Black Box IC454AE User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2005. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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]
MAY 2005
IC454A
IC454AE
IC455A
IC455AE
Active CCTV Receiver Hub, 16-Port

1
FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS
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.

2
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
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
NOM STATEMENT
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.

4
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1 Pre-Installation Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2 Physical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.3 Installation Procedure for IC454A or IC454AE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.4 Installation Procedure for IC455A or IC455AE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.1 Problems/Possible Causes/Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2 Calling Black Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.3 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

6
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
1. Specifications
Transmission: Transparent to the user
Bandwidth: DC to 4.5 MHz
Input: 1.5 Vp-p maximum, 100 ohms, balanced
Output: 1.1 Vp-p ±1 dB, 75 ohms, unbalanced
Insertion Loss: -14 dB maximum for luma, -60 dB minimum for chroma,
determined by automatic gain control
Return Loss: Greater than 15 dB over the frequency range
Common Mode Rejection Ratio: Greater than 40 dB at 3.85 MHz
Maximum Distance via CAT5 UTP: NTSC: Camera to hub: 4000 ft. (1219.2 m);
Hub to DVR: 350 ft. (106.7 m); Total: 3350 ft. (1021.1 m)
Image Adjustment: Automatic gain control for sharpness and luminosity
Cable: UTP: 24 gauge or lower solid copper twisted-pair wire,
Impedance: 100 ohms at 1 MHz;
BNC: 75 ohms at 1 MHz (RG59/U or RG8)
Compatible baluns: IC440A, IC444A, IC451A, and IC452A
Video In/Out Surge Protection: ±1.5 V maximum permanent voltage positive or
negative pulse, 3 V maximum, 1 ms
Fuse Rating: 3 A
Connectors: IC454A, IC454AE: Video input from cameras: (16) 2-pole screw
terminals; Video output to DVR: (16) 2-pole screw terminals;
Ground: (1) Chassis ground lug;
IC455A, IC455AE: Video input from cameras: (16) 2-pole screw terminals;
Video output to DVR: (16) BNC F; Ground: (1) Chassis ground lug
NOTE
The connectors are reverse-polarity sensitive.
Indicators: (17) LEDs: (1) Power, (16) Video Sync

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Temperature Tolerance: Operating: 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C);
Storage: -4 to +185°F (-20 to +85°C)
Power: All: 24-VAC RMS typical (floating: +15%, -10%), 40 W RMS maximum;
IC454A, IC455A: 110V/24-VAC/60-VA external power supply included;
IC454AE, IC455AE: 240-VAC/24-VAC/70-VA external power supply included
Size: 1.75"H (1U) x 19"W x 8.6"D (4.4 x 48.3 x 21.8 cm)
Weight: 4.4 lb. (2 kg)

8
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
2. Introduction
2.1 Overview
The Active CCTV Receiver Hub provides centralized cabling for medium and large
CCTV installations via copper twisted pair. Typical installations include CCTV
cameras, DVRs, monitors, switches, multiplexors, and other CCTV equipment.
The hub features automatic gain control for picture brightness, sharpness, and
contrast, reducing on-site service calls. It supports distances up to 4500 ft.
(1371.6 m) via Category 5 twisted-pair cable when used with a passive CCTV balun
(part number IC440A, IC444A, IC451A, or IC452A) at the camera end.
The hub automatically adjusts the brightness, sharpness, and color intensity of the
video signal based on the actual cable conditions such as cable grade, distance, and
environmental effects on the cable. Once installed, you don’t have to go on-site to
check the video signal. Any further enhancements to the image may be made at
the camera, monitor, multiplexor, or DVR. The hub requires a floating 24-VAC,
40-VA power transformer (included) and connects directly to the DVR or CCTV
multiplexor.
Mount the hub in a rack, on a wall, or on the desktop. It features ground-loop
blocking for secure data transmissions. Diagnostic LEDs provide instant status
information.
Two models (IC454A and IC455A) are shown in Figures 2-1 through 2-3. The
IC454A features UTP on both input and output for installation in remote telecom
or wiring rooms. The IC454AE is the same as the IC454A, except that it has a
240-VAC power supply. The IC455A features UTP on the input and coax on the
output for installation next to the central monitoring (DVR or multiplexor)
equipment. The IC455AE is the same as the IC455A, except that it has a 240-VAC
power supply.
Figure 2-1. The IC454A or IC455A’s front panel.

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Figure 2-2. The IC454A’s rear panel.
Figure 2-3. The IC455A’s rear panel.
2.2 What’s Included
Your package should include the following items.
• Active CCTV Receiver Hub with attached mounting brackets
• 24-VAC, 40-VA external power supply
• (4) Rubber feet
• This users’ manual
If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box at 724-746-5500.

10
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
3. Installation
WARNING
Do not connect the power supply to a video signal or ground terminals.
The hub might be damaged.
3.1 Pre-Installation Checklist
The checklist below describes what you need to consider before installing the
Active CCTV Receiver Hub.
1. The hub always connects to the receiver side of a CCTV installation. For
example, it connects directly to the video input ports of a DVR, CCTV
multiplexor, or matrix switch at the central monitoring location.
2. The hub is used with the passive CCTV baluns (part numbers IC440A,
IC444A, IC451A, or IC452A). The passive CCTV baluns connect at the CCTV
source, which is usually the CCTV camera.
NOTE
The Active CCTV Receiver Hub will also work with third-party vendor
baluns and CCTV cameras with built-in twisted-pair baluns (balanced
output). You might need to reverse the polarity of the wires first.
Distance performance may vary.
3. For best image quality and operator safety, the multiplexor or DVR should be
properly grounded. If this is not possible, then the hub should be properly
grounded via the ground screw on the unit. Make sure that there is a building
ground available for this purpose. See Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Ground lug.
Ground lug

11
CHAPTER 3: Installation
4. The Active CCTV Receiver Hub must be powered by a floating 24-VAC, 40-VA
minimum power transformer (included).
5. The hub is calibrated to work with CCTV sources that conform to the RS-343
(RS-170) standard.
3.2 Physical Installation
The Active CCTV Receiver Hub has three mounting options: desktop, 19"
rackmount, or wallmount. The hub comes with two mounting brackets and four
rubber feet to allow it to be configured for one of these options. The hub is factory
configured for rackmounting.
1. If the hub will be rackmounted in a relay rack, install it using standard
rackmount screws (not included). See Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2. Hub with rackmount brackets.
2. If the hub will be installed on a desk, remove the rackmount brackets with a
standard Phillips screwdriver and store the brackets for future use. Peel the
backing off the rubber feet and affix them to the corners underneath the base
of the unit.
3. If the hub will be wallmounted, remove the rackmount brackets and install
them in the wallmount position on the hub as shown in Figure 3-3.
Rackmount bracket
Rackmount bracket

12
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
Figure 3-3. Hub with wallmount brackets.
4. Install the hub on the wall using the proper mounting hardware.
3.3 Installation Procedure for IC454A or IC454AE
The IC454A or IC454AE (UTP/UTP) allows the unit to be installed in a remote
wiring location away from the central monitoring equipment. The hub may be
installed up to 500 feet (152.4 m) away from the DVR via CAT5 UTP cable. In
order to install the product in this configuration, follow the steps below.
1. Install the Active CCTV Receiver Hub. Verify that the distance between the
hub and cameras and between the hub and DVR are within the specifications
described in Chapter 1.
2. Connect a passive CCTV balun (part number IC440A, IC444A, IC451A, or
IC452A) to each CCTV camera video output port. Refer to the balun’s users’
manual for details.
3. Connect one twisted pair from each camera to one port on the rear of the
Active CCTV Receiver Hub. Make sure that straight-through polarity is
respected between the CCTV balun and the hub. Multi-pair cables are
supported as long as they are Category 5 or better. See Figure 3-4.
Wallmount bracket

13
CHAPTER 3: Installation
Figure 3-4. Camera connection.
4. Make sure that the DVR or mux’s power is turned off. Install a passive CCTV
balun on each DVR port. We recommend using the CCTV Video Balun
(IC444A).
5. Connect one twisted pair from each of the Active CCTV Receiver Hub’s port
to each balun on the rear of the DVR. Make sure that straight-through
polarity is respected between the hub and the DVR. Multi-pair cables are
supported as long as they are Category 5 or better. See Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-5. DVR connection (UTP/UTP version).
6. Connect the external power supply to the hub, then plug it into an AC power
outlet. If power is present, the green power LED will be on.
Camera
DVR

14
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
7. Power on the CCTV cameras and the DVR. When a video signal is detected,
the green LED on each hub port will turn on.
8. Due to the hub’s automatic gain control, the camera images may take a few
seconds to stabilize. This is normal. The hub automatically adjusts the
brightness, sharpness, and color to compensate for effects due to the cabling
conditions. Use the adjustments on the CCTV camera, DVR, or monitor to
fine tune the final picture.
9. If there is visible low-frequency background noise (appearing as a wood-grain
pattern) in the picture, connect the hub’s ground lug to a true building
ground. See Figure 3-6 for a typical configuration.
Figure 3-6. Typical application (UTP/UTP version).
3.4 Installation Procedure for IC455A or IC455AE
The Active CCTV Receiver Hub is available in a UTP/coax version (IC455A,
IC455AE) where the hub is located near the central monitoring system (DVR). In
order to install the hub in this configuration, follow the steps below.
1. Perform steps 1 through 3 listed in Section 3.3, then proceed to step 2 below.
2. Make sure that the power is turned off on the DVR or mux.
3. Connect one coax cable from each Active CCTV Receiver Hub to each video
input port on the rear of the DVR. See Figure 3-7.
CCTV Video Balun
(IC444A)
or Video Balun,
1-Way, Video Only
(IC440A)
CCTV Balun,
Mini-Coax
(IC451A) or
CCTV Balun,
Passthrough
(IC452A)
Active CCTV
Receiver Hub
(IC455A)
Up to 500 ft. (152.4 m)
via CAT5 UTP cable
Up to 4000 ft. (1219.2 m)
via CAT5 UTP cable
CCTV Video Baluns
(IC444A)

15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
Figure 3-7. DVR connection (UTP/coax version).
4. Connect the external power supply to the hub, then plug it into an AC power
outlet. If power is present, the green power LED will be on.
5. Power on the CCTV cameras and DVR. When a video signal is detected, the
green LED on each hub port will turn on.
6. Due to the hub’s automatic gain control, the camera images may take a few
seconds to stabilize. This is normal. The hub automatically adjusts the
brightness, sharpness, and color to compensate for effects due to the cabling
conditions. Use the adjustments on the CCTV camera, DVR, or monitor to
fine tune the final picture.
7. If there is visible low-frequency background noise (appears as a wood-grain
pattern) in the picture, connect the hub’s ground lug to a true building
ground. See Figure 3-8 for a typical configuration.
DVR

16
ACTIVE CCTV RECEIVER HUB, 16-PORT
Figure 3-8. Typical application (UTP/coax version).
Active CCTV
Receiver Hub
(IC455A)
Coax cable
Camera
Up to 4000 ft. (1219.2 m)
via CAT5 UTP cable
CCTV Video Balun
(IC444A)
or Video Balun,
1-Way, Video Only
(IC440A)
CCTV Balun,
Mini-Coax
(IC451A) or
CCTV Balun,
Passthrough
(IC452A)

17
CHAPTER 4: Troubleshooting
4. Troubleshooting
4.1 Problems/Possible Causes/Solutions
The following table describes some of the problems, possible causes, and solutions.
If the information below does not solve the problem, go to Sections 4.2 and 4.3 for
technical support contact information.
Problem: There is no image. The Power LED is off.
Possible Cause #1: The power is off.
Solution #1: Check the CCTV equipment’s power supplies.
Possible Cause #2: The fuse has blown.
Solution #2: Remove the fuse at the rear of the unit and replace it with one of the
same rating.
Problem: There is no image. The Power LED is on. The Video Sync LED is on.
Possible Cause: Wrong pin configuration.
Solution: Check the pin configuration and make sure the wiring is straight
through.
Problem: The picture is distorted. The Power LED is on. The Port LED is on or
blinking.
Possible Cause #1: There is EMI interference.
Solution #1: Make sure the wiring is not too close to transformers and lightning
ballasts.
Possible Cause #2: The wires are reversed on the signal pair on one side.
Solution #2: Make sure the wires on the signal pair are not reversed on one side.
Possible Cause #3: There is a split pair.