Lightware Modex-Tx, Modex-Rx Quick Start Manual

MODEX-TX

MODEX-RX

Modular Extender

family

(MODEX)

Quick Start Guide

Modular Extender family

Quick Start Guide

Section 1. Introduction Page 3 / 15

Table of contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 4

1.1. BOX CONTENTS................................................................................................................... 4

1.2. TYPICAL APPLICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 4

2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................... 5

2.1. FRONT VIEW ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.2. REAR VIEW ......................................................................................................................... 6

3. INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................... 6

4. FRONT PANEL OPERATIONS ............................................................................................... 7

5. WEB CONTROL – USING THE BUILT-IN WEBSITE ............................................................ 7

5.1. NETWORK STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................... 7

5.2. IP SETTINGS ....................................................................................................................... 8

5.3. ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTION ......................................................................................... 8

5.4. BUILT-IN WEB ...................................................................................................................... 9

5.4.1. Main menu ................................................................................................................ 9

5.4.2. Crosspoint menu ....................................................................................................... 9

5.4.3. EDID menu ............................................................................................................. 14

5.4.1. Settings ................................................................................................................... 15

6. WARRANTY .......................................................................................................................... 15

7. DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ....................................................................................... 16

Page 4 / 15 Section 1. Introduction

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing MODEX the Lightware Modular Extender family. The Modex
family is a hybrid, modular and multi-layer group of extenders supporting the AV and
broadcast industry’s formats. It is capable of extending digital and analog audio and

video, USB KVM, Ethernet and control signals like RS-232, RS-422, IR etc....

1.1. Box contents

 Quick Start Guide (this document)
 MODEX Transmitter or Receiver unit
 IEC Power cable
 UTP LAN cable
 Four rubber foot
 Infrared transmitter and receiver pair
 5-pole male phoenix connector

1.2. Typical applications

Modular Extender family

Quick Start Guide

Section 2. General description Page 5 / 15

2. General description

Lightware’s hybrid modular multi-layer extenders allow different types of input and output
modules, which gives the maximum flexibility for rental and installation signal
transmissions. The hybrid architecture allows signal transmission between Tx and Rx
extenders even if they have different video connectors. For example a DVI source can be
routed to an HDMI sink, but HDCP encrypted sources cannot be routed to non-HDCP
capable DVI sinks. The modular design allows you to select the required video and
interface module. The multi-layer concept allows every media layer (video, audio, etc.) to
be managed independently of each other.

The MODEX is fully compatible with the 25G hybrid architecture.

2.1. Front view

USB-KVM1: 1x USB-B connector is on the TX side and 2x USB-A connectors are on the RX side.

USB-KVM USB connection to HOST (Computer) on the TX unit and for

two devices (e.g. Keyboard) on the RX unit.

Ethernet Ethernet connection for control and transfer.

Link status LEDs Audio LED lights green when the audio transfer is active. The

video LED indicates the correct video transmission. The CNTRL
LED is green when the low speed handshake of the two
extenders is complete. The OPTS LINK LED lights when the
optical link is active.

Menu display Displays status information and menu operation.

Menu navigation Up, down, left, right, escape and enter buttons for menu

navigation.

Status LEDs CPU live LED blinks to indicate normal operation. +5V led and

+3.3V light green when the extender is powered on.

Reset button You can reboot the extender.

Page 6 / 15 Section 3. Installation

2.2. Rear view

Media connector User-selected physical connector.

Interface modules Two user-selected optional interface modules.

Video & audio module User-selected video and audio module.

3. Installation

Step 1. Connect the transmitter and the receiver by using an LC or Neutrik

OpticalCON connector equipped with multi or single mode fiber cable
depending on the Media connector.

Step 2. Connect a DVI or HDMI source (e.g. computer) to the transmitter's HDMI

INPUT or DVI INPUT connector.

Step 3. Connect the HDMI or DVI sink (e.g. monitor, projector etc.) to the receiver's

HDMI output. For DVI displays the usage of adaptor cable is necessary.

Step 4. For controlling the device using the built in WEB page connect a computer

with a LAN patch cable to the Ethernet port of the transmitter or the receiver.
Both devices can be accessed and controlled through either Ethernet port.

Step 5. Optionally for Ethernet extension:

 connect some Ethernet devices (e.g. switch, laptop, computer etc.)

to the transmitter and to the receiver. All connected devices will
work as if they are connected to the same network.

Step 6. Optionally for RS-232* extension:

 Connect a controller unit (e.g. Touch panel) to the RS-232 on TX

with a null modem serial cable,

 Connect a controlled device (e.g. Projector) to the RS-232 on RX

with a regular serial cable.

Step 7. Optionally for Infra-Red* extension:

 Connect the supplied IR emitter to the IR OUT on TX or RX
 Connect the supplied IR detector to the IR IN on TX or RX

Step 8. Optionally for USB HID* extension:

 Connect at least one USB HID* device to the receiver. Use the

keyboard and the mouse labeled USB-A connectors.

 Connect the transmitter to the computer via the USB-B cable.
Step 9. Power on the devices using the standard IEC power cable
* Mentioned devices are examples and can be connected to either TX or RX.

Modular Extender family

Quick Start Guide

Section 4. Front panel operations Page 7 / 15

4. Front panel operations

Using the front panel LCD menu navigation buttons some basic configuration parameter
can be set and some status information can be displayed.

Menu structure:

 Info

 MCU Firmware
 FPGA Firmware
 WEB Content
 Supply A
 Supply B
 Temperature

 Settings

 Network settings

 IP address
 Subnet mask
 Static gateway
 Port number
 DHCP

 System

 Reset
 Enter bootload
 Factory default

 Modules

 MODEX frame and core

 Info

 Product code
 Schematic
 PCB
 Serial Number
 MAC address

 Settings

 MODEX video & audio module*

 Info

 Product code
 Schematic
 PCB
 Serial Number

 Settings

 MODEX physical module

 Info

 Product code
 Schematic
 PCB
 Serial Number

 Settings

 MODEX interface module*

 Info

 Product code
 Schematic
 PCB
 Serial Number

 Settings

 Crosspoints

 Video
 Audio

 USB K&M

 Port1

 Manufacturer
 Product
 Serial
 VID
 PID
 Host info

 Port2

 Manufacturer
 Product
 Serial
 VID
 PID

 Host info
 EDID
 Presets

 Load preset
 Save preset

* A Modex might have more than one video or interface module of the same kind. The
appropriate number of branches of the tree appears in this case.

5. Web control – Using the Built-in website

Modex transceivers have several configuration options. More settings are available using
the built-in website than on the front panel. You can access the website through any
Ethernet connector of the Modex.

5.1. Network Structure

MODEX extenders have a front panel Ethernet port. Additional rear-side Ethernet
connectors are available as interface modules. All of the connectors and the controller
entity belong to the same network inside the Modex. Ethernet link is also transferred to
the connected pair via physical layer link (optical or twisted pair). Connect any RJ45
connector of the TX or the RX to a LAN and you can control both units. Do not connect
more than one port of the Modex pair to the same LAN to avoid loops.

Page 8 / 15 Section 5. Web control – Using the Built-in website

5.2. IP settings

Before you connect to a MODEX extender using a Web browser the IP address must be
set. The Ethernet port can be configured on the front panel LCD menu or remotely
through the built-in website. There are three different ways to configure the IP address.

Set the factory default IP address

MODEX extenders have static IP settings at the first startup. You can reload these
settings to the default state by setting the factory default on the LCD menu (Settings/
System/ Factory Default) or on the built-in website (Settings/ Network).

Transmitter: IP address: 192.168.0.101

port number: 6107
subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
gateway: 192.168.0.1
HTTP port: 80
WEB socket: 81

Receiver: IP address: 192.168.0.102

port number: 6107
subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
gateway: 192.168.0.1
HTTP port: 80
WEB socket: 81

Set a user defined static IP address

The IP address, Subnet mask, Static gateway and the Port number can be set by a user
defined value on the front panel LCD menu (Settings/ Network Settings) or remotely
through the built-in website (Settings/Network).

Set a dinamic IP address

DHCP mode can be enabled on the front panel LCD menu (Settings/ Network Settings/
DHCP) or remotely through the built-in website (Settings/Network/DHCP). The extenders
acquire IP addresses from the DHCP server on the LAN in this case.

5.3. Establishing the connection

To connect to a Modex launch a web browser and type the IP address. You can verify the
actual address of the Modex unit on its front panel display (Settings/Network). See
previous chapter for available options.

Modular Extender family

Quick Start Guide

Section 5. Web control – Using the Built-in website Page 9 / 15

System requirements

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X, or
Linux

Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari (Microsoft Internet Explorer is not supported)

5.4. Built-in web

5.4.1. Main menu

After the connection is established to any of the devices the main menu appears by
default. A status window indicates which device has been connected to. This is the local
device. In this window the remote device can be selected. Both devices must be
configured for appropriate transfer. The main menu contains three major sub
configuration menus: the Crosspoint, the EDID and the Settings.

5.4.2. Crosspoint menu

The MODEX is a multi-layer extender and every layer has an own specific control panel
for configuration.

Left click on the Crosspoint label in the main menu to obtain layers of configuration
panel supported by the selected Modex extender pair.

Note: USB KVM has no crosspoint configuration panel
Note: If a layer is not supported by the selected MODEX then there is no label for

its properties

5.4.2.1. Video crosspoint

In the main menu left click on the Crosspoint label then left click on Video label the
video crosspoint appears. The inputs are at the top row and the outputs are at the right
column. The number of the inputs and the outputs are depending on the number and the
direction of the video modules. As MODEX supports only one video transmission over the
link the link appears as an input or as an output depending on the direction of the
extender.

At the transmitter side the link
appears as an output. At the
receiver side the link appears as
an input.

The input and output settings can be accessed through
module and port properties. Every port is represented with a
connector icon, while the modules are represented with a
colored bar. Some modules have multiple ports so the
module settings may affect which ports can be used.

Page 10 / 15 Section 5. Web control – Using the Built-in website

Module property

Each MODEX modules including video modules, interface modules and physical link
modules have their special property list. The color of the Module property bar indicates
the related ports. Different color means different module. Left click on the Module
property bar to open he module property window.

In the property window there is some general information about the selected video or
physical module
and there is a
settings parameter
list. Under settings
there is a Mode
function. Some
video modules have
two or more video
inputs or outputs,
but only one of
these inputs or
outputs can be used
in the video
crosspoint. This is
because only one
video stream
transmission is
permitted between
the core module
and the video
module. After setting the mode of the video interface module the supported input or
output port of the selected mode appears in the video crosspoint and the port property
becomes available.

Port property

Left click on the Port property icon to open the
property window. The physical port, the input and
the output ports have different property windows.
The property window displays status information
about the port and signal information about the
incoming and outgoing signals. At the same time
gives opportunity to set parameters for example
rename a port or reach special functions for
example Frame detector at the input port side.

Modular Extender family

Quick Start Guide

Section 5. Web control – Using the Built-in website Page 11 / 15

5.4.2.2. Audio crosspoint

In the main menu left click on the Crosspoint label then left click on Audio label the
audio crosspoint appears. The inputs are at the top row and the outputs are at the right
column. The number of the inputs and the outputs depends on the number, the direction
and the mode settings of the audio modules.

OPTx extenders support two audio groups the

Main audio group and the S/Pdif audio
group. These groups are independent from

each other. In this case there are forbidden
crosspoint connections.

The link can support four audio layers. The

Embedded audio (from Tx to Rx) and the
Return AUX (from Rx to Tx) belongs to the

Main audio group. The Forward Audio (from Tx to Rx) and Return Audio (from Rx to
Tx) belongs to the S/PDIF audio group.

At the transmitter
side the Embedded

audio and the
Forward Audio

appears as an
output, the Return

Audio and the
Return AUX

appears as an
input. At the
receiver side the
direction is the
opposite.

The input and output settings can be accessed through module and port properties.
Every port is represented with a connector icon, while the modules are represented with a
colored bar. Some modules have multiple ports so the module settings may affect which
ports can be used. Ports settings can be accessed through the Port property icon. The
module settings can be accessed through the Module property bar.

Page 12 / 15 Section 5. Web control – Using the Built-in website

Module property

Each MODEX modules including video modules, interface modules and physical link
modules have special port property list. The color of the Module property icon indicates
the related ports. Different color means different module. Left click on the Module
property icon the
property window opens.

In the property window
there is some general
information about the
selected audio or
physical module and
there is a settings
parameter list. Under
settings there is a
Mode* function. every
audio port can be
assigned to one of the
two audio groups (Main
or S/PDIF) using the
mode function. After
setting the mode of the
audio interface module
the supported input
and/or output port of the selected mode appears in the audio crosspoint and the port
property window becomes available.

* The Mode function list is continuously expanding with new features and audio functions
and it is possible to implement future costumer needs.

Port property

Left click on the Port property bar a
property window opens. The physical
port, the input and the output ports have
different property windows. The
property window displays status
information about the port and signal
information about the incoming and
outgoing signals. At the same time
gives opportunity to set parameters for
example rename a port or reach special
functions for example set the Volume of
an analog input port.

Modular Extender family

Quick Start Guide

Section 5. Web control – Using the Built-in website Page 13 / 15

5.4.2.3. Infra crosspoint

In the main menu left click on the Crosspoint label then left click on Infra label the infra
crosspoint appears. The inputs are at the top row and the outputs are at the right column.

The number of the inputs depends on the
number of the infra inputs at the local side
and the number of the infra inputs at the
remote side.

The number of the outputs depends on the
number of the infra outputs at the local side.
All infrared inputs are transmitted to the
remote device all the time. The selection
should be done on the local device which
infra source has to be output on a local infra port.

As all of the infra input ports data can be transmitted via the link the link doesn’t appear

as an output as it appears in the video or in the audio crosspoints. The input port with a
link icon symbolizes the input of the remote side.

The input and output settings can be accessed through module and port properties.
Every port is represented with a connector icon, while the modules are represented with a
colored bar. Some modules have multiple ports so the module settings may affect which
ports can be used.

Module property

In the property window there is some general information about the selected interface
module that contains the infra port.

Port property

Left click on the Port property icon a property window opens. In the settings list the carrier
frequency at the output ports can be set.

5.4.2.4. Serial crosspoint

In the main menu left click on the Crosspoint label then left click on Serial label the
serial crosspoint appears. The inputs are at the top row and the outputs are at the right
column.

The number of the inputs depends on the
number of the serial ports at the local side
and the number of the serial ports at the
remote side. The number of the outputs is
depending on the number of the serial ports
at the local side. In the crosspoint view every
serial port appears as an input and an output.
It means that Tx data channel of the port is
an input and the Rx data channel of the port
is an output.

All serial inputs are transmitted to the remote device all the time. The selection should be
done on the local device which serial source has to be output on a local serial port.

As all of the serial ports data can be transmitted via the link the link doesn’t appear as an
output as it appears in the video or in the audio crosspoints. The input port with a link icon
symbolizes the input of the remote side.

If an input is switched to an output and both the input and the output is belongs to the
same serial port connector than it is an internal loopback and in this way the serial link
can be tested between the source and the MODEX extender device.

Page 14 / 15 Section 5. Web control – Using the Built-in website

Module property

In the property window there is some general information about the selected interface
module that contains the serial port.

Port property

Left click on the Port property icon a property window opens. In the settings list ports
parameters can be set for example the baud rate.

5.4.3. EDID menu

In the main menu left click on the EDID label the EDID management window opens.

The menu is separated into two distinct windows. At the left side there are the Factory,
Dynamic and the User list of EDID. Factory EDID contains the factory default EDID list.
The Dynamic EDID contains the EDID list of the sinks have been connected to the
extenders. User EDID contains the user defined EDID list.

To manipulate EDIDs they can be copied from the left window to the right window.

Emulate an EDID

Step 1. Select if you want to emulate an EDID from the Factory, Dynamic, or User EDID

memories in the left window.

Step 2. Browse for the desired EDID in the left window and select it.
Step 3. In the right window click ‘Emulated EDID’.
Step 4. Select the desired input port on which you want to change the EDID and then

click the ‘>’ button on the bottom of the window.

Store an EDID

Step 1. In the left window select if you want to store an EDID from the Factory, Dynamic,

or User EDID memories.

Step 2. Browse for the desired EDID in the left window and select it.
Step 3. In the right window click ‘User EDID’.

Modular Extender family

Quick Start Guide

Section 6. Warranty Page 15 / 15

Step 4. Select the desired User EDID memory slot which you want to store the EDID and

then click the ‘>’ button on the bottom of the window.

Get information about an EDID

Left click on EDID Info and the parameters of the selected EDID appears.
* EDID Editor will be available in the future.

5.4.1. Settings

In the main menu left click on the Settings label the setting menu appears.

The settings menu contains seven major sub configuration menus the Core, the Network
the Status, the System log, the Backup, the USB KVM and the LOCK.

Core

The menu contains general information and status about the core module.

Network

Network parameters can be set. See 5.1 section of this document.

Status

Software, supply, temperature and module information can be read out.

System log

Operational information (warnings, errors) can be read out.

Backup

The extenders support eight preset settings. In this menu these presets can be saved
and presets can be load.

USB KVM

Status information about the USB port and device information about the connected
devices can be read out.

Lock

Lock function can be set. If a module is Locked than the mode function cannot be
changed.

6. Warranty

In case of defect please call your local representative, or Lightware at

Lightware Visual Engineering
H-1071 Budapest, Peterdy Street 15, HUNGARY

Tel.: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Page 16 / 15 Section 7. Document revision history

7. Document revision history

Document

Release Date

Changes

Editor

Rev. 1.1

15-05-2013

Front panel operation has changed (section 4)
Audio group concept has changed (section 5.4.2.2)

Peter Petrik

Rev. 1.0

25-03-2013

initial version

Peter Petrik