FSR PATHFINDER User Manual

PATHFINDER

MATRIX SWITCHER SERIES

USER'S GUIDE

COVERS PATHFINDER 12X8 THROUGH 32X32 MODELS

SHOW EITHER 16x16

2R OR 3R

INSTALLATION AND OPERATOR’S MANUAL

This guide is based on software rev. 3.02

244 Bergen Boulevard, Woodland Park, NJ 07424 • Tel [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web www.fsrinc.com

43805 LIT1168 D30

2 Pathfi nder Matrix

Contact and Warranty Information

Copyright

© FSR Inc. May 6, 2010 12:50 PM
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied, reproduced or translated. It shall not otherwise be recorded, transmitted

or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written consent of FSR.

Notice

FSR provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied
warranties or merchantability and fi tness for a particular purpose. FSR may make improvements and/or changes to the product(s) and/
or the program(s) described in this publication at any time without notice.

This publication could contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information in this
publication; these changes are incorporated in new editions of this publication.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

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 may cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be responsible for correcting any interference.

Guarantee and Compensation

FSR provides a guarantee relating to perfect manufacturing as part of the legally stipulated terms of guarantee. On receipt,
the purchaser must immediately inspect all delivered goods for damage incurred during transport, as well as for material and
manufacturing faults FSR must be informed immediately in writing of any complaints.

The period of guarantee begins on the date of transfer of risks, in the case of special systems and software on the date of
commissioning, at latest 30 days after the transfer of risks. In the event of justifi ed notice of compliant, FSR can repair the fault or
provide a replacement at its own discretion within an appropriate period. If this measure proves to be impossible or unsuccessful, the
purchaser can demand a reduction in the purchase price or cancellation of the contract. All other claims, in particular those relating
to compensation for direct or indirect damage, and also damage attributed to the operation of software as well as to other services
provided by FSR, being a component of the system or independent service, will be deemed invalid provided the damage is not proven
to be attributed to the absence of properties guaranteed in writing or due to the intent or gross negligence or part of FSR.

If the purchaser or a third party carries out modifi cations or repairs on goods delivered by FSR, or if the goods are handled incorrectly,
in particular if the systems are commissioned operated incorrectly or if, after the transfer of risks, the goods are subject to infl uences
not

agreed upon in the contract, all guarantee claims of the purchaser will be rendered invalid. Not included in the guarantee coverage are
system failures which are attributed to programs or special electronic circuitry provided by the purchaser, e.g. interfaces. Normal wear
as well as normal maintenance are not subject to the guarantee provided by FSR either.

The environmental conditions as well as the servicing and maintenance regulations specifi ed in this manual must be complied with by
the customer.

Pathfi nder Matrix 3

Warranty

All video products are designed and tested to the highest quality standards and are backed by a full 3-year parts and labor warranty.
Warranties are effective upon delivery date to customer and are non-transferable. FSR warranties are only valid to the original
purchaser/owner. Warranty related repairs include parts and labor, but do not include faults resulting from user negligence, special
modifi cations, lightning strikes, abuse (drop/crush), and/or other unusual damages.

The customer shall pay shipping charges when unit is returned for repair. FSR will cover shipping charges for return shipments to
customers.

Return Material Authorization (RMA)

In the unlikely event that a product is required to return for repair, please call the following number and ask for a Sales Engineer to
receive a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA).

[phone] •

RMA Conditions are listed below:

Prior to returning any item, you must receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. a.
All RMA numbers must appear on their return-shipping label.b.
RMA numbers are valid for ten (10) days from issue date. c.
All shipping and insurance charges on all RMAs must be prepaid by the customer d.

Trademarks

Brand and product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks, registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective
holders. All brand and product names mentioned in this manual serve as comments or examples and are not to be understood as
advertising for the products or their manufactures.

Company Address

FSR Inc.

244 Bergen Blvd.
Woodland Park, NJ 07424

USA

Phone: [phone] •
Fax: [phone]•
Website: www.fsrinc.com•

4 Pathfi nder Matrix

Operators Safety Summary

The general safety information in this summary is for operating personnel.

Do Not Remove Covers or Panels

There are no user-serviceable parts within the unit. Removal of the top cover will expose dangerous voltages. To avoid personal
injury, do not remove the top cover. Do not operate the unit without the cover installed.

Power Source

This product is intended to operate from a power source that will not apply more than 230 volts rms between the supply conductors
or between both supply conductor and ground. A protective ground connection by way of grounding conductor in the power cord is
essential for safe operation.

Grounding the Product

This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electrical shock, plug the power cord into a
properly wired receptacle before connecting to the product input or output terminals. A protective-ground connection by way of
the grounding conductor in the power cord is essential for safe operation.

Use the Proper Power Cord

Use only the power cord and connector specifi ed for your product. Use only a power cord that is in good condition. Refer cord and
connector changes to qualifi ed service personnel.

Use the Proper Fuse

To avoid fi re hazard, use only the fuse having identical type, voltage rating, and current rating characteristics. Refer fuse replacement
to qualifi ed service personnel.

Do Not Operate in Explosive Atmospheres

To avoid explosion, do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

Pathfi nder Matrix 5

Terms In This Manual and Equipment Marking

WARNING

Highlights an operating procedure, practice, condition, statement, etc., which, if not strictly observed, could result in injury to or death
of personnel.

Note

Highlights an essential operating procedure, condition or
statement.

CAUTION

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

AVERTISSEMENT!

Le point d´exclamation dans un triangle equilatŽral signale à alerter l´utilisateur qu´il y a des instructions d´operation et d´entretien
tres importantes dans la litŽrature qui accompagne l´appareil .

VORSICHT

Ein Ausrufungszeichen innerhalb eines gleichwinkeligen Dreiecks dient dazu, den Benutzer auf wichtige Bedienungs-und
Wartungsanweisungen in der Dem Great beiliegenden Literatur aufmerksam zu machen.

6 Pathfi nder Matrix

Change History

Rev Date Description Approved By

4/1/10 Initial Release
4/22/10 Updated feature descriptions and menus
5/27/11 Updated feature descriptions and menus

Pathfi nder Matrix 7

8 Pathfi nder Matrix

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONT ACT AND WARRANTY INFORMA TION ............................................................................3

OPERATORS SAFETY SUMMARY ................................................................................................5

CHANGE HISTORY ...........................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................11

BANDWIDTH AND FREQUENCY RESPONSE ...............................................................................................11

RGB DELAY SWITCHING .................................................................................................................................11

PRESETS AND I/O GROUPS ..............................................................................................................................11

SPLIT MODE ........................................................................................................................................................11

STEREO AUDIO ..................................................................................................................................................11

SERIAL AND IP CONTROL ................................................................................................................................12

FEATURES .......................................................................................................................................12

APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................................................12

APPLICATION EXAMPLES ...........................................................................................................13

NATIVE MODE APPLICATION .........................................................................................................................13

SPLIT MODE APPLICATION .............................................................................................................................13

INST ALLATION ...............................................................................................................................14

ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................................................................................14

AUDIO INPUT WIRING ......................................................................................................................................15

AUDIO OUTPUT WIRING ..................................................................................................................................15

RJ-45 LAN INTERFACE CABLING ...................................................................................................................16

RS-232 REMOTE HOST PORT CABLING (DB9) .............................................................................................16

LCD DISPLAY MENU TREE ..........................................................................................................17

UNDERSTANDING THE LCD DISPLAY ......................................................................................18

LED INDICATOR LAMP BEHAVIOR...........................................................................................18

FRONT AND REAR PANEL VIEWS..............................................................................................19

INSTALLING THE LEGEND LABEL ASSEMBLY .....................................................................22

SETUP MODE ...................................................................................................................................23

MAIN SETUP MENU PAGE ................................................................................................................................23

INPUT SETUP MENU PAGE...............................................................................................................................23

Pathfi nder Matrix 9

OUTPUT SETUP MENU PAGE...........................................................................................................................26

SYSTEM SETUP MENU PAGE ..........................................................................................................................28

PRESET SETUP MENU PAGE ............................................................................................................................32

OPERATING MODE ........................................................................................................................36

MAIN OPERATING PAGE: ................................................................................................................................36

VOLUME HANDLING PAGE .............................................................................................................................38

EXECUTING PRESETS .......................................................................................................................................39

FACTORY RESET ................................................................................................................................................40

PATHFINDER WITH EAGLE CONTROLLER SETUP .............................................................41

UPDATING SOFTWARE .................................................................................................................53

SOFTWARE UPDATE OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................53

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................................................53

DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE ..........................................................................................................................53

UPDATING PATHFINDER MATRIX SOFTWARE ............................................................................................54

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................63

10 Pathfi nder Matrix

INTRODUCTION

The Pathfi nder Matrix family is a ground-up development aimed at bringing new capabilities and a
new level of performance to matrix switching.

In order for a display to accurately reproduce the original image, every component in the video
system must have enough bandwidth to carry the signal and be as fl at as possible in order to maintain
the clarity and color fi delity. The Pathfi nder Matrix Switchers set a new standard in both areas.

Bandwidth and Frequency Response

At the heart of the Pathfi nder Matrix Series is a design that delivers high bandwidth and fl at
frequency response to insure that the original image is switched and distributed without being
altered. Proper signal reproduction is much more than bandwidth. Frequency response plays a vital
role in the clarity and accuracy of an image.

The HD Component and RGB units feature greater than 600 MHz of bandwidth to -3dB. Better,
from 0 to 300MHz the signal is +/-1.0 dB making the Pathfi nder Matrix the highest bandwidth and
fl attest matrix switchers on the market.

RGB Delay Switching

All models have a user defi nable RGB delay switch mode. When enabled and a new route
selected, the H and V sync switch on command and black is sent down the RGB lines. This allows
downstream equipment to lock into the new signal before anything is visible on the screen. After the
preset interval, the RGB signal is then restored making the switch appear as clean as possible.

Presets and I/O Groups

The Pathfi nder Matrix' family offers up to 32 presets, one for each input and output button. Presets
make a very easy way to reconfi gure all of the routes in a system with the touch of a button. I/O
groups are handy if there are some inputs or outputs that must be isolated from one another. An
example would be that certain inputs from the executive boardroom may never wish to be switched
to the video conferencing system.

Split Mode

The newest feature to be added to the Pathfi nder Matrix is Split Mode Switching. This allows each
color channel to be switched independently. Take an 12x8 RGBHV matrix as an example. Inputs
1-4 could be assigned to be RGB while the Red channel on inputs 5-8 can be composite while the
Green and Blue channels on inputs 9-12 are S-Video. This allows 1 physical matrix switcher to
perform the duties of several units saving money by ensuring that the switching capabilities are
present as video types and resolutions are upgraded in the future.

Stereo Audio

The stereo audio option provides balanced and unbalanced stereo audio switching with independent
input trim control and output volume control. Independent input gain switches allow unity or +14 dB

Pathfi nder Matrix 11

gain settings for each input to maintain optimal S/N ratio.

Serial and IP Control

The Pathfi nder Matrix command set is an easy to follow easy to implement ASCII command set that
gives control systems complete access to all functions. Each unit is equipped with an RS-232 serial
port along with an IP port for today’s remote communications systems.

NOTE: The default IP Address is: 192.168.0.243

FEATURES

Very High and Very Flat Bandwidth
600MHz of Bandwidth to -3dB
+/-1.0 dB to 300MHz

Sizes to Fit the Install
12x8, 16x16 and 32x32 sizes available
Composite, S-Video, Component and RGBHV confi gurable

HD Compatible
720p, 1080i, 1080p and 2k by 1k Digital Cinema

Split Mode Switching

Optional Balanced Stereo Audio (Audio models only)
+/-10 dB Input Trim
Pro / Consumer Pad

-45 to +5 Output Volume Control
32 Presets

RS-232 and IP Remote Control

APPLICATIONS

♦ Boardrooms
♦ Schools
♦ House of Worship
♦ Rental and Staging
♦ Convention Centers
♦ Divisible Ballrooms
♦ Security and Surveillance System Integration
♦ Μοnitoring Centers
♦ Courtrooms

12 Pathfi nder Matrix

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

NATIVE MODE APPLICATION

SPLIT MODE APPLICATION

Pathfi nder Matrix 13

INSTALLATION

ENVIRONMENT

The Matrix rack unit should be mounted in a rack where an AC power outlet is nearby. It is a
direct AC plug in unit via the supplied EIA power cord. The front and back of the unit should be
positioned so that both the installer and operator can conveniently access the front and back for
wiring and adjustments.

Check each the manufacturer's recommendations on cable requirements and termination. Use stan­dard approved wiring practices.

The integrity of all audio and video sources should be pretested BEFORE they are connected to
the Matrix rack. This holds true for the display devices as well. Simply direct connect the various
sources and displays to pretest the cable runs and equipment. The tested equipment can then be con­nected to the Matrix rack unit. All terminations should have "ID" cable markers to aid in cabling and
troubleshooting.

In installing the Matrix rack unit in a suitable manner, the following is required:

1. TMRA – The maximum recommended ambient temperature (TMRA) for the Matrix is 40°C.

2. Ambient Temperature Inside the Rack – The ambient temperature inside the rack should not
exceed 40°C.

3. Air Flow – Installation of the Matrix inside the rack should not impede air fl ow.

4. Mechanical Loading – Mounting of the Matrix inside the rack shall not result in a hazardous
condition due to uneven loading.

5. Circuit Overloading – Refer to equipment nameplate ratings when addressing branch circuit
and/or overcurrent protection requirements.

6. Reliable Earthing – Reliable earthing of the Matrix shall be maintained after rack mounting.
Note – Earthing via the rack could be required if supply connection is not made directly to branch
circuit (e.g. use of power strips).

14 Pathfi nder Matrix

AUDIO INPUT WIRING

AUDIO OUTPUT WIRING

Pathfi nder Matrix 15

RJ-45 LAN Interface Cabling

This port is used to access the Pathfi nder Matrix via TCP-IP
from a host computer or network.
Cable type:
RJ-45 Crossover for direct computer to Pathfi nder Matrix
control
RJ-45 Straight through for Network to Pathfi nder Matrix
control

Recommended Maximum Length: 329 feet

Crossover Cable

NOTE: The default IP Address is: 192.168.0.243

RS-232 Remote Host Port Cabling (DB9)

PC

(typical)

DB9M

The Pathfi nder Matrix has a standard RS-232
(DB9F) communication port that connects the
host PC to the Rack Unit allowing control and
confi guration.
Cable Type: Straight through DB-9 Male (To
mate with Female on Rack Unit) to DB-9
Male (to mate with DB-9 Male on typical PC
COMM port).
Recommended Maximum Length: 50 ft

(DTE)

TX
GND

CTS
RTS
DSR
CD
DTR

Standard Patch Cable

CABLE

DB9F

2RX

2

3

3

5

5

Opti ona l Flow Control Connect ions

8

8

7

7

6

6

2

2

4

4

If t he device requires DSR, CD, or DTR ,

implement loop -back handshake at the

devic e end of the cable as shown .

DB9M

2
3
5

8

RN Remote

RS-232

Host Po r t

2

RX

3

GND

5

RTS

8

CTS7

7

TX

16 Pathfi nder Matrix

LCD DISPLAY MENU TREE

RESET

MATRIX

SETUP

PRESET

SETUP

SYSTEM

MAIN SETUPS (PRESS AND TO ENTER)

FACTORY

SETTINGS

RETURN TO

PRESET

NUMBER

TECH

SUPPORT

OUTPUT

NUMBER

SETUPS

RETURN TO

VERSION

SAVE ALL

OUTPUTS?

866#

INFO

TYPE

VIDEO

SURE?

ARE YOU

SAVE

SET TIME/

RGB

SELECTED

DATE

DELAY

DATE

SET TIME/

SYNC EQ

ON/OFF/AUTO

IP SETUP

DUET TCP/

CABLE

LENGTH

0' - 150'

PANELS

REMOTE

LCD

SETUP

SET

CONTRAST/

BRIGHTNESS

DELAY

TIME

MAIN PAGE

PRESET VOL

SETUP

OUTPUT

INPUT

SETUP

AUDIO

OUTPUT

VOLUME

PRESET

EXECUTE

INPUT

NUMBER

OUTPUT

NUMBER

TYPE

AUDIO

LEVEL

OUTPUT

TRIM

INPUT

MUTE

OUTPUT

TYPE

VIDEO

CABLE

LENGTH

INDICATES SCREEN IS VISIBLE ON CERTAIN MODELS

OR OPERATING CONDITIONS ONLY

Pathfi nder Matrix 17

UNDERSTANDING THE LCD DISPLAY

SELECT

PATHFINDER

PRESET VOL

ESCAPE

LCD SCREEN: The visual interface for the Pathfi nder Matrix rack

SELECT PUSH BUTTON: used to select a menu item or an AV route

UP AND DOWN ARROW PUSH BUTTONS: increases or decreases a menu value such as volume
level or a numeric value. Also used to scroll through menu items.

ESCAPE PUSH BUTTON: allows the user to cancel a command and back out to the previous menu
page

ON SCREEN MENU ITEM SELECT PUSHBUTTONS(4): used to select page menu items that are
located above the individual push buttons on the LCD screen. Functions will vary and are dependant
on page status In the example below, the two left push buttons are for preset and volume settings
respectively

ON LCD SCREEN CURSORS:

A "• >" is used to point to a menu item.

A "• *" indicates that the menu item has been selected.

LED INDICATOR LAMP BEHAVIOR

The color and state of the indicator LED's provide the following status information. This holds true
for ALL LED's on the rack:

RED LED: indicates Video•

•
GREEN LED: indicates Audio•

•
STEADY LED: a routed input or output•

•
FLASHING LED: indicates an available input or output•

18 Pathfi nder Matrix

FRONT AND REAR PANEL VIEWS

(Not all models are shown. Visit the FSR website document library for detailed drawings on
all models)

SOURCE SELECT
BUTTONS - PUSH
SIMULTANEOUSLY

INPUT SELECT

LCD DISPLAY

TO ENTER PROGRAM
MODE

OUTPUT SELECT

VIDEO INPUT

(1 THRU 8)

AUDIO INPUT

(1 THRU 8)

INPUT SELECT

VIDEO OUTPUT

(1 THRU 16)

AUDIO OUTPUT

(1 THRU 16)

VIDEO INPUT

(9 THRU 16)

AUDIO INPUT

(9 THRU 16)

PFD-16x16-CA SHOWN

LCD DISPLAY

LCD FUNCTION BUTTONS

AC POWER

INPUT

RS-232
REMOTE
OR SERIAL
CONTROL
PORT 0

RJ45 LAN
INTERFACE

GEN LOCK INPUT

SOURCE SELECT
BUTTONS - PUSH
SIMULTANEOUSLY

TO ENTER PROGRAM

MODE

OUTPUT SELECT

VIDEO INPUT

(1 THRU 8)

AUDIO INPUT

(1 THRU 8)

VIDEO OUTPUT

(1 THRU 16)

AUDIO OUTPUT

(1 THRU 16)

VIDEO INPUT

(9 THRU 16)

AUDIO INPUT

(9 THRU 16)

LCD FUNCTION BUTTONS

AC POWER
INPUT

RS-232
REMOTE
OR SERIAL
CONTROL
PORT 0

RJ45 LAN
INTERFACE

GEN LOCK INPUT

PFD-16x16-SA SHOWN

Pathfi nder Matrix 19

INPUT SELECT

LCD DISPLAY

SOURCE SELECT
BUTTONS - PUSH
SIMULTANEOUSLY
TO ENTER PROGRAM
MODE

GEN

LOCK

INPUT

VIDEO INPUT

(1 THRU 8)

AUDIO INPUT

(1 THRU 8)

VIDEO OUTPUT

(1 THRU 16)

AUDIO OUTPUT

(1 THRU 16)

OUTPUT SELECT

LCD FUNCTION BUTTONS

VIDEO INPUT
(9 THRU 16)

AC POWER

INPUT

RS-232
REMOTE
OR SERIAL
CONTROL
PORT 0

RJ45 LAN
INTERFACE

AUDIO INPUT

(9 THRU 16)

PFD-16x16-RGBAEQ SHOWN

PFD-16x16-RGBAEQ SHOWN

20 Pathfi nder Matrix