Extron electronics FOX SW8 User manual

User Guide
FOX SW8
Fiber Optic Switchers
8-Input Fiber Optic Switcher
68-1550-02 Rev. B
04 13

Safety Instructions • English
WARNING: This symbol, , when used on the product, is intended
to alert the user of the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage
within the product’s enclosure that may present a risk of electric
shock.
ATTENTION: This symbol, , when used on the product, is intended
to alert the user of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature provided with the equipment.
For information on safety guidelines, regulatory compliances, EMI/EMF
compatibility, accessibility, and related topics, see the Extron Safety and
Regulatory Compliance Guide, part number 68-290-01, on the Extron
website, www.extron.com.
Instructions de sécurité • Français
AVERTISSEMENT: Ce pictogramme, , lorsqu’il est utilisé sur le
produit, signale à l’utilisateur la présence à l’intérieur du boîtier
du produit d’une tension électrique dangereuse susceptible de
provoquer un choc électrique.
ATTENTION: Ce pictogramme, , lorsqu’il est utilisé sur le produit,
signale à l’utilisateur des instructions d’utilisation ou de maintenance
importantes qui se trouvent dans la documentation fournie avec le
matériel.
Pour en savoir plus sur les règles de sécurité, la conformité à la
réglementation, la compatibilité EMI/EMF, l’accessibilité, et autres sujets
connexes, lisez les informations de sécurité et de conformité Extron,
réf. 68-290-01, sur le site Extron, www.extron.fr.
Sicherheitsanweisungen • Deutsch
WARNUNG: Dieses Symbol auf dem Produkt soll den Benutzer
darauf aufmerksam machen, dass im Inneren des Gehäuses dieses
Produktes gefährliche Spannungen herrschen, die nicht isoliert sind
und die einen elektrischen Schlag verursachen können.
VORSICHT: Dieses Symbol auf dem Produkt soll dem Benutzer in
der im Lieferumfang enthaltenen Dokumentation besonders wichtige
Hinweise zur Bedienung und Wartung (Instandhaltung) geben.
Weitere Informationen über die Sicherheitsrichtlinien, Produkthandhabung,
EMI/EMF-Kompatibilität, Zugänglichkeit und verwandte Themen finden Sie
in den Extron-Richtlinien für Sicherheit und Handhabung (Artikelnummer
68-290-01) auf der Extron-Website, www.extron.de.
Instrucciones de seguridad • Español
ADVERTENCIA: Este símbolo, , cuando se utiliza en el producto,
avisa al usuario de la presencia de voltaje peligroso sin aislar dentro
del producto, lo que puede representar un riesgo de descarga
eléctrica.
ATENCIÓN: Este símbolo, , cuando se utiliza en el producto, avisa
al usuario de la presencia de importantes instrucciones de uso
y mantenimiento recogidas en la documentación proporcionada
con el equipo.
Para obtener información sobre directrices de seguridad, cumplimiento
de normativas, compatibilidad electromagnética, accesibilidad y
temas relacionados, consulte la Guía de cumplimiento de normativas
y seguridad de Extron, referencia 68-290-01, en el sitio Web de Extron,
www.extron.es.
Chinese Simplified（简体中文）
警告：产品上的这个标志意在警告用户该产品机壳内有暴露的危险
电 压 ，有 触 电 危 险 。
注意：产品上的这个标志意在提示用户设备随附的用户手册中有
重要的操作和维护(维修）说明。
关于我们产品的安全指南、遵循的规范、EMI/EMF 的兼容性、无障碍
使用的特性等相关内容，敬请访问 Extron 网站 www.extron.cn，参见 Extron
安全规范指南，产品编号 68-290-01。
Chinese Traditional（繁體中文）
警告: 若產品上使用此符號，是為了提醒使用者，產品機殼內存在著
可能會導致觸電之風險的未絕緣危險電壓。
注意 若產品上使用此符號，是為了提醒使用者。
有關安全性指導方針、法規遵守、EMI/EMF 相容性、存取範圍和相關主題的詳細
資訊，請瀏覽 Extron 網站：www.extron.cn，然後參閱《Extron 安全性與法規
遵守手冊》，準則編號 68-290-01。
Japanese
警告:この記号 が製品上に表示されている場合は、筐体内に絶縁されて
いない高電圧が流れ、感電の危険があることを示しています。
注意:この記号 が製品上に表示されている場合は、本機の取扱説明書に
記載されている重要な操作と保守(整備)の指示についてユーザーの
  注意を喚起するものです。
安全上のご注意、法規厳守、EMI/EMF適合性、その他の関連項目に
つ い て は 、エ ク スト ロ ン の ウ ェブ サ イト www.extron.jpより
『Extron Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide』 (P/N 68-290-01) をご覧ください。
Korean
경고: 이 기호 , 가 제품에 사용될 경우, 제품의 인클로저 내에 있는
접지되지 않은 위험한 전류로 인해 사용자가 감전될 위험이 있음을
경고합니다.
주의: 이 기호 , 가 제품에 사용될 경우, 장비와 함께 제공된 책자에 나와
있는 주요 운영 및 유지보수(정비) 지침을 경고합니다.
안전 가이드라인, 규제 준수, EMI/EMF 호환성, 접근성, 그리고 관련
항목에 대한 자세한 내용은 Extron 웹 사이트(www.extron.co.kr)의
Extron 안전 및 규제 준수 안내서, 68-290-01 조항을 참조하십시오.
Safety Instructions

FCC Class A Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part15 of the FCC rules. The ClassA limits provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference; the user must correct the interference at
his own expense.
NOTE: For more information on safety guidelines, regulatory compliances, EMI/EMF
compatibility, accessibility, and related topics, see the “Extron Safety and
Regulatory Compliance Guide” on the Extron website.
Copyright
© 2013 Extron Electronics. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
All trademarks mentioned in this guide are the properties of their respective owners.
The following registered trademarks®, registered service marks(SM), and trademarks(TM) are the property of RGB Systems, Inc. or Extron Electronics:
Registered Trademarks (®)
AVTrac, Cable Cubby, CrossPoint, eBUS, EDID Manager, EDID Minder, Extron, Flat Field,GlobalViewer, Hideaway, Inline, IP Intercom, IP Link, Key
Minder, LockIt, MediaLink, PoleVault, PURE3, Quantum, SoundField, System Integrator, TouchLink, V-Lock, VersaTools, VN-Matrix, VoiceLift,
WallVault, WindoWall
Registered Service Mark(SM) : S3 Service Support Solutions
Trademarks (™)
AAP, AFL (Accu-Rate Frame Lock), ADSP (Advanced Digital Sync Processing), AIS (Advanced Instruction Set), Auto-Image, CDRS (Class D Ripple
Suppression), DDSP (Digital Display Sync Processing), DMI (Dynamic Motion Interpolation), Driver Configurator, DSP Configurator, DSVP (Digital
Sync Validation Processing), FastBite, FOXBOX, IP Intercom HelpDesk, MAAP, MicroDigital, PowerCage, ProDSP, QS-FPC (QuickSwitch Front
Panel Controller), Scope-Trigger, SIS, Simple Instruction Set, Skew-Free, SpeedMount, SpeedNav, SpeedSwitch, Triple-Action Switching, XTP, XTP
Systems, XTRA, ZipCaddy, ZipClip

Specifications Availability
Product specification are available on the Extron website, www.extron.com.
Conventions Used in this Guide
Notifications
The following notifications are used in this guide:
WARNING: A warning indicates a situation that has the potential to result in death or
severe injury.
CAUTION: A caution indicates a situation that may result in minor injury.
ATTENTION: Attention indicates a situation that may damage or destroy the product or
associated equipment.
NOTE: A note draws attention to important information.
Software Commands
Commands are written in the fonts shown here:
^AR Merge Scene,,Op1 scene 1,1 ^B 51 ^W^C
[01] R 0004 00300 00400 00800 00600 [02] 35 [17] [03]
EX! *X1@*X1%*X1**X1^ CE}
NOTE: For commands and examples of computer or device responses mentioned
in this guide, the character “0” is used for the number zero and “O” is the capital
letter “o.”
Computer responses and directory paths that do not have variables are written in the font
shown here:
Reply from 208.132.180.48: bytes=32 times=2ms TTL=32
C:\Program Files\Extron
Variables are written in slanted form as shown here:
ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx —t
SOH RData STX Command ETB ETX
Selectable items, such as menu names, menu options, buttons, tabs, and field names are
written in the font shown here:
From the File menu, select New.
Click the OK button.

vFOX SW8 • Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction............................................................ 1
About this Guide................................................. 1
About the FOX SW8 ........................................... 1
Features ............................................................. 3
Installation and Operation.................................. 4
Rear Panel Connections ..................................... 4
Front Panel Configuration Port............................ 7
Controls, Indicators, and Operation .................... 7
Controls and Indicators................................... 7
Button Icons................................................... 7
Operation ....................................................... 8
Remote Control..................................................... 9
Remote Control Ports......................................... 9
Simple Instruction Set Control ............................ 9
Host-to-interface Communications ................. 9
Start-up Message........................................... 9
Error Responses........................................... 10
Timeout ........................................................ 10
Using the Command and Response Table .... 10
Universal Switcher Control Program ................. 12
Installing the Software................................... 12
Using the Program........................................ 13
Firmware Upgrade ........................................ 15
Using the Help System ................................. 18
Button Label Generator Program...................... 18
Location of Software on the Website ............ 19
Using the Button Label Generator Software.. 19
Reference Information ...................................... 20
Button Labels ................................................... 20
Installing Labels in the Switcher Buttons ....... 20
Mounting the Unit ............................................. 22
Tabletop Use ................................................ 22
Mounting kits................................................ 22
Rack-Mounting UL Guidelines ...................... 22

FOX SW8 • Introduction 1
Introduction
The topics covered in this section are:
• About this Guide
• About the FOX SW8
• Features
WARNING:Risk of serious physical injury: The FOX SW8 outputs continuous
invisible light, which may be harmful to the eyes; use with caution.
• Do not look into the rear panel fiber optic cable connectors or into the fiber optic
cables themselves.
• Plug the attached dust caps into the optical transceivers when the fiber cable is
unplugged.
About this Guide
This guide contains information about two models of Extron FOX SW8 ultra-high
performance fiber optic switchers.
NOTE: Many products are compatible with the FOX SW8. They will be identified where
appropriate, but not specifically described in this guide.
About the FOX SW8
The FOX SW8 is available in two transmission modes, singlemode and a multimode, which
define the transmission range of the switcher:
• FOX SW8 MM — An 8-input, 1-output multimode switcher, with a range of up to
2000m (6561 feet) on each input and the output
• FOX SW8 SM — An 8-input, 1-output singlemode switcher, with a range of up to
30km (18.75 miles) on each input and the output
NOTES:
• The multimode and singlemode switchers are physically and functionally
identical with the exception of the effective range of transmission.
In this guide, the terms “FOX SW8” and “switcher” refer to a switcher of either
transmission mode.
• The FOX SW8 MM and the FOX SW8 SM are not interchangeable.
The switcher accepts up to eight proprietary input optical signals from compatible
Extron fiber optic transmitters (Txs) (see figure 1, on the next page). The optical signal can
include video, audio, and one-way (transmitter-to-receiver [Rx]) RS-232 communications.
Seven of the inputs are looped through and output for local use.

FOX SW8 • Introduction 2
4 5 6 7 8
FOX SW8
100-240V 0.3A
OPTICAL INPUTS
50/60 Hz
RS-232
Tx Rx
OUTPUT
LOOP IN
1
LOOP IN
2
LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN OUT IN
3
100-240V 0.3A
50-60Hz
FOX 500 Tx
AUDIO INPUTS
INPUT LOOP THRU
RGB INPUT
R G B
H V
OR
RGB
LR
RS-232
PASSTHRU
TxRx NA
RS-232
CONTROL ALARM
*
OPTIONAL FOR
RETURNDATA
TxRx 1 2
LINK
LINK
OPTICAL
1 2*
100-240V 0.3A
50-60Hz
AUDIO INPUTS
LR
RS-232
PASSTHRU
TxRx NA
RS-232
CONTROL ALARM
*
OPTIONAL FOR
RETURNDATA
TxRx 1 2
LINK
LINK
OPTICAL
12*
FOX500 DVI Tx
DVI-D INPUT
DVI-D
LOOP - THRU
POWER
12V
3AMAX
OUTPUT
4/8
OHMS
INPUTS
LR
LR
REMOTE
VOL/MUTE
10V 50mA
L
MPA152
R
CUS
LISTED
17TT
AUDIO/VIDEO
APPARATUS
CLASS2 WIRING
DONOT GROUND
ORSHORT
SPEAKEROUTPUTS!
AUDIO
DVI-DOUTPUT
FOXBOXRx DVI Plus
RS-232
OVERFIBER
ALARM
TxRx 1 2
12V
1.0AMAX
POWER
MODE
AUDIO
DVI-DINPUT
FOXBOXTx DVI
RS-232
OVERFIBER
ALARM
TxRx 1 2
12V
1.0AMAX
POWER
AUDIO
RGBINPUT
FOXBOXTxVGA
RS-232
OVERFIBER
ALARM
TxRx 1 2
12V
1.0AMAX
POWER
Extron
MPA 152
Mini Power
Amplier
Extron
SI 26X
Two-Way Ceiling
Speakers
Laptop (RGB)
with Audio
PC (DVI)
with Audio
Local
Monitor
PC (RGB)
with Audio
Local
Monitor
Laptop (DVI)
with Audio
Projector
Extron
FOX 500 DVI Tx
Fiber Optic Transmitter
Extron
FOX 500 Tx
Fiber Optic
Transmitter
Extron
FOX SW8
Fiber Optic
Switcher
Extron
FOXBOX Tx VGA
Fiber Optic Transmitter
Extron
FOXBOX Tx DVI
Fiber Optic Transmitter
Extron
FOXBOX Rx DVI Plus
Fiber Optic Receiver
Figure 1. Typical FOX SW8 Application
NOTES:
• Compatible optical signals are digital signals from 2.0 Mbps through 4.25 Gbps
that are sent and received via fiber optic SFP modules.
• The video component of the signal from an Extron Tx can be either VGA - UXGA
RGB video, Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or High-Definition Multimedia Interface
(HDMI) video, or SDI/HD-SDI video.
• The serial component of the signal is for applications such as projector control and
transmitter control of the receiver.
The switcher selects among the proprietary signal inputs and outputs the selected signal on
a fiber optic cable to a compatible receiver.
NOTES:
• The FOX SW8 does not support transmission of a return (Rx-to-Tx) serial data
stream.
• The switcher is compatible with most Extron FOX, FOXBOX, and PowerCage FOX
models. The switcher is not compatible with the DFX 100 and HFX 100 Extender
models.
The connected receivers convert the proprietary signals back to video (RGB, DVI, or
SDI/HD-SDI, depending on the source transmitter and the receiver), audio, and serial
RS-232 communication, and output the signals locally. For video resolutions up to
1900x1200, the video outputs for the receivers are a perfect, pixel-for-pixel or digital
recreation of the video signal input to the switcher via a transmitter.

FOX SW8 • Introduction 3
Features
Ultra high performance — The switcher inputs up to eight perfect, pixel-by-pixel RGBHV
or digital video signals and transmits the selected signal to a compatible receiver. The
switcher can handle analog video resolutions up to 1900x1200 at 60 Hz. Higher resolutions
can be transmitted, but with some loss of video quality.
Optical input and outputs — The switcher inputs and outputs the optical signal on
LCvideo connectors.
Active and individually isolated inputs
System video output — When the optical input is from a FOX 500 or FOXBOX Tx, rather
than a FOX HD-SDI, the video portion of the optical video output can be decoded to either
RGB video or DVI video, depending on the receiver connected.
HDCP compliant — In an HDMI system, when two fiber cables are connected between
the input device and the switcher and between the switcher and the output device, the
switched signal maintains HDCP compliance.
NOTE: In an HDCP-compliant configuration, the input 8 fiber cable must be connected
to the output device, so the switcher is effectively a 7-input switcher (see figure 4, on
page 6).
Selectable output reclocking — Reshapes and restores timing of the digital signal on the
switched output at rate a selected among 4.25 Gbps, 2.125 Gbps, or 1.25 Gbps. You can
also bypass the reclocking function.
Loop through — Inputs 1 through 7 are looped through and available for local use or for
HDCP compliance.
NOTE: Loop through outputs are not reclocked.
Front panel USB configuration port — The FOX SW8 features a front panel USB port
that provides easy access for remote control operation.
RS-232 control — The FOX SW8 features a rear panel RS-232 serial port for remote
control operation.
Rack mounting — The unit is rack mountable in any conventional 19-inch wide rack, using
an Extron full size rack shelf.
Power — The 100 VAC to 240 VAC, internal power supply provides worldwide power
compatibility.

FOX SW8 • Installation and Operation 4
Installation and
Operation
The topics covered in this section are:
• Rear Panel Connections
• Front Panel Configuration Port
• Controls, Indicators, and Operation
Rear Panel Connections
100-240V 0.3A
50/60 Hz
RS-232
Tx Rx
FOX SW8
OPTICAL INPUTS
LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN LOOP IN OUTIN
12345678
5
1 3 4
2
3 3
2
3 3
2
3 3
2 2222
Figure 2. FOX SW8 Connectors
WARNING:Risk of serious physical injury: The FOX SW8 outputs continuous
invisible light, which may be harmful to the eyes; use with caution.
• Do not look into the rear panel fiber optic cable connectors or into the fiber optic
cables themselves.
• Plug the attached dust caps into the optical transceivers when the fiber cable is
unplugged.
NOTES:
• Singlemode and multimode devices are not interchangeable. Ensure that the
connected transmitting and receiving devices are compatible with the FOX SW8.
• Ensure that you use the proper fiber cable for your system. Typically, singlemode
fiber has a yellow jacket and multimode cable has an orange or aqua jacket.
• In this guide, the term “sending connector” refers to an LC connector on a device
that outputs a fiber optic signal. The term “receiving connector” refers to an LC
connector that receives an optical signal.
aAC power connector — Plug a standard IEC power cord into this connector to
connect the FOX SW8 to a 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz power source.