Altinex MT104-108 User Manual

MULTI-TASKER™

MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0177-002

MT104-108

6-IN, 1-OUT S-VIDEO SWITCHER

CARD FOR MULTI-TASKER™

ENCLOSURES USER’S GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

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

1.1 GENERAL................................................. 2

1.2 INSTALLATION.........................................2

1.3 CLEANING................................................ 2

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

ABOUT YOUR MULTI-TASKER™....................... 3

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

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

APPLICATION DIAGRAM.................................... 4

INSTALLING YOUR MULTI-TASKER™.............. 6

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

7.1 RS-232 CONTROL.................................... 6

MULTI-TASKER™

7.2 DESCRIPTION OF COMMANDS.............. 6

7.3 SUMMARY OF COMMANDS................... 10

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE........................... 11

8.1 LED IS NOT LIT...................................... 11

8.2 NO DISPLAY........................................... 11

ALTINEX POLICY.............................................. 11

9.1 LIMITED WARRANTY/RETURN POLICY11

9.2 CONTACT INFORMATION...................... 11

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MULTI-TASKER™

PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS 1

Please read this manual carefully before using
your MT104-108. Keep this manual handy for
future reference. These safety instructions are to
ensure the long life of your MT104-108 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 MT104-108
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 MT104-108 carefully. Dropping or

jarring can damage the card.

• Do not pull the cables that are attached to the

MT104-108.

• 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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MULTI-TASKER™

ABOUT YOUR MULTI-TASKER™ 2

MT104-108

6-in 1-out S-Video Switcher Card

The MT104-108 is a 6-in (+1 internal input) 1-out
S-Video Switcher Card designed for use in
Multi-Tasker enclosures. The MT S-Video SW
card enables 6 S-Video sources to be connected
and switched to a single display or recording
device. The MT104-108 is compatible with NTSC,
PAL and SECAM S-Video signals.

The MT104-108 card utilizes solid state switching
technology, and offers video bandwidth of
350 MHz, enabling it to pass high-resolution video
signals without degradation. Inputs are selected
via easy-to-use ASCII commands from a control
system or computer connected to the RS-232 port
of a Multi-Tasker™ enclosure.

Additionally, VIS (Vertical Interval Switching)
capability may be added by special order. This is a
feature that eliminates the "glitch" normally
associated with video switching when all input
video signals are gen-locked together. Also
available through ASCII control is “on-off” output
control.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 3

FEATURES/DESCRIPTION MT104-108

GENERAL
Inputs (6)

External Input Connectors
Internal Input Connector

Outputs (1)
Output Connector
Approvals CE/FCC

Table 1. MT104-108 General

MECHANICAL MT104-108
Enclosure Slots Req'd One
Weight 0.43lb (0.19kg)
Shipping Weight 1 lb. (0.45kg)
Connector Panel Black
T° Operating 10°C to 40°C
T° Storage 0°C to 50°C
Humidity 90% non-condensing
MTBF (calc.) 55,000 hrs

Table 2. MT104-108 Mechanical

ELECTRICAL MT104-108
Input Signals

Analog +/-1.5V (1.5Vp-p)
Impedance 75 Ohms
Type Differential
Return Loss -38dB @ 50MHz
Output Signals
Gain 1.05 (+/-5%)
Impedance 75 Ohms
Propagation Delay (Sync) 4nS max.
Rise/Fall time (Sync) 6nS max.
Differential Phase Error 01° @ 4.5 MHz
Bandwidth 350 MHz @ -3dB
Power

Power from Enclosure
Power Consumption 1 watt max.

Optional Accessories
MS8112CA

MS8102CA

Table 3. MT104-108 Electrical

4-pin Mini DIN

Connectors

(1) 10-pin IDC

Connector

(1) 4-pin Mini DIN

Connector

+6V DC (80mA)

-6V DC (60mA)

6ft., 15-pin HD Female

to 5 BNC Male

6ft., 15-pin HD Female

to 5 BNC Male

3

MULTI-TASKER™

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 4 APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5

4

Diagram 2: Block Diagram

MT104-108

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MULTI-TASKER™

6-IN 1-OUT S-VIDEO SWITCHER

(4-PIN MINI DIN CONNECTORS IN/OUT)

EXPANSION

7

POWER

IN

2

3

OUT

4

5

6

INPUT SELECT
OUTPUT ON/OFF
CONTROL

5

MULTI-TASKER™

INSTALLING YOUR MULTI-TASKER™ 6

Step 1. Slide the MT104-108 into an available

slot in the Multi-Tasker™ Enclosure in
order to connect to the bus. Make sure
that the MT104-108 card fits into place.
Secure the card to the Multi-Tasker™ by
tightening the retainer screws located on
the top and bottom of the MT104-108
card.

Step 2. The LED on the card panel will turn red

indicating that the card is in full operation.

Step 3. Connect a coaxial cable from the video

source to the input connector of the
MT104-108. Connect the output
connectors of the MT104-108 to the
display devices through a coaxial cable.

Step 4. Starting from the left, identify the slot

number where the MT104-108 card is
plugged into the Enclosure and note that
it is for RS-232 control.

OPERATION 7

7.1 RS-232 CONTROL

Commands not ending in "S" will still be
executed but will not be restored when the
system is reset (power off & power on again).

7.2 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.

The Card ID is an assigned value from 1 to 19,
1 to 8, or 1 to 4 depending on which enclosure
is being used. The Card ID represents the slot
number where the board resides. 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.

When used in the Multi-Tasker™ Enclosure, the
MT104-108 has many advanced remote control
capabilities, 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.

7.1.1 RS-232 INTERFACE

The RS-232 commands for the MT104-108 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 will
be returned as feedback if "F" is included at the
end of a command string.

Commands such as [ON], [OFF], and [IO] that
end in "S" will be saved into memory.

The 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 receives the software version
and card type for the MT104-108 card.

Command Format: [VERCnUi]

Cn = card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9) (refer to the

MT100-100 user’s guide for explanation)

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MULTI-TASKER™

Example:

One MT104-108 card is in slot #2 of unit 3:
Send the command [VERC2U3] and the
Multi-Tasker™ Enclosure will return:

MT104-108 690-0160-002

MT104-108 = card type
690-0160-002= software version

2. [C]

This command receives the status of the card.

Command Format: [CnUi]

Cn = card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = unit ID (i = from 0 to 9) (refer to the

MT100-100 user’s guide for explanation)

Example:

An MT104-108 card is in slot #2 of unit 3 and
input 1 is ON. Sending the command [C2U3]
will yield the following feedback from the
Multi-Tasker™:

ON: 1 C02

ON: 1= input 1 is ON
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. [CnS]

This command saves the current status of the
card's input selection configuration. This
configuration will be restored after system is
reset or powered off then on.

Cn = card number
S = save configuration

If Inputs 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 are enabled, the
feedback after sending the command [C4S], for
slot 4, would be:

[ONmCnUiS]: for a SINGLE card

This command enables input “m” and disables
all other inputs.

[ONmCnUi]: enables input
Default when plugged in = Input 1 is ON
m = Input number (m = 1 to 7, 7 is internal)
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)

Ui = Unit ID number (i = 0 to 9)
S = saves command to memory

Example:

If all of the inputs on the MT104-108 card are
OFF and the card is in slot #5 of unit 3:

1) [ON1C5U3]: Turns ON input 1.

2) [ON3C5U3]: Turns ON input 3 (input 1 is
now OFF).

[ONmGkUiS]: for a GROUP of cards

This command enables input "m" for each card
in group "k" of unit "i".

[ONmGkUi]: enables a group of inputs
m = Input (m = 1 to 7, input 7 is internal)

Gk = group number (k = # from 1-9)
Ui = unit number (i = # from 0-9)
S =saves command to memory

Example:

[ON1G1U1]: Turns ON input 1 for each card in

group 1 of unit 1.

[ON…..P]: sets 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
preloaded and then all switched at the same
time.

ON:1,2,3,4,5,6 C04 Saved

4. [ON]

This command enables one input of a single
card or a group of cards.

Command Format: [ONmCnUiP]

m = Input number (m = 1 to 7, 7 is internal)
Cn = card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID number (i = 0 to 9)
P = path

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MULTI-TASKER™

Example:

There are two MT104-108 cards in slots 6 and
7 of unit 3. Enable input 1 of card 6 and input 3
of card 7 simultaneously. Use the following
commands:

[ON1C6U3P]
[ON3C7U3P]
[SW]

If "F" is included, use the [ONmCnUiPF]
command or the [ONmCnUiFP] command.

[ON…..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.

Example:

[ON1C2U3F]: if path is not set
[ON1C2U3PF]: if path is set

5. [OFF]

This command disables one input of a single
card or a group of cards.

[OFFmCnUiS]: for a SINGLE card

This command disables input “m” or all inputs.
The command [OFFC5CnUi], turns OFF all
inputs of the MT104-108 card.

m = Input (m = 1 to 7, input 7 is internal
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID number (i = 0 to 9)
S = saves command to memory

Example:

Card 5 of unit 3 has input 1 ON. Card 6 of unit
3 has input 5 ON. The following commands
can be used to turn OFF the inputs on both
cards simultaneously.

1) [OFF1C5U3]: Turns OFF input 1.

2) [OFF3C6U3]: Turns OFF input 3.

3) [OFFmGkUiS]: for a group of cards
This command disables input "m" for each card

in group "k" of unit "i".

m = Input (m = 1 to 7, 7 is internal)
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID number (i = 0 to 9)
S = saves command to memory

Example:

1) [OFF1G1U1]: Turns OFF input 1 for each
card in group 1 of unit 1.

2) [OFFG1U1]: Turns OFF all inputs for each
card in group 1 of unit 1.

[OFF…..P]: sets 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
preloaded. Then, all connection may be made
simultaneously.

Command Format: [OFFmCnUiP]
m = Input (m = 1 to 7, 7 is internal)

Cn = card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID number (i = 0 to 9)
P = path

Example:

There are two MT104-108 cards in slot 6 and 7
of unit 3. Enable input 1 of card 6 and input 3
of card 7 simultaneously. Use the following
commands:

[OFF1C6U3P]
[OFF3C7U3P]
[SW]

If "F" is included, use the [OFFmCnUiPF]
command or the [OFFmCnUiFP] command.

[OFF…..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.

Example:

[OFF1C2U3F]: if path is not set
[OFF1C2U3PF]: if path is set

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MULTI-TASKER™

6. […S] – Save

This command will save the configuration
command being sent in memory. When
sending the command [ON1C4S], after reset or
power up, output 1 on C4 will be enabled.

7. […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.

8. […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.

9. [SW] – Switch

The switch command immediately connects
inputs and outputs, which were previously set
with the path command. This command effects
this card and all other cards in the MT100-100.

Example:

[ON1C6U3P]
[ON3C7U3P]
[SW]

The system will return feedback as OK if the
unit ID is zero.

Command Format: [HELPCnUi]
Cn = card ID number (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9) ( refer to the

MT100-100 user’s guide for explanation)

commands along with a brief description will be
displayed in the Terminal Window

11. [WR]

This command groups multiple cards in the
Enclosure. Each unit contains a maximum of
nine groups.

Command Format: [WRCn…GkUi]

Cn = card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Gk = group number (k = # from 1-9)
Ui = unit number (i = # from 0-9)

Example:

To group cards #1, 2, and 3 as group 5 of unit
#1, send the command [WRC1C2C3G5U1].
After executing this command, cards 1, 2 and 3
will be grouped together as group 5 of unit 1.

12. [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.

13. [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.

10. [HELP]

This command displays information available
for the Multi-Tasker interface commands.

Example:

In order to view the RS-232 commands
available for the MT104-108 card in slot 2 of
unit 3, send the command [HELPC2U3]. The

Command Format: [GkUi]

Gk = group number (k = # from 1-9)
Ui = unit number (i = # from 0-9)

Example:

In unit ID0, if group 1 has DA Cards with
outputs 1 and 2 on, while group 2 has SW
Cards with input 2 on:

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MULTI-TASKER™

[G1]: will return feedback as ON12 G1U0.
[G2]: will return feedback as ON2 G2U0.

14. [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 max cards)

Example:

The cards in slots 1, 2 and 19 are part of group
5 in unit 1. Read the member data for group 5
of unit 1, by sending the command [RDG5U1].
The system will return feedback as follows:

C1C2C19 G5U1.

7.3 SUMMARY OF COMMANDS

1) [VER] Receives software version

2) [Ci] Receives status of the card

3) [CiS] Saves card configuration

4) [ON] Turns on one or more outputs for
a single card or a group of cards

5) [OFF] Turns off one or more outputs for
a single card or a group of cards

6) […S] Save the command configuration

7) […F] Provides feedback upon sending

8) […P] Sets the path, preload for [SW]

9) [SW] Switch preloaded output buffer

10) [HELP] Display available commands

11) [WR] Groups multiple cards

12) [CLR] Clears members of a single group
or all groups

13) [G] Requests group data

14) [RD] Displays group members

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MULTI-TASKER™

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 8

We have carefully tested and have found no
problems in the supplied MT104-108; 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 ON, 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 ON, 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 [phone]. 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 [phone].

Cause 3: Cable connections are incorrect.

Solution: Make sure that cables are properly

connected. 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 the display has power

and is turned ON. If there is still no
display, please call Altinex at
(714)-990-2300.

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

8.2 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.

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.

11