ADDERLink X2Gold X2Gold DA Manual

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Operation
Power and activity indicators
On the front panel of both modules 
are small recessed indicators which 
provide confirmation of power and 
activity, as follows:
•	 Constant	red	- power applied, no 
communication activity.
•	 Flickering	red	- power applied, 
mouse or keyboard activity 
occuring.
•	 Slow	flashing	red	- module is in 
flash upgrade mode. 
Note: Both modules contain internal 
automatic cut-out fuses to protect 
against power surges. To reset, 
remove power (or, for the LOCAL 
module, the keyboard connection) 
from the module for one second and 
then reconnect. 
General use
In use, the X2-Series extender modules should be transparent - the syste\
m and 
its peripherals should operate exactly as normal, the only difference be\
ing that 
they are now up to 300 metres apart. 
In some installations, you may see some ‘shadows’ to the right of \
high contrast 
screen characters. This can be caused by an incorrectly selected sharpness setting 
and it may be necessary to make adjustments to correct this. Please see \
‘Image 
controls - sharpness and brightness’ in the ‘Special configurati\
on’ section.
Locking and unlocking the system
In situations where the computer system (and the LOCAL module) can be \
locked 
away the X2-Series extender modules offer a viable security system to de\
ter 
unauthorised use. Once a password has been set, a simple key sequence al\
lows 
the system to be quickly and securely detached from its peripherals. Onl\
y the 
correct password will reconnect the remote and local modules. 
To lock the system
1 First set a password. For further details, please refer to the ‘Passw\
ord setting’ 
section in the ‘Special configuration’ chapter.
2 Simultaneously press the currently configured hotkeys (by default,  and 
) along with .
The screen will go blank and the three keyboard 
indicators will begin alternately flashing between the 
‘Num Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’, and ‘Caps Lock’. This 
sequence indicates that a password is required.
To unlock the system  
1 Enter the correct password and press .
Note: Passwords are NOT case sensitive.
Note: If an invalid password has been entered and the keyboard indicator\
s 
are not flashing as described above, press  to clear the incorrect attempt.
2 If the correct password is entered, the screen will be restored and norm\
al 
operation can continue.
To enable the video
Simultaneously press the currently configured hotkeys (by default,  and ) 
long with . This command will be required to restore the video if  and  
along with  is used when no password has been set.
To disable the video
Simultaneously, press the currently configured hotkeys (by default,  and ) 
along with .    
LOCAL
REMOTE
Activity/power indicators
Num
Loc k Caps
Loc
k Scroll
Loc k   
						

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SECT 4
Special configuration
Configuration
You can alter the way that the X2-Series modules operate to suit your 
requirements. This is done using the Configuration mode and you can af\
fect the 
following settings: 
•	Password setting – allows you to lock the remote module to prevent 
unauthorised system access.
•	Mouse restoration and settings – allows you to restore mouse operation and 
also to change the mouse type.
•	Image controls - sharpness & brightness – allows you to manually adjust the 
video image to ensure that it is crisp and bright.
•	Skew adjustment (X2-Silver and X2-Gold only) – allows you to manually 
compensate for possible video errors introduced by long, uneven cable 
connections.
•	Miscellaneous functions – report firmware version and restore settings.
What are hotkeys?
Hotkeys are two normal keyboard keys that, when pressed simultaneously w\
ith 
a third key, signal to the X2-Series modules that you are sending a mess\
age 
specifically to them and not to the computer. The hotkeys are ordinari\
ly  and 
, while a third keypress determines what you want the modules to do.
If the standard  and  hotkeys are also needed for computer tasks, you 
can change them for another combination using switches 2 and 3 on the 
REMOTE module:
2 OFF
3 OFF  Hotkeys =  and  (default setting)
2 OFF
3 ON  Hotkeys =  and  
2 ON
3 OFF  Hotkeys =  and 
2 ON
3 ON  Hotkeys disabled 
Entering, using and exiting configuration mode
To enter and use configuration mode:
1 Simultaneously press the currently configured 
hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with . 
 The three keyboard indicators (‘Num Lock’, ‘Caps 
Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’) will now begin to flash in 
sequence to show that you are in configuration 
mode. 
2 Press the first letter of the required configuration 
option, for instance . 
All three keyboard indicators will illuminate 
continuously.
3 Press the number of the required configuration 
option, for instance .  
The ‘Scroll Lock’ indicator will extinguish, leaving 
the ‘Num Lock’ and ‘Caps Lock’ indicators lit.
4 Press  to confirm your option.
The three keyboard indicators (‘Num Lock’, ‘Caps 
Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’) will now begin to flash in 
sequence again.
To exit from configuration mode:
1 Within configuration mode, the three keyboard indicators should be fl\
ashing 
in sequence to show that the module is ready to receive a new command.
2 Press . 
The three indicators will return to their normal states. 
Num
Loc k Caps
Loc
k Scroll
Loc
k
Num
Lock Caps
Loc
k Scroll
Loc k   
						

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Password setting
Password protection allows you restrict access to the system only to aut\
horised 
personnel. A password first needs to be set and then, using the keyboa\
rd 
attached to the REMOTE module, a simple key sequence allows the system t\
o be 
quickly and securely detached from its peripherals.
To set a password
1 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with  
to enter configuration mode.
2 Press  followed by .
3 Now enter your new password, within the following constraints:
•	 Passwords	are	NOT	case	sensitive,
•	 Passwords	may	be	any	length	from	one	character	to	a	maximum	of	forty	
characters,
•	 The	following	keys	may	NOT	be	used:	, , , or  
4 When you have entered the password, press  to signal its completion.
5 Press  once more to exit configuration mode.
For full details about how to lock and unlock the system using your pass\
word, 
please see the ‘Locking and unlocking the system’ section in the ‘\
Installation and 
operation’ chapter.
Password override
This mode allows you to override the password that has been set at the R\
EMOTE 
module and place it into configuration mode so that a new one may be s\
et. This 
feature is particularly useful when passwords have been lost or forgotte\
n.
To override the REMOTE password
1 Remove power from the REMOTE module. 
2 With power to the system and LOCAL module still applied, change LOCAL 
switch 1 to the ON position.
3 Re-apply power to the REMOTE module. The REMOTE module will go 
directly into configuration mode so that the old password can be clear\
ed 
and a new one set. 
•	To clear a password: (within configuration mode) Press  followed by 
 and followed by  again. 
•	 You	can	now	enter	a	new	password	using	the	procedure	outlined	
in steps 2 to 5 of the ‘Password setting’ section, or press  to exit 
configuration mode.   
4 Return LOCAL switch 1 to its OFF position. 
Note: If switch 1 remains ON, then the REMOTE module will enter 
configuration mode whenever it is repowered and will not operate norma\
lly.    
						

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Hot plugging and mouse restoration
It is strongly recommended that you switch off the computer system befor\
e 
attempting to connect it via the X2-Series extender modules. However, if\
 this is 
not possible then you need to ‘hot plug’ the X2-Series extender mo\
dules while 
power is still applied to the system. There is not normally a danger of \
damage 
to the system, however, when mouse communications are interrupted, often\
 
they fail to reinitialise when reconnected. X2-Series extender modules p\
rovide 
a feature to reinstate mouse communications once the necessary connectio\
ns 
have been made.
There are two main types of data formats used by current PC mice, these \
are 
the older ‘PS/2’ format and the more recent ‘IntelliMouse®’ format introduced 
by Microsoft. These use slightly different data arrangements and it is i\
mportant 
to know which type was being used before you hot-plugged the X2-Series 
extender modules. The previous setting depends both on the type of mouse\
 and 
the type of driver as various combinations of PS/2 and Intellimouse are \
possible. 
Using the incorrect restore function may produce unpredictable results a\
nd 
require the system to be rebooted.
Which restore setting do I use?
The general rule is that unless both the mouse and the driver are both 
Intellimouse compatible then you need to restore the mouse as ‘PS/2’\
. 
Recognising an Intellimouse-style mouse
The Intellimouse format was introduced to support, among other features,\
 the 
scroll wheel function. If your mouse has a scroll wheel, then it is like\
ly to support 
the Intellimouse format. If you have a Microsoft mouse, then it will usu\
ally state 
that it is an Intellimouse on its underside label. 
Recognising an Intellimouse driver
Before hot plugging your X2-Series extender modules (or afterwards usin\
g 
only keyboard control), access the Windows Control Panel and select eit\
her 
the Mouse option (on Windows NT, 2000 and XP) or the System option (on 
Windows 95, 98, ME). Look for the name of the driver, which will usuall\
y 
include the words PS/2 or Intellimouse. 
To restore mouse operation when hot plugging:
1 Carefully connect the X2-Series extender modules to the system and its 
keyboard, mouse, monitor, audio and serial device.
2 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with  
to enter configuration mode.
3 Enter the appropriate restore function code:   
•	PS/2 – press     
•	IntelliMouse – press       
4 To exit configuration mode, press .
5 Move the mouse a short distance and check for appropriate on-screen 
cursor movement. If the mouse cursor darts erratically around the screen\
, 
then cease moving the mouse. This is an indication that the chosen resto\
re 
function is incorrect. Try again using the other restore function.
Note: The restore functions predict the likely mouse resolution settings\
 but 
may not restore the exact speed or sensitivity settings that were origin\
ally 
set. 
Microsoft and Logitech -specific mouse settings
In certain installations some Logitech mouse drivers may lose the action\
 of the 
mouse buttons when used with the standard ‘Microsoft compatible’ s\
ignalling 
protocol used between the modules. To solve this problem, select the ‘\
Logitech 
compatible’ mouse signalling protocol.
To change mouse signalling protocols
1 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with  
to enter configuration mode.
2 Enter the appropriate protocol code:   
•	Microsoft compatible – press     
•	Logitech compatible – press       
3 To exit configuration mode, press .     
						

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Image controls - sharpness and brightness
The X2-Series extender modules incorporate special controls to compensat\
e for 
losses incurred within long cable links. Using these controls you can ad\
just the 
picture sharpness and brightness to improve your remote picture quality.\
  
The need for image control adjustment is best discovered when viewing hi\
gh 
contrast images with vertical edges, such as black lines on a white back\
ground. 
When doing so, if you notice that the screen image is ‘fuzzy’ or ‘\
dark’ then the 
image controls may be able to solve this condition. 
Note: If the high contrast images exhibit shadows with separate colours,\
 then 
there may be a skew problem which requires a different image adjustment \
- see 
the ‘Skew adjustment’ section for details. 
To display a suitable high contrast image
The best way to clearly view the effect of sharpness and brightness adju\
stments 
is to display a high contrast image, with vertical edges, on the screen.\
 
•	 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 use the image controls
1 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along with  
to enter configuration mode.
The three keyboard indicators (‘Num Lock’, ‘Caps 
Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’) will now begin to flash in 
sequence. The speed of the sequence indicates the 
level of the sharpness adjustment currently applied: 
the slower the rate, the lower the level of sharpness 
being applied.
2 While viewing the displayed high contrast screen image, use the followin\
g 
keys to adjust the controls:
High contrast black character on white background
Black or bright white shadow on the right indicates the need for sharpness adjustment
Sharpness:   for fine adjustment,   for coarse adjustment.
     There are 255 sharpness levels (one coarse step jumps 10 levels).
    To autoset sharpness: Press    to make the module calculate   
 and apply an automatic compensation level - you can use this as a  
 starting point for your fine tuning.
Note: If the monitor goes blank and switches off (due to 
oversetting the sharpness adjustment) press the  key to restore.
Brightness:   for adjustment. There are 255 brightness levels.   
3 When no shadows are visible and the displayed images have crisp edges, 
press  to exit configuration mode and permanently save all settings.
The new compensation setting will be stored, even when power is removed \
or if a complete reset is initiated. The setting should not require furt\
her 
changes unless the cabling arrangement is altered. 
Sharpnessincrease  (coarse) 
Sharpnessdecrease  (coarse) 
Sharpnessincrease  (fine) 
Sharpnessdecrease  (fine) 
Brightnessincrease
Brightnessdecrease
Restore default sharpness and brightnesssettings 
Exit image controls and save settings 
If the image controls cannot provide a crisp image
If, after adjusting the image controls, the screen image remains 
fuzzy or has coloured shadows you may need to use the Skew 
adjustment feature (X2-Silver and X2-Gold only). Please see the 
next section for details.   
						

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Skew adjustment (X2-Silver and X2-Gold only)
The twisted pair cabling supported by the Gold Extender set (category 5\
, or 
higher) consists of four pairs of cables. Three of these pairs are used\
 by the 
modules to convey red, green and blue video 
signals to the remote video monitor. Due to 
the slight difference in twist rate between 
these three pairs, the red, green and blue video 
signals may not arrive at precisely the same 
time. This is visible as separate colour shadows 
on high contrast screen images. This effect is 
particularly apparent when using higher screen 
resolutions and some types of category 5e 
cables.
In this situation, the X2-Silver and X2-Gold 
extenders provide internal skew adjustment 
that can help to rectify the situation. The skew adjustment works by del\
aying or 
advancing the timing of any of the red, green or blue colour signals so \
that they 
are all delivered to the monitor at precisely the same time. For best re\
sults a test 
pattern generator is available free of charge from the Adder website (s\
ee right) 
and this should be displayed when using skew adjustment.
See next page for skew adjustment details        
The Adder test pattern generator showing its RGB crosses. In this case, the green signal can be seen out of line with the other two colours.
To obtain and run the free Adder test pattern generator
1 Visit www.adder.com.
2 Click the PRODUCTS heading and then choose Management Software.
3 From the list of software utilities, choose the ADDER Test Pattern 
Generator option. 
4 Click the Downloads tab and choose the ADDER Test Pattern Generator 
option to download the utility.
5 Unzip the downloaded file and run the 
TESTpatterns.exe file.
6 Click the SKEW option.     
						

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The Adder test pattern generator showing its RGB crosses. In this case, the green signal can be seen out of line with the other two colours.
To use skew adjustment
1 Display the test pattern. See To obtain and run the free Adder test 
pattern generator.     
 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 and using this pattern it is much 
easier to discover which, if any, colours are 
being adversely affected by the twisted pair  
cable run.  
2 Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default,  and ) along  
with  to enter configuration mode.
The three keyboard indicators (‘Num Lock’, ‘Caps 
Lock’ and ‘Scroll Lock’) will now begin to flash in 
sequence.     
4 Press the  and  keys to retard or advance the timing of the selected 
colour channel respectively. On screen you will see a change in the posi\
tion 
of the selected colour crosses in relation to the other two. 
Num
Loc k Caps
Loc k Scroll
Loc
k
Num
Lock Caps
Loc k Scroll
Loc
k
Num
Loc k Caps
Loc
k Scroll
Loc k
Advance colour timing
Retard colour timing
Restoredefault skewsettings 
Exit image controls and save settings 
5 When the selected colour crosses are correctly positioned, press  to 
exit that colour channel. The keyboard indicators will return to flash\
ing in 
sequence.
6 If required, repeat steps 4 to 6 to select and adjust any colour channel\
 until 
the vertical lines of the red, green and blue crosses are all aligned.
7 When all colours are correctly aligned, press  to exit configuration mode 
and permanently save all settings.
Note: Once you have made a skew adjustment, it may be necessary to re-
adjust the image controls to attain an optimum screen image.        
3 As appropriate, press either the R, G or B keyboard keys to select 
the appropriate colour channel. Corresponding keyboard 
indicators will flash rapidly to show which channel is 
currently selected for adjustment: Num Lock for Red, 
Caps Lock for Green and Scroll Lock for Blue.   
						

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Miscellaneous settings
The following are configuration settings within the modules that are n\
ot covered 
in other sections of this guide. These can be achieved once within confi\
guration 
mode by pressing the indicated keys:
Report X2-Series extender firmware version -   
Before initiating this command, ensure that the system is running an app\
lication 
that can display typed keys as screen characters - e.g. a word processor\
 
or Windows Notepad. The current firmware version will be written to th\
e 
application in the form of the letter ‘V’ followed by three number\
s - for example 
V201 means version 2.01.
Reset all configuration options to default states -        
Returns all user configurable options to the settings that are install\
ed at 
manufacture. The password will be cleared, however, any current image co\
ntrol 
settings or skew adjustments will not be reset.    
						

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Further information
Troubleshooting
If you experience problems when installing or using the X2-Series extend\
er 
modules, please check through this section for a possible solution. If y\
our 
problem is not listed here and you cannot resolve the issue, then please\
 refer to 
the ‘Getting assistance’ section.
Video image at the REMOTE 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	‘Image	controls	-	sharpness	and	brightness’	section	in	the	
‘Special Configuration’ chapter.
•	 If	the	overall	video	image	is	‘fuzzy’	and/or	has	coloured	shadows	you	
may need to make skew adjustments (X2-Silver and X2-Gold 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 adjustment’ section in the ‘Special Configuration’ c\
hapter.
No video image is received at the REMOTE module.
•		 Check	that	the	power/activity	indicators	are	lit	on	the	LOCAL	and	REMOTE	
modules - if they are not, then there is a power problem. The LOCAL 
module gains its power either from the computer’s keyboard socket or \
by 
using an optional power supply. 
 When keys are pressed or the mouse is moved, check that the indicators 
flicker – if they do not respond then there could be a twisted pair\
 link 
problem or a problem with one of the modules.
•		 Check	that	the	Category	5	(or	higher)	cable	is	wired	correctly	as	per	the	
diagram in the ‘Skew adjustment’ section in the ‘Special Confi\
guration’ 
chapter.
•		 If	possible,	try	using	an	alternative	twisted	pair	connection	between	the	
modules.
•		 If	the	sharpness	control	is	set	too	high,	the	monitor	may	not	be	able	to	
display a picture. Try reinstating the factory default sharpness setting\
s. 
Please refer to the ‘Image controls - sharpness and brightness’ se\
ction in the 
‘Special Configuration’ chapter.
•		 Temporarily	disconnect	the	video	link	to	the	LOCAL	module,	connect	a	
monitor directly to the computer video port and check for a correct vide\
o 
image output.
The keyboard indicators are flashing between the Caps Lock and the 
Num Lock/Scroll Lock and the computer does not respond to any key-
board or mouse inputs.
•	 The	modules	are	currently	locked	and	require	a	valid	password	to	be	
entered. Please refer to the section ‘Locking and unlocking the syste\
m’ for 
details. 
Power is applied via the power supply but the REMOTE module opera-
tion 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.
The on-screen mouse pointer does not respond to mouse movements
•		 The	mouse	connection	may	have	been	interrupted.	Either,	reboot	the	
system and re-power the REMOTE module power supply, or try using the 
mouse restoration command. Please refer to the ‘Hot plugging and mous\
e 
restoration’ section in the ‘Special Configuration’ chapter.
Sound from the microphone cannot be heard or is very quiet
•		 Check	the	setting	of	LOCAL	switch	3	-	if	a	microphone	is	connected	at	the	
REMOTE module, the switch should be set OFF.
Sound input from the stereo line input is distorted (‘tinny’ soun\
ding) and 
only one channel is working 
•		 Check	the	setting	of	LOCAL	switch	3	-	if	a	stereo	line	input	is	connected	at	
the REMOTE module, the switch should be set ON.  
Getting assistance
If you are still experiencing problems after checking the information co\
ntained 
within this guide, then we provide a number of other solutions:
•	 Online	solutions	and	updates – www.adder.com/support
 Check the Support section of the adder.com website for the latest soluti\
ons 
and firmware updates.
•	 Adder	Forum – forum.adder.com
 Use our forum to access FAQs and discussions.
•	 Technical	support – www.adder.com/contact-support-form 
 For technical support, use the contact form in the Support section of th\
e  
adder.com website - your regional office will then get in contact with\
 you. 
SECT 5   
						

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19
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Products in the X2-Series range
The following related X2-Series items are also available:
•		X2-Gold Extender (part code: X2-Gold)
 This pair of modules allow you to extend not only keyboard, video and 
mouse signals up to 300 metres, but also similarly support microphone, 
stereo speaker and an RS232 serial channel. 
•		X2-Silver Extender (part code: X2-Silver)
 As per the X2-Gold with the exception of the audio extension facility.
•		X2 Extender (part code: X2)
 As per the X2-Silver with the exception of the skew adjustment feature.
•		Dual Video Transmitter (part code: XDVT)
 Allows one system to be controlled from two locations or permits a secon\
d 
video channel to be sent to a remote location. Used in conjunction with \
two 
X2-Silver or X2 Remote modules.
•		Rack mount chassis (part code: RMK-CHASSIS)
 This 19” chassis allows multiple X2-Series modules to be neatly arran\
ged 
within a standard cabinet. Securing plates and screws are supplied separ\
ately 
for each X2-Series module for use with the rack mount chassis.
•		Power distribution module (part code: X-PDM4)
 Provides power for up to four X2-Series modules to reduce mains power 
socket requirements.
•		Rack mount securing plates
•	for	X2-Gold	modules	(part	code:	X-RMK-GOLD)
•	for	X2-Silver	modules	(part	code:	X-RMK-SILVER)
•	for	X2	modules	(part	code:	X-RMK)
•	single	slot	blanking	plate	(part	code:	X-RMK-BLANK)
•	quad	slot	blanking	plate	(part	code:	X-RMK-BLANK4)
Safety information
•	 For	use	in	dry,	oil	free	indoor	environments	only.
•	 Do	not	use	to	link	between	buildings.
•	 Ensure	that	the	twisted	pair	interconnect	cable	is	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.
•	 Warning	–	the	power	adapter	contains	live	parts.
•	 No	user	serviceable	parts	are	contained	within	the	power	adapter	-	do	not	
dismantle.
•	 Plug	the	power	adapter	into	a	socket	outlet	close	to	the	AdderLink	unit	that	
it is powering.
•	 Replace	the	power	adapter	with	a	manufacturer	approved	type	only.	
•	 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.
•	 If	you	use	a	power	extension	cord	with	the	extenders,	make	sure	the	total	
ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord do not exce\
ed 
the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total ampere ratin\
g of all 
the devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet\
’s 
ampere rating.
•	 Do	not	attempt	to	service	the	X2	modules	yourself.
•	 The	X2	modules	and	power	supplies	can	get	warm	in	operation	–	do	not	
situate them in an enclosed space without any ventilation. 
•	 The	X2	modules	do	not	provide	ground	isolation	and	should	not	be	used	for	
any applications that require ground isolation or galvanic isolation.
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 liab\
ility can be 
accepted for damage due to misuse or circumstances outside Adder’s co\
ntrol. 
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 u\
nder 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.