Black Box ACU315A User manual

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
1
Welcome to the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter
Family!
Thank you for purchasing an RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter! We appreciate your business,
and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced RGB Graphic system will
save you money, time, and effort.
That’s because our ACU315A Converter is all about breaking away from the traditional
model of attaching a new display to an old graphic source. You can encounter many potential
problems in connecting a flat screen to an RGB graphic source – unless you use our
ACU315A Converter products! Attach a flat screen to any graphic source and match the
output to your requirements. The ACU315A Converter – the one-stop answer for all your
RGB adapting needs! And with a special adaptor cable (not supplied as standard), you can
also attach a screen to a CGA or EGA source.
This manual will tell you all about your new ACU315A Converter, including how to install,
operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Converter, see Chapter 2. The
Converter product codes covered in this manual are:
ACU315A

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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Copyrights and Trademarks
©2005. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without
the prior written consent of the manufacturer.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall
not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the use of this material.
All trademark and trade names mentioned in this document are acknowledged to be the
property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any
liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The
manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the
product without notice.
The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damage due to misuse of the product or due to
any other circumstances outside the manufacturer’s control (whether environmental or
installation related). The manufacturer shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury
arising directly, indirectly, or consequently from the use of this product.
Cautions and Notes
The following symbols are used in this guide:
CAUTION. This indicates an important operating instruction
that should be followed to avoid any potential damage to
hardware or property, loss of data, or personal injury.
NOTE. This indicates important information to help you make the best use of this
product.

FCC/CDC STATEMENTS
3
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 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.
Shielded PC-equipment cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with
radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to
electromagnetic disturbances.
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 Ministerié des Communications du Canada.

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This is to certify that, when installed and used according to the instructions in this
manual, together with the specified cables and the maximum cable length <3m, the
Units are shielded against the generation of radio interferences in accordance with the
application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC as well as these standards:
EN 55022: 1999 Class B
EN 55024: 1999
IEC 61000-4-2: 2001
IEC 61000-4-3: 2001
IEC 61000-4-4: 2001
EN 61000-3-2 2001
EN 61000-3-3 2002
The device was tested in a typical configuration with PC.

NOM STATEMENT
5
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 pedestals 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.
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.

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
7
Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines
To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation, please note the following installation
guidelines:
• Only use in dry, indoor environments.
• The Converter and any power supplies can get warm. Do not locate them in an enclosed
space without any airflow.
• Do not place a power supply directly on top of a unit.
• Do not obstruct a unit’s ventilation holes.
To safeguard against personal injury and avoid possible
damage to equipment or property, please observe the
following:
• Only use power supplies originally supplied with the
product or manufacturer-approved replacements. Do not
attempt to dismantle or repair any power supply. Do not
use a power supply if it appears to be defective or has a
damaged case.
• Connect all power supplies to grounded outlets. In each
case, ensure that the ground connection is maintained
from the outlet socket through to the power supply’s AC
power input.
• Do not attempt to modify or repair this product

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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Contents
1. Quick Setup 10
1.1 Video Input/Output 11
1.2 Command Summary 12
2. Overview 13
2.1 Introduction 13
2.2 Glossary 13
2.3 Features 15
2.4 Product Range 16
2.5 Compatibility 17
2.6 How to Use This Guide 18
3. Installation 19
3.1 Package Contents 19
3.2 Connection Cable Requirements 20
3.3 System Setup 21
3.4 Diagnostic LEDs 23
4. Device Control 24
4.1 Opening the OSD 25
4.2 Using the OSD 27
5. Monitor Setup 36
6. RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter Setup 37
6.1 Overview 37
6.2 Setup Instructions for RGB Input 38
6.3 Setup of a new Video Mode 40
7. Troubleshooting 42
7.1 Video 42

CONTENTS
9
Appendix A: Example Applications 44
Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 45
Appendix C: System Upgrade 47
Appendix D: Supported Video Modes 47
Appendix E: Calling Technical Support 50
Appendix F: Specifications 53
Appendix G: Connectors and Cables 54

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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1. Quick Setup
This section briefly describes how to install your RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter and optimize
the video signals. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full
procedures described in the rest of this manual. Refer to the command summary on page 12
when following this procedure.
Install system
1. Connect the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter to the RGB (video) source.
2. Connect a display to the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter.
3. Power up the system.
Carry out the Monitor Setup
procedure (please refer to the
monitor’s manual and see
page 34 in this manual).
Carry out Setup of a new Video Mode procedure
(please follow the instructions on page 38).
Done
Yes
No
Do you have a
DVI monitor?
Is the RGB video
mode in the list of
supported modes?
(see page 46)
Do you
have a flat screen
(TFT)?
No
No
Yes
Yes

QUICK SETUP
11
1.1 Video Input/Output
If possible, always use a DVI output to a monitor from the ACU315A Converter, especially
with flat screens. This provides the optimum video signal. If you use a VGA output from the
ACU315A Converter, it must convert the digitized data to analogue values. Similarly, if your
TFT screen uses a VGA input, it must digitize the signal from the ACU315A Converter. In
these cases, the built-in video processors (in the TFT) must determine the resolution and pixel
phase for an optimized digitization. Your ACU315A Converter allows you to optimize the
video signal manually or automatically using its on-screen utility (see Chapter 4). If you are
using a VGA input to a TFT monitor, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You may have several possible options for video source output/monitor input. If this is the
case, for the optimum video quality, please select the highest ranked available combination
from the following table:
Video Quality RGB to DVI(/VGA)
Converter input RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter output
1 RGB progressive scan
RGBS progressive scan DVI
2 RGB video (e.g. from
SCART) interlaced DVI
3 RGB progressive scan
RGBS progressive scan VGA
4 RGB video (e.g. from
SCART) interlaced VGA

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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1.2 Command Summary
The following table summarizes the remote control buttons and ‘hot’ key command
sequences used in system configuration and video tuning on the ACU315A Converter.
Infrared Remote Control (IR-RC) Command Utility *
Exit OSD
<X>
Enter OSD <O> + <S>
+ <D>
+ <Enter>
Accept and store
modified parameter
Select Submenu
Select parameter
modification
<S>
Select next
position
Increase
parameter
<R>
Select previous
position
Decrease
parameter
<L>
Direct Brightness
Control
Direct Contrast
Control
Reset to factory
defaults
(press twice!)
Back to the Menu
selection
* Commands are not case-sensitive.

OVERVIEW
13
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
VGA is the most familiar of the various graphics data standards or protocols for connecting a
display (monitor or flat screen) to a graphic source. For many years, computers have
generally connected to a display through a VGA interface. However, with the increased
popularity of TFT flat screens, a new standard has been developed: DVI. In DVI, graphic data
is transmitted digitally; VGA is an analogue standard.
Over the years, other analogue standards have also found popularity: CGA, EGA and also
RGB. An RGB Video transmission consists of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) signals at a
level of 0.7Vpp. The Green signal also carries the (composite) synchronisation signals.
A screen designed for VGA cannot normally display RGB signals for two reasons:
- A VGA screen requires H/V-Synchronisation as TTL signals
- Many RGB sources generate HSYNC frequencies below of 30kHz –
to slow for modern VGA displays.
With TFT screens, there is an additional problem: the incoming video signal has to be
digitized. Horizontal and vertical resolutions are normally selected from an internal table with
several, common, video modes. Unusual resolutions, often generated by older RGB graphic
sources cannot be detected.
To display RGB data on a modern VGA or DVI display, the ACU315A Converter digitizes
the incoming signals, stores them in an internal video memory and displays them from there
in a common resolution. The picture can be displayed in original size or format filling. The
ACU315A Converter is equipped with various automatic and manual video correction tools
in an on screen utility (see page 24).
2.2 Glossary
The following terms are used in this guide:
RGB Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals. The
signals have a level of 0.7Vpp. The Green signal also carries the
(composite) synchronisation signals.
RGBS Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals and
the additional (composite) SYNC signal. All signals have 0.7Vpp.
CGA/EGA Legacy graphic standard - all signals are TTL level.
VGA (also
called RGBHV) Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals and
the additional horizontal/vertical synchronisation signals. The color
signals have a level of 0.7Vpp; the synchronisation TTL (5Volts).
DVI Digital Video standard established by the Digital Display Working
Group (www.ddwg.org). R, G, B, CLOCK signals in an up to 1.4
Gbit/sec data stream. The signals have a TMDS level.
PSU The desktop power supply for the ACU315A Converter.

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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Figure 1 ACU315A Converter system
RGB to DVI(/VGA)
Converter
V
ideo-Equipment
(DVD, VCR, Set-top)
PLC
–
programmable
logic controller Legacy CPU’s

OVERVIEW
15
2.3 Features
ACU315A Converter offers the following features:
• Support for RGB and RGBS in progressive scan or interlaced mode.
• Support for EGA/CGA using the optional Adaptor + Cable (ACU315A-EGA).
• Support for CGA using the optional Adaptor Cable (ACU315A-CGA).
• Selectable output for attached display: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024.
• Refresh rate selectable for best match to CRT or TFT – 50Hz, 60Hz or 75Hz.
• Picture scaling available:
• No scaling – original picture is centered into a black box.
• Format filling – the picture is stretched to fit the screen.
• Proportional stretching – the picture is stretched linearly in both dimensions with the
same factor, until one dimension fits the screen size.
• Fixed scaling – scaled to 1:2 and displayed with (eventually) black borders.
• All control and video tuning carried out using an on screen display (OSD) with settings
stored in EEPROM memory.
• A large table of known RGB resolutions (more than 80) preinstalled.
• Private video mode available through OSD.
• RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter firmware and settings flash-upgradeable.
• Status indicator LEDs on each device.
• Small footprint chassis.
• Rack mount options available.
• Video cables and adaptors included.
Optional accessories:
• EGA/CGA to DVI Adaptor + Cable: Type ACU315A-EGA
• Rack mount Kit 19”/1U: Type RMK315A

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
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2.4 Product Range
This table lists the product codes for the converter and its various upgrade kits:
ACU315A Converter
ACU315A RGB to DVI (or VGA) Converter
Upgrade Kits
ACU315A-EGA EGA/CGA to DVI Adaptor + Cable
RMK315A 19”/1U Rack mount Kit for up to 3 devices

OVERVIEW
17
2.5 Compatibility
Interface Compatibility
• RGB: Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals. The signals
have a level of 0.7Vpp. The Green-Signal also carries the (composite) synchronisation
signals.
• RGBS: Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals and the
additional (composite) SYNC signal. All signals have 0.7Vpp.
• VGA (also called RGBHV): Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue)
signals and additional horizontal/vertical synchronisation signals. The color signals have
a level of 0.7Vpp; the synchronisation TTL (5Volts).
• Digital Video (DVI): DVI single link for resolution up to 1280x1024 at 60/75Hz.
Digital Video standard established by the Digital Display Working Group
(www.ddwg.org) R, G, B, CLOCK in an up to 1.4 Gbit/sec data stream. The signals
have a TMDS level.
• CGA (Colour Graphic Adaptor): Legacy graphic standard, established by IBM,
supporting text with 40 or 80 characters in 25 lines with 16 colours or graphics in
640x200 with 2 colours or 320x200 with 4 colours.
• EGA: Legacy graphic standard (Enhanced Graphic Adaptor), established by IBM,
supporting text with 80 characters in up to 43 lines graphics in 640x350 in 16 colours
from a palette of 64.
Supported SYNC forms
• RGsB: RGB with SYNC on Green. The colour signals have a level of 0.7Vpp. The
Green-Signal also carries the (composite) synchronisation signals (app. –0.3V)
• RGBs: RGB with composite SYNC signal. All signals have 0.7Vpp.
• RGBS: RGB with composite SYNC signal. The colour signals have 0.7Vpp, the SYNC
Signal is TTL-Level (5V)
• RGBHV: RGB with separate SYNC signals. The colour signals have 0.7Vpp, the SYNC
Signals have TTL-Level (5V)
• MDA: black and white with separate SYNC signals (e.g. HERCULES). All Signals have
TTL-Level (5V) (with EGA/CGA to DVI Adaptor only)
• CGA: colour with separate SYNC signals. All Signals have TTL-Level (5V) (with
EGA/CGA to DVI Adaptor only)
• EGA: colour (2 pins per colour) with separate SYNC signals. All Signals have TTL-
Level (5V) (with EGA/CGA to DVI Adaptor only)

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
18
2.6 How to Use This Guide
This guide describes the installation and configuration of the ACU315A Converter. Although
the connection and operation of the system is relatively straightforward, you should consider
the following before getting started:
Connection & Compatibility
If you have purchased an ACU315A Converter Kit, this will contain PSU and all the
cables/adapters required to connect the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter to your graphic
source. See also Package Contents (page 19)
For information about connection and installation, see Installation, page 19.
Adjusting the ACU315A Converter to RGB Video
Although there are several preconfigured resolutions stored in the internal resolution table of
the ACU315A Converter, under some circumstances it is required to manually adapt the
ACU315A Converter to your specific resolution: see ACU315A Converter Setup (page 37).
Adjusting the monitor to the ACU315A Converter
If you use a flat screen with VGA input, you will need to adjust the monitor to the picture
width and the pixel phase. You can do this using the Auto Adjust or Manual Adjust
procedures (see page 37).
• For experienced users there is a Quick Setup section at the start of this guide
(see page 10).
• For the full procedure, see Monitor Setup (page 36) and/or ACU315A Converter
Setup (page 37).

INSTALLATION
19
3. Installation
For first-time users, we recommend that you carry out a test placement, confined to a single
room, before commencing full installation. This will allow you to identify and solve any
cabling problems, and experiment with the ACU315A Converter more conveniently.
3.1 Package Contents
You should receive the following items in your ACU315A Converter package:
• RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter unit.
• RGB(S) to DVI-I cable
• 6V DC 12W universal power supply for ACU315A Converter.
• DVI-I to VGA adaptor (DVI-I dual link male to HD15 female) connector.
• Programming cable (DB9 female to RJ11 4p4c).
• User manual (Quick Setup).
• US-type power cord.
• Infrared Remote Control (IR-RC)
The CGA/EGA to DVI Adaptor is supplied with:
• EGA/CGA to DVI-I adaptor
• DB9 female to DB9 male cable
If anything is missing, please contact Technical Support (see Appendix E: ).

THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
20
3.2 Connection Cable Requirements
To connect the ACU315A Converter to your graphic source you will need:
• RGB(S): 3 (4 with RGBS) coaxial cables type RG59B/U or similar, terminated with
BNC connectors at the converters end. Please ensure that the connection is tension-free.
• CGA: CGA to DVI Adaptor (with ACU315A-EGA upgrade kit only)
• EGA: EGA to DVI Adaptor (with ACU315A-EGA upgrade kit only)
• Power Supply
Connect the supplied 6V/DC power supply to the Plug terminal on the rear of the
ACU315A Converter.