DXLink Fiber Input & Output Boards
140
Enova Digital Media Switchers - Hardware Reference Manual
Fiber optic cable length requirements differ between multimode and single mode. For cable length specifications,
see the table above.
For systems with special requirements – Before installing in the final location, place the equipment close together,
so the Control PC and the destination monitor can be seen simultaneously if adjustments are necessary.
Destination Device Support Problems
Occasionally destination devices can cause problems in the system due to lack of signal support.
Audio problems may result from passing Dolby or DTS or high PCM frequency rates to a destination device that
does not support them.
Video problems may result from passing a video format that the destination device does not support. In either of
these cases, re-programming the EDID may help resolve the problem.
In either case, configuring the EDID may help resolve the problem (see page 140).
Connecting Switching Systems with DXLink Fiber Connectors
Enova DGX switching systems with DXLink Fiber support can be connected via their DXLink Fiber ports.
IMPORTANT:
This section does not refer to the linking of enclosures from CPU to CPU, which is not supported in the Enova
DGX Switcher.
In an installation with a multiple-stage switching system, the following applies:
When two switching systems with DXLink Fiber support are connected via their DXLink Fiber ports, only video and
audio will be passed through the DXLink Fiber connection.
When a DXLink Fiber input or output on one switching system determines that it is connected to a DXLink Fiber
input or output on another switching system, the DXLink Fiber port will automatically disable all Ethernet and
control on that connection port so that the only things passed down the DXLink Fiber line are the video and audio
signals.
Compatibility between boards types from switcher to switcher
must
be maintained: multimode to multimode and
single mode to single mode.
When connecting switching systems via DXLink Fiber ports, AMX recommends no more than 3 switcher
throughputs. For example, the path through 3 switchers could be: source device > Enova DGX 800 (out a DXLink
Fiber port) > Enova DGX 3200, DXLink Fiber input (out a DXLink Fiber port) > Enova DGX 1600, DXLink Fiber input (out
a DXLink Fiber port) > DXLink Fiber Receiver > display device as an HDMI signal.
Network loops must be avoided (see below).
Attaching Cables
WARNING: DXLink Fiber units use laser transceivers, which are Class 1 Eye Safe per IEC 60825-1/CDRH requirements. While the
Class 1 category indicates that the invisible laser used is safe, we recommend avoiding direct eye exposure when using any
optical fiber products (see the OSHA directive below).
Keep dust plugs in transceivers until you are ready to make a connection.
Clean fiber optic cable ends before attaching to transceivers (be sure to follow the cable manufacturer’s
instructions for inspecting and cleaning the cable ends).
Use gentle pressure when connecting fiber cables to transceivers (normally an audible click is heard when the
connector engages).
If unsure the connection is properly seated, gently tug on the transceiver.
If fiber cables are removed from the transceivers, reinsert dust plugs.
Multimode transceivers only
– If you are unsure that a multimode transceiver is passing a signal, hold the
unattached end of the fiber optic cable
away from you
and take a picture of it with a digital camera (or cell
phone camera). The image will show a bright light if the signal is being passed (works on some digital cameras
and cell phone cameras).
OSHA Directive
The
OSHA Technical Manual
(at https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_iii/otm_iii_6.html) under "VI. Control Measures
and Safety Programs" states: "Direct exposure on the eye by a beam of laser light should
always
be avoided with any
laser,
no matter how low the power
."
IMPORTANT:
Before attaching cables, be sure to set the DXLink Fiber unit’s DIP switch toggles if necessary (see the
"Hardware Reference Manual – DXLink Fiber Transmitters and Receivers").
Wiring for Directional Modes
Fiber Optic Cable Wiring for Bidirectional Mode – Duplex Only (Default)
When wiring fiber optic cable for bidirectional full system capabilities, a dual set of fiber optic cables is used to wire from a
DXLink Fiber Transmitter to a DXLink Fiber Input Board and another dual set of fiber optic cables from a DXLink Fiber Output
Board to a DXLink Fiber Receiver (or directly from TX to RX). This wiring provides not only video and audio but Ethernet, IR,
serial, and USB functionality as well.
