Altinex AC301-109 User manual

Brand: Altinex

Model: AC301-109

Category: Remote controls

Type: User manual

Altinex AC301-109 is a versatile device that combines EDID Blaster and IR Learner functionalities, providing you with convenient solutions for managing and customizing your audiovisual setups. With its intuitive control application, you can effortlessly read and write EDID memory, ensuring compatibility between your devices for optimal signal transmission. The IR Learner feature empowers you to capture IR codes directly from remote controls, eliminating the need for libraries or internet access during installation.

AC301

AC301AC301

AC301-

-109 EDID Blaster/IR Learner

109 EDID Blaster/IR Learner109 EDID Blaster/IR Learner

109 EDID Blaster/IR Learner

User’s Guide

400-0547-002

Welcome!

We greatly appreciate your purchase of the AC301-109 EDID Blaster/IR

Learner. We are sure you will find it reliable and simple to use. Superior

performance for the right price, backed by solid technical and customer

support is what ALTINEX has to offer.

We are committed to providing our customers with Signal Management

Solutions

to the most demanding audiovisual installations at competitive

pricing and we welcome you to join the ranks of our many satisfied customers

throughout the world.

1. Precautions and Safety Warnings

Please read this manual carefully before using your AC301-109. Keep this

manual handy for future reference. These safety instructions are to ensure the

long life of your AC301-109 and to prevent fire and shock hazards. Please read

them carefully and heed all warnings.

1.1 General

• Qualified ALTINEX service personnel or their authorized

representatives must perform all service.

1.2 Installation Precautions

• To prevent fire or shock, do not expose this unit to water or moisture.

Do not place the AC301-109 in direct sunlight, near heaters or

heat-radiating appliances, or near any liquid. Exposure to direct

sunlight, smoke, or steam can harm internal components.

• Handle the unit carefully; dropping or jarring can cause damage.

• Do not pull any cables that are attached to the AC301-109.

1.3 Cleaning

• Never use strong detergents or solvents such as alcohol or thinner. Do

not use a wet cloth or water to clean the card. Do not clean or touch

any component or PCB.

1.4 FCC Notice

• This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause

harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

• This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for

a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These

limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial

environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions found herein, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is

likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be

required to correct the interference at his own expense.

•

Any changes or modifications to the unit not expressly approved by

ALTINEX, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the

equipment.

2. Installation Procedures

Note: Download the latest version of the control application from the ALTINEX website at www.altinex.com to begin using your AC301-109 immediately.

Step 1. Install and launch the AC301-109 control application. Before connecting the AC301-109 to the computer, install the USB drivers following the

installation wizard instructions. This provides a virtual COM port using a USB connection. See section 7.3.2 of the online manual for details.

Step 2. Connect the AC301-109 to your PC or laptop using a standard USB type A-M to type B-M cable. The power light turns on and red.

Step 3. In the AC301-109 control application, select either EDID Blaster or IR Learn from the main page in the application.

EDID Blaster - Read/Write

Step 1. Determine if the EDID source data is from a previously saved file, or from a display device. If the source is from a saved file, use the load EDID from

file option and then go to Step 4.

Step 2. If the source is from a display device, connect one end of the VGA cable provided to the AC301-109 and the other end to the device with the EDID

memory you want to read; monitor, TV, projector, etc.

Step 3. Select the read EDID from device option to read and store the data in temporary memory. Disconnect the VGA cable from the display.

Step 4. Connect the VGA cable from the AC301-109 to the interface device; switcher, DA, etc.

Step 5. Select the write to device option to program the interface with the EDID read previously.

NOTE: Not all devices receive power for EDID memory through the 15-pin connector. Some devices require power to be applied.

Step 6. In order to use this EDID data in the future, use the save to file option.

Learn IR from Remote Control

Step 1. In the control application, select a file to store the IR data, and then enter the type, manufacturer, and model of the device.

Step 2. Select the output format for the IR data to be saved; raw data, Neutron, or Showtime.

Step 3. Select the Learn IR option, aim the remote control at the IR IN port, and press the remote control function to learn.

Step 4. Next, enter the function name just learned and then save it to the file. Repeat for each remote control function desired.

Step 5. Use the saved codes to program your ALTINEX device.

3. Limited Warranty/Return Policies

Please see the ALTINEX website at www.altinex.com for details on warranty and return policies.

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4. Technical Specifications

Specifications are subject to change. See www.altinex.com for up-to-date information.

Features/Description

AC301

109

EDID Blaster/IR Learner

General

Inputs

Control USB type B F (1)

IR IR Receiver (1)

Outputs

EDID Read/Write 15-pin HD F (1)

Compatibility

Altinex Devices Showtime, Neutron, etc.

Accessories Included

VGA Cable 15-pin HD M-M

Table 1. AC301-109 General

Mechanical

AC301

109

EDID Blaster/IR Learner

Material/Color ABS Plastic/Black

Height 1.0 in (25 mm)

Width 2.3 in (58 mm)

Depth 2.4 in (61 mm)

Weight 0.2 lb (0.1 kg)

Shipping Weight (approximate) 1.0 lb (0.5 kg)

Connector Panel Black Anodized

T° Operating 10°C-50°C

T° Maximum 75°C

Humidity 90% non-condensing

MTBF (calc.) 38,000 hrs

Table 2. AC301-109 Mechanical

Electrical

AC301

109

EDID Blaster/IR Learner

Communication/Control Signals

Data I/O USB

EDID Read/Write

Digital Data TTL

Signal Level 3 - 5 Vp-p TTL

Power (from USB)

+5V 100 mA

Total Power 0.5 W max.

Table 3. AC301-109 Electrical

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5. About Your AC301-109

• Learn IR Codes directly from remote control

• Read EDID memory from monitor or file

• Write EDID memory to device from memory or file

• Free custom application download for immediate operation

Learn IR codes directly from a remote control for use in ALTINEX products such as Showtime Solution in a Box or Neutron Controllers. The AC301-109

eliminates the need for libraries and internet access during installation. Simply learn then necessary codes and then transfer them to your system. Create and

organize your own custom libraries for use in future installations using device formatted commands or save the raw data for use anywhere.

The AC301-109 EDID Blaster enables the reading and writing of EDID memory from one device to another. Read the EDID memory from your monitor and

write the data to your distribution amplifier, switcher, etc. In addition to direct read and write among devices, the AC301-109 application allows the reading and

writing of EDID data directly to and from files for use in future installations or at other sites.

VGA/EDID

AC301-109 EDID BLASTER/IR LEARNER

USB

PWR

IR IN

USB Input

Type-B F

Power LED

IR Receiver

EDID Read/Write

15-pin HD F

EDID Read/Write

IR Receiver

IR Activity LED

Type-B F

USB Input

Power LED

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6. Application Diagrams

Diagram 1: Typical Setup

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Diagram 2: Internal View

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7. Operation

Download the latest version of the control application from the ALTINEX

website at www.altinex.com to begin using your AC301-109 immediately.

7.1 EDID Reader/Writer

The AC301-109 reads and writes EDID memory in the address range A000

to A0FF. The control software provided on the ALTINEX website allows

the EDID memory to read EDID data directly from a monitor or file and

write the data to another device or save the data to a file for use again and

again.

7.2 IR Learner

The AC301-109 can learn the IR device code from a remote control and

save it to a library file for use with ALTINEX systems such as Showtime

and Neutron. Follow the instruction within the control application to

begin building libraries immediately.

7.3 USB Control

The AC301-109 utilizes a virtual COM port through a USB Type-B

connector.

7.3.1 USB Connection

The Type-B USB port allows serial communication through a standard

computer USB port. The USB port allows the use of the same

communication software as a standard RS-232 port but does not require

the DB9 serial connection.

7.3.2 Drivers

The AC301-109 USB port requires the CP210X Virtual Com Port driver to

be installed prior to connecting to the computer. Launch the USB installer

from the application's start page and follow the installation wizard.

Close all open applications.

Once the necessary files have been copied to the computer, the installer is

ready to begin installation. Allow the InstallShield wizard to launch the

installer. For best results, use the default paths suggested by the installer.

If prompted, allow the installer to restart the computer.

After the installation is complete, connect the AC301-109 to the computer

and launch the control application. The computer will recognize the new

hardware and display the available COM ports. In some cases, the

computer may prompt again for the drivers. Select the browse option and

direct the installer to the path shown below and finish the wizard as

normal.

C:\Program Files\SiLabs\MCU\CP210x\x86 OR

C:\ Program Files\SiLabs\MCU\CP210x\x64

The control application has a feature to run through the available COM

ports and display those available. If not using the control application, view

the Device Manager (Control Panel/system/hardware/device manager) in

order to see which COM port number was assigned to the virtual port. In

the example below, COM7 was assigned.

7.4 RS-232 Control

The AC301-109 has many advanced remote-control capabilities accessible

through standard RS-232 communication using the AC301-109's internal

virtual com port. Control may be accomplished through a computer,

control system, or any device capable of RS-232 communication.

The RS-232 commands in this manual are provided as reference only.

ALTINEX provides control software for the AC301-109 which allows IR

Learn and EDID programming capability.

7.4.1 RS-232 Serial Port Settings

The AC301-109 communicates using standard serial communication

software such as ALTINEX's free for download AVSnap.

Baud Rate ................. 19200

Data Bits ................... 8

Stop Bits .................... 1

Parity ........................ None

Flow .......................... None

7.4.2 RS-232 Interface

The control commands for the AC301-109 are in a simple ASCII

character format.

1. Square brackets "< >" are part of the command.

2. Use uppercase letters for all commands.

3. Spaces are not legal characters.

7.5 Description of Commands

Each command consists of an open bracket "<

<", a function name,

parameters, and a close bracket ">

>".

Example: < V E R >

< = Start

VER = Function

= Parameters (if any)

> = End of function

1. <VER>

This command displays the firmware version of the AC301-109.

Command Format: <VER>

Example:

Send <VER> to the AC301-109 and receive feedback similar to the

following:

[690-0338-001 AC301-109]

AC301

AC301AC301

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-109

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2. <RDXXYYZ>

This command reads EDID memory from the device connected to the

AC301-109's 15-pin HD connector.

Command Format: <RDXXYYZ>

XXYY = Starting memory address (range A000 to A0FF)

Z = Memory locations to read (decimal 1 to 8)

Example:

Read the data in memory location A000 by sending the following

command:

Read the data in memory location A000 through A007 by sending the

following command:

3. <WRXXYYZZ>

This command writes EDID data to the device connected to the

AC301-109's 15-pin HD connector.

Command Format: <WRXXYYZZ>

XXYY = Starting memory address (range A000 to A0FF)

ZZ = Hex data (1 to 64 bytes)

Example:

The following example sends a single FF byte to location A000:

The following example requires 2 commands to send 128 bytes to the

attached device. The first sends 64 bytes (A000 through A03F). The

second command sends 64 bytes (A040 through A07F).

<WRA000

<WRA000<WRA000

<WRA00000FFFFFFFFFFFF0041D009FF820301012D0A01020C241DF

FFFDE50A3544C99260F5054FFFF808BC081807140A940814081C0D1

C0D140047480D072A03F50A2D0>

<WRA040

<WRA040<WRA040

<WRA0402300720E110A011E302A00B05120243050881300671F1100

001E011D568051001A3038881300671F1100001E000000FE00414C544

94E4558204544494431003E>

4. <LRNIR>

This command receives IR data from a remote control to be used for

programming ALTINEX systems such as Neutron and Showtime. The

IR IN LED flashes red while data is being received. If an IR signal is

not received, the command will time out in about 10 seconds.

Command Format: <LRNIR>

Example:

Send the command <LRNIR> and the AC301-109 responds as follows:

READY TO LEARN

At this time, point the remote control at the IR receiver and press the

function on the remote control you want to learn. The AC301-109

processes the IR data and returns the 1,000 character IR code string

inside "[ ]" brackets as in the following example.

[0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000003FFF

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF8003FFE001FFF8003FFC000FFF000FF

FC001FFE0007FF8007FFFFFFFFF8003FFFFFFFFF0007FF8001FFF

FFFFFF8003FFFFFFFFF8007FFE000FFFFFFFFFC003FFF0007FF80

01FFE000FFFFFFFFFE000FFFFFFFFFE000FFFFFFFFFC003FFF000

7FF8001FFE001FFF8003FFFFFFFFF0007FFC001FFE0007FF8003F

FFFFFFFF8003FFFFFFFFF8003FFFFFFFFF0007FFFFFFFFF0007FF

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF000000000000000

0000000000000000000000000000000000007FFFFFFFFFFFF000FFF

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF]

5. <HELP>

This command displays information available for the AC301-109

interface commands.

Command Format: <HELP>

Example:

In order to display the RS-232 commands available for the AC301-109,

send the command<HELP>. The commands along with a brief

description will be displayed.

7.6. Summary of Commands

1)1)

<VER>

<VER>

Display firmware version

Display firmware versionDisplay firmware version

Display firmware version

2)2)

Read EDID data from device

Read EDID data from deviceRead EDID data from device

Read EDID data from device

3)3)

WRXXYYZZ>WRXXYYZZ>

WRXXYYZZ>

Write EDID data to device

Write EDID data to deviceWrite EDID data to device

Write EDID data to device

4)4)

<LRNIR>

<LRNIR>

Learn IR from remote control

Learn IR from remote controlLearn IR from remote control

Learn IR from remote control

5)5)

<HELP>

<HELP>

Display available commands

Display available commandsDisplay available commands

Display available commands

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8. Troubleshooting Guide

We have carefully tested and have found no problems in the supplied AC301-109. However, we would like to offer suggestions for the following:

Symptom Resolution

Power LED is OFF

Note: The AC301-109 receives power directly from the USB port.

1. Make sure the unit is plugged into a working USB port on a PC or laptop.

2. Make sure the USB cable is plugged all the way into the connector on the AC301-109.

No Communication

1. Make sure the device drivers are installed.

2. Make sure the baud rate is set to 19200.

Learn IR Not Working

1. Make sure the AC301-109 is connected to the PC through the USB connection. The Power LED must be

ON and RED.

2. Send the command <LRNIR> and then aim and press the remote at the AC301-109's IR IN port/receiver. Verify the

IR IN LED flashes RED indicating it is receiving IR data.

3. Check the remote control and make sure it has fresh batteries and is functioning properly.

Receive ERR

Reading/Writing EDID

1. Make sure the AC301-109 is connected to the monitor (or other device) from which you are trying read/write data.

2. Some devices require power for their EDID memory to be operational. If this is the case, apply power to the device,

turn on power, and repeat the read/write procedure.

Altinex AC301-109 User manual

Brand: Altinex

Model: AC301-109

Category: Remote controls

Type: User manual

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Altinex AC301-109 User manual

Altinex AC301-109 User manual

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