Black Box AC1032A-2A User manual

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CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
2-Port DVI Switch with Audio, Serial
Control & Long Cable Equalization
AC1032A-2A
Rev A

DVI Switch
1
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and its logo are registered trademarks of Black Box
Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
SGI is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems,
Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners
.

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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.
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 ministère des Communications du Canada.
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This product complies with the requirements of the European EMC
directive 89/336/EEC

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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.

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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.
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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Contents
1.0 General ................................................................................................ 6
2.0 Features................................................................................................ 7
3.0 Installation ........................................................................................... 8
3.1 Required Cables................................................................................. 8
3.2 Inputs & Outputs ............................................................................... 8
3.3 Connecting the AC1032A-2A ........................................................... 8
3.4 Connection Diagram.......................................................................... 9
4.0 Operation ........................................................................................... 10
4.1 Switched Output .............................................................................. 10
4.2 Modes of Operation ......................................................................... 10
4.3. Priority Selection in Auto Mode..................................................... 11
4.4 Long Cable Equalization ................................................................. 11
4.5 RS-232 Control Port Usage ............................................................. 11
4.6 To configure HyperTerminal........................................................... 12
4.7 Serial Port Control Codes ................................................................ 13
5.0 Troubleshooting................................................................................. 17
5.1 Calling Black Box ............................................................................. 17
5.2 Shipping and Packaging .................................................................... 17
5.3 Problem Solving FAQ ....................................................................... 18
6. Specifications....................................................................................... 19

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1.0 General
Thank you for purchasing Black Box AC1032A-2A 2-Port DVI Switch
with Audio & Serial Control.
This unit provides both a video and audio output that can be switched
between two video and audio sources. This allows routing of multiple
DVI equipped devices (such as PC’s) to a single DVI display (such as
a plasma or LCD screen). The switcher supports single-link, DVI-D
video signals at resolutions up to 1600x1200 and HDTV up to 1080i.
The AC1032A-2A unit provides all the A/V and control connections
on the rear panel; the front panel has a push-button switch with
corresponding LED indicator for the selection of video source. The
front panel also features mode selection buttons to allow the unit to
operate automatically (based on video sync signal detection).
This unit can be controlled by either manually using the front panel
switch, automatically based on video detection, or remotely through an
RS232 serial port.
The unit can be configured to operate in two different modes: Auto and
Manual.
There is a priority selection that can be set for the ‘Input 1’ DVI
connector. The switched output can be blanked and un-blanked either
from the front panel button or from a command sent from a PC to the
serial port.
The unit also has EEPROM (internal non-volatile flash memory) to
store the last operating mode when power is off.

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2.0 Features
9Clear and sharp images at resolutions up to 1600x1200 including
HDTV up to 1080i
9Hot pluggable
9Supports the DDC2 standard for all input ports
9HDCP & HDMI 1.3 Compatible
9Allows one video with stereo audio to be switched between two
video and audio sources
9Can be manually controlled by push-button switches, remotely by
a RS232 communication port
9Provides an Auto mode to automatically select input source
9Auto Mode priority can be set for input #1 or no-priority
9Switched output can be blanked and un-blanked
9Video Cable Equalization available for long cabling
9Stores the last selection and mode in EEPROM
9Ships with universal (100~240 VAC) power supply
9Compact, Rugged, Reliable, and Economical
9Made in USA

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3.0 Installation
3.1 Required Cables
The video input cables are generally DVI male to male (customer
furnished). The Audio inputs are 3.5 mm mini-stereo (customer
furnished). To connect to the unit to a Serial port (such as PC’s COM1)
you would need a Male/Female DB9 Serial Cable (customer
furnished).
All of these items are available for purchase upon request.
3.2 Inputs & Outputs
The AC1032A-2A has 2 video and audio inputs labeled ‘Input 1’ and
‘Input 2’. The unit has 1 video and audio output labeled ‘Output’.
3.3 Connecting the AC1032A-2A
Connect your video and audio sources such as computer or notebook
PC to ‘Input 1’ and ‘Input 2’.
Connect the display device such as a monitor (or a video projector) to
the switched video and audio outputs (SW Output).
Connect the included power supply to the AC1032A-2A.
Select the desired mode of operation including the priority for your
video and audio output using the front panel switched buttons.
If preferred, the selection can also be done through RS-232 serial
commands by connecting a DB9 RS-232 Serial cable to your PC and
the AC1032A-2A.

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MODEL AC1032A-2A REAR PANEL
3.4 Connection Diagram

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4.0 Operation
4.1 Switched Output
The switched output SELECT button is used to select between video &
audio input sources of PC 1 and PC 2. A solid-on LED is used to
indicate which input is selected.
Holding down the switched output SELECT button for 3 seconds will
blank the current selected input source (and mute the audio output).
The LED for the current selected input will start blinking to indicate
the blanking mode. Pressing the switched output SELECT button
again will un-blank the output and un-mute the audio on the switched
out rear connector.
MODEL AC1032A-2A FRONT PANEL
4.2 Modes of Operation
The unit can operate in either Auto or Manual mode by pressing the
mode button.
In Auto mode, the AC1032A-2A will automatically select the input
with active video and audio. The presence of video is determined by
examining the V. Sync signal or optionally the +5 VDC signal from
DVI input connectors. The front panel switched output SELECT button
cannot be used to switch between ‘Input 1’ and ‘Input 2’ sources in this
mode. However, the switched output SELECT button can be used to
blank the output by holding it down for 3 seconds or to un-blank the
output by pressing it once.
In Manual mode, the output of the AC1032A-2A will depend on the
selection of the ‘Switched Output’ SELECT button.

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4.3. Priority Selection in Auto Mode
The priority button is used to select the priority as NONE or as INPUT
1.
This priority selection only applies to Auto mode. If INP 1 priority is
selected, the AC1032A-2A will automatically select ‘Input 1' whenever
it detects the presence of video at ‘Input 1’ connector, regardless of
what is happening at the ‘Input 2’ connector.
For example, if the ‘Output’ is playing the video & audio from ‘Input
2’ and video from ‘Input 1’ is detected, the output of the AC1032A-2A
will change to select ‘Input 1’ video immediately. With priority set to
none, the unit stays selected to the current input as long as it is
detecting video there.
4.4 Long Cable Equalization
The use of long DVI cables can cause the ‘Video’ image to degrade to
unacceptable levels.
By pressing and holding BOTH the ‘Mode SELECT’ and ‘Priority
SELECT’ buttons for 3 seconds, the video boost circuit will be enabled
and the LED’s will flash momentarily acknowledging the selection was
changed. Both of the GREEN LED’s flash when the BOOST is
enabled and the RED LED’s flash when the BOOST is disabled.
4.5 RS-232 Control Port Usage
The AC1032A-2A can also be controlled via a serial device. The unit
operates at a baud rate of 4800 bps. From the serial port, you have full
control over the operation of the switched output, mode, and priority
buttons.
The AC1032A-2A will output a menu to the serial port on power-up.
This menu can also be displayed when the appropriate command is sent
to the AC1032A-2A via the serial port. To view the menu, an ASCII
serial terminal or terminal emulator software is needed. An example is
Microsoft WindowsHyperTerminal (generally found in the
Accessories -> Communication folder)

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4.6 To configure HyperTerminal
-Connect direct to any available COM port
-4800 Baud, 8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit, No flow control
-Settings per following figures:
After power-up the unit will output the following menu in ASCII
through its serial port:
MENU - Version 1.0
-----------------------------------------
1 = PC 1 Input | B = Blank
2 = PC 2 Input | U = Un-blank
A = Auto mode | E = Enable boost
M = Manual mode | D = Disable boost
P = PC 1 priority | R = Report
N = No priority | F = Factory Defaults
| C = Command menu
-----------------------------------------

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4.7 Serial Port Control Codes
Control codes are 1 byte commands from an external device to the
Serial Port on the AC1032A-2A.
ASCII ‘1’ (Hex 31 or Decimal 49)
Selects input #1 (immediately and unconditionally). The
device will respond with: PC 1 Input selected
If the device is in AUTO mode, the device will respond
with: Error: The unit is in auto mode

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ASCII ‘2’ (Hex 32 or Decimal 50)
Selects input #2 (immediately and unconditionally). The
device will respond with: PC 2 Input selected
If the device is in AUTO mode, the device will respond
with: Error: The unit is in auto mode
ASCII ‘M’ or ‘m’ (Hex 4D/6D or Decimal 77/109)
Enters Manual mode.
The device will respond with: Manual mode
In Manual mode, the device stays on the currently selected
video & audio, regardless of the presence of video signal.
ASCII ‘P’ or ‘p’ (Hex 50/70 or Decimal 80/112)
Selects Input #1 priority.
The device will respond with: PC 1 priority selected
If ‘Input #1’ priority is selected, the unit will select input #1
automatically whenever the presence of the video at the
‘Input 1’ DVI connector is detected even if the output from
‘Input 2’ is currently playing.
ASCII ‘N’ or ‘n’ (Hex 4E/6E or Decimal 78/110)
Selects no priority for Input #1.
The device will respond with: No priority selected
ASCII ‘F’ or ‘f’ (Hex 46/66 or Decimal 70/102)
Causes the system to be reset to its DEFAULT factory
settings.
The device will respond with: Factory default settings
restored

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ASCII ‘v’ (Hex 76 or Decimal 118)
Causes the system to display the firmware version
number.
The device will respond with:
Firmware Version: X.Y where ‘X.Y’ is the numeric
version level of the firmware software.
ASCII ‘A’ or ‘a’ (Hex 41/61 or Decimal 65/97 )
Enters Auto mode. The user must select the desired
detection method by entering a number from 1 to 3
within 20 seconds. Values outside this range or delaying
entry longer than 20 seconds will result in an error
message: Invalid entry! Current detection stays
the same.
The device will respond with:
Auto mode selected
Detection Method
-----------------------------
1 = Vertical sync
2 = 5V Power
3 = Vertical sync & 5V power
-----------------------------
Current detection is [X](1-3)?
Where ‘X’ is the current detection method of 1, 2 or 3.
In Auto mode, the device automatically switches to the
video & audio input source that is active.
“Active” means that video signal has sync signal, it does not
mean there is a non-static screen!

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ASCII ‘B’ or ‘b’ (Hex 42/62 or Decimal 66/98)
Blanks the output.
The device will respond with: Blank mode selected
When the output is blanked, only the color intensities of the
output are reduced to zero. The unit still operates in a
normal fashion and sync signals are still routed to the
output. The audio output is muted.
ASCII ‘U’ or ‘u’ (Hex 55/75 or Decimal 85/117)
Un-blanks the output.
The device will respond with: Unblank mode selected
ASCII ‘E’ or ‘e’ (Hex 45/65 or Decimal 69/101)
Causes the output signal equalization for long cabling to
be enabled.
The device will respond with: Boost enabled
ASCII ‘D’ or‘d’ (Hex 44/64 or Decimal 68/100)
Causes the output signal equalization for long cabling to
be disabled.
The device will respond with: Boost disabled
ASCII ‘R’ or ‘r’ (Hex 52/72 or Decimal 82/114)
Request the status report. The device will respond with:
Report
---------------------
Input = 1
Mode = Auto
Priority = None
Blank = Off
Boost = Disabled
Detection method = Vertical sync
This report displays the current selection of switched
output, mode, and priority buttons.

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ASCII ‘C’ or ‘c’ (Hex 43/63 or Decimal 67/99)
Displays the menu. The device will respond with:
MENU - Version 1.0
-----------------------------------------
1 = PC 1 Input | B = Blank
2 = PC 2 Input | U = Un-blank
A = Auto mode | E = Enable boost
M = Manual mode | D = Disable boost
P = PC 1 priority | R = Report
N = No priority | F = Factory Defaults
| C = Command menu
-----------------------------------------
5.0 Troubleshooting
5.1 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your switcher is malfunctioning, do not attempt to
repair the unit. Contact Black Box Tech. 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;
•The components involved in the problem—that is, what type
of cable, makes and models of computers and monitors, etc.
•The results of any testing you’ve already done.
5.2 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Switcher:
•Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original
container.
•Before you ship the unit back to Black Box for repair or
return, contact us to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.

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5.3 Problem Solving FAQ
1. What are the Cable Length Limitations?
The switcher cannot be used as an extender. Therefore it is best to
plug the output of the switch directly to the display device and use
input cables that are 5 meters (16 ft) maximum. In other words, try
to keep the total length of cables from the video source to the box
and from the box to the monitor should not exceed 16 feet. At
longer distances you may experience video degradation. If you
cannot use shorter cables, try to set the refresh rate and/or
resolution of the video signal to a lower level.