Altinex DA1921SX User Manual

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS

DA1921SX

MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0155-002

CAT-5 COMPUTER VIDEO

RECEIVER

USER’S GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS.............. 2

GENERAL....................................................................2

GUIDELINES FOR RACK-MOUNTING.......................2

INSTALLATION...........................................................2

CLEANING ..................................................................2

FCC / CE NOTICE .......................................................2

ABOUT YOUR DA1921SX....................................3

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS...........................3

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION................................... 4

INPUT..........................................................................5

OUTPUTS....................................................................5

INSTALLING YOUR DA1921SX........................... 6

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS

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

LED INDICATOR .........................................................6

EQUALIZATION ..........................................................6

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.............................. 6

LED IS NOT RED.........................................................6

LED IS NOT GREEN ...................................................7

NO REMOTE IMAGE...................................................7

REMOTE IMAGE QUALITYIS POOR.........................7

ALTINEX POLICY.................................................. 7

LIMITED WARRANTY/RETURN POLICY...................7

CONTACT INFORMATION .........................................7

400-0155-002

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PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS 1

Please read this manual carefully before using your
DA1921SX. Keep this manual handy for future
reference. These safety instructions are to ensure
the long life of your DA1921SX 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
authorized representatives, must perform all
service.

1.2 GUIDELINES FOR RACK-MOUNTING

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

• 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 Earth Grounding of Rack-Mounted
Equipment should be maintained.

1.3 INSTALLATION

• For best results, place the DA1921SX on a flat,
level surface in a dry area away from dust and
moisture.

• To prevent fire or shock, do not expose unit to
rain or moisture. Do not place the DA1921SX in
direct sunlight, near heaters or heat radiating
appliances, or near liquid. Exposure to direct
sunlight, smoke, or steam can harm components.

• Handle the DA1921SX carefully. Dropping or
jarring can damage internal components.

• Do not place heavy objects on the DA1921SX. If
the DA1921SX is mounted to a table or wall, use
only ALTINEX-made mounting accessories, such
as the mini-brackets MB1001 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 DA1921SX.

• If the DA1921SX is not used for an extended
period, disconnect the adapter from the outlet.

1.4 CLEANING

• Unplug the DA1921SX (adapter or 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
their expense.

• Any changes or modifications to the unit not
expressly approved by ALTINEX, Inc. could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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1280 x 1024: 350ft/107m

ABOUT YOUR DA1921SX 2

The DA1921SX is a high-resolution 1-in 2-out
computer video amplifier/receiver. It converts
differential signals from a CAT-5 transmitter to
single ended video signals. These single ended
signals allow the source to be distributed to large
screen projectors or other displays with excellent
quality at long distances. The DA1921SX is
designed to be used together with a compatible
CAT-5 computer video transmitter, such as model
DA1920SX. The DA1921SX is connected to the
transmitter using twisted pair CAT-5 UTP
(Category 5, 5e, 6) type cable.

The DA1921SX is compact and easy to use. It
offers a CAT-5 input, two fully buffered outputs and
equalization control. It is perfect for audio/visual
installations, where a single computer sends
signals using inexpensive, thin, light CAT-5 cable.

The DA1921SX can receive signal resolutions from
VGA thru UXGA. Together with an ALTINEX
CAT-5 computer video transmitter and properly
adjusted with the built-in equalization controls, the
maximum cable distance is approximately 500
feet/152 meters for VGA (640 x 480, 60 Hz refresh
rate) and 250 feet/76.2 meters for UXGA (1600 x
1200, 60 Hz refresh rate). Please see the complete
specifications for other resolutions.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3

FEATURES/DESCRIPTION DA1921SX

GENERAL

Inputs

Input Connector RJ-45

Outputs

Local Monitor Connector 15-pin HD Female
Main Output Connectors 15-pin HD Female

Cable Distance Limitations

Signal Resolution Distance 640 x 480: 500ft/152m

800 x 600: 450ft/137m

1024 x 768: 400ft/122m

One

Two

MECHANICAL DA1921SX

Material
Finish
Top Panel

0.1” Al

ALTINEX Grey

Lexan Overlay
Height (inches) 3.00in (76mm)
Width (inches) 4.50in (114mm)
Depth (inches) 1.00in (25mm)
Weight (pounds) 0.40lb (0.18kg)
Ship Weight (pounds) 2.4lbs (1.09kg)

T° Operating
T° Maximum
Humidity
MTBF (calculations)

10°C-35°C

50°C

90% non-condensing

40,000 hrs

Table 2. DA1921SX Mechanical

ELECTRICAL DA1921SX
Input Video Signal

Analog Signal Level

Differential ±0.75V

max

Impedance

50 Ohms

Input Sync Signal

Horizontal, Vertical, & C-Sync
Impedance

Differential ±1V

50 Ohms

Output Video Signals

Analog Signal Level
Fall/Rise Time (ns)
Impedance

1.5V p-p

2.0

75 Ohms

Output Sync Signals

Horizontal Sync
Vertical Sync

Coupling
Cross-talk

TTL (+/-)
TTL (+/-)

AC

-40 dB @ 10 MHz

Power

External Power Adapter

9V DC, 500 mA

Table 3. DA1921SX Electrical

NOTE: All cables for the DA1921SX must be

ordered separately.

Compatibility

Table 1. DA1921SX General

400-0155-002

1600 x 1200: 250ft/76m

VGA thru UXGA

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 4

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS

400-0155-002

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS

10

Ground

11

Ground

12

No Connection

13Horizontal Sync

14

Vertical Sync

15

No Connection

4.1 INPUT

The input connector of the DA1921SX is an RJ-45
connector, which connects the DA1921SX to the

DA1920SX using a CAT-5 cable.

PIN No.

1 R­2 R+
3 G­4 B­5 B+
6 G+
7 HOR­8 HOR+

Input Signals

RJ-45 Connector

Table 4. DA1921SX Input Signals

4.2 OUTPUTS

The DA1921SX has two outputs with 15-pin HD
female connectors. It allows the distribution of
video signals to two monitors. With equalization,
the DA1921SX receives signals through a
CAT-5 cable from as far as 500 feet away.

PIN No.

1 Red
2 Green
3 Blue
4 ID Bit 4
5 Ground
6 Ground
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 +5V

Output Signals

15-pin HD Female

Table 5. DA1921SX Output Signals

APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5

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INSTALLING YOUR DA1921SX 6

Step 1. Connect the 9V 500mA AC adapter’s

output plug to the DA1921SX’s power
input connector - 2.5 mm DC Jack. Verify
that the RED power LED turns ON.

Step 2. Remove the protective port covers.

Connect the video output from the

DA1920SX to the input connector on the
DA1921SX using the CAT-5 cable.

Step 3. Verify that the red LED on the face of the

unit has now turned green, indicating an
active source. If the LED is not green, the
DA1920SX may not be sending video
signals.

Step 4. Connect one or two monitors (as needed)

to the output connectors using the
appropriate VGA cable.

Step 5. Verify that the picture quality on Monitors

1 and 2 (connected to Output 1 and
Output 2 of the DA1921SX) is good. If
you are not receiving a signal, make sure
that the display is compatible with the
resolution of the computer graphics card.
Note: High levels of static discharge
under some conditions may shutdown the
unit. To reset the unit simply, disconnect
the input cable and reconnect it back.

OPERATION 7

There is only one adjustment necessary to operate
the DA1921SX. The adjustment is for equalization
on long cable runs. It is adjustable according to the
cable length. The unit will operate successfully as
long as cables are attached properly and other
technical specifications are followed.

7.1 LED INDICATOR

The DA1921SX offers a special LED on the
front panel that provides feedback to the user.
When power is connected to the DA1921SX,
the LED will turn Red. When a valid CAT5
source is connected to the DA1921SX, the LED
will turn Green, indicating that it is receiving a
signal by sensing the presence of the sync
portion of the signal.

7.2 EQUALIZATION

The DA1921SX provides an equalization
adjustment for long cable runs. Cable runs less
than 50 feet in length will require little to no
equalization. After that, the longer the cable,
the more equalization is required.

In some cases, it will be necessary to adjust the
equalization on both the transmitter and
receiver.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 8

We have carefully tested and have found no
problems in the supplied DA1921SX. However, we
would like to offer suggestions for the following:

8.1 LED IS NOT RED

The LED should be ON and RED when power is
applied and there is no video signal present. If
the LED is ON and GREEN, the unit is receiving
power and a SYNC signal.

Cause 1: No AC power.

Solution: Verify the adapter is plugged into a

working AC outlet and that the outlet
has power.

Cause 2: Adapter is not plugged into

DA1921SX.

Solution: Verify the DC power plug coming

from the AC adapter is plugged all
the way into the DA1921SX.

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Cause 3: The DA1921SX has a problem.

Solution: If there is AC power to the adapter

and the LED still does not turn on,
the DA1921SX or the power adapter
may require service. Call ALTINEX
at [phone].

8.2 LED IS NOT GREEN
Cause 1: There is no power.

Solution: Disconnect the video input from the

DA1921SX and verify the LED is ON
and RED indicating power is
present. Reconnect the computer's
video output. If the LED is still not
GREEN see Cause 2.

Cause 2: There is no Sync signal.

Solution: Verify the computer output is

operating correctly by connecting it
directly to the local monitor,
bypassing the transmitter and
receiver. If the display is good, call
ALTINEX at [phone].

8.3 NO REMOTE IMAGE
Cause 1: The source has a problem.

Solution: Check the image on the local

monitor and verify the quality is
good. If the local image is good, see
Cause 2.

In general, cable runs less then 50
feet require little or no video
equalization and should be set to
minimum. Longer cable runs will
require equalization on both the
transmitter and receiver.

8.4 REMOTE IMAGE QUALITY IS POOR
Cause 1: The source has a problem.

Solution: Check the image on the local

monitor and verify the quality is
good. If the local image is good, see
Cause 2.

Cause 2: Video equalization required.

Solution: Adjust the VIDEO EQUALIZATION

on the DA1921SX. Long cable runs
may require adjustment on both the
DA1921SX and the DA1920SX. If
the image is still not correct, call
ALTINEX at [phone].

ALTINEX POLICY 9

9.1 LIMITED WARRANTY/RETURN POLICY

Please see the Altinex website at

www.altinex.com for details on warranty and

return policy.

9.2 CONTACT INFORMATION
ALTINEX, INC

Cause 2: Video equalization required.

Solution: Adjust the VIDEO EQUALIZATION

on the DA1921SX. Long cable runs
may require adjustment on both the
DA1921SX and the DA1920SX.

400-0155-002

592 Apollo Street
Brea, CA 92821 USA

TEL: [phone]
TOLL FREE: 1-800-ALTINEX
WEB: www.altinex.com
E-MAIL: [e-mail]

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