Black Box AC150A-2 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]
DECEMBER 2001
AC150A-2 AC150AE-2
AC150A-4 AC150AE-4
AC151A-REM AC151AE-REM
CAT5 Audio/Video Splitters
(2-Channel Hub, 4-Channel Hub, and
Remote)

1
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.
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment complies with the requirements of the European EMC Directive
89/336/EEC.
FCC/IC RFI STATEMENTS, EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

2
CAT5 AUDIO/VIDEO SPLITTERS
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
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.
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks of Black Box
Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.
NOM STATEMENT, TRADEMARKS

4
CAT5 AUDIO/VIDEO SPLITTERS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 5
2. Introduction ............................................................................................... 7
2.1 Overview .............................................................................................. 7
2.2 Features ............................................................................................... 7
2.3 The Complete Package ....................................................................... 8
2.4 The Splitter Illustrated ....................................................................... 9
3. Installation ................................................................................................ 10
3.1 Before You Install .............................................................................. 10
3.2 Making Connections to the Local Splitter ...................................... 10
3.3 Making Connections to Each Remote ............................................. 12
4. Operation ................................................................................................. 13
5. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 14
5.1 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 14
5.2 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 14

5
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Compliance: CE; FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, IC Class/classe A
Standards: Video: VGA, SVGA, and XGA
Interfaces: VGA compatible video, 3.5-mm stereo audio, and a
proprietary composite of both of these
Video
Characteristics: Signal: Analog RGB, 0.7 volts peak-to-peak;
Impedance: 75 ohms;
Horizontal frequencies supported: 30 to 100 kHz;
Vertical frequencies (refresh rates) supported: 43 to
100 Hz;
Maximum resolution: 1280 x 1024 at 75 Hz;
Synchronization: TTL compatible, horizontal and
vertical positive/negative sync
Audio
Characteristics: Frequency response: 20 Hz to 16 kHz (at –3 dB);
Signal levels (Vin Vout maximum): 2 volts peak-to-peak
Maximum
Distance: 16.4 ft. (5 m) from a Hub or Remote to any attached
video or audio device;
360 ft. (110 m) of CAT5 cabling between the Hub and
the Remotes
User Control: Rear-mounted ON/OFF rocker switch;
On Remote only: Rear-mounted screwdial for focus
Indicator: Rear-mounted power LED
Connectors: On Hubs:
(1) HD15 male to the video-source device;
(1) HD15 female to the local monitor;
(2) 3.5-mm audio jacks: (1) to the audio-source device,
(1) to the local speakers or headphones;
(1) 4-pin DIN female power inlet;
RJ-45 female to Remotes:
AC150A(E)-2: (2);
AC150A(E)-4: (4);

6
CAT5 AUDIO/VIDEO SPLITTERS
Connectors:
(continued) On each Remote:
(1) HD15 female to a remote monitor;
(1) 3.5-mm audio jack to remote speakers or
headphones;
(1) 4-pin DIN female power inlet;
(1) RJ-45 female to Hub
Temperature
Tolerance: Operating: 32 to 122˚F (0 to 50˚C);
Storage: –40 to +158˚F (–40 to +70˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance: Up to 90% noncondensing at up to 86˚F (30˚C)
Enclosure: Steel
Power: Input:
From utility-power (mains) outlet, through detachable
power cord and IEC 320 male inlet, to external
transformer:
AC150A, AC151A models: 110 VAC at 60 Hz;
AC150AE, AC151AE models: 220 VAC at 50 Hz;
Output: 9 VAC at 2 amp from transformer to chassis
Size: Hubs: 1.2"H x 8.8"W x 3"D (3 x 22.4 x 7.8 cm);
Remotes: 1.2"H x 6.2"W x 3"D (3 x 15.7 x 7.8 cm)
Weight: Hubs: 1 lb. (0.5 kg);
Remotes: 0.6 lb. (0.3 kg)

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
2. Introduction
2.1 Overview
The CAT5 Audio/Video Splitter simultaneously broadcasts audio and video signals
over Category 5 twisted-pair cable to as many as four remote monitors and speakers
up to 360 ft. (110 m) away. It consists of a Hub that you’ll connect to your PC or
other video- and audio-source device(s), plus up to four Remotes that you’ll place
near your monitors, speakers, or other video- and audio-destination device(s).
There are four Hub models. The AC150A-2 and AC150AE-2 have two RJ-45 jacks
and can send audio and video to two Remotes. The AC150A-4 and AC150AE-4
have four RJ-45 jacks and can send audio and video to as many as four Remotes.
There are two Remote models, AC150A-REM and AC150AE-REM. The Hub and
Remote models with the “A” infix in their product codes use 110-VAC power; the
models with the “AE” infix use 220-VAC power.
2.2 Features
• Transmits both audio and video signals between your local and remote
locations over CAT5 cable.
• Supports cabling distances up to 360 ft. (110 m).
• Transparent hardware solution—nothing to configure and no software to run.
• Supports high resolution monitors (1280x1024).
• Compatible with all major brands of sound cards.
• Cascadable.
• Picture-focus adjustment at remote sites.

8
CAT5 AUDIO/VIDEO SPLITTERS
2.3 The Complete Package
Each Splitter Hub or Remote comes with:
• A 110-VAC (“A” models) or 220-VAC (“AE” models) external power-supply
transformer.
• An input cord for the transformer that’s appropriate for the outlets in your
region.
• This manual.
Each Hub also comes with:
• A 6-ft. (1.8-m) HD15 male to HD15 female VGA-extension cable to attach to
your video-source device.
• A 6-ft. (1.8-m) stereo audio-extension cable with 3.5-mm plugs to attach to
your audio-source device.

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.4 The Splitter Illustrated
Figure 2-1 shows a fully installed 4-channel Splitter system.
Figure 2-1. A CAT5 Audio/Video Splitter system.
Splitter Remote
Splitter Remote
Splitter Remote
Splitter Remote
Remote
monitors
Local
monitor
Local
speakers
Remote
speakers
CAT5 STP
Cables
Computer CPU,
keyboard, and
mouse
Splitter
Hub
CAT5 STP
Cables
Remote
speakers

10
CAT5 AUDIO/VIDEO SPLITTERS
3. Installation
3.1 Before You Install
• Make sure to sure the proper type of Category 5 cable. You should use 2-pair
(4-wire) 24-AWG solid-core STP (shielded twisted-pair) that’s pinned straight-
though (Pin 1 to Pin 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, etc.)
• Make sure to route your cables away from fluorescent lights, air conditioners,
and machines that are likely to generate electrical noise.
• Make sure that the distance from the Splitter Hub to each Remote unit does
not exceed the maximum cable length of 360 ft. (110 m).
3.2 Making Connections to the Hub
All of the Splitter Hub’s connectors are on its rear panel. Making sure that the
local Splitter is turned off and unplugged, connect it to devices, Remotes, and
power. (Refer to Figure 3-1 on the next page, and keep in mind that cables to
attached video and audio devices shouldn't be longer than 5 m [16.4 ft.].)
1. Run the included VGA-extension cable from the HD15 female video-output
port of your PC or other video-source device to the Hub’s HD15 male
connector labeled “VIDEO IN.” If your video-source device outputs VGA
compatible video but has some other kind of video-output connector, please
call Black Box Tech Support to discuss your application.
2. Run the included audio-extension cable from the 3.5-mm female audio-
output port, speakers port, or headphone port of your PC or other audio-
source device to the Hub’s 3.5-mm jack labeled “AUDIO” and “IN.” If your
audio-source device has the larger quarter-inch connectors typical of
commercial and industrial sound equipment, you’ll need a quarter-inch-to-
3.5-mm adapter; these are commonly available at electronics stores and
elsewhere. If your audio-source device has some other kind of audio-output
connector, please call Black Box Tech Support to discuss your application.
3. If you want to attach a local monitor or other video-destination device, plug
its cable into the Hub’s HD15 female connector labeled “LOCAL
MONITOR.”
4. If you want to attach local speakers or headphones, plug their cable into the
Hub’s 3.5-mm jack labeled “AUDIO” and “OUT.”

11
CHAPTER 3: Installation
5. Plug the CAT5 twisted-pair cables that will run to your Remotes into the
Hub’s RJ-45 jacks labeled “TO REMOTE UNIT.”
6. Plug the external transformer’s attached output cable to the Hub’s 4-pin DIN
female connector labeled “9 VAC.” Plug the IEC 320 female end of the
transformer’s input cord into the IEC 320 male inlet on the transformer. Plug
the other end of the input cord into a working AC outlet.
Figure 3-1. The rear panel of the Splitter Hub (4-channel model shown) and
its device (IBM PC shown), Remote, and power attachments.
CAT5 STP
cables to
Remotes
RJ-45 M to
Remotes 1
through 4
RJ-45 M to
ports 1
through 4
Local
monitor
Keyboard
4-pin DIN M
to Power port
Mouse
Power
supply
Stereo
audio cable
To AC
outlet
VGA video-extension cable
Local
speakers
HD15 M to Local
Monitor port
HD15 F to
Video In port
HD15 M to
VGA Out port
6-pin mini-DIN M to
keyboard and mouse ports
3.5-mm stereo plug
to Audio In port
3.5-mm stereo plug
to Speakers, Aux
Out , etc. port
3.5-mm stereo plug
to Audio Out port
Splitter
Hub
CPU

12
CAT5 AUDIO/VIDEO SPLITTERS
3.3 Making Connections to Each Remote
All of the Splitter Remote’s connectors are on its rear panel. Making sure that the
Remote is turned off and unplugged, connect it to devices, the Hub, and power.
(Refer to Figure 3-2, and keep in mind that cables to attached video and audio
devices shouldn't be longer than 5 m [16.4 ft.].)
1. Plug the remote monitor’s cable into the Remote’s HD15 female connector
labeled “MONITOR.”
2. Plug the cable from the remote speakers or headphones into the Remote’s
3.5-mm jack labeled “AUDIO OUT.”
3. Plug the CAT5 twisted-pair cable that will run to your Hub into the Remote’s
RJ-45 jacks labeled “TO CENTRAL UNIT.”
4. Plug the external transformer’s attached output cable to the Remote’s 4-pin
DIN female connector labeled “9 VAC.” Plug the IEC 320 female end of the
transformer’s input cord into the IEC 320 male inlet on the transformer. Plug
the other end of the input cord into a working AC outlet.
Figure 3-2. The rear panel of a Remote and its device, local Splitter, and
power attachments.
RJ-45 M to
Central Unit
port
RJ-45 M to
port 1, 2, 3, or 4
on Hub
Remote
monitor
4-pin DIN M
to Power port
Power
supply
To AC
outlet
HD15 M to Local
Monitor port
Splitter
Remote
CAT5 STP
cable to
Hub
Remote
speakers
3.5-mm stereo plug
to Audio Out port

13
CHAPTER 4: Operation
4. Operation
Once you’ve finished installing your CAT5 Audio/Video Splitter system as
described in Chapter 3, take these steps to begin operating the system:
1. Plug in and turn on any powered devices attached to the system, particularly
any computers.
2. Turn on the Hub and all of the Remotes using their rear-mounted power
switches. The POWER LED on their rear panels should light and any video
and audio that the Hub is receiving should be broadcast to the equipment
attached to all of the Remotes.
If the focus of the picture that appears on the screen of a monitor attached to any
Remote needs adjusting, you can use a screwdriver to turn the screwdial labeled
“PICTURE” on the Remote. (You’ll have to use trial and error to discover at what
setting of this screwdial the picture looks best.)
The Splitter system has no hardware sound controls; you will have to make
sound adjustments independently at each pair of speakers or other destination
devices, or make adjustments for all remote sites simultaneously by using the
controls of the audio-source device—for example, the Sound control panel on a
Windows®PC.
Once your Splitter system is installed, operating, and adjusted properly, it should
continue operating indefinitely without requiring further user intervention.

14
CAT5 AUDIO/VIDEO SPLITTERS
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your CAT5 Audio/Video Splitter is malfunctioning, do not
attempt to alter or repair it. It is not user-serviceable. Contact Black Box Technical
Support 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; and
• the results of any testing you’ve already done.
5.2 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your CAT5 Audio/Video Splitter Hub or Remote:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are returning the unit, include everything you received with it. Before
you ship a unit back to Black Box for repair or return, contact us to get a
Return Authorization (RA) number.

NOTES

NOTES

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.