Extron electronics MLS 100 A User Manual

MLS 100 A • User Guide

About this Manual

This manual contains information about the Extron MLS 100 A Switcher and on how to install, set up, and operate it.

About the MLS 100 A Switcher

The Extron MLS 100 A Switcher is a compact, quarter rack width switcher. The MLS 100 A features four selectable audio inputs, and one Aux/Mix input that is always active and can be mixed with any and all of the four selectable audio inputs.

Front panel buttons, an RS-232-based control system, or an Extron MediaLink™ Controller (MLC) can be used for input selection.

Features

• Furniture, rack, and projector mountability — MLS 100 A Switcher can be mounted under a desk or other furniture, or

mounted on a projector lift with optional brackets. Alternatively, they can be rack mounted on an optional rack shelf.

• Stereo audio input and output — Unbalanced stereo audio inputs can be output as balanced or unbalanced stereo audio,

and the audio output level can be adjusted.

• Mono auxiliary/mix audio input — The Aux/Mix port on each switcher lets you mix a mono, line level audio input signal with

that of one of the four selectable stereo audio inputs.

UL/Safety Requirements

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements listed below pertain to the safe installation and operation of the switcher.

1. This unit is not to be connected to a centralized DC power source or used beyond its rated voltage range.

NOTE: The Extron P/S 100 and other Extron power supplies may be used with the MLS.

2. Do not use the switcher near water.

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

ATTENTION : Afin de réduire les risques d’incendie ou de choc électrique, protégez cet appareil de la pluie ou de

l’humidité.

3. Clean the switcher only with a dry cloth.

4. Do not install the switcher near any heat source, such as a radiator, heat register, stove, or another apparatus (including

ampliers) that produces heat.

5. Unplug the switcher during lightning storms or when it will be unused for long periods.

6. This unit must be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

Mounting the Switchers

The one rack unit high, quarter rack width switchers can be set on a table, mounted on a rack shelf, mounted under a desk or tabletop, or mounted on a projector bracket. Go to www.extron.com to see optional mounting accessories.

MLS 100 A • User Guide (Continued)

(unbalanced, stereo)

Aux/Mix Input Wiring

(balanced/unbalanced, mono)

AUX/MIX

MONO

(unbalanced, mono)

Gnd (Sle

Tip (+)

Ring (–)

Gnd (Sleeve, )

Tip (+)

(balanced/unbalanced, mono)

AUX/MIX

Audio Output Captive Screw_MLS 100.eps

Unbalanced Output

Tip

See Caution

Sleeve (s)

Tip

See Caution

Balanced Output

Tip

Ring

Sleeve (s)

Tip

Ring

OUT

MLS 100 A

Rear Panel Features and Cabling

Turn off and disconnect power from all the equipment before you connect cables to the MLS.

Audio Connections

Audio Inputs — Each of these 3-pole, 3.5 mm captive screw connectors accepts one unbalanced stereo or mono audio

AUDIO INPUTS

MLS 100 A

11223

AUX/MIX

MONO

input. Wire each captive screw connector as shown in figure 1, depending on the input type.

Connect two RCA-style (tip-ring) connectors to the other end of each audio input cable as shown in gure 2.

Left (+)

Gnd (Sleeve, )

Right (+)

Audio Input Wiring

Sleeve (Gnd)

Audio Input Wiring

Left (+)

eve, )

Figure 1. Captive Screw Connector Figure 2. RCA-style Connectors

Aux/Mix Mono audio input —The Aux/Mix Mono audio channel is always active: its signal

is output no matter which, if any, other audio input (input 1, 2, 3, or 4) is selected. For example, you could connect the output of a wireless microphone receiver to this port so the presenter comments can always be heard and are independent of the A/V source used for the presentation.

The mix output level can be adjusted between ‑43dB and +24dB.

NOTE: The Aux/Mix level must be adjusted physically via the front panel control. It cannot be

adjusted via software.

Connect a 3.5 mm, 3-pole captive screw connector to one end of an audio cable as shown at right.

Audio output (Preamp) — Connect self-powered speakers or another stereo audio device to

the MLS via this 5-pole, 3.5 mm captive screw connector. Depending on how the connector is wired, the audio output can be balanced or unbalanced stereo audio. Wire the connector as shown in figure 3.

PREAMP

MLC/RS-232

POWER

12V .5A MAX

MONO

Tip (+)

Gnd (Sleeve, )

Ring (–)

Aux/Mix Input Wiring

Figure 3. Figure 3. Wiring the Connector

ATTENTION: For unbalanced audio, connect the sleeves to the ground contact. DO NOT connect the sleeves to the

negative (–) contacts.

ATTENTION : Pour l’audio asymétrique, connectez les manchons au contact au sol. Ne PAS connecter les manchons

aux contacts négatifs (–).

After all the equipment has been cabled and powered on, use the MediaLink Control Program or an RS-232 controller to set the per-input gain/attenuation to match the correct audio output level for the kind of output (balanced or unbalanced) you need. See Setting Up Optimal Audio Gain on page3 and Switcher (MLS) Conﬁg on page13 for details on determining and setting the gain/attenuation to produce the desired output levels.

NOTES:

• If you wire an audio output for balanced output, the MLS outputs a unity signal (input level = output level). Wiring an

audio output for unbalanced output causes the audio signal to be attenuated by 6dB.

• Overall volume control ranges from 0% (90 dB attenuation) to 100% (0dB attenuation). Adjustment increments are

1dB for steps from 1% to 40% volume. Adjustments are in 0.5 dB increments from 41% to 100% of full volume.

Control and Power Connections

Output Cord

Captive Screw

Connector

Power Wiring.eps

Ty pical audio lvls_tbl_062304.eps

-20 dBV

MLC/RS-232 Power port — An Extron MediaLink Controller (MLC 206), a computer, or an RS-232 controller provides

remote control of input switching and volume, and also provides a way to set the switcher audio input levels. To control and/or set up the MLS, connect a cable between this 5-pole, 3.5 mm captive screw connector and an optional MLC206, computer, or a RS-232 controller. Also connect an external 12 VDC power supply here to provide power to the MLS and to the optional MLC.

Extron Comm-Link cable is recommended for this connection. If using Comm-Link cable, the switcher and controller can be up to 250 feet (76.2 m) apart. Wire the captive screw connector for connection to an MLC 206 or control system as shown below.

• For a stand-alone MLS switcher, connect a cable from the host computer or a control

system to this connector to set up and remotely control the switcher, connect a 12 VDC power supply, and tie all the drain wires to the same ground.

• For an MLS switcher slaved to an MLC controller, connect a cable from the

MLC/MLS/Power port and from a 12VDC power supply, and tie all the drain wires to the same ground.

Once the system has been cabled and set up via the control software and the front panel Aux/Mix adjustment, the MLC or a host computer communicating through the MLC can be used to remotely control the switcher. See the MediaLink Control Program help le for details on conguring an MLC-MLS system.

NOTES:

• An Extron IR Link infrared repeater cannot be used with the MLS 100 A Switchers. There is no connection for that

device control signals.

• The MLC to which the MLS 100 A switcher is connected must have MLC

firmware version 1.04 or higher. The control/setup software must be version 2.0 or higher. Use one of the following methods to find out the version levels of the MLC firmware and the control software.

• Connect the MLC RS-232 port to a computer or RS-232 controller, and send an

SIS command of Q to the MLC. The MLC responds with its firmware version.

• Connect the MLC RS-232 port to a computer, start the MediaLink control software,

and click on Help to display the software version, the MLC firmware version, and the MLS firmware version as shown in the example on the right.

Power Supply

SECTION A–A

If your MLS rmware is an earlier version, contact Extron to obtain updated rmware.

Setting Up Optimal Audio Gain

Audio input levels and desired output levels vary depending on the types of equipment involved. Before setting the MLS per-input gain or attenuation, determine the levels of the input and output equipment. Use the table below as a general guide.

Typical Audio Levels

for Various Equipment Types

Professional line level audio equipment

Consumer audio equipment (VCRs, DVDs,

laptop computers, portable audio devices)

Front Panel Features and Operation

All the MLS 100 A switchers share the same front panel design, shown on the right.

Input selection buttons and indicator LEDs — Press one of these buttons

to select the desired audio and video input. The corresponding LED lights and

MLS 100 Series

INPUT SELECT

2 3 4

remains lit while an audio-video input is selected. During audio breakaway (selectable only via RS-232 control, described in chapter 4), audio is switched

MediaLink Switcher

separately from video; the selected video input LED lights steadily, and the audio input LED blinks.

The MLS 100 A accepts only audio inputs, so pressing one of these buttons selects an audio-only input.

Input 0 can be selected via RS-232 control only by using an SIS command or by selecting Mute (shown on

the right) from the User Mode section of the control program (if the MLS is used without an MLC). Selecting input 0 mutes the audio from inputs 1 through 4.

For all models the Aux/Mix audio input is always enabled and cannot be turned on or off from the front panel. The Aux/Mix audio does not change when you switch between the four selectable audio inputs.

The last selected input (including audio/video breakaway selec tions) will be the active input when the MLS is powered on.

NOTE: Wait at least 10 seconds between making a change (input selection or audio adjustment) and disconnecting

power from the MLS. The switcher needs several seconds to store the new settings in its memory.

Aux/Mix Level control — This potentiometer controls the auxiliary/mix audio volume. This channel audio is always output,

no matter which, if any, other audio input (0, 1, 2, 3, 4) is selected. Use a small screwdriver to turn this control while you listen to the audio output. When the control is turned to its counterclockwise limit (-43dB), the Aux/Mix signal is inaudible. You hear the maximum Aux/Mix volume when the control is turned to the clockwise limit (+24dB).

NOTES:

• Once this level is set, the Aux/Mix level remains the same no matter which input (1 through 4) is selected, and the Aux/

Mix audio can be heard at that level even if the selectable audio inputs are muted or if audio input 0 is selected via RS‑ 232 control.

• The gain and attenuation for audio inputs 1 through 4 is adjustable only via RS‑232 control (using SIS commands or the

MediaLink Control/Configuration Software.) The gain and attenuation for the Aux/Mix input is adjustable only via the Aux/Mix Level control.

• Wait at least 10 seconds between making a change (input selection or audio adjustment) and disconnecting power from

the MLS. The switcher needs several seconds to store/save the new settings in its memory.

AUX/MIX

LEVEL

Executive Mode — Enabling and Disabling Front Panel Buttons

1. To disable front panel input selection (turn executive mode on), simultaneously press input selection buttons 1 and 4 and hold

them down for three seconds. All LEDs light for about one second.

2. While executive mode is on, input selection can be performed via RS‑232 control or from an optional MediaLink Controller.

3. To enable front panel input selection (turn executive mode off), repeat step 1 (pressing and holding buttons 1 and 4).

MLS 100 A • User Guide (Continued)

Control-power

pinout_MLS100.eps

MLC

Transmit (Tx)

(Rx)

Troubleshooting

1. Connect the cables between the MLS and the A/V input devices. Connect the provided power supply and a host computer,

third party control system, or MediaLink Controller to the MLS MLC/RS-232 Power port. Connect the MLS to the display device (projector) and audio output device (tape deck, speakers).

2. Connect the control device (computer, control system, or MLC 206), the A/V source devices, projector and audio output

device to a power source and turn them on.

3. Start the MediaLink Control Program and set up the MLS (and the MLC, if one is used).

NOTE: To set up the MLS 100 A switcher you must use MediaLink Control Software version 2.0 or higher. If the software

version is below 2.0, download a new version of the software from the Extron Web site, www.extron.com.

4. Press an input button on the MLS, watch the MLS LEDs, observe the display, and listen to the audio.

a. If the input selection LED does not light when a button is pressed, the MLS might not be receiving power. Check the

wiring at the MLS MLC/RS-232 Power port.

• If the conductor assignments are not correct, the circuits may be damaged if power is applied to the wrong pole.

• If the wiring is correct, ensure that the power supply has been plugged in to a functional power source.

b. If power is present at the MLS and at the input and output devices, but nothing happens (an A/V switch is not

detected) when a button is pressed:

• If a MediaLink Controller is part of the system, the MLC rmware may be too old. If it is older than version 1.04,

contact Extron for a rmware upgrade.

NOTE: The MLC to which the MLS 100 A switcher is connected must have MLC firmware version 1.04 or higher.

Use one of the following methods to find out the version levels of the MLC firmware and the control software:

• Connect the MLC RS-232 port to a computer or RS-232 controller, and send an SIS command of Q to the MLC.

The MLC responds with its firmware version.

• Connect the MLC RS-232 port to a computer, start the MediaLink control software, and click on Help to display

the software version, the MLC firmware version, and the MLS firmware version.

• The audio settings may be too low. Adjust the Aux/Mix level by turning the Aux/Mix Level adjustment on the front

panel. Adjust each selectable input level by using SIS commands, a control system, or the Switcher (MLS) Cong. part of the MediaLink Control/Conguration Software.

• The input or output connectors may not be rmly attached to the MLS, or they may be miswired.

c. If power is present, but sound from inputs 1 through 4 is not audible, and if changing the audio volume and gain/

attenuation settings does not resolve the problem, make sure that neither audio input 0 nor audio mute is selected. Use

5. Call the Extron S

the SIS information (I) command or the MediaLink Control/Conguration Program to determine the audio settings.

Sales and Technical Support Hotline if the equipment still does not respond when the MLS buttons are

pressed.

Serial Communication

The MediaLink switcher can be remotely set up and controlled via a host computer or other device (such as a control system) attached to the rear panel MLC/RS-232 Power port. Alternatively, the switcher can be controlled by an optional MediaLink Controller (MLC) (connected to the MLS MLC/RS-232 Power port), or by an RS-232 device acting through the MLC. The control device (host) can use either the Extron Simple Instruction Set (SIS™) commands or the graphical control/conguration program for Windows®. For details on use and setup of a system that includes a MediaLink Controller, see the MediaLink Controllers User Manual.

The switcher protocol is:

• 9600 baud • 1 stop bit

• no parity • no ow control

The MLC/RS-232 Power 3.5 mm, 5-pole captive screw connector pin assignments are shown on the right.

/RS-232

POWER

MLS 100 Series Switcher MLC/RS-232 Power Port

Ground ( )

Receive

+12 VDC

RS-232 Programmer Guide

Host-to-MLS Communications

SIS commands consist of one or more characters per eld. No special characters are required to begin or end a command sequence. When the MLS determines that a command is valid, it executes the command and sends a response to the host

device. All responses from the switcher to the host end with a carriage return and a line feed (CR/LF = of the response character string. A string is one or more characters.

MLS-initiated Messages

When a local event such as a front panel selection or adjustment takes place, the MLS responds by sending a message to the host. No response is required from the host. The MLS-initiated messages are listed here (underlined).

Chn X!] (where X! is the input number) The MLS sends this response when an input is switched.

rmware version number.

Error Responses

When the MLS receives a valid SIS command, it executes the command and sends a response to the host device. If the MLS is unable to execute the command because the command is invalid or it contains invalid parameters, it returns an error response to the host. Error response codes and their descriptions are as follows:

E01 – Invalid input channel number (the number is too large)

E10 – Invalid command

E13 – Invalid value (the number is out of range/too large)

E14 – Invalid for this conguration

]), which signals the end

Using the Command and Response Tables

The command/response tables on the next page list valid command ASCII codes, the MLS responses to the host, and a description of the command function or the results of executing the command. Unless otherwise indicated (as for the gain commands), upper and lower case characters may be used interchangeably in the command eld.

ASCII to HEX Conversion Table

•

The ASCII to HEX conversion table on the left is for use with the command and response tables.

MLS 100 A • User Guide (Continued)

System Deﬁnitions

•

]

}

E,W

Space

Carriage return with line feed

Carriage return with no line feed

Escape key, or hex 1B (use W instead of E for web browsers, or at any time)

14, 24, 28

Superscripts indicate the error message displayed if the command is entered incorrectly or with invalid parameters.

Speciﬁc input number (0 – 4 maximum) 0 = no connection 3 = input 3 & Aux/Mix 1 = input 1 & Aux/Mix 4 = input 4 (audio only) and Aux/Mix 2 = input 2 & Aux/Mix

Audio gain (per input)

0 to 24; 0dB through +24dB in 1dB steps

Audio attenuation (per input)

0 to 18; 0dB through ‑18dB in 1dB steps

Input to be adjusted (1 – 4) 1 = input 1 3 = input 3 2 = input 2 4 = input 4

Audio gain/attenuation value (‑18 through +24)

Volume adjustment range: 0% (90 dB attenuation) to 100% (0dB attenuation). Adjustment increments are 1 dB for steps from 1% to 40% volume. Adjustments are in 0.5 dB increments from 41% to 100% volume.

On/off status 0 = off/disable 1 = on/enable

Switcher ﬁrmware version (listed to two decimal places e.g.: x.xx)

Command and Response Table for SIS Commands

Command ASCII command

(host to device)

Input Selection

Select an input (audio and video).

Example:

Select an audio input.

Select a video input.

X!! Chn X!] Select input X! (audio and video).

4! Chn4] Example: select input 4

X!$ Aud X!] Select input X! audio only.

X!& Vid X!] Select input X! video only.

Audio Input Gain and Attenuation (per input)

Set a speciﬁc input audio gain.

Example: 3*9G

Set a speciﬁc input audio attenuation.

Increment a speciﬁc input gain.

Decrement a speciﬁc input gain.

View a speciﬁc input audio gain level.

Set current input audio gain.

Set current input audio attenuation.

Increment current input gain.

Decrement current input gain.

View current input audio gain level.

X$*X@ G In X$ Aud= X%]

X$*X#g In X$ Aud= X%]

X$*+G In X$ Aud= X%]

X$*‑G In X$ Aud= X%]

X$*G In X$ Aud= X%]

X@G In X$ Aud= X%]

X@g In X$ Aud= X%]

‑G

Response (device to host)

In X$ Aud=+09]

n X$ Aud= X%]

In X$ Aud= X%]

Additional description

Set a single input gain (in dB).

Set input 3 gain to +9dB.

Set an input attenuation (in dB).

Increase an input gain by 1dB.

Decrease an input gain by 1dB.

Show an input audio level.

Set the current input gain (in dB).

Set attenuation (in dB).

Increase the gain by 1dB.

Decrease the gain by 1dB.

Show the audio level.

KEYS:

= Specific input number (0 – 4 maximum): 0 = no connection 3 = input 3 & Aux/Mix

= Audio gain (per input) 0 to 24; 0 dB through +24 dB in 1 dB steps

= Audio attenuation (per

input)

= Input to be adjusted (1 – 4) Input to be adjusted (1 – 4)

= Audio gain/attenuation

value

Audio Mute (overall)

Mute on. 1Z

Mute off. 0Z

View the audio mute status.

1 = input 1 & Aux/Mix 4 = input 4 (audio only) & Aux/Mix 2 = input 2 & Aux/Mix

0 to 18; 0dB through ‑18 dB in 1 dB steps)

1 = input 1 3 = input 3 2 = input 2 4 = input 4

Audio gain/attenuation value (‑18 through +24).

]

Amt1

]

Amt0

]

Mute all audio outputs.

Unmute all audio outputs.

Show the status of audio mute.

MLS 100 A • User Guide (Continued)

Vid • Aud • Vol

is selected/active

selected/active.

olume

Command ASCII command

(host to device)

Volume Adjustment (overall)

Set the overall output volume.

Example: 13V

Increment the volume. +V

Decrement the volume. ‑V

View the volume level. V

X%V VolX%]

Executive Mode

Turn executive mode off. 0X

Turn executive mode on. 1X

View the executive mode status.

Example: X

Response (device to host)

Vol013]

VolX%]

Exe0]

Exe1]

ExeX&]

Exe0]

Additional description

Specify the volume for the audio output.

Set volume to 13.

Increase audio output.

Decrease audio output.

Show the output volume

Enable front panel operation. Adjustments and selections can be made from the front panel.

Lock front panel adjustments and switching; make changes by RS‑232 only. Only Aux/Mix volume adjustment is available via front panel.

Show executive mode status.

Firmware Version, Part Number, and Information Requests

Query ﬁrmware version number.

Request the part number. N

Request general info. I (see below) Show the MLS status.

KEYS:

Audio gain/attenuation value ‑18 through +24

Volume adjustment range: 0% (90 dB attenuation) to 100% (0 dB attenuation).

On/off status 0 = off/disable 1 = on/enable

Switcher firmware version Listed to two decimal places e.g.: x.xx

Adjustment increments are 1 dB for steps from 1% to 40% volume. Adjustments are in 0.5 dB increments from 41% to 100% volume.

VerX*]

N60-497-0X]

Video input # X1

X1 X1 X6

Audio input

# X1 is

Show the switcher ﬁrmware version.

Show the MLS part number.

Audio v level is .

Zap (reset to default settings)

Zap all MLS settings and memories.

zXXX

ZapXXX]

Reset everything (all settings and adjustments) to the factory default.

Command and Response Table for Special Function SIS Commands

The syntax for setting a special function is __* X? # where __ is the function number and X? is the value. To view a function setting, use __#, where __ is the function number. In this table the values of the X? variable are different for each command/function. These

values are given in the right most column.

Command ASCII command

(host to device)

Input Selection

Set the RGB delay.

Example: 3*7#

KEYS:

On/off status 0 = off/disable 1 = on/enable

3 *X? # RGBDly* X?]

Response (device to host)

RGBDly*X&]

Additional Description

0 = 0.0 seconds (default), 1 = 0.5 seconds, 2 = 1.0 seconds, ... in ½ second steps up to 10 = 5.0 seconds.

Example: 3.5 second RGB delay.

Control and Conﬁguration Software for Windows

The included Extron MediaLink Control/Conguration Program for Windows offers another way to control the switcher via RS-232 connection in addition to the Simple Instruction Set commands. The control program graphical interface includes input selection functions and some additional features that are available only through the software.

NOTE: To set up the MLS 100 A switcher you must use MediaLink Control/Configuration Software version 2.0 or higher.

The control software is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 7. Extron MediaLink Control Program is included with the MLS, and updates can be downloaded from the Extron Website.

Installing the Software

To install the software on the hard drive:

1. On the MLS 100 A product page, click the Downloads button.

2. Open and read the Release Notes for important information.

3. Click the MediaLink Switchers (MLS) and PoleVault Switchers (PVS) link.

The Download Center page opens.

4. At the bottom of the page, click Run (see ﬁgure4,

Figure 4. MLSConﬁgUtilityv1x2x1.exe Dialog Box

5. Follow the prompts in the dialog box.

By default the installation creates a C:Program Files (x86)\Extron\MLS directory.

)

Using the Control and Conﬁguration Program

The MediaLink Help Program provides information on settings and on how to use the control program itself. Some features are available only via this control program. These features are described in the sections of this chapter that correspond to the parts of the control program where the features are found.

1. To run the control program, double-click on the MediaLnk Control Pgm icon in the Extron Electronics group or folder. The

Comm Port Selection menu appears on the screen.

2. Click on the comm port that is connected to the MLS RS-232 port. The Extron MediaLink Control/Conguration Program

windows appear. The port and rmware information are displayed at the bottom of the screen. There are two views available: the User Mode screen, and the Switcher (MLS) Cong screen.

MLS 100 A • User Guide (Continued)

User Mode

For stand-alone MLS 100 A Switchers

If an MLS 100 A switcher is used without a MediaLink Controller, the User Mode screen, shown below, emulates the MLS front panel input selection buttons and also provides a means of volume control.

Figure 5. MLS 100 A, User Mode Screen

Special features

• Audio/video breakaway switching — To switch the audio signal separately from the video signal, check the Audio

checkbox (at the right side of the I/O Switching area) and uncheck the Video checkbox, then select an input. The MLS switches to that input audio and leaves the previously selected video source active. Audio breakaway is shown above: the video is from input 1 and the audio is from input 2. (The corresponding SIS command is 1&2$.)

To switch the video signal without changing the audio source, check the Video check box and uncheck the Audio checkbox (see the image on the right).

Selecting Mute selects input 0 (no input).

• Volume Mute — Check this box (shown at right) in the lower left corner of the software window to activate

the audio mute (Amt) command. See Audio Mute (overall) (see page9) for the corresponding SIS command.

• Disable Switcher Front Panel Menus — This feature (near the bottom of the screen) toggles the executive

mode on or off to prevent or enable making changes (input selections) via the MLS front panel.

For MLS 100 A switchers controlled by an MLC

If the MLS 100 A switcher is connected to and controlled by an MLC, the User Mode screen will look something like this:

Figure 6. MLS 100 A Connected and Controlled by an MLC

In this case, you must set the volume control in the Controller (MLC) Cong section to “Switcher,” as shown at right.

NOTE: Wait at least 10 seconds between making a change (input selection or audio adjustment)

and disconnecting power from the MLS. The switcher needs several seconds to store/save the new settings in its memory.

Switcher (MLS) Conﬁg

The Switcher (MLS) Cong screen, shown below, allows you to make adjustments without having to use the front panel controls.

NOTE: Wait at least 10 seconds between making a change (input selection or audio adjustment) and disconnecting power

from the MLS. The switcher needs several seconds to store the new settings in its memory.

Figure 7. MLS 100 A Switcher (MLS) Conﬁg Screen

In this part of the program you can:

• Set the per-input audio gain or attenuation.

• Set overall volume; this is the same as the User Mode volume adjustment.

• Set the RGB delay period (MLS 102 VGA model only).

• Reset the switcher to factory default settings.

Saving and Restoring Conﬁgurations

The MLS can be congured via RS-232 communication, and the conguration settings can be saved to a le for later use.

1. In the MediaLink Control/Conguration Program, select File, then select Save Conguration as...

2. Save the le as lename.MLK. An unlimited number of conguration les can be saved as long as each le has a unique le

name ending in .MLK.

3. To retrieve the conguration from within the MediaLink Control Program, select File, then select Restore Conguration

from... A set of all the switcher and audio adjustment settings is downloaded into the MLS.

MLS 100 A • User Guide (Continued)

Emulation Mode

The MediaLink Control/Conguration Program features an emulation mode so you can set up a MediaLink system before equipment is available on site. In emulation mode a MediaLink Controller is always included in the system. You select which MLS switcher and which control modules will be connected to the MLC. For a stand-alone MLS (without an MLC), connect the MLS directly to the host computer for setup rather than using emulation mode.

You can save the emulated settings to a conguration le, then load that conguration le to the switcher (or switcher and MLC) when equipment is available.

1. Start the control program by double-clicking on the MediaLnk Control Pgm icon in the Extron group

or folder.

The Comm Port Selection screen (see image at right) appears.

2. Click the Emulate radio button, then click OK.

The Initialize Emulated MediaLink Conguration from... dialog box opens.

3. Because you will be creating a brand new conguration, click Cancel instead of selecting a driver le.

The Save Emulated MediaLink Conguration as... dialog box opens.

4. Enter a lename of your choice for storing the conguration settings, then click Save.

The Emulation Conguration dialog box appears.

5. Select the MediaLink equipment that will be part of the system you want to congure, then click on OK.

The Extron MediaLink Control/Conguration Program window appears.

6. Select the desired settings in each section of the program.

If you include an MLC in the system, keep in mind that IR learning cannot be performed in emulation mode. You must have an MLC connected to the host computer.

7. To save the conguration for future use, follow steps 1 and 2 on page13.

Updating Firmware

If the need arises, you can replace the MLS rmware without opening the unit or changing rmware chips. Follow the directions below.

This procedure must be performed using a PC on which the MediaLink Control Software (version 2.4 or higher) has been installed, and the PC RS-232 port must be directly cabled to the MLS MLC/RS-232 Power port.

ATTENTION: Do not attempt to upload firmware if a MediaLink Controller (MLC) or other control system is connected to the

MLS switcher. The RS-232 cable from the PC must be connected directly to the MLS.

ATTENTION : N’essayez pas de charger un firmware si un contrôleur MediaLink (MLC) ou un autre système de contrôle est

connecté au sélecteur MLS. Le câble RS-232 de l’ordinateur doit être connecté directement au SCP.

NOTE: Each time you replace existing rmware, the switcher is reset to the factory default settings.

1. Visit the Extron Website (www.extron.com) to nd the appropriate rmware le for the model of switcher you want to update.

Save the new rmware le, and write down the lename and location for later use.

2. Connect a cable between the MLC/RS-232 Power port of the MLS and the serial (RS-232) port of the PC, and power on the

MLS.

3. Start the MediaLink control/conguration program.

4. From the File drop-down menu in the upper left corner, select Update

Firmware (see the image on the right).

The MediaLink Control Software closes, and a separate utility program opens and displays a window indicating the current rmware version.

5. Click Upload. You are prompted to select the rmware le that you downloaded in step 1.

6. Click OK.

7. When the browser window opens, locate and select the rmware le, then click Open to upload the rmware into the MLS.

NOTE: The firmware update file must have a filename extension of .s19. If the file does not have that extension, it will not

work properly.

68-652-01 Rev. D

04 19

8. Follow the on-screen instructions.

NOTE: When you recycle power, power off the switcher for at least four seconds, then restore power.

9. When the rmware uploading is complete, a dialog box appears and asks you to:

• Exit the ﬁrmware update utility program if the new rmware loaded correctly (if the correct rmware version is

displayed in the program window, as shown in the example below)

• Run the utility again if the rmware did not load correctly.

10. Follow the on-screen directions to complete the process.

Using the Help Program

For information on program features, press the <F1> computer key, or click on the Help menu within the MediaLink control program, or double-click on the MediaLnk Help icon in the Extron group or folder.

For explanations of buttons or functions, click on the tabs in the help screen to reach the desired screen. Use a mouse or the <Tab> and <Enter> keys to select a button/function. A description and tips on using the program appear on screen.

Key to File Names

Filename Description

________.MLK

_______.s19

For information on safety guidelines, regulatory compliances, EMI/EMF compatibility, accessibility, and related topics, see the

Extron Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide on the Extron website.

User‑saved MLC/MLC‑MLS/MLS conﬁguration ﬁle. This includes adjustments/ settings. If the MLS is connected to an MLC 206, the ﬁle also contains whatever driver (if any) was installed in the MLC 206 at the time the ﬁle was saved. See the MLS 206 User Manual for details.

This is an Extron‑supplied ﬁrmware update ﬁle. When the ﬁrmware is replaced, the switcher is also automatically reset to factory default settings.

All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Worldwide Headquarters: Extron USA West, 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92805, 800.633.9876

Extron electronics MLS 100 A User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

About this Manual

Features

UL/Safety Requirements

Mounting the Switchers

Rear Panel Features and Cabling

Audio Connections

Control and Power Connections

Setting Up Optimal Audio Gain

Front Panel Features and Operation

Serial Communication

RS-232 Programmer Guide

Host-to-MLS Communications

MLS-initiated Messages

Error Responses

Using the Command and Response Tables

Command and Response Table for Special Function SIS Commands

Installing the Software

Updating Firmware

Using the Help Program

Key to File Names