User Guide Fiber Optic Extenders FOXBOX FOXBOX FOXBOX FOXBOX Tx Tx Tx Tx / Rx VGA VGA/YUV / Rx DVI / Rx DVI Plus High Resolution Fiber Optic Transmitters and Receivers 68-1464-01 Rev.
Safety Instructions • English Warning This symbol is intended to alert the user of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature provided with the equipment. Power sources • This equipment should be operated only from the power source indicated on the product. This equipment is intended to be used with a main power system with a grounded (neutral) conductor. The third (grounding) pin is a safety feature, do not attempt to bypass or disable it.
FCC Class A Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Conventions Used in this Guide In this user guide, the following are used: NOTE: A note draws attention to important information. TIP: A tip provides a suggestion to make working with the application easier. CAUTION: WARNING: A caution indicates a potential hazard to equipment or data. A warning warns of things or actions that might cause injury, death, or other severe consequences.
Contents Introduction............................................. 1 Remote Control....................................... 19 About the FOXBOX Tx/Rx Transmitters and Receivers......................................................... 2 General System Operation............................ 3 System Compatibility.................................... 4 Cable Transmission Modes............................ 5 Features............................................................ 5 Simple Instruction Set Control....
FOXBOX Tx/Rx • Contents vi
Introduction WARNING: The FOXBOX Tx/Rx units output continuous invisible light, which may be harmful to the eyes; use with caution. • Do not look into the rear panel fiber optic cable connectors or into the fiber optic cables themselves. • Plug the attached dust caps into the optical transceivers when the fiber cable is unplugged. • About the FOXBOX Tx/Rx Transmitters and Receivers • Features This manual contains information about the Extron FOXBOX family of fiber optic products.
About the FOXBOX Tx/Rx Transmitters and Receivers The FOXBOX family consists of the following ultra-high performance fiber optic transmitters and receivers: • FOXBOX Tx VGA transmitter — Accepts an analog RGB video input, an audio input, and an RS-232 serial input and outputs a proprietary optical signal on an LC connector to a FOXBOX or FOX 500 receiver. It also can receive a proprietary optical signal from the receiver consisting of the RS-232 return from a controlled device.
General System Operation The FOXBOX Tx VGA transmitter inputs VGA-UXGA RGB video. The FOXBOX Tx VGA/YUV transmitter inputs YUV video or VGA-UXGA RGB video. The FOXBOX Tx DVI transmitter inputs a single link of DVI video. All three transmitters input audio and one-way (transmitter-to-receiver) RS-232 serial communication (for applications such as projector control). The transmitters convert all of their inputs into a proprietary signal and output the signal on a single fiber optic cable to the receiver.
System Compatibility The FOXBOX Tx DVI Plus transmitter fiber optic output signal can be received only by a FOXBOX Rx DVI Plus receiver. All fiber optic signals from all other units are interchangeably compatible between VGA and DVI units, Plus and non-Plus units, and PowerCage Fox and FOX 500 units as shown in the following table.
Cable Transmission Modes The transmitters and receivers are further categorized by the type of fiber optic cable, multimode or singlemode, which define the effective range of transmission: • Multimode — Long distance, up to 2 km (6,560 feet) (depending on the fiber cable) • • • • • • • • FOXBOX Tx VGA MM FOXBOX Rx VGA MM FOXBOX Tx VGA/YUV MM FOXBOX Tx DVI MM FOXBOX Rx DVI MM FOXBOX Tx DVI Plus MM FOXBOX Rx DVI Plus MM Singlemode — Very long distance, up to 30 km (18.
Audio input — The transmitters accept an unbalanced stereo or mono audio input on a 3.5 mm mini jack. Audio input gain/attenuation — The input audio level can be adjusted within a range of -18 dB (attenuation) to +10 dB (gain) via the RS-232 link. Audio output — The receivers output unbalanced stereo audio on a 3.5 mm mini jack. Links monitoring — The front panels of the transmitters and receivers have indicators for monitoring image and audio transmission and both fiber optic links.
Installation and Operation This sections details the installation of the FOXBOX Tx/Rx, including: • Installation Overview • Mounting the Unit • Connections and Configuration • Operation Installation Overview Follow these steps to install and set up an Extron FOXBOX transmitter and receiver system for operation: 1. Turn off all of the equipment. Ensure that the video sources and the output display are all turned off and disconnected from the power source. 2.
Connections and Configuration Transmitter Connections and Indicators AUDIO FOXBOX Tx VGA 1 Rx Tx RS-232 OVER FIBER ALARM Tx Rx 9 6 7 CONFIG 2 FOXBOX Tx VGA FOXBOX Tx VGA Rear Panel LINK RGB INPUT POWER 12V 1.0A MAX 9 5 LINK 4 RGB 3 AUDIO 1 OVER TEMP 8 OPTICAL Front Panel 8 2 3 4 POWER 12V 1.
d RS-232 Over Fiber port — If you want the FOXBOX to pass serial command signals to the receiver, for serial control of a projector for example, connect the host device to the transmitter via the first three leftmost poles (Tx, Rx, and _) of this 5-pole captive screw connector (see “RS-232 connections“ on page 15 to wire this connector).
g Configuration port — Connect a controlling device, such as a PC, to this port via a 2.5 mm mini jack TRS RS‑232 cable for RS-232 protocol control of all FOXBOX functions. See “Front panel Configuration ports“ on page 16 for more details on the adapter cable and “Remote Control“ on page 19 for SIS commands and software control. The TRS RS-232 cable is included with the Tx models.
Receiver Connections and Indicators 12 RGB OUTPUT Tx AUDIO FOXBOX Rx VGA FOXBOX Rx VGA Rear Panel 18 16 11 12 RS-232 OVER FIBER ALARM Tx Rx 13 1 CONFIG 2 14 FOXBOX Rx VGA Front Panel 19 FOXBOX Rx DVI Plus FOXBOX Rx DVI Plus Rear Panel 17 15 Tx Rx 1 2 FOXBOX Rx DVI Plus LINK CONFIG Rx LINK RS-232 OVER FIBER ALARM AUDIO AUDIO DVI DVI-D OUTPUT Rx OPTICAL Tx MODE OVER TEMP POWER 12V 1.0A MAX 9 15 17 LINK MODE 9 19 14 LINK POWER 12V 1.
o Fiber optic connectors and LEDs — WARNING: These units output continuous invisible light, which may be harmful to the eyes; use with caution. For additional safety, plug the attached dust caps into the optical transceivers when the fiber cable is unplugged. NOTES: • You can connect the transmitter to one or more receivers in one of three ways: • One way (transmitter-Tx-to-receiver-Rx) only — Connect fiber cable 15a (from transmitter connector ä) only.
p MODE Mode switch — 1 2 DIP switch 1 — To connect the received optical input to another receiver in a daisy chain configuration, set DIP switch 1 to up as shown. Up to 10 properly-configured receivers can be connected in a daisy chain to a single transmitter. DIP Switch 2 — DIP switch 2 must be set to the up position for the receiver to respond properly to the Video Shutdown Delay SIS command. q Configuration port — Connect a controlling device, such as a PC, to this port via a 2.
Making Connections DVI connector (FOXBOX DVI) Figure 7 defines the DVI pin assignments.
RS-232 connections The RS-232 Over Fiber port is for transmission of serial signals, such as projector control signals, between the transmitter and receiver. RS-232 OVER FIBER ALARM Tx Rx 1 Pin TX RX Gnd 2 Function Transmit data Receive data Signal ground Do not tin the wires! Controlling Device Bidirectional Ground ( ) Receive (Rx) Transmit (Tx) Ground ( ) Receive (Rx) Transmit (Tx) NOTE Cross the Tx and Rx lines once between the source and the target. Figure 8.
Front panel Configuration ports NOTE: These ports are for remote control of the transmitter or receiver, not for the over fiber RS-232 link. The Configuration ports on the transmitter and receiver are 2.5 mm mini stereo jacks. The 9-pin D to 2.5 mm mini jack TRS RS‑232 cable, part #70-335-01 (figure 10), included with transmitters, can be used for this connection. 6 feet (1.
Power supply wiring CAUTION: Always use power supplies specified by Extron for the FOXBOX units. Use of an unauthorized power supply voids all regulatory compliance certification and may cause damage to the supply and the unit. Figure 11 shows how to wire the power connector. Smooth Ridges A A Power Supply Output Cord SECTION A–A Tie Wrap 3 5 Captive Screw Connector Figure 11.
Alternatively, an optional Extron PS 124 Universal 12 VDC Power Supply, part #60-1022-01, can power multiple Extron 12 VDC devices using only one AC power connector. Operation After the transmitter, all receivers, and their connected devices are powered up, the system is fully operational. If any problems are encountered, verify that the cables are routed and connected properly, and that all display devices have identical resolutions and refresh rates.
Remote Control This section describes the remote control operation of the FOXBOX VGA, FOXBOX VGA/YUV, FOXBOX DVI Plus, and FOXBOX DVI, including: • Simple Instruction Set Control • FOX Extenders Control Program The transmitter and receiver each have a Configuration port, a 2.5 mm mini stereo jack that can be connected to a host device such as a computer running the HyperTerminal utility, an RS-232 capable PDA, or a control system. These ports make serial control of the transmitter and receiver possible.
Simple Instruction Set Control Host-to-Unit Instructions SIS commands consist of one or more characters per field. No special characters are required to begin or end a command character sequence. When a command is valid, the unit executes the command and sends a response to the host device. All responses from the unit to the host end with a carriage return and a line feed (CR/LF = ]), which signals the end of the response character string. A string is one or more characters.
Unit-initiated Messages When a local event, such as an equipment power-up, occurs, the unit responds by sending a message to the host. The unit-initiated messages are listed below: (c) Copyright 2010, Extron Electronics FOXBOX Tx VGA, Vx.xx, 60-934-xx]] - or (c) Copyright 2010, Extron Electronics FOXBOX Rx VGA, Vx.xx, 60-934-xx]] - or (c) Copyright 2010, Extron Electronics FOXBOX Tx VGA/YUV, Vx.xx, 60-1058-xx]] - or (c) Copyright 2010, Extron Electronics FOXBOX Tx DVI, Vx.
Error Responses When the unit receives a valid SIS command, it executes the command and sends a response to the host device. If the unit is unable to execute the command because the command is invalid or it contains invalid parameters, the unit returns an error response to the host.
Command/Response Table for SIS Commands Command ASCII Command Response (host to unit) (unit to host) 1B 0B B Blk1] Blk0] Additional description Video mute Mute output Unmute output Show video mute status X!] Blank the video output. Output video. Video mute status is X!.
Command/response table for SIS commands (continued) Command ASCII Command Response (host to unit) (unit to host) Additional description Pixel phase NOTE: When the controlling PC is connected to the receiver, the FOXBOX can perform this command only if the receiver-Tx-totransmitter-Rx fiber cable is connected. The unit returns the E14 error if the Rx fiber is not connected.
Command/response table for SIS commands (continued) Command ASCII Command Response (host to unit) (unit to host) 1Z 0Z Z Amt1] Amt0] 55*0# 55*1# 55# Img0] Img1] 55*2# Img] Additional description Audio mute Mute the audio Unmute the audio Show audio mute statue X!] Silence the audio output of the receiver. The receiver outputs audio. Audio mute status is X!.
Command/response table for SIS commands (continued) Command ASCII Command Response (host to unit) (unit to host) Additional description I 1LnkX2)•2LnkX2)•RGBX2)•AudX2)•X2!•X2@] The unit responds with the current status (signal detected) of optical link 1, optical link 2, the video input, and the audio link; the fiber optic transmission mode (singlemode or multimode); and the device type (Tx or Rx).
FOX Extenders Control Program The Extron FOX Extenders Control Program, which communicates with the transmitter and receiver pair via the Remote RS-232 port of either unit provides an easy way to operate the pair. The program is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, or later. Updates to this program can be downloaded from the Extron website (www.extron.com). Installing the Software The program is contained on a DVD. To install the software, insert the DVD into the drive.
2. Select the Com port to which your transmitter or receiver is connected. Click OK. The FOX Extenders Control Program window appears (figure 14). Figure 14. FOX Extenders Control Program Window NOTE: Only one fiber optic cable, transmitter-Tx-to-receiver-Rx, is required for serial command transmission. But, if you connect only one fiber optic cable, there will be reduced control program functionality on the Rx unit.
Status area The status area provides visual indications of the connection status. • RGB indicator — This indicator is green when the transmitter detects a sync signal on its video input: • Horizontal sync (H) (for RGBHV video) • Composite sync (S) (for RGBS video) • Green (Sync on green) (G) (for RGsB or RsGsBs video) or YUV • DVI video • Audio indicator — This indicator is green when the transmitter detects a low level audio signal for a short period.
Mute area Click the Video Mute radio button, the Audio Mute radio button, or both in the Mute area to turn the video and audio mutes on and off. NOTES: • When the video output is RGB and the output is muted, the receiver mutes the red, green, and blue planes, but leaves the sync plane(s) (horizontal and vertical or composite sync) live so that there is no loss of sync in the display device. • When you mute or unmute the output, the setting is changed in the receiver.
Output Configuration area Sync Format radio buttons — The FOXBOX receiver outputs RGBHV or RGsB video (depending on the input to the transmitter) only. The radio buttons in this area have no effect on the FOXBOX receiver. See the FOX 500 User Guide or the PowerCage FOX User Guide if you are using one of those products to receive the fiber optic signal, as the video output of those products can be configured.
Audio Adjustment area Audio Gain/Attenuation slider — Click and drag the Audio Gain/ Attenuation slider control to select the input audio gain or attenuation value, from -18 dB to +10 dB in 1.0 dB increments. NOTE: When you make input gain or attenuation changes, the setting is changed in the transmitter.
Firmware upgrade Firmware can be upgraded for each unit via the front panel Configuration port on that unit using the Extron Firmware Loader utility from the FOX Extender Control Program. NOTES: • When firmware upgrades are available, they are unique to the unit: • A unique transmitter firmware upgrade for the Tx unit • A unique receiver firmware upgrade for the Rx unit. • Your PC must be connected directly to the unit for the firmware to be updated.
4. Follow the instructions on the rest of the download screens to download the firmware update from the Extron website, start the Extron Installation Program to extract the firmware file, and place it in a folder identified in the program window. NOTE: Note the folder to which the firmware file is saved (figure 20). Folder where firmware is installed Figure 20.
2. If you have not previously updated firmware for the FOXBOX unit before, on the Add Device screen (figure 21), select the RS-232 tab. If you have previously updated firmware for this model, click Cancel. The Firmware Loader window appears. Proceed to step 5. NOTES: • Although the screen also has a TCP/IP tab, the FOXBOX unit does not have a LAN port. Do not select the TCP/IP tab. • Figure 21 shows the default values. Figure 21. Add Device Screen 3.
6. Navigate to and select the new firmware file. Click Open. The Choose Firmware File window closes. NOTE: When downloaded from the Extron website, the firmware is placed in a subfolder of C: \Program Files\Extron\Firmware. CAUTION: The firmware file must have a .bin extension. Other file types can cause the unit to stop functioning. 7. In the Firmware Loader window, click Begin (figure 24). The Total Progress and Progress status bars show the progress of the upload.
Reference Information This section discusses the specifications, part numbers, and accessories for the FOXBOX Tx/Rx. Topics that are covered, include: • Specifications • Part Numbers • Mounting the Transmitter and Receiver Specifications NOTES: • The FOXBOX consists of a transmitter (FOXBOX Tx DVI, DVI Plus, VGA, or VGA/YUV) and a receiver (FOXBOX Rx DVI, DVI Plus, or VGA) with one or two fiber optic cables linking the two units. They are available in singlemode or multimode versions.
Maximum receiver sensitivity Singlemode ���������������������� Multimode ����������������������� Optical loss budget Singlemode ���������������������� Multimode ����������������������� -18 dBm, typical -12 dBm, typical 13 dB, maximum 7 dB, maximum Video — FOXBOX Tx/Rx VGA and FOXBOX Tx VGA/YUV Signal type VGA models ��������������������� VGA/YUV models ������������� Gain �������������������������������������������� Pixel data bit depth ��������������������� Maximum resolution ������������������� VGA-UXGA
Output impedance ���������������������� 75 ohms Polarity ���������������������������������������� Positive or negative (follows input or can be set by user) Video — FOXBOX Tx/Rx DVI, FOXBOX Tx/Rx DVI Plus NOTE: *Appropriate DVI-D to HDMI cables or adapters are required for HDMI signal input/output. The FOXBOX DVI Series and FOXBOX DVI Plus Series can be used to distribute HDMI signals if you use a DVI-to-HDMI adapter. However, when using HDMI signals, these units do not transmit audio and CEC signals.
Control/remote Serial control ports on each unit (transmitter and receiver) Control ����������������������������� 1 RS-232, 2.5 mm mini stereo jack (front panel) Pass-through �������������������� 1 RS-232, 3.
Part Numbers FOXBOX Tx/Rx Part Numbers The FOXBOX units are available in singlemode (SM) and multimode (MM) models: FOX Tx/Rx Enclosure and Boards Part number FOXBOX Tx VGA SM 60-934-12 FOXBOX Rx VGA SM 60-934-22 FOXBOX Tx VGA/YUV SM 60-1058-12 FOXBOX Tx VGA MM 60-934-11 FOXBOX Rx VGA MM 60-934-21 FOXBOX Tx VGA/YUV MM 60-1058-11 FOXBOX Tx DVI SM 60-935-12 FOXBOX Rx DVI SM 60-935-22 FOXBOX Tx DVI Plus SM 60-1060-12 FOXBOX Rx DVI Plus SM 60-1060-22 FOXBOX Tx DVI MM 60-935-11 FOXBOX Rx
Mounting Accessories Mounting Kit Part Number RSU 126 6-inch deep 1U universal rack shelf kit 60-190-10 RSB 126 6-inch deep 1U basic rack shelf 60-604-11 RSU 129 9.5-inch deep 1U universal rack shelf kit 60-190-01 RSB 129 9.
Mounting the Transmitter and Receiver CAUTION: Installation and service must be performed by authorized personnel only. Any of the 1-inch high, quarter-rack width units can be placed on a tabletop, mounted on a rack shelf, or mounted under or through a desk or other furniture. The receiver can be mounted to a projector bracket. Tabletop Use Affix the four included rubber feet to the bottom of the unit and place it in any convenient location.
Extron® Warranty Extron Electronics warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase.
