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Blackbox ACU315A Manual

The rgb to dvi(/vga) converter
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THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER
Welcome to the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter
Family!
Thank you for purchasing an RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter! We appreciate your business,
and we think you'll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced RGB Graphic system will
save you money, time, and effort.
That's because our ACU315A Converter is all about breaking away from the traditional
model of attaching a new display to an old graphic source. You can encounter many potential
problems in connecting a flat screen to an RGB graphic source – unless you use our
ACU315A Converter products! Attach a flat screen to any graphic source and match the
output to your requirements. The ACU315A Converter – the one-stop answer for all your
RGB adapting needs! And with a special adaptor cable (not supplied as standard), you can
also attach a screen to a CGA or EGA source.
This manual will tell you all about your new ACU315A Converter, including how to install,
operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Converter, see Chapter 2. The
Converter product codes covered in this manual are:
ACU315A
1

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Summary of Contents for Blackbox ACU315A

  • Page 1 RGB adapting needs! And with a special adaptor cable (not supplied as standard), you can also attach a screen to a CGA or EGA source. This manual will tell you all about your new ACU315A Converter, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Converter, see Chapter 2. The...
  • Page 2 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Copyrights and Trademarks ©2005. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without the prior written consent of the manufacturer. Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material.
  • Page 3 FCC/CDC STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with 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 B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 4 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY This is to certify that, when installed and used according to the instructions in this manual, together with the specified cables and the maximum cable length <3m, the Units are shielded against the generation of radio interferences in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC as well as these standards: EN 55022: 1999...
  • Page 5 NOM STATEMENT NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas.
  • Page 6 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER 14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante. 15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia. 16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
  • Page 7 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION GUIDELINES Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation, please note the following installation guidelines: • Only use in dry, indoor environments. • The Converter and any power supplies can get warm. Do not locate them in an enclosed space without any airflow.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Contents 1. Quick Setup Video Input/Output Command Summary 2. Overview Introduction Glossary Features Product Range Compatibility How to Use This Guide 3. Installation Package Contents Connection Cable Requirements System Setup Diagnostic LEDs 4. Device Control Opening the OSD Using the OSD 5.
  • Page 9 CONTENTS Appendix A: Example Applications Appendix B: Rack Mount Options Appendix C: System Upgrade Appendix D: Supported Video Modes Appendix E: Calling Technical Support Appendix F: Specifications Appendix G: Connectors and Cables...

  • Page 10: Quick Setup

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Quick Setup This section briefly describes how to install your RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter and optimize the video signals. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full procedures described in the rest of this manual. Refer to the command summary on page 12 when following this procedure.

  • Page 11: Video Input/Output

    ACU315A Converter, it must convert the digitized data to analogue values. Similarly, if your TFT screen uses a VGA input, it must digitize the signal from the ACU315A Converter. In these cases, the built-in video processors (in the TFT) must determine the resolution and pixel phase for an optimized digitization.

  • Page 12: Command Summary

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Command Summary The following table summarizes the remote control buttons and ‘hot’ key command sequences used in system configuration and video tuning on the ACU315A Converter. Infrared Remote Control (IR-RC) Command Utility * Exit OSD <X>...

  • Page 13: Overview

    Unusual resolutions, often generated by older RGB graphic sources cannot be detected. To display RGB data on a modern VGA or DVI display, the ACU315A Converter digitizes the incoming signals, stores them in an internal video memory and displays them from there in a common resolution.
  • Page 14 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER PLC – programmable Video-Equipment Legacy CPU’s logic controller (DVD, VCR, Set-top) RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter Figure 1 ACU315A Converter system...

  • Page 15: Features

    ACU315A Converter offers the following features: • Support for RGB and RGBS in progressive scan or interlaced mode. • Support for EGA/CGA using the optional Adaptor + Cable (ACU315A-EGA). • Support for CGA using the optional Adaptor Cable (ACU315A-CGA). •...

  • Page 16: Product Range

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Product Range This table lists the product codes for the converter and its various upgrade kits: ACU315A Converter ACU315A RGB to DVI (or VGA) Converter Upgrade Kits ACU315A-EGA EGA/CGA to DVI Adaptor + Cable RMK315A...

  • Page 17: Compatibility

    OVERVIEW Compatibility Interface Compatibility • RGB: Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals. The signals have a level of 0.7Vpp. The Green-Signal also carries the (composite) synchronisation signals. • RGBS: Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals and the additional (composite) SYNC signal.

  • Page 18: How To Use This Guide

    Connection & Compatibility If you have purchased an ACU315A Converter Kit, this will contain PSU and all the cables/adapters required to connect the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter to your graphic source. See also Package Contents (page 19) For information about connection and installation, see Installation, page 19.

  • Page 19: Installation

    This will allow you to identify and solve any cabling problems, and experiment with the ACU315A Converter more conveniently. Package Contents You should receive the following items in your ACU315A Converter package: • RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter unit.

  • Page 20: Connection Cable Requirements

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Connection Cable Requirements To connect the ACU315A Converter to your graphic source you will need: • RGB(S): 3 (4 with RGBS) coaxial cables type RG59B/U or similar, terminated with BNC connectors at the converters end. Please ensure that the connection is tension-free.

  • Page 21: System Setup

    INSTALLATION System Setup To install your ACU315A Converter: Switch off all devices. Connect your TFT directly to the device; connect a VGA screen by using the equipped DVI-I to VGA adapter. Connect the VGA monitor cable to the adapter; then plug in the adapter into the device.
  • Page 22 (looped) or video source Connect to 6V Programming connector – Power supply for firmware upgrades Figure 2 ACU315A Converter Figure 4 RGB-to-DVI Cable EGA/CGA to DVI Converter type ACU315A-EGA (in list of parts) (NOT in list of parts - Option)

  • Page 23: Diagnostic Leds

    INSTALLATION Diagnostic LEDs Each ACU315A Converter is fitted with three indicator LEDs: Monitor Detect, Device Ready and Video Signal. The Monitor Detect LED is to the left of the video output connector. The Device Ready and Video Signal LEDs are next to the Power socket.

  • Page 24: Device Control

    If you are using the CGA/EGA input (with adaptors only) or use an RGB format stored in the internal table, no adjustment should be required. In other cases, you may need to optimize the output using the ACU315A Converter’s on-screen display (OSD). You can access to the OSD, even if there is no input signal detected!

  • Page 25: Opening The Osd

    DEVICE CONTROL Opening the OSD You can access the OSD in three ways: • Using the equipped Infrared Remote Control (IR-RC). • Using our WINDOWS™ program with a serial connection to the programming port. There is a summary of OSD commands on page 12. Using the IR-RC For direct brightness adjust For direct contrast adjust...
  • Page 26 Type in the following key sequence: < O > + < S > + < D > followed by <ENTER> When the OSD starts, it displays information about the attached device and firmware version, for example: Company Name : BlackBox Modul Name : ACU315A Version : Vers.1.3...

  • Page 27: Using The Osd

    DEVICE CONTROL Using the OSD The OSD is an icon-based utility. The top line of symbols shows the main menu categories: Input Select Specify whether the input is RGB (RGBS) or digital (for future expansion) Scale Mode Select the screen resolution of the attached display and select one of four scaling modes.
  • Page 28 Press the Esc key (<X> key in Windows program) to close the OSD, saving all settings, and restore normal mouse and keyboard functions. The following table summarizes the keyboard actions and icons used to navigate the OSD utility, and to select and adjust the ACU315A Converter’s parameters: Key/Icon Action...
  • Page 29 DEVICE CONTROL Input Select (for future expansion) disabled funtion for this firmware level Select RGB (RGBS) source Select digital input (for future expansion) Return to main menu Figure 5 Input Select menu Physical Resolution of attached screen Use the Scale Mode menu to specify the physical resolution of the attached screen; this ensures the best matching pictures on a TFT screen.
  • Page 30 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Output Scaling Use the Output Scaling submenu to specify the best match between screen size and user requirements. Four modes are available: 1:1 – the picture is displayed with its original size and aspect ratio within a black frame.
  • Page 31 DEVICE CONTROL Brightness/Contrast Use this menu to adjust the brightness and contrast of the video image, or to adjust the black level of a display. Adjust Brightness Adjust Contrast Adjust Black level Return to main menu Figure 8 Brightness-Contrast menu Select Colors and Color Temperatures Use the Colors menu to adjust the color balance of the video image.
  • Page 32 Automatic detection of the number of pixels per line and the best phase (best point for A/D conversion within each pixel) see also ACU315A Converter Setup, page 38. Manually adjust the number of pixels per line (Pixel clock) Manually adjust the best phase (best point for...
  • Page 33 Tools Use the Tools menu to set the position and size of the OSD window, adjust the sharpness for a fixed resolution setting, reset the ACU315A Converter system to its factory default settings or provide a test pattern. Set the position of the OSD window (see...
  • Page 34 Factory Reset sub-menu Auto Configuration Use the Auto Configuration submenu to define whether the ACU315A Converter carries out automatic detection of the number of pixels per line and the best phase after a mode change (a change of screen resolution and/or refresh rate at the graphic source).
  • Page 35 DEVICE CONTROL Video Mode Sub-Menu Use the Video Mode menu to select one of six Video Modes for a specific resolution. Please see Appendix D: Supported Video Modes (page 47) for more information about Video Modes and supported screen resolutions. Choice of six different video modes.

  • Page 36: Monitor Setup

    Please make sure that you carry out this procedure before setting up the ACU315A Converter (page 37). If you are using a TFT monitor at the ACU315A Converter with a VGA cable, the TFT monitor digitizes the video data stream and this may affect video quality. By setting up the TFT monitor first, you ensure that you are correcting discrepancies due solely to the ACU315A Converter system in the ACU315A Converter Setup procedure.

  • Page 37: Rgb To Dvi(/Vga) Converter Setup

    ACU315A CONVERTER SETUP ACU315A Converter Setup Overview You need to optimize the video signal across your ACU315A Converter system if it undergoes one or more conversions between analog and digital formats. The exact procedure depends on your ACU315A Converter setup:...

  • Page 38: Setup Instructions For Rgb Input

    ACU315A Converter. If you are using a TFT monitor at ACU315A Converter with a VGA cable, you should carry out the Monitor Setup procedure first (see page 36). In this configuration, the TFT digitize the video data stream and affect video quality.
  • Page 39 ACU315A CONVERTER SETUP Problems with the pixel phase will cause horizontal noise, horizontal wave-formed lines, flicker or smearing with zebra-pattern (see Figure 17b): From the OSD’s Image menu, select the menu command: Manually adjust the best phase (best point for A/D conversion within each pixel).

  • Page 40: Setup Of A New Video Mode

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Setup of a new Video Mode The ACU315A Converter is preinstalled with several video modes and screen resolutions in various refresh rates suitable for using with an RGB source. If the mode generated by your RGB graphic source is not represented, you need to Setup a custom mode.
  • Page 41 ACU315A CONVERTER SETUP 11. Problems with the pixel phase will cause horizontal noise, horizontal wave-formed lines, flicker or smearing with zebra-pattern (see Figure 17b on page 39): In the Image menu option (see page 32) select the command icon: Manually adjust the best phase (best point for A/D conversion within each pixel).

  • Page 42: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Video There isn’t a picture. Check the power supply connection at the ACU315A Converter. Is the Device Ready (Red LED) illuminated (see page 23)? If not, the internal power-supply may be damaged or there may be an internal error.
  • Page 43 TROUBLESHOOTING There is horizontal jitter on the picture. The pixel clock and/or phase is misaligned: Refer to page 38. Characters are smeared. The phase is misaligned: Refer to page 38. Thin vertical lines are missing. The phase is misaligned: Refer to page 38. No output to a connected CRT or TFT with VGA input.

  • Page 44: Appendix A: Example Applications

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Appendix A: Example Applications This section illustrates some specific applications using the ACU315A Converter: For more details, please discuss suitable converter architecture with Technical Support (see Appendix E: ). ACU315A RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter attached to a PLC...

  • Page 45: Appendix B: Rack Mount Options

    APPENDIX B: RACK MOUNT OPTIONS Appendix B: Rack Mount Options ACU315A Converters can be mounted in a 19” rack using the mounting kit: This contains the following parts: Narrow strip Two small blanking plates Wide blanking plate Base plate M3x5 Screws (14)
  • Page 46 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER The kit allows you to mount various combinations of regular and double width housings: 1. One regular unit (using two small plates) 2. Two regular units (using one small plate) 3. Mounting of three regular units 4.

  • Page 47: Appendix C: System Upgrade

    Support. You will need a programming cable and software to carry out the update. Please follow the supplied instructions carefully. Appendix D: Supported Video Modes The following table shows the video modes originally supported by the ACU315A Converter. Video Video Mode...
  • Page 48 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Video Video Mode Resolution Refresh Rates Pixel- Vertical Horizont. Mode Name Horiz Vert (Hz) (kHz clock IVE4 50,0 20,0 16,1 IVE2 50,0 21,9 17,8 56,0 24,6 20,9 OP 398 K 60,0 27,5 22,2 70,0 31,4 25,1 Vesa Standard 85,0...
  • Page 49 APPENDIX D: SUPPORTED VIDEO MODES Video Video Mode Resolution Refresh Rates Pixel- Vertical Horizont. Mode Name Horiz Vert (Hz) (kHz clock MAC Mode 75,0 49,5 55,4 Vesa Standard 1024 60,0 48,4 65,0 Vesa Standard 1024 70,0 56,4 74,9 SUN Mode 1024 72,0 58,0...

  • Page 50: Appendix E: Calling Technical Support

    If you are shipping it for repair, please include the Unit’s external power supply. If you are returning it, please include everything you received with it. Before you ship the ACU315A Converter back to Black Box for repair or return, contact us to get a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number.
  • Page 51 464 Basingstoke Road Reading Berkshire RG2 0BG Technical Support (Product) Tel: 0118 965 6000 Fax: 0118 965 6001 email: techhelp@blackbox.co.uk Order Line and Sales Tel: 0118 965 5100 Fax: 0118 965 5001 email: sales@blackbox.co.uk Italy: Austrailia: Black Box Italia S.P.A.
  • Page 52 How to contact your local Black Box Belgium: Japan: Black Box Black Box Catalog Tel: 027258550 Tel: 03-3820-5011 Fax: 027259212 Fax: 03-3820-5010 Web Site: www.blackbox.be Web Site: www.blackbox.co.jp Deutschland: Switzerland: Black Box Deutschland Datacom Black Box Services AG Tel: 0811/5541-0 Tel: 0554517070 Fax: 0811/5541-499...

  • Page 53: Appendix F: Specifications

    APPENDIX F: SPECIFICATIONS Appendix F: Specifications Power Requirements Voltage PSU: 90..240VAC-0.5A-47..63Hz/6VDC-2000 mA Power required ACU315A Converter: approx. 8W Interface (Depending on type of device) Monitor VGA (res.: 1280x1024@75Hz, plug&play supported) DVI (res.: 1280x1024@60Hz, plug&play supported) Colour Depth 15 Bit for converting to DVI/VGA (5 Bit per colour)

  • Page 54: Appendix G: Connectors And Cables

    THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Appendix G: Connectors and Cables ACU315A Converter Connector Pinouts DVI-I Female connector (for Input and Output) C1 C2 C3 C4 Signal Signal Signal T.M.D.S data 2- T.M.D.S data 1- T.M.D.S data 0- T.M.D.S data 2+ T.M.D.S data 1+...
  • Page 55 APPENDIX G: CONNECTORS AND CABLES Programming Signal TxD (to PC RxD) RxD (from PC TxD) DTR from PC Power Signal Earth n.c. +6VDC Housing Shield...
  • Page 56 THE RGB TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER Adapter Cables DVI/VGA Adapter ACU315A Converter: Monitor: DVI-I male connector HD15 female connector Signal Signal DDC Input (SCL) DDC Input (SCL) DDC Output(SDA) DDC Output (SDA) Analog VSYNC Analog VSYNC Analog Red Analog Red Analog Green...

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