Black Box AC1031A-R2-2 User manual

BLACK BOX®
Split your PC’s DVI signals to two
or four separate DVI displays.
2- or 4-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender
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
724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]
Customer
Support
Information
AC1031A-R2-2
AC1031A-R2-4

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FCC and IC RFI Statements; NOM Statement
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.
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.

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NOM Statement
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
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.
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.

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NOM Statement
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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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of
BB Technologies, Inc.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
SGL 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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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications ......................................................................................... 7
2. Overview ............................................................................................. 9
2.1 Introduction.................................................................................... 9
2.2 Features .......................................................................................... 9
2.3 What’s Included.............................................................................. 9
2.4 Hardware Description ................................................................... 10
2.4.1 2-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender (AC1031A-R2-2)............... 10
2.4.2 4-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender (AC1031A-R2-4) ...............11
3. Installation ..............................................................................................12
4. Troubleshooting......................................................................................14
4.1 Problem-Solving Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) ....................14
4.2 Contacting Black Box.....................................................................14
4.3 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................15

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Standards — DVI-I single-link, compliant with DVI 1.0 standard
Resolutions — PC resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz and HDTV to 1080i
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);
Storage: -40 to +185°F (-40 to +85°C)
Enclosure — Steel
MTBF — 90,000 hours (calculated estimate)
Power — From utility-power (mains) outlet, through included external power
supply;
Output voltage: 12 VDC center-positive at 1 A
Size — AC1031A-R2-2: 1.4"H x 7.8"W x 2.7"D (3.6 x 19.8 x 6.8 cm);
AC1031-R2-4: 1.4"H x 10.6"W x 4"D (3.6 x 26.9 x 10.2 cm)
Weight — AC1031A-R2-2: 1.4 lb. (0.6 kg);
AC1031A-R2-4: 2.2 lb. (1 kg)

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Chapter 1: Specifications
Figure 1-1. DVI connector.
Table 1-1. DVI connector pinout.
Pin Signal name Pin Signal name
1TMDS Data2- 13 TMDS Data3+ (N/U)
2TMDS Data2+ 14 +5V Power
3TMDS Data2/4 Shield 15 Ground for +5V Power
4TMDS Data4- (N/U) 16 Hot Plug Detect
5TMDS Data4- (N/U) 17 TMDS Data0-
6DDC Clock 18 TMDS Data0+
7DDC Data 19 TMDS Data0/5 Shield
8Analog vertical sync 20 TMDS Data5- (N/U)
9TMDS Data1- 21 TMDS Data5+ (N/U)
10 TMDS Data1+ 22 TMDS Clock Shield
11 TMDS Data1/3 Shield 23 TMDS Clock+
12 TMDS Data3- (N/U) 24 TMDS Clock-
C1 Analog red C4 Analog horizontal sync
C2 Analog green C5 Analog ground
C3 Analog blue
NOTE: N/U = Not Used

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The 2- and 4-Channel DVI Splitter/Extenders enable routing of a single DVI
equipped device (such as a PC) to multiple DVI displays (such as plasma or LCD
screens). The splitters support single-link, DVI-I (integrated Analog and/or Digital)
video signals at resolutions of up to 1920 x 1200. They feature a front-panel LED
indicator for power on state, plus they can be used to extend the DVI output to
32 feet (10 meters). A DVI-I input cable is included with the unit.
2.2 Features
• Clear and sharp image at resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 (including 1080i).
• Supports both digital and analog DVI signals (DVI-I), enabling you to connect a
DVI-I equipped PC to monitors that have DVI-I or legacy monitors with VGA
inputs only (in this case, you will need a HD15 to DVI cable or adapter).
• Can be cascaded (2-levels deep) for more outputs.
• Installs in minutes.
• Complies with the DVI 1.0 specification.
• Includes a high-quality DVI-I input cable.
• Includes a universal (110-220 VAC) power supply.
2.3 What’s Included
Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing
or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500
or [e-mail].
• 2- or 4-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender
• (1) DVI-I input cable
• Universal 110-220 VAC, 12 VDC, 1 A power supply and U.S. power cord
• This user’s manual

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4 Hardware Description
2.4.1 2-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender (AC1031A-R2-2)
Figures 2-1 and 2-2 show the front and back panels of the AC1031A-R2-2. Table
2-1 describes its components.
1
Figure 2-1. AC1031A-R2-2 front panel.
2 4 3 4
Figure 2-2. AC1031A-R2-2 back panel.
Table 2-1. AC1031A-R2-2 components.
Number Component Description
1Power LED Lights when power to the unit is on.
2Barrel connector Links to 12 VDC power.
3(1) DVI connector Connects to DVI input.
4(2) DVI connectors Link to DVI outputs.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4.2 4-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender (AC1031A-R2-4)
1
Figure 2-3. AC1031A-R2-4 front panel.
2 3 4
Figure 2-4. AC1031A-R2-4 back panel.
Table 2-2. AC1031A-R2-4 components.
Number Component Description
1Power LED Lights when power to the unit is on.
2Barrel connector Links to 12 VDC power.
3(1) DVI connector Connects to DVI input.
4(4) DVI connectors Link to DVI outputs.

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Chapter 3: Installation
3. Installation
1. Your package includes the Splitter box, a power supply, an input cable, and this
user manual. You may need to purchase additional long DVI cables for
connection to your monitors. Black Box sells high quality DVI cables and
adapters at various lengths. Contact Tech Support at 724-746-5500 or
[e-mail] for details.
2. Make sure the PC, the Splitter, and the monitors are all turned off.
3. Plug the monitor’s cables into the DVI OUT ports of the splitter.
NOTE: At least one monitor needs to be connected to the output A of the splitter.
4. Plug a male-to-male extension cable from the PC’s DVI port to the splitter.
NOTE: A DVI-I input cable is included with the splitter.
The DVI-I cable has the analog pins surrounding the ground blade (see Figure
3-1).
DVI-I
(29-pin Digital) Analog
DVI-D
(24-pin Digital Only)
Figure 3-1. Basic DVI connector types.
NOTE: Since the Splitter is DVI-I, its connectors have all the sockets, and since
most PCs have DVI-I output connectors with all the pin sockets, in most
cases you can use the supplied cable to make the connection to your
video source.
However, if your video source is purely digital DVI-D, then the connector
may not have the sockets for the additional analog pins. In this case, you
will not be able to use the supplied cable because it cannot plug in to
your PC’s output and you need to purchase a DVI-D cable that does not
have the extra analog pins.
The DVI-D cable can plug in to the Splitter, it just does not have the extra
analog pins. Furthermore, it does not make any difference if the cable is
single or dual link. (The splitter is a single-link unit but you can physically
plug either a dual-link or a single-link cable into it.)

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Chapter 3: Installation
5. Plug the supplied power adapter to the unit (the green LED on the front panel
turns on).
6. Turn on the monitors.
7. Turn on the PC.
Figure 3-2 shows a sample application diagram.
Figure 3-2. Example application.
Cascade Operation
For more outputs, you can connect output #1 of the splitter to the input of a
slave splitter. We recommend that you do not cascade splitters more than two
levels deep.

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Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
4. Troubleshooting
4.1 Problem-Solving Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the cable length limitations?
The splitter can accept up to 16 feet (5 meters) of cable on its input and 32 feet
(10 meters) on its output for a total of 48 feet (15 meters) total. At long distances,
if you start to experience video degradation, you should turn the refresh rate and/
or resolution of the video signal lower.
2. What about HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) in
home entertainment systems?
The Splitter is designed to primarily work with PCs with DVI outputs. If you want
to use it in a home-theater setup with DVI connections, it may or may not work.
The splitters do not provide compatibility with HDCP encoded video sources. For
example, if you have a DVD player with DVI output, depending on the brand, or
the DVD, it could enforce HDCP content protection. If HDCP is not enforced, then
the splitter will function well. However, if HDCP is enforced, then at best the DVD
player will output at 480p mode, and at worst it will not output any video on its
DVI output. Instead, a message will be displayed to use another output.
4.2 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your 2- or 4-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender is
malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no
user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or
[e-mail].
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.
• 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.

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Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
4.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your 2- or 4-Channel DVI Splitter/Extender:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are returning the unit, make sure you include everything you received
with it. Before you ship for return or repair, contact Black Box to get a Return
Authorization (RA) number.

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AC1031A-R2-2, version 3
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© Copyright 2014. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. Black Box®and the Double Diamond logo
are registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc. Any third-party trademarks appearing in this manual
are acknowledged to be the property of their respective owners.