Control And Power Connections; Setting Up Optimal Audio Gain - Extron electronics MLS 100 A User Manual

Control and Power Connections

4 MLC/RS-232 Power port — An Extron MediaLink Controller (MLC 206), a computer, or an RS-232 controller provides
remote control of input switching and volume, and also provides a way to set the switcher audio input levels. To control
and/or set up the MLS, connect a cable between this 5-pole, 3.5 mm captive screw connector and an optional MLC 206,
computer, or a RS-232 controller. Also connect an external 12 VDC power supply here to provide power to the MLS and to
the optional MLC.
Extron Comm-Link cable is recommended for this connection. If using Comm-Link cable, the switcher and controller can be
up to 250 feet (76.2 m) apart. Wire the captive screw connector for connection to an MLC 206 or control system as shown
below.
•
For a stand-alone MLS switcher, connect a cable from the host computer or a control
system to this connector to set up and remotely control the switcher, connect a 12 VDC
power supply, and tie all the drain wires to the same ground.
•
For an MLS switcher slaved to an MLC controller, connect a cable from the
MLC/MLS/Power port and from a 12 VDC power supply, and tie all the drain wires to
the same ground.
Once the system has been cabled and set up via the control software and the front panel Aux/Mix adjustment, the MLC or
a host computer communicating through the MLC can be used to remotely control the switcher. See the MediaLink Control
Program help file for details on configuring an MLC-MLS system.
NOTES:
•
An Extron IR Link infrared repeater cannot be used with the MLS 100 A Switchers. There is no connection for that
device control signals.
•
The MLC to which the MLS 100 A switcher is connected must have MLC
firmware version 1.04 or higher. The control/setup software must be version 2.0 or
higher. Use one of the following methods to find out the version levels of the MLC
firmware and the control software.
•
Connect the MLC RS-232 port to a computer or RS-232 controller, and send an
SIS command of Q to the MLC. The MLC responds with its firmware version.
•
Connect the MLC RS-232 port to a computer, start the MediaLink control software,
and click on Help to display the software version, the MLC firmware version, and
the MLS firmware version as shown in the example on the right.
If your MLS firmware is an earlier version, contact Extron to obtain updated firmware.

Setting Up Optimal Audio Gain

Typical audio lvls_tbl_062304.eps
Audio input levels and desired output levels vary depending on the types of equipment involved. Before setting the MLS per-input
gain or attenuation, determine the levels of the input and output equipment. Use the table below as a general guide.
Typical Audio Levels
for Various Equipment Types
Professional line level audio equipment
Consumer audio equipment (VCRs, DVDs,
laptop computers, portable audio devices)
Table 1. Typical Audio Levels
Gain and attenuation are adjustable (from -18 dB to +24 dB) for each input (1 through 4) via RS-232 control only (using
HyperTerminal, a third party controller, or the MediaLink Control/Configuration Software). The gain and attenuation for the Aux/Mix
input are adjustable only via the switcher front panel.
Input/Output Levels
+4 dBu 0 dBu -10 dBV -20 dBV
(-8 dBu) (-18 dBu)
X X
X X
Power Wiring.eps
A A
SECTION A–A
Power Supply
Output Cord
3
Captiv
Con