Black Box AC555A User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2008. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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 2008
AC555A
AC555A-4
AC555A-REM
AC556A
VGA Extender
VGA Extender with Audio
VGA Extender - Local
VGA VGA
ACTIVE
POWER

1
FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS
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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VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
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.

3
NOM STATEMENT
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.

4
VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB
Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3 What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 What You’ll Need to Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Local Unit Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 Remote Unit Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3 Connecting the Local Unit to the Remote Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.1 LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2 Equalizer Selector Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Appendix. Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
A.1 Problems/Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
A.2 Calling Black Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
A.3 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
1. Specifications
Maximum Distance: 500 ft. (152.4 m)
Resolution: Up to 1024 x 768
User Controls: (1) equalizer selector switch
Connectors: AC555A
Local: (2) VGA HD15 female out
(1) VGA HD15 male in
(1) RJ-45 female CAT5 out
(1) 5-VDC power
Remote (AC555A-REM): (2) VGA HD15 female out
(1) RJ-45 female CAT5 in
(1) 5-VDC power
Connectors: AC555A-4
Local: (2) VGA HD15 female out
(1) VGA HD15 male in
(4) RJ-45 female CAT5 out
(1) 5-VDC power
Connectors: AC556A
Local: (2) VGA HD15 female out
(1) VGA HD15 male in
(1) RJ-45 female CAT5 out
(1) 5-VDC power
(1) Stereo jack audio female in
(2) Stereo jack audio female out
Remote: (2) VGA HD15 female out
(1) RJ-45 female CAT5 in
(1) 5-VDC power
(2) Stereo jack audio female out
Indicators: On each local and remote unit: (1) Power, (1) Active
Power: 5 VDC, 600 mA
Size: AC555A (Local Unit), AC555A-REM: 0.6"H x 3.3"W x 2.3"D
(1.5 x 8.4 x 5.8 cm);
AC555A-4 (4-port local unit): 0.75"H x 2.5"W x 4"D (1.9 x 6.4 x 10.2 cm);
AC556A (each unit): 0.6"H x 4.1"W x 2.3"D (1.5 x 10.4 x 5.8 cm)

7
CHAPTER 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The VGA Extender (AC555A) enables you to transmit VGA signals up to 500 feet
(152.4 m) away with resolution up to 1024 x 768. Common mode noise
suppression circuits provide superb VGA quality via CAT5, 5e, or 6 unshielded
twisted-pair cables.
The extender consists of a local unit and a remote unit. The local unit duplicates
the input signal for local use and transmits the VGA signal to the remote unit.
When the remote unit receives the VGA signal via a CAT5 RJ-45 connector, it
broadcasts the signal to two VGA outputs. A convenient Equalization (gain)
selector switch on the remote unit gives you optimum signal clarity, depending on
the length of the CAT5, 5e, or 6 cable.
You can also order a 4-port local unit and 1-port remote units separately:
• 4-Port Transmitter Only (Local Unit), part number AC555A-4
• Receiver Only (Remote Unit), part number AC555A-REM
The VGA Extender with Audio (AC556A) has all the functions of the AC555A plus
it includes an audio signal.
Both extender pairs are ideal for public broadcasting, exhibits, retail stores,
courtrooms, stock tickers, bus stations, and many other applications.
2.2 Components
The AC556A local and remote units are pictured in Figures 2-1 and 2-2. Tables 2-1
and 2-2 list the descriptions identified by the circled numbers in Figures 2-1 and
2-2.
NOTE
The AC555A has the same components as the AC556A, except for the
audio connectors.

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VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
Figure 2-1. VGA Extender with Audio, local unit.
Table 2-1. Connectors, indicators, and user controls on the local unit.
Component Description
Power connector 5-VDC power input
RJ-45 connector CAT5 output to a remote unit
HD15 input connector VGA input from a VGA source
Audio input connector Audio input from an audio source
Two audio output connectors Audio output to speakers
Two HD15 output connectors VGA output to monitors
❶
❷
❸
❺
❻
❹
❶
❷
❸
❺❺❻
❹
❻
Back
panel
Front
panel

9
CHAPTER 2: Overview
Figure 2-2. VGA Extender with Audio, remote unit.
Table 2-2. Connectors, indicators, and user controls on the remote unit.
Component Description
Power connector 5-VDC power input
RJ-45 connector CAT5 input from a local unit
Equalizer selector switch Optimizes signal clarity
Two audio output connectors Audio output to speakers
Two HD15 output connectors VGA output to monitors
2.3 What’s Included
Your packages should include the following items. If anything is missing or
damaged, please contact Black Box at 724-746-5500.
AC555A
• (1) Local unit
• (1) Remote unit
❼
❿
❾
❽
11
11 11
❼
❿❿
❾❽
Back
panel
Front
panel

10
VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
• (2) Power supplies, one for each unit
• (1) VGA cable (male-female)
• This user’s manual
AC555A-4
• (1) Local unit
• (1) Power supply
• (1) VGA cable (male-female)
• This user’s manual
AC555A-REM
• (1) Remote unit
• (1) Power supply
• (1) VGA cable (male-female)
• This user’s manual
AC556A
• (1) Local unit
• (1) Remote unit
• (2) Power supplies, one for each unit
• (1) VGA cable (male-female)
• (1) Audio cable
• This user’s manual
2.4 What You’ll Need to Supply
• (1) VGA source, such as a monitor
• Category 5, 5e, or 6 cables, straight-pinned to the EIA/TIA 568A or 568B
industry standard

11
3. Installation
You’ll need one local and one remote unit (AC555A includes a 1-port local unit
and a 1-port remote unit). You can also order a 4-port local unit (AC555A-4) and
1-port remote units (AC555A-REM) separately. You’ll also need a VGA source such
as a PC (not included), Category 5, 5e, or 6 cable (not included), and power
supplies (one for each unit, included). Follow the steps listed on the next page and
refer to Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 3-1 as you install the extenders.
The AC556A accepts one stereo signal (the left and right channels) input on an
audio jack (similar to a computer). The stereo signal is broadcast to the two local
audio outputs and is “mixed” together to form a mono signal before transmitting
to a remote unit via CAT5, 5e, or 6 cable. Therefore, the left channel and the right
channel audio signals at a remote unit are the same.
After all connections are secure, you may plug the power adapters into the local
and remote units’ power receptacles; then plug the power adapters into AC outlets.
CHAPTER 3: Installation

12
VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
Figure 3-1. Typical installation.
3.1 Local Unit Connections
1. Make sure that all devices that you will connect to the extenders are powered
off.
NOTE
If you are unsure of what type of cable or cable length to use, call
Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
2. Using the included VGA cable, connect the local unit’s HD15 input
connector (labeled ❸in Figure 2-1) to the VGA source (for example, a PC).
3. Using the monitors’ cables, connect two output monitors to the local unit’s
HD15 output connectors (labeled ❻ in Figure 2-1).
11
Local PC
Monitors
Speakers Speakers
CAT5, 5e, or 6
cable
Remote unit
Local unit
Power
supply
Power
supply
Monitors
Speakers Speakers

13
4. Using audio cable, connect the local unit’s audio input connector (labeled ❹
in Figure 2-1) to the VGA source’s audio connector. (This step does not apply
to the AC555A and AC555A-4; they do not support audio connections.)
5. Connect the local unit’s two audio output connectors (labeled ❺in Figure
2-1) to two sets of speakers. (This step does not apply to the AC555A and
AC555A-4; they do not support audio connections.)
3.2 Remote Unit Connections
6. Using the monitors’ cables, connect two output monitors to the remote unit’s
HD15 output connectors (labeled in Figure 2-2).
7. Connect the remote unit’s audio output connectors (labeled ❿in Figure 2-2)
to the VGA source’s audio connectors. (This step does not apply to the
AC555A and AC555A-REM; they do not support audio connections.)
3.3 Connecting the Local Unit to the Remote Unit
8. Using Category 5, 5e, or 6 cable, connect the local unit’s CAT5 output port
(labeled ❷in Figure 2-1) to the remote unit’s CAT5 input port (labeled ❽in
Figure 2-2).
9. Connect each unit’s power supply to its power supply connector (the local
power connector is labeled ❶in Figure 2-1, and the remote power connector
is labeled ❼in Figure 2-2).
10. Power on the local and remote units.
CHAPTER 3: Installation
11

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VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
4. Operation
Once the VGA Extender is installed, monitor the extender’s operation via its LEDs.
Also, use the equalizer selector switch to adjust the VGA signal for various cable
lengths and characteristics.
4.1 LEDs
There are two LEDs on each unit. On the local unit, the Power LED lights when
proper power is supplied to the unit. The Active LED lights when the extender
detects a VGA input signal.
On the remote unit, the Power LED lights when the unit is properly powered. The
Active LED lights when the extender properly decodes VGA signals for the two
local HD15 VGA ports. If the AC556A is used to transmit audio signals only, the
Active LED never turns on.
4.2 Equalizer Selector Switch
Adjust the equalizer selector switch on the remote unit (labeled ❾in Figure 2-2)
for optimum video signals for various cable lengths. Choose from the four lengths
listed in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1. Equalizer selector switch settings.
CAT5, 5e, or 6 Cable Length Equalizer Selector Switch Position
0–131 feet (0–40 m) –
131–262 feet (40–80 m) – –
262–394 feet (80–120 m) – – –
394–525 feet (120–160 m) – – – –

15
APPENDIX: Troubleshooting
Appendix. Troubleshooting
A.1 Problems/Solutions
Problem: No VGA signals are received at the remote unit.
Solution: Make sure that both the local and remote units are powered on. The
Active LED will light on both units to indicate that the signal is correct.
Problem: The VGA signal is garbled.
Solution: Make sure that the wires inside the cable conform to the straight-pinned
EIA/TIA 568A or 568B standard.
Problem: The Active LED on the remote unit is always off.
Solution: The Active LED on the local unit must be on. Check the CAT5, 5e, or 6
cable wiring. Make sure that the Power LED on the remote unit is on.
Problem: The VGA quality changes when you change cables.
Solution: Use the equalizer selector switch to adjust the VGA signal for various
cable lengths and characteristics.
Problem: There’s no audio signal at the remote unit.
Solution: Make sure that the volume is high enough.

16
VGA EXTENDER, VGA EXTENDER WITH AUDIO
A.2 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your VGA Extender or VGA Extender with Audio 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:
• 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.
A.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your VGA Extender or VGA Extender with Audio:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are shipping the VGA Extender or VGA Extender with Audio 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.