Black Box AC2000A User manual

1
Model AC2000A
DVI, Audio, RS-232 Extender
with
EDID Management
AC2000A
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: [email protected]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
UMA1152 Rev A

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DVI, Audio & RS-232 Extender with EDID Management
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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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Model AC2000A
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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
their 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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DVI, Audio & RS-232 Extender with EDID Management
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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.
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.

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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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DVI, Audio & RS-232 Extender with EDID Management
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Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 6
2. INSTALLATION.................................................................................... 7
2.2 INPUTS &OUTPUTS ............................................................................. 7
2.3 CONNECTING THE AC2000A-S............................................................ 7
3. OPERATION .......................................................................................... 9
3.1 FRONT PANEL BUTTONS ...................................................................... 9
3.2 RS-232 .............................................................................................. 10
3.2.1 Configure HyperTerminal ......................................................... 10
3.2.2 Control Codes............................................................................ 11
3.2.2.1 Select EDID Routing: ......................................................... 11
3.2.2.2 Learn EDID information:.................................................... 11
3.2.2.3 Enable output boost: ........................................................... 12
3.2.2.4 Disable output boost: .......................................................... 12
3.2.2.5 Read EDID Information: .................................................... 12
3.2.2.6 Blank output: ...................................................................... 13
3.2.2.7 Un-blank output:................................................................. 13
3.2.2.8 Get status report:................................................................. 13
3.2.2.9 Display main menu: ............................................................ 14
3.2.2.10 Quit RS232 menu ............................................................. 14
3.3 GUI SOFTWARE ................................................................................. 14
3.3.1 Installing the software ............................................................... 14
3.3.2 Running the GUI software ......................................................... 15
4. CONNECTION CHART ..................................................................... 18
5. TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................... 19
6. SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................. 20

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1. Introduction
General
Thank you for purchasing Black Box Corporation AC2000A. This is a
versatile, high performance DVI, Audio and RS-232 extender with EDID
management.
This unit has the capability to read the EDID (Extended Display
IDentification) information from the device connected to either the DVI
output connector or the receiver connected to the UTP output. This
information can be stored in the AC2000A-S memory in the “Emulate
Learned” setting, which allows the unit to act like an actual monitor
connected to the INPUT DVI connector.
The AC2000A-S has local DVI and remote UTP video and audio outputs.
Its video outputs can be blanked out or boosted when needed. This unit can
drive video, audio, and RS-232 up to 300 feet depending on the video
resolution being displayed.
This unit can be controlled by either manually using the buttons on the front
panel or remotely through a serial port with RS232 commands or GUI
software.
The unit also has internal memory to store the last operating selection when
power is off. The unit allows four different EDID settings to be routed to
the video input device.
Features
9Read and store EDID information
9Allows EDID information downloaded from PC using GUI software
9EDID information learned from an output device can be used to
emulate that actual device
9Multiple control methods including front panel, serial commands, or
GUI software
9Video outputs can be blanked and un-blanked
9Stores the last selection in internal memory
9Can drive video, audio, and bi-directional RS232 over long cables
9Ships with serial control terminal adapter
9Compact, Rugged, Reliable, and Economical
9Made in USA

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2. Installation
2.1 Required Cables
The video cables are DVI male to male. The audio cables are 3.5mm mini-
stereo. When connecting to a PC’s serial port for remote control of the DVI
extender, an RS-232 to PC cable is required (Customer provided). A
detachable 3-terminal mating connector is provided with the unit. The
function of each pin is silkscreened above the 3-terminal input connector on
the rear of the unit. Below is a diagram for connecting this port to a PC’s
DB9 serial port.
RS-232 to PC cable
2.2 Inputs & Outputs
The AC2000A-S has a DVI video input, a mini-stereo audio input, a RS232
terminal block, Local DVI output, Local audio output, and two UTP ports
for video, audio and RS232 extension. Power plug is a standard IEC
connector, (IEC 60320 C14)
The AC2000A-R has two UTP input ports, a DVI output, audio output, and
RS232 output.
2.3 Connecting the AC2000A-S
Plug in the desired video and audio sources to the INPUT DVI and INPUT
AUD connectors on the back of the AC2000A-S.
Connect local video and audio devices; such as a monitor to the OUTPUT
DVI and AUD connectors if desired. For remote video and audio; two
CAT5 cables are used to connect AC2000A-S (sender) to an AC2000A-R
(receiver) through UTP Extension port LINK A and LINK B connectors.
NOTE
Do not cross the A & B Link cables when connecting to the receiver unit.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the unit
Connect the RS-232 to PC cable if remote serial control is desired.
Connect the included power cord to the AC2000A-S and apply power.
Select the desired EDID routing path using the front panel buttons, through
RS-232 serial commands, or GUI software.

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The AC2000A-R does not require a separate power supply; the power is
supplied by the sender unit via the UTP cabling. Be sure to connect A and
B link cables correctly! The Green PWR LED will indicate when the
cables are correctly configured. Once the cabling is correctly connected,
attach a monitor to the receiver DVI VIDEO OUTPUT connector. Connect
the remote audio device to the STEREO AUDIO 3.5 mm jack, and a RS232
device to the 3 pin RS-232 connector; if desired.

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3. Operation
The AC2000A-S allows multiple control methods, such as front-panel
buttons, RS232 serial commands, or GUI software.
3.1 Front Panel Buttons
The EDID ROUTING button is used to select what EDID information will
be sent to the video source when requested. The choices are:
EDID Routin
g
EDID Information from
DVI-LOCAL Device connected to the AC2000A-S
OUTPUT DVI Connector
UTP-REMOTE Device connected to the AC2000A-R
OUTPUT DVI Connecto
r
EMULATE DEFAULT FACTORY EDID Information stored in
AC2000A-S Unit
EMULATE LEARNED
EDID Information stored by USER from Display
Device either connected locally or remotely and unit
put in LEARN mode
The LEARN button is used to program EDID information from either the
sender’s local OUTPUT DVI connector or the receiver’s Remote OUTPUT
DVI Connector into the “EMULATE LEARNED” memory and save it for
future use.
Use the EDID ROUTING button and select which device you desire to
LEARN; either the DVI-LOCAL or UTP-REMOTE.
Press the LEARN button for 3 seconds; the EMULATE LEARNED LED
will begin to flash to indicate that LEARN mode is in progress.
When the unit has successfully completed LEARNING the EDID of the
selected device; the AC2000A-S unit will sound 2 short beep tones. A long
tone is sounded to indicate an error occurred.
Programming the EMULATE DEFAULT position can only be done
through serial commands or the GUI software.
The Output Boost buttons are used to enable or disable the DVI output
signal boost.

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3.2 RS-232
The AC2000A-S can be controlled via a serial device. From the serial port,
you have full control over the operation of the front-panel buttons plus
many more capabilities. Terminal emulator or ASCII software is required.
An example is Microsoft WindowsHyperTerminal (generally found in
the START->Programs->Accessories->Communication folder)
Note on RS-232 port availability on your PC
Most PCs and notebooks do not have a serial port. So to program
the Switch you may need a USB to RS-232 Serial converter.
These are available from Black Box.
3.2.1 Configure HyperTerminal
-Connect direct to COM1, COM2, or any available COM port
-4800 Baud, 8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit, No flow control
-Settings per following figures:
To enter into the serial command mode after connecting this unit to
the PC; the following text must be sent along with a carriage return
(ENTER).
BlackBox

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When successful, the main menu similar to below will be displayed.
MENU - Version 1.0
-----------------------------------------
1 = DVI Local | R = Read EDID Info
2 = UTP Remote | B = Blank
3 = Emulate Default | U = Un-blank
4 = Emulate Learned | S = Status Report
L = Learn | M = Menu
E = Enable boost | Q = Quit
D = Disable boost |
-----------------------------------------
3.2.2 Control Codes
(1-byte commands from external control device)
3.2.2.1 Select EDID Routing:
To select EDID information to be routed to the video input device
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII 1 (or Hex 31) .................................................DVI-Local selected
ASCII 2 (or Hex 32) ............................................. UTP-Remote selected
ASCII 3 (or Hex 33) ........................................ Emulate Default selected
ASCII 4 (or Hex 34) ....................................... Emulate Learned selected
3.2.2.2 Learn EDID information:
LEARN is used to store EDID information from either DVI-Local or UTP-
Remote connectors. This information is later sent to the device connected to
the INPUT DVI device when requested.
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII l or L (Hex 6C or 4C)..........................................................Learn

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3.2.2.3 Enable output boost:
Output boost can be enabled for the output signal equalization over a long
cabling when desired.
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII e or E (Hex 65 or 45).................Enable boost (1=DVI – 2=UTP)
ASCII 1 (or Hex 31) .................................................. DVI boost enabled
ASCII 2 (or Hex 32) ..................................................UTP boost enabled
3.2.2.4 Disable output boost:
Output boost can also be disabled for the output signal equalization over a
long cabling when desired.
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII d or D (Hex 64 or 44)...............Disable boost (1=DVI – 2=UTP)
ASCII 1 (or Hex 31) ................................................. DVI boost disabled
ASCII 2 (or Hex 32) .................................................UTP boost disabled
3.2.2.5 Read EDID Information:
Read EDID information from the currently selected EDID routing selection
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII r or R (Hex 72 or 52)....................................................................
Reading EDID info from DVI-Local (or UTP-Remote) Device
Or
Reading EDID info from Emulate Default (or Emulate Learned) memory
Output is in a tabular format similar to below:

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3.2.2.6 Blank output:
To blank the video output.
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII b or B (Hex 62 or 42) ................Blank output (1=DVI – 2=UTP)
ASCII 1 (or Hex 31) ............................................................DVI blanked
ASCII 2 (or Hex 32) ........................................................... UTP blanked
3.2.2.7 Un-blank output:
To un-blank the video output
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII u or U (Hex 75 or 55).......... Un-blank output (1=DVI – 2=UTP)
ASCII 1 (or Hex 31) ...................................................... DVI un-blanked
ASCII 2 (or Hex 32) ......................................................UTP un-blanked
3.2.2.8 Get status report:
Display the unit’s status report including the current EDID Routing, output
boost setting and the video output blank/un-blank status.
Command ..........................................................
ASCII s or S (Hex 73 or 53)....................................................................
Response
Status Report
--------------------------
EDID Routing = DVI-Local (or UTP-Remote)
DVI Boost = Disabled (or Enabled)
UTP Boost = Enabled (or Disabled)
DVI Blank = off (or On)
UTP Blank = off (or On)

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3.2.2.9 Display main menu:
To display the RS232 serial command menu
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII m or M (Hex 6D or 4D) ...............................................................
MENU - Version 1.0
-----------------------------------------
1 = DVI Local | R = Read EDID Info
2 = UTP Remote | B = Blank
3 = Emulate Default | U = Un-blank
4 = Emulate Learned | S = Status Report
L = Learn | M = Menu
E = Enable boost | Q = Quit
D = Disable boost |
-----------------------------------------
3.2.2.10 Quit RS232 menu
To quit the RS232 serial command menu
Command ........................................... Response
ASCII q or Q (Hex 71 or 51).................................................. Quit menu
3.3 GUI Software
Included in the AC2000A package is an installation CD for the Windows®
operating system that can be used to control the unit remotely via a PC
COM port.
3.3.1 Installing the software
To install the software, load the CD into your PC and double-click the
setup.exe file on the CD if setup does not automatically run. The
installation wizard will guide you through the rest of the installation.

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3.3.2 Running the GUI software
The communication parameters might need to be configured when running
this AC2000A software for the first time. Please refer to the COM
Configuration window for setup.
Figure 2 - Main
To open the COM Configuration window, select COM setting from the
Configuration menu. The GUI software will detect all COM ports available
on your PC. Select the desired COM port in the PORT drop down menu.
When done, press CLOSE button to save your port settings. The default
settings for communicating with the AC2000A-S will be COM1, 4800 Baud,
8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit, No flow control. The only parameter that can
be changed is the COM Port selection. The other parameters should be
configured as specified.
Figure 3 - COM Configuration

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Once the communication is established between the AC2000A software and
the AC2000A-S, the Main window should display the current state of the
AC2000A-S. Any change made either from the front panel or from the
GUI will be updated accordingly. Any selection can be made by clicking
on the buttons in the picture just like you were pressing them on the front
panel. Selections can also be made by selecting the appropriate options
under the Tools menu.
The Toolbar menu as shown in Figure 5 will have buttons enabled or
disabled according to the current state of the AC2000A-S.
EDID information read from the device connected to the senders INPUT
DVI connector, receivers OUTPUT DVI connector, from previously stored
information in memory such as EMULATE DEFAULT or EMULATE
LEARNED, or from an opened data file will be shown in a window similar
to Figure 6.
If no device is connected to either senders INPUT DVI connector or the
receivers OUTPUT DVI connector, or no information is stored in memory,
all FF hex characters will be shown.
Figure 4 – Main
Figure 5 – Toolbar Menu

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Figure 6 – EDID Info
The AC2000A software allows the user to either save the displayed EDID
info as a data file or to upload it to the AC2000A-S as either EMULATE
DEFAULT or EMULATE LEARNED. The process is shown in the
following figures.
The EDID info data file can be viewed or edited using an EDID editor.
There is a freeware included in the AC2000A installation CD.
Figure 9 – Save As dialogFigure 8 – Uploading Message
Figure 7 – Upload Options

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4. Connection Chart
The AC2000A-S will support the following resolutions and maximum
cable lengths.
Cable Type
Cat5e Cat6
PC
640x480 200 ft 300 ft
800x600 200 ft 300 ft
1024x768 200 ft 300 ft
1280x1024 150 ft 200 ft
1366x768 150 ft 200 ft
1600x1200 100 ft 150 ft
1920x1080 100 ft 150ft
HDTV
480p / 576p 200 ft 300 ft
720p 200 ft 300 ft
1080i 200 ft 300 ft
Resolution
1080p 100 ft 150 ft