MLS 304MA, MLS 304SA, MLS 406, MLS 406MA, MLS 406SA MediaLink™ Switchers 68-775-01 Rev.
Precautions 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.
Quick Start — MLS 304MA, MLS 406, MLS 406MA Installation Step 1 Remove power from the switcher and the input, output, and control devices. Step 6 Adjust the audio (sensitivity) level for each input. See Making adjustments on page 3-6. Step 7 Connect audio devices to the Lineout and Preamp audio outputs Step 2 Install the rubber feet on the bottom corners or rack mount the switcher.
Quick Start — MLS 304MA, MLS 406, MLS 406MA, cont’d Step 8 Connect all the devices’ power cords, and power on the system. 4a. Enter setup mode: press and hold an input button for 3 seconds. The input’s LED blinks. Video Configuration 4b. Adjust audio levels: while still holding the input button, rotate the Volume knob until the Mid/normal LED lights or blinks.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 • Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1-1 About this Manual .................................................................................................................... 1-2 About the MLS 304 Series and the MLS 406 Series .............................................. 1-2 Features . ........................................................................................................
Table of Contents, cont’d Remote Control ........................................................................................................................... 3-8 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 3-9 If the image does not appear or there is no sound ............................................................. 3-9 If the switcher does not respond to controls . .....................................
MLS 304 Series and MLS 406 Series 1 Chapter One Introduction About this Manual About the MLS 304 Series and MLS 406 Series Features
Introduction About this Manual This manual covers the installation, setup, programming, and use of the Extron MLS 304MA, MLS 304SA, MLS 406, MLS 406MA, and MLS 406SA MediaLink™ switchers. The three models share many features, and instructions apply to all three unless otherwise stated. Throughout the manual these switchers are interchangeably referred to as MLS, MediaLink switcher, and switcher. Procedures or explanations that are model-specific mention the model name (e.g. MLS 406MA).
MLS 304 Series and MLS 406 Series 2 Chapter Two Installation UL/Safety Requirements Mounting the Switcher Rear Panels and Cabling Application Diagrams
Installation UL/Safety Requirements The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements listed below pertain to the safe installation and operation of a MediaLink Switcher. PRELIMINARY Important Safety Instructions 2- 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
Mounting the Switcher Tabletop use Each MLS switcher comes with rack mounting brackets and rubber feet. For table top use, attach a self-adhesive rubber foot to each corner of the bottom of the unit. Rack mounting For rack mounting, do not install the rubber feet. Attach the provided rack mounting brackets to the switcher with machine screws, then fasten the switcher to the rack using the supplied machine screws. Rack Mount MLS 304MA.
Installation Rear Panels and Cabling Power, input, and control connections MLS 304MA and MLS 304 SA Rear Panel 100-240V 50-60Hz INPUTS 1 H V 1 Y OUTPUTS G R B AUDIO 6 C VIDEO 1.0A MAX.
Ö MLS 406, MLS 406MA, MLS 406SA audio input 4 (captive screw) — This input accepts line level audio signals from consumer and professional audio sources. Consumer devices such as laptops, VCRs, and DVD players typically output an unbalanced -20 dBV to -10 dBV signal. Professional products such as mixers and signal processing gear typically output a balanced +4 dBu level signal. To adjust input levels, see pages 3‑5 and 4‑10 through 4‑11. Wire the 3.
Installation, cont’d Tip (L) Ring (R) For these inputs (excluding input 4 on the MLS 406/MLS 406MA/MLS 406SA), connect the corresponding unbalanced stereo audio signal to the 3.5 mm mini stereo (tip-ring-sleeve) jack. Wire the stereo connectors as shown at right. N e Sleeve ( ) 3.
Control connection f RS-232/MLC/IR control port —You can control the MLS switcher via an RS‑232 connection directly from a host computer, a control system, or a MediaLink Controller (MLC). Alternatively, you can use IR remote control via an Extron IR Link connected to this port. Tx Rx IR Connect a cable between this port and an optional Extron MLC MediaLink Controller or an optional IR Link IR signal repeater. 12V A B C RS-232/MLC/IR • The MLC provides remote control of input switching and volume.
B Receive (Rx) A Transmit (Tx) Transmit (Tx) B Receive (Rx) A 250 feet (76.2 m) maximum MediaLink Controller (MLC) MLC MLS/Power port NOTE If you use cable that has a drain wire, tie the drain wire to ground at both ends.
MLS 406, MLS 406MA, and MLS 406SA Rear Panel Video output, local monitor, and audio output connections MLS 304MA Rear Panel 3 4 H V R 1 L Tx Rx IR 2 B LINEOUT L H V AUX/MIX AUDIO AUDIO LINE LEVEL MONO ADJUST -42dB TO +24dB L R ohm COM 70V 100V L 1 L DIRECT 2 AUDIO INPUTS L 10 4 3 Tx Rx IR L R LINEOUT L R 11 12V AMPLIFIED OUTPUT 20 WATTS MONO 4/8 R ohm COM 70V 100V L R R DIRECT 12 AMPLIFIED OUTPUT Video outputs RIGHT Display outputs — Connect cables from the approp
Installation, cont’d • The Preamp connector outputs a variable, line level audio signal for use with a powered amplifier or self-powered speakers. The volume can be controlled (attenuated) via the front panel knob or RS-232 communication. The volume range is 0 (mute) through 100. Lineout and Preamp outputs can be set up as • unbalanced, -10 dBV (-7.8 dBu, 0.316 Vrms, default) for consumer level devices such as VCRs, DVD players, and stereo receivers or • balanced, +4 dBu (+1.8 dBV, 1.
The MA models’ amplifier power-up delays are approximately • 10 seconds for 70 V or 100 V output, 8 seconds to hear the relay click • 8 seconds for 4 ohm or 8 ohm output Wiring for 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers (MA models) The maximum power output when an MLS 304MA or MLS 406MA is wired for 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers is 20 watts per channel. 1. Flip the toggle switch down (Direct) to select 4 ohm or 8 ohm connection. 2. Use the appropriate wiring for the load as shown in the following illustrations.
Installation, cont’d Wiring for a 70 volt or 100 volt distributed speaker system (MA models) C The speaker taps should not exceed the amplifier’s maximum power output. The maximum power output when the MLS is wired for 70 volt or 100 volt systems is 16 watts. N 1. Flip the toggle switch up to select a distributed 70 V or 100 V system connection. 2. Use the appropriate wiring for the load as shown in the following illustrations. 3.7 W 3.7 W Com. DIRECT Com. XFMR 3.7 W ohm COM 70V 100V Com.
l Amplified output (MLS 304SA, MLS 406SA only) — Cable speakers to this 5-position screw terminal for either stereo or dual mono amplified audio output. The switcher’s default setting is stereo output. Dual mono (the same signal output on both channels) can be selected via software. C Do not short the terminals to ground or the amplifier will be damaged. Do not connect anything to the middle position of the 5-position screw terminal; it is not connected to ground. C Do not bridge mono outputs.
Installation, cont’d C Do not short the terminals to ground or the amplifier will be damaged. Do not connect anything to the middle position of the 5-position screw terminal; it is not connected to ground. C Do not bridge mono outputs. Bridging could damage the amplifier. Speaker arrangement examples Ceiling and program speakers can be arranged several different ways.
Application Diagrams Mono Amplified Output 1 R TO Projector Control EC OJ PR 2 F OF OFF ONON 3 ME LU VO FIG CON Speakers 4 Extron MLC 104 or System Control MediaLink Controller NO S MO TT XFMR WA 20 0V UT 10 TP V OU 70 ED M IFI CO PL m AM oh CT 4/8 RE DI 12V Projector Tx Rx IR C B LC 2/M -23 MP EA R PR /IR A RS DIO AU 1 X/M AU DIO S AU DIO L UT EO L LIN R L L IX ST JU AD dB -42 TO B 4d +2 L VE E LE LINMONO UT INP S UT INP 2 R R R AU 5 R 6 B S UT TP G
Installation, cont’d p pto La D DV R AY PL DIS WER PO VC ME LU VO Projector Control X/ MA MIN Ex n tro Extron or MLC 206 System Control MediaLink Controller UT TP OU ED LEFT IFI PL T AM RIGH 12V Projector Tx Rx IR C B LC 2/M -23 MP EA PR /IR A RS DIO AU 1 TS INPU DIO AU 5 TS INPU 2 UT EO LIN L L IX X/M AU DIO AU ST JU AD dB -42 TO B 4d +2 L VE E LE LINMONO R R R 4/8 ohm Stereo or Dual Mono Output 6 B S UT TP G T R OU OU NITO MO R V H Extron MLS 3
MLS 304 Series and MLS 406 Series 3 Chapter Three Operation and Setup Front Panel Features and Operation Setting Up and Optimizing the Audio Video Signal Routing Remote Control Troubleshooting
Operation and Setup Front Panel Features and Operation MLS 304 Series Front Panel VOLUME INPUT SELECT 1 3 2 4 MAX MID MIN 1 2 3 VOLUME INPUT SELECT 1 2 3 4 5 6 MAX MID MIN MLS 406 Series Front Panel N PRELIMINARY a b The MLS 304MA and MLS 304SA have identical front panel features. The MLS 406, MLS 406MA, and the MLS 406SA have identical front panel features. Power indicator LED — When lit this LED indicates that the switcher is powered on.
• In setup mode these LEDs function as input level indicators. Rotate the Volume knob and observe the LEDs to set up the proper audio input levels. MLS 304MA, MLS 304SA, MLS 406MA, MLS 406SA Clip: if blinking/lit, the level is set too high. MAX MID MIN Normal: a blinking LED indicates that the level is set properly for max. power output. Signal: when lit this LED indicates that a signal of at least -20 dBV (-18 dBu) is detected at the input. NOTE If the Max/Clip LED lights, the audio may be clipped.
Operation and Setup, cont’d Enabling/disabling executive mode 1; disabling executive mode 2 Press and hold input selection buttons 1 and 4 simultaneously for 3 seconds as shown below. When all of the input selection LEDs light, the switcher has enabled or disabled executive mode, and you can release the buttons. INPUT SELECT 1 2 3 INPUT SELECT 4 Press and hold buttons 1 and 4 simultaneously for 3 seconds.
Configuring Lineout and Preamp output levels Before adjusting any input levels, you must select an output level from the following options. You do not need to change the output level if the Lineout and Preamp outputs will not be used.
Operation and Setup, cont’d Making adjustments Leave the bass and treble set to 0 and the loudness control set to off (default) before adjusting the input level (sensitivity). Audio input levels must be adjusted with an active audio signal. 1. Connect an active audio source to an input on the switcher. 2. Select the MLS input with the active input signal. 3.
Video Signal Routing The input’s signal format (RGB, S-video, or composite video) determines where the signal is output. Composite video signals are always output on the Video BNC connector. S-video signals (MLS 406 Series only) are always output on the Y and C (luma and chroma) BNC output connectors. RGB/computer-video input signals are sent to the RGB output BNC connectors, but only if the input is configured as an RGB input. See pages 2-4 through 2-6 for information on cabling.
Operation and Setup, cont’d Monitor Output Modes MLS 304MA, MLS 304SA Mode Standard Input special conditions Monitor Output n.a. n.a.
Troubleshooting Power on the input and output devices and the switcher. The image should appear on the screen, and sound should be audible. 1. Ensure that all devices are plugged in and receiving power. The switcher’s power LED ( ) lights if the it is receiving power and an active sync signal. 2. Check the cabling, connector wiring, and grounding, and make adjustments as needed. 3. To test the system setup and output, substitute a video or audio/video test generator for one of the input devices.
Operation and Setup, cont’d If you are unable to configure the MLS via the Windows®-based software 1. Check the MediaLink Control Software to determine its version number. The software version number appears in the top bar of the program’s window: These MLS 304 Series and MLS 406 Series switchers can be set up using software version 2.1 or higher. Earlier versions are not designed to work with these models.
MLS 304 Series and MLS 406 Series 4 Chapter Four Serial Communication RS-232 Programmer’s Guide Control Software for Windows
Serial Communication The MediaLink switcher can be remotely set up and controlled via a host computer or other device (such as a control system) attached to the rear panel RS-232/MLC/IR port. Alternatively, the switcher can be controlled by an optional MediaLink Controller (MLC) (connected to the same port) or by an RS-232 device acting through the MLC. The control device (host) can use either Extron’s Simple Instruction Set (SIS) commands or the graphical control program for Windows.
Using the command/response tables The command/response tables on the next page list valid command ASCII codes, the MLS’s responses to the host, and a description of the command’s function or the results of executing the command. Upper- and lower-case characters may be used interchangeably in the command field unless otherwise specified (setting gain/ attenuation, for example). The ASCII to hexadecimal (HEX) conversion table at left is for use with the command/response tables.
Serial Communication, cont’d Command/response table for SIS commands Command ASCII Command Response (host to switcher) (switcher to host) Additional description X! ! 6! X! $ X! & Chn X! ] Chn6 ] Aud X! ] Vid X! ] Select input X! (audio and video). Example: select input 6. Select input X! audio only. Select input X! video only. Input selection Select an input (audio and video). Example: Select an audio input. Select a video input.
Command/response table for SIS commands (continued) Command ASCII Command Response Increment the volume. Decrement the volume. View the volume level. (host to switcher) (switcher to host) +V -V V Vol X1) ] Vol X1) ] Vol X1) ] Additional description Increase audio output. Decrease audio output. Show the output volume.
Serial Communication, cont’d Command/response table for SIS commands (continued) Command ASCII Command Response View the executive mode status. Example: (host to switcher) (switcher to host) X X Exe X1@ ] Exe0 ] Additional description Show executive mode status. Executive mode is off. Firmware version, part number & information requests Query firmware version number. Q Ver X1! ] Request the part number. N N60-5X0-0X ] Request general info.
Command/response table for special function SIS commands The syntax for setting a special function is __ * X? #, where __ is the function number and X? is the value. To view a function’s setting, use __#, where __ is the function number. In the following table the values of the X? variable are different for each command/function. These values are given in the right column.
Serial Communication, cont’d Control Software for Windows The included Extron MediaLink Control Program for Windows offers another way to control the switcher via RS-232 connection in addition to the Simple Instruction Set commands. The control program’s graphical interface includes the same functions as those on the switcher’s front panel and some additional features that are available only through the Windows-based software.
User Mode Screen Special features Audio/video breakaway switching — To switch the audio signal separately from the video signal, select the Audio checkbox (at the right side of the I/O Switching area) and clear the Video checkbox, then select an input. The MLS switches to that input’s audio source while leaving the previously selected video source active. The picture above shows audio breakaway: video is from input 6 and audio from input 2.
Serial Communication, cont’d Switcher (MLS) Config Screen PRELIMINARY The Switcher (MLS) Config screen, shown below, allows you to make adjustments without having to use the front panel controls. The picture below shows how this screen looks for an MLS 406MA. The quantity of available inputs and the Input Configuration section choices vary depending on the MLS model.
On the switcher (MLS) Config Screen you can: • Set the per-input audio level by adjusting the Audio Input Level slider bar until the output sounds right or measures correctly for maximum power output. • View and update the view of the selected input’s audio signal level status (Clip, Normal, Signal). • Turn the Aux/Mix (mixer) input on or off. • Set loudness boost on or off. If you turn the loudness boost on, when output volume is low the MLS provides a +6 dB boost at 100 Hz and at 10 kHz.
Serial Communication, cont’d File menu options Saving and restoring configurations PRELIMINARY The MLS can be configured by various means (front panel adjustments, downloading settings, or combinations of those methods); and the configuration settings can be saved to a file for later use. 1. In the MediaLink Control Program, select File, then select Save Configuration as... . 2. Save the file as (filename).MLK.
4. From the File pulldown menu in the upper-left corner, select Update Firmware. 5. Click Upload Firmware file. You are prompted to select the firmware file that you downloaded in step 1. Click OK. 6. When the browser window opens, locate and select the firmware file, then click Open to upload the firmware into the MLS. N 7. The firmware update file must have a filename extension of .s19. If the file does not have that extension, it will not work properly. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Serial Communication, cont’d 8. When the firmware uploading is complete, a dialog box appears and asks you • to exit the firmware update utility program if the new firmware loaded correctly (if the correct firmware version is displayed in the program window, as shown in the example below) or • to run the utility again (perform step 5 of this procedure) if the firmware did not load correctly. PRELIMINARY Follow the on-screen directions to complete the process.
MLS 304 Series and MLS 406 Series A Appendix A Reference Material Specifications Part Numbers and Accessories Frequency Response Graph for the Loudness Feature Audio Reference Levels Audio Block Diagrams
Reference Material Specifications Video Gain ................................................. Bandwidth . .................................... Differential phase error ................ Differential gain error . ................. Crosstalk . ....................................... Switching speed............................. Unity 280 MHz (-3 dB) 1.0º at 3.58 MHz and 4.43 MHz 1.0% at 3.58 MHz and 4.43 MHz -68 dB @ 10 MHz, -39 dB @ 100MHz 5 ms (max.
Nominal level................................. 1 Vp-p for Y of S-video, and for composite video 0.7 Vp-p for RGB 0.3 Vp-p for C of S-video (MLS 406 Series) Minimum/maximum levels RGB...................................... Analog: 0.3 V to 1.5 Vp-p (follows input) Composite video................ Analog: 0.4 V to 2.0 Vp-p (follows input) Impedance . .................................... 75 ohms Return loss ..................................... <-40 dB @ 5 MHz DC offset . .......................................
Reference Material, cont’d Audio input PRELIMINARY Number/signal type MLS 304 Series.................... 4 stereo, unbalanced 1 Aux/Mix balanced/unbalanced mono (nonswitchable) MLS 406, Series................... 5 stereo, unbalanced (inputs 1-3, 5, 6) 1 stereo, balanced/unbalanced (input 4) 1 Aux/Mix balanced/unbalanced mono (nonswitchable) Connectors MLS 304 Series.................... 2 pairs of female RCA connectors (inputs 1-2) 2 female 3.
Maximum power output Direct (4/8 ohm)................. 20 watts max. (continuous) Transformer (70/100 V)..... 16 watts max. (continuous), transformer coupled Protection........................................ Input limiting, thermal, short circuit Audio output — stereo power amp (MLS 304SA, MLS 406SA only) Number/signal type . ................... Connector ....................................... Sensitivity........................................ Power bandwidth Direct (4 ohm).....................
Reference Material, cont’d Part Numbers and Accessories These items are included in each order for an MLS switcher: Replacement part number Included parts MLS 304MA switcher 60-550-01 MLS 304SA switcher 60-550-02 MLS 406 switcher or 60-560-01 MLS 406MA switcher or 60-560-02 MLS 406SA switcher 60-560-03 Rubber feet (4) and IEC power cord 3-pole, 3.5 mm captive screw connector 10-319-13 5-pole, 3.
Frequency Response Graph for the Loudness Feature The following graph represents the frequency response of these MLS models when the loudness feature has been turned on. +10 +8 +6 +2 1 W 3 W -4 W -2 6 W +0 W 5 0. 14 Loudness (dB) +4 -6 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k Frequency (Hz) Audio Reference Levels The specifications for the audio source devices may be listed in one of several units.
Audio Block Diagram for MLS 304MA.
Audio Block Diagram for MLS 304SA.
Reference Material, cont’d Audio Block Diagram for MLS 406_406MA.
Audio Block Diagram for MLS 406 SA.
PRELIMINARY Reference Material, cont’d This page was deliberately left blank A-12 MLS 304 Series, MLS 406 Series • Reference Material
FCC Class A Notice Note: 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
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