Quick Start Guide

DXLink™ Twisted Pair Transmitters/Receiver

Overview
DIP switch
The DXLink Multi-Format TX and HDMI RX Modules transmit HDMI, audio, and
control over twisted pair cable. (The HDMI TX is discontinued.) The Multi-Format TX
also has an analog video input. DXLink Modules can be set up in one of three ways: TX or
• Endpoint Mode (Switcher) – connect one or more to a switcher with an Receiver
Multi-Format TX
integrated Master.
• Endpoint Mode (Standalone) – connect TX/RX pair directly to each other with
one connected to a NetLinx Central Controller via LAN or directly to Controller.
FIG. 3 DIP switch toggles enable/disable special functionality
• Extender Mode (Standalone) – connect TX/RX pair directly to each other.
These Modules support InstaGate Pro® and SmartScale® Technology.
The Instruction Manual – DXLink Twisted Pair Transmitters/Receiver contains Mounting Options (Rack Trays and Mounting Brackets)
complete documentation (including full specifications and supported input and output For details on the four versatile mounting kit options for V Style modules (rack tray,
resolutions); for details, see www.amx.com. rack tray with fill plates, surface mount, and pole mount), see www.amx.com.
Important: When mounting under a surface, the module should be mounted upright
System Setup and lowered in the mounting bracket slots to provide an airflow gap between the
The Multi-Format TX (or HDMI TX) and the RX work with a switcher that supports surface and the vent holes. If not using V Style brackets, be sure to leave a gap
DXLink Technology for transmission of HDMI (or with a Central Controller) or as a between the top of the unit and the surface for heat to escape.
standalone pair. The Transmitter receives an HDMI signal (or analog video on a
Multi-Format TX) and embedded audio from the source. Both the video and embedded Twisted Pair Cable Pinouts and RJ-45 LEDs
audio are transported over twisted pair cable to a DXLink Input Board (or connector). The DXLink and ICS LAN 10/100 ports both use twisted pair cable. FIG. 4 shows two
The signal is routed via the DXLink Output Board (or connector) to an RX. On both pinouts that can be used for either port. FIG. 5 shows the LEDs for each port.
Transmitters, stereo audio or digital audio connections are provided as supplemental
audio inputs. The RX also provides a stereo audio output. Both Transmitters and the
Receiver support RS-232 for serial data transfer, USB, IR, and Ethernet.

Enova DGX 16
DXLink DXLink
Input Boards Output Boards

Twisted pair cable FIG. 4 RJ-45 pinouts

Destination device
DXLink Transmitter
Yellow LED Green LED
On - Speed status is 100 Mbps On - Connection established
Off - Speed status is 10 Mbps Off - Connection not established
Source device DXLink Receiver
ICS LAN 10/100 Port DXLink Port
Green LED Yellow LED
On - Link status is active On - Authenticated HDCP
FIG. 1 DXLink TX and RX as endpoint solution with compatible DXLink equipment Off - Link status is not active Flashing - Video active; no HDCP
Off - No Video
FIG. 5 RJ-45 ports
Source device

DXLink Transmitter
Attaching Signal, Transport, and Control Cables
Important Twisted Pair Cabling Requirements and Recommendations:
• DXLink cable runs require shielded category cable (STP) of Cat6 (or better).
Destination device
• DXLink twisted pair cable runs for DXLink equipment shall only be run within a
Twisted pair cable common building.*
DXLink Receiver • DXLink (RJ-45) connectors must not be used for connecting to a standard
Ethernet Network. The connector is used for signal transport.
• Do not create a network (Ethernet) loop. A network loop is created when the
enclosure and one or more of its DXLink Modules are connected to a common
FIG. 2 DXLink TX and RX as extender solution LAN (or a standalone pair when both endpoints connect to the same network).
• DXLink delivers 10.2 Gb/s throughput over shielded category cable. Based on
DIP Switch Toggles – Default OFF this bandwidth requirement, we recommend following industry standard prac-
Before installing the units, find the scenario you are using in the table below and set tices designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet when designing and installing the cable
the DIP switch toggles accordingly. Toggle #4 is reserved for future functionality. infrastructure.
For standalone pair upgrades, set Toggles #1-2-3 to ON and connect one unit to Master. • The cables should be no longer than necessary to reach the end-points. We rec-
ommend terminating the cable to the actual distance required rather than leaving
Common Scenarios Toggles any excess cable in a service loop.
• For complete cable specifications, see the Instruction Manual – DXLink Twisted
Standalone Setup (TX/RX pair direct connection) 1 - 2 - 3 Pair Transmitters/Receiver.
AV signals only (plus serial/IR pass through) OFF - OFF - OFF * “Common building” is defined as: Where the walls of the structure(s) are physically
AV with Ethernet pass-through to networked device ON - OFF - OFF connected and the structure(s) share a single ground reference.
(plus serial/IR pass through)* For more details and helpful cabling information, reference the white paper titled
AV with NetLinx control of TX/RX unit and serial/IR ports** ON - ON - ON “Cabling for Success with DXLink” available at www.amx.com or contact your AMX
AV with NetLinx control of TX/RX unit and serial/IR ports, plus Ethernet ON - ON - ON representative.
pass-through to network device*
Switcher Setup (TX/RX with Enova DVX/DGX Switcher) 1 - 2 - 3 Grounding
AV signals only OFF - OFF - OFF If the system is experiencing problems with delivery of DXLink signals to/from an
Enova DGX Digital Media Switcher or Enova DVX Solution, adding a ground wire from
AV with Ethernet pass-through to networked device* ON - OFF - OFF
the TX/RX to the switcher may improve performance. Technically this type of
AV with NetLinx control of TX/RX unit and serial/IR ports OFF - OFF - ON grounding is only required when a DXLink Transmitter or Receiver is connected to an
AV with NetLinx control of TX/RX unit and serial/IR ports, plus Ethernet ON - OFF - ON ungrounded device, but this added grounding measure can be used at the discretion
pass-through to network device* of the installer (for instructions, see the product manual).
Important: If one DXLink Transmitter or Receiver is grounded, any remaining
* Connect ICS LAN port of DXLink unit to network device (e.g., laptop, IP controlled projector, ungrounded units that are connected to the same board on an Enova DGX Switcher
ICSLan Device). In standalone setup, connect ICS LAN port of other DXLink unit to network. must also be grounded.
** In standalone setup using NetLinx control of DXLink serial/IR ports, only one of the DXLink
units should be connected to network (the unit with #1 Toggle enabled).
To attach signal, transport, and control cables to a Transmitter: IP Addressing Modes
HDMI In Digital Audio In DXLink output DHCP Mode (enabled when #3 Toggle is flipped ON)
Stereo Audio In ICS LAN 10/100 port Ground screw
In DHCP Mode, the Module attempts to get a DHCP lease (consisting of an
IP address, gateway, and other network parameters). If the attempt fails, the Module
configures itself for a link-local address, but periodically re-tries DHCP and re-assigns
the IP to a valid DHCP grant if successful. At any time, if the Module determines that
its IP address has changed, it will disconnect and reconnect to the Master.
Static IP Mode (set with ID button or Telnet command)
Video In (analog) USB port
With #3 Toggle set to ON, press ID for 10 seconds to assign address of 192.168.1.2
FIG. 6 Attach signal, transport, and control cables (DXLink Multi-Format TX shown) or use a Telnet command to set unit to Static IP Mode (see the Instruction Manual).
1. Set DIP switch toggles if necessary (for settings, see the previous page). Enova DGX/DVX and DXLink IP Setup
2. Multi-Format TX only – Attach HD-15 cable from source to Video In connector. The following procedure is intended to outline the steps necessary for network setup
3. HDMI In – Attach an HDMI cable from the source to the HDMI In connector.* of DXLink Twisted Pair TX and/or RX with an Enova DGX or Enova DVX switcher.
4. DXLink connector – Attach a twisted pair cable to the DXLink output and to a These steps require familiarity with NetLinx Studio. If unfamiliar with NetLinx Studio,
DXLink input connector on the switcher (or on the RX for a standalone pair). complete instructions are included in the Instruction Manual – DXLink Twisted Pair
5. Stereo Audio In jack (optional) – Insert analog audio cable from source into jack. Transmitters/Receiver.
6. Digital Audio In jack (optional) – Insert a S/PDIF plug on the digital audio cable
from the source into the jack (see audio precedence table in next column). To setup DXLink Module(s) with an Enova DGX or Enova DVX:
7. ICS LAN10/100 port (optional) – Attach twisted pair cable from this port to LAN. 1. Set the DIP switches on the DXLink Module(s).
* DVI cable can be used via a cable adapter; however, advanced audio support from HDMI 2. Apply power to the DXLink Module(s).
will not be available. 3. Connect DXLink Module(s) to the Enova DGX or Enova DVX.
4. Optional – Configure a Static IP address (for each connected Module).
To attach signal, transport, and control cables to the Receiver: 5. Configure the Device ID (for each connected Module).
Ground screw ICS LAN 10/100 port Stereo Audio Out 6. Connect (Bind) the DXLink Module(s) to the Enova DGX or Enova DVX.

RS-232 Serial Data (Optional)

The 232 port label is relative to data flow. Data enters at the RX label on the
Transmitter, is sent via a DXLink cable through the switcher, and leaves at the
TX label on the Receiver. Flow is vice versa from the Receiver to the Transmitter.
The RS-232 pinout for all DXLink Modules is “TXD - RXD - Ground.”
DXLink input USB port HDMI Out To wire the 232 port for serial data transfer:
FIG. 7 Attach signal, transport, and control cables on DXLink HDMI Receiver 1. Wire the RS-232 connectors according to pinout above connectors.

1. Set DIP switch toggles if necessary (for settings, see previous page).
RS-232 (serial) connector pinout
2. DXLink input connector – Attach a twisted pair cable from the DXLink output
connector on the switcher (or on a TX) to the DXLink input.
3. HDMI Out – Attach HDMI cable from this port to the destination.
4. Stereo Audio Out jack (optional) – Connect an analog audio cable from this port
to the destination.
FIG. 8 Wire 232 ports for serial data transfer
Applying Power
A desktop power supply (ENERGY STAR® qualified) is provided with each module. IR Control (Optional)
Power can be supplied to DXLink Twisted Pair Modules by DXLink Power sourcing FG10-000-11
FG-IR03
devices as follows:
• To a TX or RX module from an Enova DGX 8/16/32/64 or PS-POE-AT-TC
(FG423-84) or PDXL-2 (FG1090-170).*
• To a TX module from a DVX-3156HD, 3155HD, or 2155HD. (not included)
• To an RX module from a DVX-2155HD, DVX-2150HD, or an SDX-501M-DX. FIG. 9 IR External IR Receiver Module (left) and CC-NIRC NetLinx IR Emitter cable (right)
Power Budget: For TXs and/or RXs connected to an Enova DGX, use the Enova
DGX Configuration Tool (www.amx.com/enova) to determine power requirements of The IR Receiver connects to the IR RX port on the Transmitter and the IR Emitter
a configuration and if any DXLink TXs or RXs should use the local power. The tool connects to the IR TX port on the Receiver or vice versa, depending on the
contains instructions on how to use it. installation. The signal is sent via DXLink cable through the switcher. When a
* To use PS-POE-AT-TC or PDXL-2 as a power source, the TX requires firmware v1.2.40 (or Transmitter and Receiver are used as a standalone pair, IR control acts as a
later) and the RX v1.0.80 (or later). pass-through.
Note: Local power takes precedence over DXLink power (via DXLink port) from
USB Host and Keyboard/Mouse Ports (Rear)
switcher.
Important: If a desktop power supply is used to power the unit, it must be the one If needed, the Host (USB-B) port on the TX and the K/M port (USB-A) on the RX
provided, which must not be altered in any way. AMX does not support use of any other provide HID support for a keyboard, mouse, and HUB. For a list of supported HID
power supplies or PoE injectors as they may potentially damage the DXLink equipment. devices (keyboards and mice), see the Receiver’s product page at www.amx.com.

Program Port (Front)

To apply power to the Transmitter and Receiver: This USB mini-B port on the Transmitters supports DGX Configuration Software for
1. Plug the cord from the desktop power supply (provided) into the power jack on programming a customer VGA EDID.
rear of the Transmitter (2.1 mm DC jack for 12 V local power).
2. Plug the desktop power supply into an AC external power source. The Power ID Button (Front)
LED on the front of the Transmitter illuminates green, indicating a ready state. The ID button on the front can be used to toggle between static and DHCP IP
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the Receiver. addressing, assign a device address, reset the factory defaults, and restore the
This table shows LED states on initial power up. If not normal, check connections. factory firmware image (for details, see the Instruction Manual).

Indicator LEDs Normal Power Up Indicates Additional Information Covered in Instruction Manual
Power Green Power is applied
For information on the following, see the Instruction Manual – DXLink Twisted Pair
Green Video and HDMI embedded
Digital Video and Audio Transmitters/Receiver at www.amx.com:
audio are present
• Audio precedence; pinouts for VGA, component, S-Video, and composite
Multi-Format - C, Y/C Green or Off Corresponding signal is
Y/PB/PR, RGB (only one of the three present • NetLinx control and programming commands; Telnet commands
RGBHV, RGBS can be green at a time) • IR file transfers; upgrading firmware image; restoring factory default settings
RX - Scaling: Bypass/Auto/Manual One green, two off Current scaling mode* Reference Documents
IR TX / IR RX Red / Yellow IR activity
232 (Serial) TX / 232 (Serial) RX Red / Yellow Serial activity • Instruction Manual – Enova DGX 8/16/32/64 Digital Media Switchers
NetLinx Link/Act Green Active LAN connection to an • Instruction Manual – Enova DVX-3150HD/3155HD/3156HD
(Blinking = #3 Toggle OFF) AMX Network • Instruction Manual – Enova DVX-2150HD/2155HD/2110HD
NetLinx Status Green LAN activity • White Paper: Cabling for Success with DXLink
CEC OFF Not currently supported • WebConsole & Programming Guide – NX-Series Controllers
USB Yellow Connected to device • Instruction Manual – BCS (Basic Control Structure) Protocol
* At power up, the RX defaults to Auto. Press the Scaling button to change the mode. • Operation/Reference Guide – NetLinx Studio

For warranty information, see www.amx.com.

93-1010-300 REV:
REV: D
J
09/09/2014
©2014 AMX. All rights reserved. AMX and the AMX logo are registered trademarks of AMX.
AMX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice at any time.
3000 RESEARCH DRIVE, RICHARDSON, TX 75082 • 800.222.0193 • fax 469.624.7153 • technical support 800.932.6993 • www.amx.com