Altinex DA1916SX User Manual

SWITCHERS

MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0013-003
PRODUCT REVISION: 4

DA1916SX

2–IN, 1–OUT VGA AUTO-SWITCHER

WITH LOOP OUTPUT

USER’S GUIDE

SWITCHERS

INTRODUCTION

Altinex appreciates your purchase of the
DA1916SX Switcher. We are certain that 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 DA1916SX..............................4

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

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

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

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

This manual covers:

DA1916SX – 2-in, 1-out VGA Auto Switcher with

Loop Output

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
DA1916SX Switcher. Keep this manual handy for
future reference. These safety instructions are to
ensure the long life of your DA1916SX 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 DA1916SX

• 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 DA1916SX
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
DA1916SX 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 DA1916SX Switcher carefully.
Dropping or jarring can damage internal
components.

• Do not place heavy objects on top of the
DA1916SX. If the DA1916SX is to be mounted
to a table or wall, use only Altinex made
mounting accessories, such as the mount
mini-brackets DA1295SX (or RC5203CC
Contact Closure Switch with 6 foot cable) 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 DA1916SX Switcher.

• If the DA1916SX Switcher is not used for an
extended period, disconnect the power cord
from the power outlet.

1.4 CLEANING

• Unplug the DA1916SX 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

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SWITCHERS

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 SWITCHER 2

The DA1916SX is a 2-in, 1-out VGA
(VGA/SVGA/XGA) Auto Switcher with manual
remote capability through the use of a contact
closure.

The DA1916SX automatically switches to the active
input source by sensing an incoming signal. If two
input signals are active simultaneously, the
DA1916SX will default to Input 2. Please note that
the DA1916SX may be custom modified at the
factory upon request so that it will default to Input 1
instead of Input 2.

The DA1916SX offers both a main output for the
selected source and a loop output that always
passes through Input 1, regardless of which input is
selected. The main output is fully buffered and, if it
is not used, it must be terminated with a 75 Ohms
VGA termination plug (part # MS8000TP), which is
supplied with the unit.

The DA1916SX is perfect for applications that use
wall or floor plates for auto switching. It also works
very well as a building block for classroom training
systems in which the instructor’s signal is placed
alongside a bus (via the loop output) to each of the
student’s stations. The students own computer is
connected to Input 2.

The DA1916SX may be mounted to furniture or
other suitable surfaces using optional hardware.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3

FEATURES/DESCRIPTION DA1916SX
GENERAL
Inputs

Input Connector 15-pin HD Female

Outputs

Main Output Connectors 15-pin HD Female
Loop Output Connectors 15-pin HD Female

Compatibility

VGA via UXGA, RBHV,

Component Video (Y,

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

(Y/C), and Composite

Table 1. DA1916X General

Two

(buffered)

(loop)

RGBS, RGsB,

Video

The DA1916SX can be controlled manually by
connecting the contact closure control to its 2.5mm
mini-coaxial remote control jack. The DA1916SX is
packaged with a small switch and a six foot cable
(part # RC5203CC), which controls the DA1916SX
or the contact closure may be made from a control
system. When the contact closure control is
connected to the DA1916SX, an open position will
select Input 1 and a closed position will select
Input 2.

Although the DA1916SX is designed primarily to
handle VGA-type (RGBHV) signals, it can also be
used to pass RGBS and RGsB. It may also be
used to pass composite video, s-video, and
component video signals through red, green, and
blue channels. This may require the use of adapter
cables to convert a 15-pin HD connector to BNC
connectors.

MECHANICAL DA1916SX

Material 0.1” Al
Finish Gray
Top Panel Lexan
Height (inches) 3.00in (76mm)
Width (inches) 4.38in (111mm)
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 (min.)

90% non-condensing

Table 2. DA1916SX Mechanical

ELECTRICAL DA1916SX
Input Video Signal

Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max
Impedance 75 Ohms

3

Input Sync Signal

Composite Sync TTL(+/-),

analog 0.3V-1.0V
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 10 k Ohms

Output Video Signals

Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max
Fall/Rise Time (ns) 1.8
Impedance 75 Ohms

Output Sync Signal

Composite Sync TTL(+/-),

analog 0.3V-1.0V
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 22 Ohms

Frequency Compatibility

Horizontal 15-200 kHz
Vertical 20-190 Hz
Typical Video Bandwidth 350 MHz @ -3dB

Cross-talk
Coupling
Power

External Power Adapter 9V 500mA (included)

Power Consumption

-40dB @10 MHz
DC

3 watts max.

Table 3. DA1916SX Electrical

SWITCHERS

DESCRIPTION OF DA1916SX 4

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SWITCHERS

4.1 AUTO-SWITCH MODE

The DA1916SX automatically selects the active
source by sensing the incoming sync or video
signals. When switching a RGsB signal, the
DA1916SX will automatically sense the sync from
the green channel. When two active sources are
present, the DA1916SX selects Input 2 as the
default.

4.2 MANUAL SWITCH MODE

The DA1916SX can be controlled manually by
connecting a contact closure control switch to the
channel select port of the DA1916SX. This port
uses a 2.5mm mini-coaxial remote control jack
and is located next to Input 2. (Note: the
connector used for the channel select port is the
same as the power connector used for the unit.
Damage will not occur if the power is accidentally
connected to the channel select port.

Altinex offers a remote control switch with a 12
foot cable (Part # RC5203CC) which will control
the DA1916SX. The DA1916SX can also be
controlled using AV control systems.

When a remote control switch is connected to the
channel select port, Input 1 will be selected if the
channel select contact is open. Input 2 will be
selected if the channel select contact is closed.

The switching will be identical whether there is
one or two active signals. The LED lights located
next to the inputs will indicate which input is
selected.

The DA1916SX’s main output is fully buffered and
capable of driving a signal over 200 feet of high,
quality coaxial cable. Loop 1 output is not buffered
and must be terminated with a VGA termination
plug (Part # MS8000TP) if a local display is not
used.

APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5

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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

DA1916SX.

Step 4. Connect the cables from the output port

of the DA1916SX to the large screen
monitor or data projector.

Step 5. If the remote control switch is used,

connect the RC5203CC to the channel
select port.

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

DA1916SX, connect the channel select

port of the DA1916SX 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.

OPERATION 7

The settings of the DA1916SX Switcher can be
adjusted using the auto-switch mode and the
manual switch mode as described in Section 4.
There are no other adjustments necessary to
operate the unit. The DA1916SX will operate
successfully as long as cables are attached
properly and other technical specifications are
followed.

ACCESSORIES 8

Model No. Description

RACK MOUNTING ACCESSORIES

DA1295RM

RC5203CC

MS8000TP

MS8102CA
MS8104CA
MS8105CA
MS8106CA

CB3703MR
CB3706MR
CB3715MR
CB3725MR
CB3750MR

CB3775MR
CB37100MR
CB37150MR

CB3903MR
CB3906MR
CB3915MR
CB3925MR
CB3950MR

CB3975MR

CB39100MR

CB39150MR

PC5502US
PS5503US

PS5512UK
PS5522AU
PS5532GR
PS5542JP

Mount mini-brackets (2 – “L” shape)

CONTACT CLOSURE SWITCH

Contact Closure with 6 ft. cable

TERMINATION PLUG

VGA (15-pin HD) Termination Plug

ADAPTOR CABLE

6 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male
15 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male
50 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male
6 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC

Female

VGA CABLE MALE TO MALE

3 feet, high resolution type cable
6 feet, high resolution type cable
15 feet, high resolution type cable
25 feet, high resolution type cable
50 feet, super high resolution type

cable
75 feet, super high resolution cable
100 feet, super high resolution cable
150 feet, super high resolution cable

VGA CABLE MALE TO FEMALE

3 feet, high resolution type cable
6 feet, high resolution type cable
15 feet, high resolution type cable
25 feet, high resolution type cable
50 feet, super high resolution type

cable
75 feet, super high resolution type
cable
100 feet, super high resolution type
cable
150 feet, super high resolution type
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

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SWITCHERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 9

No: Question Answer
1 What is a

switcher?

2 When do I

use the
DA1916SX?

3 What kind of

signal
formats may
I pass
through the
DA1916SX?

4 Is the output

of the

DA1916SX

buffered?

5 How far can I

run a signal
through the
DA1916SX?

A switcher is a device that
allows you to connect
multiple video sources to a
single display and to select
between the sources.
If you have two computers
and you want to display
them on a single monitor,
you would use the
DA1916SX 2-in, 1-out VGA
Auto Switcher 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 DA1916SX can pass
VGA/SVGA/XGA/UXGA,
RGBS, RGsB, Component
Video (Y, R-Y, & B-Y), S­Video (Y/C), and Composite
Video signals (with adapter
cables).

Yes, the DA1916SX offers a

fully buffered main output.

The output of the DA1916SX
allows signals to be driven
through 100 feet of cable
depending on 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 DA1916SX unit; however,
we would like to offer the following suggestions:

• Please make sure that you have the correct
setting Sync Source Switch. If RGBS signal
formats are passed, the 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
analog signal is less than 1.5V.

• Please use the Altinex supplied external
adaptor (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
that 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
should 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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