Hall Research URA-232-XT User Manual

User’s Manual

URA-232

URA-232-XT

URA-232 & URA-232-XT

Skew Correction and Daisy-Chain Output

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION

PC Video, Audio & RS232
on Twisted-Pair Receivers

with Cable Length Compensation

Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax [phone]
Address: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com E-mail: [e-mail]

UMA1179 Rev. A

PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Hall Research and its logo

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged as
the property of the trademark owners.

are trademarks of Hall Research.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio
communication. This equipment is designed to comply with the limits
for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications
in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are intended to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in
which case the user at their own expense will be required to take
whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

Contents

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 General................................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 Features ............................................................................................................................... 4

2. Installation ............................................................................................................................. 4

2.1 Package Contents................................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Connection to Compatible Senders ..................................................................................... 4

2.2 Connection to Compatible Senders ..................................................................................... 5

2.3 Cable Requirements ............................................................................................................ 6

2.4 Daisy-Chain Limitations ....................................................................................................... 6

2.5 Block Diagram for URA-232 & URA-232-XT........................................................................ 6

3. Configuration & Operation................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Why Cable Compensation? ................................................................................................. 7

3.2 Compensation Adjustment Procedure ................................................................................. 8

3.3 Advanced Adjustment .......................................................................................................... 9

3.4 Why Skew Adjustment? ..................................................................................................... 10

3.5 Skew Adjustment Procedure.............................................................................................. 11

3.6 Signal Adjustment for the Daisy Chain............................................................................... 12

4. Software GUI........................................................................................................................ 13

4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................ 13

4.2 Getting Started ................................................................................................................... 13

4.3 URA-232 Modes of Operation............................................................................................ 14

4.4 Button Selection ................................................................................................................. 15

4.5 Connect & Disconnect Buttons .......................................................................................... 16

4.6 Show CONFIG Button........................................................................................................ 17

4.7 Download Button................................................................................................................ 17

4.8 Upload Button..................................................................................................................... 17

4.9 Configuration Tab............................................................................................................... 18

4.10 Settings Tab ..................................................................................................................... 20

4.11 Communications Tab ....................................................................................................... 21

4.12 Menu Bar.......................................................................................................................... 22

4.13 RS-232 Command Summary ........................................................................................... 23

5. Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................. 24

5.1 Contacting Hall Research .................................................................................................. 24

5.2 Shipping and Packaging .................................................................................................... 24

5.3 Problem Solving FAQ......................................................................................................... 25

6. Specifications...................................................................................................................... 26

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

1. Introduction

1.1 General

This User Manual applies to Hall Research Models URA-232 and URA-232-XT.

These models are video, audio and uni-directional RS-232 over CAT5/5e/6
receivers.

In a typical application, they are located at a distance from the AV/RS-232 source
and connected to a compatible sender unit that converted the audio, video and RS­232 source signal for transmission on a twisted pair cable.

Below is a list of capabilities & features of each receiver model:

URA-232

URA-232-XT

Uni-

Directional

RS-232

Equalization

to 1000 ft

RGB Skew
Correction

Chain

Output

Cable Requirements

Any UTP or STP Cable

Any UTP or STP Cable

Table 1 – Model Number Differences

The Models URA-232 and URA-232-XT do not have any special cable requirements
since they are capable of correcting the RGB color skew induced in typical CATx
cable installations.

The Model URA-232-XT allows downstream receiver units to daisy chain
connections using UTP cables. This eliminates the need for running separate cables
from every receiver back to the sender (in a star or home-run fashion) – this is a very
useful feature when several receivers are located in a line going away from the
sender.

Depending on the application, the URA-232-XT’s downstream RJ45 port can
connect to more receivers (URA-232-XT or URA-232). The constructed daisy chain
may have:

• Up to 3750 feet maximum cable from source to last URA-232

• A maximum of 5 URA-232-XT devices in any chain

• 750 feet maximum distance between units in a chain

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

1.2 Features

• Receives audio, video and uni-directional RS-232 on a single CATx cable

• Adjustable cable length compensation to 1000 ft

• RGB skew correction

• Digitally controlled adjustment eliminates tweaking pots

• Supports resolutions up to 1920x1200 at any refresh rate

• Compact & rugged metal enclosure with mounting holes

• Easily expandable by daisy-chaining receivers (URA-232-XT)

• Configurable Discrete Input

o Contact Closure
o Voltage (5-30 vDC)

• Software GUI

2. Installation

2.1 Package Contents

Your package should contain the URA-232/URA-232-XT receiver unit, a Universal
power supply (5 VDC @ 2A), an IEC320 Power Cord, and a User Manual.

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

2.2 Connection to Compatible Senders

The URA-232 and URA-232-XT units accept a single UTP cable connection from
any of Hall Research’s compatible UVA-232 Sender product line. Some compatible
senders are listed below:

PART NUMBER
UV232A-S

Video, Audio and Uni-Directional RS-232

UVA232-4S

Up to (4) Video, Audio and Uni-Directional RS-232 with
Remote Button Trigger

UVA232-8S

Up to (8) Video, Audio and Uni-Directional RS-232 with
Remote Button Trigger

Genesis 8x8 and 16x16 Matrix with -JAR output option

Up to 16 RJ45 outputs with video, audio and RS232 that
can be switched to any of up to 16 AV inputs. Housed a
single 2 RU enclosure

Table 2 – Compatible Senders

 Connect the UTP cable from any of the compatible UVA senders to the

“UTP IN” connector.

 Connect the HD15 - “PC/HDTV OUT” connector to the display device. For

YPbPr video sources, use a 3-RCA to HD15 cable (Hall Research P/N
CHD15-RGB).

 Connect the 3.5mm - “AUDIO OUT” connector to the speakers or other

sound equipment.

 Connect the RS232 from the device to be controlled to the “Terminal Strip”

(Pin 1 = TX, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = RX)

 Connect the Discrete Input (Contact Closure or 5-30 vDC power) to the

“Terminal Strip” (Pin 4 = +, Pin 2 = - when using Voltage)

 Connect ONLY the included power supply to the 2.1mm

– center positive +5 VDC power input connector on the
unit.

 Never use any other supply as this may damage the device.

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

2.3 Cable Requirements

All units can use with CAT5/5e/6 or Zero-Skew™ UTP or STP (unshielded or
shielded twisted pair) cables.

All units provide high-frequency compensation (to account for the losses in the CATx
cable) and RGB skew correction.

2.4 Daisy-Chain Limitations

The Model URA-232-XT allows downstream receiver units to be daisy chained using
UTP cables. This eliminates the need for running separate cables from every
receiver back to the sender.

Depending on the application, the URA-232-XT’s downstream RJ45 port can
connect to more receivers (URA-232-XT or URA-232). The constructed daisy chain
may have:

• Up to 3750 feet maximum cable from source to last URA-232

• A maximum of 5 URA-232-XT devices in any chain

• 750 feet maximum distance between units in a chain

2.5 Block Diagram for URA-232 & URA-232-XT

Figure 2 – URA-232 & URA-232-XT Application Diagram

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

3. Configuration & Operation

3.1 Why Cable Compensation?

All cables attenuate (reduce) the high-frequency components of the video signal that
is being transmitted. The longer the cable, the more signal loss. If not compensated
for, this signal loss will result in blurry and smeared images being displayed.

The image quality depends on the resolution and level of detail in the image. The
Hall Research URA series of receivers have one of the most precise and complex
equalization techniques in the industry and allow full recovery of the original signal’s
bandwidth.

It is best to make this adjustment using a test pattern that is designed to depict and
exaggerate this effect.

Some Hall Research senders may have a built-in test pattern generator. If your
sender unit is equipped with this feature, simply activate it on the sender. Otherwise,
you can connect a PC to the source and display a test pattern. A sample test pattern
is available at http://www.hallresearch.com/skew.htm
the compensation and to evaluate the amount of color skew in the installation.

The table below lists the recommended maximum distances from sender to the
receiver depending on the resolution used.

to assist in the adjustment of

Resolution

Refresh Rate

60 Hz 75 Hz

800x600 1000 ft 1000 ft

1024x768 1000 ft 850 ft
1280x1024 850 ft 750 ft
1920x1200 750 ft 700 ft

Table 3 -

Recommended maximum
CATx cable length from
sender to the receiver

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

3.2 Compensation Adjustment Procedure

• Apply power to the receiver. Wait until all LED’s are turned off

• Press the SEL button once to enter Adjustment-mode.

• In Adjustment-mode, all three (3) LEDs will be turned ON.

• The UP or DOWN buttons can now be used to adjust the high

frequency (HF) compensation up or down until the video no longer
looks smeared (see figure below).

• While using the UP and DOWN buttons, if an upper or lower limit of
adjustment is reached, the LED’s will blink for each continued press
of the UP or DOWN button.

• Pressing both the UP & DOWN buttons together will reset the high
frequency (HF) compensation back to zero.

• To exit the Adjustment mode at any time, press the SEL button until
all LED’s are OFF (the unit also has a built-in 1 minute timeout).

Figure 4 - Typical test patterns used for adjusting compensation

Figure 5 - Effect of adjustment on the smearing

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

3.3 Advanced Adjustment

The URA series of devices can equalize the brightness of the video by reducing
smearing.

• Apply power to the receiver. Wait until all LED’s are turned off

• Press the SEL button once to enter Adjustment-mode.

• In Adjustment-mode, all three (3) LEDs will be ON solid.

• Press and hold the SEL button for at least 3 seconds to enable the

Video Brightness Adjustment Mode (previously called Wire Gauge
Mode).

• In Video Brightness Adjustment Mode, the GREEN and BLUE
LED’s will be blinking.

• The UP button raises the video brightness level.

• The DOWN button lowers the video brightness level.

• Pressing BOTH the UP and DOWN buttons at the same time will

reset the Video Brightness to the default setting.

• While using the UP and DOWN buttons, if an upper or lower limit of
the adjustment is reached, the LED’s will blink for each continued
press of the UP or DOWN button.

• To exit the Video Brightness Adjustment mode at any time, press
the SEL button until all LED’s are ON solid. Press the SEL button
once more until all LED’s are OFF (The unit also has a built-in 1
minute timeout).

Note

The Video Brightness adjustment may not be noticeable when only using 1 device.
When products are daisy-chained using the –XT version the adjustment is easier to
observe.

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

3.4 Why Skew Adjustment?

UTP cables have 4 twisted pairs inside. The Hall Research UVA/URA video
transmission on UTP uses 3 individual pairs for each color (Red, Green, & Blue).

Figure 6 - skew mechanism, example

As shown in the figure above, a characteristic of CAT5/5e/6 cable is that the pairs of
wires twist at different rates.

Therefore, for a given length of CAT6 cable the total length of any particular pair
could be longer than other pairs in the same cable. Since the signals travel along the
length of each pair at a fixed speed, the arrival times of signals will be skewed in a
long cable (those that have to travel farther arrive later and the corresponding color
shifts to the right).

This is seen on the monitor as separation, or lack of convergence in colors. For
example, a vertical white line on the screen may look to have a red tinge on the left
edge and blue tinge on the right edge.

This effect gets worse at high resolutions, high refresh rates, long cables (in excess
of 200 feet), and depends on the cable construction itself.

If you are using special UTP cables that are specifically designed for video
transmission (such as Hall Research Zero-Skew™), then there should be no shift in
color alignment regardless of the cable length. However, in many applications
standard and common CAT6 cables may be utilized, this will necessitate a receiver
that can also move each color component to the left and right in order to realign
them.

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

300 ft of CAT6 (1280x1024 source)

* actual zoomed photo of screen *

Figure 7 – Example of Skew manifested

3.5 Skew Adjustment Procedure

• Apply power to the receiver. Wait until all LED’s are turned off

• Press the SEL button once to enter Adjustment-mode.

• In Adjustment-mode, all three (3) LEDs will be turned ON.

• Press the SEL button once to enter the Adjustment mode. Press the

SEL button again to light only one of the 3 Red, Green or Blue LEDs.
As you press SEL the Red, Green, and Blue LEDs will light up one at
a time.

• The UP and DOWN buttons are used to move the selected color
component to the left and right. Pressing both buttons at the same
time resets all skew adjustments.

• While using the UP and DOWN buttons, if an upper or lower limit of
adjustment is reached, the LED’s will blink for each continued press
of the UP or DOWN button.

• To exit the Adjustment mode at any time, press the SEL button until
all LED’s are OFF (the unit also has a built-in 1 minute timeout).

After skew adjustment

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

3.6 Signal Adjustment for the Daisy Chain

There are no specific procedures for adjusting the URA-232-XT’s other than the
order of adjustment.

The URA-232-XT’s RJ45 (CATx) output is the video signal AFTER IT HAS BEEN
ADJUSTED.

The receiver unit closest to the sender must be adjusted first.

Set the high frequency compensation first and then adjust the skew. Since the
effects in the daisy chain are cumulative, we recommend that you set the gauge of
CATx cable used as well (see section 3.3 above).

Remember, if the calibration is off on a URA-232-XT in the middle of a daisy chain
and you adjust the device settings you must then check the rest of the downstream
devices and if necessary; make additional adjustments on those devices as well.

Adjust

First

Adjust

Second

Figure 8 – Daisy-Chain adjustment sequence

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

4. Software GUI

4.1 Overview

The URA-232 Programmer is a Windows™ GUI used to configure the unit’s discrete
input, serial parameters, and to upload or download user strings. Strings are sent
based on the state of a discrete input, a remote trigger from the sender or by a serial
command sent from compatible UVA232 Sender.

4.2 Getting Started

The URA-232 Programmer is recommended to run on PC with Windows XP or later.
The operating system should have all the latest updates and service packs installed.

The .NET Framework 2.0 or later is required prior to installing the URA-232
Programmer.

Most new PCs running with Windows™ XP or later version come with Microsoft™
.NET Framework 2.0 or later installed. If .NET Framework 2.0 or later is not installed
on your PC, you can install it from the folder called Framework 2.0 in the installation
software or download it from the Microsoft™ website.

After the URA-232 Programmer software has been installed, a program icon will
appear on the users desktop (as shown on the right) as well as under the
Programs\Hall Research menu.

Execute the URA-232 Programmer by double clicking the desktop icon or the
program menu selection found in the PC start menu.

The main screen is displayed as shown in figure 4-2

Figure 4-1

The URA-232 Programmer consists of three screens in tabular format,
Configuration, Settings and Communications.

.

FIGURE 4-2

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

4.3 URA-232 Modes of Operation

The URA-232 can operate in two different modes, “RUN-MODE” and
“ADJUSTMENT-MODE”. The unit is in “RUN-MODE” when it is first powered up.

In order to establish a communication between the URA-232 and the URA-232
Programmer GUI, the unit must be in the “ADJUSTMENT-MODE” prior to

attempting a serial connection.

• In “RUN-MODE” all LED’s are off.

• To enter the “ADJUSTMENT-MODE”, press the SELECT button.

o In “ADJUSTMENT-MODE”, all LED’s or a single LED will be on.
o All LED’s indicates the HF Compensation Adjustment mode
o A single Red, Blue or Green LED indicates SKEW Correction

Adjustment mode.

Note

If the URA-232 is put into ADJUSTMENT-MODE (any LED’s on),
the unit will automatically return to RUN-MODE after 1-minute of
no front panel activity.

If the DISCRETE INPUT is not used, the unit will enter a power
saving mode. If any buttons are pressed, the unit will
automatically resume operation depending on the button
pressed.

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

4.4 Button Selection

The URA-232 Programmer has four buttons as shown on the left and two buttons
near the bottom right corner of the Main screen in Figure 4-2 or Figure 4-3, which
allows the user to quickly access frequently used functions.

FIGURE 4-3

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

4.5 Connect & Disconnect Buttons

CONNECTING TO THE URA-232

• Click the Communications tab and from the screen displayed,
ensure that the correct COM port has been selected. This COM Port
will be connected to the URA-232 via a NULL-MODEM RS232 cable.
The port information will be saved and used the next time the
program is started.

• To enter “PROGRAMMING MODE”, click either the CONNECT

button at the bottom left of the main screen or click the CONNECT
button on the Communications tab.

At this point, the URA-232 Programmer software will attempt to establish
communications with the URA-232 unit.

• If the unit is not in “ADJUSTMENT-MODE”, the software will timeout
and the connection status area on the main screen will change color
with the following message displayed:

“Error: Press the Select Button to Enter Program Mode”

o To enter “ADJUSTMENT-MODE”, press the SELECT

Button until all 3 LED’s are illuminated.

• If the connection has been established, all LED’s will blink
continuously. This is called “PROGRAMMING MODE”

1. DISCONNECTING FROM THE URA-232

• To exit “PROGRAMMING MODE”, click either the DISCONNECT
button on the bottom left of the main screen or click the
DISCONNECT button on the Communications tab.

• You also can EXIT or CLOSE the URA-232 Programmer software to
leave “PROGRAMMING MODE”. The unit will automatically return
to “ADJUSTMENT MODE”, and all the LED’s will stop blinking and
be continuously illuminated.

• Other alternatives to exit the “PROGRAMMING MODE” are to cycle
power on the unit or to hit the SELECT button on the unit.

• To enter “ADJUSTMENT-MODE”, press the SELECT Button

until all 3 LED’s are illuminated.
o Exiting “PROGRAMMING MODE” while the URA-232

Programmer is in a CONNECTED state will cause errors if
the unit is reconnected. Restart the software, cycle power
on the unit and try the connection again.

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

4.6 Show CONFIG Button

Click the Show Config button to display the current user configuration
strings and the unit’s current settings

• You can upload these user configuration strings and settings into the URA-232
unit by clicking the UPLOAD button displayed on the left of the main screen.

4.7 Download Button

• You can download the current user configuration strings and
settings stored in the URA-232 unit into the URA-232 programmer
by pressing the DOWNLOAD button displayed on the left of the
Main screen.

• The user configuration strings and settings found in the URA-232 unit are
displayed in the configuration and settings tabs.

• If the user configuration string for a specific condition needs to be viewed
or modified, you can click the DOWNLOAD button displayed to the right
of the configuration text box.

4.8 Upload Button

FIGURE 4-4

• You can upload the current user configuration strings and settings
into the URA-232 unit from the URA-232 Programmer by selecting
the UPLOAD button displayed on the left of the Main screen.

• If the user configuration string of a specific condition needs to be
uploaded, you can click the UPLOAD button displayed to the right of the
configuration text box as shown.

Note

Uploading an empty user configuration strings is
equivalent to clearing the action required for that
specific condition.

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

4.9 Configuration Tab

• The Configuration tab is the default tab page. This tab allows the user to build
user configuration strings.

• A user configuration string can be defined to perform one or more specific
actions based on a particular discrete input or remote trigger condition.

FIGURE 4-5

A user configuration string can be up to 250 bytes
long, and it can be a combination of many serial
commands and time delays

• Condition Drop-Down Menu – consists of the 4 different states the URA-232
can detect.

 Discrete Input High
 Discrete Input Low
 Remote Trigger On
 Remote Trigger Off

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

• Serial Configuration

 A user string can be in text or hex mode.
 The Serial Baud Rate and Parity can be set at any supported baud rate

and with or without a parity bit

 A character delay can be programmed 0 to 5 mS between characters to

meet a slower serial devices requirement.

 A serial command can be entered in the Command text box.
 When done, press the ADD button to add it to the current

user configuration string.

 Enter serial commands as a combination of ASCII text and/or hex

numbers. When entering a hex number in this mode, it must have a prefix
“&h” or “&H” and must be 2 hexadecimal characters in length (e.g. “&h01”).

 Power&h01On
 Power&H01On

• Time Delays

 Time delays may be required for serial devices that need time to process

one command before being ready to process another.

 Time delays can be from 1 millisecond up to 250 minutes.
 The limits are as follows:
 250 Minutes
 250 Seconds
 250 Milliseconds
 When done, press the ADD button to add it to the current

user configuration string.

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

4.10 Settings Tab

• The Settings tab allows the user to configure the discrete input mode and serial
mode of operation. Refer to figure 4-6 below.

• The discrete input is configurable as a contact closure, a voltage input, or not
used at all.

• The serial mode can be configured as pass-thru, remote button trigger or

remote command trigger

Discrete Input Table

Discrete Input

Contact closure Open Discrete Input High Closed Discrete Input Low

Voltage

Level Condition Level

5V-30V Discrete Input High 0V Discrete Input Low

NOTE: If a discrete input is not used in the Pass-thru mode, the URA-232 unit will go
into a power-conserving mode when there is no front panel activity or no
communication with URA-232 Programmer

Remote Trigger

Button

Serial Command

• In “PASS-THRU MODE”, any serial data received on the CATx cable is sent out the 3-pin

serial terminal block without modification. The URA-232 does not monitor the serial
information.

• In “REMOTE BUTTON TRIGGER MODE”, the URA-232 unit will monitor the CATx input

signal from the sending unit.
o Pressing the button on the sending unit will send the user configuration string for

• In “REMOTE TRIGGER COMMAND MODE”, the URA-232 unit will monitor the incoming

SENDER serial commands for TR1<cr> or TR0<cr> at a baud rate of 19200, 8-bit data, no

parity, and 1-stop bit.

o If detected, it will process the user configuration string for “REMOTE TRIGGER ON” or

o Sending any other commands to the unit will cause the 3 LED’s (RGB) to blink 2 times

o The URA-232 indicates its serial mode at power-up as listed below:

Input Condition Input

UV232A-xS
Green LED

TR1<cr> Remote Trigger On TR0<cr> Remote Trigger Off

“REMOTE TRIGGER ON”, and pressing the button again will send a user
configuration string for “REMOTE TRIGGER OFF”.

“REMOTE TRIGGER OFF” accordingly

to indicate an error condition.

Pass-Thru None
Remote Button Trigger 2 times
Remote Command Trigger 4 times

20

High Low

Remote Trigger Table

High Low

Remote Trigger On

UV232A-xS

Red LED

Serial Mode LEDs Blink

Condition

Condition

Remote Trigger Off

PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

4.11 Communications Tab

FIGURE 4-6

• The Communications tab is used to select a COM port your PC will use to
communicate with the URA-232 unit.

• Press the CONNECT button in this tab page or the icon displayed on the
bottom left of the Main screen to connect to the URA-232 unit.

• The URA-232’s serial port communicates at a baud rate of 19200, no parity, 1­stop bit, and 8 data bits.

• The COM port is the only setting that can to be set as shown in Figure 4-7.

FIGURE 4-7

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Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

4.12 Menu Bar

The URA-232 Programmer MENU BAR consists of three main menus:

File

The File menu consists of the following menu items.

• New – Clear user configuration strings currently stored in the URA-
232 Programmer.

• Open – Open a previously saved user configuration file into the
URA-232 Programmer.

• Save – Save the user configuration file from the URA-232 Programmer.

• Exit – Exit the URA-232 Programmer software.

Tools

The Tools menu consists of the following menu items

• Reset Unit – Sends a reset command to the URA-232
unit.

• Factory Defaults – Clears all user configuration strings stored in URA-232 unit,
and set the unit back to its default settings.

o (Pass-thru, Discrete Input NOT USED)

Help

The Help menu consists of the following menu items

• Contents – Display the help file of URA-232 Programmer.

• About… – Display the current version of URA-232 Programmer.

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PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

4.13 RS-232 Command Summary

The URA-232 consists of the following serial commands.
The unit communicates at 19200, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit

To use the commands listed below, the unit must be in Adjustment-mode.

• Apply power to the receiver. Wait until all LED’s are turned off

• Press the SEL button once to enter Adjustment-mode.

• In Adjustment-mode, all three (3) LEDs will be turned ON.

• Send the RS-232 Serial command at 19200 baud, No parity, 8 Databits, 1

Stop bit, to get into the programming mode(e.g) Pass_Word<cr>

• All three (3) LED’s should be blinking and the device will have replied serially
with three (3) characters. ACK (0x06), CR (0x0D) and LF (0x0A).

• Once in this mode, the commands listed below may be used.

• Send the RS-232 Serial command EXIT<cr> to exit programming mode and

return to Adjustment-mode.

COMMAND FUNCTION

VER?<cr> Read firmware version – UNIT responds with “Ver x.y<cr><lf>” where x.y are the major and minor version numbers.
IO? <cr>
IO0<cr>
IO1<cr>
FDFT<cr> Factory default – UNIT responds with “Are you sure (Y,N)?”, a “Y<cr>” response will result in a “Factory Defaults”

RSTU<cr> Unit reset – UNIT will respond with “Reset URA<cr><lf>”
Pass_Word<cr> Password to get into the programming mode
EXIT<cr> Exit the programming mode and back to the adjustment mode

Re<cr> RESERVED FOR HALL RESEARCH
RE<cr> RESERVED FOR HALL RESEARCH
We<cr> RESERVED FOR HALL RESEARCH
WE<cr> RESERVED FOR HALL RESEARCH
RST0<cr>
RST1<cr>
RST2<cr>
RST3<cr>
INC0<cr>
INC1<cr>
INC2<cr>
INC3<cr>
DEC0<cr>
DEC1<cr>
DEC2<cr>
DEC3<cr>
RD0? Or RD0<cr>

RD1? Or RD1<cr>
RD2? Or RD2<cr>
RD3? Or RD3<cr>
RDUS<cr> Read Unit Settings
WG? <cr>
WG1<cr>
WG0<cr>

Query discrete input type – UNIT responds with “IO1” or “IO0”
Set discrete input type to Contact Closure
Set discrete input type to Voltage (5-30 vDC)

response. Any other response to the question or failure to answer with in 8 seconds will result in a “Cancelled”
response.
NO CONTACT Closure is the factory default.

RESERVED COMMANDS

Reset Video Compensation to 0
Reset RED Skew to 0
Reset GREEN Skew to 0
Reset BLUE Skew to 0
Increment Video Compensation by 1
Increment RED Skew Correction by 1
Increment GREEN Skew Correction by 1
Increment BLUE Skew Correction by 1
Decrement Video Compensation by 1
Decrement RED Skew Correction by 1
Decrement GREEN Skew Correction by 1
Decrement BLUE Skew Correction by 1
Read HF Compensation & Gain Settings
UNIT responds with “x, y<cr><lf>”
Read Skew Correction Values (RGB)
UNIT responds with “R, G, B<cr><lf>”

Query Wire Gauge setting – UNIT responds with “23G” or “24G”
Set 24 AWG wire size
Set 23 AWG wire size

23

Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

5. Troubleshooting

There are no field serviceable parts or circuits in the device.

Opening the unit will void the warranty.

If you think the device is malfunctioning (or you have no picture output), please try to
use the methods described in Section 5.3 below to obtain a picture first.

5.1 Contacting Hall Research

If you determine that the URA-232 or URA-232-XT is malfunctioning, do not attempt
to repair the unit yourself.

Contact the Hall Research Technical Support department at 714-641-6607.

Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete
description.

5.2 Shipping and Packaging

If you need to transport or ship your unit:

• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.

• Before you ship the units back to Hall Research for repair or return,

contact us to get a Return Authorization (RMA) number.

24

PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

5.3 Problem Solving FAQ

1. Fuzzy, blurry, or ghosting image at remote location

If you have a stable image but it looks somewhat blurry (edges are not
sharp), make sure that you have adjusted the receiver unit’s HF
compensation correctly. In addition, check the recommended table of max
distance vs. resolution to see that you have not exceeded the maximum
recommended cable lengths. If you still have a fuzzy image, try reducing
the refresh rate and/or resolution of the video source.

2. Image exhibits steady or rolling horizontal color “hum” bars

This is usually an indication of improper grounding at the sending end, the
receiving end, or both. Verify that the AC line is properly wired and that a
protective ground (green) wire is established with NO potential difference
between both the sender and receiver locations. The UTP splitter can
handle up to 5 volts peak-to-peak of ground noise between the two
locations, but ground potential differences more than this can show up on
video.

3. Shaking image or periodically blanking monitor

Inherently, balanced signal transmission over twisted pair offers good
immunity to EMI coupled noise from other external sources. However, a
strong electromagnetic noise field can cause instability in the signal.
Usual sources are high power AC lines or data and/or control cables that
run adjacent to and parallel with a substantial length of the CAT5 cable. To
eliminate this, either place a distance between the CAT5 cables from the
sender and the interfering source, or use shielded twisted pair (STP) CAT5
cables.

4. Poor audio quality at the receiving end
Only use powered speakers with the splitter and receivers. It is also good
practice to set the audio level (volume) output of the PC about 1/2 to 2/3
from the maximum and use the volume knob of the speakers to adjust the
volume to the desired level. A low volume signal output from the PC
reduces the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, whereas too high output amplitude
can cause saturation and clipping to occur.

25

Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

6. Specifications

Video

Gain Unity
Number/signal type 1 proprietary analog signal input. Standard VGA output RGBHV, RGBS, RGsB,

Connectors
URA-232-XT

Nominal amplitude 1 V p-p for Y of component video

Impedance 75 ohms
Skew compensation 62 ns
Maximum resolution Up to 1920x1200 and 1080p at 750 ft; 1280x1024 at 850 ft
Polarity Positive or negative

Audio

Gain Unbalanced output: 0 dB
Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
Connector (1) 3.5 mm connector
Type Monaural, Simulated Stereo
THD + Noise 0.2% @ 1 kHz, 0.3% @ 20 kHz at nominal level

General

Recommended cable CAT 5/5e/6 (shielded or unshielded)
Power Supply 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, external; 5 VDC, 2 A, regulated; 2.1mm
Temperature/humidity Storage: -40 to +158 °F (-40 to +70 °C) / 10% to 90%, non-condensing

Cooling Convection, vents on each end
Mounting Brackets at each end with screw hole provided for Wall or Rack mounting
Enclosure type Metal
Dimensions

Product weight 0.75 lb (0.35 kg)
Shipping weight 1.5 lbs (0.70 kg)
Vibration ISTA 1A in carton (International Safe Transit Association)
Safety CE
EMI/EMC CE, FCC Class A
MTBF 90,000 hours
Warranty 2 years parts and labor

RsGsBs, component video (bi-/tri-level sync)
1 female RJ-45 input, 1 HD15 output

1 female RJ-45 Daisy-Chain Output

0.7 V p-p for RGB and for Pr and Pb of component video

4.0 V to 5.0 V p-p, for TTL Sync signals of RGBHV, RGBS

Operating: +32 to +122 °F (0 to +50 °C) / 10% to 90%, non-condensing

URA-232

1.18" H x 2.75" W x 3.85" D - Depth excludes connectors
(30 mm H x 70 mm W x 98 mm D)

URA-232-XT

1.18" H x 4.17" W x 3.85" D - Depth excludes connectors
(30 mm H x 106 mm W x 98 mm D)

Specifications are subject to change without notice

26

PC (VGA) & HD (YPbPr) AV with RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers

27

Model URA-232 & URA-232-XT

28

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION

© Copyright 2010. Hall Research, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com E-mail: [e-mail]