Black Box AVX-VGA-TP-TX User manual

BL A C K B O X®
Economically extend and distribute VGA video,
stereo audio, and serial signals over CATx.
MediaCento™VX Transmitters and Receivers
AVX-VGA-TP-TX AVX-VGA-TP-SRX
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4 AVX-VGA-TP-LRX
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8 AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX
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

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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks, and
MediaCento is a trademark, of BB Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

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FCC and IC RFI Statements/NOM Statement
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 classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
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.

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NOM Statement
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.
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.

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NOM Statement
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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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications...............................................................................................8
2. Overview ................................................................................................10
2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................10
2.2 Features..............................................................................................10
2.3 What’s Included................................................................................. 11
2.4 Hardware Description........................................................................13
2.4.1 1-Port Transmitter (AVX-VGA-TP-TX).....................................13
2.4.2 4-Port Transmitter (AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4) .................................15
2.4.3 8-Port Transmitter (AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8) .................................17
2.4.4 Standard Receiver (AVX-VGA-TP-SRX) and Long-Range
Receiver (AVX-VGA-TP-LRX)...................................................19
2.4.5 Cascadable Long-Range Receiver (AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX)........21
2.4.6 Slide Switches (AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8,
AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX) ...............................................................23
3. Installation ................................................................................................25
3.1 1-Port Transmitter + Receiver ............................................................25
3.2 1-Port Transmitter + Cascadable Receiver + Receiver
(Non-Cascaded Application) .............................................................26
3.3 1-Port Transmitter + Cascadable Receiver + Receiver
(Cascaded Application)......................................................................27
3.4 4-/8-Port Transmitter + Cascadable Receiver + Receiver
(Non-Cascaded Application) .............................................................28
3.5 4-/8-Port Transmitter + Cascadable Receiver + Receiver
(Cascaded Application)......................................................................29
4. Operation ................................................................................................30
4.1 Video Adjustment on the Receiver/Cascadable Receiver Unit..........30
4.2 EDID Setting on Transmitter ..............................................................31
4.2.1 EDID Copy...............................................................................31
4.2.2 Use (Load) Default Setting .....................................................31
4.3 Factory Default Setting on Transmitters and Receivers.....................32
4.3.1 Factory Default Setting on the Transmitter ............................32
4.3.2 Factory Default Setting on the Receiver.................................32
5. LED Indicators............................................................................................33

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Table of Contents
6. Serial Interface...........................................................................................36
Appendix A. CAT5 Cables................................................................................37
Appendix B. Control Cable RJ-11/DB9F Pinout................................................38
Appendix C. Text-Based RS-232 Protocol of MediaCento VX.........................39

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Distance (Maximum) —
AVX-VGA-TP-TX, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8:
When used with AVX-VGA-TP-SRX receiver: 492 ft. (150 m);
When used with AVX-VGA-TP-LRX or AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX receiver:
1000 ft. (300 m);
When used with AVX-VGA-TP-LRX and AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX receivers:
1475 ft. (450 m);
AVX-VGA-TP-SRX: 492 ft. (150 m);
AVX-VGA-TP-LRX: 1000 ft. (300 m)
NOTE: 1475 feet has been tested and recommended as the maximum distance,
however, with a good quality cable and environment, distances beyond
2000 feet can be achieved.
MTBF — 90,000 hours
Resolution (Maximum) — 1920 x 1200 at maximum distance
User Controls — AVX-VGA-TP-TX: (1) EDID copy button;
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8: (1) EDID copy button; (1) master/slave
switch; (1) cascade on/off switch;
AVX-VGA-TP-SRX, AVX-VGA-TP-LRX, AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX: (3) push buttons:
(1) for entering/exiting video adjustment mode; (1) to increase video
adjustment one level; (1) to decrease video adjustment one level
Approvals — CE, RoHS
Connectors —
AVX-VGA-TP-TX, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8:
Video input: (1) HD15 F (VGA);
Audio input: (1) 3.5-mm jack (stereo);
Serial input: (1) DB9 F (RS-232 TX/GND signals);
System configuration: (1) RJ-11 (connects to a host’s serial port via included
control cable and RJ-11/DB9 converter);
Power: (1) 2.1-mm barrel jack;
Ground: (1) ground connector;
AVX-VGA-TP-TX also has: Local video output: (1) HD15 F (VGA);
Interconnect: (1) RJ-45;

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Chapter 1: Specifications
Connectors (Continued)—
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4 also has:
Cascade output: (1) HD15 F (VGA) for video and RS-232;
Interconnect: (4) RJ-45;
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8 also has:
Cascade output: (1) HD15 F (VGA) for video and RS-232;
Interconnect: (8) RJ-45;
AVX-VGA-TP-SRX, AVX-VGA-TP-LRX, AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX:
Audio output: (1) 3.5-mm jack (stereo);
Interconnect: (1) RJ-45;
Serial output: (1) DB9 M (RS-232 TX/GND signals);
Power: (1) 2.1-mm barrel jack;
Ground: (1) ground connector;
AVX-VGA-TP-SRX, AVX-VGA-TP-LRX also have:
Video output: (1) HD15 F (VGA);
AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX also has:
Video output/cascade: (1) HD15 F (VGA) for video and RS-232;
Repeater/daisychain: (1) RJ-45 (CATx out)
Indicators — (2) LEDs: (1) Power/Source Input, (1) Link
Power — External, in-line adapter:
Input: 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 0.6 amps (maximum);
Output: 12 VDC, 1.5 amps (maximum);
Consumption: 18 watts
Size — AVX-VGA-TP-TX: 1.6"H x 5"W x 4"D (4.1 x 12.7 x 10.2 cm);
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8: 1.6"H x 6.75"W x 4"D
(4.1 x 17.1 x 10.2 cm);
AVX-VGA-TP-SRX, AVX-VGA-TP-LRX, VX-VGA-TP-CSRX:
0.9"H x 4.25"W x 3.4"D (2.3 x 10.8 x 8.6 cm)
Weight — AVX-VGA-TP-TX: 1 lb. (0.45 kg);
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4, AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8: 1.6 lb. (0.7 kg);
AVX-VGA-TP-SRX, AVX-VGA-TP-LRX, AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX: 0.7 lb. (0.3 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The MediaCento VX Extender pair (Tx + Rx) transmits VGA + Audio + Serial signals
via CATx cable(s). With one Cascadable Receiver and one Long-Range Receiver, it
extends up to and over 450 meters away with WUXGA (1920 x 1200)/Full HD (1920
x 1080) resolution. Via cascading, up to 32 threads and more than 1000 display
units broadcast audio/video signals simultaneously to expand system capability.
Each audio or video port can be independently turned on/off. To ensure video
quality, users may manually adjust video signal on Gain (Brightness), Equalizer
(Sharpness), and RGB skew on all receivers (and cascadable receiver).
However, in some cases display problems may occur because of incorrect EDID
communication between the display monitor and the unit or inappropriate EDID
data programmed by display manufacturers. The EDID Copy function enables the
system to either read the necessary EDID information from the unit or copy EDID
from EDID-compliant displays.
The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is easy to use. You can not only enable or disable
audio/video output simply by clicking the icons, but you can also sort the units by
grouping, which makes management easy. Using the GUI does not need complex
commands. You can portray or rename display icons. The system is ideal for public
broadcasting, exhibits, retail stores, courtrooms, stock tickers, bus stations, etc.
2.2 Features
• Transmit VGA + Audio + Serial signals via CATx technology up to and beyond
1440 feet (450 meters) away with repeaters in between.
• Cascade units to broadcast up to 32 threads to more than 1000 display units;
expand system capability.
• Unique Equalizer (sharpness)/Gain (brightness)/RGB Skew adjustment via push
buttons provides optimal video quality.
• Independently turn ON/OFF the audio and video of the remote ports.
• Automatically detects and indicates the source video signal.
• EDID Copy function.
• Supports surge protection.
• Audible confirmation beeps make operation and cross-checking easier.
• LED indicators monitor status.

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Chapter 2: Overview
• Support group monitoring: sort your screens by group and manage them easily.
• Compatible with most popular screen resolutions, including WUXGA
(1920 x 1200)/Full HD (1920 x 1080)/UXGA (1600 X 1200).
• Ideal for public broadcasting, exhibits, retail stores, courtrooms, stock tickers,
bus stations, etc.
Exclusive GUI Features
• Graphically describes connection status.
• Duplicates most commonly used menu items as icons on the top.
•
User-defined icon available: Name and use your own images for every source and
display icon.
• GUI function makes control easier and more effective.
2.3 What’s Included
Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing or damaged,
contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail].
AVX-VGA-TP-TX:
• (1) 1-Port Transmitter
• (1) power supply and U.S. power cord
• (1) control cable RJ-11/DB9 F
• (1) ground cable
• (1) set of four rubber feet
• This user manual
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4:
• (1) 4-Port Transmitter
• (1) power supply and U.S. power cord
• (1) control cable RJ-11/DB9 F
• (1) ground cable
• (1) set of four rubber feet
• This user manual

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Chapter 2: Overview
AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8:
• (1) 8-Port Transmitter
• (1) power supply and U.S. power cord
• (1) control cable RJ-11/DB9 F
• (1) ground cable
• (1) set of four rubber feet
• This user manual
AVX-VGA-TP-SRX:
• (1) Standard Receiver, 492 ft. (150 m)
• (1) power supply and U.S. power cord
• (1) ground cable
• (1) set of four rubber feet
• This user manual
AVX-VGA-TP-LRX:
• (1) Long-Range Receiver, 984 ft. (300 m)
• (1) power supply and U.S. power cord
• (1) ground cable
• (1) set of four rubber feet
• This user manual
AVX-VGA-TP-CSRX:
• (1) Long-Range Cascadable Receiver, 984 ft. (300 m)
• (1) power supply and U.S. power cord
• (1) ground cable
• (1) set of four rubber feet
• This user manual

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4 Hardware Description
Figures 2-1 through 2-5 show the front and back panels of the extenders. Tables 2-1
through 2-5 describe their components.
2.4.1 1-Port Transmitter (AVX-VGA-TP-TX)
12 10 8 4 2 5
11 9 6 3 1 7
Figure 2-1. AVX-VGA-TP-TX front and back panels.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-1. AVX-VGA-TP-TX components.
Number Component Description
1
HD15 connector Connect to a VGA source.
2 HD15 connector Connect to a VGA monitor.
3 Audio jack Connect to an audio source.
4 Audio jack Connect to a speaker.
5 RJ-45 jack Connect to a receiver.
6 Link LED Green: Directly connect to an active receiver.
Off: No active receiver directly connected.
7 Status LED Green: Power on (without source input).
Blue: Source input.
8 Push button EDID setting (see EDID Setting, Section 4.2).
9 Serial port Connect to a serial port for serial extension.
10 R J -11 jack Connect to a host’s serial port for system
configuration.
11 Barrel connector Links to power supply.
12 Ground terminal Connect to common ground.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4.2 4-Port Transmitter (AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4)
14 12 10 9 4 2 5
13 11 8 6 3 1 7
Figure 2-2. AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4 front and back panels.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-2. AVX-VGA-TP-TX-4 components.
Number Component Description
1
HD15 connector Connect to a VGA source.
2 HD15 connector Connect to a VGA monitor.
3 Audio jack Connect to an audio source.
4 Audio jack Connect to a speaker.
5 (4) RJ-45 jacks Connect to a receiver.
6
Link LED Off: Master mode.
Red: Slave mode without source input.
Green: Slave mode with source input.
7
Status LED Green: Power on (without source input).
Blue: Source input.
8
Master/Slave slide
switch See Section 2.4.6, Slide Switch.
9
Cascade slide
switch See Section 2.4.6, Slide Switch.
10 Push button EDID setting (see EDID Setting, Section 4.2).
11 Serial port Connect to a serial port for serial extension.
12 R J -11 ja ck
Connect to a host’s serial port for system
configuration.
13 Barrel connector Connect power supply.
14 Ground terminal Connect to common ground.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4.3 8-Port Transmitter (AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8)
14 12 10 9 4 2 5
13 11 8 6 3 1 5 7
Figure 2-3. AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8 front and back panels.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-3. AVX-VGA-TP-TX-8 components.
Number Component Description
1
HD15 connector Connect to a VGA source.
2 HD15 connector Connect to a VGA monitor.
3 Audio jack Connect to an audio source.
4 Audio jack Connect to a speaker.
5 (8) RJ-45 jacks Connect to a receiver.
6 Link LED
Off: Master mode.
Red: Slave mode without source input.
Green: Slave mode with source input.
7 Status LED Green: Power on (without source input).
Blue: Source input.
8
Master/Slave slide
switch See Section 2.4.6, Slide Switches.
9
Cascade slide
switch See Section 2.4.6, Slide Switches.
10 Push button EDID setting (see EDID Setting, Section 4.2).
11 DB9 serial port Connect to a serial port for serial extension.
12 R J -11 ja ck
Connect to a host’s serial port for system
configuration.
13 Barrel connector Links to power supply.
14 Ground terminal Connect to common ground.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4.4 Standard Receiver (AVX-VGA-TP-SRX) and Long-Range
Receiver (AVX-VGA-TP-LRX)
3 4 5 6 9 7
1 2 11 13 12
8
10
Figure 2-4. AVX-VGA-TP-SRX or AVX-VGA-TP-LRX front, top, and back panels.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-4. AVX-VGA-TP-SRX or AVX-VGA-TP-LRX components.
Number Component Description
1
HD15 connector Connect to a VGA monitor.
2 Audio jack Connect to a speaker.
3 RJ-45 jack Connect to a transmitter/cascadable receiver.
4 Push button: - Minus Press once to decrease one level.
5 Push button: + Plus Press once to increase one level.
6 Push button: Mode Press the button for two seconds to enter/exit
video adjustment mode.
7 Status LED
Normal:
Green: Power on
Blue: Power + Video OK
Video adjustment:
Flashing Red/Green/Blue: Adjusting skew (red/
green/blue).
8 EQ LED Flashing Yellow: Adjust EQ.
9 Gain LED Flashing Yellow: Adjust Gain (brightness).
10 Link LED Red: No transmitter connected.
Green: Connect to a transmitter.
11 DB9 serial port Connect to a serial device for serial
extension.