Datapath dL8 User manual

Quick Start Guide
Version 01.00

Safety Instructions (UK)
To prevent damage to your Datapath product or injury to personnel operating the equipment, please read the following safety precau-
tions prior to operation. These instructions should be made available to all those who will use and operate Datapath products.
Power Supply
All Datapath products require a mains power supply. This power supply must be disconnected when equipment is being upgraded or
relocated.
Cables
Do not expose cables to any liquids; doing so may cause a short circuit which could damage the equipment. Do not place heavy
objects on top of any cables as this can cause damage and possibly lead to exposed live wires.
Ventilation
All computer equipment should be located in a well ventilated area. All ventilation holes on the computer casing must be kept clear of
any obstruction at all times. Failure to do so will result in the system over heating and damaging your equipment.
Working Environment
The equipment should be located in an environment free from dust, moisture and extreme changes in temperature and should be
placed on a stable and solid work surface. Liquids (hot/cold drinks etc) should not be placed near the equipment as spillage could
cause serious damage.
Gas/Flammable Liquids
Electronic equipment should never be used in the presence of gas or any ammable liquid, doing so could result in an explosion or
serious re.
Smoke/Unusual Smells
Should you notice smoke or unusual smells being emitted from your computer, turn o and unplug the system from the mains supply.
The system should then be passed to a qualied technician for inspection. Continued operation could result in personal injury and
damage to property.
Maintenance
Maintenance should only be carried out by competent technicians, any Datapath plug-in cards that are physically damaged should be
returned to Datapath for repair using Datapath RMA procedures.
Disposal
At the end of life all Datapath products should be disposed of as per local laws and regulations dictate. In UK contact Datapath to
arrange disposal. Our WEE registration number isWEEE/AA0005ZR.
Rack Mount Safety Instructions
Temperature
If the Datapath dL8 is to be installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the installation should be such that the amount of air ow
required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised. The operating ambient temperature of the rack environment should
be maintained below 35 degrees centigrade under all conditions. Appropriate cooling arrangements should be built into the cabinet to
ensure that this specication is maintained.
Mechanical Loading
Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
Circuit Overloading
Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the mains supply circuit and the eect that overloading of the
supply might have on any overcurrent protection or supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should
be used when addressing this concern.
Reliable Earthing
Reliable earthing of all rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular attention should be given to supply connections
other than direct connections to the branch circuit (e.g. use of power strips).
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Consignes de sécurité (Fr)
An de ne pas endommager votre produit Datapath et d’éviter tout risque de blessure du personnel exploitant le matériel, veuillez lire
les consignes de sécurité suivantes avant toute utilisation. Ces instructions doivent être mises à disposition de toute personne souhaitant
utiliser et exploiter les produits Datapath.
Alimentation électrique
Tous les produits Datapath requièrent une alimentation électrique principale. Cette alimentation électrique doit être interrompue en cas
de mise à jour ou de relocalisation du matériel.
Câbles
Ne pas exposer les câbles à un liquide quelconque car cela pourrait provoquer un court-circuit susceptible d’endommager le matériel.
Ne pas placer d’objets lourds sur les câbles car cela pourrait causer des dommages et conduire éventuellement à des ls électriques
dénudés.
Ventilation
Tout matériel informatique doit être disposé dans un endroit bien ventilé. Veiller à ne jamais obstruer les orices de ventilation du boîtier
de l’ordinateur ; sinon, il y a risque de surchaue du système et votre matériel peut être endommagé.
Environnement de travail
Le matériel doit être placé sur une surface de travail stable et solide, dans un environnement exempt de poussière et d’humidité et non
exposé à des variations extrêmes de températures. Ne pas placer de liquides (boissons chaudes/froides, etc.) près du matériel, car un
déversement accidentel pourrait causer de graves dommages.
Gaz/Liquides inammables
Le matériel électronique ne doit jamais être utilisé en présence de gaz ou de liquide inammable ; cela pourrait entraîner une explosion
ou un grave incendie.
Fumée/odeurs inhabituelles
Si vous constatez la présence de fumée ou d’odeurs inhabituelles émanant de votre ordinateur, éteignez-le et débranchez le système de
l’alimentation secteur. Dans ce cas, le système devra être coné à un technicien qualié pour inspection. Une poursuite de son utilisation
risquerait de provoquer des blessures corporelles et des dommages matériels.
Entretien
L’entretien doit impérativement être eectué par des techniciens compétents, toute carte enchable Datapath physiquement endom-
magée est à retourner à Datapath pour réparation via la procédure Datapath RMA.
Élimination
En n de vie, tous les produits Datapath seront éliminés conformément aux législations et réglementations locales. Au Royaume-Uni,
veuillez contacter Datapath pour organiser l’élimination. Notre numéro d’enregistrement de Déchets d’équipements électriques et
électroniques : WEEE/AA0005ZR.
Consignes de sécurité du montage sur bâti
Température
S’il est prévu d’installer les systèmes dL8 dans une enceinte fermée ou dans un bâti comportant plusieurs unités, l’installation devra être
eectuée de telle manière que le débit d’air requis pour la sûreté de fonctionnement du matériel ne soit pas compromis. La température
ambiante de fonctionnement de l’environnement du bâti doit être maintenue en-dessous de 35 degrés centigrades dans toutes les
conditions. Des dispositifs de refroidissement appropriés doivent être intégrés dans l’armoire de façon à garantir le maintien de cette
spécication.
Charge mécanique
Le montage du matériel doit être eectué de manière à exclure toute situation dangereuse pouvant provenir d’une charge mécanique
irrégulière.
Surcharge du circuit
Il convient d’apporter une certaine importance au raccordement du matériel au circuit de l’alimentation secteur et aux eets qu’une
surcharge de l’alimentation pourrait avoir sur une protection contre les surintensités ou les câbles d’alimentation. Vériez pour cela les
valeurs nominales sur les plaques d’identication du matériel.
Fiabilité de la mise à la terre
Veiller à une mise à la terre able de tout matériel monté sur bâti. Une attention particulière devra être accordée aux raccordements
d’alimentation autres que les raccordements directs au circuit de dérivation (utilisation de multiprises par exemple).
Sicherheitsanweisungen (D)
Die folgenden Sicherheitsanweisungen dienen derVermeidung vonSchäden an Ihrem Datapath-Produkt und Verletzungen der Nutzer.
Bitte lesen Sie sie sorgfältig durch, bevor Sie Ihr Produkt in Betrieb nehmen. DieseAnweisungen sollten allen Personen zugänglich
gemacht werden, die mit der Nutzung und der Bedienung von Datapath-Produkten betraut sind.
Stromversorgung
Alle Datapath-Produkte müssen an die Hauptstromversorgung angeschlossen werden. Die Stromversorgung muss unterbrochen
werden, wenn Geräte ausgetauscht oder an einer anderen Stelle platziert werden sollen.
Kabel
Kabel dürfen nicht mit Flüssigkeiten in Berührung kommen, da dadurch ein Kurzschluss und somit ein Schaden an dem Gerät ausgelöst
werden könnte. Stellen Sie außerdem keine schweren Objekte auf die Kabel, um Schäden und oen liegende stromführende Leitungen
zu vermeiden.
Lüftung
Computerausrüstung sollte in einem gut gelüfteten Bereich aufgestellt werden. Die Lüftungslöcher am Computergehäuse müssen stets
freigehalten werden, um eine Überhitzung und somit einenGeräteschaden zu vermeiden.
Arbeitsumgebung
Die Geräte sollten in einer staubfreien und trockenen Umgebung, in der keine extremenTemperaturänderungen zu erwarten sind, auf
einer stabilen Arbeitsäche aufgestellt werden. In der Nähe der Geräte sollten keine Flüssigkeiten (heiße/kalte Getränke etc.) platziert
werden, die verschüttet werden und schwerwiegende Schäden anrichten könnten.
Gas/brennbare Flüssigkeiten
Elektronische Geräte sind nicht in Umgebungen zu verwenden, in denen Gas oder brennbare Flüssigkeiten vorhanden ist/sind und somit
Brand- und Explosionsgefahr besteht.
Rauch/ungewöhnliche Gerüche
Schalten Sie das System aus und trennen Sie es von der Hauptversorgung, wenn von Ihrem Computer Rauch ausgeht oder dieser un-
gewöhnliche Gerüche abgibt. Lassen Sie das System anschließend von einem qualizierten Techniker prüfen. Bei fortgeführtem Betrieb
besteht die Gefahr vonVerletzungen und Sachschäden.
Wartung
Wartungsarbeiten sollten nur von qualizierten Technikern durchgeführt werden. Physisch beschädigte Plug-in-Karten von Datapath
sollten zur Reparatur unter Einsatz der RMA-Verfahren von Datapath an Datapath übergeben werden.
Entsorgung
Am Ende ihrer Nutzungsdauer sollten Datapath-Produkte gemäß den lokalen Gesetzen und Bestimmungen entsorgt werden. Für
Nutzer in Großbritannien: Bitte kontaktieren Sie Datapath, um Vorkehrungen zur Entsorgung von Datapath-Produkten zu treen.
Unsere WEE-Registrierungsnummer lautet WEEE/AA0005ZR.
Sicherheitsanweisungen zur Rack-Montage
Temperatur
Um einen sicheren Betrieb zu gewährleisten, muss ausreichend Luft zur Kühlung sichergestellt werden, wenn dL8Systeme in einem
geschlossenen Rack-Auau oder einem Auau für mehrere Geräte installiert werden. Die Umgebungstemperatur in dem Bereich, in
dem sich das Rack bendet, sollte stets unterhalb von 35° C liegen. Das Gehäuse sollte mit einer Vorrichtung zur angemessenen Kühlung
ausgestattet sein, sodass diese Spezikation erfüllt werden kann.
Mechanische Belastung
Um Gefahrensituationen zu vermeiden, muss bei der Platzierung derGeräte in das Rack auf eine gleichmäßige mechanische Belastung
geachtet werden.
Schaltkreisüberlastung
Beim Anschluss derGeräte an die Hauptstromversorgung sollten die Auswirkungen berücksichtigt werden, die eineÜberlastung der
Stromversorgung auf einen eventuell vorhandenen Überstromschutz oderVersorgungsleitungen haben könnte. In diesem Zusammen-
hang sind die Typenschilder derGeräte zu beachten.
Zuverlässige Erdung
In Bezug auf in Racks montierte Geräte ist stets auf eine zuverlässige Erdung und insbesondere aufVersorgungsleitungen zu achten, die
nicht direkt an den jeweiligen Stromkreis angeschlossen sind (Nutzung von Steckerleisten etc.).
Instrucciones de seguridad (Esp)
Rogamos leer las siguientes instrucciones de seguridad antes de poner en funcionamiento el equipo, a n de evitar daños en su producto
de Datapath o lesiones al personal encargado de su manejo. Poner estas instrucciones a disposición de todos aquellos que vayan a
utilizar y/o manejar los productos de Datapath.
Alimentación eléctrica
Todos los productos de Datapath requieren una fuente de alimentación eléctrica. Esta fuente de alimentación eléctrica debe ser
desconectada durante las tareas de renovación o traslado.
Cables
No exponer los cables a líquidos, ya que ello puede causar un cortocircuito y, por consiguiente, daños en el equipo. No colocar objetos
pesados sobre los cables, ya que esto puede ocasionar daños y poner al descubierto los cables vivos.
Ventilación
Todos los equipos informáticos deben estar situados en un área bien ventilada. Mantener todos los oricios de ventilación de la carcasa
del ordenador siempre libres de obstrucciones de cualquier tipo. En caso contrario, podría producirse un sobrecalentamiento del
sistema y daños en el equipo.
Entorno de trabajo
El equipo debe estar emplazado en un ambiente sin polvo, humedad ni cambios bruscos de temperatura y debe ser situado sobre una
supercie estable y sólida. No colocar líquidos (bebidas calientes/frías, etc.) cerca del equipo, ya que un derrame podría causar graves
daños.
Gas/líquidos inamables
El equipo electrónico nunca debe ser usado en presencia de gas o líquido inamable, ya que esto podría causar una explosión o un
incendio grave.
Humo/olores inusuales
En caso de percibir humo u olores inusuales provenientes de su ordenador, apagar y desenchufar el equipo de la red eléctrica. El sistema
debe ser conado entonces a un técnico cualicado para su
inspección. Si el equipo continuara funcionando, esto podría ocasionar lesiones personales y daños materiales.
Mantenimiento
El mantenimiento solo debe ser ejecutado por técnicos capacitados. Las tarjetas insertables (plug-in) de Datapath que estén físicamente
dañadas deben ser devueltas a Datapath para su reparación según los procedimientos RMA (Return Merchandise Agreement) de
Datapath.
Eliminación
Al nal de su vida útil, todos los productos de Datapath deben ser eliminados de acuerdo con las leyes y normativas locales. En el
Reino Unido, contactar a Datapath para organizar la eliminación. Nuestro número de registro WEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) es WEEE/AA0005ZR.
Instrucciones de seguridad para montaje en bastidor
Temperatura
Si los sistemas dL8 se montan en un bastidor cerrado o en un bastidor de varias unidades, la instalación se deberá realizar evitando que
afecte al ujo de aire necesario para un funcionamiento seguro. Mantener la temperatura ambiente del entorno del bastidor por debajo
de los 35 grados centígrados bajo todo tipo de condiciones. Instalar en el armario los dispositivos adecuados de refrigeración a n de
asegurar que se cumpla esta especicación.
Carga mecánica
Efectuar el montaje del equipo en el bastidor de tal modo que se eviten situaciones de peligro debidas a una carga mecánica irregular.
Sobrecarga del circuito
Tener especial cuidado al realizar la conexión del equipo al circuito de la red eléctrica a n de evitar que una sobrecarga de ésta pueda
afectar a algún dispositivo de protección contra corriente de sobreintensidad o al cableado de alimentación. Tener en cuenta las capaci-
dades especicadas en la placa indicadora del equipo al conectarlo a la red.
Puesta a tierra segura
Asegurar la puesta a tierra segura de todos los equipos montados en bastidor. Prestar especial atención a las conexiones de alimentación
que no sean conexiones directas al circuito en derivación (por ejemplo, mediante regletas).
Safety Instructions

Datapath dL8
Congratulations on your purchase. The Datapath dL8 is an eight output distribution amplier for
ultra-high resolution Dual-Link DVI signals.
One Dual-Link DVI input, supporting graphics sources with pixel clocks up to 330MHz and resolutions
beyond quad-HD (3840x2160 @ 30 Hz), can be delivered to up to eight outputs on separate DVI-D (Dual
Link)
connectors.
This Quick Start Guide is designed to aid quick installation and set up of your new dL8, however should
you experience any problems not covered in this guide please refer to your supplier.
Step 1
Packing List –Your box should contain:
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• dL8 - Distribution amplier
• USB Cable
• Power Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Software CD

4
Step 2
Unpacking
Inspect items for damage. Should any items show any signs of damage, report it immediately to your
supplier.
Retain packaging materials for future shipping requirements.
Front View
Rear View
Fig.2
Fig.1
Fig.3
Top View

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Step 3
Getting Started
• Ensure the power supply for the DVI source is disconnected.
• Connect the cable from the DVI source to the input socket on the rear of the dL8.
• Connect up to eight displays/Datapath x4s to the output sockets on the rear panel of the dL8.
• Connect the power cable to the dL8 and switch on the power supply.
• Power up the DVI source.
The Power LED located on the front panel will illuminate to indicate that power has successfully been
applied to the unit.
The dL8 incorporates an internal processor that will continuously monitor the received DVI signal, and
whenever a valid and stable input is detected the Input LED is illuminated.
How to Connect the Input
Connect the output cable of the DVI source to the Dual Link DVI input connector on the dL8.
You should exercise great care when connecting all cables to the connectors on your dL8.
If the pins are oriented correctly and the connector is pushed on squarely, the use of force is not
required. Poor handling may cause some pins to bend within the plug on the cable and this, in turn will
cause damage to the output socket and in some instances will cause irreparable damage to the Printed
Circuit Board located inside the unit. Such damage is not covered under warranty
How to Connect the Outputs
The Datapath dL8 has eight DVI-I (Dual Link) connectors, each connector can be linked to separate
Datapath x4 units using cables up to 20m in length. This is due to the built in equalization in the x4. Cable
lengths of up to 5m in length can be used in all other instances where the output devices do not have built
in equalization.
Fig.4
USB Socket
The USB socket on the rear of the unit is used to connect the dL8 to a PC via a USB connection using the
supplied USB Type A to Type B cable. Conguration of the dL8 is programmable via an application utility
allowing the easy conguration of your display wall.

6
Step 4
Operation Indicators
The front panel has three LEDs to indicate the operational status of the dL8:
• Power
• Input
• Status
Power
When illuminated, the Power LED indicates the dL8 is connected to a mains supply and the power switch
is on.
Input
When illuminated, the Input LED indicates a valid DVI source is connected.
Status
• Continuous illumination – Indicates the dL8 is operating normally.
• Flashing – Unit is operating over the normal operating temperature. Ensure the input fan vent is not
blocked.
When the dL8 device is connected to a PC by a USB cable, and the dL8 control application is active, then
all three lights ash in turn to help to identify which unit is being controlled.
EDID SETUP
The EDID SETUP button is used to populate the onboard EDID of the dL8 from the EDID on the device
connected to Output 1. When pressed, the three LEDs will ash in sequence to indicate that the operation
was successful.
If the LEDs do not ash, this indicates that the operation to copy the EDID did not work. This could be
because of either Output 1 does not have a device with an EDID or the EDID is corrupt and could not be
read.
Note: To avoid the accidental operation of the EDID SETUP, the button must be pressed for a mini-
mum of 3 seconds. The function will then be unavailable for a period of 10 seconds.

7
Step 5
Conguring the dL8
Installing the dL8 Driver and Software Application
Note: Do not plug the dL8 into a USB port until the driver installation is complete.
Locate the Install folder on the Datapath CD supplied with the dL8, run install.exe. and follow the
installation wizard. During installation a warning message may be displayed stating that the driver does
not have Windows® Logo accreditation.
Select Continue Anyway to complete the installation.
The Datapath dL8 can now be connected to a suitable USB 2.0 port using the cable supplied. At this point
the hardware will be detected by Windows® as a dL8, and a New Hardware wizard is displayed. Allow the
wizard to search, and click on the recommended option to enable the previously installed driver to be
associated with the new hardware.
Press Continue Anyway to accept the driver.
We suggest that you regularly visit the Datapath web site (www.datapath.co.uk) for information on
updated drivers.
Running the dL8 Application
To open the dL8 application select Start/All Programs/Datapath dL8.
The application will search for a dL8 connected to your computer and display the status of the current
input.
Once the application has detected an dL8 the main status screen is displayed Fig.5
Fig.5

8
Fig. 6
The main control dialog is divided into the following groups:
Connection
DVI-D Input
EDID Prefered Mode
DVI-I Outputs
Connection Diagram
The connection diagram displays a schematic view of the rear panel of the dL8 to assist in identifying the
connectors.
DVI-D Input
The DVI-D Input group indicates if an input is currently being captured and if the input is Dual Link. It also
displays the preferred mode that has been programmed into the dL8’s EDID. Use the Modify button to
update the EDID. The small square to the left of Input and Dual Link indicates:
• Green – A valid input is connected to the dL8. The input connected is Dual Link
• Grey – A valid input is not connected. Dual Link input not detected.
Device
The unique USB device name that is connected is displayed in the Device group. It is possible to associate
a more user friendly name such as “Main Video Wall”. The friendly name is stored in non-volatile storage
on the dL8 and can to help identify the device during future congurations. Specic devices connected to
your PC can be selected using the Select Device.. command on the File Menu. The dL8’s will be listed by
the USB Device or by a previously congured friendly name.
Fig. 7
Fig.8

9
To boost the equalization hardware click on the Settings button and the following dialog is displayed. Fig
9.
Fig. 9
Use the slider to compensate for the loss signal quality due to DVI cable lengths over 5 m. The equaliza-
tion hardware can compensate for cables up to 20m in length.
Fig. 10

10
The DVI-D Input dialog Fig.10 allows you to copy the EDID from devices connected to the outputs. This
fuction is used if all the connected outputs are identical.
If the LEDs do not ash, this indicates that the operation to copy the EDID did not work. This could be
because of either the selected Output does not have a device with an EDID or the EDID is corrupt and
could not be read. To copy the EDID timings click on the Copy button. Alternatively, the EDID can be set
manually.
The dialog supports standard timing formula such as:
• VESA CVT
• VESA CVT Reduced Blanking
• SMPTE (for HD modes)
• VESA GTF
• Custom
Selecting Auto from the drop down list will typically default to the VESA CVT algorithm which best
matches typical standard VESA output modes. However, to minimise dot clocks and hence maximise DVI
cable lengths, the CVT Reduced Blanking formula is recommended.
Selecting Custom allows the timing parameters to be edited. It should be noted that you will need to
select between denition of Pixel Clock or Vertical Refresh since these are mutually exclusive
parameters.
Once edited, clicking OK writes the preferred mode into the EDID but will not normally aect the input
mode that is being captured. It may be necessary to force the graphics device in the host machine to
detect the new modes, this can be done by selecting Detect on the Screen Resolutions dialog box (Win-
dows® 7) or by disconnecting the source from the dL8 and reconnecting.
All modications to the Input settings can be saved as part of a .dda le, removing the requirement to
input the same settings again. To save the settings select the Save… command in the File menu. To open
a saved .dda le select the Open… command.

11
Specication
Physical Dimensions 19”-Rack mount (1U) (438mm x 40mm x
172 mm)
Input Connectors DVI-D (Dual Link)
USB (Type B) for host communications
IEC mains power inlet
Output Connectors 8 x DVI-D (Dual Link)
Front panel Controls Push button for EDID sampling
Three LED indicator lamps (Power/Input/
Status) and ashing feedback for USB com-
munications or EDID button press.
Input Capabilities Incorporates TMDS re-clocking equalizer to
support up to 20m cables(1)
Programmable EDID to indicate preferred
mode
No limit to aspect ratios or frame rates of
DVI signals that can be accepted, provided
they remain within the Dual-Link 330MHz
specication
Input is not HDCP compatible.
Output Capabilities Supports up to 5m cables into standard DVI
receiver(2)
USB Connection Supports USB 2.0 for programming of input
EDID parameters using Datapath dL8 Con-
trol application
Operating system support: Windows XP,
Windows Server 2003, WindowsVista, Win-
dows Server 2008,Windows 7
Power Requirements Universal power supply (100-240V).
25W maximum(1)
Operating Temperature 0 to 35 ºC ( 32 to 96ºF) Internal Fan cooling
Storage Temperature -20 to 70 ºC ( -4 to 158ºF)
Relative Humidity 5% to 90% non-condensing
Warranty 3 years
Notes:
(1) Provisional specication
(2) Output cable lengths can be extended when driving receivers with built in equalization – up to
20m for Datapath X4.
UK Headquarters and Main Sales Oce
Datapath Ltd.,
Alfreton Road,
Derby, DE21 4AD, UK
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.datapath.co.uk