ADDERLink AV200 Manual

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Operation
In	operation,	 the	AdderLink	 AV	modules	 are	designed	 to	be	 as	transparent	 -	high	
quality video and audio signals from the source PC system are distribute\
d to the 
various display units and control signals are similarly routed back to t\
he system. 
Indicators
All AdderLink AV modules are equipped with two indicators to confirm 
operation and, if necessary, assist with quick troubleshooting of potent\
ial 
problems.
The indicators are located on one of the end panels, near to the LINK port and 
operate as follows:
•	GREEN  When lit, indicates the presence of a video input into the module. 
•	RED		Indicates	the	following	states:
•	Slow flash (once every second) AV204T and AV208T only - module 
is in upgrade mode
•	Continually lit - module is operating normally with its serial ports 
enabled.
SECT 4
ADDE R
®
TRANSMITTER
LINK5 L INK 6 LINK7 L INK 8
LINK 1POWE R
LINK 2 L INK 3 LINK4
Indicator positions on AV204T and AV208T units
Indicator positions on AV200T, AV200R and AV201R units   
						

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Serial port switching
The AdderLink AV204T and AV208T modules use a sophisticated switching 
system to extend the ordinarily point-to-point nature of serial communic\
ations 
across a network of connected display units. The AdderLink system allows\
 you 
to communicate with any display individually or to broadcast commands ac\
ross 
the network as a whole. When switching to a single display, it is then p\
ossible 
to	receive	responses	back	from	that	display.	When	‘broadcasting’	to	all,	it	is	only	
possible	to	send	commands	in	a	uni-directional	manner	(such	as	‘on’	and	‘off’).	
A	simple	system	of	ASCII	commands	is	used	to	effect	the	switching.	You	can	
issue	such	commands	directly	via	an	ASCII	console	or	use	a	utility	such	as	the	
Adder	Display	Manager	to	provide	an	intuitive	graphical	interface.	Once	a	
switching command is issued, the network will remain fixed at that set\
ting until 
a new command is sent, therefore there is no need to precede every RS232\
 
command with a header sequence.  
Port switching commands
The	ASCII	port	switching	command	structure	is	as	follows:


TRANSMITTER
122
3
4
5
6
8
RECEIVER
A
B
Primary
T ransmitter
TRANSMITTER
112
3
5
6
7
8
RECEIVER
A
B
14A
14B
27A
27B
4
7
CPD
Cascade
[1 to 4] Port
[1 to 8] Display
[A, B or X]Note: The command must use 
capital letters and there must be 
a space between ‘AV’ and ‘PORT’, 
and also between ‘PORT’ and the 
cascade number. 
The primary transmitter is 
automatically numbered as 
Cascade 1, with successive 
cascaded transmitters taking 
numbers 2 to 4. The Port 
number is determined by the 
link cable port on the transmitter 
to which a given receiver is 
connected. The Display character 
is determined by which of the 
Y-cable connectors is used (X 
opens a one-way link to both 
displays).	If	no	Y-cable	is	used,	a	
single display will be A. 
To connect with all displays, issue 
the following command:
 
Module switching commands
In	addition	to	affecting	individual	ports,	it	is	also	possible	to	collectively	enable	
and disable all of the CATx outputs from a particular transmitter (at p\
ower 
on, all CATx outputs are enabled by default). Disabling the outputs of \
one 
transmitter will not affect the operation of other transmitters that are\
 cascaded 
through the disabled module.
To disable all CATx outputs on a transmitter:
 where n is the transmitter number (1, 2, 3 or 4)
To enable all CATx outputs on a transmitter:
 where n is the transmitter number (1, 2, 3 or 4)    
						

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Adjustments
The AV200R and AV201R receivers both include brightness and sharpness 
adjustment dials. Additionally, the AV201R receiver is also equipped wit\
h two 
extra dials to eliminate the effects of colour skew within the video ima\
ge. 
Brightness and sharpness adjustments
The brightness and sharpness adjustments 
provided on every AV receiver allow you to 
compensate for any losses incurred within 
long cable links. 
When making adjustments it is necessary 
to have access to the AV receiver and to be 
able to view one or both connected display 
screens. Both adjustments, sharpness in 
particular, are made easier when viewing high 
contrast images with vertical edges, such as 
black lines on a white background.
NOTE: Both video outputs are equally 
affected by your brightness and/or sharpness 
adjustments. 
BRIGHT
SHARP
ADDERLINK
Sharpness dial
Brightness dialHigh contrast black character on white background 
Black or bright white shadow on the right indicates the need for sharpness adjustment
To display a suitable high contrast image 
•	 Open	a	word	processor,	type	the	capital	
letter	‘H’,	or	‘M’	and	increase	the	point	
size to 72 or higher. For best results, the 
background should be white and the 
character should be black. 
•		 A	BLACK	shadow	on	the	right	of	
the	character	indicates	UNDER	
compensation. 
•		 A	WHITE	shadow	on	the	right	of	the	
character	indicates	OVER	compensation.		
To adjust brightness and/or sharpness 
1 Carefully insert a small screwdriver into the dial labelled BRIGHT or SHARP, as 
appropriate.
2 Slowly turn the dial clockwise or anticlockwise and observe the effect s\
hown 
on the screen. Withdraw the screwdriver when the displayed image is show\
n 
at its optimum clarity.
3	 If	necessary,	repeat	step	2	for	the	other	dial.
 Note: If the sharpness control is set too high, the monitor may not be a\
ble 
to display a picture. If this occurs, reduce the sharpness setting.      
						

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Skew compensation adjustments (AV201R only)
The twisted pair cabling used to 
link the AV modules consists of four 
pairs of wires per cable. Three of 
these pairs are used to convey the 
red, green and blue video signals. 
Due to slight differences in twist 
rate between the wire pairs, the 
red, green and blue video signals 
may not arrive at precisely the 
same time. This effect is visible as 
separate colour shadows on high 
contrast images and is particularly 
apparent when using higher screen 
resolutions over long distances and 
also when using certain types of 
category 5e cables. 
Skew compensation adjustments are made using two rotary dials, the fir\
st 
affects the relationship between the green and blue colour signals (SKEW 
GB) while the second (SKEW RG) 
operates similarly on the red and 
green signals. Each dial delays one 
of its stated colours in relation 
to the other. By using both dials 
it is possible to correctly align all 
three colours. The effects of skew 
are easiest to view and adjust 
when distinct red, green and blue 
elements, in close proximity, are 
present within the screen image. 
An appropriate test pattern is 
supplied	on	the	AV	CD-ROM	or	
alternatively you can create your own test pattern as discussed opposite\
.
NOTE: Both video outputs are equally affected by your skew adjustments. \
SKEW
G BSKEW
RGBRIG HT
SH ARP
ADDERLINK
SKEW RG dial
SKEW GB dial
To create a skew test pattern  
1  Run any image creation/editing application, such as the Paint program 
supplied with Windows.
2 Using the image application create three 
stacked horizontal rectangles (one red, one 
green and one blue) that fill the width of 
the screen.
3 Draw a vertical black line down across 
the coloured bars and then repeat this 
vertical line at intervals along the width 
of the coloured bars. These lines create 
breaks across the colours and give you 
more opportunities to view the horizontal 
position of each colour relative to the others.   
To display the supplied skew test pattern 
1	 Insert	the	supplied	Adder	CD-ROM	into	the	
CD player of the computer. 
2 Within Windows, use the My Computer 
option (usually available as a desktop icon 
or within the Start menu) to view the 
contents	of	the	CD-ROM.	Double-click	the	
SkewTest entry to display the standard test 
pattern.	If	necessary,	select	the	Full screen 
option from the File menu to maximise the 
application window so that the image fills 
the screen. 
 The screen will show a series of fine red, 
green and blue crosses which should all 
be in line, vertically and horizontally- skew 
affects the horizontal placement of the 
colours. 
12345 678
8
6
5
2 8
6
5
2
Data signal
Red
video
signal
Green
video signal
Blue
video signal
7
3
4
1
7
3
4
1   
						

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To zero the skew adjustment dials
When supplied, the two skew dials are set in 
their neutral positions. i.e. no delay to either 
of its colours. However, if the module has 
been previously used and adjusted then you 
may need to relocate the zero point. There are 
no setting markers around the two skew dials 
and the dial itself does not have a pointer.  
1	 Insert	a	small	screwdriver	into	the	skew	
dial and twist it all the way anticlockwise. 
Note	the	position	of	the	dial	when	it	
reaches its end point.
2 Rotate the screwdriver fully clockwise and 
again note the endpoint position of the 
dial.
3	 Now	rotate	the	screw	driver	anticlockwise	until	the	dial	reaches	the	position	
that lies midway between the two end points. This is the neutral positio\
n. 
4 Repeat this procedure for the other skew dial, if necessary.
0
(no compensation)
Max Max
To adjust the skew compensation
Your chances of achieving a successful skew compensation adjustment will\
 be 
improved if you do the following:
•	 Ensure	that	you	have	a	clear	view	of	one	or	both	display	screens,
•	 Display	a	suitable	RGB	test	pattern,	either	the	supplied pattern or a self-
created version,
•	 Use	a	screwdriver	of	an	appropriate	size	to	adjust	the	dials,
•	 Begin	with	both	skew	dials	in	their	neutral	positions	-	if	the	module	has	
been previously used and skew adjusted for an alternative installation, \
zero 
the	dials	as	described	in	the	section	‘To	zero	the	skew	adjustment	dials’	left.	
0
(no compensation)
Skew RG Skew GB
0
(no compensation)
Dela y
RED Dela
y
GREEN
Dela
y
GREEN Dela
y
BLUE
1  Turn the SKEW RG dial clockwise or anticlockwise until you observe that the 
red and green colours are aligned. 
2 Turn the SKEW GB dial clockwise or anticlockwise until you observe that the 
green and blue colours are aligned. 
3 Your actions in step 2	may	alter	the	Red/Green	alignment.	If	so,	go	back	to	
the SKEW RG dial and turn it clockwise or anticlockwise until you observe 
that the Red and Green colours are aligned, at which point all of the co\
lours 
will be aligned.    
						

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Upgrading
The internal software (firmware) of the AV204T and AV208T transmitte\
rs can be 
upgraded in order to take advantage of a continual process of improvemen\
t and 
innovation. The supplied serial cable is required to connect the AV204T/\
AV208T 
module to the serial port of a suitable system.
Note: It is not possible to alter the firmware within the AV200T trans\
mitter 
or the AV200R/AV201R receivers. The operation of these modules are not 
dependent on the revision of the AV204T/AV208T transmitters. 
You can discover the current version of your module using the upgrade 
application.  
To upgrade AdderLink AV204T and AV208T transmitters
1 Download the latest AV204T/AV208T firmware upgrade file from the 
Adder website: www.adder.com. The upgrade files are compressed using 
pkzip	format	which	you	will	need	to	decompress	them.	If	you	do	not	have	
pkzip, go to www.pkware.com to download the latest version. Place 
the decompressed upgrade files onto the Windows system that will be 
connected (via a vacant serial port) to the Adder module. 
2 Remove power from the module. 
3 Connect the supplied serial cable between the port labelled  IN on the 
module and a vacant serial port on the system containing the upgrade fi\
les. 
4	 On	the	side	of	the	module,	click	mini	switch	1	to	its	ON	position.
5 Re-apply power to the module and switch on the system to be used for the\
 
upgrade. 
6	 Locate	and	run	the	application	‘KVMUploader’	to	display	this	window:
7 Click the Browse... button and locate the TXT file that accompanied the 
upgrade utility. Highlight the TXT file and click the Open button.
8 Click the Advanced... button and in the subsequent dialog, ensure that the 
Serial Port entry matches the port to which the upgrade cable is attached. 
Also select the Program and verify option. Click the OK button.
10   Click  the Upload Now button to begin transferring the upgrade data from 
the system to the module. The progress of the upload is shown in the sta\
tus 
bar (indicating the advancement of the current task) and the progress \
bar 
(indicating the progress of the upload as a whole). 
   During the upload, all buttons become disabled except for the Abort 
button. The upload can take as long as fifteen minutes. Should you nee\
d to 
abandon the upload at any stage, click the Abort button.  
   Following the upload, a verification will be carried out and the resul\
ts 
displayed within the upgrade application window. 
11  When complete, switch off the module, disconnect the serial cable, retur\
n 
mini	switch	1	to	its	OFF	position	and	resume	operation	of	the	AdderLink	
module in the usual manner.
9 Click the Query Unit button to check the name and version of the current 
firmware - the application will interrogate the module via the serial \
cable. 
Once	the	version	information	is	displayed,	check	that	the	Intended Target 
Units field matches the Unit Connected field and the New Firmware Version 
field exceeds that of the Current Firmware Version.   
						

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Further information
Troubleshooting
If	you	experience	problems	when	installing	or	using	the	AdderLink	AV	modules,	
please	check	through	this	section	for	a	possible	solution.	If	your	problem	is	not	
listed here and you cannot resolve the issue, then please refer to the ‘\
Getting 
assistance’	section.
No video image is received at the receiver module.
•		 Check	that	the	both	the	red	power	indicators	are	lit	on	both	the	transmitter	
and receiver modules - if they are not, then there is a power problem. B\
oth 
modules require power from their supplied power adapters.
•		 Check	that	the	green	video	input	indicators	are	lit	on	both	the	transmitter	
and receiver modules - if one or both are not lit, then a valid video in\
put 
signal is not present at the input to that module. 
•		 Check	the	link	cable(s)	that	connect	the	transmitter	and	receiver	module(s)	
for soundness and correct wiring as per the diagram in the ‘Skew 
compensation	adjustments’	section	in	the	‘Operation’	chapter.
•		 If	possible,	try	using	an	alternative	twisted	pair	link	connection	between	the	
modules. 
•		 If	the	sharpness	control	is	set	too	high,	the	monitor	may	not	be	able	to	
display a picture. Try reducing the sharpness setting. Please refer to t\
he 
‘Adjustments’	section	in	the	‘Special	Configuration’	chapter.
•		 If	not	already	fitted,	connect	a	monitor	to	the	OUT port of the transmitter 
module and check for a correct video image output.
Video image at the receiver module is distorted or shadows appear to 
the right of displayed objects.
Adjustments are required to compensate for the length of the twisted pai\
r cable 
being	used.	If	video	problems	persist:
•	 Please	refer	to	the	‘Brightness	and	sharpness	adjustments’	section	in	the	
‘Operation’	chapter.
•	 If	the	overall	video	image	is	‘fuzzy’	and/or	has	coloured	shadows	you	may	
need to make skew adjustments (AdderLink AV201 receivers only). This 
procedure allows you to finely tune the red, green and blue video sign\
al 
timings to overcome most colour separation problems. Please refer to the\
 
‘Skew	compensation	adjustment’	section	in	the	‘Operation’	chapter.
Serial communications are not functioning
•		 Check	that	SW10	on	the	AV204T/AV208T	is	set	to	OFF.
Power is applied via the power supply but the module operation has 
stopped.
•		 Each	module	has	an	internal	automatic	cut-out	fuse	to	protect	against	
power surges. To reset, remove power from the module for one second and \
then reconnect.
No sound can be heard on the speakers connected to the receiver  
module
•		 If	not	already	fitted,	connect	speakers	to	the	OUT port of the transmitter 
module and check for a correct audio output. 
•		 Check	that	the	both	the	red	power	indicators	are	lit	on	both	the	transmitter	
and receiver modules - if they are not, then there is a power problem. B\
oth 
modules require power from their supplied power adapters. 
Getting assistance
If	you	are	still	experiencing	problems	after	checking	the	list	of	solutions	in	the	
Troubleshooting section then we provide a number of other solutions:
•	Adder Technology website – www.adder.com
 Check the Support section of our website for the latest solutions.
•		Email [email protected]
•		Fax  in	the	UK:	01954 780081
    in the US:  +1 888 275 1117
•	Phone  in	the	UK:		01954 780044
   in the US:  +1 888 275 3337
SECT 5   
						

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Safety information
•	 For	use	in	dry,	oil	free	indoor	environments	only.
•	 Do	not	use	to	link	between	buildings.
•	 Not	suitable	for	use	in	hazardous	or	explosive	environments	or	next	to	highly	
flammable materials.
•	 Ensure	that	all	twisted	pair	interconnect	cables	are	installed	in	compliance	
with all applicable wiring regulations. 
•	 Do	not	connect	the	CATx	link	interface	(RJ45	style	connector)	to	any	other	
equipment, particularly network or telecommunications equipment.
•	 Where	possible,	avoid	laying	the	twisted	pair	link	cable(s)	alongside	power	
cables. 
•	 Warning	–	the	power	adapter	contains	live	parts.
•	 No	user	serviceable	parts	are	contained	within	the	power	adapter	-	do	not	
dismantle.
•	 The	primary	means	to	cease	operation	of	the	modules	is	to	remove	the	
power adapter lead. Ensure that the power adapter is positioned near to \
the 
equipment and is easily accessible.
•	 Do	not	use	the	power	adapter	if	the	power	adapter	case	becomes	damaged,	
cracked or broken or if you suspect that it is not operating properly.
•	 Replace	the	power	adapter	with	a	manufacturer	approved	type	only.	
•	 If	you	use	a	power	extension	cable	with	the	modules,	make	sure	the	total	
ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cable do not exc\
eed 
the	cable’s	ampere	rating.	Also,	make	sure	that	the	total	ampere	rating	of	
all	the	devices	plugged	into	the	wall	outlet	does	not	exceed	the	wall	outlet’s	
ampere rating.
•	 Do	not	attempt	to	service	the	modules	yourself.
•	 The	modules	and	power	supplies	can	get	warm	in	operation	–	do	not	situate	
them in an enclosed space without any ventilation. 
•	 The	modules	do	not	provide	ground	isolation	and	should	not	be	used	for	
any applications that require ground isolation or galvanic isolation.
•	 Use	only	with	grounded	outlets	at	both	the	computer	and	monitor.	When	
using a backup power supply (UPS), power the computer, the monitor and\
 
the module from the same supply.
•	 For	correct	operation,	the	transmitter	and	receiver	modules	must	have	
ground connections. At the computer end, this is achieved by ensuring th\
at 
the computer that the module is connected to has a ground connection. At\
 
the audio/visual device end, this can be achieved by ensuring that the p\
ower 
supply is connected to a grounded power outlet. Alternatively, a ground \
connection will be made via the monitor, if the monitor is itself ground\
ed.
Warranty
Adder Technology Ltd warrants that this product shall be free from defects in 
workmanship and materials for a period of two years from the date of ori\
ginal 
purchase.	If	the	product	should	fail	to	operate	correctly	in	normal	use	during	the	
warranty	period,	Adder	will	replace	or	repair	it	free	of	charge.	No	liability	can	be	
accepted	for	damage	due	to	misuse	or	circumstances	outside	Adder’s	control.	
Also Adder will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injury arisin\
g directly 
or	indirectly	from	the	use	of	this	product.	Adder’s	total	liability	under	the	terms	
of this warranty shall in all circumstances be limited to the replacemen\
t value 
of	this	product.	If	any	difficulty	is	experienced	in	the	installation	or	use	of	this	
product that you are unable to resolve, please contact your supplier.   
						

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Products in the AdderLink AV200 range
The following items are available within the AdderLink AV200 product ran\
ge:
•		AdderLink AV200 pair (part number: ALAV200P) 
One	AdderLink	AV200T	transmitter	and	one	AdderLink	AV200R	receiver.
•		AdderLink AV200 transmitter (part number: ALAV200T) 
Single AdderLink AV200T transmitter.
•		AdderLink AV200 receiver (part number: ALAV200R) 
Single AdderLink AV200R receiver.
•		AdderLink AV201 receiver (part number: ALAV201R) 
Single AdderLink AV201R receiver.
•		AdderLink AV204 transmitter (part number: ALAV204T) 
Single AdderLink AV204T transmitter.
•		AdderLink AV208 transmitter (part number: ALAV208T) 
Single AdderLink AV208T transmitter.
•		Replacement 5.3VDC power supply (part number: PSU-ALAV-IEC) 
One	auto-voltage	sensing	power	supply	with	country	specific	IEC	cable
•		Rack mount chassis (part number: ALAV-RMK-CHASSIS) 
One	19”	chassis	is	3U	high	and	capable	of	accommodating	up	to	sixteen	
AdderLink AV transmitter or receiver modules. 
•		AV200/AV201 rack mount plate (part number: ALAV-RMK-FASCIA)
•		AV204/AV208 rack mount plate (part number: ALAV-RMK-FASCIA2)
Cables
These cables are available for use when connecting the modules to system\
s and 
peripherals:
•		Video cable - 2 metres (part number: VSC18)
•	 Audio	cable	-	3.5	metres	(part	number:	VSC22)	 
•		Serial cable - 9 way male to 9 way female D-type, 2 metres 
(part number: CAB-9M/9F-2M)
•	 Serial	Y-cable	-	9	way	female	D-type	splitting	to	two	9	way	male	
D-type connectors (part number: VSC19) - pinout shown below.
33
7
7 7
2
6 2 2
5
5 5
8
9 8 8
3
4RX
RX
RT
S
RT
S RT
S
TX
DSR TX
TX
GND
GND GND
CTS
RI
CTS
CTS
RX
DTR
9way D-type
female
‘A’ connector
9way D-type
male
‘B’ connector 9way D-type
male
A
B
Y-cable pinout
Used to split serial communications between two 
displays. For use only on AV200R or AV201R receivers 
when linked to AV204T or AV208T transmitters.   
						

							



29


Emissions and Immunity
A Category 5 (or better) twisted pair cable must be used to connect th\
e 
modules in order to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emis\
sion 
regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagne\
tic 
disturbances.
All other interface cables used with this equipment must be shielded in \
order 
to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations \
and 
ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances\
.
European EMC directive 89/336/EEC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 
a class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in th\
e 
European	standard	EN55022.	These	limits	are	designed	to	provide	reasonable	
protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses \
and 
can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and 
used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception. However, there 
is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur 
in	a	particular	installation.	If	this	equipment	does	cause	
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning 
the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to correct the interfer\
ence 
with one or more of the following measures: (a) Reorient or relocate t\
he 
receiving	antenna.	(b)	Increase	the	separation	between	the	equipment	and	the	
receiver. (c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit differen\
t from that 
to which the receiver is connected. (d) Consult the supplier or an exp\
erienced 
radio/TV technician for help. 
FCC Compliance Statement (United States)
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy 
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance wi\
th the 
manufacturer’s	instructions,	may	cause	interference	to	radio	communication.	
It	has	been	tested	and	found	to	comply	with	the	limits	for	a	class	A	computing	
device	in	accordance	with	the	specifications	in	Subpart	J	of	part	15	of	FCC	rules,	
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interfe\
rence 
when	the	equipment	is	operated	in	a	commercial	environment.	Operation	of	this	
equipment in a residential area may cause interference, in which case th\
e user at 
his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necess\
ary 
to correct the interference. Changes or modifications not expressly ap\
proved by 
the	manufacturer	could	void	the	user’s	authority	to	operate	the	equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications RFI statement
This equipment does not exceed the class A limits for radio noise emissi\
ons from 
digital apparatus set out in the radio interference regulations of the C\
anadian 
Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioé\
lectriques dépassant 
les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A presc\
rites dans 
le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectriques publié par le m\
inistère des 
Communications du Canada.