Black Box AC090A User manual

4-Port XGA Video Splitter
With Long Cable Drive Capability
January 2002
AC090A
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and its logo are registered trademarks of Black Box
Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems,
Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

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2
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio
communication. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user
at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio
noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe
A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié
par le ministère des Communications du Canada.
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This product complies with the requirements of the European EMC
directive 89/336/EEC

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)
Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas
antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como
sea recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico
más allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro
servicio deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los
orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de
calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos
(incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.

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4
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo
del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no
sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato;
o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
Contents
1. Introduction ...............................................................................page 6
1.1 General ................................................................................page 6
1.2 Features ...............................................................................page 6
2. Installation .................................................................................page 7
3. Operation .................................................................................page 10
4. Troubleshooting.......................................................................page 11
4.1 Problem Solving FAQ........................................................page 11
4.2 Calling Black Box..............................................................page 12
4.3 Shipping & Packaging........................................................page 12
5. Specifications...........................................................................page 14

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1. Introduction
1.1 General
The Model AC090A is a 1 in x 4 out XGA Video Splitter / Distribution
Amplifier with field-programmable cable length compensation on 2
outputs for driving long video cables.
The unit accepts a VGA input signal from a computer and provides 2
standard outputs and 2 boosted outputs. The standard outputs are labeled
"STD" and are capable of driving cables up to approximately 150 feet.
The boosted outputs are labeled "DX" and can be programmed using dip-
switches to drive any length of cable up to 600 feet.
The Model AC090A fully terminates the input video signal and
amplifies it using high bandwidth buffers to ensure a clear and crisp
image at each output. The unit accommodates a maximum resolution of
1600 x 1200 pixels at refresh rates to 100 Hz.
It is recommended that when video extension cables are required, only
high quality multi-coaxial VGA or RGBHV (such as Black Box
EVNPS05-0050-MF) be used.
The Model AC090A is housed in a compact shielded enclosure and
includes a small power adapter and a 6 ft video cable for connection to
the PC’s VGA output.
1.2 Features
•Low cost, high reliability
•Packaged in a portable EMI shielded enclosure
•Field-programmable compensation for driving long cables
•Resolutions up to 1600 x 1200
•HD15 connectors for input and outputs
•Perfect for presentations or remote monitoring

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
2. Installation
1. Connect the COMPUTER input connector on the AC090A to the
computer's video (or any other compatible video source) using the
supplied cable (see figures 2.1). The video connector on the PC is
usually a HD15 female with three rows of contacts.
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.1
Outputs 1 and 2 (DX)
Can Drive Long Cables
XGA Splitter

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2. Connect the AC adapter to the PWR jack on the splitter and plug it
in the AC source. Connect up to 4 monitors to the outputs of the
splitter. If any of the monitors are to be located further than 150
feet, plug them in to the DX ports of the splitter (see figure 2.2).
3. The Model AC090A has a special compensation to drive long
video cables that can be applied to outputs 1 & 2. Use the
following table to set the dip-switch for these outputs (see figure
2.3).
Dip Switch Setting Range of Cable on Outs 1 & 2
~~ 0to 100 feet
€~ 100 to 250 feet
~€ 250 to 400 feet
€€ 400 to 600 feet
NOTE
The compensation setting affects both DX outputs equally
Figure 2.3

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
4. If you are using cables longer than 25 feet on any of the outputs of
the splitter, make sure that the cable is connected to a monitor for
proper termination, or else disconnect the cable from the splitter.
High-Density 15-Pin VGA Connector
PIN Function
1Red
2Green
3Blue
4Not Used
5Gnd
6Red Return (Gnd)
7Green Return (Gnd)
8Blue Return (Gnd)
9Key (Not Used)
10 Gnd
11 Gnd
12 SDA (plug-n-play)
13 Horizontal Sync
14 Vertical Sync
15 SCL (plug-n-play)
On the Model AC090A splitter the SDA and SCL pins are connected
from the input to output #4

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3. Operation
The video signal is fully terminated and buffered in the AC090A. The
splitter should operate optimally with no special attention or procedure.
Assuming that there are no major grounding or large EMI noise
problems present in the installation location, the video quality at the
remote stations depend on the quality and the length of the video cables
used. In addition, the resolution and refresh rate settings of the
computer affect image clarity.
In general you can expect excellent image reproduction at any
resolution setting. When long video cables are used, particularly at high
resolution and refresh rates, video losses may be incurred in the cable.
Refer to section 2 for details.
The Model AC090A can split the signal of virtually any video with HD
15 style of connector. It can also be used on the analog video output
signal of other PC’s or computers such as: Apple, Sun, SGI, and RGB
type outputs. However, some may require special adapter cables.

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
4. Troubleshooting
4.1 Problem Solving FAQ
1) Fuzzy, blurry, or ghosting image at remote location
If you have a stable but somewhat blurry image (object or character
edges are not sharp), make sure that you have set the unit’s
compensation switches correctly. If you still have a fuzzy image, try
reducing the refresh rate and/or resolution of the PC. You should also
be sure to use multi-coaxial (double shielded) 75 ohm video extension
cables for best results. A ghosting image is usually an indication of
impedance mismatch of the cable.
If too much compensation is applied at the splitter, a bright and
ghosting image may also result. In this case try reducing the amount of
compensation.
2) Image exhibits steady or rolling horizontal color “hum”
bars
This is usually an indication of improper grounding either at the
sending end, the receiving end, or both. Verify that the AC line is
properly wired and that a protective ground (green) wire is established
with NO potential difference between both the sender and receiver
locations.
3) The PC does not recognize a Plug-and-Play monitor
If the PC’s Operating System is setup to detect a plug-and-play monitor
(usually in Display Properties: Advanced Settings), it may have trouble
finding a monitor if no local monitor is hooked up to the splitter's
OUTPUT #4. Only the ID information of the monitor at OUTPUT #4
is passed to the PC. If the PC does not produce an image due to this,

4-Port XGA Video Splitter
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either connect a monitor to this output port, or disable the plug-and-play
monitor detection in the PC’s operating system.
4) Faint shadows or ghosts at the monitors
If you are using cables longer than 25 feet on any of the outputs of the
splitter, make sure that the cable is connected to a monitor for proper
termination, or else disconnect the cable from the splitter.
5) Substituting power supplies
The splitter relies on the AC power adapter that is supplied with it. The
adapter generates a floating 12 v DC power for the unit. If you intend to
use a different external DC power that is referenced to ground, the
splitters will not function properly.
4.2 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your splitter is malfunctioning, do not attempt to
repair the unit. Contact Black Box Tech. Support at 724-746-5500.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be
able to provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a
complete description, including:
• The nature and duration of the problem
• The components involved in the problem—that is, what type of
cable, makes and models of computers and monitors, etc.
• The results of any testing you’ve already done
4.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your splitter:

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original
container.
• Before you ship the unit back to Black Box for repair or return,
contact us to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.

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5. Specifications
Compliance CE; FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, IC Class
Standards VGA, SVGA, or XGA video
Interfaces VGA video
Supported
Video Types VGA through XGA, RGBS, or RGsB (sync-on-green)
Resolution &
Refresh Rate Up to 1600 x 1200 non-interlaced at up to 100 Hz
Bandwidth Video: DC to 250 MHz
Video Level 0.7 volts peak-to-peak
Maximum
Distance Up to 600 ft. (180 meters) –See section 2 for details
Connectors HD15 female for all video input and output
Maximum
Altitude 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);
Storage: –40 to +185°F (–40 to +85°C)
Humidity Up to 95% non-condensing
Enclosure Steel
MTBF 500,000 hours (calculated estimate)

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4-Port XGA Video Splitter
Power From utility-power (mains) outlet, through included
external power adapters. Output Voltage: 12v DC
Center-Positive, floating (do not substitute any other
external power supply). Power supply current
requirements: 300 ma, minimum
Size 7.25" W x 2.75" D x 1.25" H
Weight 2.0 lb

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NOTES

© Copyright 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
1000 Park Drive Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 724-746-5500 Fax [phone]