Altinex MT109-102 User Manual

MULTI-TASKER™

MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0343-003

MT109-102

3 IN 1 OUT AUDIO/MIC MIXER

FOR MULTI-TASKER™

USER’S GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

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

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

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

FCC / CENOTICE..............................................2

ABOUT YOUR MT109-102 ..................................3

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

DESCRIPTION OF MT109-102............................4

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

DIAGRAM1: TYPICAL SETUP ..........................5

DIAGRAM2: INTERNAL VIEW ..........................6

DIAGRAM3: SWITCH POSITIONS ...................7

INSTALLING YOUR MT109-102..........................8

MULTI-TASKER™

OPERATION........................................................8

RS-232 CONTROL ............................................8

DESCRIPTION OF COMMANDS.......................8

SUMMARY OF COMMANDS ...........................19

MENU MODE...................................................20

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE...........................24

LED IS NOT ON...............................................24

NO SOUND......................................................24

SOUND DISTORTION .....................................25

SOUND LEVEL IS LOW...................................25

ALTINEX POLICY..............................................25

LIMITED WARRANTY/RETURN POLICY ........25

CONTACT INFORMATION ..............................25

400-0343-003

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MULTI-TASKER™

PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS.......1

Please read this manual carefully before using
your MT109-102. Keep this manual handy for
future reference. These safety instructions are to
ensure the long life of your MT109-102 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.

• To prevent fire or shock, do not expose this unit

to rain or moisture. Do not place the MT109-102
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 MT109-102 carefully. Dropping or

jarring can damage the card.

• Do not pull the cables that are attached to the

MT109-102.

• 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.

• Insert the card carefully into the slots of the
Multi-Tasker™ without bending any edges.

1.2 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.

1.3 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™

10 Hz to 20 kHz

ABOUT YOUR MT109-102 2

MT109-102
3 in 1 out Audio Mixer Card

The MT109-102 is a Stereo Audio Mixer Card.
When installed in the Basic Enclosure
(MT100-100), this card allows connection of up to
three line level balanced or unbalanced
microphone inputs.

Mixing of inputs is controled via easy-to-use ASCII
commands from a control system or computer
connected to the RS-232 port of the MultiTasker™
Basic Enclosure. The MT109-102 can accept
balanced or unbalanced audio inputs and the
output can be wired for either balanced or
unbalanced audio output.

Through RS-232 control, the MT109-102 can be
controlled to adjust the signal level of each input in
16 steps. In addition the volume, treble and bass
of the output amplifier can be adjusted in 16 steps.

All three inputs to the amplifier are mixing inputs
and can be adjusted from 0db to –60db.

Phantom Power +12V can be connected to the
microphone input using a dip-switch located on the
PCB.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3

FEATURES/DESCRIPTION MT109-102
GENERAL
Inputs

Input Connectors (3) Terminal Blocks
Input 1

Input 2
Input 3

Outputs

Output Connector (1) Terminal Block
Output Line Level

Compatibility Stereo or Mono Audio

Table 1. MT109-102 General

MECHANICAL MT109-102

Basic Enclosure Slots
Required
Weight 0.43 lb (0.19 kg)
Connector Panel Black
T° Operating 10°C-50°C
T° Maximum 75°C
Humidity 90% non-condensing
MTBF (calc.) 55,000 hrs

Table 2. MT109-102 Mechanical

Balanced/Unbalanced

Microphone Input

Balanced/Unbalanced

Microphone Input

Balanced/Unbalanced

Microphone Input

Balanced/Unbalanced

One Slot

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ELECTRICAL MT109-102

Input Signals
Max Line Level Input 0 dBu (.7V p-p) 10k Ohms
Max microphone Input -65dBu (2-10mv) 47 Kohm

Frequency Response
Noise Floor -97 dB @ 20 kHz

Table 3. MT109-102 Electrical

3

(+/- 0.5 dB)

3

DESCRIPTION OF MT109-102 4

MULTI-TASKER™

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APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5

DIAGRAM 1: TYPICAL SETUP

MULTI-TASKER™

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5

DIAGRAM 2: INTERNAL VIEW

MULTI-TASKER™

AUDIO
INPUTS TB

LINE/MIC
INPUT1
BALANCED

LINE/MIC
INPUT2
BALANCED

M-

SW4

M-

SW6

SW5

M+

MIC

SW7

M+

MIC

PHANTOM

POWER

SW1

S/W

SW2

S/W

GAIN

GAIN

MP

CONTROL

Σ

POWER

SUPPLY

S/W

GAIN

VOLUME
BASS
TREBLE

SW10

AUDIO

OUTPUT

FIXED MIX LINE
LEVEL OUTPUT

OR

ADJUSTABLE
MIX LINE
LEVEL OUTPUT
TERMINAL
BLOCK

LINE/MIC
INPUT3
BALANCED

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SW9

M+

SW8

M-

MIC

SW3

S/W

GAIN

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6

DIAGRAM 3: SWITCH POSITIONS

MULTI-TASKER™

SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
SW5
SW6
SW7
SW8
SW9

INPUT1

LINE

MIC

OFF ON

INPUT2

PHANTOM

POWER POWER

ON

OFF

LINE

MIC

PHANTOM

ON

- + +-

ONOFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

+- - +

OFF

ON

OFF

LINE

INPUT3

MIC

ONOFF

ON

PHANTOM

POWER

ON

OFF

+- - +

OFF

ON

LINE OUTPUT

FIX ADJ

OFF

SW10

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OFF ON

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MULTI-TASKER™

INSTALLING YOUR MT109-102 6

Step 1. Turn off the power to the Multi-Tasker™

enclosure.

Step 2. Slide the MT109-102 into an available

slot in the Multi-Tasker™ Basic Enclosure
in order to connect to the bus. Make sure
that the MT109-102 card fits into place.

Step 3. Secure the card to the Multi-Tasker™ by

tightening the retainer screws located on
the top and bottom of the MT109-102
card.

Step 4. Turn the Multi-Tasker™ system power

back on.

Step 5. The LED on the card panel will turn red

indicating that the card is in full operation.

Step 6. Connect audio cables from the audio

source to the input connector of the
MT109-102. Connect the output
connectors of the MT109-102 to the
audio equipment through an audio cable.

Step 7. Starting from the left, identify the slot

number where the MT109-102 card is
plugged into the Enclosure and note that
it is for RS-232 control.

OPERATION 7

7.1 RS-232 CONTROL

When used in the Multi-Tasker™ Enclosure, the
MT109-102 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 MT109-102 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 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

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Each command consists of three parts:
Function, Card ID, and Unit ID.

[ Function , Card ID , Unit ID ]

Example: [VERC3U2]
VER = Function

C3 = Card ID or Group ID
U2 = Unit ID

For Function, see a detailed explanation under
each command description.

The Card ID is an assigned value. It is equal to
the enclosure slot number in which the card is
installed. The value can range from 1 to 4 up to
1 to 20 depending on the enclosure.

Card ID 0 (C0) is used for the controller. See
the MT100-100 User’s Guide for details.

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MULTI-TASKER™

The Group ID is a number representing a group
of cards defined with the [WR] command.
When using the Group ID, all cards in the group
will perform the given instruction.

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]

1. [VER]
This command displays the software version

and card type for the MT109-102 card.
Command Format: [VERCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
An MT109-102 card is in slot #4. Send the

command [VERC4], and the Multi-Tasker™
Enclosure will return the following feedback:

Example:
There is one MT109-102 card in slot #4.

Sending the command [C4] to the
Multi-Tasker™ will display feedback similar to
the following:

In1Vol=16/16
In2Vol=16/16
In3Vol=16/16
OutVol=16/16
Bass =08/16
Treble=08/16
Loudness:OFF

The status shows the input volume settings, in
this case 16 out of 16, the output volume, the
bass and treble levels and that the loudness
feature is turned off.

If there is no card in slot #4, sending the [C4]
command will not return any feedback.

3. [CnS]
This command saves the card volume settings.

This configuration will be restored after the
system is reset or powered off then on.

Command Format: [CnSUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
S = save configuration
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:

MT109-102 690-0133-008
MT109-102 = the card model
690-0133-008= the 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)

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There is an MT109-102 in slot #4. All volume
levels are set to the maximum of 16. The bass
and treble levels are set to 08. Save the
settings of the card by sending the command
[C4S]. The feedback will be as follows:

In1Vol=16/16
In2Vol=16/16
In3Vol=16/16
OutVol=16/16
Bass =08/16
Treble=08/16
Loudness:OFF

Card Status Saved

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4. [?CnUi]
This command will return general information

about the card and its status. It is a function of
both the card and the front panel and is only
available with Multi-Tasker™ 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.

NOTE: In MTSetup™, send the command
[VER] from the Terminal Window. The system
will respond with feedback similar to 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.

Command Format: [?CnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = from 0 to 9)
The MT109-102 is in slot #4. Send the

command [?C4] to receive the feedback status.
Each status field begins with a '+' and ends with

the card slot number (ex: C04). The feedback
will be similar to the following:

5. [?Ui]
This command will return general information

about the Multi-Tasker™ and cards installed in
the unit.

Command Format: [?Ui]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = from 0 to 9)
Example:
A Multi-Tasker™ with ID #0 has a front panel

with part number MT101-102 and contains an
MT109-102. Send the command [?] and receive
the following feedback:

[+MT101-102U0+MT109-102C04]
MT101-102U1 = Panel Number and Unit ID

MT109-102C04 = An MT109-102 is in slot 4.

6. [STA]
This command enables/disables automatic

feedback from the front panel. The command
affects any card with auto-feedback capability,
not just the MT109-102. The default at power
on or reset is STA0, OFF.

Command Format [STA1] = ON
Command Format [STA0] = OFF

[+MT109-102C04+VR690-0133-008C04
+VO16C04+VI161616C04+VB08C04+VT08C0
4+VL01C04+VM0C04]

MT109-102 = Card Type
VR690-0133-008 = Firmware version
VO16 = Output Volume Level=16
VI161616 = Input volume levels
VB08 = Bass level = 08 out of 16
VT08 = Treble level = 08 out of 16
VL01 = Loudness (00=ON, 01=OFF)
VM0 = Mute (0=OFF, 1=ON)

The Input Volume status line is read from left to
right as outputs one through three. Each
volume level is 2 digits, in this case, each is set
to 16.

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Feedback Prefix Definitions:
+VR = Firmware Version
+VO = Output Volume
+VI = Input Volume
+VB = Bass Volume
+VT = Treble Control
+VL = Loudness Control
+VM = Mute Control

Example:
Command = [VLOA12C04]

Feedback = [+VO12C04]

+VO = Output Volume
12 = Output volume level12
C04 = Card slot number

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MULTI-TASKER™

7. […S] – SAVE
This command will save the configuration

command being sent in memory. When
sending the command [VLBA12C4S], after
reset or power up, the bass level on C4 will be
12 out of 16.

8. […F] – FEEDBACK
After processing a command, an OK or ER will

be returned as feedback if "F" is included at the
end of some command strings.

9. [ + ] and [ - ]
These commands allow a selected property to

be adjusted from keyboard commands or
programmed front panel buttons.

Command Format: [ + ], [ - ]
[+] = Increment level by one step
[-] = Decrement level by one step
Example:
Select the Output Volume command for the

card in slot #4. The current Output Volume level
is 10, but it is not the optimal value. After
sending the following commands, an optimum
volume level of 15 is obtained:

1. [SELOC4]

The current volume level is 10.

2. [ – ] [ – ] [ – ]

The level is now 7 and is too low.

Command Format: [SELImCnUi]
m = Input (m = # from 1 to 3)
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
An MT109-102 is in slot #4. Adjust the volume

on Input 2 by sending the command [SELI2C4]
and then using the [+] and [-] commands.

11. [SELO]
This command sets the path to adjust the

OUTPUT volume level. The output volume
range is 00 to 16 and is adjustable using the [+]
and [-] commands or the Volume Ramping
commands.

Command Format: [SELOCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example 1:
An MT109-102 is in slot #4. Adjust the output

volume by sending the command [SELOC4]
and then using the [+] and [-] commands.

Example 2:
The output volume may also be adjusted using

key ramping commands. See the VOLUME
RAMPING FEATURE section of this manual for
details on using this feature.

3. [+][+][+][+][+][+][+][+]
The level is now 15 and no further

adjustments are required.

10. [SELIm]
This command sets the path to adjust the

INPUT volume level. The input volume range is
00 to 16 and is adjustable using the [+] and [-]
commands.

400-0343-003

12. [SELB]
This command sets the path to adjust the bass

level. The BASS level range is 00 to 16 and is
adjustable using the [+] and [-] commands.

Command Format: [SELBCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)

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MULTI-TASKER™

Example:
An MT109-102 is in slot # 4. Adjust the BASS on

the output by sending the command [SELBC4]
and then using the [+] and [-] commands.

13. [SELT]
This command sets the path to adjust the treble

level. The TREBLE level range is 00 to 16 and
is adjustable using the [+] and [-] commands.

Command Format: [SELTCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
An MT109-102 is in slot #4. Adjust the TREBLE

on the output by sending the command
[SELTC4] and then using the [+] and [-]
commands.

14. [VLOA]
This command sets the OUTPUT volume to an

absolute value.
Command Format: [VLOAmCnUi]
m = Volume Level (m = # from 0 to 16)
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Set the output volume to 16 for the MT109-102

in slot #4. Send the command [VLOA16C4].

15. [VLIxAm]
This command sets an INPUT volume to an

absolute level.
Command Format: [VLIxAmCnUi]
x = Input Number (x = # from 1 to 3)
m = Volume Level (m = # from 0 to 16)
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)

Example:
Set Input 2 volume level to a value of 8 for the

card in slot #4. Send the command
[VLI2A8C4].

16. [VLBA]
This command sets the output BASS level to an

absolute level.
Command Format: [VLBAmCnUi]
m = BASS Level (m = # from 0 to 16)
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Set the output BASS level of the MT109-102 in

slot #4 to the maximum of 16 by sending the
command [VLBA16C4].

17. [VLTA]
This command sets the output TREBLE level to

an absolute value.
Command Format: [VLTAmCnUi]
m = TREBLE (m = # from 0 to 16)
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Set the output TREBLE of the MT109-102 in

slot #4 to a mid-range value of 8 by sending the
command [VLTA8C4].

18. [LOD0]
This command disables the loudness feature.
Command Format: [LOD0CnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Turn OFF the Loudness feature of the

MT109-102 in slot #4 by sending the co mmand
[LOD0C4].

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MULTI-TASKER™

19. [LOD1]
This command enables the loudness feature.
Command Format: [LOD1CnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Turn ON the Loudness feature of the

MT109-102 in slot #4 by sending t he command
[LOD1C4].

20. [CLR]
This command clears the card and resets it to

its factory defaults. All volume levels are set to
maximum, bass and treble are set to midrange,
loudness is turned off and mute is turned off.

Command Format: [CLRCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)

When defined as a volume control key, the key will
respond to two conditions: press and release.
Below, subroutine 8 starts ramping up when key 8
is pressed and subroutine 10 starts ramping down
when key 10 is pressed. Subroutine 108 stops
ramping when either key is released.

{WRS8=RUPC4} //Ramp Up
{WRK8=8,108,0,0,0} //Press= start, release= stop
{WRS10=RDNC4} //Ramp Down
{WRK10=10,108,0,0,0} //Press= start, release= stop
{WRS108=RSTC4} //STOP RAMPING
{SETVK8} //Set key 8 as volume key
{WRLK8=VOL_UP} //Define Key 8 Label
{SETVK10} //Set key 8 as volume key
{WRLK10=VOL_DN} //Define Key 8 Label
[RAMP=10C4] //Set the ramp rate.

21. [RUP]
This command ramps the OUTPUT volume to

its maximum level at the rate defined using the
[RAMP] command.

Command Format: [RUPCnUi]

Example:
Clear the MT109-102 in slot #4 by sending the

command [CLRC4]. Send the status command
after the clear command and receive the
following feedback:

In1Vol=16/16
In2Vol=16/16
In3Vol=16/16
OutVol=16/16
Bass =08/16
Treble=08/16

Loudness:OFF
VOLUME RAMPING FEATURE
The following 7 commands are used to control the

output volume of the MT109-102. They may be
used with computer control, but also are designed
to be used with the {SETVK} command using keys
on the Front Panel. The following code sample
sets front panel keys 8 and 10 to Ramp Up and
Ramp Down respectively. See your Front Panel
User’s Guide for more details.

Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Ramp the output volume from a starting level of

10 to the maximum level of 16 for the card in
slot #8. Send the command [RUPC8] and the
system will respond with the following feedback:

[11][12][13]…[16]

22. [RUP=xx]
This command ramps the OUTPUT volume to a

user defined level at a rate defined using the
[RAMP] command.

Command Format: [RUP=xxCnUi]
xx = Stop Level (xx = # from 01-16)
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)

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MULTI-TASKER™

Example:
Ramp the output volume from a starting level of

1 to a level of 10 for the card in slot #8. Send
the command [RUP=10C8] and the system will
respond with the following feedback:

[02][03][04]…[10]

23. [RDN]
This command ramps the OUTPUT volume

down to a level of 1 at a rate defined using the
[RAMP] command.

Command Format: [RDNCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Ramp the output volume from a starting level of

16 down to 1 for the card in slot #8. Send the
command [RDNC8] and the system will respond
with the following feedback:

[16][15][14]…[01]

24. [RDN=xx]
This command ramps the OUTPUT volume

down to a user defined level at a rate defined
using the [RAMP] command.

Command Format: [RDN=xxCnUi]

25. [RST]
This command stops ramping and maintains the

last volume setting.
Command Format: [RSTCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
The card in slot #8 is ramping from 1 to 16.

Send the command [RSTC8] and the card will
stop ramping the output volume. The last
displayed volume setting will remain the current
volume level.

26. [RAMP]
This command displays the ramping time for 16

steps. The time between each step is equal to
the time in seconds divided by 16.

Command Format: [RAMPCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Display the ramp rate setting for the card in slot

#8 by sending the command [RAMPC8]. The
system will respond with feedback similar to the
following:

xx = Stop Level (xx = # from 01-16)
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
Ramp the output volume from a starting level of

16 down to 8 for the card in slot #8. Send the
command [RDN=8C8] and the system will
respond with the following feedback:

[16][15][14]…[8]

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RAMPTIME = 6 SECONDS

27. [RAMP=x]
This command sets the ramp rate for 16 steps.

The settings range from 4 to 18 seconds, in
two-second intervals.

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MULTI-TASKER™

Command Format: [RAMP=xCnUi]
x = Rate in Seconds

4 = 0.25 seconds/step
6 = 0.38 seconds /step
8 = 0.50 seconds /step
10 = 0.63 seconds /step
12 = 0.75 seconds /step
14 = 0.88 seconds /step
16 = 1.00 seconds /step

18 = 1.13 seconds /step
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)

Example:
There is an MT109-102 in slot #5. Send the

command [RAMP=16C5] to set the ramp rate to
16 seconds. After this is set, any ramping will
occur at a rate of 16 steps in 16 seconds, or 1
second per step. Confirm the setting by sending
the command [RAMPC5] and receiving the
feedback:

RAMPTIME = 16 SECONDS

28. [TEST]
This command performs a test on the internal

memory. Upon completion, the system will
display the results. If there are no problems, the
system will display the following:

MEMORY IS GOOD
Otherwise, failures will be indicated.

29. [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: [FBDmCnUi]
m = Delay (0= no delay, 1= delay 100mS)
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = from 0 to 9)
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 [FBD1C4] to slow down the rate at
which the card sends feedback to the system.

CARD 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.

The ID commands work with all Multi-Tasker™
Front Panel systems. However, front panels
that have firmware releases prior to the
following will not be able to address Card ID's
greater than the number of slots in the system:

Command Format: [TESTCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
There is an MT109-102 in slot #10. In order to

test the internal memory, send the command
[TESTC10].

400-0343-003

690-0122-019= Version 019 or later.
690-0123-005= Version 005 or later.
690-0124-019= Version 019 or later.
NOTE: In MTSetup™, send the command

[VER] from the Terminal Window. The system
will respond with feedback similar to the
following:

[690-0122-015 690-0123-005 690-0124-019]

Check the last three digits against the numbers
above to determine if the Card ID commands
can address all 99 Card ID's.

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MULTI-TASKER™

Some cards require more than one slot in the
Multi-Tasker™ system. As an example, some
matrix switcher cards require 4 slots. If there
are 5 of these cards installed, they would be
numbered C4, C8, C12, C16 and C20.
Changing the Card 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.

30. [RSI]
This command resets the card ID's in the

system. After sending this command, each card
ID in the system will match the slot number of
the card. Use this command along with the SID
commands that follow. The [RSI] command
MUST be used prior to changing Card ID's once
they have already been set.

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.

31. [SIDn]
This command sets all the cards installed in the

Multi-Tasker™ 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.

32. [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.

33. [SID+]
This command sets the Card 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 Card ID defaults which
are equal to their slot numbers. The second unit
will have the same Unit ID, but will have the
card ID's offset by 20.

Connect the computer to the second unit only
and send the command [SID+20] to set the ID
of all the cards in the enclosure to their slot
number plus 20. Reconnect both units to the
computer.

The cards in the first unit will be referenced as
Card ID's 1-20 and the cards in the second unit
will be referenced by Card ID's 21-40.

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MULTI-TASKER™

34. [RSN]
This command reads the slot number of the

card with a specified ID number, and returns
the value to the system to be displayed in the
terminal window. 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:

4

35. [HELP]
This command displays information available

for the Multi-Tasker interface commands.
Command Format: [HELPCnUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = # from 1 to max slots)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0 to 9)
Example:
In order to display the RS-232 commands

available for the MT109-102 card in slot #2,
send the command [HELPC2]. The commands
along with a brief description will be displayed
in the Terminal Window.

If assigning group commands to button
functions, it is best to use the "Press and Hold
on Power Up" to make group settings.

Command Format: [WRCn1Cn2…GkUi]
Cn = Card ID (n = slot # from 1 to max slots)
Gk = Group number (k = # from 1-8)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0-9)
Example:
To group cards 1, 2, and 3 as group 5 of

Unit ID 1, send the command
[WRC1C2C3G5U1]. After executing this
command, cards 1, 2 and 3 will be grouped
together as group 5 of Unit ID 1. The system
will return the following feedback:

G1=C1C2C3
Now, when a command is sent to G1, each

board in G1 will execute the same command.

37. [RMC]
This command may be used to remove one or

more group members from a group. Reset the
system after using this command for all
changes to take effect.

Command Format: [RMCn1Cn2…GkUi]
Cn = Card ID (n= # from 1 to max slots)
Gk = Group number (k = # from 1-8)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0-9)
Example:

36. [WR]
This command groups multiple cards in the

enclosure allowing all the group members to be
controlled simultaneously with the same
command. Each unit may define a maximum of
eight groups.

In Multi-Tasker™ systems with audio and video
cards, boards are typically grouped as follows:

Group 1 = Video Cards
Group 2 = Audio Cards
Group 3 = Video and Audio Cards

400-0343-003

Group 1 consists of the cards located in slots
numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Remove just cards
#4 and #5 from the group by sending the
command [RMC4C5G1]. The system will return
the following feedback:

G1=C1C2C3

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38. [RMG]
This command may be used to delete an entire

group, or all groups.
REMOVE ONE GROUP MEMBERS
Remove all the members from the group,

effectively deleting the group.
Command Format: [RMGkUi]
Gk = Group number (k = # from 1-8)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0-9)
Example:
Group 1 consists of the cards located in slots

number 1, 2 and 3. Remove all cards from the
group by sending the command [RMG1]. The
system will return the following feedback:

G1=EMPTY
REMOVE ALL GROUPS
Remove all the members from every group,

effectively deleting all groups.

The cards in slots 1, 2 and 19 are part of
group 5. Read the member data for group 5, by
sending the command [RDG5]. The system will
return feedback as follows:

G1=C1C2C19
The feedback shows G1 (Group 1) and then the

cards that make up Group 1. In this case,
Group 1 includes C1, C2 and C19.

40. [CLRG]
This command clears the members for a single

group or for all groups. The clear command
restores the cards to default settings and is the
equivalent to sending the [CLR] command to
each individual card.

NOTE: Since this command is sending the

[CLR] command to its group members,
each card will display its own reset

message, if any.
Command Format: [CLRGkUi]
Gk = Group ID (k = # from 1-8, or Ü for all)

Command Format: [RMGÜUi]
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0-9)
Example:
Group 1 consists of cards 1 and 2. Group 2

consists of cards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Delete all the
groups by sending the command [RMGÜ]. The
system will return the following feedback:

G1-G8:EMPTY

39. [RD]
This command reads and then displays the

members in each group.
Command Format: [RDGkUi]
Gk = Group number (k = # from 1-8)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0-9)
Example:

Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0-9)
Example:

1) To clear group 1 of Unit ID 0, send the
[CLRG1] command. This command clears
the members for the specified group only.

2) To clear all groups of Unit ID 1, send the
[CLRGÜU1] command.

41. [CLM]
This command removes the members in a

group and leaves the group empty. It is
equivalent to sending the [RMGkUi] command
without card references.

Command Format: [CLMGkUi]
Gk = Group number (k = # from 1-8)
Ui = Unit ID (i = # from 0-9)

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MULTI-TASKER™

Example:
Group 5 of Unit ID 1 contains the cards in slots

1, 2 and 19. Read the member data for group 5
of Unit ID 1. Send the command [RDG5U1]
and receive the following feedback:

G1=C1C2C19
Now, clear group 5 by sending the command

[CLMG5U1]. Reread the member data as above
and note the following feedback:

G1=EMPTY

7.3 SUMMARY OF COMMANDS
Card Commands

1) [VER] Receives software version

2) [C] Receives status of the card

3) [CnS] Save card settings

4) [?C] Show card information

5) [?] Show system cards

6) [STA] Enable/disable auto feedback

7) […S] Save the command being sent

8) […F] Show command feedback

9) [ + ] Increments and Decrements

[ - ] selected commands

10) [SELI] Select input volume to adjust

11) [SELO] Select output volume to adjust

12) [SELB] Select to adjust bass level

13) [SELT] Select to adjust treble level

14) [VLO] Set absolute output volume

18) [LOD0] Turn ON loudness feature

19) [LOD1] Turn OFF loudness feature

20) [CLR] Reset card to default values

21) [RUP] Ramp volume UP to max (16)

22) [RUP=] Ramp volume UP to a value

23) [RDN] Ramp volume DOWN to min (1)

24) [RDN=] Ramp volume DOWN to a value

25) [RST] Stop ramping

26) [RAMP] Display ramp rate

27) [RAMP=] Set ramp rate

28) [TEST] Test internal memory IC's

29) [FBD] Feedback delay on/off

30) [RSI] Reset Card ID’s

31) [SIDn] Set all Card ID’s

32) [SIDnCi] Set one Card ID

33) [SID+n] Set Card ID offset

34) [RSN] Read Card slot number

35) [HELP] Display available commands
Group Commands

36) [WR] Groups multiple cards

37) [RMC] Remove members from group

38) [RMG] Delete group

39) [RD] Displays group members

40) [CLRG] Clears group members

41) [CLM] Delete group

15) [VLIm] Set absolute input volume

16) [VLB] Set absolute bass level

17) [VLT] Set absolute treble level

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MULTI-TASKER™

7.4 MENU MODE

MENU MODE commands are RS-232 commands
that allow virtually the same functionality as
programming commands. Unlike the programming
commands in the previous sections, 7.2 and 7.3,
MENU commands prompt the user to select from a
list of available options. The system then responds
based upon selections made by the user.

MENU commands may be issued in response to
prompts from within MTSetup™ or other RS-232
communication software.

The MENU driven commands are only available
with Multi-Tasker™ 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.
NOTE: In MTSetup™, send the command [VER]

from the Terminal Window. The system will
respond with feedback that is similar to the
following:

[690-0122-015 690-0123-004 690-0124-018]

Check the last three digits against the numbers
above to determine if the MENU MODE option is
available.

7.4.1 MENU COMMAND DEFINITIONS

Refer to section 7.2 for details on card functions
and examples. Following is a table cross­reference of menu mode sections versus
programming commands.

MENU COMMAND

Control

Select n/a
Save [CnS]
Clear [CLR]
Volume [VLOA], [VLBA], [VLTA], [+/-]
Loudness [LOD0], [LOD1]
Mute [MUT0], [MUT1]

Setup

Group [WR], [CLM]
Input Volume [VLImAn]
Ramp Time [RAMP], [RAMP=]

Status [VER], [C]
Help [HELP]

[?], [?Ci], [CiS], [STA], […S],
[...F], [FBD], [RUP], [RDN],

Not Available

[RST], [RSI], [RSNCi],
[SIDn], [SIDnCi], [SID+n],
[TEST], [RD], and [SEL]

7.4.2 USING MENU MODE

SUGGESTION: Before using menu mode, it is
best to disable the automatic feedback feature.
The values and current settings will be
displayed in the menu mode, but the automatic
feature will display after each setting change
making the menus difficult to read.

1. In order to enter MENU mode, the system
needs to be connected to a computer
running MTSetup™ or other RS-232 control
software.

2. Insert the card into an empty slot and push
in all the way for a secure fit.

3. Reset the system or power the system OFF
and then ON.

400-0343-003

4. In MTSetup™, click the cursor in the
Terminal Window and press the ENTER
key.

5. The system will interrogate the enclosure
and return a list of cards installed and their
slot locations.

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MULTI-TASKER™

Example: 08 (Slot 8): MT109-102
NOTE: Only cards supporting the MENU

feature will be displayed.

5. Find the alphanumeric characters
representing the card whose setup requires
changing. It will be the first one or two
characters in the line.

6. Press the number or letter associated with
the card, and a menu with options available
for that card will appear on the screen. In
the example above, press "08".

WARNING: Do NOT enter any characters

except the one relating to the desired
menu. Pressing ENTER or RETURN after
"08" will force the system back to the
original prompt.

7. After selecting the MT109-102 as described
above, the system will prompt for selections
specific to that card.

8. Read each menu carefully, and continue
selecting keys as prompted for further
functions. (Example prompt: "Key= ")

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 main functions related to the
card. Press the key representing the menu
item for access. A sub menu will appear
next.

7.4.4 MT109-102 MENUS

Following are the menus available to the
MT109-102. The first menu is the Main Menu
only. The second listing is an expansion of all
the menu items available.

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 areas, additional comments are
provided for clarification.

System prompts requiring specific values for
volume, card number etc… are not shown. See
the examples following the menus for details.

CAUTION: Pay special attention to the top of
the CONTROL menu. After selecting the
CONTROL menu, THIS CARD or a group will
be identified at the top of the sub menu. Since
group functions may be modified from this
menu, make sure the desired card or group is
selected.

MT109-102 MAIN MENU

PRESS KEY TO SELECT
1: CONTROL

2: SETUP
3: STATUS
4: HELP

ESC: GO BACK
KEY =

2. SUB MENUS

Each sub menu will display either another

menu (sub menu) or a list of available
options or settings. Press the key
corresponding to the menu choice to
change a setting or select the next menu.

NOTE: Pressing the ESCAPE (ESC) key in

most menus will take you up to the
previous menu.

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MULTI-TASKER™

MT109-102 EXPANDED MENUS

1. CONTROL: THIS CARD

1: SELECT (Card/Group)

CURRENT SELECTION: THIS CARD

0: This Card
1: Group 1
2: Group 2
3: Group 3
4: Group 4
5: Group 5
6: Group 6
7: Group 7
8: Group 8

ESC: GO BACK

KEY =

2: SAVE

SAVE THIS SETTING?

1: YES
2: NO

KEY=

3: CLEAR

RESET CARD TO FACTORY DEFAULT:

* Set Output Volume to maximum (16)
* Set Input Volumes to maximum (16)
* Set Bass Volume to Mid Range (8)
* Set Treb Volume to Mid Range (8)
* Set Loudness Off
* Set Mute Off
* Set Ramp Time to 6 SEC

1: YES
2: NO

KEY=

4: VOLUME

5: LOUDNESS

TURN LOUDNESS ON/OFF
(Loudness=OFF)

1: LOUDNESS ON
2: LOUDNESS OFF

ESC: GO BACK
KEY=

6: LOUDNESS

TURN MUTE ON/OFF (Mute=OFF)

1: MUTE ON
2: MUTE OFF

ESC: GO BACK
KEY=

2: SETUP

1: SET GROUP ID

SET GROUP ID: (G2)

1: ASSIGN GROUP ID
2: DELETE GROUP ID

ESC: GO BACK
KEY=

2: SET INPUT VOLUME

SET INPUT VOLUME:

1: INPUT1 VOLUME (16/16)
2: INPUT2 VOLUME (16/16)
3: INPUT3 VOLUME (16/16)

SELECT INPUT: ENTER A NUMBER, ESC:
GO BACK

KEY=

400-0343-003

CHANGE VOLUME:

1: OUTPUT VOLUME (16/16)
2: BASS VOLUME (08/16)
3: TREBLE VOLUME (08/16)

ESC: GO BACK
KEY=

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MULTI-TASKER™

3: SET RAMP TIME

CURRENT RAMP TIME: 18 SEC

1: 04 SEC
2: 06 SEC
3: 08 SEC
4: 10 SEC
5: 12 SEC
6: 14 SEC
7: 16 SEC
8: 18 SEC

ESC: GO BACK
KEY=

ESC: GO BACK
KEY=

3: STATUS

Equivalent to the [C] command.
Returns the card status.

4: HELP

Equivalent to the [HELP] command.
Displays a list of commands available for the

MT109-102 along with a brief description.

ESC

Returns to the parent menu.

7.4.5 MENU MODE EXAMPLES

All MENU MODE examples assume an
MT109-102 is installed in slot #1. Start by
clicking the mouse in the Terminal window.
Press ENTER and a list of available cards will
be displayed.

NOTE When entering numeric values (not

selecting menu items) the system may
echo each character as it is typed. For
example, entering a volume of 03 may
appear as 0033 on the screen,
depending on the settings of the control
software.

1. Select THIS CARD for control

Follow the keystrokes below to select Input 3 as
the source input.

Enter List available cards
01 Select MT109-102 in slot #1
1 Select CONTROL Menu
1 Select Card/Group Select
0 Select This Card (card #1)
ESC Return to CONTROL Menu
ESC Return to the MAIN Menu

2. Set Input 3 Volume

Starting from the Main Menu, set Input 3
volume level to 16. Follow the keystrokes
below.

2 Select SETUP Menu
2 Select Set Input Volume
3 Select Input 3 Volume
16 Enter 16

NOTE The system may echo the 1

and the 6 entries, depending

on the settings.
ESC Return to SETUP
ESC Return to the MAIN Menu

3. Set Output Volume

Starting from the Main Menu, set the output
volume level to 16. Follow the keystrokes
below.

1 Select CONTROL Menu
4 Select VOLUME
1 Select OUTPUT volume
111… Press ‘1’ to increase volume level until

16 is reached.
ESC Return to VOLUME Menu
ESC Return to CONTROL menu
ESC Return to the MAIN Menu

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MULTI-TASKER™

4. Set Ramp Time

Starting from the main menu, set the ramp time
to 10 seconds. Follow the keystrokes below.

2 Select SETUP Menu
3 Select Set Ramp Time
4 Select Ramp Time = 10 seconds
ESC Return to SETUP menu
ESC Return to the MAIN Menu

5. Display Card Status

Starting from the Main Menu, follow the
keystrokes below.

3 Displays card status
NOTE: The status will be displayed, followed

by the Main Menu being redisplayed.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 8

We have carefully tested and have found no
problems in the supplied MT109-102; however, we
would like to offer suggestions for the following:

8.1 LED IS NOT ON
Cause 1: Card cage is not plugged into

power outlet.

Solution: Plug card cage in. If the LED is ON,

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 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 is
ON, 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 [phone].

8.2 NO SOUND
Cause 1: The source has a problem.

Solution Check the source and make sure

that it is working at an appropriate
volume level and all source
connections are correct. If the
source is working and there is still
no sound, see Cause 2.

Cause 2: The proper card input may not be

selected.

Solution: Select the card input that is used,

by RS-232 accessible commands in
section 7. If no sound 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 sound
present, see Cause 4.

Cause 4: The destination amplifier has a

problem.

Solution 1: Make sure that the destination

amplifier is powered. If there is still
no sound, see Solution 2

Solution 2: Set the volume of the destination

amplifier to a reasonable level. If
there is still no sound, call ALTINEX
at [phone].

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MULTI-TASKER™

8.3 SOUND DISTORTION
Cause 1: Source level is above 0.7Vp-p.

Solution1: Make sure that the source level is

below 1V p-p. If the sound is still
distorted, see Solution 2.

Solution 2: Call ALTINEX at [phone].

8.4 SOUND LEVEL IS LOW
Cause 1: Volume levels are inappropriate.

Solution 1: Turn up the source volume. If sound

level is still low, see Solution 2.

Solution 2: Turn up the destination amplifier

volume. If the sound level is still low,
see Cause 2.

Cause 2: Poor signal transmission.

Solution: Check the cables for continuity and

make sure that connections are
wired properly to verify that there is
good signal transmission. Note:
Test the system by removing the
card from between the source and
the destination amplifier. If the
problem persists, 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

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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