ADDERLink AV200 Manual

							AdderLink AV200 series
Digital Signage Extenders
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ADDER
®
TRANSMITTE R
LINK5 L INK 6 LINK7 L INK 8
LINK 1POWE R
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ADDERLINK
www.adder .com
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SECT 1
Contents
Welcome
Introduction ........................................................................\
.........2
Standard AdderLink AV200 models .......................................2
Support for DDC (Display Data Channel) ..............................3
Expansion via cascade links ....................................................4
What’s in the box ........................................................................\
5
What you may additionally need ...............................................5
Module features ........................................................................\
..6
Installation
Locations ........................................................................\
..............7
Mounting ........................................................................\
.............8
Using the self adhesive feet ...................................................8
Using the rear mounting slot .................................................8
Using the optional rack mount chassis ..................................9
Making standard connections ..................................................10
Connections at the transmitter ............................................10
Connections at the receiver .................................................15
Making cascade connections ....................................................17
Important limitations when cascading ................................17
Cascade connection example ...............................................17
Cascading transmitters .........................................................18
Switch settings - AV204T/AV208T only .....................................19
Operation
Indicators........................................................................\
............20
Serial port switching..................................................................21
Adjustments ........................................................................\
.......22
Brightness and sharpness adjustments ................................22
Skew compensation adjustments (AV201R only) ................23
Upgrading ........................................................................\
.....25
Further information
Troubleshooting ........................................................................\
26
Getting assistance ......................................................................26
Safety information ....................................................................27
Warranty ........................................................................\
............27
Products in the AdderLink AV200 range ..................................28
Cables ........................................................................\
.................28
Y-cable pinout .......................................................................28
Emissions and Immunity ............................................................29   
						

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SECT 2
Welcome
Introduction
The AdderLink AV200 family of digital signage extenders provide a modula\
r 
method to distribute high quality video and audio to remote display unit\
s as well 
as handling serial control signals. The various modules of the AdderLink\
 AV200 
family support a wide range of configurations: from individual point-t\
o-point 
installations to multiple screen distributions, all via CATx cabling at \
distances up 
to 300m (1000 feet). 
All AdderLink AV200 modules provide full support for RS232 serial 
communications between the host system and the display(s). This suppor\
t 
extends not just to point-to-point connections, but also to larger scale\
 
installations using AV204 and AV208 transmitters. The inclusive Adder Di\
splay 
Manager utility provides the final piece of the puzzle and allows remo\
te, flexible 
control of all devices attached to the AdderLink AV installation.       \
   
Standard AdderLink AV200 models
There are three styles of AdderLink AV200 transmitters and two types of \
receiver 
modules available. The choice of each depends upon the quantity of devic\
es that 
need to be supported and the layout of each installation as a whole: 
AdderLink AV200P point-to-point
The AdderLink AV200P transmitter and receiver provide point to point ope\
ration 
capable of directly supporting dual displays and speaker sets. The trans\
mitter 
can additionally support a local monitor and speaker set located adjacen\
t to the 
source system. At the receiver a single RS232 serial connector is availa\
ble for 
linking to a single display (AV200R receivers can support dual serial p\
orts via a 
special Y-cable but only when linked to AV204T or AV208T transmitters).
VIDEOCATx LINK
UP TO 300m
AUDIO
RS232 SERIAL
POWER
POWER
PC
TRANSMITTER RECEIVER
200R
200T
AdderLink AV200 transmitter and receiver pair driving two remote displays (with serial control to one of them) and speakers in addition to a local monitor and speaker set
The AV200P transmitter and receiver modules are also available separatel\
y and 
are known as the AV200T and AV200R respectively. Expansion is made possi\
ble 
by connecting further transmitters to the original AV200T transmitter mo\
dule, 
however, the serial connection cannot be cascaded in this manner. Where \
cascades with serial connections (as well as video and audio) are requ\
ired, use 
the AV204T/AV208T transmitters.   
AdderLink AV201R
An AV201R receiver is also available which provides all of the functionality of the 
AV200R with the addition of special skew adjustments to correct cable-in\
duced 
video timing errors on long CATx connections.  
RECEIVER
200RTRANSMITTER
200T
RECEIVER
201R
TRANSMITTER
204T
TRANSMITTER
208T
Transmitters
Receivers
AV200T Can directly drive a single receiver module
AV204T Can directly drive up to four receiver modules
AV208T Can directly drive up to eight receiver modules
AV200R Supports two displays and speaker sets
AV201R Supports two displays and speaker sets. Also includes video skew adjustment controls.
Module mixing - IMPORTANT
When necessary, the AV204T and AV208T modules can be used to link with 
AV100 receivers, however, the serial communications facilities must be fi\
rst 
disabled using switch 10 on the AV204T/AV208T modules (see Switch settings 
for details)    
						

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CATx LINK UP TO 300m
SERIAL
Y-CABLE
POWER
RECEIVER
200R
RECEIVER
200R
VIDEO
AUDIO
POWER
PC
RS232 SERIAL
TRANSMITTER
204T/208T
AdderLink AV204T and AV208T transmitters 
The AdderLink AV204T transmitter provides four CATx outputs while the AV\
208T 
provides eight CATx output to directly drive AV200R/AV201R receiver modu\
les 
located at distances up to 300m (1000 feet).
Note: An optional serial Y-cable is available (part number: VSC19), which allows a 
connected receiver to provide a serial link to each display. 
AdderLink AV204T/AV208T transmitter driving up to four/eight remote receivers, in addition to a local monitor and speaker set
Additional expansion is also possible by connecting further transmitter \
modules to 
the original module in a cascade arrangement, each supporting their own \
multiple 
AV200R/AV201R receiver modules - See Expansion via cascade links for details.
Support for DDC (Display Data Channel)
The Display Data Channel standard allows video monitors to define 
their characteristics so that the source computers to which they are 
connected can optimise their video outputs accordingly. By their nature,\
 
the AdderLink AV extenders enable multiple video displays to be attached\
 
to a single source computer. This causes a complication for handling the\
 
DDC standard, however, in characteristic style we have devised an elegan\
t 
solution, as detailed below. 
Whenever an AdderLink AV transmitter is powered on, it checks its local \
video port for a working display monitor with DDC information. The 
following strictly ordered actions occur to automatically locate the mos\
t 
suitable DDC data: 
•	 If	a	display	monitor	is	discovered	on	the	local	video	port	of	the	
transmitter, the DDC data are cloned from it and stored within the 
transmitter.
•	 If	no	display	monitor	is	discovered	on	the	local	video	port	of	the	
transmitter, the DDC data held within the transmitter will remain 
unchanged.
•	 If	the	DDC	data	or	clock	lines	of	the	transmitter’s	local	video	port	are	
discovered to be connected to ground, then a default set of DDC data 
will be reloaded and used.  
After the initial search period, the stored DDC data are then presented \
to 
the video port of the source computer. When transmitters are cascaded, 
only the primary transmitter (the one connected to the source computer)\
 
will perform the search for DDC data.
AdderLink AV transmitters hold two pages of DDC data in order to 
support the most advanced display monitors. The DDC data are held 
within non-volatile memory so that they are retained when power is 
removed. 
The	manner	in	which	the	transmitters	search	for	suitable	‘DDC	donors’	
could have an impact if your installation contains display units with 
differing capabilities. Generally, you should arrange for the display 
monitor with the most representative capabilities of your whole 
installation to be the one that the transmitter locates on its local por\
t, 
either initially (and temporarily) while commissioning or permanently.\
    
						

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Expansion via cascade links
In	order	to	create	small,	medium	and	large	digital	signage	networks,	all	AV200	
transmitters are designed to support additional transmitter modules (an\
d their 
subsequent multiple receivers). This is achieved using the video, audio\
 and serial 
out ports to provide the inputs into the next transmitter module, and so\
 on. 
AV transmitters can be connected in cascade to provide further video, audio and serial expansion opportunities. Note that the AV200T transmitter does not support serial cascade connections.  
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CA Tx LINKS TO RECEIVERS
CA Tx LINKS TO RECEIVERS
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
CASCADE LINK
VIDEO
AUDIO
POWER
POWER
PC
PrimaryT ransmitter
RS232 SERIAL
TRANSMITTER
TRANSMITTER
204T/208T
204T/208T
Note: The AV200T transmitter supports video and audio cascade connection\
s, 
however, the module does not include a serial out connector and cannot 
support cascaded serial connections.   
A limit of three cascade connections are possible between transmitter mo\
dules. 
Using the corresponding maximum of four AV208T transmitters, this gives \
an 
overall support for up to 64 remote displays on 32 separate CATx branche\
s.            
						

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ADDER
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TRANSMITTE R
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ADDERLINK
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For each AV module:  5.3V Power adapter and country-specific mains cable
Self adhesive rubber feet
Video cable to connect a transmitter to the source PC and optionally to connect additional transmitter modules in cascade.
Adder P/N: VSC18 
RECEIVER200
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What’s in the boxWhat you may additionally need
AdderLink AV200T transmitter and/or AV200R/AV201R receiver. AV200T and AV200R modules can be supplied as a pair under the code AV200P 
Stereo audio cable to connect a transmitter to the source PC and optionally to connect additional transmitter modules in cascade.
Adder P/N: VSC22 
CD-ROM containing skew test pattern and documentationFor part numbers of other items, please also refer to the  
section Products in the AdderLink AV range. 
Rack mount fascia plates for modules:
For AV200T/AV200R/AV201R Adder P/N: ALAV-RMK-FASCIA
For AV204T/AV208T Adder P/N: ALAV-RMK-FASCIA2
19” rack mount chassisAdder P/N: ALAV-RMK-CHASSIS
Serial cable (one per transmitter)
Supplied items depend upon ordered models
ADDER
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ADDERLINK
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AdderLink AV204T transmitter 
AdderLink AV208T transmitter 
Serial Y-cable (not pictured) to connect two serial devices to a receiver (when that receiver is linked to an AV204T or AV208T transmitter)
Upgrade cable (not pictured)   
						

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Module features
TRANSMITTER
200
ADDERLINK
IN
IN
Point to point transmitter module(AV200T model pictured)
Power supply connection
Local  video  outputLocal  audio  output
Video  input from source PC
Audio  input from source PC
Link output to receiver
Serial port connection from source PC (female 9-way D-type) 
Indicators
RECEIVER
SKEWGBSKEW RGBRIGHT
SHARP
201
ADDERLINK
OUT
OUT
Point to point  receiver module(AV201R model pictured)
Power adapter connection
Serial port connection  to device (male 9-way D-type)
Indicators
Link input from transmitter (or cascade input)  
Audio output to speakers
Video output to display
Audio output to speakers
Video output to display
Sharpness control
Brightness control
Skew adjusters (not AV200R)
TRAN
ADDERLINK
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Multi-point transmitter  module - ports end(AV204T model pictured)
Audio  input from source PC
Video  input from source PC
Audio  input from source PCVideo input from source PC
Serial port connection output to cascaded transmitter
Serial port connection from source PC 
ADDE R
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TRANSMITTER
LINK5 L INK 6 LINK7 L INK 8
LINK 1POWE R
LINK 2 L INK 3 LINK4
DERLINK
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208
123O
N4 56789
10
Multi-point transmitter  module - link end(AV208T model pictured)
Power adapter connection
CATx links 1 to 4
CATx links 5 to 8 (not AV204T)
Configuration switches (see Switch settings for details)   
						

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Installation
Locations
Please consider the following important points when planning the positio\
ns of 
your AdderLink AV modules:
•	 Take	care	not	to	exceed	the	maximum	link	cable	lengths	(please	refer	to	the	
section Making cascade connections). 
•	 Ensure	that	the	transmitters	are	as	close	as	possible	to	the	source	PC	system	
and the receivers are similarly close to the display modules. Use video \
connection cables that are correctly shielded and are no longer than 6m \
in 
length. 
•	 Wherever	possible,	choose	routes	for	the	CATx	twisted	pair	link	cables	that	
avoid mains power cables. 
•	 Remember	a	mains	power	socket	is	required	for	each	transmitter	and	
receiver.
•	 Consult	the	precautions	listed	within	the	Safety information section.
SECT 3   
						

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Using the rear mounting slot
The slot at the rear of AV200 and AV201 modules allow them to be hung up\
on 
a fixed screw that protrudes from the mounting surface.
IMPORTANT: The internal circuit board is accessible through the mounting\
 slot. 
Ensure that any mounting screws protrudes no further than ½” (12.\
5mm) into 
the module casing - serious electrical damage will be caused if the scre\
w makes 
contact with the internal circuitry.
5mm ( )
0.19
9.5mm0.37
( )
Using the self adhesive feet
Apply the supplied self-
adhesive rubber feet to the 
underside corners of the 
AdderLink AV modules. 
Mounting
Before you begin connecting to the source PC system and display devices,\
 it is 
advisable to mount the AdderLink AV modules in place. There are a number\
 of 
mounting possibilities for the transmitter and receiver modules:
•	 On	a	horizontal	surface	using	the	supplied	self	adhesive	feet,
•	 Mounted	on	a	screw	using	the	rear	slot,
•	 Within	the	optional rack mount chassis,
•	 On	inclined	surfaces	using	self	adhesive	Velcro© strips (not supplied).   
						

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Using the optional rack mount chassis
1 Place the optional rack plate onto the front of the transmitter or recei\
ver 
module and secure it with the countersunk screws. 
2	 Orient	the	module	on	its	side	so	that	its	labelled	face	is	the	correct	way	up	
and the securing plate is facing away from the rack. 
3 Slide the module into the required rack position.  
4 The rack mount chassis has a series of holes in its floor that are spa\
ced 
to	accommodate	the	screws	on	the	module’s	lower	edge.	Ensure	that	the	
screws correctly locate into the holes of the chosen slot. The rack secu\
ring 
plate on the module should now be flush with the front of the rack mou\
nt 
chassis. 
5 Use the supplied (pan-head) screws, in the top hole of the rack securi\
ng 
plate to fasten the module to the rack. 
TRA NSM ITTER
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ADDERLINK
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