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MULTI-TASKER
MT103-120 is pictured above.
MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0185-002
MT103-118/120
DUAL 1-IN, 3-OUT VIDEO and S-VIDEO
DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER CARDS FOR
MULTI-TASKER™ ENCLOSURES USER’S
GUIDE
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MULTI-TASKER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS.............. 2
ABOUT YOUR MT103-118/120........................... 2
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................... 3
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION.................................. 4
APPLICATION DIAGRAM.................................... 4
INSTALLING YOUR MT103-118/120................... 6
OPERATION (MT103-120 ONLY)........................ 6
7.1 RS-232 CONTROL.................................... 6
7.2 RS-232 INTERFACE................................. 6
7.3 DESCRIPTION OF COMMANDS .............. 6
7.3 SUMMARY OF COMMANDS..................... 9
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE............................. 9
ALTINEX POLICY.............................................. 10
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MULTI-TASKER
PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS 1
Please read this manual carefully before using
your MT103-118/120. Keep this manual handy for
future reference. These safety instructions are to
ensure the long life of your MT103-118/120 and to
prevent fire and shock hazard. Please read them
carefully and heed all warnings.
1.1 GENERAL
• Qualified ALTINEX service personnel, or their
authorized representatives must perform all
service.
1.2 INSTALLATION
• To prevent fire or shock, do not expose this
unit to rain or moisture. Do not place the
MT103-118/120 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 MT103-118/120 carefully.
Dropping or jarring can damage the card.
• Do not pull the cables that are attached to the
MT103-118/120.
• 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.
• Any changes or modifications to the unit not
expressly approved by ALTINEX, Inc. could
void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
• Insert the card carefully into the slots of the
Multi-Tasker™ without bending any edges.
• When removing a card, please make sure
that the card to which it is attached is also
pulled out simultaneously.
1.3 CLEANING
• Clean only the connector area 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 card. Do
not clean or touch any component or PCB.
1.4 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.
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ABOUT YOUR MT103-118/120 2
MT103-118/MT103-120
Dual 1-in 3-out Video & S-Video Distribution
Amplifier Card
The MT103-118/120 is a dual 1-in 3-out Composite
(C) Video and S-Video Distribution Amplifier (DA)
Card. There is one BNC C-Video input with three
BNC C-Video outputs and one S-Video input with
3 S-Video outputs. It is designed for use in
Multi-Tasker enclosures. When installed in a
Multi-Tasker enclosure, this DA card enables the
connection of a single S-Video and/or Composite
video source to up to three displays or recording
devices each. On the MT103-120, each output
may be individually enable or disabled through
RS-232 control.
A variety of video signal formats can be
accommodated by using multiple DA cards in a
Multi-Tasker enclosure. For example, two
S-Video DA cards can be used to handle the two
components of an S-Video signal (Chroma and
Luma). To create a component S-Video distribution
amplifier, simply install three of the MT S-Video DA
cards, one each for the Y, Pr, and Pb (or Y, R-Y,
B-Y) signal components. Similarly, the MT S-Video
DA series cards can also be used to pass
computer video signals: 4 cards for RGBS and 5
for RGBHV.
The MT103-120 also features Equalization
adjustment. The equalization allows the user to
adjust the signal when long cable lengths are
involved. The Equalization circuitry is good for
cable runs up to about 250 feet when a high
quality 75 ohm coaxial cabled is used.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3
FEATURES/
DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
Inputs
S-Video Connectors (1) 4-pin Mini-DIN Connector
C-Video Connectors (1) BNC Connector
Outputs
S-Video Connectors (3) 4-pin Mini-DIN Connector
MT103-118/120
C-Video Connectors (3) BNC Connector
Approvals CE/FCC
Table 1. MT103-118/120 General
MECHANICAL MT103-118/120
Enclosure Slots
Required
Weight 0.43lb (0.19kg)
Shipping Weight 1 lb. (0.42kg)
Connector Panel Black
T° Operating 10°C-40°C
T° Maximum 0 to 50°C
Humidity 90% non-condensing
MTBF (calc.) 55,000 hrs
One
Table 2. MT103-118/120 Mechanical
ELECTRICAL MT103-118/120
Input Signals
Analog +/- 1.5V(signal: 1.5V p-p)
Sync 0 to +5V
Impedance 75 Ohms
Type Differential
Return Loss -38dB @ 50MHz
Maximum DC Offset 10mV
Output Signals
Gain 10.5 (+/-5%)
Impedance 75 Ohms
Propagation Delay
(Sync)
Rise/Fall Time (Sync) 9nS max.
Differential Phase
Error
Bandwidth
MT103-118/120 350 MHz @-3dB
Power
Power
(from Enclosure)
MT103-118/120 200mA 200mA 2.4 watts
Optional Accessories
MS8102CA
MS8112CA
MS8132MG
MS8133MG
+6V -6V
6ft, 15-pin HD Male to 5-BNC
6ft, 15-pin HD Female to 5-BNC
1ft, 4-pin mini DIN Male to 2-
1ft, 4-pin mini DIN Female to 2-
4nS max.
01°, @ 4.5 MHz
Power
Consumption
Male
Male
BNC Male
BNC Male
Table 3. MT103-118/120 Electrical
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 4
APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5
Application Diagram 1
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MULTI-TASKER
Application Diagram 2: Internal View of MT103-118/120
MT103-120
S-VIDEO
4 PIN MINI-DIN
INPUT 1
VIDEO
BNC
INPUT 1
OUTPUT
ON/OFF
CONTROL
H/W
EQ
H/W
EQ
MT103-118
POWER
POWER
S-VIDEO
4 PIN MINI-DIN
OUT 1
OUT 2
OUT 3
VIDEO
BNC
OUT 1
OUT 2
OUT 3
S-VIDEO
4 PIN MINI-DIN
S-VIDEO
4 PIN MINI-DIN
INPUT 1
VIDEO
BNC
INPUT 1
OUT 1
OUT 2
OUT 3
VIDEO
BNC
OUT 1
OUT 2
OUT 3
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INSTALLING YOUR MT103-118/120 6
Step 1. Slide the MT103-118/120 into an
available slot in the Multi-Tasker™
Enclosure in order to connect to the bus.
Make sure that the MT103-118/120 card
fits into place. Secure the card to the
Multi-Tasker™ by tightening the retainer
screws located on the top and bottom of
the MT103-118/120 card.
Step 2. The LED on the card panel will turn red
indicating that the card is in full operation.
An LED that is blinking red indicates that
the card is experiencing a problem. If the
LED is blinking, see Troubleshooting
Guide in section 8.
Step 3. Connect a coaxial cable from the video
source to the input connector of the
MT103-118/120. Connect the output
connectors of the MT103-118/120 to the
display devices through a coaxial cable.
Step 4. Starting from the left, identify the slot
number where the MT103-118/120 card
is plugged into the Enclosure and note
that it is for RS-232 control.
OPERATION (MT103-120 ONLY) 7
7.1 RS-232 CONTROL
The MT103-120 has many advanced remote
control capabilities when used in the
Multi-Tasker™ Enclosure and which are
accessible through standard RS-232
communication. The actual controlling can be
accomplished through a computer control
system or any other device capable of sending
RS-232 commands.
7.2 RS-232 INTERFACE
The RS-232 commands for the MT103-120 are
in a simple ASCII character format.
1. Square brackets “[ ]” are part of the
command.
2. Use uppercase letters for all commands.
After processing a command, an OK or ER
string will be returned as feedback if "F" is
included at the end of a command string or if
the unit ID is zero.
Commands such as [ON], [OFF], and [IO] that
end in "S" will be saved into memory.
Commands not ending in "S" will still be
executed but will not be restored when the
system is reset (power off & power on again).
7.3 DESCRIPTION OF COMMANDS
Each command consists of three parts:
function, card ID, and unit ID. [Function, Card
ID, Unit ID].
Example:
[VERC3U2]
VER = function
C3 = Card ID
U2 = Unit ID
For function, see a detailed explanation under
each command description.
Card ID is an assigned value from 1 to 19 (1 to
8 or 1 to 4 depending on which enclosure is
being used); based on which slot the card is put
in. Card ID 0 (C0) is used for the controller (see
user’s guide for the MT100-100). Changing the
position of a card will significantly affect the
commands recorded on software definitions or
a third party control system.
Unit ID has a value from 0 to 9. Unit ID 0 should
be used for single unit operation. If the Unit ID
is set to 0, then each command can be used
without Ui (use command [SETU0]; see user’s
guide for the MT100-100).
Example:
[VERC3]: for unit ID zero
[VERC3Ui]: for unit ID other than zero
[VERC3]: equivalent to [VERC3U0]
1. [VER]
This command displays the software version
and card type for the MT103-120 card.
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Command Format: [VERCnUi]
Cn = card ID (n = slot # from 1 to 19)
(1-8 for MT100-101 or 1-4 for MT100-106)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9) (refer to the
MT100-100 user’s guide for explanation)
Example:
If one MT103-120 card is in slot #2 of unit 3:
When sending command [VERC2U3], the Multi-
Tasker™ Enclosure will return feedback as
MT103-120 690-0125-010
MT103-120 = card type
690-0125-010 = software version
2. [C]
This command receives the status of the card.
Command Format: [CnUi]
Cn = card ID (n = a slot # from 1 to 19)
(1-8 for MT100-101 or 1-4 for MT100-106)
Ui = unit id (i = 0 to 9) (refer to the MT100-100
user’s guide for explanation)
Example:
If one MT103-120 card is in slot #2 of unit 3
with S-Video outputs 1 and 2 ON and Video
Output 3 ON:
When sending the command [C2U3], the Multi-
Tasker™ Enclosure will return feedback as
Ci = card number
S = save configuration
If S-Video Outputs 1,2,3 and Video Outputs
1,2,3 are enabled, the feedback after sending
the command [C4S], for slot 4, would be:
SVID: 1,2,3 CVID: 1,2,3 C04 Saved
4. [ONnSCi]
This command enables one or more of the
S-Video outputs to be turned ON.
Sending the command [ON12SC2] will enable
S-Video outputs 1 and 2 on card 2.
See command 8 [ON] for further details.
5. [ONnVCi]
This command enables one or more of the
Video outputs to be turned ON.
Sending the command [ON12VC2] will enable
Video outputs 1 and 2 on card 2.
See command 8 [ON] for further details.
6. [OFFnSCi]
This command disables one or more of the
S-Video outputs.
Sending the command [OFF12SC2] will disable,
turn OFF, S-Video outputs 1 and 2 on card 2.
See command 9 [OFF] for further details.
7. [OFFnVCi]
SVID: 1,2 CVID: 3 C02
SVID: 1,2 = S-Video Outputs 1, 2 are enabled
CVID: 3 = Video Output 3 is enabled
C02 = card is in slot 2
If there is no card in slot #2 of unit 3, sending
the [C2U3] command will not return any
feedback.
3. [CiS]
This command saves the current status of the
card's output enable configuration. This
configuration will be restored after system is
reset or powered off then on.
This command disables one or more of the
Video outputs
Sending the command [OFF12VC2] will disable,
turn OFF, Video outputs 1 and 2 on card 2.
See command 9 [OFF] for further details.
8. […S] – Save
This command will save the configuration
command being sent in memory. When
sending the command [ON1VC4S], after reset
or power up, Video output 1 on C4 will be
enabled.
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9. […F] – Feedback
After processing a command, an OK or ER will
be returned as feedback if "F" is included at the
end of a command string or if the unit ID is
zero.
10. […P] – Path
This command will set the path for the output,
but it is not active until the switch command,
[SW], is executed. Commands ending in "P" are
not executed immediately. The path for outputs
on multiple cards or the same card can be
loaded. See examples in ON and OFF
commands.
11. [SW] – Switch
The switch command immediately connects
inputs and outputs, which were previously set
with the path command on this card or any
other cards in the Enclosure.
Example:
[ON12VC6U3P]
[ON23SC7U3P]
[SW]
The system will return feedback as OK if the
unit ID is zero.
After executing this command, card 1, 2, and 3
will be grouped together as group 5 of unit 1
14. [CLR]
This command clears the members for a single
group or for all nine groups.
Command Format: [CLRGkUi]
Gk = group number (k = # from 1-9)
Ui = unit number (i = # from 0-9)
Example:
1) To clear group #1, send the [CLRG1U1]
command. This command clears the
members for the specified group only.
2) To clear all groups of unit 1, send the
[CLRG[U1] command.
15. [G]
This command is used to request group data.
With the command, the user can identify which
input or output of a particular group is on.
Command Format: [GkUi]
Gk = group number (k = # from 1-9)
Ui = unit number (i = # from 0-9)
Example:
12. [HELP]
This command displays all information available
for user Multi-Tasker interface commands.
13. [WR]
This command groups multiple cards in the
Enclosure. Each unit contains a maximum of
nine groups.
Command Format: [WRCn…GkUi]
Cn = card ID No. (n = slot # from 1 to 19)
(1-8 for MT100-101 or 1-4 for MT100-106)
Gk = group number (k = # from 1-9)
Ui = unit number (i = # from 0-9)
Example:
To group card #1, 2, and 3 as group 5 of unit
#1, send the [WRC1C2C3G5U1] command.
If group 1 has DA Cards with output 1 and 2 on,
while group 2 has SW Cards with input 2 on:
[G1]: will return feedback as [On12G1].
[G2]: will return feedback as [On2G2].
16. [RD]
This command displays the members in each
group.
Command Format: [RDGkUi]
Gk = group number (k = # from 1-9)
Ui = unit number (i = # from 0-9)
member = C1 - C19 (card 1 to 19)
(1-8 for MT100-101 or 1-4 for MT100-106)
Example:
To read member data for group 1 of unit 1,
send the [RD] command. The system will return
feedback as C1C2C19 G5U1.
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7.4 SUMMARY OF COMMANDS
1) [VER] Receives software version
2) [Ci] Receives status of the card
3) [CiS] Saves card configuration
4) [ONS] Turns on one or more S-Video
output
5) [ONV] Turns on one or more Video
output
6) [OFFS] Turns OFF one or more S-Video
output
7) [OFFV] Turns OFF one or more Video
output
8) […S] Save the command configuration
sent
9) […F] Provides feedback upon sending
10) […P] Sets the path, preload for [SW]
11) [SW] Switch (outputs the preloaded
buffer)
12) [HELP] Display all available commands
13) [WR] Groups multiple cards
14) [CLR] Reset card configuration or
clears members of a single group
or all groups
15) [G] Requests group data
16) [RD] Displays the members in each
group
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 8
We have carefully tested and have found no
problems in the supplied MT103-118/120;
however, we would like to offer suggestions for the
following:
8.1 LED IS NOT LIT
Cause 1: Card cage is not plugged in.
Solution: Plug card cage in. If the LED lights,
the problem is solved. If the LED is
still not lit, see Cause 2.
Cause 2: Card is not plugged in all the way.
Solution: Push the card in all the way. If the
LED is still not lit, see Cause 3.
Cause 3: Card cage slot has a problem.
Solution 1: Test the card in other slots of the
card cage. If the slot was damaged,
the card may work in other slots. If
other slots work and the LED lights,
the problem is the card cage slot.
The card cage may require service.
Call ALTINEX at (714) 990-2300. If
the other slots do not work and the
LED is still not lit, see Solution 2.
Solution 2: Take any other known good card
with an LED and verify that the slot
used is good by seeing if the other
card’s LED lights in that slot. If it
lights, then the original card may be
the source of the problem. Call
ALTINEX at (714) 990-2300.
8.2 LED IS BLINKING RED
Cause 1: The CPU on the card is not working
properly.
Solution 1: Look at the card and verify that
there is no damage. If there is no
damage, see Solution 2.
Solution 2: Verify that all IC’s are seated in their
sockets. If the LED is still blinking
red, see Cause 2.
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Cause 2: The MT103-118/120 card and its
serial device are not
communicating.
Solution 1: Turn the system OFF and then ON
again. If there is still an error, see
Cause 3.
Cause 3: RS485 communication error
Solution 1: Make sure that the card is pushed
all the way into the slot. If there is
still an error, see Solution 2.
Solution 2: Turn the system OFF and then ON
again. If there is still an error, see
Solution 3.
Solution 3: Call ALTINEX at (714) 990-2300.
8.3 NO DISPLAY
Cause 1: The source has a problem.
Solution: Check the source and make sure
that there is a signal present and all
source connections are correct. If
the source is working and there is
still no display, see Cause 2.
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
592 Apollo street
Brea, CA 92821 USA
TEL: 714 990-2300
TOLL FREE: 1-800-ALTINEX
WEB: www.altinex.com
E-MAIL: solutions@altinex.com
Cause 2: The card output is not selected.
Solution: Select the card output. See RS-232
accessible commands in Section 7.
If no display is present, see
Cause 3.
Cause 3: Cable connections to the
destination are incorrect.
Solution: Make sure that cables are
connected properly. Also, make
sure that the continuity and wiring
are good. If there is still no display
present, see Cause 4.
Cause 4: The display has a problem.
Solution: Make sure that the display is
powered. If there is still no display,
call ALTINEX at (714) 990-2300.
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