Altinex MT106-103 User Manual

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MULTITASKER
007
®
MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0394-
MT106-103
VIDEO SCALER CARD
USER’S GUIDE
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS................ 2
GENERAL..........................................................2
INSTALLATION..................................................2
CLEANING.........................................................2
FCC NOTICE.....................................................2
ABOUT YOUR MT106-103....................................... 3
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................ 3
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ......................................4
APPLICATION DIAGRAMS ...................................... 5
DIAGRAM1: TYPICAL SETUP ..........................5
DIAGRAM2: INTERNAL VIEW ..........................6
INSTALLING YOUR MT106-103............................ 7
OPERATION............................................................... 7
RS-232 CONTROL.............................................7
DESCRIPTION OF COMMANDS.......................7
BASIC COMMANDS......................................8
FEEDBACK COMMANDS..............................9
CARD CONTROL ........................................11
ID COMMANDS........................................... 15
GROUP COMMANDS..................................16
SUMMARY OF COMMANDS ...........................17
MENU MODE...................................................18
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE...............................21
NO DISPLAY....................................................21
ALTINEX POLICIES................................................ 21
LIMITEDWARRANTY/RETURNPOLICIES.....21
CONTACT INFORMATION ..............................21
MULTITASKER
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MULTITASKER

PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS 1

Please read this manual carefully before using your MT106-103. Keep this manual handy for future reference. These safety instructions are to ensure the long life of your MT106-103 and to prevent fire and shock hazards. 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 water or moisture. Do not place the MT106-103 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 MT106-103 carefully. Dropping or jarring can damage the card.
Do not pull any cables that are attached to the MT106-103.
Insert the card carefully into the slots of the MultiTasker without bending any edges.

1.3 CLEANING

1.4 FCC 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 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.
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.
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MULTITASKER
SC/PAL),

ABOUT YOUR MT106-103 2

MT106-103
Video Scaler Card
The MT106-103 Scaler converts composite video (C-Video), S-Video, and component video into a high-resolution RGBHV/component video output.
A VGA through SXGA computer signal input can be switched to the output via a pass-through input. The C-Video and S-Video inputs accept NTSC and PAL standards. These inputs are scaled to VGA through SXGA computer video resolutions or component video output resolutions 480p, 567p, 720p, or 1080i.
The MT106-103 is controlled using the MultiTasker command language. Available commands allow input selection, image control/adjustment including contrast, brightness, color, tint, and sharpness. In addition, the MT106-103 incorporates noise reduction filters and sophisticated 3D comb filtering.
The HelpInside feature allows programmers to have access to command structures and control of the MT106-103 from any terminal. This technology provides easier-than-ever control of the MT106-103 card with simple keyboard commands. No typing of long keyboard strings is necessary.
The MT106-103 also has menu-driven protocol implemented for easier RS-232 control, eliminating the need to type lengthy commands for video signal adjustments.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3

Specifications are subject to change. See www.altinex.com for up-to-date information.
FEATURES/
DESCRIPTION
GENERAL Inputs
PC Bypass 15-pin HD female (1) S-Video 4-pin Mini DIN (1) Composite Video BNC female (1) Component Video 15-pin HD female (1)
Output
Compatibility Output Range
Table 1. MT106-103 General
MECHANICAL
Enclosure Slots One Weight 1.0 lb (0.45 kg) Connector Panel Black T° Operating 10°C to 35°C T° Maximum 0°C to 50°C Humidity 90% non-condensing MTBF (calc.) 40,000 hrs
Table 2. MT106-103 Mechanical
ELECTRICAL MT106-103 Input C-Video/S-Video
Analog 1 Vp-p Impedance 75 ohms
Output Signals
RGB Analog 0.7 Vp-p max. Impedance 75 ohms Horiz., Vert. Sync TTL (+/-) Power (from enclosure)
+6V
-6V
C-Video/S-Video (NT
Component Video (480i) 480p, 567p, 720p, 1080i
MT106-103
15-pin HD female (1) 15-pin HD female (1)
VGA through SXGA,
MT106-103
1 A (6.0 W)
50 mA (0.3 W)
Table 3. MT106-103 Electrical
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 4

MULTITASKER
TOP RETAINER SCREW
PC BYPASS INPUT
RGBHV/COMPONENT VIDEO OUTPUT
S-VIDEO INPUT
COMPOSITE VIDEO INPUT
COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT (480i)
BOTTOM RETAINER SCREW
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APPLICATION DIAGRAMS 5

DIAGRAM 1: TYPICAL SETUP

PC BYPASS
S-VIDEO
MULTITASKER
MT106-103
C-VIDEO
COMPONENT VIDEO
VIDEO
COMPUTER/COMPONENT
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DIAGRAM 2: INTERNAL VIEW

MULTITASKER
INPUT
C-VIDEO
BNC
S-VIDEO
4-PIN
MINI-DIN
COMPONENT
VIDEO
15-PIN HD
(480i)
SCALER
OUTPUT
COMPUTER/ COMPONENT VIDEO 15-PIN HD
PC BYPASS
15-PIN HD
MP
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MULTITASKER

INSTALLING YOUR MT106-103 6

Step 1. Turn off power to the MultiTasker system
and disconnect from AC power.
Step 2. Remove a slot cover (MT200-101) from
one of the unused slots. Identify the slot number and note that it is for RS-232 control.
Step 3. Slide the MT106-103 into the MultiTasker
enclosure in order to connect it to the bus. Make sure that the card fits into place and then secure the card by tightening its retainer screws.
Step 4. Make one or more of the following input
video connections:
§ Connect a BNC-type cable from the video source (camera, VCR, etc.) to the Video input connector.
§ Connect an S-Video cable from the S-Video source (DVD, laptop, etc.) to the S-Video input connector.
§ Use one of the two RCA to 15-pin HD cables included with the MT106-103 to connect the component video source (DVD, satellite, media player, etc.) to the component video input connector.
§ Connect the RGBHV video output of a computer to the PC Bypass input.
Step 5. Connect the output connector of the
MT106-103 to the display device through
a VGA-type (15-pin HD) cable. If the output of the MT106-103 will be component video, use the second RCA to 15-pin HD cable included with the MT106-103 to connect the output of the Scaler to the input of the display.
Step 6. Restore power to the MultiTasker system. Step 7. The default input is the Video input port.
Use AVSnap®or other communication software to change the MT106-103 input. See the [IN] command in section 7.2 or section 7.4 for Menu Mode to change the selection.

OPERATION 7

7.1 RS-232 CONTROL

The MT106-103 has many advanced remote-control capabilities accessible through standard RS-232 communication. Control may be accomplished through a computer control system or any other device capable of sending RS-232 communication.
7.1.1 RS-232 INTERFACE
The control commands for the MT106-103 are in a simple ASCII character format.
1. Square brackets “[ ]” are part of the command.
2. Use uppercase letters for all commands.
3. Spaces are not legal characters.
The cards in a MultiTasker system are capable of performing various functions, as well as providing feedback to the user or control system. Commands instruct a card to perform specific actions or request information about the status of the card. Some commands do both simultaneously.
A command that instructs the card only to perform an action will generate feedback of “[ ]”. The open bracket immediately followed by a closed bracket indicates the card received a valid command. If the command requested information from the card, the feedback generated by the card is the acknowledgement of having received a valid command. Invalid commands generate feedback of “[ERR001]”.
Commands ending 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 or powered off, then on.

7.2 DESCRIPTION OF COMMANDS

Each command consists of three parts: Function, Card ID, and Unit ID.
[ Function , Card ID , Unit ID ]
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Example: [VERC3U2] VER = Function C3 = Card ID or Group ID U2 = Unit ID (optional for Unit ID 0) For Function, see a detailed explanation under
each command description. The card ID is a unique identifier. It is equal to
the enclosure slot number, or it may be an assigned value. As the slot number, the value can range from 1-4 up to 1-to-20 depending on the enclosure. If the value is assigned, the ID may be a maximum of 99. Card ID 0 (C0) is used for the controller and cannot be reassigned.
The group ID is a number representing a group of cards defined with the [WR] command. W hen using the group ID, all cards in the group will perform the given instruction.
NOTE: In this manual, cards will be referenced by their ID (C1, C2...C99). Typically, the ID number will be equivalent to the slot number. Groups will be referenced by their ID (G1-G8).
Changing the position of a card will significantly affect the commands recorded on software definitions or third-party control systems.
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 zero, each command may be used without Ui. Use the command [SETU0], as explained in the MT100-100 User’s Guide.
Example: [VERC3]: For Unit ID Zero [VERC3Ui]: For Unit ID other than Zero [VERC3]: Equivalent to [VERC3U0]

BASIC COMMANDS

1. [C] This command displays the status of the card. Command Format: [Cn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: There is an MT106-103 card in slot 4. Sending
the command [C4] to the MultiTasker will yield feedback similar to the following:
Input: Composite Video Output Resolution: 1024x768 Brightness: 24 Contrast: 40 Color: 24 Sharpness: 10 Hue: 0 3D Filter OFF NR ON Aspect Ratio 4:3 Freeze OFF
If there is no card in slot 4, sending the [C4] command will not return any feedback.
2. [CnS] This command saves the card settings. This
configuration will be restored after the system is reset or powered-up.
Command Format: [CnS] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) S = Save configuration Example: The MT106-103 has been set to a resolution of
1024x768 with Composite Video as the active input. Send [C4S] and receive feedback similar to the following:
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Input: Composite Video Output Resolution: 1024x768 Brightness: 24 Contrast: 40 Color: 24 Sharpness: 10 Hue: 0 3D Filter OFF NR ON Aspect Ratio 4:3 Freeze OFF [SAVED]
3. [CLR] Reset the card to its last saved settings. Command Format: [CLRCn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [CLRC4] to reset the card in
slot 4 to its last saved settings.
4. [FRESET] This command clears the card’s memory and
returns the card to its factory default settings. The factory defaults are as follows:
In = S-Video Brightness = 24 Res. = 1024x768 Contrast = 40 3D Filter = Off Color = 24 Noise Red. = On Sharpness = 10 Freeze = Off Hue = 00
Aspect Ratio 4:3 Command Format: [FRESETCn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [FRESETC4] to reset C4 to
the settings described above. Use the command [C4S] to save the settings so they will be recalled upon power-up, reset, or [CLRC4].
5. [VER] This command displays the software version
and model number for the card. Command Format: [VERCn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [VERC4] to check the
version of the MT106-103 in slot 4. The system will return the following feedback:
[MT106-103 690-0187-006 C04] MT106-103 = Model Number
690-0187-006 = Firmware Version C04 = Card ID
6. [HELP] This command displays information available for
the MultiTasker interface commands. Command Format: [HELPCn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: In order to display the RS-232 commands
available for the MT106-103 card in slot 4, send the command [HELPC4]. The commands along with a brief description will be displayed in the Terminal Window.

FEEDBACK COMMANDS

The next several commands are a function of both the card and the front panel and are only available with MultiTasker Front Panel systems that have the following firmware:
690-0122-015 = Version 015 or later. 690-0123-004 = Version 004 or later. 690-0124-018 = Version 018 or later.
Send the command [VER] to the system and the feedback will include the following:
690-0122-015 690-0123-004 690-0124-018
Check the last three digits against the numbers above to determine if the option is available.
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7. [FBD] This command turns feedback delay on or off. It
is necessary when installing some newer cards in older systems. If the system does not receive all of the feedback from the card, the card may be communicating too fast. This command will slow down the card's communication rate.
Command Format: [FBDm] m = Delay (0= no delay, 1= delay 100mS) Example: The command [HELPC4] is sent to the card in
slot 4. Some of the HELP file is displayed on the screen, but most is missing. Send the command [FBD1] to slow down the rate at which the card sends feedback to the system.
8. [?] This command will return general information
about the MultiTasker and cards installed in the unit.
Command Format: [?Ui] Ui = Unit ID (i = from 0 to 9) Example: A MultiTasker with unit ID 1 has a front panel
with part number MT101-101 and contains an MT103-122, MT103-123, and MT106-103. Send the command [?U1] and receive the following feedback:
[(MT101-101U1)(MT103-122C01) (MT103-123C02)(MT106-103C04)]
MT101-101U1 = Panel model number/unit ID MT103-122C01 = MT103-122 is in slot 1 MT103-123C02 = MT103-123 is in slot 2 MT106-103C04 = MT106-103 is in slot 4
9. [?C] This command will display general information
about the card and its status.
Example: The MT106-103 in slot 4 has the S-Video input
selected with an output resolution set to 1024x768. Send the command [?C4] to receive feedback status similar to the following.
[(MT106-103C04)(VR690-0187-006C04) (IN00C04)(RS03C04)(BR24C04)(CN40C04) (CL24C04)(SH10C04)(HU00C04)(CF0C04) (NR1C04)(AR1C04)(FZ0C04)]
All status feedback is enclosed in brackets, “[ ]“. Each data field within the status is enclosed in parentheses. The first two characters identify the status type and the last three the card’s ID.
MT106-103 = Card model number VR690-0187-007 = Firmware version
IN00 = Active input number RS03 = Active resolution
BR24 = Brightness level CN40 = Contrast level CL24 = Color level SH10 = Sharpness setting HU00 = Hue setting
CF = Comb filter on/off NR = Noise reduction AR = Aspect ratio FZ = Freeze output image
The IN status line is a 2-digit number representing inputs 00-03 from the [IN] command. The RS line reads the resolution setting 0-9 from the [MODER] command.
The next 5 lines are the image settings for brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, and hue. The last 2 digits in each line show the actual value.
The last 4 lines give the status of the remaining output image settings. These features are either on or off and do not have numerical values. A “1” will be displayed if the feature is on; a “0” will be displayed if the feature is off.
Command Format: [?Cn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
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10. [STA1] This command enables automatic feedback
from the front panel. The command affects any card with auto-feedback capability, not just the MT106-103. The default at power on or reset is STA0, off. For more details, see the [?Cn] command definition.
Command Format: [STA1] MT Card Model Number
VR Firmware Revision RS Resolution BR Brightness CN Contrast CL Color SH Sharpness HU Hue CF Comb Filter NR Noise Reduction AR Aspect Ratio FZ Freeze
Example 1: Command = [MODER4C4]
Feedback = (RS04C04)
RS = Resolution 04 = 1280x1024
(settings are 00-09)
C04 = Card ID/slot number
Example 2: Command = [MODEA1C4]
Feedback = (AR0C04)
AR = Aspect Ratio 0 = Wide 16:9 (1 = 4:3) C04 = Card ID/slot number
11. [STA0] This command disables automatic feedback
from the card and front panel. The command affects any card with auto-feedback capability, not just the MT106-103 card. The default at power on or reset is STA0, OFF.

CARD CONTROL

12. [IN] This command selects the input port on the card
to be used as the source. The current image properties, like brightness and color, do not change when the input is selected.
Command Format: [INyCn] y = Resolution (y = # from 0 to 3)
0 = S-Video 1 = Composite Video 2 = PC Bypass
3 = Component Video Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [IN0C4] to select the
S-Video input.
13. [INR] This command selects the input port on the card
to be used as the source and recalls its previously saved settings.
Command Format: [INyRCn] y = Resolution (y = # from 0 to 3)
0 = S-Video 1 = Composite Video 2 = PC Bypass
3 = Component Video R = Recall video adjustment settings Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example:
Send the command [IN0RC4] to select the S-Video input and recall the settings saved for the S-Video input. For example, any changes made to the brightness, hue etc. that were saved will be recalled.
Command Format: [STA0]
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14. [MODER] This command sets the resolution of the video
output. Command Format: [MODERxCn] x = Resolution (x = # from 0 to 7)
0 = 640x480 (VGA) 1 = 480p 2 = 800x600 (SVGA) 3 = 1024x768 (XGA) 4 = 1280x1024 (SXGA) 5 = 567p 6 = 720p 7 = 1080i 8 = 1280x768 (WXGA) 9 = 852x480 (WVGA)
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [MODER4C4] to set the
resolution of the card in slot 4 to 1280x1024.
Example: Send the command [BRIGHTC4] to select the
brightness function on C4. Then use the [+] and [-] commands to increase or decrease the brightness level as desired.
17. [CONTRm] This command sets the contrast level to an
absolute value. Command Format: [CONTRmCn] m = Level (m = # from 0 to 48,default=40) Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [CONTR30C4] to set the
output contrast to 30 on the card in slot 4.
18. [CONTR] This command displays the contrast setting and
makes the contrast function active for use with the [+] and [-] control commands.
Command Format: [CONTRCn]
15. [BRIGHTm] This command sets the brightness level to an
absolute value. Command Format: [BRIGHTmCn] m = Level (m = # from 0 to 48, default=24) Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [BRIGHT12C3] to set the
output brightness to 12 on the card in slot 4.
16. [BRIGHT] This command displays the brightness setting
and makes the brightness function active for use with the [+] and [-] commands.
Command Format: [BRIGHTCn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [CONTRC4] to select the
contrast function on C4. Then use the [+] and [-] commands to increase or decrease the contrast level as desired.
19. [COLORm] This command sets the color level to an
absolute value. Command Format: [COLORmCn] m = Level (m = # from 0 to 48,default=24) Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [COLOR12C4] to set the
output color level to 12 on the card in slot 4.
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20. [COLOR] This command displays the color setting and
makes the color function active for use with the [+] and [-] control commands.
Command Format: [COLORCn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [COLORC4] to select the
color function on C4. Then use the [+] and [-] commands to increase or decrease the color level as desired.
21. [SHARPm] This command sets the sharpness level to an
absolute value. Command Format: [SHARPmCn] m = Level (m = # from 0 to 48,default=10) Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [SHARP05C4] to set the
output sharpness to 5 on the card in slot 4.
Command Format: [HUEmCn] m = Level (m = # from 0 to 48,default=0) Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [HUE30C4] to set the output
hue level to 30 on the card in slot 4.
24. [HUE] This command displays the hue setting and
makes hue the active function for use with the [+] and [-] controls.
NOTE: The Hue adjustment does not apply to
Component Video. Command Format: [HUECn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9) Example: Send the command [HUEC4] to select the hue
function on C4. Then use the [+] and [-] commands to increase or decrease the hue level as desired.
22. [SHARP] This command displays the sharpness setting
and makes the sharpness function active for use with the [+] and [-] control commands.
Command Format: [SHARPCn] Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [SHARPC4] to select the
sharpness function on C4. Then use the [+] and [-] commands to increase or decrease the sharpness level as desired.
23. [HUEm] This command sets the hue level to an absolute
value. NOTE: The Hue adjustment does not apply to
Component Video.
25. [MODET] This command is used to turn the 3D Comb
Filter, Y/C Separator either on or off. The filter should be on when using a VCR input and off when using other formats.
Command Format: [MODETpCn] p = Filter ON/OFF (p = 0 or 1)
0 = OFF (default) 1 = ON (VCR Mode)
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: A VCR will be used to play a video tape. Send
the command [MODET1C4] to turn on the 3D Comb Filter for the MT106-103 in slot 4.
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26. [MODEN] This command is used to turn the digital noise
reduction feature on and off. Command Format: [MODENpCn] p = Noise Reduction ON/OFF (p = 0 or 1)
0 = OFF 1 = ON
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [MODEN1C4] to turn on
noise reduction for the MT106-103 in slot 4.
27. [MODEA] This command is used to change the aspect
ratio between wide and standard formats. Command Format: [MODEApCn] p = Aspect Ratio (p = 1 or 2)
1 = Wide 16:9
2 = Standard 4:3 Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example:
Send the command [MODEA1C4] to set the aspect ratio to Wide format on the MT106-103 in slot 4.
29. [ + ] This command increments a selected property
to be adjusted from the keyboard or front panel. Command Format: [+] or [+k] [+] = Increment by one [+k] = Increment by “k” Example: Select the brightness command for the card in
slot 4. The current brightness level is 10, but it is not the optimal value. After sending the following commands, an optimum level of 15 is obtained:
1. [BRIGHTC4]
The current brightness level is 10.
2. [+][+][+][+][+] or [+5]
The level is now 15 and no further
adjustments are required.
30. [ - ] This command decrements a selected property
to be adjusted from the keyboard or front panel. Command Format: [-] or [-k] [-] = Decrement by one [-k] = Decrement by “k
28. [FREEZ] This command is used to freeze the image
displayed on the display. Command Format: [FREEZpCn] p = Freeze value (p = 0 or 1)
0 = OFF
1 = ON Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [FREEZ1C4] to freeze the
image generated by the MT106-103 in slot 4.
Example: Select the sharpness command for the card in
slot 4. The current sharpness level is 30, but it is not the optimal value. After sending the following commands, an optimum level of 25 is obtained:
1. [SHARPC4] The current sharpness level is 30.
2. [–][–][–][–][–] or [–5] The level is now 25 and no further
adjustments are required.
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ID COMMANDS

The default card ID is the same as the card slot number. The next several commands allow the user to change the card ID to a value other than the slot number. Once the ID is changed, moving the card to another slot will not change the card ID. If a card in slot 4 is set to ID 1, then moved to slot 10, its ID will remain 1. The [RSI] command forces each installed card to take its slot number as its ID number, regardless of the slot in which it is installed.
Some cards require more than one slot in the MultiTasker system. As an example, some matrix switcher cards require 4 slots. If 5 of these cards are installed, they would be numbered C4, C8, C12, C16, and C20. Changing the ID allows the user to define the cards as C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5.
Another use for changing the card ID is to be able to use multiple systems without having to set each unit to a different unit ID. All systems may be left as unit ID 0 for ease of programming. The cards in the first unit may be numbered 1-10 and in the second unit 11-20.
The ID commands work with all MultiTasker systems. However, front panels that have firmware releases prior to the following will not be able to address card IDs greater than the number of slots in the system:
690-0122-019 = Version 019 or later. 690-0123-005 = Version 005 or later. 690-0124-019 = Version 019 or later. Send the command [VER] to the system and the
feedback will include the following:
690-0122-019 690-0123-005 690-0124-019
Check the last three digits against the numbers above to determine if the card ID commands can address all 99 card IDs.
31. [RSI] This command resets the card IDs in the
system. After sending this command, each card ID in the system will match the slot number of the card. If the card is moved to another slot, its ID number will be the new slot number.
Command Format: [RSI] Example: Send the command [RSI] to the system with
Unit ID 0. The card in slot 1 will have ID 1, the card in slot 2 will have ID 2, and so on. If the card in slot 1 is then moved to slot 4, the card ID will then be 4.
32. [SIDn] This command sets all the cards installed in the
MultiTasker system to the same card ID. After sending this command, all cards will be addressed with the same ID. Use caution when sending this command to a system with multiple board types.
Command Format: [SIDn] n = Card ID (n = # from 1 to 99) Example: Send the command [SID1] to the system. All the
cards in the system now have ID 1. Any commands that are sent to card ID 1 will be received and executed by each card.
33. [SIDnCi] This command sets the card ID of a single card
to a number from 1 to 99. Command Format: [SIDnCi] n = Card ID (n = # from 1 to 99) Ci = Slot Number (i = # from 1 to max slots) Example: Send the command [SID50C10] to set the ID of
the card in slot 10 to an ID of 50.
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34. [SID+] This command sets the ID of all the cards in a
system to their slot number plus the offset value. Command Format: [SID+n] n = Offset amount (n = # from 0 to 99)
The maximum card ID is 99, so subtract the highest slot number from 99 to find the maximum offset. For example, in an 8-slot enclosure, the maximum offset would be 91. The slot number (8) plus the
offset (91) equals 99. Example: There are two 20-slot enclosures to be
connected together during normal operation. The first unit will use the default IDs where the card ID is equal to the slot number. The second unit will have the same unit ID, but each card ID will be offset by 20.
Connect the computer to the second unit only and send [SID+20] to set the ID of all the cards in the second enclosure to their slot number plus
20. Reconnect both units to the computer. The cards in the first unit will be referenced as
card IDs 1-20 and the cards in the second unit will be referenced by card IDs 21-40.
35. [RSN] This command displays the slot number of a
card with a specified ID number. If more than one card has the same ID, each slot number will be displayed.
Command Format: [RSNCi] Ci = Card ID (i = # from 1 to 99) Example: The card in slot 4 takes up four slots in the
enclosure. Its ID was set to 1 since it is the first card installed in the system, reading from left to right. Send the command [RSNC1] to find the slot number of this card. The system responds with the following feedback:

GROUP COMMANDS

Group commands allow several cards with the same functions to be controlled simultaneously with a single command. Up to 8 groups (G1-G8) may be defined. These commands apply to all cards, not only the MT106-103.
36. [WR] This command adds cards to a group. In
MultiTasker systems with audio and video cards, the groups are typically as follows:
Group 1 = Video Cards Group 2 = Audio Cards Group 3 = Video and Audio Cards
Command Format: [WRCn1Cn2…Gk] Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots) Gk = Group ID (k = # from 1-8) Example: Add C2, C4, and C6 to G5 by sending the
command [WRC2C4C6G5]. After executing this command, G5 will consist of C2, C4, and C6.
Now add C8 to G5 by sending [WRC8G5]. C8 is added to G5, and G5 is not overwritten. View the contents of G5 by sending [RDG5] and receiving the following feedback:
[G5=C2C4C6C8]
37. [RMC] This command removes one or more cards from
a group. Command Format: [RMCn1Cn2…Gk] Cn = Card ID (n= # from 1 to max slots) Gk = Group ID (k = # from 1-8) Example: G5 consists of the C2, C4, C6, and C8. Remove
C6 and C8 by sending [RMC6C8G5]. View the contents of G5 by sending [RDG5] and receiving the following feedback:
[4]
[G5=C2C4]
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38. [RMG] This command deletes one or all groups. Command Format: [RMGk] Gk = Group ID (k = # from 1-8, * for all) Example: Remove all cards from G52 by sending [RMG 5].
The system will return the following feedback: [G5=0] Example 2: Remove all cards from all groups, effectively
deleting all groups, by sending [RMG*]. The system will return the following feedback:
G1-G8: EMPTY
39. [RD] This command reads and then displays the
members in a group. Command Format: [RDGk] Gk = Group ID (k = # from 1-8) Example: C2, C4, and C6 make up G5. Read the member
data for G5 by sending the command [RDG5]. The system will return feedback as follows:
[G5=C2C4C6] The feedback shows G5 and then the cards that
make up G5. In this case, G5 includes C2, C4, and C6.

7.3 SUMMARY OF COMMANDS

Basic Commands
1) [C] Display card status
2) [CnS] Save card settings
3) [CLR] Restore saved settings
4) [FRESET] Reset to factory defaults
5) [VER] Display software version
6) [HELP] Display available commands
Feedback Commands
7) [FBD] Feedback delay
8) [?] Display system cards
9) [?C] Display card information
10) [STA1] Enable auto feedback
11) [STA0] Disable auto feedback Card Control
12) [IN] Select input port
13) [INR] Select input and recall
14) [MODER] Set output resolution
15) [BRIGHTm] Set/select brightness
16) [BRIGHT] Display/select brightness
17) [CONTRm] Set/select contrast
18) [CONTR] Display/select contrast
19) [COLORm] Set/select color
20) [COLOR] Display/select color
21) [SHARPm] Set/select sharpness
22) [SHARP] Display/select sharpness
23) [HUEm] Set/select hue
24) [HUE] Display/select hue
25) [MODET] 3D comb filter
26) [MODEN] Noise reduction
27) [MODEA] Aspect ratio
28) [FREEZ] Freeze image
29) [ + ] Increment property by 1
30) [ - ] Decrement property by 1 ID Commands
31) [RSI] Reset Card IDs to defaults
32) [SIDn] Set all Card IDs
33) [SIDnCi] Set one Card ID
34) [SID+] Set all Card IDs to an offset
35) [RSN] Display card slot number
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Group Commands
36) [WR] Add card(s) to a group
37) [RMC] Remove card(s) from group
38) [RMG] Delete group
39) [RD] Display group members

7.4 MENU MODE

Menu Mode commands allow virtually the same functionality as programming commands. Unlike the programming commands, menu commands prompt the user to select from a list of available options. The system then responds based upon selections made by the user.
The menu-driven commands are only available with MultiTasker systems that have the following front panel firmware:
690-0122-015 = Version 015 or later. 690-0123-004 = Version 004 or later. 690-0124-018 = Version 018 or later. Send the command [VER] to the system and the
feedback will include the following:
690-0122-015 690-0123-004 690-0124-018
Check the last three digits against the numbers above to determine if Menu Mode is available.
7.4.1 MENU COMMAND DEFINITIONS
Refer to section 7.2 for details on card functions and examples. Following is a cross-reference of menu sections versus programming commands.
MENU COMMAND
Input Select [IN], [INR]
[MODER], [BRIGHTm],
Setup
Output Properties
Version [VER] Status [C] Help [HELP]
[CONTRm], [COLORm], [SHARPm], [HUEm], [MODEA], [MODET], [MODEN], [FREEZ],[+], [-]
7.4.2 USING MENU MODE
Do NOT press any keys except those relating to the current menu. If you press the ENTER key after entering a letter or digit, the original list of systems will be displayed.
1. In order to enter Menu Mode, the system needs to be connected to a computer running RS-232 control software.
2. In the Terminal Window, press the ENTER key on the keyboard.
3. The system checks all MultiTaskers on the RS-232 bus and displays a list of available systems.
Example: 1: U1
2: U2 3: U3
4. Enter the ID number of the desired system. In the example above, enter a “1” for the MultiTasker with unit ID 1.
5. The system then interrogates all the cards available in its enclosure and displays a list of available cards.
Example: 01: MT103-122
02: MT103-123
04: MT106-103
6. Enter the 2-digit ID and a menu for the card will be displayed. In the example above, enter “04” for the MT106-103.
7. The system will prompt for selections specific to the selected card.
8. Read each menu carefully, and continue selecting keys as prompted.
NOTE: Menus for data entry have two prompts: “Key=” and “ESC” (escape). Press the escape key to return to the previous menu without making changes.
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7.4.3 MENU TYPES
1. MAIN MENU The first menu displayed after selecting the
card is the Main Menu. This menu provides access to the key functions related to the card. Press the key representing the menu item for access and a sub-menu will appear.
2. SUB-MENUS Each menu item will display either a
sub-menu, or a list of options. Press the key corresponding to the desired choice.
7.4.4 MT106-103 MENUS
Following are the menus available to the MT106-103. The first menu is the Main Menu only. The second listing is an expanded view of the menu items.
The expanded menu contains values that indicate the current setting or value of a parameter. The value is usually in parentheses, or otherwise indicated at the top of a sub-menu. In some cases, additional comments are provided for clarification and are not part of the menu feedback.
MT106-103 EXPANDED MENUS
1. INPUT SELECT (0) 1: INPUT 0 (S-VIDEO) 2: INPUT 1 (COMPOSITE VIDEO) 3: INPUT 2 (PC BYPASS) 4: INPUT 3 (YCbCr) 5: RECALL INPUT 0 (S-VIDEO) 6: RECALL INPUT 1 (COMPOSITE VIDEO) 7: RECALL INPUT 2 (PC BYPASS) 8: RECALL INPUT 3 (YCbCr)
2. SETUP 1: OUT RESOLUTION (1024x768)
1: 640x480 2: 480p 3: 800x600 4: 1024x768 5: 1280x1024 6: 576p
MT106-103 MAIN MENU
1: INPUT SELECT 2: SETUP 3: VERSION 4: STATUS 5: HELP
7: 720p 8: 1080i 9: 1280x768
2: BRIGHTNESS (24)
1: + 2: -
3: CONTRAST (40)
1: + 2: -
4: COLOR (24)
1: + 2: -
5: SHARPNESS (10)
1: + 2: -
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6: HUE (0)
1: + 2: -
7: ASPECT RATIO (4:3)
1: 16:9
8: 3D COMB FILTER (ON)
1: OFF
9: NOISE REDUCTION (ON)
1: OFF
A: FREEZE (OFF)
1: ON
3: VERSION
This selection displays the model number and firmware revision, and then redisplays the Main Menu.
4: STATUS
This selection displays the card status and then redisplays the Main Menu.
5: HELP
This selection displays a list of commands available for the MT106-103 along with a brief description.
ESC
This selection returns you to the parent menu with the listing of all cards.
7.4.5 MENU MODE EXAMPLES
All Menu Mode examples assume an MT106-103 is installed in slot 4 of unit ID 1.
NOTE: The communication software you use
may echo each character as it is typed when entering numeric values (not selecting menu items). For example, entering a value of 03 may appear as 0033 on the screen.
1. Change Output Resolution
An MT106-103 is in slot 4. Change the output resolution to 1280x1024. Start by clicking the mouse in the Terminal Window. Follow the keystrokes below:
Enter List of systems 1 Select unit ID 1 04 Select MT106-103 in slot 4 2 Select Setup Menu 1 Select OUT RESOLUTION 5 Select 1280x1024 ESC Return to Setup Menu ESC Return to the Main Menu
2. Adjust Brightness
Increase the brightness on the output of the
MT106-103 in slot 4. Starting from the MT106-103's Main Menu, follow the keystrokes
below: 2 Select SETUP
2 Select BRIGHTNESS 1 Increment by one
Repeat until the desired brightness is achieved.
ESC Return to SETUP ESC Return to the Main Menu
3. Display Card Status
Display the status of the MT106-103 in slot 4 starting from its Main Menu.
4 Display card status
NOTE: The Main Menu will be redisplayed
after the status is displayed.
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 8

We have carefully tested and have found no problems in the supplied MT106-103. However, we would like to offer suggestions for the following:

8.1 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. 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.

ALTINEX POLICIES 9

9.1 LIMITED WARRANTY/RETURN POLICIES

Please see the ALTINEX website at
www.altinex.com for details on warranty and
return policies.

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 4: The display has a problem. Solution: Make sure the display is powered
and is turned on. If there is still no
display, please call ALTINEX at
(714) 990-2300.
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