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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0077-003
PRODUCT REVISION: 2
DA1904SX
1 VGA - IN, 1 RGBHV + 1 VGA - OUT
DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER
USER’S GUIDE
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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
INTRODUCTION
Altinex appreciates your purchase of the
DA1904SX Distribution Amplifier. We are sure you
will find it a reliable and useful product.
Superior performance for the right price backed by
solid technical and customer support is what we
have 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
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.
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 SPECIFICATIONS............................3
DESCRIPTION OF DA1904SX.............................4
INPUT AND OUTPUTS......................................4
APPLICATION DIAGRAM .....................................5
THE SERIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ................6
INSTALLING YOUR DISTRIBUTION
AMPLIFIER............................................................7
This manual covers:
DA1904SX – 1 VGA-in, 1 RGBHV +1 VGA-out
Distribution Amplifier
OPERATION .........................................................7
ACCESSORIES.....................................................7
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...................8
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..............................8
ALTINEX POLICY .................................................9
LIMITED WARRANTY........................................9
RETURN POLICY ..............................................9
CONTACT INFORMATION ................................9
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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS 1
Please read this manual carefully before using
your DA1904SX Distribution Amplifier. Keep this
manual handy for future reference. These safety
instructions are to ensure the long life of your
DA1904SX 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 RACKMOUNTING OF THE DA1904SX
• 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 RackMounted Equipment should be maintained.
1.3 INSTALLATION
• For best results, place the DA1904SX
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
DA1904SX 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 DA1904SX Distribution Amplifier
carefully because dropping or jarring can
damage internal components.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of the
DA1904SX. If the DA1904SX is to be
mounted to a table or wall, use only Altinex
made mounting accessories, such as mount
mini-brackets DA1295SX and cables for
optimum setup.
• To turn off the main power, be sure to remove
the cord from the power outlet. The power
outlet socket should be installed as close to
the equipment as possible, and should be
easily accessible.
• Do not pull the power cord or any cable that is
attached to the DA1904SX Distribution
Amplifier.
• If the DA1904SX Distribution Amplifier is not
used for an extended period, disconnect the
power cord from the power outlet.
1.4 CLEANING
• Unplug the DA1904SX 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
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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
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.
• Any changes or modifications to the unit not
expressly approved by Altinex, Inc. could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
ABOUT YOUR DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER 2
The DA1904SX is a special distribution amplifier
that offers a 15-pin HD input, a RGBHV main
output (on 5 BNC connectors), and a 15-pin HD
loop output. This product provides a low cost
solution and connector adapter needs. This
configuration is very similar to that which is used
for interfacing VGA type signals. These signals
feed RGBHV to a main presentation display on
BNC connectors, which in turn feed the local
monitor from the loop output. The DA1904SX can
be used in this method although it does not
provide other interfacing features, such as Sync
Processing, Horizontal Positioning, etc.
The DA1904SX is primarily designed for RGBHV
format signals, but it is also capable of passing
RGBS and RGsB. The DA1904SX is extremely
compact and may be mounted to furniture or other
surfaces using optional hardware.
In addition to being used for small distribution
applications with two displays, the DA1904SX also
acts as an output module for the Altinex Serial
Distribution System. This is a system, which uses
the concept of creating a high-resolution video bus
in large distribution applications with many
displays. This system provides a lower cost and a
higher performance alternative to the concept of
feeding home runs (a run of cable) to a single
large distribution amplifier.
In the Serial Distribution System, up to thirty
DA1904SX units may be installed at each monitor
location along the bus, which is created by using
VGA-type cables connected to the 15-pin HD input
and loop output. Each monitor is fed from the
RGBHV output. In this system, the DA1904SX
units may receive their origin feed from an output
module (DA1902SX).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3
FEATURES/DESCRIPTION DA1904SX
GENERAL
Input 1
Input Connector 15-pin HD Female
Output 2
Loop Output Connector 15-pin HD Female
Main Output Connector 5 BNC Female
Compatibility VGA, SVGA, XGA,
high resolution
RGBHV, RGBS, RGsB
and RsGsBs
Table 1. DA1904SX General
MECHANICAL DA1904SX
Material 0.1” Al
Finish Gray
Top Panel Lexan
Height (inches) 3.00in (76mm)
Width (inches) 4.50in (114mm)
Depth (inches) 1.00in (25mm)
Weight (pounds) 0.4lbs (0.18kg)
Ship Weight (pounds) 2.0lbs (0.91kg)
T° Operating 10°C-35°C
T° Maximum 50°C
Humidity
MTBF (calculations) 40,000 hrs
Table 2. DA1904SX Mechanical
ELECTRICAL DA1904SX
Input Video Signal
Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max
Impedance 75 Ohms
Input Sync Signal
Horizontal, Vertical, & C-Sync TTL(+/-)
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 10 k Ohms
Output Video Signals
Analog Signal Gain of 1.05 (+/-5%)
Fall/Rise Time (ns) 1.4
Impedance 75 Ohms
90% non-condensing
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Output Sync Signal
Composite Sync TTL(+/-)
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 22 Ohms
Frequency Compatibility
Typical Video Bandwidth 380 MHz
Minimum Video Bandwidth 350 MHz
Horizontal 15-200 kHz
Vertical 47-180 Hz
Coupling DC
Cross-talk -40dB @ 10MHz
Power
External Power Adapter 9V 500mA
Power Consumption 4 watts max.
Table 3. DA1904SX Electrical
DESCRIPTION OF DA1904SX 4
DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
4.1 INPUT AND OUTPUTS
The DA1904SX is a special application distribution
amplifier providing one VGA (SVGA, XGA) type
input on a 15-pin HD connector and one RGBHV
buffered input on a 15-pin HD connector. It also
provides one RGBHV buffered output on 5 BNC
connectors and one VGA (SVGA, XGA) loop output
on a 15-pin HD connector. The loop output should
be no longer than twelve feet for most applications.
Typically, a VGA-type 15-pin HD male to 15-pin HD
male cable will be used. The DA1904SX may be
used. The DA1904SX may be used with a variety of
input cable types, though the cable should be of
high quality output.
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PIN No. Input signals on 15-pin HD
female connector
1 Red
2 Green
3 Blue
4 No connection
5 Ground
6 Ground
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 No connection
10 Ground
11 No connection
12 No connection
13 Horizontal Sync
14 Vertical Sync
15 No connection
Table 4. The DA1904SX Input pin-outs
DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5
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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
THE SERIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
In addition to acting as a single distribution
amplifier, the DA1904SX may act as a building
block in the Altinex Serial Distribution System. The
Serial Distribution system provides a method of
distributing a video signal to several displays in an
application where the displays are typically spread
a few distances apart. When numerous runs are
made from the displays back to a single
distribution amplifier at a centralized location, it is
known as the home run approach. The Serial
Distribution System, an alternative to the home run
approach, uses the concept of a video bus to
provide greater ease of installation and greater
flexibility. In the Serial Distribution System, the
DA1904SX acts as an output module.
Typically, the source signal is connected to the
input of a DA1902SX and this becomes the
starting point for the bus. The outputs are then
connected to the output modules, DA1904SX
which are usually located at each display site and
provides a way in which the display can be fed
while still maintaining a video bus output to several
monitors. A maximum of 30 DA1904SX units and a
total system length of no more than 300 hundred
feet are recommended for optimum performance.
See the Serial Distribution System diagram on the
following page for an example of the way in which
the Serial Distribution System can be applied.
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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
INSTALLING YOUR DISTRIBUTION
AMPLIFIER 6
Step 1. Make sure that the correct power adapter
is connected to the unit. A red LED will
light to indicate that the unit is receiving
power.
Step 2. Connect the video output of the source
(computer or other high-resolution
source) to the input of the DA1904SX
using a short, high quality coaxial-type
cable. Typically, this will require the use
of a VGA Male to Male cable (CB3700
Series).
Step 3. Connect monitors or projectors to the
main output of the DA1904SX using the
appropriate RGBHV (CB4200 Series)
type cables or adapter cables.
Step 4. If the DA1904SX is being used in the
Serial Distribution System, make sure
that the end of the video bus is properly
terminated with a monitor or with a
termination plug. This would usually be
done on the loop end of the DA1904SX.
An unterminated image will appear too
bright and may have a distorted color.
Step 5. Verify that the picture quality on all
displays is perfect. If you are not receiving
a signal, make sure that the display is
compatible with the resolution of the
computer graphics card.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE DONE.
If you experience any problems, please call
1-800-258-4623 or 1-714-990-2300 for
international calls.
OPERATION 7
ACCESSORIES 8
Model No. Description
RACK MOUNTING ACCESSORIES
DA1295RM Mount mini-brackets (2 – “L” shape)
VGA MALE TO MALE CABLES (15PIN HD TO 15-PIN HD)
CB3703MR 3 ft
CB3706MR 6 ft
CB3715MR 15 ft
CB3725MR 25 ft
CB3750MR 50 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
CB3775MR 75 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
CB37100MR 100 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
CB37150MR 150 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
VGA MALE TO FEMALE CABLES
(15-PIN HD TO 15-PIN HD)
CB3903MR 3 ft
CB3906MR 6 ft
CB3915MR 15 ft
CB3925MR 25 ft
CB3950MR 50 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
CB3975MR 75 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
CB39100MR 100 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
CB39150MR 150 ft (Super High Resolution Coaxes)
VGA TO RGB ADAPTER CABLES
MS8102CA 15 pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male, 6ft
MS8104CA 15 pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male, 15ft
MS8105CA 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male, 50 ft
MS8106CA 15 pin HD Male to 5 BNC Female, 6 ft
MS8112CA 15 pin HD Female to 5 BNC Male, 6ft
MS8114CA 15 pin HD Female to 5 BNC Male, 15ft
POWER ADAPTERS
PC5502US 9V 500mA Power Supply for US
PS5503US 9V 500mA Power Supply for US w/50 ft
wire
PS5512UK 9V 500mA Power Supply for UK
PS5522AU 9V 500mA Power Supply for Australia
PS5532GR 9V 500mA Power Supply for Germany
PS5542JP 9V 500mA Power Supply for Japan
The DA1904SX will operate successfully as long
as cables are attached properly and other
technical specifications are followed. There are no
other adjustments necessary to operate the unit.
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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 9
No: Question Answer
1 What is a
Distribution
Amplifier?
2 What is the
Serial
Distribution
System?
3 Are the
outputs of
the
DA1904SX
buffered?
4 What does
buffered
output
mean?
5 Which type
of signal
format may I
pass through
the
DA1904SX?
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.
The Serial Distribution
System is a system, which
uses the concept of creating
a high-resolution video bus
in large distribution
applications with many
displays. This system
provides a lower cost and a
higher performance
alternative to the concept of
feeding “home runs” to a
single large distribution
amplifier.
The DA1904SX has two
outputs: one 15-pin HD loop
output and one 5-BNC
RGBHV buffered output
Buffered output means that
the output signal is isolated
from the input signal. This
means that the loaded
output does not affect the
input or any other output on
the device. A buffered
output may vary in terms of
the gain or peaking
adjustments made to the
video signal.
The DA1904SX can pass
high-resolution RGBHV,
RGBS, RGsB, and RsGsBs
format computer video
signals. Many display
devices that use a 15-pin
HD (VGZ-type) connector
can only accept RGBHV
format signals. Confirm the
compatibility of the display
equipment to be used in
system.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 10
We have carefully tested and have found no
problems in the supplied DA1904SX unit; however,
we would like to offer the following suggestions:
• Make sure that the correct power adapter is
connected to the unit.
• Please make sure that the input amplitude of
the analog signal is less than 1.5V.
• Please use the Altinex supplied external
adapter (9V, 500mA).
• Please make sure that the proper quality of
cables is used. We recommend Altinex made
cables for the best results.
• If a problem arises after continuous usage at
higher voltage, higher temperature, higher
humidity, or at other extreme environmental
conditions, please correct the problem.
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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
ALTINEX POLICY 11
11.1 LIMITED WARRANTY
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.
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
11.2 RETURN POLICY
It is very important to Altinex that you receive the
products that you have ordered and that this
product meets your expectations. 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 a product has been opened, the restocking fees
will apply. For the restocking fee amount, please
contact an Altinex Sales Representative.
If the 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
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