Gefen Video Extender Identification, Description, Troubleshooting, and Replacement processes

Topic

This article will discuss how to identify the old (GTB-UHD2IRS) and new style (GTB-UHD-HBT) Gefen video extenders, provide information on what they are used for and safety tips, provide troubleshooting instruction, and procedure for replacement.

Environment

Product: Adflow
Product Family: Indoor Digital Signage
Component: Gefen Video Extenders
- GTB-UHD2IRS (Legacy model) & GTB-UHD-HBT (Current use)
Control System:

Steps

Model Identification.
1. The GTB-UHD2IRS model features a DB9 RS-232 connector.
2. The GTB-UHD-HBT model features a green 3-pin phoenix connector for the RS-232 signal.
  1. The RS-232 Phoenix connector comes pre-terminated on the cable.
  2. The Sender unit of the newer style Gefens has 4 DIP switches on the bottom of it.
    1. The switches should have all been set to the OFF position prior to installation.
    2. The techs should not have to change this setting, but this setting should be checked if there are video issues.
Basic Gefen video extender information and safety practices:
1. Purpose & use in the Adflow application:
  1. Used to extend HDMI video & RS-232 (for screen control) signal over CAT-5 cabling to the designated display device/s (up to 330ft).
  2. There is a Sender and a Receiver unit for each display device that will be receiving video and RS-232 communication.
  3. Gefen Bi-Directional POL (Power Over Line) feature provides power to the Receiver unit over the link (CAT-5) cable.
    1. The included power supply can be connected to either the Sender or the Receiver unit.
    2. Daktronics recommends applying power to the sender for ease of troubleshooting and access, but in limited scenarios may have power connected to the receiver behind the screen/s.
  4. The Power Link LED indicator on the Sender and the Receiver units provide basic information on the current status of the signals being transmitted.
2. Safety:
  1. Ensure during installation that the ventilation openings are not blocked and have free air flow.
  2. Do no install or place the Gefen units near any heat source such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, including amplifiers that generate heat.
  3. Do not alter the polarized ground plug on the power connection.
    1. If the provided plug does not fit in an outlet, consult an electrician to have the outlet replaced with a receptacle that will accommodate the plug.
  4. Protect the power cable from being walked on or pinched.
  5. Do not expose unit/s to moisture or handle with wet hands.
Power LED indicator states & Troubleshooting:
1. GTB-UHD2IRS (legacy model)
  1. Off:
    1. Sender - sender unit is not powered on.
      1. Troubleshooting:
        Check power source of sender to ensure it is plugged in securely to an AC outlet and to sender unit.
        Ensure power cable is not damaged and replace Gefen kit if damage is found.
    2. Receiver - receiver unit is not receiving power from Sender unit.
      1. Troubleshooting:
        If sender unit is powered on, inspect CAT-5 cable between sender and receiver.
        Re-seat the CAT-5 cable connections, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
  2. Solid blue:
    1. Both Sender and Receiver - link is established between the Sender and Receiver units.
    2. Sender - the Sender unit is receiving the source signal (from the player).
    3. Receiver - the Receiver unit is receiving the source signal from the Sender unit.
  3. Flashing blue/orange:
    1. Sender - content is being received by the Sender unit.
    2. Receiver - content is being transmitted to the Receiver unit.
  4. Solid orange:
    1. Sender - sender unit is not receiving signal from the source (media player) device OR the source (the media player) is not connected.
      1. Troubleshooting:
        Check that the source (media player) is powered On.
        Ensure power cable for media player is not damaged & is properly connected.
        
        Ensure HDMI cable from media player is properly connected to media player and to sender unit.
        Re-seat the HDMI cable connections, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
        
        Power cycle Gefen sender.
    2. Receiver - receiver unit is not receiving source signal from the sender unit.
      1. If sender unit is receiving the source signal, inspect the CAT-5 cable between the sender and the receiver unit.
        Re-seat the Cat-5 cable connections, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
        Power cycle both Gefens (sender and receiver).
  5. No video signal to screen:
    1. If display (screen) is not receiving video signal from the source (media player), and all LEDs on both Gefens indicate good signal through them:
      1. Inspect HDMI cable from Gefen receiver to the display device (screen).
        Re-seat the HDMI cable connections, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
        Power cycle Gefen receiver.
  6. No Screen Control:
    1. Note: When used with SM400 model media player, be sure serial driver has been installed, is set to Com1, and player has been restarted after its install - important in new installations)
      1. It may be sourced and installed following the article "Setting USB-Serial adapter as COM1 for Adflow SM400 ".
    2. If display (screen) is not receiving RS-232 signal for screen control:
      1. Check the DB9 RS-232 signal cable from source (media player) to DB9 RS-232 connection of sender Gefen for first screen (Screen #1).
        Re-seat RS-232 connection at both source (media player) and Gefen sender, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
      2. RS-232 signal then travels from first Gefen sender to first Gefen receiver via the CAT-5 cable.
        Re-seat cable at both Gefen sender and receiver, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
      3. RS-232 signal then travels from first Gefen receiver to first screen (Screen #1).
        Check and re-seat DB9 RS-232 cable out of first Gefen receiver to RS-232 In on first screen (Screen #1), ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
      4. In multi-screen setups, RS-232 signal then travels from Screen #1 to Screen #2, then in series to each additional screen.
        Check and re-seat cables, check for damaged cables and replace as needed.
        Check RS232 cable is going from Screen #1 RS232-OUT to Screen #2 RS232-IN.
2. GTB-UHD-HBT (current model)
  1. Off:
    1. Neither Sender or Receiver is powered On.
      1. Troubleshooting:
        Ensure one of the Gefens (Sender or Receiver) have a power cable connected to an AC outlet and to Gefen.
        Ensure cable is free of damage, replace the Gefen kit.
  2. Solid blue:
    1. Sender - sender unit is powered on.
    2. Receiver - receiver is powered on.
    3. Both - link is established between sender and receiver and the integrity is good.
  3. Solid green:
    1. Both - link integrity between sender and receiver is compromised.
      1. Troubleshooting:
        Check the CAT-5 cable between the Link port on the sender and receiver units.
        Re-seat the Cat-5 cable connections, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
        Power cycle both Gefens (sender and receiver).
  4. Flashing blue/green:
    1. Sender - source device (media player) is not connected to the sender unit.
      1. Troubleshooting:
        Check that the source (media player) is powered On.
        Ensure power cable for media player is not damaged & properly connected.
    2. Receiver - display device (screen) is not connected to the receiver unit.
      1. Troubleshooting:
        Inspect HDMI cable from receiver to the display device (screen).
        Re-seat the HDMI cable connections, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
        Power cycle Gefen receiver.
  5. No video signal to screen:
    1. If display (screen) is not receiving video signal from the source (media player), and all LEDs on both Gefens indicate good signal through them:
      1. Inspect HDMI cable from receiver Gefen to the display device (screen).
        Re-seat the HDMI cable connections, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
        Power cycle Gefen receiver.
  6. No Screen Control:
    1. Note: When used with SM400 model media player, be sure serial driver has been installed, is set to Com1, and player has been restarted after its install - important in new installations)
      1. It may be sourced and installed following the article "Setting USB-Serial adapter as COM1 for Adflow SM400 ".
    2. If display (screen) is not receiving RS-232 signal for screen control:
      1. Check RS232 signal cables from source (media player) to RS-232 connection of sender Gefen for first screen (Screen #1).
        Re-seat RS-232 connections at media player and sender, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
      2. RS-232 signal then travels from first Gefen sender to first Gefen receiver via the CAT-5 cable.
        Re-seat cable at both Gefen sender and receiver, ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
      3. RS-232 signal then travels from first Gefen receiver to the first screen (Screen #1).
        Check and re-seat DB9 RS-232 cable out of first Gefen receiver to RS-232 In on first screen (Screen #1), ensure cable is not damaged, replace as needed.
      4. In multi-screens setups, RS-232 signal then travels from Screen #1 to Screen #2, then in series to each additional screen.
        Check RS-232 (3.5mm) audio cable connections from Screen #1 to Screen #2 and between each additional screen.
        .Check cable is going from Screen #1 RS-232C-OUT to Screen #2 RS-232C-IN and so on between remaining screens.
        Re-seat cables, check for damaged cables and replace as needed
Product Replacement:
1. The Gefen video extenders are ordered as a kit from Daktronics and will included:
  1. Both the Sender and the Receiver units.
  2. The Gefen POL power cord.
  3. Cables:
    1. 2 x DB9 to phoenix connector cables.
      1. Used between player and Sender Gefen.
      2. Used between Receiver Gefen and the display device.
    2. HDMI cable - for Player to Sender Gefen.
    3. CAT-5 cable - Used between Sender and Receiver Gefens.
2. The extenders are not a matched set so a single Sender or Receiver may be replaced in the field if one is available, but will only be sold as a set.
  1. Daktronics will not be selling individual Sender or Receiver units or power cables.
3. The Gefens come with a 1yr manufacturer's warranty.

KB ID: 000027339

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