We have carefully tested and have found no problems in the supplied MT310-104. However, we would like to offer suggestions for the
following:
Switcher
Symptom
Resolution
Output level too low
Connect to the MultiTasker enclosure to check the card status; [Ci] command.
Check the gain level for the input to output path in question.
Set the input gain to 33 for maximum audio level.
Turn on all outputs; [ON*Ci].
Make sure the outputs are NOT muted; [MUT0Ci].
No Output
Verify the output is not muted; [MUT0Ci].
Set the input gain for the output to maximum level of 33; [VLI*A33Ci].
If there is still no sound, check the input at the terminal block connector; verify a signal is present.
System Failure
Please call the Altinex Customer Service Department at [phone] to have the unit repaired.
Note: Ci is the card ID; the letter “C” plus the slot number.