ADDERLink X50 Manual

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10
Dual user configuration
You can combine two Adder X50 extender sets to create a dual 
user configuration. Such an installation would allow a single 
computer to be controlled from two different positions, with each 
position receiving the same audio visual output and having equal 
and concurrent control over the computer. Arbitration between the 
two positions is handled by the computer’s USB system and so this 
arrangement is better suited to situations where two users would 
not often require simultaneous access.
LOCAL
ADD
LOCAL
ADD
ADDER
®
POWER
OUT
LIN K
TO REM OTE
ON
Audio, USB and video from the PC
Audio crosslink from first to second local module
Video crosslink from first to second local module
Second USB from the PC
PC
A UDIO
VIDEO
USB
REMO TE
ADDER®
POWE R
S HARPNESS
LINK
TO LOCA L
ON
REMO TE
ADDER®
POWE R
S HARPNESS
LINK
TO LOCA L
ON
USER 1
USER 2
REMO TE
ADDER®
POWER
SHARPNESS
LINK
TO LOCAL
ON
REMO TE
ADDER®
POWER
SHARPNESS
LINK
TO LOCAL
ON
Both local modules require their own USB links to the PC
Video and audio crosslinks are made from first local module to the second local module 
CATx link (up to 50m)
CATx link (up to 50m)
First local module
Most of the connections are similar to the standard configuration. The\
 main 
difference is in the links to the second local module. Use an audio link\
 lead to 
connect the audio out socket of the first local module to the audio in\
 socket of 
the second. Similarly, use a video link lead to connect the video out an\
d video 
in ports. The second local module then requires its own USB link directl\
y to the 
computer. In all other respects follow the standard instructions to conn\
ect CATx 
links and all of the remote module connections.   
						

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Video display (DDC) information
The Display Data Channel (or DDC) is an industry standard scheme which\
 allows 
video monitors to declare their capabilities to the computer’s video \
adapter 
circuitry, allowing the latter to optimise their outputs accordingly. Si\
nce the 
widespread adoption of the scheme, video adapters have become increasing\
ly 
dependent on receiving relevant DDC information during startup, before t\
hey 
will output anything more than a rudimentary video signal. 
It is not possible to transmit DDC data back from the video monitor that\
 is 
attached to the remote module to the computer’s video adapter. Theref\
ore, 
during startup of the local module, it will search for a video monitor c\
onnected 
to its local feed-through connector: 
•	 If	a	local	video	monitor	is	found,	its	DDC	information	will	be	compared	to	
the information already stored and, if different, will be copied, stored\
 and 
presented to the video adapter upon request. 
•	 If	no	local	video	monitor	is	found,	the	local	module	will	make	available	its	
previously stored set of DDC parameters to the video adapter upon reques\
t; 
or, if none were stored, a default set.
In either case, the DDC information taken by the video adapter will be u\
sed 
to determine the video output that is sent via the X50 modules to the re\
mote 
monitor.
If you find that the default DDC information is not completely suitabl\
e for your 
remote monitor, try temporarily connecting your remote monitor to the vi\
deo 
out port of the local module. When the local module is powered up, it wi\
ll read 
and store the DDC information from your monitor. You can then return the\
 
monitor to its remote position and the new DDC information will be used \
at 
every power on.        
DDC indications
When power is first applied to the local module (either from 
the computer’s USB port or an optional power adapter) it will 
search for valid DDC data on its video out connector. During 
this process, the yellow indicator (built into the link connector) 
will flash to indicate its progress:
•	 If	no	valid	DDC	information	is	located,	the	yellow	indicator	
will give one very short flash, representing an attempt to 
read data. No changes will be made to the information already stored wit\
hin 
the local module.
•	 If	the	DDC	information	is	the	same	as	that	already	stored,	no	change	will	be	
made and the yellow indicator will give one single flash as the inform\
ation is 
checked and normal operation resumes.
•	 If	different	DDC	information	is	located,	the	yellow	indicator	will	flash	rapidly	
for 2 to 3 seconds while the new information is stored. A single flash\
 will 
then be given as the information is checked and normal operation resumes\
.   
The local module’s yellow indicator also provides fault indications t\
o assist with 
troubleshooting:
•	 Two	flashes	-	Checksum	error	prior	to	copying	-	no	information	will	be	
programmed.
•	 Three	flashes	-	Too	 much	 data	to	fit	into	 the	module	 -	the	 module	 can	hold	 a	
maximum of two pages of DDC information.
•	 Rapid	flashing	followed	by	four	flashes	-	data	was	lost	during	copying	-	the	
default data was substituted. Repeat the power on process.
•	 Rapid	flashing	followed	by	five	flashes	-	Checksum	error	during	copying	
- the default data was substituted. Repeat the power on process. 
LINK
O REMO TE
ON   
						

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Video sharpness adjustment
The Adder X50 remote module includes a straightforward video adjustment \
to 
control picture sharpness on the remote monitor. 
To adjust video sharpness
1 On the computer, display a suitable 
high contrast image (see right).
2 Insert a small flat-bladed 
screwdriver into the SHARPNESS 
adjustment hole so that it engages 
with the slot in the rotary dial.
3 Turn the rotary dial fully 
clockwise - you should see 
a bright white shadow 
to the right of your high 
contrast image: 
4 Turn the rotary dial anti-
clockwise until the white 
shadow disappears and the 
edges of your image become sharp.    
To display a suitable high contrast image
The best way to clearly view the effect of 
sharpness and brightness adjustments 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. 
High contrast black character on white background
Black or bright white shadow on the right indicates the need for sharpness adjustment
POWE R
SHARPNESS
LINK
TO LOCAL
ON
The remote module for 
the dual video MS2 variant 
includes two separate 
sharpness adjustments for 
each video channel (the upper 
dial corresponds to the upper 
video output socket).
Sharpness control for the first (A) video channel  
Sharpness control for the second (B) video channel     
						

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HT
Operation
General use
In use, the X50 modules should be transparent - the system and its perip\
herals 
should operate exactly as normal, the only difference being that they ar\
e now up 
to 50 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 \
Video 
sharpness adjustment in the ‘Installation’ section.
Dual user arbitration
When using two sets of X50 modules to allow two users to access a single\
 
computer, be aware that arbitration between the users is handled by the \
USB 
sub-system of the computer. Unlike with other Adder products, this means\
 that 
both users can control the computer at exactly the same time and the res\
ulting 
keyboard and mouse influences will be an amalgam of the two inputs - i\
.e. a 
mouse move to the right by one user will cancel out a simultaneous left \
mouse 
move by the other. The same is also true when the local module has feed-\
through peripherals attached to it, adjacent to the computer. 
For this reason, the X50 dual user arrangement is better suited to situa\
tions 
where two users would not often require simultaneous access.
Peripheral operation
USB
Each X50 remote module provides four USB outlets, each of which can supp\
ort 
USB 2.0 peripherals at speeds up to 12Mbps. The X50 appears to the compu\
ter 
as a four port USB hub.
If the link between the modules is interrupted, any connected USB periph\
erals 
will be automatically disabled and re-enabled once the connection is res\
tored.
[MS2 variant only] Note: When connecting four USB devices to the unit, e\
nsure 
that their total power requirements do not exceed 1700mA (1.7A). The U\
SB 
standard states a maximum allowable current draw of 500mA (0.5A) per d\
evice, 
although most devices remain well below this limit - USB keyboards and m\
ice 
typically require 100mA. Each X50 contains a self-resetting fuse that wi\
ll prevent 
damage by shutting down the unit if the total power draw becomes excessi\
ve. 
RS232 serial
The MS2 variant modules provide additional support for an RS232 device. \
The 9 
way male D-type socket on the remote module supports speeds up to 115,20\
0 
baud and all PC-AT flow control pins are supported.     
						

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Further information
Troubleshooting
Status indicators
The green and yellow indicators built into the link connectors on each m\
odule 
provide useful feedback regarding the connection and power status:
During startup (of the local module)
•	 One	very	short	yellow	flash:	no	valid	DDC	information	available	from	
a locally connected video monitor, no changes made to stored DDC 
information.
•	 Single	yellow	flash:	DDC	information	being	read	from	a	locally	connected	
video monitor, but no changes made to stored DDC information.
•	 Rapid	yellow	flash	for	2	to	3	seconds,	followed	by	single	flash:	New	DDC	
information being read and stored from a locally connected video monitor\
.   
•	 Two	yellow	flashes	-	Checksum	error	prior	to	copying	-	no	information	will	
be programmed.
•	 Three	yellow	flashes	-	Too	much	data	to	fit	into	the	module	-	the	module	
can hold a maximum of two pages of DDC information.
•	 Rapid	yellow	flashing	followed	by	four	flashes	-	data	was	lost	during	copying	
- the default data was substituted. Repeat the power on process.
•	 Rapid	yellow	flashing	followed	by	five	flashes	-	Checksum	error	during	
copying - the default data was substituted. Repeat the power on process.\
During operation (either module)
•	 Continual	yellow:	Valid	CATx	link	to	other	module	sensed.
•	 Continual	green:	Correct	power	input	sensed.	
•	 Green	flashes:	Power	input	too	low	for	normal	operation.	In	the	case	of	the	
local module, this may be because the USB connection is unable to provid\
e 
sufficient power. In these cases, an external power supply should be u\
sed 
with the local module.
Important
Do not attach a USB hub to the X50 remote, nor plug the X50 local module\
 into 
another USB hub. To do so will reduce the maximum cable length over whic\
h 
the system will extend USB; also, some USB hubs may not provide enough 
power to operate the local unit.
Do not use USB cables that are longer than 3 metres to connect the local\
 module 
to the computer or to connect the remote module to the USB peripherals.
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. 
HT   
						

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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 pr\
oduct that you 
are unable to resolve, please contact your supplier.
Safety information
•	 For	use	in	dry,	oil	free	indoor	environments	only.
•	 Do	not	use	to	link	between	buildings.
•	 Ensure	that	all	twisted	pair	interconnect	cables	are	installed	in	compliance	
with all applicable wiring regulations. 
•	 Do	not	connect	CATx	link	interfaces	(RJ45	style	connectors)	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	module	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	remote	module,	make	sure	the	
total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord do no\
t 
exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total amper\
e 
rating of all the devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed t\
he 
wall outlet’s ampere rating.
•	 Do	not	attempt	to	service	the	modules	yourself.
•	 The	power	supply	can	get	warm	in	operation	–	do	not	situate	it	in	an	
enclosed space without any ventilation.    
						

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Radio Frequency Energy
A Category 5 (or better) twisted pair cable must be used to connect th\
e units in 
order to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regula\
tions 
and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturba\
nces.
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 the Europe\
an 
standard EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protec\
tion 
against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can rad\
iate 
radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with \
the 
instructions may cause harmful interference to radio or television recep\
tion. 
However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur \
in a 
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to ra\
dio or 
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o\
n 
and off, the user is encouraged to correct the interference with one or \
more 
of the following measures: (a) Reorient or relocate the receiving ante\
nna. (b) 
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. (c) Co\
nnect 
the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the\
 receiver 
is connected. (d) Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV tech\
nician 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 communic\
ation. 
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A com\
puting 
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 equip\
ment.
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.   
						

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www.ctxd.com Documentation by:
© 2012 Adder Technology Limited
All trademarks are acknowledged.
Part	No.	MAN-X50_X50-MS2	•	Release	1.1d
Web:  www.adder.com
Contact:  www.adder.com/contact-details
Support: forum.adder.com