Avocent Emerge EMS2000 series Installation and maintenance instructions

Emerge®
EMS2000 series
Installer/User Guide

INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Emerge®EMS2000 series
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, Power of Being There and Emerge are registered
trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other
countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2008 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.

European approvals
European EMC directive 89/336/EEC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class
A computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European
standard EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference. 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 or television reception. However, there is no
guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to correct the interference with one or more of the
following measures: (a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. (b) Increase the separation
between the equipment and the receiver. (c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected. (d) Consult the supplier or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.

iii
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Product Overview.............................................................................................................1
Features and Benefits ........................................................................................................................ 1
Configuration Possibilities ................................................................................................................2
Expansion via Cascade Links............................................................................................................4
Safety Precautions.............................................................................................................................6
Installation ........................................................................................................................7
Locations ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Mounting ...........................................................................................................................................8
Making Standard Connections .......................................................................................................... 9
Connections at the Transmitter .........................................................................................................9
Connections at the Receiver............................................................................................................15
Making Cascade Connections.........................................................................................................19
Switch Settings (Emerge EMS2400T Transmitter Only) ................................................................. 24
Operations ......................................................................................................................25
Indicators ........................................................................................................................................25
Serial port switching .......................................................................................................................26
Adjustments .....................................................................................................................................28
Brightness and Sharpness Adjustments........................................................................................... 28
Skew Compensation Adjustments (Emerge EMS2110R Receivers Only)........................................29
Y-cable pinout..................................................................................................................................32
Guidelines for connecting serial equipment ...................................................................................33
Appendices.....................................................................................................................35
Appendix A: Technical Support .......................................................................................................35
Appendix B: Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................36

iv Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide

v
L I S T O F F I G U R E S
Figure 1.1: A standard Emerge EMS2100T configuration driving two display/speakers sets..........2
Figure 1.2: A typical Emerge EMS2400T configuration driving up to four pairs of displays ..........3
Figure 1.3: EMS2400T transmitters can be connected in cascade...................................................4
Figure 2.1: Applying the self adhesive rubber feet ........................................................................... 8
Figure 2.2: The rear mounting slot ...................................................................................................8
Figure 2.3: Connecting video and audio signals from the source PC system to the transmitter ......9
Figure 2.4: Connecting a monitor and speakers to the transmitter unit.........................................10
Figure 2.5: Connecting a source computer serial port to the transmitter unit ............................... 11
Figure 2.6: Overall maximum link length (1000 feet) when one receiver is connected.................. 12
Figure 2.7: Connecting the link cable to the EMS2100T transmitter unit...................................... 12
Figure 2.8: Connecting up to four link cables to the EMS2400T transmitter unit..........................13
Figure 2.9: Connecting the power adaptor to the transmitter unit................................................. 14
Figure 2.10: Connecting the power adaptor to the power cord......................................................14
Figure 2.11: Connecting displays and speakers to the receiver unit ..............................................15
Figure 2.12: Overall maximum link length (1000 feet) when one receiver is connected................ 16
Figure 2.13: Connecting the link cable to the receiver unit............................................................16
Figure 2.14: Connecting the power adaptor to the receiver unit....................................................17
Figure 2.15: Connecting the power adaptor to the power cord......................................................17
Figure 2.16: Connecting the serial port.......................................................................................... 18
Figure 2.17: The effect of cascade connections on overall link lengths .........................................20
Figure 2.18: Connecting multiple transmitters in a cascade arrangement.....................................21
Figure 2.19: Connecting the audio/video/serial outputs of one transmitter to the inputs of the next....22
Figure 3.1: Location of the red and green operation indicators ...................................................25
Figure 3.3: Using a high contrast image to assist with sharpness adjustments .............................28
Figure 3.2: Location of the brightness and sharpness adjustment dials.........................................28
Figure 3.4: Location of the skew compensation adjustment dials ..................................................29
Figure 3.5: Creating a suitable skew test pattern within a paint package ......................................29
Figure 3.6: The supplied skew test pattern......................................................................................30
Figure 3.7: A skew compensation dial ............................................................................................30
Figure 3.8: The two skew compensation dials showing how they affect each of the colors............31
Figure 3.9: A pin-out diagram of the connections required within a serial Y-cable ......................32

vi Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide

1
CHAPTER
1
Features and Benefits
The Avocent Emerge® EMS2000 series of digital signage extenders provide a modular method
to distribute high quality video and audio to remote display units as well as handling serial
control signals. The various modules of the Emerge® EMS2000 series support a wide range of
configurations: from individual point-to-point installations to multiple screen distributions, all via
CATx cabling at distances up to 1000 feet.
All Emerge® EMS2000 series modules provide full support for RS232 serial communications
between the host system and the display(s). This support extends not just to point-to-point
connections, but also to larger scale installations using the EMS2400T transmitter. The inclusive
Display Manager utility provides the final piece of the puzzle and allows remote, flexible control
of all devices attached to the Emerge® EMS installation.
Product Overview

2Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Figure 1.1: A standard Emerge EMS2100T configuration driving two display/speakers sets
Configuration Possibilities
Within the Emerge EMS2000 series there are two transmitter types and two receiver types
available, the choice of which unit you use depends upon how many display/speaker locations are
required and how they are arranged.
Point-to-point operation
The Emerge EMS2100T transmitter used in conjunction with a EMS2100R receiver provides
point to point operation capable of directly supporting dual displays and speaker sets. The
transmitter can additionally support a local monitor and speaker set located adjacent to the source
system. At the receiver a single RS232 serial connector is available for linking to a single display
(EMS2100R receivers can provide a serial link to each display when used with the optional Y-
cable. This is only available when linked to an EMS2400T transmitter).
Expansion is made possible by connecting further transmitters to the original EMS2100T
transmitter module, however, the serial connection cannot be cascaded in this manner. Where
cascades with serial connections (as well as video and audio) are required, use the EMS2400T
transmitter.
Emerge EMS2110R
An EMS2110R receiver is also available which provides all of the functionality of the EMS2100R
with the addition of special skew adjustments to correct cable-induced video timing errors on long
CATx connections.
PC VIDEO
UTP Link
AUDIO
RS232 SERIAL
EMS2100T
(T)
EMS2100R
(R)
POWER POWER

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
UTP Link
EMS2100R
(R)
POWER
EMS2100R
(R)
EMS2100R
(R)
EMS2100R
(R)
PC VIDEO
AUDIO
RS232 SERIAL
SERIAL Y-CABLE
EMS2400T
(T)
POWER
Emerge EMS2400T transmitter
The EMS2400T transmitter provides four CATx outputs to directly drive EMS2100R/EMS2110R
receiver modules located at distances up to 1000 feet.
Note: An optional serial Y-cableis available, which allows a connected receiver to provide a serial
link to each display.
Additional expansion is also possible by connecting further transmitter modules to the original
module in a cascade arrangement, each supporting their own multiple EMS2100R/EMS2110R
receiver modules - See the Expansion via Cascade Linkssection for details.
Figure 1.2: A typical Emerge EMS2400T configuration driving up to four pairs of displays

4Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Expansion via Cascade Links
In order to create small, medium and large digital signage networks, all Emerge EMS transmitters
are designed to support additional transmitter modules (and their subsequent multiple receivers).
This is achieved using the video, audio and serial out ports to provide the inputs into the next
transmitter module, and so on.
Figure 1.3: EMS2400T transmitters can be
connected in cascade to provide further video,
audio and serial expansion opportunities. Note
that the EMS2100T transmitter does not support
serial cascade connections.
RS232 SERIAL
VIDEO
STANDARD
LINKS
STANDARD
LINKS
AUDIO
POWER
POWER
PC
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK CASCADE LINK
EMS2400T
(T)
EMS2400T
(T)
Note: The EMS2100T transmitter supports video and audio cascade connections, however, the
module does not include a serial out connector and cannot support cascaded serial connections.
A limit of three cascade connections are possible between transmitter modules. Using the
corresponding maximum of four EMS2400T transmitters, this gives an overall support for up to
32 remote displays on 16 separate CATx branches.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 5
Support for DDC (Display Data Channel)
The Display Data Channel standard allows video monitors to define their characteristics so that
the source computers to which they are connected can optimize their video outputs accordingly.
By their nature, the Emerge EMS2000 extenders enable multiple video displays to be attached to
a single source computer. This causes a complication for handling the DDC standard, however, in
characteristic style we have devised an elegant solution, as detailed below.
Whenever an Emerge EMS transmitter is powered on, it checks its local video port for a working
display monitor with DDC information. The following rules are used to determine the outcome:
a series of strictly ordered actions occur to automatically locate the most suitable DDC data:
• If a display monitor is discovered on the local video port of the transmitter, the DDC data are
cloned from it and stored within the transmitter.
• If no display monitor is discovered on the local video port of the transmitter, the DDC data
held within the transmitter will remain unchanged.
• If the DDC data or clock lines of the transmitter’s local video port are discovered to be
connected to ground, then a default set of DDC data will be reloaded and used.
After the initial search period, the stored DDC data are then presented to the video port of the
source computer. When transmitters are cascaded, only the primary transmitter (the one connected
to the source computer) will perform the search for DDC data.
EMS2000 transmitters hold two pages of DDC data in order to support the most advanced display
monitors. The DDC data are held within non-volatile memory so that they are retained when
power is removed.
The manner in which the transmitters search for suitable ‘DDC donors’ could have an impact if
your installation contains display units with differing capabilities. Generally, you should arrange
for the display monitor with the most representative capabilities of your whole installation to
be the one that the transmitter locates on its local port, either initially (and temporarily) while
commissioning or permanently.

6Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Safety Precautions
• For use in dry, oil-free indoor environments only.
• Do not use to link between buildings.
• Not suitable for use in hazardous or explosive environments or next to highly flammable
materials.
• Ensure that all twisted pair interconnect cables are installed in compliance with all applicable
wiring regulations.
• Do not connect UTP link interfaces (RJ45 style connectors) to any other equipment,
particularly network or telecommunications equipment.
• Warning – the power adaptor contains live parts. No user serviceable parts are contained
within the power adaptor - do not dismantle.
• Do not use the power adaptor if the power adaptor case becomes damaged, cracked or
broken or if you suspect that it is not operating properly. Replace the power adaptor with a
manufacturer approved type only.
• The Emerge units do not provide ground isolation and should not be used for any applications
that require ground isolation or galvanic isolation.
• Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When using a backup
power supply (UPS), power the computer, the monitor and the Emerge unit off the supply.
• If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computer and monitor are on the same
phase. For best results, they should be on the same circuit.
• The primary means to cease operation of the units is to remove the power adaptor lead. Ensure
that the power adaptor is positioned near to the equipment and is easily accessible.
• Test AC outlets at the computer and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.
• Do not use a 2-wire extension cord in any Avocent product configuration.
• If you use a power extension cord with the Emerge units, make sure the total ampere rating
of the devices plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total ampere rating of all the devices plugged into the wall outlet does not
exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
• Do not attempt to service the Emerge units yourself.
• The Emerge units and power adaptors can get warm in operation – do not situate them in an
enclosed space without any ventilation.
• For correct operation, the local and remote units must have ground connections. At the
computer end, this is achieved by ensuring that the computer that the Emerge unit is
connected to has a ground connection. At the audio/visual device end, this can be achieved
by ensuring that the power supply is connected to a grounded power outlet. Alternatively, a
ground connection will be made via the monitor, if the monitor is itself grounded.
• Where possible, try to avoid laying the interconnect cable(s) alongside power cables.

7
CHAPTER
Locations
Please consider the following important points when planning the positions of your Emerge EMS
units:
• Take care not to exceed the maximum link cable lengths (please refer to the section Making
Cascade Connections).
• Ensure that the transmitters are as close as possible to the source PC system and the receivers
are similarly close to the display units. Use video connection cables that are correctly shielded
and are no longer than 6 feet in length.
• Choose routes for the twisted pair link cables that avoid mains power cables as much as
possible.
• Remember a mains power socket is required for each transmitter and receiver.
2Installation

8Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
0.19" (5mm)
0.37" (9.5mm)
Mounting
Before you begin connecting to the source PC system and display units, it is advisable to mount
the Emerge EMS units in place. There are a number of mounting possibilities for the transmitter
and receiver units:
• On a horizontal surface using the supplied self adhesive feet,
• Mounted on a screw using the rear slot,
• On inclined surfaces using self adhesive Velcro©strips (not supplied).
Using the supplied self adhesive feet
Apply the supplied self-adhesive rubber feet
to the underside corners of the Emerge EMS
units.
Using the rear mounting slot
The slot at the rear of each unit allows
it to be hung upon a fixed screw that
protrudes from the mounting surface.
IMPORTANT: The internal circuit board
is accessible through the mounting
slot. Ensure that the mounting screw
protrudes no further than ½” (12.5mm)
into the unit casing - serious electrical
damage will be caused if the screw
makes contact with the internal circuitry.
Figure 2.1: Applying the self adhesive rubber feet
Figure 2.2: The rear mounting slot

Chapter 2: Installation 9
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Making Standard Connections
Connections to the Emerge units do not need to follow the precise order given in this user guide
although it is recommended that you do not apply power to the units until all other connections
have been made.
Note: Unless stated otherwise, all connection information given here applies to all models in the
Emerge EMS2000 series.
Connections at the Transmitter
To Connect Video and Audio from the Source PC System
1. Attach a video cable of suitable type and length (fully shielded with 15
way male D-type connectors at both ends – 6 feet or less) to the
socket labeled RGBHV IN on the Emerge EMS transmitter.
2. Attach the other end of the video cable to the
appropriate VGA video output socket on the
source PC system.
3. Attach a stereo audio cable (shielded with
three way 3.5mm jack plugs at both ends)
to the socket labeled on the
Emerge EMS transmitter.
4. Attach the other end of
the stereo audio cable
to the appropriate
audio output
socket on the
source PC
system.
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Figure 2.3: Connecting video and audio
signals from the source PC system to
the EMS2100T (above) and EMS2400T
(below)

10 Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
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To Connect a Monitor and Speakers
The video and audio out ports of the Emerge EMS transmitter can optionally be used either to:
• Attach a monitor and/or speakers in the vicinity of the source PC system – See below,
or
• Make a cascade link to another transmitter unit – Please refer to the section Making Cascade
Connections – To Connect Cascaded Transmitters.
1. Attach the video cable from the monitor to the socket
labeled RGBHV OUT on the Emerge EMS transmitter.
2. Attach the stereo audio cable from the speakers
to the socket labeled on the Emerge
EMS transmitter.
Figure 2.4: Connecting
a monitor and speakers to the
EMS2100T transmitter (above)
and EMS2400T transmitter
(below)
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Chapter 2: Installation 11
To connect the source computer serial port
Note: The serial port feature supports RS232 serial devices at speeds up to 19200 baud and all
hardware handshake lines are available (EMS2100T, EMS2100R & EMS2110R only). No extra
error checking on the serial port signals is applied.
1. Attach the male connector of a suitable serial link cable (all nine connections present pin 1 to
pin1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc.) to the socket labelled on the EMS2100T transmitter or IN
on the EMS2400T transmitter.
2. Attach the other end (female connector) of the serial cable to the appropriate RS232 serial
socket on the source PC system.
Figure 2.5: Connecting a source computer
serial port to the EMS2100T transmitter
(above) and EMS2400T transmitter
(below)
IMPORTANT
It is essential that the source PC, all EMS2400T
modules and all connected displays are configured
to use the same serial communication settings
(see Switch settingsfor details). The EMS2100T,
EMS2100R & EMS2110R modules all auto-sense
the serial configuration and do not need to be set.
When switches SW2 to SW10 are all OFF, the
EMS2400T module is set to expect the following
serial port configuration: 19200 baud, 8-bit data
byte, 1 stop bit, no parity checking, software
handshake.
Remember to set the switches before power is
applied to the unit.
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

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See Guidelines for
connecting serial equipment.

12 Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Emerge EMS2100T models
1. Attach the connector of the link cable to the socket labeled LINK on
the Emerge EMS2100T transmitter. There should be a click
when the cable is fully inserted and locked in place.
To Connect the Link Cable(s)
The links between the transmitter and receiver units are made using between one and four twisted
pair cables, specified to Category 5 or higher. Each cable carries video and audio signals to each
receiver unit.
When a single receiver is attached to a link cable, the maximum length of that link cable is 1000
feet.
Note: Long cable lengths may induce colour separation effects. Emerge EMS2110R receivers
contain the necessary circuitry to minimise such effects.
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

Figure 2.7: Connecting the link cable to the
EMS2100T transmitter unit
Overall maximum link length: 1000 feet (600 feet for EMS2100R)
Transmitter Receiver
Figure 2.6: Overall maximum link length (1000 feet) when one receiver is connected