AMX MX Series User manual

MX Series
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Table of Contents
MX Series of Wireless
Slide Projector Controllers ......................3
Using the MX Series ....................................4
Functional Overview ....................................5
Single-projector control models ......................5
Dual-projector control model ..........................5
MX2(L), MX4(L) ................................................6
MX2/MX2L hand controls ..................................6
MX4/MX4L hand controls ..................................6
Installation (MX2, MX4 receivers) ....................7
MX3(L), MX4A(L) ............................................8
MX3/MX3L hand controls ..................................8
MX4A/MX4AL hand controls ............................8
Installation (MX3, MX4A receivers) ..................9
Laser Pointer (Optional) ..........................10
MX12 ..................................................................11
MX12 hand controls ........................................11
Installation (MX12 receiver) ............................12
Communications Settings ....................14
The communications DIP switch ....................14
Setting the communication DIP switches ......14
Battery Replacement ................................17
Troubleshooting ............................................18
Common Questions ..................................19
2

The MX series of slide projector controllers offers
total slide projector control combined with freedom
of movement for convenient, professional audiovisual
presentations. From simple forward and reverse of
one projector to multi-function control of two pro-
jectors, the MX series includes nine models that are
compatible with most standard projectors and a wide
variety of applications. All systems feature a hand-
held transmitter that modulates radio frequency
(RF) signals that are omni-directional. The control
range is 75 feet and is effective through walls, glass,
or screens.
Each MX transmitter is housed in a durable, hand-
held case with easy-to-use, ergonomically placed
pushbuttons. The MX transmitters (except the MX12)
are available with an optional laser pointer for use
in presentations. MXreceivers are enclosed in a
compact, unobtrusive case. Installation is simple.
Control cables simply plug into the remote control
jack on the projector. User-definable codes allow
multiple systems to be used in the same area.
Contact your local AMX dealer for a complete
brochure on the AMX line of remote control sys-
tems for audiovisual and environmental equipment.
MX Series of Wireless Slide Projector Controllers
3

To operate the MX series transmitters:
1. To ensure maximum operating range, place the MX
receiver on a non-metallic surface, away from the
projector.
2. For the MX unit to operate, the controlled projector
must have its power switch in an ON position. Select
LOW or HIGH lamp (see switch D on the installation
diagram of your MX receiver).
3. With the MX transmitter, move away from the projec-
tor and press a pushbutton on the transmitter to test
the MX receiver.
Using the MX Series
4

Functional Overview
Single-projector control models
Figure 1 lists the functionality of the MX single-projector controllers.
Dual-projector control model
Figure 2 lists the functionality of the MX12 dual-projector controller.
Figure 1
Functionality of
MX single-projector
controllers
MODEL FORWARD REVERSE FOCUS AC POWER
ON/OFF
MX2(L) ••
MX3(L) •• •
MX4(L) •••
MX4A(L) ••••
Figure 2
Functionality of
MX12 dual-projector
controller
MODEL FWD REV FWD REV FOCUS AC POWER
ON/OFF
MX12 ••••• •
Simultaneous Independent Projector Action
5

MX2(L), MX4(L) Transmitters
MX2/MX2L hand controls
• FWD — Press to advance the projector.
• REV — Press to reverse the projector.
• TRIGGER (MX2) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX2
transmitter to advance the projector.
• TRIGGER (MX2L) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX2L
transmitter to activate the laser pointer.
MX4/MX4L hand controls
• FWD — Press to advance the projector.
• REV — Press to reverse the projector.
• FOCUS (left) — Press to move the lens out to focus the image.
• FOCUS (right) — Press to move the lens in to focus the image.
• TRIGGER (MX4) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX4
transmitter to advance the projector.
• TRIGGER (MX4L) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX4L
transmitter to activate the laser pointer.
Figure 3
MX2/MX2L
transmitter
Figure 4
MX4/MX4L
transmitter
6

MX2(L), MX4(L) Receivers
Installation (MX2, MX4 receivers)
Figure 5 shows an illustration of the installation of MX2
and MX4 receivers. To install MX2 and MX4 receivers:
1. Plug the 5-pin receiver cord (A) into the remote
receptacle on the projector (B).
2. When a Kodak®slide projector is used, the MX receiver
will draw power from the projector. In other cases —
such as another brand of projector or when dissolve
control is used — a power supply must be connected
(13.5 VAC, 520 MA).
3. If it is determined the power supply is needed, you will
need to obtain an MX-PS 13.5 VAC power supply. Plug
the power cord into any standard wall outlet (120 V)
and connect the power mini-plug to the receiver
power receptacle (C).
4. Extend the black antenna wire vertically.
5. Set the lamp switch on the projector (D) to either the
HIGH or LOW position.
Figure 5
Installation of MX2
and MX4 receivers
7

MX3(L), MX4A(L) Transmitters
MX3/MX3L hand controls
• FWD — Press to advance the projector.
• REV — Press to reverse the projector.
• POWER — Press both POWER pushbuttons simultaneously to toggle
AC power On/Off.
• TRIGGER (MX3) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX3 trans-
mitter to advance the projector.
• TRIGGER (MX3L) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX3L
transmitter to activate the laser pointer.
MX4A/MX4AL hand controls
• FWD — Press to advance the projector.
• REV — Press to reverse the projector.
• FOCUS (left) — Press to move the lens out to focus the image.
• FOCUS (right) — Press to move the lens in to focus the image.
• POWER — Press both POWER pushbuttons simultaneously to toggle
AC power On/Off.
• TRIGGER (MX4A) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX4A
transmitter to advance the projector.
• TRIGGER (MX4AL) — Push the trigger on the bottom of the MX4AL
transmitter to activate the laser pointer.
Figure 6
MX3/MX3L
transmitter
Figure 7
MX4A/MX4AL
transmitter
8

MX3(L), MX4A(L) Receivers
Installation (MX3, MX4A receivers)
Figure 8 shows an illustration of the installation of
MX3 and MX4A receivers. To install MX3 and MX4A
receivers:
1. Plug the 5-pin receiver cord (A) into the remote
receptacle on the projector (B).
2. Plug the projector AC power cord (E) into the AC
outlet on the rear of the MX receiver unit.
3. Plug the MX receiver power cord (C) into a standard
wall outlet.
4. Extend the black antenna wire vertically.
5. Set the lamp switch on the projector (D) to either the
HIGH or LOW position.
Figure 8
Installation of MX3
and MX4A receivers
9

Laser Pointer (Optional)
MX transmitters (except the MX12) are available with
an optional laser pointer to use in presentations. MX
transmitters equipped with the laser pointer are the
MX2L, MX3L, MX4L, and MX4AL.
The laser source is located at the front of the trans-
mitter, as shown in Figure 9. The laser is activated by
pushing the trigger on the bottom of the casing.
Please read the laser device warning decal shown in
Figure 10, on the bottom of MX transmitters equipped
with the laser pointer.
Figure 10
Laser device warning
Figure 9
MX transmitter with optional
laser pointer
10

MX12 Transmitter
MX12 hand controls
• FWD — Press to advance the projector.
• REV— Press to reverse the projector.
• FOCUS (upper) — Press to move the lens out to focus the image.
• FOCUS (lower) — Press to move the lens in to focus the image.
• ON/OFF — Push to toggle AC power On/Off.
• BOTH FWD — Press to advance the left and right projectors forward
simultaneously.
• BOTH REV — Press to move the left and right projectors back
simultaneously.
Figure 11
MX12
transmitter
11

MX12 Receiver
Installation (MX12 receiver)
By following these instructions, the left-hand row of
pushbuttons on the MX12 transmitter will control
Projector 1, and the right-hand row of pushbuttons will
control Projector 2.
1. Plug the MX receiver remote control cable (A) marked
Remote 1 into the remote receptacle (B) on Projector 1.
2. Plug the AC power cord (G) for Projector 1 into the
left AC outlet on the rear of the MX receiver.
3. Plug the MX receiver remote control cable (F) marked
Remote 2 into the remote receptacle (B) on Projector 2.
4. Plug the AC power cord (E) for Projector 2 into the
right AC outlet on the rear of the MX receiver.
5. Plug the MX receiver power cord (C) into a standard
wall outlet.
6. Extend the black antenna wire vertically.
7. Set the lamp switch on the projector (D) to either the
HIGH or LOW position. Figure 12
Installation of
MX12 receivers
12

Communications Settings
The Communications DIP switch
All MX series slide projector controllers feature a modulated RF signal
for omni-directional operation at 75 feet range, and are effective
through walls, glass, or screens.
Since all MX units operate at the same frequency, DIP switch coding is
used to dedicate one transmitter (or more) to a particular receiver(s).
This coding is done by matching parts of the 10-position DIP switch in
the transmitter and the 8-position DIP switch in the MX receiver.
The DIP switch for MX2(L), MX3(L), MX4(L), and MX4A(L) transmitters
is shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13
Bottom view of MX transmitter
(MX2(L), MX3(L), MX4(L), MX4A(L))
with the battery cover removed
13
DIP switch
DIP switch
(detailed view)

Communications Settings
The DIP switch for the MX12 transmitter is shown in Figure 14.
AMX presets the MX transmitter and receiver with a recommended
DIP switch setting at the factory. Resetting the DIP switches may be
required to control two or more receivers from a single transmitter
or a single receiver from two or more transmitters. If resetting the
DIP switches is required, the steps are simple.
Setting the communication DIP switches
1. Remove the access cover on the back of the transmitter to expose
the coding DIP switch.
2. Remove the AC power cord from the electrical outlet, unscrew
the two base screws on the MX receiver, and gently lift the top
lid off the unit. Locate the DIP switch located at the front of the
receiver. See figures 16 and 17.
3. To set the DIP switch, match switch positions 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 on
the MX receiver to switch positions 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 on the
transmitter, as shown in the following table (Figure 15). Figure 14
Rear view of MX12 transmitter,
with the battery cover removed
14
DIP switch

Communications Settings
Figure 15
Transmitter/receiver DIP
switch settings
If you have multiple controllers
in a single environment, make
sure to set each transmitter/
receiver combination to a unique
DIP switch setting to avoid
erroneous operation.
Transmitter/receiver DIP switch settings
Transmitter switch Receiver switch
position Setting position Setting
1 Battery status LED: On/Off
2On
3 On 1 Not used
4 Off 2 Not used
5 Off 3 Not used
MX2, MX3, MX4, MX4A: MX2, MX3, MX4, MX4A:
6 Match receiver switch 4 4 Match transmitter switch 6
MX12: Off MX12: Not used
7 Match receiver switch 5 5 Match transmitter switch 7
8 Match receiver switch 6 6 Match transmitter switch 8
9 Match receiver switch 7 7 Match transmitter switch 9
MX2, MX3, MX4, MX4A: Off MX2, MX3, MX4, MX4A: Off
10 MX12: On 8MX12: On
15

Communications Settings
Figure 16
Location of DIP switch in MX2,
MX3, MX4, and MX4A receivers
Figure 17
Location of DIP switch in
MX12 receiver
16
DIP switch DIP switch

Battery Replacement
Figure 18
MX2, MX4, MX3, MX4A
transmitters (bottom view
with battery cover removed)
Figure 19
MX12 transmitter
(bottom view with
battery cover removed)
17
MXtransmitters without the laser pointer (MX2,
MX3, MX4, MX4A, MX12) have a red LED indicator
to monitor battery status. When a transmitter push-
button is pressed, the LED flashes to indicate a good
battery. If the LED light is dim, a new battery is
required. Remove the access cover on the back of
the transmitter and replace the two AAA batteries.
For the MX12 transmitter, replace the two 1.5-volt,
“N” size batteries. Under normal conditions, battery
life will exceed 1 year. Use alkaline batteries for long
battery life and optimum performance.
“AAA” size batteries
“N” size batteries

Troubleshooting
Problem: Slide projector will not turn on when
command pushbuttons are pressed.
Solution:
• Verify that the slide projector power switch is in the
ON position.
• Check automatic DARK shutter causing projector to
appear that it has not turned on.
• Check that the projector is plugged into the MX
receiver outlet and that the MX receiver is plugged
into a standard wall outlet.
Problem: Operating range is not sufficient.
Solution:
• Remove any foil-type ID labels from MX transmitters
or receivers.
• Check if the MX receiver is resting on a metal table
or cabinet. If so, move the MX receiver to a wood or
laminate surface. If relocation is not practical, place
non-interfering material (wood, paper, cardboard,
etc.) between the metal and the receiver.
• Check that the black antenna wire is vertical.
• Check the batteries in the transmitter.
• Move the MX unit away from the projector.
Problem: No operation
Solution:
• Check DIP switch settings — the transmitter and
receiver must match.
• Ensure that the projector power switch is in ON
position.
• If a non-Kodak®projector is used, check that the
power supply is properly connected to the MX
receiver (MX2 and MX4 only).
Problem: No remote focus
Solution:
• Check with the projector manufacturer to ensure that
the projector has a remote focus capability.
Problem: Forward pushbutton control does not work.
Solution:
• DO NOT use switch positions 7 through 10 in the
OFF position. Using this code will result in the loss of
the Forward pushbutton control.
18

Common Questions
This section gives answers to common questions about MX series transmitters and receivers.
Q. Do I need to point the transmitter in the direction
of the slide projector?
A. No. The transmitter emits a radio frequency that
is omni-directional. The transmitter will work in
any position.
Q. I use a rear projection screen. Will the MX
receiver work in the projection booth?
A. Yes. The radio frequency (RF) modulation of the
MX transmitter allows the signal to pass through
walls, screens, and glass.
Q. Will the RF signal be stronger or more effective
by pressing the pushbuttons harder?
A. No. Only a normal touch is needed to operate the
transmitter effectively.
Q. I dropped my transmitter or lost it. Can I order
a replacement transmitter only?
A. Yes. AMX sells all models of MX transmitters
by themselves and can generally ship the same
day in an emergency. Ask your audiovisual or
photography dealer for pricing and details.
Q. We need to operate two MX units in adjacent
rooms. Will they interfere with each other?
A. No. As long as the DIP switch settings are
different for each room, the MX units will not
interfere. The only exception to this rule is
that if the pushbuttons on two transmitters are
pressed at exactly the same time, the transmit-
ters may “jam” each other’s signals, resulting in
no action by either transmitter.
19

Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
AMX Corporation warrants its MX series products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a
period of one year from date of purchase from AMX.
This warranty extends to products purchased directly from AMX or an authorized AMX dealer. Consumers should inquire
from selling dealer as to the nature and extent of the dealer’s warranty, if any.
AMX is not liable for any damages caused by its products or for the failure of its products to perform, including any lost profits,
lost savings, incidental damages, or consequential damages. AMX is not liable for any claim made by a third party or made by
you for a third party.
This limitation of liability applies whether damages are sought, or a claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort claim
(including negligence and strict product liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation of liability cannot be
waived or amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if AMX or an authorized representative
of AMX has been advised of the possibility of any such damages. This limitation of liability, however, will not apply to claims
for personal injury.
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts. Some states do not allow the limitation or exclu-
sion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products. In such states, the limitation or exclusion of the Limited
Warranty may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that may
vary from state to state. You are advised to consult applicable state laws for full determination of your rights.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY, AMX MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AMX EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES NOT STATED IN THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW ARE LIMITED TO
THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
20