Altinex DA1203RM Operation & User’s Manual

PRODUCT REVISION: 1 DA1203RM 1-IN, 3-OUT RGBS DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER USER’S GUIDE

Distribution Amplifier. We are sure you will find it reliable and simple to use. Superior performance for the right price, backed by solid technical and customer support is what Altinex has to offer. The product you are holding in your hands is designed using state-of-the-art technology and is superior to anything available on the market. You will find this and our other products reliable, long lasting, and simple to operate. We are committed to providing our customers with signal management solutions to the most demanding audio-visual installations at very competitive pricing. We appreciate your selection of our products and are confident that you will join the ranks of our many satisfied customers throughout the world. This manual covers: DA1203RM – 1-in, 3-out RGBS high resolution video distribution amplifier TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS ...............2 GENERAL..........................................................2 RACK MOUNT SAFETY GUIDELINES..............2 INSTALLATION..................................................2 CLEANING.........................................................2 FCC / CE NOTICE .............................................2 ABOUT YOUR DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER.........3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION..............................3 DESCRIPTION OF DA1203RM.............................4 SYNC POLARITY SWITCH................................ 5 SYNC LEVEL SWITCH ......................................5 VIDEO LEVEL SWITCH.....................................5 POWER .............................................................5 APPLICATION DIAGRAM .....................................5 INSTALLING YOUR DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER............................................................6 OPERATION .........................................................6 ACCESSORIES.....................................................6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....................7 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..............................7 ALTINEX POLICY .................................................8 LIMITED WARRANTY........................................8 RETURN POLICY ..............................................8 CONTACT INFORMATION................................ 8

1 Please read this manual carefully before using your DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier. Keep this manual handy for future reference. These safety instructions are to ensure the long life of your DA1203RM and to prevent fire and shock hazard. Please read them carefully and heed all warnings. 1.1 GENERAL • Unauthorized personnel shall not open the unit since there are high-voltage components inside. • Qualified Altinex service personnel, or their authorized representatives must perform all service. 1.2 SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR THE RACK- MOUNTING OF THE DA1203RM • Maximum operating ambient temperature is 35 (degrees C). • Never restrict the air flow through the devices’ fan or vents. • When installing equipment into a rack, distribute the units evenly. Otherwise, hazardous conditions may be created by an uneven weight distribution. • Connect the unit to a properly rated supply circuit. • Reliable Earthing (Grounding) of Rack- Mounted Equipment should be maintained. 1.3 INSTALLATION • For best results, place the DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier on a flat, level surface in a dry area away from dust and moisture. • To prevent fire or shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Do not place the DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier in direct sunlight, near heaters or heat radiating appliances, or near any liquid. Exposure to direct sunlight, smoke, or steam can harm internal components. • Handle the DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier carefully. Dropping or jarring can damage internal components. • Do not place heavy objects on top of the DA1203RM. If the DA1203RM is to be mounted, to a table or wall, use only Altinex made mounting accessories (Rack Mount Shelf DA1298FC, Rack Mount Ears DA1299RM) and cables for optimum setup. • To turn off main power, be sure to remove the cord from power outlet. The power outlet socket should be installed as near to the equipment as possible, and should be easily accessible. • Do not pull power cord or any cable that is attached to the DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier. • If the DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier is not to be used for an extended period of time, disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. 1.4 CLEANING • Unplug the DA1203RM power cord before cleaning. Clean surfaces with a dry cloth. Never use strong detergents or solvents such as alcohol or thinner. Do not use a wet cloth or water to clean the unit. 1.5 FCC / CE NOTICE • This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. • 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. These limits are designed to 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 harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

expressly approved by Altinex, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. ABOUT YOUR DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER 2 The DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier is designed to allow the connection of a single computer or other video source to as many as three scan-rate compatible display devices. Though primarily designed to pass RGBS format signals, the DA1203RM can also pass RGsB, Component Video (Y, R-Y, B-Y), S-Video (Y/C), and Composite Video by using the appropriate analog channels (Red, Green, Blue). The analog channels (Red, Green, Blue) are designed to pass video levels up to 1.5V p-p offering a 0.15% differential gain and 0.16 degree differential phase to assure the highest quality video signal. The DA1203RM offers switches for Gain, Sync Level, and Sync Polarity. The Gain Switch boosts the output of the amplifier by 35% for use, with long cable runs. The DA1203RM uses AGC (automatic gain control) circuitry, which converts all incoming sync levels to either 4V p-p or 2V p-p. This AGC circuitry is selectable with the Sync Level switch. This enables it to be compatible, with current and older display equipment. The Sync Polarity switch reverses the polarity of the incoming sync for compatibility with various displays. The DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier is a state-of- the-art product with a video bandwidth of 350 MHz, enabling it to remain transparent to the video signal passing through it. Each output is individually buffered and is not affected by other output loading. The DA1203RM offers an internal 90-140/200- 240V power supply and can be rack mounted using optional accessories hardware ( DA1299RM – rack ears for single unit and DA1298RM – rack shelf for two units side-by-side). TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 3 FEATURES/DESCRIPTION DA1203RM GENERAL Inputs 1 Input Connector 4-BNC Female Outputs 3 Output Connectors Three 4-BNC Female Compatibility High resolution RGBS, RGsB and RsGsBs, Component, S-Video and Composite Video Table 1. DA1203RM General MECHANICAL DA1203RM Material 0.1” Al Finish Gray Top Panel Lexan Height (inches) 3.40in (86mm) Width (inches) 8.50in (216mm) Depth (inches) 4.75in (121mm) Weight (pounds) 2.6lbs (1.18kg) Ship Weight (pounds) 3.8lbs (1.73kg) T° Operating 10°C-35°C T° Maximum 50°C Humidity 90% non-condensing MTBF (calculations) 40,000 hrs Table 2. DA1203RM Mechanical ELECTRICAL DA1203RM Input Video Signals Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max Impedance 75 Ohms Input Sync Signals Horizontal, Vertical, & C-Sync TTL(+/-) Sync on Green -0.3V Impedance 10 k Ohms Output Video Signals Analog Signal 1.0V p-p/0.7V p-p Fall/Rise Time (ns) 1.4 Impedance 75 Ohms Output Sync Signals Composite Sync TTL(+/-) Sync on Green -0.3V Impedance 22 Ohms Frequency Compatibility Horizontal 15-200 kHz Vertical 47-180 Hz

350MHz @ -3dB Typical Video Bandwidth 380MHz @ -3dB Cable Equalization 3dB @120MHz Coupling DC Cross-talk -40dB @10MHz Power Internal Power Supply 90-140V/200-240V Power Consumption 10 watts max. Table 3. DA1203RM Electrical DESCRIPTION OF DA1203RM 4

The SYNC POLARITY switch is located on the back panel of the DA1203RM. It has two switching positions — one designated (+) and the other (-). By setting the sync polarity switch to (+), the signal is processed unchanged and the sync polarity of the output signal matched the sync polarity of the unit. By setting sync polarity to (-) the sync polarity of the output is changed to the opposite of the input. 4.2 SYNC LEVEL SWITCH The SYNC LEVEL switch is also located on the back panel of the DA1203RM and has two positions for switching — sync level of 2V and sync level of 4V. Most often a 4V sync level is used. This should be considered as default setting. The 2V setting allows compatibility with some older equipment that would be overdriven if a stronger signal were used. APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5 4.3 VIDEO LEVEL SWITCH The Video Level Switch can be set to either the standard 0.7V output or to 1.0V output. When the switch is set in the 1.0V output position, this provides approximately a 35% increase in the video signal level. This can be used in installations where cable runs exceed 150 feet. It is not recommended that this switch be set in the 1.0V position for shorter cable lengths as the increased level may reduce the life of CRT displays if they are over-driven. 4.4 POWER The DA1203RM offers an internal 90-140/200- 240V power supply. A variety of different power supplies are available for international use.

AMPLIFIER 6 Step 1. Make sure that the proper power supply is being used with the DA1203RM. Note: The use of an incorrect power supply can result in equipment damage not covered by warranty. Step 2. Connect the power cord to the DA1203RM and plug it into the power outlet. The power indicator LED on the front panel will light. This indicates that the unit is operational. Step 3. Connect the high resoluti on RGsB or RGBS source to the DA1203RM using coaxial cable with BNC connectors, making sure that the colors match correctly. Then connect one or two monitors or projectors to the output(s) of the DA1203RM. The monitors or projectors must be scan-rate compatible with the source signal - the DA1203RM does not affect scan rate. Step 5. If the image is less than perfect, check all the connections. Also check the settings of the switches. The default settings are Sync Polarity (+), Sync Level (4V), Video Level (0.7V). Check all the connections. The unit is very reliable and seldom will this be the cause of malfunction. Poor quality cables may often degrade the performance of the product. Make sure that the cables used are coaxial cables and that all pins are in good condition. CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE DONE. OPERATION 7 The settings of the DA1203RM Distribution Amplifier can be adjusted using Input Termination, Video Level and Sync Level switches as described in Section no. 4. There are no other adjustments necessary to operate the unit. The DA1203RM will operate successfully as long as cables are attached properly and other technical specifications are followed. ACCESSORIES 8 Model No. Description TABLE MOUNT BRACKET TM1276 Table Mount Bracket for 2U High, ½ rack units RACK MOUNTING BRACKETS DA1298RM Rack Mount shelf for two units DA1299RM Rack Mount shelf for single unit POWER CABLES PC5301US 9V 500mA Power Supply for US PC5302UK 9V 500mA Power Supply for UK PC5303AU 9V 500mA Power Supply for Australia PC5304GR 9V 500mA Power Supply for Germany HIGH RESOLUTION 4 BNC to 4 BNC COAXIAL CABLE CB4100MR Bulk Cable 4 coaxes (500ft minimum) CB4103MR 3 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4106MR 6 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4112MR 12 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4125MR 25 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4150MR 50 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4175MR 75 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB41100MR 100 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB41150MR 150 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable SUPER HIGH RESOLUTION 4 BNC to 4 BNC COAX CB4300MR Bulk Cable 4 coaxes (500ft minimum) CB4306MR 6 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4312MR 12 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4325MR 25 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4350MR 50 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB4375MR 75 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB43100MR 100 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable CB43150MR 150 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable If you experience any problems, please call 1-800-258-4623 or 1-714-990-2300 for international calls.

9 No. Question Answer 1 What is a Distribution Amplifier? A Distribution Amplifier is a device that allows you to connect a single video source to multiple display devices, such as monitors or projectors used in presentation applications. 2 When do I use the DA1203RM? In some cases, you need a non-simultaneous connection of a single C- Video source or a single S- Video source to as many as three different display or recording devices. 3 Which signal formats can be passed through? The DA1203RM can pass RGBS, RGsB, Component Video (Y, R-Y, B-Y), S- Video (Y/C), and Composite Video by using the appropriate analog channels (Red, Green, Blue). 4 When do I use “+” position of the Sync Polarity switch? By setting the sync polarity switch to (+) the signal is processed unchanged and the sync polarity of the output signal matches the sync polarity of the DA1203RM. By setting sync polarity to (-) the sync polarity of the output is changed to the opposite of the input. 5 When do I use the Sync Level switch? The SYNC LEVEL switch has two positions — 2V and 4V. Most often a 4V Sync Level is used. This should be considered as default setting. The 2V setting allows compatibility with some older equipment that would be overdriven if a stronger signal were being used. 6 What do I have This provides when the Video Level switch is set in the 1.0V output position? approximately a 35% increase in video signal level. This can be used in installations where cable runs exceed 150 feet. It is not recommended that this switch be set in the 1.0V position for shorter cable lengths as the increased level may reduce the life of CRT displays if they are over-driven. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 10 We have carefully tested and have found no problems in the supplied DA1203RM unit; however, we would like to offer the following suggestions . • Please make sure that input amplitude levels are as follows: 1. Analog signal is less than 1.5V. 2. Sync signal is less than 0.3V. • Please check the settings of Sync Level, Video level and Sync Polarity Switches. • Please make sure that the proper quality of cables is used. We recommend Altinex made cables for best results. • If the problem shows up after continuous usage at higher voltage, higher temperature, higher humidity, or at other extreme environmental conditions, please correct those conditions.

Altinex warrants that its products and cables are free from defects in materials under normal use and service. This warranty is limited to repairing at company’s factory any part or parts of the product, which upon company’s examination shall disclose to be, thus defective. Products considered defective should be returned to company with transportation charges pre-paid within 2 years (90 days for cables) from date of shipment to the purchaser. The warranty is expressly instead of all other warranties expressed or implied. Altinex neither assumes nor authorizes any other person to assume for it any other liability in connection with the sale of the products. This warranty shall not apply to any product that shall have been repaired or altered outside of company’s factory in any way so as, in its judgment, to affect its stability or reliability, or that has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident. 11.2 RETURN POLICY It is very important that you receive the product that you have ordered and that this product fulfills your need. In the unlikely event that an Altinex product needs to be returned, please follow the policies below: Altinex will accept product returns for a period of 30 days from authorized Altinex dealers. Products must be returned in an unopened package. If product has been opened, the restocking fees will apply. For the restocking fee amount, please contact an Altinex Sales Representative. If product is in your possession for more than 30 days, the restocking fees will apply. Altinex will not accept any returns on cables or custom products. If your product is in warranty and needs service, contact the Altinex Sales Department for an RMA (Return Material Authorization). Products returned without an RMA number may experience a delay in service. If your product is out of warranty and needs service, contact the Altinex Sales Department for an RMA (Return Material Authorization). Products returned without an RMA number may experience a delay in service. The service charges will be quoted to you before the actual repairs are done. 11.3 CONTACT INFORMATION Sales Department Phone: 714-990-2300 Fax: 714-990-3303 Accounting Department Phone: 714-990-6088 Fax: 714-990-5778