Ac056a-R4 Rev1

AC056A-R4
AC057A-K-R4 AC056AE-R3 AC159A-R2

AC056A-K-R4 AC058A-R3 AC057AE-R2 AC159A-R3
AC057A-R4 AC056AE-R2 AC057AE-R3 AC160A-R2
AC160A-R3
VGA Video Splitters
Send VGA output to one local monitor and to as

many as nine remote monitorsBLACK BOXfeet
®
up to 250
(76.2 m) away.
Customer Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
Support FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax
Information 724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com
FCC and IC RFI Statements/NOM Statement
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND

INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy,

and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation
of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)

Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes

de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para

referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de

operación deben ser respetadas.
Page 2 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com

NOM Statement
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,

cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales

que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no

interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe
colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios
de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las

recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Page 3

NOM Statement
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su

desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of
BB Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

Table of Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications.............................................................................................7
2. Overview ..................................................................................................9
2.1 Introduction.........................................................................................9
2.2 What‘s Included..................................................................................9
2.3 Hardware Description........................................................................10
2.3.1 AC056A-R4 or AC056AE-R4....................................................10
2.3.2 AC057A-R4, AC057AE-R3, or AC057AE-R2.............................11
2.3.3 AC058A-R3..............................................................................12
2.3.4 AC159A-R3 or AC159A-R2......................................................14
2.3.5 AC160A-R3 or AC160A-R2......................................................15
3. Installation ..............................................................................................17
3.1 Installation Steps................................................................................17
3.2 Extending Your Distance ..................................................................18
3.3 Cascading..........................................................................................19
4. Operation ...............................................................................................21
5. Applications ............................................................................................22
6. Troubleshooting ......................................................................................24
6.1 Common Concerns...........................................................................24
6.2 Contacting Black Box.........................................................................24
6.3 Shipping and Packaging ...................................................................24

Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Approvals — FCC Part 15 Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A

Bandwidth — 300 MHz (–3 dB)
Enclosure — Metal
Maximum Distance — See Table 3-2
Maximum Refresh Rate — 75 Hz
Maximum Resolution — 1600 x 1280 pixels; however, image quality and
attainable distance degrade relatively rapidly above 1280 x 1024 pixels
Rise Time — Less than 1 ns
Standards — VGA, SVGA, XGA, XGA-2
User Controls — (1) front-mounted 4-position DIP switch for selecting monitor
type
Interface — IBM® PC compatible video
Connectors — All rear-mounted: All models: (1) 5-pin mini DIN female for
power; (1) HD15 F for VGA input;
AC056 models also have: (2) HD15 F for VGA output;
AC057 models also have: (4) HD15 F for VGA output;
AC159A-R3 also have: (6) HD15 F for VGA output;
AC058A-R3 also have: (8) HD15 F for VGA output;
AC160A-R3 also have: (10) HD15 F for VGA output
Indicators — (1) front-mounted POWER LED
Power — AC056A-R4, AC057A-R4, AC056A-K-R4, AC057A-K-R4:
From wallmount power supply:
Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 14 watts;
Output: ±5 VDC, 500 mA;
AC056AE-R2, AC057AE-R2: From desktop power supply:
Input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 5 watts;
Output: ±5 VDC at 500 to 600 mA;
AC058A-R3, AC159A-R3, AC160A-R3: From desktop power supply:
Input: 95 to 250 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz, 10 watts;
Output: ±5 VDC at up to 2 amps
Temperature — 32 to 125° F (0 to 50° C)

Chapter 1: Specifications
Humidity — 5 to 95% noncondensing

Size — AC056A-R4, AC056A-K-R4, AC056AE-R2: 7.25"W x 1.5"H x 3.25"D
(18.4 x 3.8 x 8.3 cm);
All models except AC056A-R4, AC056A-K-R4, AC056AE-R2: 7.25"W x 2.5"H x
3.25"D (18.4 x 6.4 x 8.3 cm)
Weight — 2- and 4-port units (AC056, AC057): 2.5 lb. (1.1 kg);
6-port units (AC159): 3 lb. (1.4 kg);
8-port and 10-port units (AC058, AC160): 3.5 lb (1.6 kg)

Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
Normally, computers are designed to drive their VGA (Video Graphics Array)
output to only one nearby monitor. Often, however, circumstances call for VGA
output to be driven to one or several monitors far from the computer. That’s
where our family of VGA Video Splitters comes in.
A typical application for one of these Splitters involves a PC simultaneously
sending VGA output to its own monitor, usually placed nearby, and to as many as
nine remote monitors, located around the room or in another room up to
250 feet (76.2 m) away. This makes your Splitter perfect for conference rooms,
classrooms, public information displays, show exhibits, and demonstrations. For
more about VGA Video Splitter applications, see Chapter 5.
If you need to hook up more monitors than one Splitter can accommodate, you
can “cascade” Splitters by attaching one or more secondary units to the
MONITOR ports of the primary unit. See Section 3.3.
These VGA Video Splitters come in compact, attractive desktop enclosures. They
are powered by an external power supply and draw no power from the sending
computer. Each Splitter can be located up to 6 feet (1.8 m) from this computer.
With bandwidths of 300 MHz, these VGA Video Splitters can handle resolutions
of VGA, SVGA (Super VGA), XGA (Extended Graphics Array), or XGA-2 as high as
1600 x 1280 pixels, at refresh rates as high as 75 Hz. They support a variety of
synchronization options, including H & V sync, composite sync, sync-on-green,
sync-on-RGB, and 75-ohm sync loads.
2.2 What’s Included
Your package should contain the following items. If anything is missing or
damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500
or info@blackbox.com.
• (1) VGA Video Splitter of the appropriate model
• (1) external transformer (power supply)
• (1) 6-ft (1.8-m) HD15 male to HD15 male video cable for connecting the
computer’s VGA output to the VGA Video Splitter
• This user’s manual
NOTE: AC056A-K-R4 and AC057A-K-R4 also include VGA M/F output cables.

Chapter 2: Overview
If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support

at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com.
2.3 Hardware Description
2.3.1 AC056A-R4 or AC056AE-R4
1 2
Figure 2-1. Front panel.
3 4 5 6
Figure 2-2. Back panel.
Table 2-1. AC056A-R4 or AC056AE-R4 components.
Number Component Description
1 4-position DIP switch Selects monitor type
2 Power LED ON when power to the unit is on
3 5-pin DIN connector Links to power
4 VGA in Connects to VGA
5 Monitor 2 Links to Monitor 2

Chapter 2: Overview
2.3.2 AC057A-R4, AC057AE-R3, or AC057AE-R2
1 2

7 8
3 4 5 6

Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-2. AC057A-R4, AC057AE-R3,

or AC057AE-R2 components.
2.3.3 AC058A-R3
1 2

Chapter 2: Overview
7 8 9 10
11, 12
3 4 5 6
Table 2-3. AC058A-R3 components.


Chapter 2: Overview
2.3.4 AC159A-R3 or AC159A-R2
1 2
7 8 9 10
3 4 5 6

Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-4. AC159-R3 or AC159A-R2 components.

2.3.5 AC160A-R3 or AC160A-R2
1 2

Chapter 2: Overview
7 8 9 10
11, 12 13, 14
3 4 5 6
Table 2-5. AC160A-R3 or AC160A-R2 components.


Chapter 3: Installation
3. Installation
3.1 Installation Steps

Follow these steps to install the VGA Video Splitter:
1. Place the VGA Video Splitter within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the computer.
2. Run the included video cable from the computer’s VGA output to the
connector marked VGA IN on the rear of the splitter.
3. Connect your primary monitor (the one that was previously attached directly to
the computer) to the connector marked MONITOR 1 on the rear of the splitter.
4. Connect the additional monitor(s) to the remaining MONITOR connector(s)
on the rear of the splitter. You can use VGA extension cables to extend the
distance you can run to as much as 250 feet (76.2 m); see Section 3.3.
5. Plug the output cord of the included power supply into the jack marked
POWER on the rear of the Splitter.
6. Plug the power supply into an AC wall outlet. The Splitter’s front-panel LED
should glow red to show that the unit is properly powered.
7. The four-position DIP switch marked MONITOR TYPE on the front panel of the
VGA Video Splitter tells the VGA adapter in your computer what type of
monitors you have connected when the computer boots up.
F or a standard application in which your remote monitor(s) are pretty much
interchangeable with your primary monitor (the one on MONITOR 1), move all
four switch positions to the “UP” setting; this will cause the Splitter to pass the
“ID bits” from the primary monitor through to the VGA adapter. Moving all the
positions to UP will not work for applications in which:
• there is no monitor on MONITOR 1;
• t he primary monitor is connected to MONITOR 1 with a VGA extension cable
that doesn’t carry the ID-bit leads;
• the primary monitor uses higher-grade video than one or more of the remote
monitors (for example, color VGA vs. monochrome VGA or high-resolution
XGA-2 vs. low-resolution VGA).

In these situations, set the MONITOR TYPE switch this way:
Table 3-1. DIP switch settings for monitor types.
DIP Switch DIP Switch DIP Switch DIP Switch

Monitor Type #1 #2 #3 #4
Color VGA and XGA monitors DOWN UP DOWN UP
Monochrome VGA DOWN DOWN UP UP
8514/A UP UP DOWN UP
*Monitor type not listed here UP UP UP UP
*NOTE: If your monitors don’t belong to any of these three types, you must set all
four MONITOR TYPE switch positions UP and connect a representative
monitor to MONITOR 1 with cable that carries the monitor’s ID-bit leads.
If you don’t have such a cable, contact Black Box Technical Support at
724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com to order a cable that carries all
ID-bit leads.
8. Turn on the computer and the monitors. The monitors should now display the
computer’s output.
This completes the VGA Video Splitter installation. Once installed, the splitter
shouldn’t require any adjustments; you can keep it out of sight. It should now be
ready for continuous operation.
3.2 Extending Your Distance
The maximum distance to which a VGA Video Splitter can drive signals to a VGA
monitor depends primarily on the quality of the cable being used and the pixel
resolution and refresh rate of the VGA image coming from the computer.
Never use twisted-pair cable as video-extension cable, because this will cause
“ghosting” of the on-screen images. Table 3-2 is a guide for maximum distance at
various resolutions with high-quality VGA extension cable.

Table 3-2. Maximum Distances.
Pixel Resolution and Refresh Rate Maximum Cable Length in feet (meters)
640 x 480 at 60 Hz 250 ft. (76.2 m)
640 x 480 at 75 Hz 175 ft. (53.3 m)
800 x 600 at 60 Hz 200 ft. (61 m)
800 x 600 at 75 Hz 175 ft. (53.3 m)
1024 x 768 at 60 Hz 150 ft. (45.7 m)
1024 x 768 at 75 Hz 125 ft. (38.1 m)
1280 x 1024 at 75 Hz 100 ft. (30.5 m)
To run the cable the full distance, you must not route it near motors, generators,
air compressors, or other sources of electromagnetic noise. If you would like to
order VGA extension cable, contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500
or info@blackbox.com.
3.3 Cascading
If you need to display your computer’s VGA output on more monitors than a
single VGA Video Splitter can handle, you can always “cascade” splitters:
You can connect secondary splitters to the MONITOR ports on the primary splitter
with short HD15 male to HD15 male cables. (If you need any of these cables,
contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com.)
Then you can plug as many as a hundred monitors into the MONITOR ports on
the secondary splitters.
If you’ll be cascading splitters, we have several suggestions for maintaining image
quality and reducing the complexity of your system:
• Begin connecting secondary splitters to the highest-numbered port on the
primary splitter and work backwards from there. For example, attach the first
secondary splitter to MONITOR 8, the second to MONITOR 7, etc.
• Avoid connecting secondary splitters to primary splitters with fewer ports. For
example, rather than attaching a ten-port secondary to a four-port primary, use
the ten-port unit as the primary and retire the four-port until you need to use it
as a secondary.
• In general, use as few splitters and as short runs of cable as possible to reach all
your monitors.

• You can cascade to more than two “layers” of VGA Video Splitters; that is, you
can begin plugging tertiary Splitters into the MONITOR ports of secondary
Splitters when you run out of MONITOR ports on the primary splitter. However,
the more VGA splitters that come between your computer and your monitors,
the more signal degradation you will get. Try not to go to a third layer of
splitters unless you absolutely have to—if you have to send VGA output to more
than a hundred monitors, for example.

Chapter 4: Operation
4. Operation
VGA Video Splitters provide a reliable means of getting your VGA images to wide-
spread arrays of monitors: They use equalized amplification to compensate for the
normal signal losses that occur when you run cable to VGA monitors at longer
distances. With this technique, the signals that reach the monitors closely match
the signal that left the VGA adapter, and you get the truest representation of your
VGA images in terms of detail and color fidelity.
Each monitor output is independently buffered. This ensures isolation and proper
signal levels regardless of the number of monitors used. The Splitter’s external
transformer will feel warm after the unit has been on for a period of time. This is
normal because the unit draws a significant amount of current.
If, during operation, you find that you need to send your images to more monitors
than a single splitter can support, you can “cascade” splitters (use two or more in
combination).

Chapter 5: Applications
5. Applications
Use VGA Video Splitters where a number of monitors need to be connected to

one computer. Typical applications include classrooms, business
meetings, and trade shows. Figure 5-1 shows a typical application using an
AC057A-R4 unit.
AC057A-R4
PC
VGA monitor VGA monitors
Figure 5-1. Typical application using the AC057A-R4.

In a conference room or demonstration room, for example, the VGA Video
Splitter can feed images to the PC’s own VGA monitor plus others located around
the room or on the demonstration table. This eliminates the need for people to
crowd around the PC for a look at the display.
In a classroom, instructional material on your computer can be easily viewed by all
the students at their desks.
Also, you can give presentations by creating an “electronic slide show” on your
computer and using the VGA Video Splitter to drive the “slides” to the computer’s
own monitor plus a large-screen projection monitor that has a VGA input.
Figure 5-2 shows a cascaded application using an AC057A-R4 unit.

Chapter 5: Applications
AC057A-R4
AC057A-R4
Monitors
Figure 5-2. Cascaded application using an AC057A-R4 units.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting
6. Troubleshooting
6.1 Common Concerns

If the display colors on all the monitors seem to be “reversed,” this might be
caused by improperly setting the MONITOR TYPE DIP switch on the front panel.
Recheck the switch setting (see Section 3.1, Step 7).
If one or two colors are missing on one of the VGA monitors, make sure all
connections to the VGA Video Splitter are secure. Make sure the monitor
connector’s jackscrews are tightened.
If problems persist, contact Black Box Technical Support.
6.2 Contacting Black Box
If you determine that your VGA Video Splitter is malfunctioning, do not attempt
to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com. The
problem may be solvable over the phone.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to
provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:
• the nature and duration of the problem.
• when the problem occurs.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or
make it worse.
6.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your VGA Video Splitter:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are shipping the splitter for repair, include its power supply. If you are
returning the splitter, make sure you include everything you received with the
unit. Before you ship, contact Black Box to get a Return Materials Authorization
(RMA) number.

NOTES

NOTES

NOTES

Black Box Tech Support: FREE! Live. 24/7.
Tech support the

way it should be.
Great tech support is just 30 seconds away at

724-746-5500 or blackbox.com.
About Black Box

Black Box provides an extensive range of networking and infrastructure products.
You’ll find everything from cabinets and racks and power and surge protection
products to media converters and Ethernet switches all supported by free, live 24/7
Tech support available in 30 seconds or less.
© Copyright 2011. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. Black Box® and the Double Diamond logo
are registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc. Any third-party trademarks appearing in this manual
are acknowledged to be the property of their respective owners.
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AC056A-R4

AC057A-K-R4 AC056AE-R3 AC159A-R2

VGA Video Splitters

Send VGA output to one local monitor and to as

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy,

Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de

Page 2 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las

724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Page 3

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

Page 4 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com

Trademarks Used in this Manual

724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Page 5

Page 6 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com

Approvals — FCC Part 15 Class A, DOC Class/MDC classe A

724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Page 7

Humidity — 5 to 95% noncondensing

Page 8 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com

724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Page 9

If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support

Figure 2-1. Front panel.

Table 2-1. AC056A-R4 or AC056AE-R4 components.

Number Component Description

1 4-position DIP switch Selects monitor type

2 Power LED ON when power to the unit is on

3 5-pin DIN connector Links to power

4 VGA in Connects to VGA

5 Monitor 2 Links to Monitor 2

6 Monitor 1 Links to Monitor 1

Page 10 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com

2.3.2 AC057A-R4, AC057AE-R3, or AC057AE-R2

Figure 2-3. Front panel.

Figure 2-4. Back panel.

724-746-5500 | blackbox.com Page 11

Table 2-2. AC057A-R4, AC057AE-R3,

Number Component Description

1 4-position DIP switch Selects monitor type

2 Power LED ON when power to the unit is on

3 5-pin DIN connector Links to power

4 VGA in Connects to VGA

5 Monitor 2 Links to Monitor 2

6 Monitor 1 Links to Monitor 1

7 Monitor 4 Links to Monitor 4

8 Monitor 3 Links to Monitor 3

Figure 2-5. Front panel.

Page 12 724-746-5500 | blackbox.com

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su