Black Box manual Configuration & Operation, Model AC504A & AC504A-CP

Model AC504A & AC504A-CP

3. Configuration & Operation

The Mini-CAT5 Receivers are equipped with an adjustment to improve image quality when using long cables. The adjustment is made via a single turn trim-pot located next to the power connector on the side.

When using a long cable, with no compensation, any solid horizontal line, tends to smear to the right. For example in the image shown on the right, observe the dark black line at the bottom of the window and see how it is smearing to the right (not changing to white abruptly as it should). This is the effect of long

cable on the signal.

You can turn the trim-pot to eliminate these streaks as shown on the 2nd picture. If you add too much compensation to the signal, then an opposite effect may be observed, i.e. black lines smear to the right as white lines or vice-versa. The 3rd picture shows the case where too much compensation is added.

When using long cables, the image quality is a function of resolution and refresh rate. Lower resolution or refresh rate, result in best picture. Therefore it is best to set the refresh rate to 60 Hz at any resolution.

No-Compensation

Perfect Compensation

Too much Compensation

Figure 3.1

Although the Mini-CAT5 extenders are compatible with all varieties of UTP cable, for best results at long distances, use standard Category-5 Cable (instead of CAT5e or CAT6).

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