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109 EDID Blaster/IR Learner
User’s Guide
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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
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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
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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
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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
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]
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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:
<RDA000> or <RDA0001>
Read the data in memory location A000 through A007 by sending the
following command:
<RDA0008>
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:
<WRA000FF>
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
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF000000000000000
0000000000000000000000000000000000007FFFFFFFFFFFF000FFF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
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)1)
1)
<VER>
<VER><VER>
<VER>
Display firmware version
Display firmware versionDisplay firmware version
Display firmware version
2)
2)2)
2)
<RDXXYYZ>
<RDXXYYZ><RDXXYYZ>
<RDXXYYZ>
Read EDID data from device
Read EDID data from deviceRead EDID data from device
Read EDID data from device
3)
3)3)
3)
<
<<
<WRXXYYZZ>
WRXXYYZZ>WRXXYYZZ>
WRXXYYZZ>
Write EDID data to device
Write EDID data to deviceWrite EDID data to device
Write EDID data to device
4)
4)4)
4)
<LRNIR>
<LRNIR><LRNIR>
<LRNIR>
Learn IR from remote control
Learn IR from remote controlLearn IR from remote control
Learn IR from remote control
5)
5)5)
5)
<HELP>
<HELP><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.
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