Black Box IC460A User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
JUNE 2004
IC460A
Audio Analog Balun

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
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 Industry Canada.
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 Industrie Canada.

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.1 Potential Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2 Calling Black Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.3 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
1. Specifications
Electrical Signal Type: Unbalanced analog mono or stereo audio
Compatible Devices: DVDs, VCRs, camcorders, audio mixers, audio matrix
switchers, audio splitters, audio distribution amplifiers, boosters, Hi-Fi,
microphones, home theaters, and other commercial or consumer analog
equipment
Transmission: Transparent to the user
Maximum Input: 1.1 Vp-p (+20 dBu, unbalanced <1% THD)
Insertion Loss: Less than 1 dB per balun pair over the frequency range
Common Mode Rejection (CMMR): Greater than 60 dB @ 1 kHz
Audio Source Impedance: 100 to 600
Audio Receiver Impedance: 10 k to 100 k
Impedance Transformation Ratio: Single unit: 4:1 (source:line)
Cable: UTP: 24 gauge or lower solid copper twisted-pair wire impedance:
100 ohms at 1 MHz;
Maximum capacitance: 20 pF/ft.;
Attenuation: 6.6 dB/1000 ft. at 1 MHz
Maximum Distance: Up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m) @ 60 Hz to 20 kHz;
1000 to 5000 ft. (304.8 to 1524.4 m)@ 100 Hz to 20 kHz
Connectors: (1) RCA male connector, (2) screw terminals*
*Phase error sensitive. Ensure straight-through polarity in stereo audio applications.
Temperature Tolerance: Operating: 32 to 131°F (0 to 55°C); Storage: -4 to +185°F
(-20 to +85°C)
Humidity: Up to 95%, noncondensing
Enclosure: Fire-retardant plastic
Size: 1.3"H x 0.5"W x 0.5"D (3.3 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm)
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g)

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
2. Overview
Connect DVDs, VCRs, camcorders, audio mixers, audio matrix switches, audio
splitters, audio distribution amplifiers, boosters, Hi-Fi, microphones, and home
theaters together using unshielded twisted-pair cable (UTP) instead of costly and
bulky coaxial cable. The Audio Analog Balun allows the unbalanced analog audio
signals produced by these consumer or commerical audio devices to be transmitted
via a single unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable.
Used in pairs, the Audio Analog Balun uses standard premise wiring techniques to
connect your audio equipment. One or two pairs of baluns is required depending
on whether the application is for monaural or stereo audio. The Audio Analog
Balun provides built-in cable strain relief for easy installation and reliable
connectivity.

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
3. Installation
To install the Audio Analog Baluns, follow these steps:
1. Depending on the number of audio signals to be transmitted, use one pair of
baluns for each audio signal. For example, for mono audio, use two baluns;
for stereo audio, use four baluns.
2. The Audio Analog Balun is compact enough to allow multiple baluns to be
mounted adjacent to one another on the back of any piece of audio
equipment, eliminating the need for RCA jumper cables. See Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Install the baluns on audio equipment.
3. Identify the balun’s pin configuration (the screw terminal’s pins are labeled
Tip and Ring). One twisted pair is required for each balun connection. The
Audio Analog Balun is polarity sensitive. Therefore, in stereo audio
applications, for full stereo audio quality, ensure straight-through polarity as
shown in Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2. Straight-through polarity.
Audio left Audio right
Rear view: Audio Analog Balun
installed on equipment
RCA male RCA male
Twisted-pair cable
(one pair)
Tip
Tip
Ring
Ring
Audio Analog Balun
(IC460A),
top view (cover off)
Audio Analog Balun
(IC460A),
top view (cover off)

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
4. The Audio Analog Baluns work in pairs. Plug one balun into the audio
source’s RCA connector. If stereo audio is being transmitted, connect one
balun to audio left and one balun to audio right at the source end as shown in
Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3. Mono and stereo audio applications.
5. Plug the second Audio Analog Balun into the audio receiver equipment’s
RCA connector at the remote end. If stereo audio is being transmitted,
connect one balun to audio left and one balun to audio right at the remote
end as shown in Figure 3-3.
6. Complete the connection between the two baluns, using standard UTP cable,
connector blocks, and modular wall outlets.
7. Power on the audio equipment and check the audio quality. The audio
should be clear within the maximum specified distances (1000 ft. [304.8 m] @
60 Hz to 20 kHz; 1000 to 5000 ft. [304.8 to 1524.4 m] @ 100 Hz to 20 kHz).
Analog audio
source
CAT5 twisted-pair cable
Audio Analog Baluns (IC460A)
One pair required for mono;
two pairs required for stereo
Analog audio amplifier
and speaker system

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
4. Troubleshooting
4.1 Potential Problems
Symptom: Poor audio quality.
Probable Causes/Solutions:
1. EMI interference. Check that the wiring is not too close to transformers or
ballasts.
2. Split pair. If the UTP pairs are split, correct the problem. Each signal pair
must be twisted.
Symptom: No audio.
Probable Causes/Solutions:
1. Open contact. Check the wiring to ensure continuity.
2. Defective Audio Analog Balun. Change baluns for another pair.
Symptom: Weak audio.
Probable Causes/Solutions:
1. Exceeded distance specifications (see Chapter 1 for distance limits). Check
the DC loop resistance and verify if the distance specification is exceeded.
Reduce cable length or eliminate high-loss components.
2. Lower-grade UTP cable is introducing high signal losses. Use a signal repeater
for extended distance or replace the cable with a higher-grade cable.
4.2 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your Audio Analog Balun is malfunctioning, do not attempt
to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box
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:

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AUDIO ANALOG BALUN
• the nature and duration of the problem.
• when the problem occurs.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or
make it worse.
4.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Audio Analog Balun:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are shipping the balun for repair, make sure you include everything that
came in the original package. Before you ship, contact Black Box to get a
Return Authorization (RA) number.

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2004. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Doc. No. 94-000370-A; SE-000377-A