Altinex DA1914SX User Manual

SWITCHERS

MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0010-003
PRODUCT REVISION: 2

DA1914SX

2 - IN, 1 - OUT

RGBS AUTO SWITCHER

USER’S GUIDE

SWITCHERS

INTRODUCTION

Altinex appreciates your purchase of the
DA1914SX Switcher. 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 SWITCHER...................................3

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION..............................3

DESCRIPTION OF DA1914SX..............................4

INPUT AND OUTPUTS......................................5

AUTO-SWITCH MODE ......................................5

MANUAL SWITCH MODE..................................5

APPLICATION DIAGRAM .....................................5

INSTALLING YOUR SWITCHER ..........................6

This manual covers:

DA1914SX – 2– in, 1 - out RGBS Auto Switcher

OPERATION .........................................................6

ACCESSORIES.....................................................6

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....................7

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..............................7

ALTINEX POLICY .................................................8

LIMITED WARRANTY........................................8

RETURN POLICY ..............................................8

CONTACT INFORMATION ................................8

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SWITCHERS

PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS 1

Please read this manual carefully before using your
DA1914SX Switcher. Keep this manual handy for
future reference. These safety instructions are to
ensure the long life of your DA1914SX 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 DA1914SX

• Maximum operating ambient temperature is 35
(degrees C).

• Never restrict the airflow through the device’s
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 DA1914SX
Switcher 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
DA1914SX Switcher 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 DA1914SX Switcher carefully.
Dropping or jarring can damage internal
components.

• Do not place heavy objects on top of the
DA1914SX. If the DA1914SX is to be mounted
to a table or wall, use only a Altinex made
mounting accessories, such as the mount
mini-brackets DA1295SX (or RC5203CC
Contact Closure Switch w/6 foot cable) and
cables for optimum setup.

• To turn off the main power, be sure to remove
the adapter from the power outlet. The power
outlet socket should be installed as near to the
equipment as possible, and should be easily
accessible.

• Do not pull the adapter or any cable that is
attached to the DA1914SX Switcher.

• If the DA1914SX Switcher is not used for an
extended period, disconnect the adapter from
the power outlet.

1.4 CLEANING

• Unplug the DA1914SX adapter 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

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SWITCHERS

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 SWITCHER 2

The DA1914SX is a 2-in, 1-out RGBS Auto
Switcher with manual remote capability through
contact closure. Using four Female BNC
connectors for each input and output, the
DA1914SX has a fully buffered output.

The DA1914SX offers a Sync Source switch,
enabling it to auto-switch RGBS signal formats
when placed in the SYNC position, and auto-switch
RGsB and Composite Video signals when placed in
the GREEN position. Composite Video signals
must be passed through the Green channel when
auto-switching is necessary. When two active
sources are present, the DA1914SX will select the
default input, which is Input 2.

The DA1914SX can be controlled manually by
connecting a latching contact closure control to its

2.5mm mini-coaxial remote control jack. The
DA1914SX comes with a small switch and a 6 foot
cable (part# RC5203CC) that performs the manual
switch function, or contact closure may be made
from a control system. The contact closure acts as
a “push”, switching back and forth between two
active sources and switching between ON and OFF
when a single active source is on Input 1. If a
single active source is on Input 2 (the default), the
manual control will not push to Input 1.

In auto-switch mode, the DA1914SX is perfect for
applications in which a user plugs in one of two
input plates at different locations. In manual mode,
the DA1914SX is great as an
ON/OFF switch or for simply switching between two
active computers.

The DA1914SX may be mounted to furniture or
other suitable surfaces using optional hardware.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3

FEATURES/DESCRIPTION DA1914SX
GENERAL
Inputs

Input Connectors Two 4-BNC Female

Outputs

Output Connectors 4-BNC Female

Compatibility

RGBS, RGsB,

Component Video (Y,

R-Y, B-Y), S-Video

(Y/C), and Composite

Table 1. DA1914SX General

MECHANICAL DA1914SX

Material 0.1” Al
Finish Gray
Top Panel Lexan
Height (inches) 3.50in (89mm)
Width (inches) 4.62in (117mm)
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

90% non-condensing

Table 2. DA1914SX Mechanical

ELECTRICAL DA1914SX
Input Video Signals

Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max
Impedance 75 Ohms

Input Sync Signals

Composite Sync TTL(+/-)
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 10 k Ohms

Output Video Signals

Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max
Fall/Rise Time (ns) 2.0
Impedance 75 Ohms

Output Sync Signals

Composite Sync TTL(+/-)
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 22 Ohms

Frequency Compatibility

Typical Video Bandwidth 350 MHz

3

2

1

Video

Horizontal 15-200 kHz
Vertical 30-190 Hz

Cross-talk
Coupling
Power

External Power Adapter 9V 500mA (included)

Power Consumption

Table 3. DA1914SX Electrical

-40dB @10 MHz
DC

3 watts max.

DESCRIPTION OF DA1914SX 4

SWITCHERS

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SWITCHERS

4.1 INPUT AND OUTPUTS

The DA1914SX uses four Female BNC
connectors for each input and output. The
DA1914SX can pass RGBS, RGsB, Component
Video, S-Video, and Composite Video signals.
Video signals must be passed through Red,
Green, and/or Blue channels; Sync channel is not
designed to pass video. C-Video must be passed
through the Green channel.

4.2 AUTO-SWITCH MODE

The DA1914SX automatically selects the active
source, by sensing the incoming sync. Sync
sensing occurs on the Sync channel for RGBS
signals and on the Green channel for RGsB or
Composite signals. The sync source switch should
be switched from SYNC to GREEN when using
RGsB or Composite Video sources. The
Composite source must be connected to the
Green channel in order for the auto-switcher to
work properly with composite video signals. When
both signals are present, the switcher will default
to INPUT 2.

4.3 MANUAL SWITCH MODE

The DA1914SX can be controlled manually by
connecting a contact closure control switch to its

2.5mm mini-coaxial remote control jack. Altinex
offers a remote control switch with a 6 foot cable,
(Part # RC5203CC), which performs the manual
switch function. The DA1914SX can also be
controlled using contact closure relays on a
control system.

When an active source is on INPUT 1, the manual
switch will not affect the input, and will not switch
to INPUT 2.

When an active source is on INPUT 2, the manual
switch will act as an ON/OFF switch, forcing the
switcher to INPUT 1 when the contact closure is in
the CLOSED position.

When two active sources are present on INPUT 2
in the OPEN Switching Mode, the DA1914SX will
select INPUT 1. If the contact closure is in the
CLOSED position, and remains on INPUT 2, the
contact closure will switch to the OPEN position.
LED lights indicate the correct switching.

APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5

5

SWITCHERS

INSTALLING YOUR SWITCHER 6

Step 1. Make sure that the proper power adapter

is used. The Altinex power adapter is
supplied with the unit.

Step 2. Connect the power adapter to the power

port. The power indicator light and the
input lights should turn red.

Step 3. Remove the anti-static connector covers

and connect the cables from the computer
video card or from the video output of
other sources, to INPUT 1 or INPUT 2 of
the DA1914SX.

Step 4. Connect the cables from the output port

of the DA1914SX to the large screen
monitor or data projector.

Step 5. If a remote control switch is used, connect

the RC5203CC (contact closure switch
w/6 foot cable) to the remote control
connector.

Step 6. If a control system is used to control the

DA1914SX, connect the remote control

port of the DA1914SX to the relays port of
the control system.

Step 7. Verify that the picture quality on the

display is good. If a signal is not being
received, 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.

ACCESSORIES 8

Model No. Description

RACK MOUNTING ACCESSORIES

DA1295RM

RC5203CC

CB4100MR
CB4103MR
CB4106MR
CB4112MR
CB4125MR
CB4150MR
CB4175MR
CB41100MR
CB41150MR

CB4300MR
CB4306MR
CB4312MR
CB4325MR
CB4350MR
CB4375MR
CB43100MR
CB43150MR

PC5502US
PS5503US

PS5512UK
PS5522AU
PS5532GR
PS5542JP

Mount mini-brackets (2 – “L” shape)

CONTACT CLOSURE SWITCH

Contact Closure with 6 ft. cable

HIGH RESOLUTION 4 BNC to 4 BNC
COAXIAL CABLE

Bulk Cable 4 coaxes (500ft minimum)
3 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
6 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
12 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
25 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
50 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
75 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
100 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
150 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable

SUPER HIGH RESOLUTION 4 BNC to
4 BNC COAX

Bulk Cable 4 coaxes (500ft minimum)
6 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
12 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
25 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
50 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
75 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
100 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable
150 feet, 4 BNC to 4 BNC coaxial cable

POWER ADAPTERS

9V 500mA Power Supply for US
9V 500mA Power Supply for US w/50 ft

wire
9V 500mA Power Supply for UK
9V 500mA Power Supply for Australia
9V 500mA Power Supply for Germany
9V 500mA Power Supply for Japan

OPERATION 7

The settings of the DA1914SX Switcher can be
adjusted using auto-switch mode and manual
switch mode as described in Section 4. There are
no other adjustments necessary to operate the unit.
The DA1914SX will operate successfully as long as
cables are attached properly and other technical
specifications are followed.

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SWITCHERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 9

No: Question Answer
1 What is a

Switcher?

2 When do I

use the
DA1914SX?

3 What kind of

signal
formats may
I pass
through the
DA1914SX?

4 Is the output

of the

DA1914SX

buffered?

5 Why do I

need the
Sync Source
switch?

6 How far can I

run a signal
through the
DA1914SX?

A Switcher is a device that
allows you to connect
multiple video sources to a
single display and select
between the sources.
If you have two computers
and you want to display
them on a single monitor,
you would use the
DA1914SX between the
computers and the monitor,
using cables to interconnect
the pieces. The switcher
would then allow you to
select which computer would
be displayed on the monitor
at any given time.

The DA1914SX can pass
RGBS, RGsB, Component
Video (Y, R-Y, B-Y), S-Video
(Y/C), and Composite Video
signals.

Yes, the DA1914SX offers a
fully buffered output.

The DA1914SX offers a
Sync Source switch,
enabling it to auto-switch
RGBS signal formats when
placed in the SYNC position,
and auto-switch RGsB and
Composite Video signals
when placed in the GREEN
position.
The output of the DA1914SX
allows signals to be driven
through 100 feet of cable
depending on the cable
quality and the source signal
resolution without
degradation of the image
quality.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 10

We have carefully tested and have found no
problems in the supplied DA1914SX unit; however,
we would like to offer the following suggestions:

• Please make sure that you have the correct
setting Sync Source Switch. If you pass
RGBS, the signal format switch must be in the
SYNC position. If you pass RGsB or
Composite Video signal formats, the switch
must be in the GREEN position.

• 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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SWITCHERS

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.

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: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Accounting Department

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

11.2 RETURN POLICY

It is very important to Altinex that you receive the
products 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 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
without an RMA number may experience a delay
in service.

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