User’s Manual
UV232A-4S
UV232A-8S
UV232A-4S & UV232A-8S
4 or 8 Channel Splitter
PC Video, Audio & RS232 over Twisted-Pair
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 800-959-6439
FREE technical support, Call 714-641-6607 or fax 714-641-6698
Address: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com E-mail: info@hallresearch.com
UMA1176 Rev. A
4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & 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.
1
Model UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
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 Receivers ....................................4
2.2 Connection to Compatible Receivers ....................................5
2.3 Trigger Button Operation....................................................6
2.4 Remote Trigger Command Operation ...................................6
2.5 Rear DIP Switch Setting ....................................................7
2.6 Cable Requirements ......................................................... 8
2.7 Daisy-Chain Limitations ..................................................... 8
2.8 Typical Block Diagram for UV232A-4S or UV232A-8S .............. 8
3. Configuration & Operation..................................................9
3.1 Why Cable Compensation? ................................................9
3.2 Compensation Adjustment Procedure on URA Receivers ........10
3.3 Advanced Adjustment (CATx AWG) on URA Receivers...........11
3.4 Why Skew Adjustment?................................................... 12
3.5 Skew Adjustment Procedure on URA Receivers ....................13
3.6 Signal Adjustment for the Daisy Chain ................................ 13
4. Troubleshooting .............................................................14
4.1 Contacting Hall Research................................................. 14
4.2 Shipping and Packaging ..................................................14
4.3 Problem Solving FAQ...................................................... 15
5. Specifications.................................................................16
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4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers
1. Introduction
1.1 General
This User Manual applies to the Hall Research Models UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S.
These devices are four (4) or eight (8) Channel Splitters for PC Video, Audio &
RS232 over Twisted-Pair cabling.
In a typical application, they are located at the AV/RS-232 source and connected to
one or more compatible receiver units that connect the audio, video and RS-232
source signal to the receiving devices.
Below is a list of capabilities & features of each receiver model:
URA
URA-SKU
URA-XT
URA-232
URA-232-XT
RS-232
Uni-
Directional
Low-skew UTP cable (such as Hall Research’s Zero-skew™ CAT5 cable) is
recommended with the Model URA particularly if cable lengths are 200 feet or
longer. 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.
Daisy
RGB Skew
Chain
Correction
Output
Monauaral
Stereo
Audio
Equalization
Table 1 – Model Number Differences
to 1000 ft
Cable Requirements
Low Skew UTP Cable
Any UTP or STP Cable
Any UTP or STP Cable
Any UTP or STP Cable
Any UTP or STP Cable
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
3
Model UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
1.2 Features
• 4 channel (UV232A-4S) or 8 channel (UV232A-8S) splitter versions
• Transmits audio, video and uni-directional RS-232 on a single CATx cable
• 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)
• Each URA-232-XT within the chain can send transmit RS232 or be
remotely triggered.
2. Installation
2.1 Package Contents
Your package should contain the following items:
(1) UV232A – 4S or UV232A-8S
(1) Universal power supply (6 VDC @ 1.5A) with IEC320 Power Cord
(1) 6 ft HD15-M-M VGA cable
(1) 6 ft 3.5mm – MM Audio cable
(1) User manual.
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4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers
2.2 Connection to Compatible Receivers
The UVA-232-4S and UVA-232-8S units have a single UTP cable connection to any
of Hall Research’s compatible URA receiver product line.
Some compatible receivers are:
PART NUMBER
UV232A-R
URA
URA-SKU
URA-XT
URA-232
URA-232-XT
Table 2 – Compatible Receivers
Connect the UTP cable from the compatible URA receivers to the “UTP
OUT” connectors of the UVA-232-4S or UVA-232-8S.
Connect the HD15 - “PC/HDTV IN” connector to the video source. For
YPbPr video sources, use a 3-RCA to HD15 cable (Hall Research P/N
CHD15-RGB).
Connect the 3.5mm - “AUDIO IN” connector to the audio source or other
sound equipment.
Connect the DB9 RS232 cable to the RS-232 source
equipment
Connect the included power supply to the 2.5mm – center
positive +6 VDC power input connector on the unit.
Never use any other supply as this may damage the
device.
5
Model UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
2.3 Trigger Button Operation
The UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S splitters have a front panel “REMOTE TRIGGER”
button used to tell each remote URA-232 or URA-232-XT receivers to send a preconfigured serial string that is stored in the receiver.
Note
Ensure that all receivers connected to the splitter are setup for “Remote Button
Trigger” operation using the software GUI for proper operation.
2.4 Remote Trigger Command Operation
The UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S splitters can be remotely triggered from the RS232 source via specific serial commands. Upon receiving the appropriate command,
each receiver will send a pre-configured serial string that is stored in the receiver.
Note
Ensure that all receivers connected to the splitter are setup for “Remote Command
Trigger” operation using the software GUI for proper operation.
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4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers
2.5 Rear DIP Switch Setting
The rear of the splitter has a DIP Switch with the following
functions:
LEFT DIP SW FUNCTION RIGHT DIP SW FUNCTION
TRIG REMOTE BUTTON TRIGGER MODE CAL OUTPUT TEST PATTERN
232
If the left rear DIP switch is in the TRIG Position, then NO serial data received by the
splitter is sent to ANY of the receiver units. The receivers must be configured for
“Remote Button Trigger” mode.
If the left rear DIP switch is in the 232 Position, then all serial data received by the
splitter is sent to ALL of the receiver units.
If the right rear DIP switch is in the CAL Position, then a VIDEO TEST Pattern is sent
to all the receiver units. This is useful when adjusting the high frequency
compensation and skew. This DIP switch should be returned to the RUN Position
when the receiver video adjustments have been completed.
If the right rear DIP switch is in the RUN Position, then the AV signal connected to
the splitter is sent to all the receiver units. This is the normal position for this DIP
switch.
BYPASS OR REMOTE COMMAND
MODE
RUN OUTPUT VIDEO INPUT
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Model UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
2.6 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). The URA-232 and URA-232-XT units also provide RGB skew correction.
2.7 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
2.8 Typical Block Diagram for UV232A-4S or UV232A-8S
Figure 2 – UV232A-4S & UV232A-8S Application Diagram
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4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & 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
Refresh Rate
60 Hz 75 Hz
800x600 1000 ft 1000 ft
Table 3 -
Recommended maximum
CATx cable length from
sender to the receiver
1024x768 1000 ft 850 ft
1280x1024 850 ft 750 ft
Resolution
1920x1200 750 ft 700 ft
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Model UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
3.2 Compensation Adjustment Procedure on URA Receivers
• When using a UV232A-4S or UV232A-8S splitter, place the right rear
DIP switch in the CAL position to create the video test pattern on the
receiver video outputs.
• 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)
• When using a UV232A-4S or UV232A-8S splitter, return the right rear
DIP switch in the RUN position to send the video input to the
receiver..
Figure 4 - Typical test patterns used for adjusting compensation
Figure 5 - Effect of adjustment on the smearing
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4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers
3.3 Advanced Adjustment (CATx AWG) on URA Receivers
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 UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
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 viewed 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.
300 ft of CAT6 (1280x1024 source)
* actual zoomed photo of screen *
After skew adjustment
Figure 7 – Example of Skew manifested
12
Adj
Adj
4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers
3.5 Skew Adjustment Procedure on URA Receivers
• 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).
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.
ust First
ust Second
Figure 8 – Daisy-Chain adjustment sequence
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Model UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
4. 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 4.3 below to obtain a picture first.
4.1 Contacting Hall Research
If you determine that the URA-232 or URA-232-XT is malfunctioning, do not attempt
to repair the unit instead, contact Hall Research Technical Support 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.
4.2 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.
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4 or 8 Channel Splitter PC Video, Audio & RS232 over Twisted-Pair Receivers
4.3 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.
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Model UV232A-4S and UV232A-8S
5. Specifications
Video
Gain Unity
Number/signal type 1 analog signal input. Standard VGA output RGBHV, RGBS, RGsB, RsGsBs,
Connectors 4 or 8 female RJ-45 output
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 input
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; 6 VDC, 1.5 A, regulated; 2.1mm
Temperature/humidity
Enclosure type Metal
Dimensions 1.66" H x 8.42" W x 2.60" D - Depth excludes connectors
Product weight 1.5 lb (0.68 kg)
Shipping weight 3.0 lbs (1.36 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
RS-232
Connectors 1 DB9 Female Input (Pins 2, 3 and 5)
component video (bi-/tri-level sync)
1 HD15 local 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
(1) 3.5 mm connector local output
Storage: -40 to +158 °F (-40 to +70 °C) / 10% to 90%, non-condensing
Operating: +32 to +122 °F (0 to +50 °C) / 10% to 90%, non-condensing
(42.2 mm H x 214 mm W x 66 mm D)
1 DB9 Male Output (Pins 2, 3 and 5)
Specifications are subject to change without notice
16
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 714-641-6698
Mail order: Hall Research, 1163 Warner Ave. Tustin, CA 92780
Web site: www.hallresearch.com E-mail: info@hallresearch.com
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