Black Box Wizard ACU50 A Series User manual

Wizard™ Multimedia Extenders
USER GUIDE

®
NETWORK SERVICES
®
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]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
FEBRUARY 2006
ACU50XXA

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SECT 1
Contents
Welcome
Introduction.................................................................................2
Standard Wizard AVU models................................................2
Further expansion...................................................................3
Transmitter cascading ........................................................3
Module mixing........................................................................3
Receiver cascading .............................................................3
What’s in the box ........................................................................4
What you may additionally need ...............................................4
Module features ..........................................................................5
Installation
Locations ......................................................................................6
Mounting .....................................................................................7
Using the self adhesive feet ...................................................7
Using the rear mounting slot.................................................7
Using the optional rack mount chassis..................................8
Making standard connections ....................................................9
Connections at the transmitter..............................................9
Connections at the receiver .................................................12
Making cascade connections ....................................................14
Important limitations when cascading................................14
Cascade connection examples..............................................14
Cascading transmitters .........................................................15
Cascading receivers (Wizard AVU5111A only) ....................16
Operation
Indicators ...................................................................................17
Adjustments...............................................................................17
Brightness and sharpness adjustments................................17
Skew compensation adjustments (AVU5111A only)...........18
Further information
Troubleshooting ........................................................................20
Getting assistance......................................................................20
Safety information ....................................................................21
Products in the Wizard AVU range ..........................................21
Emissions and Immunity............................................................22
Normas Ociales Mexicanas (NOM) statement .......................23
Instrucciones de seguridad ..............................................23
BlackBox subsidiary contact details..........................................25

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SECT 2
Welcome
Introduction
The Wizard AVU range of multimedia extenders are designed and built
specically for use wherever high quality video and sound must be faithfully
reproduced at distant locations. Mindful of the need for variety and exibility to
suit disparate installations, we have created a family of products that can full
your current requirements and be easily expanded at any future stage.
Standard Wizard AVU models
There are two different Wizard AVU transmitter and receiver module types
available, the choice of each depends upon the quantity and types of devices
that need to be driven:
Wizard AVU5010A pair
The Wizard AVU5010A package provides a single transmitter and single
receiver capable of directly supporting two remote display and speaker sets.
The transmitter can additionally support a local monitor and speaker set located
adjacent to the source system. Expansion is made possible by connecting
further similar transmitters to the original module, each supporting their own
receiver modules. The standard transmitter and receiver
modules are also available separately and are known as
the AVU5001A (transmitter) and AVU5011A (receiver)
respectively.
Wizard AVU5004A and AVU5111A
The Wizard AVU5004A transmitter and multiple AVU5111A modules are
designed to provide potentially enormous expansion possibilities from the
outset. Each AVU5004A transmitter is capable of directly feeding up to four
AVU5111A receivers. Each receiver supports two remote display and speakers
sets, but additionally can also drive a further three
receivers and their respective displays/speakers.
Additional expansion is also possible by connecting
further AVU5004A transmitters to the original module,
each supporting their own multiple AVU5111A
receiver modules.
Wizard AVU5010A transmitter and receiver pair driving two remote
displays and speakers in addition to a local monitor and speaker set
Wizard AVU5004A transmitter and four AVU5111A
(or AVU5011A) receivers driving up to eight
remote displays and speakers in addition to a local
monitor and speaker set

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Further expansion
Transmitter cascading
As mentioned earlier, the AVU5001A
and AVU5004A transmitters
are both capable of supporting
additional transmitter modules (and
their subsequent receivers). This
is achieved using the video and
audio out ports
to provide the
inputs into the
next transmitter
module, and so
on. A limit of
three cascade
connections
(comprising both
transmitter and/or
receiver cascades)
is possible within
any branch of the
system.
Receiver cascading
This method of expansion is limited
to the AVU5111A receivers as
only they are equipped with the
necessary LINK OUT cascade port.
Using the LINK OUT port, the video
and audio signals are transferred via
CATx cabling to the next
receiver. This receiver can
then drive its own dual
display/speaker sets as
well as provide a further
LINK OUT to a third and
nal AVU5111A receiver.
A limit of three cascade
connections (comprising
both transmitter and/or
receiver cascades) is
possible within any branch
of the system.
Either of the Wizard AVU transmitters can be connected
in cascade to provide further audio and video expansion
opportunities
The Wizard AVU5111A receivers offer the further
benet of receiver cascading to provide multiple
audio and video outputs on every branch
Module mixing
Most of the Wizard AVU modules can be mixed together in various
combinations quite freely. For instance, an AVU5004A transmitter can drive
mixtures of AVU5011A and AVU5111A receivers. Similarly, an AVU5001A
transmitter can control single or cascaded AVU5111A receivers. An AVU5011A
receiver can also be cascaded from an AVU5111A receiver, although the reverse
is not true.

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For each Wizard module:
Power supply adapter
and country-specic
mains cable
Self adhesive
rubber feet
Video cable to connect a
transmitter to the source PC
and optionally to connect
additional transmitter
modules in cascade.
What’s in the box What you may additionally need
Wizard
AV5001A
transmitter*
Wizard
AVU5011A
receiver*
* The Wizard
AV5001A and
AVU5011A are packaged
as a transmitter and receiver pair
(AVU5010A) as well as being available
separately. The Wizard AVU5004A and
AVU5111A modules are only available
separately.
Stereo audio cable to
connect a transmitter to the
source PC and optionally
to connect additional
transmitter modules in
cascade.
CD-ROM containing
skew test pattern
and documentation
For part numbers of other items, please also refer to the
section Products in the Wizard range.

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Module features
Transmitter module
(AVU5004A model pictured)
Power supply connection
Local
video
output Local
audio
output
Video
input
from
source
PC
Audio
input
from
source
PC
Link output to receiver 1
Link outputs to
receivers 2, 3 & 4
(AVU5004A only)
Indicators
Receiver module
(AVU5111A model pictured)
Power
supply
connection
Link output to
cascaded receiver
(AVU5111A only)
Indicators
Link input from
transmitter (or
cascade input)
Audio output to speakers
Video output
to display
Audio output to speakers
Video output to display
Variation for
AVU5001A transmitter
Single link out
connector
Brightness control
Sharpness control
Skew adjusters
(not AVU5011A)
Variation for
AVU5011A receiver
Single link in
connector
(also no skew
compensation adjusters)

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Installation
Locations
Please consider the following important points when planning the positions of
your Wizard modules:
• Take care not to exceed the maximum link cable lengths (please refer to the
section Making cascade connections).
• Ensure that the transmitters are as close as possible to the source PC system
and the receivers are similarly close to the display modules. Use video
connection cables that are correctly shielded and are no longer than 6m in
length.
• Wherever possible, choose routes for the CATx twisted pair link cables that
avoid mains power cables.
• Remember a mains power socket is required for each transmitter and
receiver.
• Consult the precautions listed within the Safety information section.
SECT 3

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Using the rear mounting slot
The slot at the rear of each module allows it to be hung upon a xed screw that
protrudes from the mounting surface.
IMPORTANT: The internal circuit board is accessible through the mounting slot.
Ensure that any mounting screws protrudes no further than ” (12.5mm) into
the module casing - serious electrical damage will be caused if the screw makes
contact with the internal circuitry.
5mm ( )
0.19"
9.5mm 0.37"( )
Using the self adhesive feet
Apply the supplied self-
adhesive rubber feet to the
underside corners of the
Wizard modules.
Mounting
Before you begin connecting to the source PC system and display devices, it
is advisable to mount the Wizard modules in place. There are a number of
mounting possibilities for the transmitter and receiver modules:
• On a horizontal surface using the supplied self adhesive feet,
• Mounted on a screw using the rear slot,
• Within the optional rack mount chassis,
• On inclined surfaces using self adhesive Velcro© strips (not supplied).

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Using the optional rack mount chassis
1 Place the supplied rack plate onto the front of the transmitter or receiver
module and secure it with the countersunk screws.
2 Orient the module on its side so that its labelled face is the correct way up
and the securing plate is facing away from the rack.
3 Slide the module into the required rack position.
4 The rack mount chassis has a series of holes in its oor that are spaced
to accommodate the screws on the module’s lower edge. Ensure that the
screws correctly locate into the holes of the chosen slot. The rack securing
plate on the module should now be ush with the front of the rack mount
chassis.
5 Use the supplied (pan-head) screws, in the top hole of the rack securing
plate to fasten the module to the rack.

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Making standard connections
Connections to the Wizard modules do not need to follow the precise order
given in this user guide although it is recommended that you do not apply
power to the modules until all other connections have been made.
Note: Unless stated otherwise, all connection information given here applies to
all modules in the Wizard AVU family.
Connections at the transmitter
To connect video and audio from the source PC system
1 Attach a video cable of suitable type and length (fully shielded with 15 way
male D-type connectors at both ends, 6 feet or less) to the socket labelled
IN
on the Wizard transmitter.
2 Attach the other end of the video cable to the appropriate VGA
video output socket on the source PC system.
3 Attach a stereo audio cable (shielded with three way
3.5mm jack plugs at both ends) to the socket
labelled
IN
on the Wizard transmitter.
4 Attach the other end of the stereo audio
cable to the appropriate audio
output socket on the source PC
system.
To connect a monitor and speakers
The video and audio out ports of the Wizard transmitter can optionally be used
either to:
• Attach a monitor and/or speakers in the vicinity of the source PC system
– See below,
or
• Make a cascade link to another transmitter module – Please refer to the
section Making cascade connections – Cascading transmitters.
1 Attach the video cable from the monitor to the socket labelled
OUT
on the Wizard transmitter.
2 Attach the stereo audio cable from the speakers to the
socket labelled
OUT
on the Wizard transmitter.

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To connect the link cable(s)
The links between the transmitter and receiver modules are made using between
one and four twisted pair cables, specied to Category 5 or higher. Each cable
carries video and audio signals to each receiver module.
When a single receiver is attached to a link cable, the maximum length of that
link cable is 300m (1000 feet).
Wizard AVU5004A models
1 Attach the connector of the rst link cable to the socket
labelled LINK1 on the Wizard AVU5004A transmitter.
There should be a click when the cable is fully
inserted and locked in place.
2 Attach the connectors of the remaining
link cables to the sockets labelled
LINK2 to LINK4, as required.
In all cases, there should be
a click when the cable is fully
inserted and locked in place.
However, if further receivers are connected in cascade to the initial receiver using
its LINK OUT port (Wizard AVU5111A models only), then the overall length of the
link cables used must be reduced. For further information, please refer to the
section Making cascade connections.
NOTE: Where possible, avoid laying the twisted pair link cable(s) alongside
power cables.
Wizard AVU5001A models
1 Attach the connector of the link cable to the socket labelled
LINK on the Wizard AVU5001A transmitter. There should
be a click when the cable is fully inserted and
locked in place.

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To connect the power supply
NOTE: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety information given within
the Safety information section of this guide. In particular, do not use an
unearthed power socket or extension cord.
1 Attach the output connector of the power supply to the
socket labelled POWER on the Wizard transmitter.
2 Insert the IEC connector of the power cord into
the corresponding socket of the power
supply.
3 When all other connections have
been made at the transmitter
and receiver modules, connect
the other end of the power
cord to a nearby earthed
mains socket.

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Link in
The link from the transmitter to each receiver module is made using a twisted
pair cable, specied to Category 5 or higher.
When a single receiver is attached to a link cable, the maximum length of that
link cable is 300 metres (1000 feet).
However, if further receivers are connected in cascade to the initial receiver
(using the LINK OUT port – Wizard AVU5111A modules only), then the overall
length of the link cables used must be reduced. For further information, please
refer to the section Making cascade connections.
NOTE: Where possible, avoid laying the twisted pair link cable(s) alongside
power cables.
1 Attach the connector of the link cable to the socket labelled
LINK IN on the Wizard receiver. There should be a click
when the cable is fully inserted and locked in
place.
Connections at the receiver
To connect displays and speakers
Dual video and audio outputs are provided on the Wizard receiver. Both sets of
ports provide identical signals and their connection procedures are the same:
1 Attach the video cable from the display module to the socket
labelled
OUT
on the Wizard receiver.
2 Attach the stereo audio cable from the speakers
(or amplier) to the socket labelled
OUT
on the
Wizard receiver.

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To connect the power supply
NOTE: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety information given within
the Safety information section of this guide. In particular, do not use an
unearthed power socket or extension cord.
1 Attach the output connector of the power supply to the
socket labelled POWER on the Wizard receiver.
2 Insert the IEC connector of the power cord into
the corresponding socket of the power
supply.
3 When all other connections have
been made at the transmitter
and receiver modules, connect
the other end of the power
cord to a nearby earthed
mains socket.

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Making cascade connections
The Wizard AVU series of products have been specically designed to be exible
in order to support both your immediate and future needs for media streaming.
In addition to the standard connections made from transmitters to receivers,
you can also link extra transmitters to transmitters and/or receivers to receivers
in order to provide more display/speaker outputs. These non-standard links are
called cascade connections.
Important limitations when cascading
• There should never be more than three cascade connections between the
primary transmitter (the one connected to the source PC) and any receiver.
The cascade connections can all occur at the transmitter end or all at the
receiver end (AVU5111A modules only) or at a mixture of both.
• Each cascade connection reduces the overall link length permissible from a
transmitter to the nal receiver in a branch. To calculate the recommended
overall maximum link length for a branch, count the number of cascade
connections between the primary transmitter and the nal receiver in that
branch. The effects of cascade connections on overall branch link lengths are
as follows:
Number of cascade connections Overall length of links for a branch
(in a branch) (from transmitter to furthest receiver)
0 300m (1000 feet)
1 250m (800 feet)
2 200m (650 feet)
3 175m (600 feet)
Notes
The lengths of transmitter cascade (video) connections should never be
longer than 2m (6 feet) and can be considered to have a negligible effect
upon overall link lengths.
The maximum resolutions achievable are: 1600 x 1200 x 60Hz at 200m
and 1280 x 1024 x 60Hz at 300m. If you are using lower resolutions then it
may be possible to achieve longer transmission distances than shown in the
above table although we do not recommend runs longer than 300 metres
(1000 feet) in any installation. If you are running shorter cables then it may
be possible to use more cascades than shown in the above table.
Cascade connection examples
These examples demonstrate valid congurations and the effect of cascade
connections upon overall link lengths:

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Cascading transmitters
Expansion at the transmitter end
is achieved using the video and
audio output ports. The signals
from these ports are connected to
the video and audio inputs of the
next transmitter and so on. Wizard
AVU5001A and AVU5004A
transmitters can be mixed in a
cascade in any order using the
method discussed here.
NOTE: Ensure that there are no more than
three cascades (transmitter or receiver cascades)
between the primary transmitter and the furthest
receiver in any branch.
To connect cascaded transmitters
1 Attach a video cable of suitable type and length (fully shielded with
15 way male D-type connectors at both ends, 6 feet or less) to the
socket labelled
OUT
on the primary Wizard transmitter.
2 Attach the other end of the video cable to the socket
labelled
IN
on the secondary Wizard transmitter.
3 Attach a stereo audio cable (shielded with three way
3.5mm jack plugs at both ends) to the socket
labelled
OUT
on the primary Wizard transmitter.
4 Attach the other end of the stereo audio cable
to the socket labelled
IN
on the secondary
Wizard transmitter.
5 Repeat such cascade links until the
required number of transmitters (up to a
maximum of four) are present. Connect
the remaining signal and power cables
to the added transmitters (and their
respective receivers) as discussed earlier
within this chapter.
Primary transmitter
Secondary transmitter

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Cascading receivers (Wizard AVU5111A only)
Expansion at the receiver end is made possible using
the LINK OUT ports present on Wizard AVU5111A
receivers. Receiver cascade links are made using
twisted pair cables, specied to Category 5 or higher.
NOTE: Ensure that there are no more than three
cascades (transmitter or receiver cascades)
between the primary transmitter and the
furthest receiver in any branch.
Video image adjustments
As link cable lengths increase
and more receivers are
cascaded, color separation
effects may become noticeable
within displayed video images,
particularly at higher resolutions.
These effects are called ‘skew’
and result from differing
delays on the red, green and
blue color signals as they travel
to the receivers. Each Wizard
AVU5111A receiver provides
two extra adjustment dials to
counter skew effects. For further
information, please refer to the
section Skew compensation
adjustments.
To connect cascaded receivers
NOTE: Please observe the recommended overall link cable lengths
(including receiver cascade connections) in order to avoid signal
degradation.
1 Attach the connector of the cascade link cable to the socket
labelled LINK OUT on the primary Wizard AVU5111A receiver.
2 At the other end of the cascade link cable, attach the
connector to the socket labelled LINK IN on the secondary
Wizard AVU5111A receiver.
In all cases, there should be a click when the cable is fully
inserted and locked in place.
3 If necessary, repeat the above procedure for a tertiary
Wizard AVU5111A receiver.
4 Connect the remaining signal and power cables to the added
receivers, as discussed earlier within this chapter.
Primary receiver
Secondary receiver

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®
Operation
In operation, the Wizard modules are designed to be completely transparent
- high quality video and audio from the source PC system are played as normal,
the only difference is that they are now being seen and heard up to 1000 feet
away.
Indicators
All Wizard modules are equipped
with two indicators to conrm
operation and, if necessary, assist
with quick troubleshooting of
potential problems.
The indicators are located on one of
the end panels, near to the LINK port and
operate as follows:
• RED When lit, indicates the presence
of power into the module,
• GREEN When lit, indicates the
presence of a video input into the
module.
Brightness and sharpness adjustments
The brightness and sharpness adjustments
provided on every Wizard receiver allow you
to compensate for any losses incurred within
long cable links. These two adjustments can
be made in any order and independently of
each other.
When making adjustments it is necessary to
have access to the Wizard receiver and to be
able to view one or both connected display
screens. Both adjustments, sharpness in
particular, are made easier when viewing high
contrast images with vertical edges, such as
black lines on a white background.
NOTE: Both video outputs are equally affected by your brightness and/or
sharpness adjustments.
To display a suitable high contrast image
• Open a word processor, type the capital
letter ‘H’, or ‘M’ and increase the point
size to 72 or higher. For best results, the
background should be white and the
character should be black.
• A BLACK shadow on the right of the
character indicates UNDER compensation.
• A WHITE shadow on the right of the
character indicates OVER compensation.
Sharpness dial
Brightness dial
High contrast
black character
on white
background
Black or bright
white shadow
on the right
indicates the need
for sharpness
adjustment
Adjustments
Video signals are susceptible to the effects of long distance cables and for this
reason, every Wizard receiver includes brightness and sharpness adjustment
dials. Additionally, Wizard AVU5111A receivers are also equipped with two extra
dials to eliminate the effects of color skew within the video image.
To adjust brightness and/or sharpness
1 Carefully insert a small screwdriver into the dial labelled BRIGHT or SHARP, as
appropriate.
2 Slowly turn the dial clockwise or anticlockwise and observe the effect shown
on the screen. Withdraw the screwdriver when the displayed image is shown
at its optimum clarity.
3 If necessary, repeat step 2 for the other dial.
SECT 4

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®
Skew compensation adjustments (AVU5111A only)
The twisted pair cabling used to link
the Wizard modules consists of four
pairs of wires per cable. Three of
these pairs are used to convey the
red, green and blue video signals.
Due to slight differences in twist
rate between the wire pairs, the
red, green and blue video signals
may not arrive at precisely the
same time. This effect is visible as
separate color shadows on high
contrast images and is particularly
apparent when using higher screen
resolutions over long distances and
also when using certain types of
category 5e cables.
Skew compensation adjustments are made using two rotary dials, the rst
affects the relationship between the green and blue color signals (SKEW GB)
while the second (SKEW RG)
operates similarly on the red and
green signals. Each dial delays
one of its stated colors in relation
to the other. By using both dials
it is possible to correctly align all
three colors. The effects of skew
are easiest to view and adjust
when distinct red, green and blue
elements, in close proximity, are
present within the screen image.
An appropriate test pattern is
supplied on the Wizard CD-ROM or
alternatively you can create your own test pattern as discussed opposite.
NOTE: Both video outputs are equally affected by your skew adjustments.
SKEW RG dial
SKEW GB dial
To create a skew test pattern
1 Run any image creation/editing application, such as the Paint program
supplied with Windows.
2 Using the image application create three
stacked horizontal rectangles (one red, one
green and one blue) that ll the width of
the screen.
3 Draw a vertical black line down across
the colored bars and then repeat this
vertical line at intervals along the width
of the colored bars. These lines create
breaks across the colors and give you
more opportunities to view the horizontal
position of each color relative to the others.
To display the supplied skew test pattern
1 Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD
player of the computer.
2 Within Windows, use the My Computer
option (usually available as a desktop icon
or within the Start menu) to view the
contents of the CD-ROM. Double-click
the Skew entry to display the standard
test pattern. If necessary, maximise the
application window so that the image lls
the screen.
The screen will show a series of ne red,
green and blue crosses which should all be in line, vertically and horizontally-
skew affects the horizontal placement of the colors.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
8
6
5
2
8
6
5
2
Data signal
Red
video signal
Green
video signal
Blue
video signal
7
3
4
1
7
3
4
1

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®
To zero the skew adjustment dials
When supplied, the two skew dials are set in
their neutral positions. i.e. no delay to either
of its colors. However, if the module has been
previously used and adjusted then you may
need to relocate the zero point. There are no
setting markers around the two skew dials and
the dial itself does not have a pointer.
1 Insert a small screwdriver into the skew
dial and twist it all the way anticlockwise.
Note the position of the dial when it
reaches its end point.
2 Rotate the screwdriver fully clockwise and
again note the endpoint position of the
dial.
3 Now rotate the screw driver counterclockwise until the dial reaches the
position that lies midway between the two end points. This is the neutral
position.
4 Repeat this procedure for the other skew dial, if necessary.
0
(no compensation)
Max Max
To adjust the skew compensation
Your chances of achieving a successful skew compensation adjustment will be
improved if you do the following:
• Ensure that you have a clear view of one or both display screens,
• Display a suitable RGB test pattern, either the supplied pattern or a self-
created version,
• Use a screwdriver of an appropriate size to adjust the dials,
• Begin with both skew dials in their neutral positions - if the module has
been previously used and skew adjusted for an alternative installation, zero
the dials as described in the section ‘To zero the skew adjustment dials’ left.
0
(no compensation)
Skew RG Skew GB
0
(no compensation)
Delay
RED
Delay
GREEN
Delay
GREEN
Delay
BLUE
1 Turn the SKEW RG dial clockwise or counterclockwise until you observe that
the red and green colors are aligned.
2 Turn the SKEW GB dial clockwise or counterclockwise until you observe that
the green and blue colors are aligned.
3 Your actions in step 2 may alter the Red/Green alignment. If so, go back to
the SKEW RG dial and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise until you observe
that the Red and Green colors are aligned, at which point all of the colors
will be aligned.