MLS 306, MLS 506, MLS 506MA, MLS 506SA MediaLink™ Switchers 68-598-01 Printed in the USA
Precautions Safety Instructions • English This symbol is intended to alert the user of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature provided with the equipment. This symbol is intended to alert the user of the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may present a risk of electric shock. Warning Power sources • This equipment should be operated only from the power source indicated on the product.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 • Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1-1 About the MediaLink Switchers .................................................................................. 1-2 Features and Options ........................................................................................................ 1-2 Standard features ................................................................................................
Table of Contents, cont’d Control Software for Windows .................................................................................... 4-7 Installing the software ...................................................................................................... 4-7 Using the control program ................................................................................................ 4-7 User Mode ....................................................................................................
MediaLink Switchers 1 Chapter One Introduction About the MediaLink Switchers Features
Introduction About the MediaLink Switchers The Extron MediaLink™ switchers (MLS 306, MLS 506, MLS 506MA [70V/100V], and MLS 506SA) are a family of rack-mountable, six-input (three video/S-video, three RGB/computer video) switchers with audio control. The MLS 506, MLS 506MA, and MLS 506SA can also accept component video input.
MediaLink Switchers 2 Chapter Two Installation UL/Safety Requirements Mounting the Switcher MLS 306 Rear Panel and Cabling MLS 506, MLS 506MA, and MLS 506SA Rear Panels and Cabling Setting the -6dB Jumpers Application Diagrams
Installation UL/Safety Requirements The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements listed below pertain to the safe installation and operation of a MediaLink Switcher. 1. Do not use the switcher near water. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 2. Clean the switcher only with a dry cloth. 3. Do not install the switcher near any heat source, such as a radiator, heat register, stove, or another apparatus (including amplifiers) that produces heat.
Power connection 1 AC power connector and power indicator LED — Plug a standard IEC power cord into this connector to connect the switcher to a 100 to 240VAC, 50 Hz or 60 Hz power source. The LED ( ) lights while the MLS is receiving power. Input connections 2 Inputs 1–3 — For inputs 1, 2, and 3, connect a cable from the video source to either (choose one) • the BNC connector (composite video) or • the 4-pin mini DIN connector (S-video ). Input configuration is not needed for these inputs.
Installation, cont’d Audio output connections 7 Audio Out(put) connectors — Connect an audio output device to either connector for balanced or unbalanced stereo audio output. A device such as a tape recorder can be connected to the Fixed output while a power amplifier can be connected to the Variable output. Wire each captive screw connector as shown below.
Do not connect RS-232 control devices to the MLC/IR 5-pole captive screw connector and to the 9-pin RS-232/Contact Closure port simultaneously. A conflict may occur. Connect devices to both ports at the same time only if • the 9-pin connector is used for contact closure and • the MLC/IR port is used for RS-232. 9 RS-232/Contact Closure port — This port can function as an RS-232 port or as a contact closure port. Do not connect RS-232 devices to both this and the MLC/IR port. See the above note.
Installation, cont’d MLS 506, MLS 506MA, and MLS 506SA Rear Panels and Cabling 2 INPUT 1 VIDEO INPUT 2 R-Y VIDEO Y 100-240V 3 R-Y Y INPUT 3 VIDEO R-Y Y INPUT 4 R G INPUT 5 H/ HV R V G INPUT 6 H/ HV R V G H/ HV R V G 4 5 6 RGB YUV VIDEO H/ HV R-Y V S-VIDEO Y Y B-Y C 0.2A 50/60 Hz C 1 B-Y B-Y C C B-Y B B B B MLC/IR AUDIO OUT L R L R L R L R L R L VARIABLE R L R L FIXED RS232 A B C R .
VIDEO R-Y VIDEO Y C R-Y VIDEO Y B-Y C Composite video R-Y Y B-Y C S-video B-Y Component video (Y, C) (R-Y, Y, B-Y) Video input connections for MLC 506/506MA/506SA inputs 1–3 For audio input, wire the audio input connector as shown below.
Installation, cont’d Cable the BNC connectors according to the signal format as shown below. R H/ HV R H/ HV R H/ HV G V G V G V B B B RGBHV RGBS RGsB/RsGsBs (separate H & V sync) (composite sync) (sync on green; or sync on red, green, & blue) RGB output connections for MLC 506/506MA/506SA 5 Component video (YUV) output — Connect a cable from these three BNC connectors to the projector for component output.
Mono + MONO AMPLIFIED OUTPUT COMM 4 ohm 8 ohm 70V Ground ( ) Two 4 ohm speakers in series make an 8 ohm load. 8 Ohm Total Load Connecting an 8 ohm load to the mono amplified output 70V or 100V MONO AMPLIFIED OUTPUT COMM 4 ohm 8 ohm 100V 70V or 100V Speakers (depending on the model) Ground ( ) Connecting a 70 or 100 volt system to the mono amplified output CAUTION 8 Connect a 70 volt speaker system to the 70 volt model, and connect a 100 volt speaker system to the 100 volt model.
Installation, cont’d 11 Audio Out(put) connectors — Connect an audio output device to either connector for balanced or unbalanced audio output. A device such as a tape recorder can be connected to the Fixed output while speakers can be connected to the Variable output. Wire each captive screw connector as shown below. Unbalanced Output L R R Tip Ring Sleeve (s) Tip Ring AUDIO OUT L CAUTION Balanced Output AUDIO OUT Tip See Caution Sleeve (s) Tip See Caution Connect the sleeve to ground (Gnd).
Control connections 12 MLC/IR port — This port allows you to provide remote control of the switcher. Connect a cable between this port and an optional Extron MLC 206 MediaLink Controller or an optional IR Link IR signal repeater. • The MLC provides remote control of input switching and volume. • The IR Link accepts modulated IR signals from a remote control so the remote control can be used for selecting the switcher’s inputs. Extron Comm-Link cable is recommended for this connection.
Installation, cont’d Pin RS-232 function Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 – Tx Rx – Gnd – – – – Contact closure Input 1 Transmit data Receive data Input 2 Signal ground Input 3 Input 4 Input 5 Input 6 Input 1 – – Input 2 – Input 3 Input 4 Input 5 Input 6 5 1 9 6 DB9 Pin Locations Female • For a stand-alone MLS switcher, connect a cable from the host computer or a third party control system to this 9-pin D connector to set up and remotely control the switcher.
2. Remove the switcher from the rack, or furniture and set it on a level, stable surface. 3. Remove the cover of the switcher (the top half of the enclosure) by removing the screws, then lifting the cover straight up. Set the cover down on a level surface, and save the screws for later use. CAUTION 4. Do not touch any switches or other electronic components inside the switcher. Doing so could damage the switcher. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage IC chips even though you cannot feel it.
Installation, cont’d Application Diagrams 70V Mono Distribution ptop La D DV R LAY DISP ER VC POW 206 r MLC trolle k Con iaLin Med UME VOL BU PC Audio Input FFE RE MAX/ D MIN LO CA L MO NIT CO MP UTE R OR ID INP PIN 4 ID UT PIN1 1 Ext P/2 DA 2M T ron Extron MLC 206 or RS-232 Control Extron P/2 DA2 MT Projector Control VID Y/C V K LIN MM D E CO C A H B OU DIO R AU B RS 232 CT NTA CO E SUR CLO T L G V BH R RG TP S UT OU UT INP L UT INP L UT INP L UT IN
MediaLink Switchers 3 Chapter Three Operation Front Panel Features and Basic Operation Menus, Configuration, and Adjustments Remote Control of the MLS
Operation MediaLink switcher can be set up and operated by using: • The front panel controls. • A computer, a touch screen panel, or any other device that can send and receive the serial communications through the RS-232 port. Extron’s Simple Instruction Set™ (SIS™) is a set of simple keystroke commands that can be used with any such devices, and Extron’s control software for Windows provides a graphical interface for controlling the switcher from a computer.
Audio and video signals can be switched separately (broken away from each other) via the User Mode screen of the control software. If the signals are switched separately, the LED above the audio input’s button blinks, and the LED above the video input’s button lights steadily. The labels above the LEDs can be replaced. See appendix B in this manual for details. 3 LCD— This two-row liquid crystal display provides a way to see the menus and options for setting up the switcher.
Operation, cont’d Menus, Configuration, and Adjustments Switcher configuration and adjustments can be performed by using the Windowsbased control program (see chapter 4 for details) or by using the front panel controls and the menus that are displayed on the LCD screen. These menus are used primarily when the switcher is first set up. Moving through menus by using front panel controls Menu button — Press the Menu button to activate menus and to move to the four main menus.
The following flowchart shows the main menus and submenus available for all four switcher models. Items within the dashed lines are not offered on all models. Power on FIRMWARE Ver 1.XX EXTRON MLS506SA 2 sec. 2 sec. Video input format selection/configuration is not available or necessary for the MLS 306. INPUT #2 Select the video type for inputs 1–3. Default: Vid. MENU Select another input. Select another input. NEXT VIDEO CONFIG RGB delay time: 0 seconds to 5 seconds in 0.5 sec. intervals.
Operation, cont’d Menu details Video Config(uration) menu For the MLS 506, MLS 506MA, and MLS 506SA, the Video Config menu provides a way to set the video format for inputs 1, 2, and 3. Select between Vid (for composite video or S-video input) and YUV (component video) input. By default inputs 4–6 are always RGB computer video. The RGB delay (Triple-Action Switching delay) (the time when the screen goes black during RGB input switching) for inputs 4, 5, and 6 can be set from this menu for all MLS switchers.
Executive mode Executive mode locks all front panel functions except input selection and volume and mix adjustment; it disables setup menu options. When executive mode is active, all functions and adjustments can still be made through RS-232 control. For details on RS-232 control, see chapter four. To enable or disable executive mode, from the main menu press the Menu and Next buttons simultaneously for three seconds, as shown below. Press simultaneously for 3 sec.
Operation, cont’d Troubleshooting x 3-8 MediaLink Switchers • Operation
MediaLink Switchers 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/ Contact Closure port. Alternatively, the switcher can be controlled by an optional MediaLink Controller (MLC 206) (connected to the MLS’s MLC/IR 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. The ASCII to HEX conversion table at left is for use with the command/response tables.
Serial Communication, cont’d Command/response table for SIS commands (continued) Command ASCII Command Response (host to switcher) Additional description (switcher to host) Video configuration (MLS 506 series switchers only, for inputs 1 – 3) Set the video signal type. Example: View the video signal type. Example: X2 * X3 \ Typ 1*0\ Typ0=YUV X2 \ Typ X3 = ____ Typ1=Vid 3\ X3 = ____ Set the input signal type for input X2 . (Type = Vid or YUV) Example: set input 1 to component video.
Command/response table for SIS commands (continued) Command ASCII Command Response (host to switcher) Additional description (switcher to host) Audio bass adjustment (per input) ○ ○ Set a specific input’s bass level. Example: Increment an input’s bass level. Decrement an input’s bass level. View a specific input’s bass level. Set the current input’s bass level. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Increment the current input’s bass. Decrement the current input’s bass.
Serial Communication, cont’d 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 rightmost column.
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 only available through the Windows-based software. The control software is compatible with Windows 95/98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000.
Serial Communication, cont’d User Mode The User Mode screen, shown below, includes the most frequently used controls: it emulates the front panel for basic functions (input selection, volume control). See chapter two of this manual for details on basic functions. op n ia.etr Special features Audio/video breakaway switching — To switch the audio signal separately from the video signal, check the Audio checkbox (at the right side of the I/O Switching area) and uncheck Video checkbox, then select an input.
Switcher (MLS) Config The Switcher (MLS) Config screen, shown below, allows you to make adjustments without having to use the front panel controls. In this part of the program you can: • Set per-input audio adjustments (level, bass, treble). • Set overall volume. • Set the left-right audio balance. • Set the mixer volume (MLS 506MA & MLS 506SA only). • Choose between stereo and mono output for the variable preamp output.
Serial Communication, cont’d Using the help program For information on program features, press the F1 computer key, or click on the Help menu from within the MediaLink control program, or double-click on the MediaLnk Help icon in the Extron Electronics group or folder. For explanations of buttons or functions, click on the tabs in the help screen to reach the desired screen. Use a mouse or the Tab and Enter keys to select a button/ function. A description and tips on using the program will appear on screen.
MediaLink Switchers A Appendix A Specifications, Part Numbers, and Dimensions Specifications Part Numbers and Accessories Dimensions
Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories Specifications Video Gain ............................................... Bandwidth .................................... Frequency response ..................... Differential phase error .............. Differential gain error ................. Crosstalk ....................................... Unity 300 MHz (-3dB), fully loaded < ± 0.1dB @ 30 MHz 1.5º, 0 to 10 MHz 1.5%, 0 to 10 MHz -50dB @ 5 MHz Video input Number/signal type MLS 306 ...........................
Output level .................................. Input impedance .......................... Output impedance ...................... Max input voltage ....................... Max propagation delay… ........... Polarity .......................................... TTL ............. 5.0V p-p 75ohms 75 ohms 5V p-p 20nS Positive or negative (follows input) Audio Frequency response ..................... THD + Noise ................................ S/N ................................................ Crosstalk ....
Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories, cont’d Gain error ...................................... ±0.1dB channel to channel Maximum level (Hi-Z) ................ > +21dBu, balanced at stated %THD+N Maximum level (600 ohm) ......... > +15dBm, balanced at stated %THD+N 0dBu = 0.775 volts (RMS). Audio output — power amp (MLS 506MA & MLS 506SA) Number/ signal type MLS 506MA ...................... MLS 506SA ....................... Connectors… ................................ Drive (full power out)… .....
MLS 506MA ...................... MLS 506SA ....................... Shipping weight MLS 306 ............................. MLS 506 ............................. MLS 506MA ...................... MLS 506 SA ...................... Vibration ....................................... Listings .......................................... Compliances ................................. MTBF ............................................. Warranty ....................................... 10.2 lbs (4.6 kg) 8.6 lbs (3.
Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories, cont’d A-6 MediaLink Switchers • Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories
MediaLink Switchers B Appendix B Labeling Labeling Buttons on the Switcher Button-Label Generator Software Label Templates
Labeling Labeling Buttons on the Switcher The MLS switchers have translucent panels (“windows”) behind which customized labels can be inserted. To remove a panel, 1. Insert the head of a small Phillips screwdriver into the hole in one end of the panel. 2. Gently slide the tab on the edge of the panel out of the recess in the MLS’s faceplate. Premade templates and blank templates for the MLSs’ label windows are printed in this chapter.
Each input, display, and room control can be labeled with names, alphanumeric characters, or bitmapped pictures. Each button’s label can contain from 1 to 3 lines of text (or none). Each line provides a choice of font sizes and text placement. Pictures can be selected either from the Device Palette or a user-supplied graphic file. User-supplied graphics should be icon (.ICO) or bitmap (.BMP) files. Files called TEST.BMP and DEMO_BTN.DAT are installed with this program as examples.
Labeling, cont’d This page is left blank intentionally.
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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