Page 1
Emerge®
EMS2000 series
Installer/User Guide
Page 2
INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Page 3
Emerge® EMS2000 series
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, Power of Being There and Emerge are registered
trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other
countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2008 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.
Page 4
European approvals
European EMC directive 89/336/EEC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class
A computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European
standard EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no
guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to correct the interference with one or more of the
following measures: (a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. (b) Increase the separation
between the equipment and the receiver. (c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected. (d) Consult the supplier or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
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iii
TA B L E OF C O N T E N T S
Product Overview .............................................................................................................1
Features and Benefits ........................................................................................................................1
Configuration Possibilities ................................................................................................................2
Expansion via Cascade Links ............................................................................................................4
Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................. 6
Installation ........................................................................................................................7
Locations ...........................................................................................................................................7
Mounting ...........................................................................................................................................8
Making Standard Connections ..........................................................................................................9
Connections at the Transmitter .........................................................................................................9
Connections at the Receiver ............................................................................................................ 15
Making Cascade Connections ......................................................................................................... 19
Switch Settings (Emerge EMS2400T Transmitter Only) .................................................................24
Operations ......................................................................................................................25
Indicators ........................................................................................................................................25
Serial port switching .......................................................................................................................26
Adjustments .....................................................................................................................................28
Brightness and Sharpness Adjustments ........................................................................................... 28
Skew Compensation Adjustments (Emerge EMS2110R Receivers Only) ........................................29
Y-cable pinout .................................................................................................................................. 32
Guidelines for connecting serial equipment ...................................................................................33
Appendices .....................................................................................................................35
Appendix A: Technical Support ....................................................................................................... 35
Appendix B: Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 36
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
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v
L I S T OF F I G U R E S
Figure 1.1: A standard Emerge EMS2100T configuration driving two display/speakers sets .......... 2
Figure 1.2: A typical Emerge EMS2400T configuration driving up to four pairs of displays .......... 3
Figure 1.3: EMS2400T transmitters can be connected in cascade ................................................... 4
Figure 2.1: Applying the self adhesive rubber feet ...........................................................................8
Figure 2.2: The rear mounting slot ...................................................................................................8
Figure 2.3: Connecting video and audio signals from the source PC system to the transmitter ......9
Figure 2.4: Connecting a monitor and speakers to the transmitter unit ......................................... 10
Figure 2.5: Connecting a source computer serial port to the transmitter unit ...............................11
Figure 2.6: Overall maximum link length (1000 feet) when one receiver is connected .................. 12
Figure 2.7: Connecting the link cable to the EMS2100T transmitter unit ......................................12
Figure 2.8: Connecting up to four link cables to the EMS2400T transmitter unit..........................13
Figure 2.9: Connecting the power adaptor to the transmitter unit .................................................14
Figure 2.10: Connecting the power adaptor to the power cord ......................................................14
Figure 2.11: Connecting displays and speakers to the receiver unit ..............................................15
Figure 2.12: Overall maximum link length (1000 feet) when one receiver is connected ................ 16
Figure 2.13: Connecting the link cable to the receiver unit ............................................................16
Figure 2.14: Connecting the power adaptor to the receiver unit ....................................................17
Figure 2.15: Connecting the power adaptor to the power cord ......................................................17
Figure 2.16: Connecting the serial port .......................................................................................... 18
Figure 2.17: The effect of cascade connections on overall link lengths .........................................20
Figure 2.18: Connecting multiple transmitters in a cascade arrangement .....................................21
Figure 2.19: Connecting the audio/video/serial outputs of one transmitter to the inputs of the next .... 22
Figure 3.1: Location of the red and green operation indicators ................................................... 25
Figure 3.3: Using a high contrast image to assist with sharpness adjustments .............................28
Figure 3.2: Location of the brightness and sharpness adjustment dials ......................................... 28
Figure 3.4: Location of the skew compensation adjustment dials ..................................................29
Figure 3.5: Creating a suitable skew test pattern within a paint package ......................................29
Figure 3.6: The supplied skew test pattern ...................................................................................... 30
Figure 3.7: A skew compensation dial ............................................................................................30
Figure 3.8: The two skew compensation dials showing how they affect each of the colors. ........... 31
Figure 3.9: A pin-out diagram of the connections required within a serial Y-cable ...................... 32
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Page 9
1
CH AP TE R
1
Features and Benefits
The Avocent Emerge® EMS2000 series of digital signage extenders provide a modular method
to distribute high quality video and audio to remote display units as well as handling serial
control signals. The various modules of the Emerge® EMS2000 series support a wide range of
configurations: from individual point-to-point installations to multiple screen distributions, all via
CATx cabling at distances up to 1000 feet.
All Emerge® EMS2000 series modules provide full support for RS232 serial communications
between the host system and the display(s). This support extends not just to point-to-point
connections, but also to larger scale installations using the EMS2400T transmitter. The inclusive
Display Manager utility provides the final piece of the puzzle and allows remote, flexible control
of all devices attached to the Emerge® EMS installation.
Product Overview
Page 10
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Figure 1.1: A standard Emerge EMS2100T configuration driving two display/speakers sets
Configuration Possibilities
Within the Emerge EMS2000 series there are two transmitter types and two receiver types
available, the choice of which unit you use depends upon how many display/speaker locations are
required and how they are arranged.
Point-to-point operation
The Emerge EMS2100T transmitter used in conjunction with a EMS2100R receiver provides
point to point operation capable of directly supporting dual displays and speaker sets. The
transmitter can additionally support a local monitor and speaker set located adjacent to the source
system. At the receiver a single RS232 serial connector is available for linking to a single display
(EMS2100R receivers can provide a serial link to each display when used with the optional
Y-
cable. This is only available when linked to an EMS2400T transmitter).
Expansion is made possible by connecting further transmitters to the original EMS2100T
transmitter module, however, the serial connection cannot be cascaded in this manner. Where
cascades with serial connections (as well as video and audio) are required, use the EMS2400T
transmitter.
Emerge EMS2110R
An EMS2110R receiver is also available which provides all of the functionality of the EMS2100R
with the addition of special skew adjustments to correct cable-induced video timing errors on long
CATx connections.
PC
VIDEO
UTP Link
AUDIO
RS232 SERIAL
EMS2100T
(T)
EMS2100R
(R)
POWER
POWER
Page 11
Chapter 1: Product Overview
3
UTP Link
EMS2100R
(R)
POWER
EMS2100R
(R)
EMS2100R
(R)
EMS2100R
(R)
PC
VIDEO
AUDIO
RS232 SERIAL
SERIAL Y-CABLE
EMS2400T
(T)
POWER
Emerge EMS2400T transmitter
The EMS2400T transmitter provides four CATx outputs to directly drive EMS2100R/EMS2110R
receiver modules located at distances up to 1000 feet.
Note: An optional serial Y-cable is available, which allows a connected receiver to provide a serial
link to each display.
Additional expansion is also possible by connecting further transmitter modules to the original
module in a cascade arrangement, each supporting their own multiple EMS2100R/EMS2110R
receiver modules - See the Expansion via Cascade Links section for details.
Figure 1.2: A typical Emerge EMS2400T configuration driving up to four pairs of displays
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Expansion via Cascade Links
In order to create small, medium and large digital signage networks, all Emerge EMS transmitters
are designed to support additional transmitter modules (and their subsequent multiple receivers).
This is achieved using the video, audio and serial out ports to provide the inputs into the next
transmitter module, and so on.
Figure 1.3: EMS2400T transmitters can be
connected in cascade to provide further video,
audio and serial expansion opportunities. Note
that the EMS2100T transmitter does not support
serial cascade connections.
RS232 SERIAL
VIDEO
STANDARD
LINKS
STANDARD
LINKS
AUDIO
POWER
POWER
PC
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
EMS2400T
(T)
EMS2400T
(T)
Note: The EMS2100T transmitter supports video and audio cascade connections, however, the
module does not include a serial out connector and cannot support cascaded serial connections.
A limit of three cascade connections are possible between transmitter modules. Using the
corresponding maximum of four EMS2400T transmitters, this gives an overall support for up to
32 remote displays on 16 separate CATx branches.
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Chapter 1: Product Overview
5
Support for DDC (Display Data Channel)
The Display Data Channel standard allows video monitors to define their characteristics so that
the source computers to which they are connected can optimize their video outputs accordingly.
By their nature, the Emerge EMS2000 extenders enable multiple video displays to be attached to
a single source computer. This causes a complication for handling the DDC standard, however, in
characteristic style we have devised an elegant solution, as detailed below.
Whenever an Emerge EMS transmitter is powered on, it checks its local video port for a working
display monitor with DDC information. The following rules are used to determine the outcome:
a series of strictly ordered actions occur to automatically locate the most suitable DDC data:
• If a display monitor is discovered on the local video port of the transmitter, the DDC data are
cloned from it and stored within the transmitter.
• If no display monitor is discovered on the local video port of the transmitter, the DDC data
held within the transmitter will remain unchanged.
• If the DDC data or clock lines of the transmitter’s local video port are discovered to be
connected to ground, then a default set of DDC data will be reloaded and used.
After the initial search period, the stored DDC data are then presented to the video port of the
source computer. When transmitters are cascaded, only the primary transmitter (the one connected
to the source computer) will perform the search for DDC data.
EMS2000 transmitters hold two pages of DDC data in order to support the most advanced display
monitors. The DDC data are held within non-volatile memory so that they are retained when
power is removed.
The manner in which the transmitters search for suitable ‘DDC donors’ could have an impact if
your installation contains display units with differing capabilities. Generally, you should arrange
for the display monitor with the most representative capabilities of your whole installation to
be the one that the transmitter locates on its local port, either initially (and temporarily) while
commissioning or permanently.
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Safety Precautions
• For use in dry, oil-free indoor environments only.
• Do not use to link between buildings.
• Not suitable for use in hazardous or explosive environments or next to highly flammable
materials.
• Ensure that all twisted pair interconnect cables are installed in compliance with all applicable
wiring regulations.
• Do not connect UTP link interfaces (RJ45 style connectors) to any other equipment,
particularly network or telecommunications equipment.
• Warning – the power adaptor contains live parts. No user serviceable parts are contained
within the power adaptor - do not dismantle.
• Do not use the power adaptor if the power adaptor case becomes damaged, cracked or
broken or if you suspect that it is not operating properly. Replace the power adaptor with a
manufacturer approved type only.
• The Emerge units do not provide ground isolation and should not be used for any applications
that require ground isolation or galvanic isolation.
• Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When using a backup
power supply (UPS), power the computer, the monitor and the Emerge unit off the supply.
• If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computer and monitor are on the same
phase. For best results, they should be on the same circuit.
• The primary means to cease operation of the units is to remove the power adaptor lead. Ensure
that the power adaptor is positioned near to the equipment and is easily accessible.
• Test AC outlets at the computer and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.
• Do not use a 2-wire extension cord in any Avocent product configuration.
• If you use a power extension cord with the Emerge units, make sure the total ampere rating
of the devices plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total ampere rating of all the devices plugged into the wall outlet does not
exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
• Do not attempt to service the Emerge units yourself.
• The Emerge units and power adaptors can get warm in operation – do not situate them in an
enclosed space without any ventilation.
• For correct operation, the local and remote units must have ground connections. At the
computer end, this is achieved by ensuring that the computer that the Emerge unit is
connected to has a ground connection. At the audio/visual device end, this can be achieved
by ensuring that the power supply is connected to a grounded power outlet. Alternatively, a
ground connection will be made via the monitor, if the monitor is itself grounded.
• Where possible, try to avoid laying the interconnect cable(s) alongside power cables.
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7
CH AP TE R
Locations
Please consider the following important points when planning the positions of your Emerge EMS
units:
• Take care not to exceed the maximum link cable lengths (please refer to the section
Making
Cascade Connections).
• Ensure that the transmitters are as close as possible to the source PC system and the receivers
are similarly close to the display units. Use video connection cables that are correctly shielded
and are no longer than 6 feet in length.
• Choose routes for the twisted pair link cables that avoid mains power cables as much as
possible.
• Remember a mains power socket is required for each transmitter and receiver.
2
Installation
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
0.19" (5m
m
)
0.37" (9.5m
m
)
Mounting
Before you begin connecting to the source PC system and display units, it is advisable to mount
the Emerge EMS units in place. There are a number of mounting possibilities for the transmitter
and receiver units:
• On a horizontal surface using the supplied self adhesive feet,
• Mounted on a screw using the rear slot,
• On inclined surfaces using self adhesive Velcro
©
strips (not supplied).
Using the supplied self adhesive feet
Apply the supplied self-adhesive rubber feet
to the underside corners of the Emerge EMS
units.
Using the rear mounting slot
The slot at the rear of each unit allows
it to be hung upon a fixed screw that
protrudes from the mounting surface.
IMPORTANT: The internal circuit board
is accessible through the mounting
slot. Ensure that the mounting screw
protrudes no further than ½” (12.5mm)
into the unit casing - serious electrical
damage will be caused if the screw
makes contact with the internal circuitry.
Figure 2.1: Applying the self adhesive rubber feet
Figure 2.2: The rear mounting slot
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Chapter 2: Installation
9
Making Standard Connections
Connections to the Emerge units do not need to follow the precise order given in this user guide
although it is recommended that you do not apply power to the units until all other connections
have been made.
Note: Unless stated otherwise, all connection information given here applies to all models in the
Emerge EMS2000 series.
Connections at the Transmitter
To Connect Video and Audio from the Source PC System
1. Attach a video cable of suitable type and length (fully shielded with 15
way male D-type connectors at both ends – 6 feet or less) to the
socket labeled RGBHV IN on the Emerge EMS transmitter.
2. Attach the other end of the video cable to the
appropriate VGA video output socket on the
source PC system.
3. Attach a stereo audio cable (shielded with
three way 3.5mm jack plugs at both ends)
to the socket labeled
on the
Emerge EMS transmitter.
4. Attach the other end of
the stereo audio cable
to the appropriate
audio output
socket on the
source PC
system.
Figure 2.3: Connecting video and audio
signals from the source PC system to
the EMS2100T (above) and EMS2400T
(below)
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
To Connect a Monitor and Speakers
The video and audio out ports of the Emerge EMS transmitter can optionally be used either to:
• Attach a monitor and/or speakers in the vicinity of the source PC system – See below,
or
• Make a cascade link to another transmitter unit – Please refer to the section
Making Cascade
Connections – To Connect Cascaded Transmitters.
1. Attach the
video cable from the monitor to the socket
labeled RGBHV OUT on the Emerge EMS transmitter.
2. Attach the stereo audio cable from the speakers
to the socket labeled
on the Emerge
EMS transmitter.
Figure 2.4: Connecting
a monitor and speakers to the
EMS2100T transmitter (above)
and EMS2400T transmitter
(below)
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Chapter 2: Installation
11
To connect the source computer serial port
Note: The serial port feature supports RS232 serial devices at speeds up to 19200 baud and all
hardware handshake lines are available (EMS2100T, EMS2100R & EMS2110R only). No extra
error checking on the serial port signals is applied.
1. Attach the male connector of a suitable serial link cable (all nine connections present pin 1 to
pin1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc.) to the socket labelled on the EMS2100T transmitter or IN
on the EMS2400T transmitter.
2. Attach the other end (female connector) of the serial cable to the appropriate RS232 serial
socket on the source PC system.
Figure 2.5: Connecting a source computer
serial port to the EMS2100T transmitter
(above) and EMS2400T transmitter
(below)
IMPORTANT
It is essential that the source PC, all EMS2400T
modules and all connected displays are configured
to use the same serial communication settings
(see Switch settings for details). The EMS2100T,
EMS2100R & EMS2110R modules all auto-sense
the serial configuration and do not need to be set.
When switches SW2 to SW10 are all OFF, the
EMS2400T module is set to expect the following
serial port configuration: 19200 baud, 8-bit data
byte, 1 stop bit, no parity checking, software
handshake.
Remember to set the switches before power is
applied to the unit.
See Guidelines for
connecting serial equipment.
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Emerge EMS2100T models
1. Attach the connector of the link cable to the socket labeled
LINK on
the Emerge EMS2100T transmitter. There should be a click
when the cable is fully inserted and locked in place.
To Connect the Link Cable(s)
The links between the transmitter and receiver units are made using between one and four twisted
pair cables, specified to Category 5 or higher. Each cable carries video and audio signals to each
receiver unit.
When a single receiver is attached to a link cable, the maximum length of that link cable is 1000
feet.
Note: Long cable lengths may induce colour separation effects. Emerge EMS2110R receivers
contain the necessary circuitry to minimise such effects.
Figure 2.7: Connecting the link cable to the
EMS2100T transmitter unit
Overall maximum link length: 1000 feet (600 feet for EMS2100R)
Transmitter
Receiver
Figure 2.6: Overall maximum link length (1000 feet) when one receiver is connected
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Chapter 2: Installation
13
Emerge EMS2400T models
1. Attach the connector of the first link cable to the socket labeled
LINK 1 on the Emerge
EMS2400T transmitter. There should be a click when the cable is fully inserted and locked in
place.
2. Attach the connectors of the remaining link
cables to the sockets labeled LINK 2 to
LINK 4, as required.
In all cases, there should be a
click when the cable is fully
inserted and locked in place.
Figure 2.8: Connecting up to four link cables to the EMS2400T transmitter unit
IMPORTANT
Category 5, 5e or 6 (CATx) cabling is used to form the links between transmitters and receivers.
However, the signals used are not Ethernet or IP-related and must never be connected via network
switches or to any other networking equipment.
Where possible, avoid laying the CATx twisted pair link cable(s) alongside power cables.
It is possible to connect receiver modules from the Emerge EMS1000 series to the Emerge
EMS2400T transmitter providing switch SW10 on the EMS2400T module is switched to ON to
disable the serial communication circuitry (compatibility mode).
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
2. Insert the IEC connector of the supplied power
cord into the corresponding socket of the
power supply.
3. When all other connections have
been made at the transmitter and
receiver units, connect the other end
of the power cord to a nearby
earthed mains socket.
To Connect the Power Adaptor
IMPORTANT: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety information given within the Safety
Precautions section of this guide. In particular, do not use a 2-wire (unearthed) extension cord.
1. Locate the supplied power adaptor and attach its
output connector to the socket labeled PWR
on the Emerge EMS transmitter.
Figure 2.9: Connecting the power
adaptor to the transmitter unit
Figure 2.10: Connecting the power adaptor to the power cord
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Chapter 2: Installation
15
Connections at the Receiver
To Connect Displays and Speakers
Dual video and audio outputs are provided on the Emerge EMS receivers. Both sets of ports
provide identical signals and their connection procedures are the same:
1. Attach the video cable from the display unit to the socket labeled
RGBHV OUT on the Emerge EMS receiver.
2. Attach the stereo audio cable from the speakers (or
amplifier) to the socket labeled
on the
Emerge EMS receiver.
Figure 2.11: Connecting displays and speakers to the receiver unit
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Link In
The link from the transmitter to each receiver unit is made using a twisted pair cable, specified to
Category 5 or higher.
When a single receiver is attached to a link cable, the maximum length of that link cable is 1000
feet.
Overall maximum link length: 1000 feet (600 feet for EMS2100R)
Transmitter
Receiver
Note: Where possible, avoid laying the twisted pair link cable(s) alongside power cables.
1. Attach the connector of the link cable
to the socket labeled LINK on the
Emerge EMS receiver. There
should be a click when
the cable is fully
inserted and
locked
in
place.
Figure 2.13: Connecting the link cable to the receiver unit
Figure 2.12: Overall maximum link length (1000 feet) when one receiver is connected
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Chapter 2: Installation
17
To Connect the Power Adaptor
IMPORTANT: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety information given within the Safety
Precautions section of this guide. In particular, do not use a 2-wire (unearthed) extension cord.
1. Locate the supplied power adaptor and attach
its output connector to the socket labeled
PWR on the Emerge EMS receiver.
2. Insert the IEC connector of the supplied power
cord into the corresponding socket of the
power supply.
3. When all other connections have
been made at the transmitter and
receiver units, connect the other end
of the power cord to a nearby
earthed mains
socket.
Figure 2.14: Connecting the power
adaptor to the receiver unit
Figure 2.15: Connecting the power adaptor to the power cord
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
To connect the serial port
The EMS receivers provide a single RS232 serial socket for use with display control circuitry, etc.
Where two connected displays both require serial control, a special Y-cable is available.
Note: The Y-cable is supported only when the Emerge EMS receiver is linked to an EMS2400T
transmitter. If the receiver is linked to an EMS2100T transmitter, only a single display may be
connected to the serial connector of the EMS receiver.
1. Attach the female connector of the Y-cable or serial device link cable to the socket labelled
on the EMS receiver.
2. Attach the other end of the serial cable
(or both ends of the Y-cable) to the
appropriate RS232 control
socket(s) of the display(s).
Note: The two male connectors of Y-cable are labelled A and B. These labels are important and
identify each display for port switching purposes.
IMPORTANT
It is essential that the source PC, all EMS2400T modules and all connected displays are configured
to use the same serial communication settings (see Switch settings for details). The EMS2100T,
EMS2100R & EMS2110R modules all auto-sense the serial configuration and do not need to be set.
When switches SW2 to SW10 are all OFF, the EMS2400T module is set to expect the following
serial port configuration: 19200 baud, 8-bit data byte, 1 stop bit, no parity checking, software
handshake.
Remember to set the switches before power is applied to the unit.
Figure 2.16: Connecting the serial port
See Guidelines for connecting serial equipment.
Page 27
Chapter 2: Installation
19
Making Cascade Connections
The Emerge EMS series of products have been specifically designed to be flexible in order to
support both your immediate and future needs for media streaming. In addition to the standard
connections made from transmitters to receivers, you can also link extra transmitters to
transmitters in order to provide more display/speaker outputs. These non-standard links are called
cascade connections.
Important Limitations When Cascading Emerge EMS units
• There should never be more than three cascade connections between the Primary Transmitter
(the one connected to the source PC) and any receiver. Cascade connections are possible only
at the transmitter end of the link cable(s).
• It is essential that the source PC, all EMS2400T modules and all connected displays are
configured to use the same serial communication settings (see
Switch settings for details). The
EMS2100T, EMS2100R & EMS2110R modules all auto-sense the serial configuration and do
not need to be set.
• Each cascade connection reduces the overall link length permissible from a transmitter to the
final receiver in a branch. To calculate the recommended overall maximum link length for a
branch, count the number of cascade connections between the Primary Transmitter and the
final receiver in that branch. The effects of cascade connections on overall branch link lengths
are as follows:
Table 2.1: How cascade connections affect overall maximum link cable lengths (EMS2400T)
Number of cascade connections Overall length of links for the branch
(in a branch) (from transmitter to furthest receiver)
0 1000 feet (300m)
1 800 feet (250m)
2 650 feet (200m)
3 600 feet (175m)
Notes
EMS2100R models should always be limited to link lengths of 600 feet or less, regardless of
cascade connections, due to a lack of skew compensation adjustments.
The lengths of transmitter cascade connections should never be longer than 6 feet and can be
considered to have a negligible effect upon overall link lengths.
The maximum resolutions achievable are: 1600 x 1200 x 60 Hz at 200m and 1280 x 1024 x 60Hz
at 300m. If you are using lower resolutions then it may be possible to achieve longer transmission
distances than shown in the above table although we do not recommend runs longer than 1000ft
in any installation. If you are running shorter cables then it may be possible to use more cascades
than shown in the above table.
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Figure 2.17: The effect of cascade connections on overall link lengths
Cascade connection example
This example demonstrates the effect of cascade connections upon overall link lengths:
Primary
Transmitter
From PC
Maximum length : 600 feet (175m)
Maximum length : 650 feet 200m( )
Maximum length : 800 feet 250m( )
Maximum length : 1000 feet m( )300
Cascade 1
Cascade 2
Cascade 3
STANDARD LINK
STANDARD LINK
STANDARD LINK
STANDARD LINK
Transmitter
Transmitter
Transmitter
Transmitter
Receiver
Receiver
Receiver
Receiver
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Chapter 2: Installation
21
Cascading Transmitters
Expansion is achieved by linking the video, audio
and serial ports of transmitters. The output ports of
one transmitter are connected to the inputs of the
next transmitter and so on.
The RS232 serial ports of the EMS2400T transmitter
can be cascaded. However, it is not possible to
cascade the serial port of the EMS2100T, although
its video and audio signals can be cascaded to lower
level modules.
Note: Ensure that there are no more than three
cascade links between the primary transmitter and
the furthest receiver.
RS232 SERIAL
VIDEO
STANDARD
LINKS
STANDARD
LINKS
AUDIO
POWER
POWER
PC
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
EMS2400T
(T)
EMS2400T
(T)
Figure 2.18: Connecting multiple transmitters in
a cascade arrangement
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
To Connect Cascaded Transmitters
1. Attach a suitable video cable between the socket labelled
RGBHV OUT
on the primary transmitter and the socket labelled RGBHV IN
on the secondary transmitter. (Cable specification: Fully
shielded with 15 way male D-type connectors at
both ends, 6 feet or less).
2. Attach a stereo audio cable between the socket
labelled
on the primary transmitter
and the socket labelled on the secondary
transmitter. (Cable specification: Shielded
with three way 3.5mm jack plugs at both
ends).
continued
Figure 2.19: Connecting the audio/video/serial
outputs of one transmitter to the inputs of the next
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Chapter 2: Installation
23
3. If serial connections are required, attach a serial cable between the socket labelled
OUT on the primary transmitter and the socket labelled IN on the secondary transmitter.
(Cable specification: Shielded with 9 way D-type connectors - male at one end, female at the
other. All lines connected i.e. Pin 1 to Pin 1, Pin 2 to Pin 2 etc.).
4. Repeat such cascade links until the required number of transmitters (up to a maximum of four)
are present. Connect the remaining signal and power cables to the added transmitters (and
their respective receivers) as discussed earlier within this chapter.
Video Image Adjustments
As link cable lengths increase, color separation effects may become noticeable within displayed
video images, particularly at higher resolutions. These effects are called ‘skew’ and result from
differing delays on the red, green and blue color signals as they travel to the receivers. Each
Emerge EMS2110R receiver provides two extra adjustment dials to counter skew effects. For
further information, please refer to the section
Skew Compensation Adjustments within Chapter 3.
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Switch Settings (Emerge EMS2400T Transmitter Only)
The Emerge EMS2400T transmitter module is equipped with 10way mini switches to allow quick configuration of various items. For
normal operation in the majority of cases, all switches should be OFF.
Switch 1 is used when upgrading the internal firmware and switches
2 to 10 are all related to various aspects of serial communications.
Note: All switch settings must be selected before power is applied.
1
2
3
ON
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Operation mode (SW1 - select before powering on)
SW1 OFF Normal operation
SW1 ON Upgrade mode
Serial communications data byte length (SW2)
SW2 OFF 8-bits per character
SW2 ON 7-bits per character
Serial communications stop bits (SW3)
SW3 OFF 1 stop bit
SW3 ON 2 stop bits
Serial communications parity checking (SW4 & SW5)
None Odd Even
SW4 OFF ON ON
SW5 OFF OFF ON
Serial communications baud rate (SW6, SW7 & SW8)
19200 9600 2400 1200
SW6 OFF ON OFF ON
SW7 OFF OFF ON ON
SW8 OFF OFF OFF OFF
Serial communications hardware handshaking (SW9)
SW9 OFF Software handshaking only
SW9 ON Hardware handshaking enabled (RTS/CTS)
Compatibility mode (SW10 - select before powering on)
SW10 OFF EMS2000 series mode (RS232 enabled)
SW10 ON EMS1000 series mode (RS232 disabled)
IMPORTANT
It is essential that the source PC, all EMS2400T modules and all connected displays are configured
to use the same serial communication settings. The EMS2100T, EMS2100R & EMS2110R modules
all auto-sense the serial configuration and do not need to be set.
When switches SW2 to SW10 are all OFF, the module is set to expect the following serial port
configuration: 19200 baud, 8-bit data byte, 1 stop bit, no parity checking, software handshake.
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25
CH AP TE R
In operation, the Emerge EMS units are designed to be completely transparent - high quality
video and audio signals from the source PC system are distributed to the various display units and
control signals are similarly routed back to the system.
Indicators
All Emerge EMS units are equipped with two indicators to confirm operation and, if necessary,
assist with quick troubleshooting of potential problems.
The indicators are located on one of the end panels, near to the LINK port and operate as follows:
•
GREEN When lit, indicates the presence of a video input into the unit.
•
RED Indicates the following states:
• Slow flash (once every second) EMS2400T only - module is in upgrade mode
• Continually lit - module is operating normally with its serial ports enabled.
3
Figure 3.1: Location of the red and green operation indicators
Operations
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
2
Transmitter
<AV PORT 23B>
<AV PORT 14A>
1
2
4
A
B
Primary
Transmitter
1
1
2
3
A
B
14A
14B
23A
23B
4
3
Transmitter
Receiver
Receiver
Serial port switching
The Emerge EMS2400T module uses a sophisticated switching system to extend the ordinarily
point-to-point nature of serial communications across a network of connected display units. The
system allows you to communicate with any display individually or to broadcast commands across
the network as a whole. When switching to a single display, it is then possible to receive responses
back from that display. When ‘broadcasting’ to all, it is only possible to send commands in a unidirectional manner (such as ‘on’ and ‘off’).
A simple system of ASCII commands is used to effect the switching. You can issue such
commands directly via an ASCII console or use a utility such as the Display Manager to provide
an intuitive graphical interface. Once a switching command is issued, the network will remain
fixed at that setting until a new switching command is sent, therefore there is no need to precede
every RS232 command with a header sequence.
Port switching commands
The ASCII port switching command structure is as follows:
<AV PORT >
ascade
[1 to 4]
ort
[1 to 4]
isplay
[A, B or X]
Note: The command must use capital letters
and there must be a space between ‘AV’ and
‘PORT’, and also between ‘PORT’ and the
cascade number.
The primary transmitter is
automatically numbered as Cascade
1, with successive cascaded
transmitters taking numbers 2 to 4.
The Port number is determined by
the link cable port on the transmitter
to which a given receiver is
connected. The Display character is
determined by which of the Y-cable
connectors is used (X opens a oneway link to both displays). If no
Y-cable is used, a single display will
be A.
To connect with all displays, issue the
following command:
<AV PORT ALL>
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Chapter 3: Operations
27
Module switching commands
In addition to affecting individual ports, it is also possible to collectively enable and disable all
of the CATx outputs from a particular transmitter (at power on, all CATx outputs are enabled by
default). Disabling the outputs of one transmitter will not affect the operation of other transmitters
that are cascaded through the disabled module.
To disable all CATx outputs on a transmitter:
<AV DISABLE n> where n is the transmitter number (1, 2, 3 or 4)
To enable all CATx outputs on a transmitter:
<AV ENABLE n> where n is the transmitter number (1, 2, 3 or 4)
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Adjustments
Video signals are susceptible to the effects of long distance cables and for this reason, every
Emerge EMS receiver includes brightness and sharpness adjustment dials. Additionally, the
Emerge EMS2110R receivers are also equipped with two extra dials to eliminate the effects of
color skew within the video image.
Brightness and Sharpness Adjustments
The brightness and sharpness adjustments provided on
every Emerge EMS receiver allow you to compensate for
any losses incurred within long cable links. These two
adjustments can be made in any order and independently
of each other.
When making adjustments it is necessary to have access
to the Emerge EMS receiver and to be able to view one
or both connected display screens. Both adjustments,
sharpness in particular, are made easier when viewing
high contrast images with vertical edges, such as black
lines on a white background.
Note: Both video outputs are equally affected by your brightness and/or sharpness adjustments.
To Display a Suitable High Contrast Image
• Open a word processor, type the capital letter ‘H’, or
‘M’ and increase the point size to 72 or higher. For
best results, the background should be white and the
character should be black.
• A BLACK shadow on the right of the character
indicates UNDER compensation.
• A WHITE shadow on the right of the character
indicates OVER compensation.
High contrast
black
character
on white
background
Black or bright white
shadow on the right
indicates the need for
sharpness adjustment
To Adjust Brightness and/or Sharpness
1. Carefully insert a small screwdriver into the dial labeled
BRIGHT or SHARP, as appropriate.
2. Slowly turn the dial clockwise or counterclockwise and observe the effect shown on the
screen. Withdraw the screwdriver when the displayed image is shown at its optimum clarity.
3. If necessary, repeat step 2 for the other dial.
Note: If the sharpness control is set too high, the monitor may not be able to display a picture. If
this occurs, reduce the sharpness setting.
Figure 3.2: Location of the brightness
and sharpness adjustment dials
Figure 3.3: Using a high contrast image to assist with
sharpness adjustments
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Chapter 3: Operations
29
Skew Compensation Adjustments (Emerge EMS2110R Receivers Only)
The twisted pair cabling used to link the Emerge EMS units
consists of four pairs of wires per cable. Three of these pairs
are used to convey the red, green and blue video signals.
Due to slight differences in twist rate between the wire
pairs, the red, green and blue video signals may not arrive
at precisely the same time. This effect is visible as separate
color shadows on high contrast images and is particularly
apparent when using higher screen resolutions over long
distances and also when using certain types of category 5e
cables.
Skew compensation adjustments are made using two rotary
dials, the first affects the relationship between the green and
blue color signals (SKEW GB) while the second (SKEW RG)
operates similarly on the red and green signals. Each dial
delays one of its stated colors in relation to the other. By using both dials it is possible to correctly
align all three colors. The effects of skew are easiest to view and adjust when distinct red, green
and blue elements, in close proximity, are present within the screen image. An appropriate test
pattern is supplied on the Emerge EMS CD-ROM (
To Display the Supplied Skew Test Pattern) or
alternatively you can create your own test pattern as discussed below.
Note: Both video outputs are equally affected by your skew adjustments.
To Create a Skew Test Pattern
1. Run any image creation/editing application, such as the
Paint program supplied with Windows.
2. Using the image application create three stacked
horizontal rectangles (one red, one green and one blue)
that fill the width of the screen.
3. Draw a vertical black line down across the colored bars
and then repeat this vertical line at intervals along the
width of the colored bars. These lines create breaks across
the colors and give you more opportunities to view the
horizontal position of each color relative to the others.
Figure 3.4: Location of the skew
compensation adjustment dials
Figure 3.5: Creating a suitable skew
test pattern within a paint package
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
To Display the Supplied Skew Test Pattern
1. Insert the supplied Avocent CD-ROM into the CD player
of the computer.
2. Within Windows, use the My Computer option (usually
available as a desktop icon or within the Start menu) to
view the contents of the CD-ROM. Double-click the Skew
entry to display the standard test pattern. If necessary,
maximize the application window so that the image fills
the screen.
The screen will show a series of fine red, green and
blue crosses which should all be in line, vertically and
horizontally- skew affects the horizontal placement of the
colors.
To Zero the Skew Adjustment Dials
When supplied, the two skew dials are set in their neutral positions.
i.e. no delay to either of its colors. However, if the unit has been
previously used and adjusted then you may need to relocate the zero
point. There are no setting markers around the two skew dials and the
dial itself does not have a pointer.
1. Insert a small screwdriver into the skew dial and twist it all the
way counterclockwise. Note the position of the dial when it
reaches its end point.
2. Rotate the screwdriver fully clockwise and again note the
endpoint position of the dial.
3. Now rotate the screw driver counterclockwise until the dial
reaches the position that lies midway between the two end points.
This is the neutral position.
4. Repeat this procedure for the other skew dial, if necessary.
Figure 3.6: The supplied skew
test pattern showing green slightly
retarded relative to the red and blue
0
(no compensation)
Max Max
Figure 3.7: A skew
compensation dial showing
its middle neutral position
and its two maximum
positions
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Chapter 3: Operations
31
To Adjust Skew
Your chances of achieving a successful skew adjustment will be improved if you do the following:
• Ensure that you have a clear view of one or both display screens,
• Display a suitable RGB test pattern, either the
supplied pattern or a self-created version,
• Use a screwdriver of an appropriate size to adjust the dials,
• Begin with both skew dials in their neutral positions - if the unit has been previously used and
skew adjusted for an alternative installation, zero the dials as described in the section
To Zero
the Skew Adjustment Dials.
1. Turn the
SKEW RG dial clockwise or counterclockwise until you observe that the red and
green colors are aligned.
2. Turn the
SKEW GB dial clockwise or counterclockwise until you observe that the green and
blue colors are aligned.
3. Your actions in step 2. may alter the Red/Green alignment. If so, go back to the
SKEW RG dial
and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise until you observe that the Red and Green colors are
aligned, at which point all of the colors will be aligned.
0
(no compensation)
Skew RG Skew GB
0
(no compensation)
Delay
RED
Delay
GREEN
Delay
GREEN
Delay
BLUE
Figure 3.8: The two skew compensation dials showing how they affect
each of the colors. When delay is applied to a color, it moves further
to the right of the screen.
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Y-cable pinout
Used to split serial communications between two displays. For use only on Emerge EMS2100R or
EMS2110R receivers when linked to a EMS2400T transmitter.
3
3
7
7
7
2
6
2
2
5
5
5
8
9
8
8
3
4
RX
RX
RTS
RTS
RTS
TX
DSR
TX
TX
GND
GND
GND
CTS
RI
CTS
CTS
RX
DTR
9way D-type
female
‘A’ connector
9way D-type
male
‘B’ connector
9way D-type
male
A
B
Figure 3.9: A pin-out diagram of the connections required within a serial Y-cable
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Chapter 3: Operations
33
Guidelines for connecting serial equipment
• A ‘straight through’ 9M-9F serial cable with all wires connected should be used to connect the
transmitter unit to the source PC (i.e. 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc.)
• The 9-way male connector on the receiver has the same pinning as a serial port on a computer
so any cable that may be used between a computer and a device can be used between a
receiver and the device.
• The equipment works by rapidly sampling the RS232 signals and transferring the signal states
between the receiver and the transmitter and vice versa.
• The transmitter and receiver combination can be thought of as being equivalent to a 9M-9F
serial cable with all wires connected straight through (1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc.)
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
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35
APP ENDI CES
Appendix A: Technical Support
Our Technical Support staff are ready to assist you with any installation or operating issues you
encounter with your Avocent product. If an issue should develop, follow the steps below for the
fastest possible service.
To resolve an issue:
1. Check the pertinent section of the manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following the
procedures outlined.
2. Check our web site at www.avocent.com/support to search the knowledge base or use the
online service request.
3. Call the Avocent Technical Support location nearest you.
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
Appendix B: Troubleshooting
No video image is received at the receiver unit.
• Check that the both the red power indicators are lit on both the transmitter and receiver units
- if they are not, then there is a power problem. Both units require power from their supplied
power adaptors.
• Check that the green video input indicators are lit on both the transmitter and receiver units
- if one or both are not lit, then a valid video input signal is not present at the input to that unit.
• Check the link cable(s) that connect the transmitter and receiver unit(s) for soundness.
• If possible, try using an alternative twisted pair link connection between the units.
• If the sharpness control is set too high, the monitor may not be able to display a picture. Try
reducing the sharpness setting. Please refer to the
Adjustments section in the ‘Operations’
chapter.
• If not already fitted, connect a monitor to the
RGBHV OUT port of the transmitter unit and
check for a correct video image output.
Video image at the receiver unit is distorted or shadows appear to the right of
displayed objects.
Adjustments are required to compensate for the length of the twisted pair cable being used. If
video problems persist:
• Please refer to the ‘Brightness and Sharpness Adjustments’ section in the ‘Operations’ chapter.
• If the overall video image is ‘fuzzy’ and/or has colored shadows you may need to make skew
adjustments (EMS2110R receivers only). This procedure allows you to finely tune the red,
green and blue video signal timings to overcome most color separation problems. Please refer
to the ‘Skew Compensation Adjustments’ section in the ‘Operations’ chapter.
Serial communications are not functioning
• Check that SW10 on the EMS2400T is set to OFF.
Power is applied via the power supply but the unit operation has stopped.
• Each unit has an internal automatic cut-out fuse to protect against power surges. To reset,
remove power from the unit for one second and then reconnect.
No sound can be heard on the speakers connected to the receiver
unit
• If not already fitted, connect speakers to the
port of the transmitter unit and check for a
correct audio output.
• Check that the both the red power indicators are lit on both the transmitter and receiver units
- if they are not, then there is a power problem. Both units require power from their supplied
power adaptors.
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I N D E X
A
Adjustments
brightness
28
sharpness
28
skew compensation
29
Approval statements
ii
Audio input
9
B
Brightness
adjustment
28
BRIGHT dial
28
C
Cable lengths
link cables
12, 16, 19
video cables
7
Cascading
connection examples
20
limitations
19
transmitters - how to
21
Configuration possibilities
2
Connections
receiver - link in
16
receiver - power in
17
receiver - serial out
18
receiver - video/audio out
15
transmitter - cascade
21
transmitter - link out
12
transmitter - power in
14
transmitter - serial in
11
transmitter - video/audio in
9
transmitter - video/audio out
10
D
DDC
support for
5
Display Data Channel
5
Displays
connection at receiver
15
G
Green indicator 25
H
High contrast image
bright & sharp adjustments
28
I
IEC connector 14
Indicators
25
L
L1 OUT port 13
Link cable
receiver
16
transmitter
12
LINK IN port
16
Locations
positioning units
7
M
Monitor
connection at transmitter
10
Mounting
8
P
Power adaptor
connection at the receiver
17
connection at transmitter
14
Primary transmitter
19
PWR port
14, 17
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Emerge EMS 2000 series Installer/User Guide
R
Rear mounting slot 8
Red indicator
25
RGBHV IN port
9, 11, 18
RGBHV OUT port
receiver
15
transmitter
10, 15
S
Safety precautions 6
Self adhesive feet
8
Serial port
link to computer
11
link to monitor(s)
18
switching
26
Sharpness
adjustment
28
SHARP dial
28
Skew compensation
adjustment
29, 31
zeroing the dials
30
Slot
rear mounting
8
Speakers
connection at receiver
15
connection at transmitter
10
Switch settings
24
T
Test pattern
creating
29
supplied
30
Transmitter cascading
21
V
Video image
adjustments
23, 28
skew compensation
29
Video input
9
Video output
receiver
15
transmitter
10
Y
Y-cable 32
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39
Page 48
For Technical Support:
www.avocent.com/support
092108-00UG
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