Inline HR series User manual

Operation Manual
Pathfinder HR Series
High Resolution RGB Matrix Switchers

Installation and Safety Instructions
For Models without a Power Switch:
The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be accessible.
For Models with 110 / 220V Power Selector:
Caution: Before applying power to this unit, the voltage selector must be set to the appropriate setting to match local A/C line
voltage. Improper setting of the voltage selector may cause damage to the unit and create a potential fire hazard.
The voltage selector is a round switch located next to the A/C power input connector which looks
like this:
Using a straight slot screwdriver or small coin, rotate the selector to the correct position so that
the arrow lines up with 110 or 220 as appropriate for local power line voltage as indicated in the
chart below:
Local A/C Voltage Voltage Selector Setting
110 ~ 120 VAC 110
220 ~ 240 VAC 220
For all Models:
No serviceable parts inside the unit. Refer service to a qualified technician.
For Models with Internal or External Fuses:
For continued protection against fire hazard, replace only with same type and rating of fuse.
For IN2001 / IN3234 / IN3236 / IN3502 / IN3504 / IN3506 / IN3562 / IN3564 / IN3566 / IN3572 / IN3574 / IN3576:
Caution: Double pole / neutral fusing.
For all Models with Integral Lithium Battery:
Caution: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by
the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Instructions d’installation et de sécurité
Pour les modèles sans interrupteur de courant:
La prise de courant d’alimentation sera installé près de l’équipement et sera accessible.
Pour les modèles avec un sélecteur d’alimentation 110V/220V:
Attention: Avant de connecter l’appareil au circuit d’alimentation, le sélecteur de courant doit être positionné sur la sélection
appropriée correspondant au voltage du circuit de courant alternatif local. Une mauvaise sélection peut engendrer des
dommages à l’appareil et créer un danger d’incendie.
Le sélecteur d’alimentation est un commutateur rond positionné près du connecteur
d’alimentation. Il se représente comme suit:
A l’aide d’un tourne-vis plat ou d’une pièce de monnaie, le sélecteur peut être tourné dans la
position adéquate en veillaut que la flèche corresponde avec 110 ou 220, en fonction de la
valeur du circuit de courant local. (Voir tableau ci-dessous)
Circuit local AC Position Sélecteur
110 ~ 120 VAC 110
220 ~ 240 VAC 220
Pour tout les modèles:
Pas de composants à entretenir à l’intérieur. Confiez toute réparation à un technicien qualifié.
Pour les modèles équipés de fusibles internes ou externes:
Afin d’éviter tout danger d’incendie, ne remplacer qu’avec le même type et la même valeur de fusible.
Pour IN2001 / IN3234 / IN3236 / IN3502 / IN3504 / IN3506 / IN3562 / IN3564 / IN3566 / IN3572 / IN3574 / IN3576:
Attention: Double pôle / fusible au neutre.
Pour tout les modèles avec une batterie au lithium interne:
Attention: Danger d’explosion si la batterie est incorrectement remplacée. Ne remplacez la batterie qu’avec le même modèle,
ou avec un modèle recommandé par le constructeur. Traitez les batteries usagées selon les instructions du fabricant, ou selon
les normes écologiques en viguer.

Installations und Sicherheitshinweise
Für Geräte ohne Netzschalter:
Die Netzsteckdose soll in de Nähe des Gerätes installiert und frei zugänglich sein.
Für Geräte mit 110 / 220V Spannungswähler:
Achtung: Bevor Sie dem Gerät Spann ung zuführen, muß der Spannungswähler entsprechend der Spannung des lokalen
Wechselspannungsnetzes eingestellt werden. Die falsche Stellung des Spannungswählers
kann eine Beschädigung des Gerätes und möglicherweise ein Feuer verursachen.
Der Spannungswähler ist ein runder Schalter in der Nähe der Netzeingangsbuchse mit
folgendem Aussehen:
Drehen Sie den Wähler mit einem normalen Schraubenzieher oder einer kleinen Münze so, daß
der Pfeil auf die 110 oder 220 zeigt, entsprechend der Spannung Ihr es lokalen Netzes wie hier
angezeigt:
Lokale Netzwechselspannung Stellung des
Spannungswählers
110 ~ 120 V 110
220 ~ 240 V 220
Für alle Geräte:
Keine Wartung innerhalb des Gerätes notwendig. Reparaturen nur durch einen Fachmann!
Für Geräte mit interner oder externer Sicherung:
Für dauernden Schutz gegen Feuergefahr darf die Sicherung nur gegen eine andere gleichen Typs und gleicher Nennleistung
ausgewechselt werden.
Für IN2001 / IN3234 / IN3236 / IN3502 / IN3504 / IN3506 / IN3562 / IN3564 / IN3566 / IN3572 / IN3574 / IN3576:
Achtung: Allpolige Absicherung
Für alle Geräte mit eingebauter Lithium Batterie:
Achtung: Explosionsgefahr bei falschem Batterieeinsatz. Batterie nur erstzen durch den gleichen oder entsprechenden Typ
wie vom Hersteller empfohlen. Entsorgung verbrauchter Batterien nur nach den Anweisungen des Herstellers.
Instalacion E Instrucciones de Seguridad
Modelos Sin Interruptor:
La conexión debe ser instalada cerca del equipo y debe ser accesible.
Modelos con Selector de Voltaje de 110/220V:
Precaución: Antes de operar esta unidad, el selector de voltaje debe instalarse de forma que corresponda a la linea de voltaje
local. Instalación inadecuada del selector de voltaje puede causar daño a la unidad y originar un incendio.
El selector de voltaje es un cambia vía redondo localizado cerca de la conexión electrica, como se
ve en el dibujo:
Use un destornillador comun o una moneda pequeña, mueva el selector a la posición correcta, de
forma que las flechas indiquen 110 o 220 de acuerdo con el voltaje local, como esta indicado a
continuación.
Voltaje Local A/C Selector de Voltaje
110 ~ 120 VAC 110
220 ~ 240 VAC 220
Para Todos Los Modelos:
Dentro de la unidad , no hay partes para reparar. Llame un tecnico calificado.
Modelos con Fusibles Internos o Externos:
Para prevenir un incendio, reemplace solo con el mismo tipo de fusible.
Modelos IN2001 / IN3234 / IN3236 / IN3502 / IN3504 / IN3506 / IN3562 / IN3564 / IN3566 / IN3572 / IN3574 / IN3576:
Precaución: Double Polo / Fusible Neutral.
Modelos con Bateria de Lithiun Interna:
Precaución: Peligro de explosión si la batería es reemplacada incorrectamente. Reemplace solamente con la misma clase de
batería, o una equivalente recomendada por el fabricante. Deseche las baterías usadas de acuerdo con las instrucciones del
fabricante.

CE COMPLIANCE
All products exported to Europe by Inline, Inc. after January 1, 1997 have been
tested and found to comply with EU Council Directive 89/336/EEC. These
devices conform to the following standards:
EN50081-1 (1991), EN55022 (1987)
EN50082-1 (1992 and 1994), EN60950-92
Shielded interconnect cables must be employed with this equipment to
ensure compliance with the pertinent Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards governing this device.
FCC COMPLIANCE
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide against harmful interference when 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
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Overview.......................................................................................................................2
Description..........................................................................................................................2
Pathfinder HR Varieties......................................................................................................2
Sample Model Numbers......................................................................................................2
Product Features..................................................................................................................3
Fixed vs. Reconfigurable....................................................................................................4
Quick Install................................................................................................................................5
Switching Operations - Front Panel Control...........................................................................9
Path Configuration..............................................................................................................9
Board Groups....................................................................................................................11
Configuration Memories...................................................................................................13
Recall Mode......................................................................................................................15
Advanced Control Options ......................................................................................................16
RGB Delay........................................................................................................................16
Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults .............................................................................17
Remote Control Only (Disable Front Panel) ....................................................................18
System Information...........................................................................................................18
Serial Control Operations........................................................................................................19
Using RS-232 Control.......................................................................................................19
Communication Protocol ..................................................................................................19
Baud Rate Selection..........................................................................................................19
Command Code Structure.................................................................................................20
Controlling Multiple Inline Products................................................................................21
Control Port Pin-Outs .......................................................................................................21
Serial Command List ........................................................................................................22
Specifications.............................................................................................................................23
Warranty...................................................................................................................................24

2
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
DESCRIPTION
The PATHFINDER HR is a 200 MHz high resolution matrix switcher designed to route multiple
RGB and audio signals to multiple output devices. PATHFINDER HR series switchers are
commonly installed in board rooms, training centers, monitoring facilities, simulation systems
and any other installation requiring comprehensive routing control over multiple video and audio
sources. PATHFINDER HR switchers are also integrated into rental and staging A/V systems for
live presentations and shows, especially productions which require real time control over a
variety of video and audio sources and display devices with split second timing and fool-proof
operation.
PATHFINDER HR VARIETIES
The PATHFINDER HR series includes several different models, all of which are housed in a
rack mountable case measuring 3U in height. The front panel is identical on all models while the
rear panel layout, switching boards and model designations vary according to the following
parameters:
Basic Type of Matrix
Fixed Matrix - Factory set number of inputs and outputs
Reconfigurable Matrix - User adjustable number of input and outputs
Number of RGB Video and Sync Boards Compatible Signal Formats*
3 Video Boards Only - RGsB / RsGsBs
3 Video Boards / 1 Sync Board - RGsB / RsGsBs / RGBS
3 Video Boards / 2 Sync Boards - RGsB / RsGsBs / RGBS / RGBHV
*All models are also compatible with Composite, Y/C, and Component Video
Inclusion and Type of Stereo Audio Board:
No audio board
Stereo Audio with Phoenix Brand captive screw terminals
Stereo Audio with Dual RCA female connectors
SAMPLE MODEL NUMBERS
IN60808HR 3 Video Boards Only, 8 Inputs & 8 Outputs
IN61204HRS 3 Video Boards, 1 Sync Board 12 Inputs & 4 Outputs
IN61204HRV 3 Video Boards, 2 Sync Boards 12 Inputs & 4 Outputs
IN60804HRSA 3 Video Boards, 1 Sync Board,
Stereo Audio with RCA connectors 8 Inputs & 4 Outputs
IN60804HRVP 3 Video Boards, 2 Sync Boards,
Stereo Audio with Phoenix connectors 8 Inputs & 4 Outputs
IN60016HRVP 3 Video Boards, 2 Sync Boards,
Stereo Audio with Phoenix connectors 16 Port Reconfigurable
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

3
©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC. PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00
PRODUCT FEATURES
•200 MHz Bandwidth - ensures flawless switching and distribution of ultra high resolution
signals without signal degradation. The 200 MHz rating is a worst case specification and is
met even when one input signal drives several outputs or all outputs. In cases where one
input drives one output, bandwidth will generally exceed 200 MHz.
•Front Panel Control - A keypad and back lit LCD display allow technicians and users to
configure the PATHFINDER HR switcher and execute switches.
•Serial Port - All setup and switching operations may also be accessed remotely using the
RS-232 serial port which accepts ASCII format commands from a computer serial port or
third-party control system.
•RGB Delay - If desired, RGB delay may be engaged. Each time a switch is made, the sync
signal will be connected to the output instantly, followed later by the RGB signals. The time
delay between the RGB and sync components is adjustable from 0.0 to 6.0 seconds in .5
second intervals.
•Board Groups - The switcher may be set to switch all video and audio boards
simultaneously, or it may be set to act as 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 independent switchers. A board
group is used to define which of the RGB video, sync, and audio boards will be grouped
together for purposes of switching control. The most common board group configuration has
all boards grouped together as Group 1 so that RGB, Sync and stereo audio components
switch together.
•Memories - Ten configuration memories are available. These memories store commonly
used switching configurations, including board group information and input/output patches.
Once stored, any of the ten memory settings may be recalled using front panel controls or a
serial command. When a memory is recalled all the new input/output patches are executed
simultaneously (a salvo).
•Recall Mode - offers a simplified mode of operation, especially designed for situations
where the PATHFINDER will be controlled from the front panel for a presentation or show.
Using the Recall Mode, pre-stored memories may be recalled and executed by touching a
single button (0 - 9). Once placed into the Recall Mode all front panel controls except for
the 0 - 9 buttons are disabled. Since all advanced settings such as RS-232 communication
settings, board groups, or memories are locked away and may no longer be changed from the
front panel, Recall mode is ideal for use by non-technical users or any other time it would be
desirable to provide a simplified, fool-proof mode of switching operation.

4
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
FIXED VS. RECONFIGURABLE
PATHFINDER HR matrices are manufactured in two basic varieties: Fixed and Reconfigurable.
Before installing or operating a PATHFINDER HR series switcher, it is important to understand
the differences between fixed and reconfigurable matrices.
Fixed matrix models have a factory set number of available inputs and outputs. Some users
might also call this type of matrix switcher a “conventional matrix,” but due to their unique
design, no PATHFINDER HR series switcher could ever be considered conventional. Current
fixed matrix models include the following sizes:
8 x 4 8 input ports and 4 output ports
8 x 8 8 input ports and 8 output ports
12 x 4 12 input ports and 4 output ports
Fixed only refers to the fact that the total number of inputs and the total number of outputs is
determined at the time the matrix is manufactured. It does not imply any limitation in signal
routing capabilities. Just as with the reconfigurable models, a fixed model is capable of routing
any given input to any output or multiple outputs simultaneously and the assignment of inputs to
outputs is completely flexible and changeable at any time from either the front panel controls or
via the serial port.
Reconfigurable Matrix Models feature very flexible input and output configuration, which may
be changed as needed using the front panel or serial control. Reconfigurable PATHFINDERs
achieve unprecedented flexibility by using dual function ports (I/O) which may be set to operate
as either inputs or outputs as desired. Changing the number of available input and output ports
does not require a physical change of hardware as on conventional matrix switchers, but is
changeable instantly at any time using the front panel controls or through serial commands.
Reconfigurable matrix models are ideal for applications where the proportion of inputs and
outputs may change from day to day. Reconfigurable matrices offer the following types of ports
and capabilities:
12 Port Reconfigurable
4 input ports
2 output ports
6 input/output ports (user definable)
Potential Matrices: 10x2, 9x3, 8x4, 7x5, 6x6, 5x7, 4x8
16 Port Reconfigurable
4 input ports
2 output ports
10 input/output ports (user definable)
Potential Matrices: 14x2, 13x3, 12x4, 11x5, 10x6, 9x7,
8x8, 7x9, 6x10, 5x11, 4x12

5
©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC. PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00
The section provides a quick overview to help you get the PATHFINDER HR series switcher up
and running in a hurry. Each subject and procedure is covered in greater detail in the remainder
of this manual including images of all LCD screen displays.
#1 Find the model number.
Look at the back of the unit to determine the model and input / output capabilities of your
specific PATHFINDER. The model number sticker is located in the upper right hand corner,
above the power switch. Locate this model number in the list on page xx to determine the input /
output capabilities of your switcher.
#2 Set the Board Groups and Number of Active Inputs / Outputs.
Models leave the factory with the following default settings for number of active ports and board
groups. If these settings match your requirements you may skip #2 and proceed directly to #3.
A. Assign Board Groups:
-- Turn on the power switch on the rear of the unit.
-- After two introductory screens are displayed, press the MENU button to enter the Main Menu
selections.
-- Press the button once so that MAIN MENU / GROUP CONFIG is displayed.
-- Press the ENTER button.
-- After the warning screen ALL SETTINGS WILL BE ERASED press the ENTER
button again.
QUICK INSTALL
Factory Default Settings
Model Active Inputs Active Outputs Board Groups
Fixed Models
8 x 4 8 4 1 (all boards switch together)
8 x 8 8 8 1 (all boards switch together)
12 x 4 12 4 1 (all boards switch together)
Reconfigurable Models
12 Port 4 2 1 (all boards switch together)
16 Port 4 2 1 (all boards switch together)
With the reconfigurable models, all I/O ports are disabled
until you assign them as either inputs or outputs.

6
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
The current board group configuration is now displayed
The top row of the display shows the
location, number and type of switching
boards, starting with board number 1 on
the left. VVVSSA indicates that the
Pathfinder has 3 video boards, two sync
boards, and one audio board (stereo audio
signals are switched together on a single
switching board). The bottom row of the display shows what board group each of these boards is
assigned to. In this example, boards 1-5 (VVVSS) are in group 1 and board 6 (audio) is in group
2.
-- To change the board grouping, enter a series of numbers on the keypad as desired. If you make
a mistake you may continue to enter numbers on the keypad and the cursor will cycle back to the
first board where you may start again. Please note that at least one board must be assigned to
group 1.
Sample board grouping configurations:
Press 111112. The three video boards and two sync boards are all assigned to group 1, while
the stereo audio board is assigned to group 2.
Press 111111. All six boards assigned to group 1 and will switch together (factory default).
Press 111110. The three video boards and two sync boards are all assigned to group 1, while
the stereo audio board is assigned to group 0 and therefore disabled.
--To save your Board Group selection press ENTER.
B. Set I/O Configuration:
The screen now displays
G1 indicates you are setting the I/O
configuration for group 1. The current
setting is 2 active outputs out of a possible
12 outputs.
--Use the Keypad to enter a two digit number corresponding to the desired number of outputs.
Examples: 03 ENTER sets the unit for 3 outputs
05 ENTER sets the unit for 5 outputs
11 ENTER sets the unit for 11 outputs

7
©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC. PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00
The screen now displays
This indicates that currently four inputs are
active out of a possible 12.
--Use the Keypad to enter a two digit number corresponding to the desired number of outputs.
Examples: 04 ENTER sets the unit for 4 inputs
07 ENTER sets the unit for 7 inputs
12 ENTER sets the unit for 12 inputs
--If you have more than one board group then you must repeat step B for each group. Once the
I/O configuration has been completed for all board groups the following screen will be displayed:
#3 Set the Remote Control Parameters.
If the Pathfinder will only be controlled from the front panel you may skip this step and go to #4.
--Connect a serial control cable from your control system to SERIAL PORT 1, located on the
back panel of the PATHFINDER. For pin out information, see page 21.
--The default serial protocol is 1200 baud, No parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit. The default command
code delimiters are [ ]. For information on changing baud rate and command code delimiters see
pages 19 & 20.
--RS-232 parameters, command code structure and a list of serial commands are found on page
19-22.

8
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
#4 Connect the input sources and output devices.
--Look at the back panel of the switcher as shown below. Inputs are numbered from 1 - 14, with
input #1 located on the far left end of the panel. Outputs are numbered from 1 - 12 with output
#1 on the far right end of the panel. The actual number of available input and output ports varies
according to which fixed or reconfigurable model you have and also depends on how you set the
I/O configuration in step #2.
--Connect all input devices to the input ports.
--Connect all output devices to the output ports.
High resolution coaxial cables such as the IN7000, IN7200, and IN7300 series are recommended
for all system interconnections to ensure optimum performance.
#5 Set other parameters as required.
The PATHFINDER HR matrix switcher is now ready for use. You may also wish to adjust other
parameters as addressed in the following sections:
Controlling Switching Operations from the front panel - pages 9 -13
Storing and Recalling Memories (salvos) - pages 13 & 14
Recall Mode - page 15
Setting RGB Delay - pages 16 & 17
Resetting the PATHFINDER to factory default settings - page 17
Remote Control Only mode - page 18
Getting System (firmware) Information - page 18
V
I
D
E
O
SERIAL PORT 1
SERIAL PORT 2
90-260 VAC FUSE: 1.5A-250V
MADE IN U.S.A.
EX PANSI ON P O RT
OUT PUT
MODEL #
--++++--
LR LR
21
+
RL -- RL --++++
RL -- RL --++++
RL -- RL --++++
RL -- RL --++++
RL -- RL --+++
11 98
76
54312 10
LLR
-- +-+R
++-
LLR
-- -++ R
++-
R
G
B
H
V
12345678910 11 12 13 14
INPUT
AUDIO
IN60016HRVP
INPUTS 1 - XX
OUTPUTS 1 - XX

9
©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC. PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00
SWITCHING OPERATIONS
The Pathfinder HR series matrix switcher is capable of routing any input to any output or
multiple outputs. The unit’s switching operations may be controlled from either the front panel
or through the serial port. Front panel switching operations are accomplished using the Path
Mapping Display as described below or by saving and recalling configuration memories.
PATH CONFIGURATION
While the Main Menu selections are primarily used for set-up operations (except for the Recall
Mode), the Path Configuration (Path Config) display indicates the current input/output patches
and also provides a way to create new patches.
The Path Config display is used to change a single input/output patch at a time. Users who need
to execute several new patches simultaneously (a switching salvo) must store these salvos into
memory and use the recall mode to execute them. Users who need to load and execute a series of
new I/O patches on the fly should use the serial port for switching operations.
Entering Path Config
To enter this display mode, press the MENU button. Each time the MENU button is pressed the
LCD display will toggle between the Main Menu selections (which all say MAIN MENU on the
top line of the display) and the Path Mapping Display.
Press MENU to toggle between these two screens:
Interpreting the Path Config Display InformationG1 - Indicates Group 1, the Switching group
which is currently displayed.
M0 - Indicates the Configuration Memory
Number.
113442555 - Indicates current Input /
Output status for Group 1:
Input 1 →Output 1, Input 1 →Output 2, Input 3 →Output 3, Input 4 →Output 4,
Input 4 →Output 5, Input 2 → Output 6, Input 5 → Output 7, Input 5 → Output 8,
Input 5 → Output 9, Input 5 → Output 10

10
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
Changing Input / Output Patches
#1 Press MENU to enter the Path Config display.
#2 Press OUTPUT followed by two digits indicating the output you wish to change.
#3 Press INPUT followed by two digits indicating the input you wish to route to the OUTPUT
specified in #2.
#4 Press ENTER. The switch is now executed and the display changes to show the new patch.
Examples:
Connect Input 3 to Output 5: Press OUTPUT 0 5 INPUT 0 3 ENTER
Connect Input 2 to Output 9: Press OUTPUT 0 9 INPUT 0 2 ENTER
Blank Output 10 (no signal): Press OUTPUT 1 0 INPUT 0 0 ENTER
When the Path Config display is used to change an input / output patch, that patch is
only applied for the current switching group (in the display shown above this would
be Group 1). If all boards are set to switch as one group then the new patch will
apply to all boards (i.e. RGBHV & audio). However, if the Pathfinder HR has been
configured with more than one board group, the new Input / Output patch will only
apply to the currently selected switching group.
In order to change the patches for other boards, another group must first be
selected. To select a different board group, press and hold MENU while clicking the
or keys (see Selecting Board Groups - page 13).

11
©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC. PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00
BOARD GROUPS
Pathfinder HR Design Topology
Each Pathfinder HR switcher is composed of 3 - 6 independant switching boards, with each
board carrying a different video or audio signal component. All Pathfinder HR models include 3
video switching boards and may also include a 1 or 2 sync boards and a stereo switching board.
Since each board acts as an independant switcher, many custom configurations are possible. A
single Pathfinder switcher could be used to switch three different composite video signals, or one
composite video signal and one S-Video (Y/C) signal.
Board Groups - Common Configurations
Board groups are a tool used by the switcher to control the various switching boards in the
Pathfinder. In many installations, all switching boards will be assigned by the installer as Group
1. This means that any time a front panel or serial switching command is entered all boards will
switch together. While up to six board groups may be assigned, most applications require just 1
or 2 board groups. A few board group schemes are shown below.
All six boards are assigned to Group 1.
All video, sync, and audio signals switch
together (audio-follow-video switching).
Boards 1 - 5 (RGBHV) are assigned to Group 1.
Board 6 (stereo audio) is assigned to Group 2.
This board group configuration allows for audio
breakaway switching, where video and audio
signals may be switched independantly.
Boards 1 & 6 are assigned to Group 1.
#1 Composite Video
#6 Stereo Audio
Boards 2 & 3 are assigned to Group 2.
#2 Y Component of S-Video
#3 C Component of S-Video
Pathfinder HR matrix switchers contain three types of boards, each optimized
for a specific type of signal:
Video boards are designed primarily for video but may also carry sync.
Sync boards are only designed for composite sync, or horizontal /
vertical sync signals. Sync boards are not designed to carry video components
or composite video.
Audio boards are only designed to carry line level audio signals.

12
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
Assigning Board Groups
The assign board group procedure is done at the time the Pathfinder is set up by the installing
technician. Changing board group assignments requires the Pathfinder firmware to be
reinitialized and all information stored in memory registers will be lost. For information on
how to assign board groups, see pages 5 - 7 in the Quick Install section.
Viewing and Selecting Board Groups
The MAIN MENU includes a selection called GROUP MAPPING. This may be used for two
purposes:
--View the current board grouping configuration (which boards are assigned to which groups)
--View the input / output configuration for each group.
To View Board Group Configuration:
#1 Press MENU to enter the Main Menu
selections.
#1 Press the or keys until the
display reads:
#2 Press ENTER to select the Group
Mapping menu. The current board
group assignment is displayed.
To View Input / Output Information for Board Groups:
#4 After the steps listed above press the
key to see the number of inputs and
outputs for each group. Each time the
button is pressed the display will step to
the next group until the last group is
viewed. The display here shows that
Group 1 has 8 inputs and 8 outputs.
#4 At this point you may also select a
specific board group. Press the or
keys until that group information
window is displayed and press ENTER.
This board group is now selected.

13
©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC. PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00
Selecting Board Groups
#1 Press MENU to enter the PATH
CONFIG display.
#2 While holding the MENU key,
click on the or keys. The
display will change to each of the
board groups.
CONFIGURATION MEMORIES
HR Series Pathfinders feature ten configuration memories. These store all input / output patches
for all board groups. By storing commonly used configurations it is easy to recall them using
either the front panel or a very simple serial command.
Storing Configuration Memories
#1 Press MENU to enter the PATH CONFIG mode.
#2 Using the procedure described in the preceding pages set all input / output patches as desired.
#3 Press the SAVE key. The
screen will show the current
memory number.
--To store the current I/O
configuration into the current
memory press ENTER.
--To save the configuration
into a different memory press
a number key corresponding to the desired memory and ENTER.
Example: To store the current configuration into Memory 7, press 7 ENTER
#4 The display will change back to PATH CONFIG.
While you may use the multi-step procedure described on the previous page to
switch to a different board group, the short cut described below allows you to
quickly view the current Input/Output patches for each board group. It also lets
you carry out front panel switching control for the various board groups.

14
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
Recalling Configuration Memories
Stored configuration memories may be recalled in three ways:
FRONT PANEL
--In PATH CONFIG mode: Press RECALL, a number from 0 to 9, and ENTER (see below)
--In RECALL mode - simply press any number from 0 to 9 (page 15)
SERIAL PORT
--Send a short serial command to recall a pre-stored memory (page 22)
Recalling Memories with the Recall Button
#1 Press MENU to enter the PATH
CONFIG mode.
#2 Press RECALL. The display shows
the current memory:
#3 Press any number from 0 - 9.
#4 Press ENTER to recall the memory and execute the new patches. The display changes back
to PATH CONFIG showing the new input / output configuration.
If your system operation requires multiple complex I/O configurations which are
similar with only slight variations, you may use the procedure listed above to store an
identical input / output configuration into several configuration memories. Now go
back to each memory and change the specific I/O patches needed to make each
memory unique.

15
©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC. PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00
RECALL MODE
Recall Mode offers a simplified mode of operation, especially designed for situations where the
PATHFINDER HR will be controlled from the front panel for a presentation or show. Using the
Recall Mode, pre-stored memories may be recalled and executed by touching a single button (0 -
9). Once placed into the Recall Mode all front panel controls except for the 0 - 9 buttons are
disabled. Since all advanced settings such as RS-232 communication settings, board groups, or
memories are locked away and may no longer be changed from the front panel, Recall Mode is
ideal for use by non-technical users or any other time it would be desirable to provide a
simplified, fool-proof mode of switching operation.
Entering Recall Mode and Recalling Memory Configurations
#1 Press MENU to enter the MAIN
MENU selections.
#2 Use the or keys to step through
the menu options until the following
screen is displayed:
#1 Press ENTER to select Recall mode and
the display will show:
In this example, the switcher is
currently in Memory 0. The current
Input / Output patches are shown on the
bottom row of the display (the same as
PATH CONFIG).
#2 To recall a different memory, simply press a single button from 0 - 9. Each time a number
button is pressed the new memory is instantly recalled and executed. There is no need to
press ENTER.
Exiting Recall Mode
Since this mode is intended to lock away features from non-technical users, there is no menu
selection to leave Recall Mode. To exit Recall Mode, press and hold MENU for 3 seconds. The
unit will return to the PATH CONFIG menu and all menus are now accessable.

16
PATHFINDER HR SERIES OPERATION MANUAL - REV 1.3 02/19/00 ©1995-1997 - INLINE, INC.
The Main Menu selections described in the section control advanced technical features. Most
users will not need to enter any of these selections and these settings should only be changed by
qualified technicians.
RGB DELAY
RGB delay is a special feature designed to help eliminate the on-screen resizing and other strange
effects often viewed on data projectors and monitors when changing between RGB sources with
different scan rates or sync formats.
Pathfinder switchers normally switch all boards simultaneously whenever a new switch is
executed (assuming all boards are in the same group). When RGB delay is engaged, the
Pathfinder works in the following way to execute a new input / output patch:
--The RGB channels are blanked and the sync signal(s) from the new input source are
instantly connected.
--After the specified delay time the RGB signals for the new input source connected to
the output.
By sending the sync signal(s) first and the RGB components later, the data display has time to
lock up to the new signal before any image appears. The viewer will see black on the screen for
the duration of the RGB delay and then a completely stable new image will appear.
RGB delay may range from 0 seconds to 6 seconds in half second intervals. In order to use RGB
delay effectively the following conditions are required:
--All sources must be in the RGBS or RGBHV format.
--The board groups must be set so that all boards are in Group 1.
Optimizing RGB Delay Time
In order to set RGB delay to the optimal value, it is suggested that the display technician perform
tests using various input sources to determine the average and maximum times required by the
display device to display a stable image after input sources have been changed. The delay time
should then be set to one of the following values:
--The next time increment greater than the average time required for the projector to
display a stable image.
--The next time increment greater than the maximum time required for the projector to
display a stable image.
Realizing that every time a new input is selected the viewer will see black on the screen for the
selected delay time, the RGB delay time should be kept as short as possible.
ADVANCED CONTROL OPTIONS
Table of contents
Other Inline Matrix Switcher manuals