Black Box Projection Television AC400A User Manual

SEPTEMBER 1993  
AC400A  
AC401A  
Real Color 16 LCD Projection Panel  
Monochrome 16 LCD Projection Panel  
CUSTOMER  
SUPPORT  
INFORMATION  
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX  
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746  
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
TRADEMARKS  
®
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated.  
®
®
Macintosh and Apple are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.  
®
®
IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation.  
®
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.  
®
Compaq is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.  
®
Dell is a registered trademark of Dell Corporation.  
®
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson C orporation.  
®
Sharp is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.  
®
Toshiba is a registered trademark of Toshiba Corporation.  
®
Zenith is a registered trademark of Zenith Electronics Corporation.  
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property  
of the trademark owners.  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
Contents  
Chapter  
Page  
1. Specifications.................................................................................................. 4  
2. Introduction................................................................................................... 5  
2.1 Description............................................................................................ 5  
2.2 Shipping Container Contents .............................................................. 6  
2.3 General Guidelines............................................................................... 7  
3. Installation...................................................................................................... 8  
3.1 Setup Instructions................................................................................. 8  
3.2 Connecting the Projection Panel to a Desktop Computer ................12  
3.3 Connecting the Projection Panel to an IBM PC  
Compatible Laptop Computer............................................................13  
3.4 Connecting the Projection Panel to a Macintosh  
Series Computer...................................................................................14  
4. Operation .......................................................................................................15  
4.1 Adjusting the Projection Panel ............................................................15  
4.2 Non-Shift Control Button Functions ...................................................17  
4.3 Shift-Activated Control Button Functions...........................................19  
4.4 Using the Control Buttons to Make Adjustments...............................22  
4.5 User Menu.............................................................................................23  
4.6 Moving Through the User Menu.........................................................24  
4.7 Adjusting a Menu Option ....................................................................24  
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting..............................................................28  
5.1 Cleaning the Display Surface ...............................................................28  
5.2 Cleaning the Projection Panel Filter ...................................................28  
5.3 Troubleshooting Guide........................................................................29  
Appendix A: Working With Colors (AC400A only).........................................32  
Appendix B: Interface Requirements...............................................................33  
B.1 Power Connector Polarity....................................................................34  
B.2 Screen Area...........................................................................................34  
Appendix C: Special Guidelines for IBM and Compatibles ............................36  
C.1 IBM Computers with Two Display Cards ............................................36  
C.2 Instructions for Activating Portables and Laptops .............................37  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
1. Specifications  
Resolution — 640 x 480  
®
Power — UL approved 12 VDC,  
1.5A power supply  
Size — 15.3"H x 13.1"W x 2.6"D  
(38.9 x 33.3 x 6.6 cm)  
Weight — 5.9 lb. (2.7 kg)  
4
 
CHAPTER 2: Introduction  
2. Introduction  
2.1 Description  
For remarkably impressive  
presentations, use the Real Color  
or Monochrome 16 LCD Projection  
Panel. The Panel, which projects  
16 real colors or 16 shades of grey,  
delivers the computer compatibility  
and ease of use you never thought  
possible in an LCD projection panel.  
Fig. 2-1 illustrates the Panel coupled  
with an overhead projector.  
Fig. 2-1. The Projection Panel on an Overhead Projector.  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
The Projection Panel is easy to  
2.2 Shipping Container Contents  
The components shown in Fig. 2-2  
are included with the Projection  
Panel.  
use. Simply connect the Panel to a  
computer graphics card and place  
the unit onto an ordinary overhead  
projector. The data and graphics  
normally displayed on the computer  
monitor will be projected in images  
that you can easily see in typical  
room lighting. The Projection Panel  
has a temperature-regulating fan,  
which works with the heat-producing  
overhead projector, to hold the  
liquid crystal display (LCD) to the  
optimum temperature. You can use  
the Projection Panel on a wide range  
of overhead projectors rated up to  
650 watts.  
1. Projection Panel  
2. This User Manual  
3. 12-volt power supply  
4, 6. 15-pin Mac II, LC, Apple IIgs  
5. 15-pin VGA  
If any pieces are missing when  
you first open the box, contact Black  
Box immediately.  
The Projection Panel, with a  
640x480 pixel display, is compatible  
®
with the Macintosh series and  
®
Macintosh II series; with Apple IIGS  
®
RGB; with IBM PC and compatibles  
in CGA, EGA, and VGA modes, and  
®
with the IBM PS/2 with VGA or CGA.  
1
4
5
6
2
3
Fig. 2-2. The Projection Panel and Included Components.  
6
 
CHAPTER 2: Introduction  
• Handle the Projection Panel as  
you would anything made of  
glass. Be especially careful not  
to drop it.  
2.3 General Guidelines  
Follow these guidelines when you  
use the Projection Panel.  
• Be sure the Projection Panel  
is on whenever the overhead  
projector is turned on.  
• You can easily clean the  
Projection Panel with standard  
non-abrasive glass cleaner. Apply  
the cleaner to the cleaning cloth  
and then wipe the glass surface  
lightly. Do not use excessive  
CAUTION  
If the Projection Panel is not  
on when it is on top of an  
operating overhead pro-  
jector, the Panel could  
sustain damage.  
amounts of liquid or pressure on  
the top or bottom optical panels.  
• Avoid scratching the Projection  
Panel surface with sharp metal  
objects. The top surface is made  
of glass or a scratch-resistant  
hardened polymer. If you need  
to clean the surface, use normal  
glass-cleaner solution. Do not  
use abrasive cleaners, solvents,  
or other harsh chemicals.  
• Do not use the Projection Panel  
for extended periods of time on  
an overhead projector known for  
discoloring or melting standard  
transparencies.  
• When you use the Panel with a  
high-wattage projector or if you  
notice extreme discoloration of  
the Panel, periodically remove  
the Panel from the overhead  
projector to allow it to cool.  
• Avoid leaving the Projection  
Panel in direct sunlight or  
extreme cold for extended  
periods of time.  
• The bottom of the Panel can  
become very hot to the touch  
after use. Be careful to let the  
Panel cool before lifting it.  
• Do not block the Projection  
Panel fan or free air movement  
under and around the Panel.  
Air flows from back to front.  
• Turn the overhead projector off  
and unplug the Projection Panel  
when not in use.  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANEL  
3. Installation  
3.1 Setup Instructions  
This chapter explains the  
connections you must make between  
the three pieces of equipment you  
will be using—the Projection Panel,  
your computer, and monitor. Be  
sure to follow the instructions for  
your type of computer.  
Fig. 3-1. Projection Panel and Overhead Projector,  
Showing Cable Connections.  
8
 
CHAPTER 3: Installation  
3.1.1 CABLES  
Three cables are supplied with the  
Projection Panel:  
The cables that come with your  
Projection Panel are used to connect  
the computer’s video port to the  
Projection Panel and the monitor.  
Each of the three cables has a 26-pin  
connector for the Projection Panel,  
a connector matching the video card  
and a connector for the monitor.  
The Projection Panel receives the  
computer’s signals, amplifies the  
signals, and sends them out to the  
monitor.  
1. A Macintosh II/Macintosh  
LC/Apple IIGS loop-through  
cable  
2. A VGA/MCGA loop-through  
cable  
3. A loop-through cable for EGA,  
CGA, or Macintosh video  
15-pin MacII  
15-pin VGA  
9-pin VGA  
Fig. 3-2. Cables.  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANEL  
3.1.2 CONNECTING THE PROJECTION  
PANEL TO YOUR COMPUTER  
3.1.3 SETTING UP THE PROJECTION  
PANEL FOR PROJECTION  
You are going to make eithertwo or  
three connections. You will connect  
the computer’s graphics card to the  
Projection Panel, the Projection  
Panel to the wall outlet with the  
power supply, and, optionally, the  
Projection Panel to the computer’s  
monitor.  
To set up the Projection Panel for  
projection, follow these steps:  
1. Set up your overhead projector  
and plug it into the wall outlet.  
Turn it on to be sure it is  
working properly and position  
it so it projects onto the screen.  
2. Place the Projection Panel on  
the overhead projector so the  
connectors and controls are on  
the right side of the projector  
as you face the front of the  
projector.  
The steps you need to follow are  
given in Section 3.1.3. Illustrations  
on the pages following the steps  
show the cable connections for  
your configuration.  
3. Connect power to the Projection  
Panel, but do not connect a  
video signal yet. This will bring  
up a test pattern.  
Move the Projection Panel on  
the projector until the lines  
are solid rather than rainbows.  
Adjust the tint for the best color  
saturation or the contrast for the  
best greyscale.  
10  
10  
 
CHAPTER 3: Installation  
Looks like  
Computer  
Cable  
IBM or compatible  
15-pin  
with VGA Graphics Card  
or IBM PS/2 with built-in  
VGA or MCGA Graphics  
IBM or Compatible  
with EGA or CGA  
9-pin  
Graphics Card or  
Classic Style Macintosh  
Macintosh II Series or  
15-pin  
Macintsoh LC, Apple IIGS  
Fig. 3-3. Selecting the Proper “Y” Cable for Your Computer.  
Refer to Appendix A for additional  
important information on how to  
properly place a Projection Panel  
on an overhead projector.  
6. Unplug the computer monitor  
cable from the graphics card.  
Plug the monitor to the short  
end (marked Monitor) of the  
Projection Panel cable to the  
computer monitor.  
4. Follow the instructions in this  
table to select the proper “Y”  
cable for your computer:5.  
Connect the 26-pin end (marked  
LCD) of the “Y” cable to the  
Projection Panel.  
7. Plug the long end of the  
Projection Panel cable (marked  
for the appropriate computer)  
to the computer’s video port.  
8. Tighten the thumb screws on  
the cable connectors to ensure  
proper grounding.  
NOTE  
Skip step  
6
if you are  
connecting to a classic-style  
Macintosh.  
11  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANEL  
3.2 Connecting the Projection Panel  
to a Desktop Computer  
Figure 3-4 shows how to connect the  
Projection Panel to typical desktop  
computers, which include CGA,  
EGA, VGA, Macintosh II, and  
Macintosh LC setups.  
All cables are labeled (for  
example, LCD, Monitor, VGA, etc.)  
to indicate where they connect.  
Fig. 3-4. Desktop Computer with a Y-Cable.  
12  
 
CHAPTER 3: Installation  
3.3 Connecting the Projection Panel  
to an IBM PC Compatible Laptop  
Computer  
Figure 3-5 shows a typical laptop  
installation.  
Fig. 3-5. Typical Laptop Installation.  
When the external port is  
activated, many laptop computers  
automatically turn off their internal  
display. For more information, see  
Appendix C or your computer  
manual for typical laptop commands.  
The short end of the loop-through  
cable is not connected in this  
installation.  
CAUTION  
The Projection Panel is not  
compatible  
with  
the  
Macintosh laptop. Do not  
attempt to connect the  
Projection Panel to  
a
Macintosh laptop. Serious  
damage to the computer or  
Projection Panel could  
result.  
13  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANEL  
3.4 Connecting the Projection Panel  
to a Macintosh Series Computer  
Figure 3-6 shows how to connect the  
Projection Panel to a Macintosh  
series computer.  
Fig. 3-6. Macintosh Series Computer.  
Because classic-style Macintosh  
NOTE  
computers do not have a video  
Because the SE and Plus  
connector, you must install an  
models of the Macintosh  
computer only display in  
monochrome at a resolution  
of 512x342 pixels, a Real  
Color 16 LCD Projection  
Panel connected to one of  
these models will only  
project monochrome and will  
not fill the entire Projection  
Panel screen.  
internal adapter. The Macintosh  
128, 512, and Plus require an A10  
adapter. The SE and SE/30 require  
an A20. The Macintosh Classic  
requires an A21. Call your dealer for  
more information. Note that the  
short end of the loop-through cable  
is not connected in this installation.  
14  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
4. Operation  
Some of the buttons are auto-  
repeat buttons; that is, pressing and  
holding these buttons causes them  
to constantly send instructions.  
Other buttons toggle through a  
fixed number of settings and require  
you to press the button each time to  
trigger the next setting.  
4.1 Adjusting the Projection Panel  
At this point, bring up the software  
you want to project. You should be  
projecting an image on the screen.  
This section will show you how to  
adjust the Projection Panel to get  
clear, crisp images. You can adjust  
the Projection Panel using the  
10-function keypad.  
4.1.1 CONTROL BUTTON FUNCTIONS  
There are ten operating control  
buttons on the Projection Panel. A  
SHIFT button, located in the lower  
left corner, allows several of these  
buttons to have a dual function  
(non-shift functions are printed  
in gray, shift functions are in blue).  
Six of the buttons are combined  
as dual-action switches.  
15  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
level  
reset  
tint  
position  
clear  
palette  
reverse  
menu  
position  
sync-  
sync+  
shift  
Fig. 4-1. Projection Panel Keypad.  
Table 4-1. Non-Shift and Shift Keys.  
NON-SHIFT  
KEYS  
SHIFT  
KEYS  
Tint (up/down)  
Contrast (up/down)  
Sync+  
Level (up/down)  
Sync-  
Position (up/down)  
Position (left/right)  
Clear  
Menu (toggle)  
Reset  
Reverse  
Palette  
16  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
4.2 Non-Shift Control Buttons  
level  
contrast  
To activate one of the non-shift  
buttons (printed in grey) on the  
operating control panel, just press  
the button.  
4.2.1 TINT (TRUE COLOR)  
Press the Tint key to adjust the color.  
The Tint Up key adds red and green  
to the image. Blue levels are  
affected by a mix of red and green.  
Fig. 4-3. Contrast (Monochrome).  
level  
4.2.3 SYNC+  
tint  
The Projection Panel has been  
calibrated to automatically match  
signals sent by specific computer  
systems (CGA, EGA, VGA, PS/2, and  
Macintosh series). However, each  
individual video card varies slightly  
from others.  
Fig. 4-2. Tint (True Color).  
sync-  
sync+  
4.2. CONTRAST (MONOICHROME)  
The Contrast key allows the user  
to adjust the brightness of the  
displayed image for optimum  
viewing. Contrast Up increases the  
perceived brightness of all shades  
equally, while Contrast Down  
decreases the brightness of all  
shades equally. There are 64  
contrast levels available.  
Fig. 4-4. Sync+.  
17  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
Projected characters or graphics  
may appear to shimmer because of  
differences in signal outputs of some  
computers. Press the Sync+ button  
until projected characters “lock” into  
position and shimmering is  
4.2.5 POSITION, LEFT OR RIGHT  
Press the up or down position  
button to center the image  
horizontally on the screen. This  
button auto-repeats.  
eliminated.  
menu  
position  
Each time Sync+ is pushed, it fine-  
tunes the Projection Panel to match  
signals from the graphics system.  
Sync+ continuously cycles forward  
through all 16 positions (press sync-  
to cycle back to a good sync  
position).  
Fig. 4-6. Position, Left or Right.  
4.2.4 POSITION, UP OR DOWN  
Press the up or down position  
button to center the image vertically  
on the screen. This button auto-  
repeats.  
4.2.6 CLEAR  
Pressing the Clear button cleans any  
unwanted random patterns that may  
have appeared on the screen outside  
the image area. In some cases,  
positioning the image will leave a  
trail of data. Use the Clear button  
to remove this unwanted data.  
position  
You may also use this control to  
blank the screen by clearing the test  
pattern to all black or all yellow.  
Disconnect the video signal to bring  
up the test pattern and press Clear.  
Background color depends on the  
state of Reverse. Pressing Clear  
again will restore the screen.  
Fig. 4-5. Position, Up or Down.  
18  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
reset  
clear  
palette  
reverse  
Fig. 4-7. Clear.  
Fig. 4-8. Reverse.  
4.2. REVERSE  
4.3 Shift-Activated Control Button  
Functions  
The functions shown on the  
operating control panel in blue  
letters are activated when the Shift  
button is held down while a  
command button is pushed.  
If you wish to reverse the way you see  
an image, light letters on a dark  
background or dark letters on a light  
background, press the Reverse  
button. Pressing it again causes the  
display to return to the original  
image. All colors will be switched  
with their complements.  
See Appendix A for more infor-  
mation on working with colors.  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
Fig. 4-9. Holding Down Shift and Pushing a Command Button.  
4.3.1 SYNC-  
4.3.2 RESET  
Each time Sync- is pushed, it fine  
tunes the Projection Panel to match  
signals from the graphics system.  
Sync- continuously cycles backward  
through all 16 positions.  
The master reset function, holding  
down the Shift button and pressing  
Reset, returns the display settings  
(Position, Sync, Palette, Reverse, and  
Level) for the video mode being  
displayed to factory defaults.  
The Reset function does not affect  
Tracking, Text Mode, Text Slice,  
Tint, Contrast, or EGA mode unless  
the menu is showing on the screen.  
If the menu is displayed, all display  
settings and menu items, including  
the color bars, are reset to factory-  
default values.  
sync-  
shift sync+  
Fig. 4-10. Sync-.  
20  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
4.3.4 LEVEL UP AND LEVEL DOWN  
The Level button adjusts the color  
mapping to compensate for  
reset  
shift clear  
computer-to-computer differences.  
Just as colors look different on  
different monitors, there will always  
be some color differences between  
the monitor and the Projection  
Panel. If the color match between  
the monitor and the Projection  
Panel is not satisfactory, the level can  
be adjusted to change the mapping.  
It is important, however, to ensure  
that the Tint or Contrast is set  
Fig. 4-11. Reset.  
4.3.3 PALETTE  
Pressing the Palette button selects  
the displayed color palette size. This  
button allows you to switch between  
8-color and 16-color displays on the  
Real Color Panel and select one of  
seven, color-to-greyshade mappings  
on the Monochrome panel.  
correctly prior to adjusting the level.  
Level Up or Level Down increases  
your flexibility by allowing you to  
choose which tones of  
color/greyscale will be projected.  
Pressing Level Up increases the  
limits of the range of tone which will  
be depicted by that color. Pressing  
Level Down will cause a smaller  
band of tone to be depicted as a  
given color. There are 64 steps. The  
level controls operate only on analog  
video signals such as those from  
VGA, MCGA, or Macintosh II display  
systems.  
palette  
shift reverse  
Fig. 4-12. Palette.  
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REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
level  
tint  
menu  
position  
shift  
shift  
Fig. 4-14. Menu.  
Fig. 4-13. Level Up and Level  
Down.  
4.4 Using the Control Buttons to  
Make Adjustments  
Now that you have reviewed the  
functions of each of the control  
buttons, here is the order in which  
you use them to achieve the best  
possible projected image.  
4.3.5 MENU  
Pressing the Menu control displays  
the User Menu, which allows you to  
adjust the initial color balance and  
tracking, change the text mode and  
language, and flip the projection  
image. The User Menu also provides  
information about the video input.  
After you display the User Menu, use  
the Position (< >) control buttons  
to move within and between menu  
options, and the Position ( ^ or v )  
to change an option.  
1. Press the Tint or Contrast  
buttons up or down to change  
the color of your image or text  
for the best viewing. Tint or  
contrast is easiest to adjust with  
an image that contains large  
areas of different color or  
greyscale.  
For information about the User  
Menu, see the section later in this  
chapter.  
2. Move the image on the screen  
with the Position Up, Down,  
Left, and Right buttons until  
it is centered.  
Shift-Menu (either button) moves  
you in or out of menu mode.  
3. Focus the overhead projector  
until the image is crisp and  
clear.  
22  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
6. If your computer is one of the  
standard supported systems,  
your image should be fully  
adjusted at this point. However,  
if your computer is any other  
type, you may see evenly spaced  
fuzzy vertical lines, or text may  
appear to be too wide or too  
narrow for the screen. To  
correct this problem, go to the  
User Menu (press the Menu  
control button) and adjust the  
tracking.  
NOTE  
The Projection Panel must  
be placed correctly on the  
overhead projector. Incorrect  
placement may cause the  
Projection Panel to project  
blurry or mis-converged  
images. For more infor-  
mation, see Appendix A.  
4. Press Sync until the image is  
locked in as a solid image with  
no shimmer or movement. This  
button toggles through the  
present settings to the specific  
computer graphics type. Press  
Sync until you achieve the best  
image.  
7. You may want to press Reverse  
to select either light characters  
on a dark background or dark  
characters on a light  
background. Use the setting  
which best suits your graphics or  
text.  
5. For VGA, MCGA, and Macintosh  
II, you may need to hold down  
Shift and press Level Up or  
Level Down to choose the best  
color matching. For best results  
when adjusting the level, display  
an image that has a wide range  
of colors.  
8. To restore factory-set default  
values, hold down Shift and  
press Reset while the menu is  
being displayed.  
4.5 User Menu  
For VGA text display, you may  
need to adjust the Text Mode if  
the text characters are jagged or  
shimmering.  
Pressing the Menu control button  
displays the User Menu on your  
computer’s monitor. The User  
Menu allows you to change the color  
balance, adjust the tracking, and  
control how information is  
displayed.  
23  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
NO VIDEO  
RED GRN TRACK Level  
TRACK 800  
HORZ 15.3  
LANGUAGE  
REAR PROJECT  
TEXT SLICE  
TEXT MODE  
EGA 64  
ENGLISH  
OFF  
1
VERT  
+60  
15  
MODE  
ON  
OFF  
Fig. 4-15. Projection Panel Menu.  
4.7.1 COLOR BALANCE (TRUE COLOR  
ONLY)  
4.6 Moving Through the User Menu  
After you display the User Menu, use  
the Position control buttons (left  
and right) to move within and  
between option columns.  
Adjust the Tint control to get the  
best colors. Black and white will  
always have a reddish tint. If the  
colors still need adjustment, display  
the menu by pressing Shift-Menu. If  
you press Shift-Reset when the menu  
is displayed, the color balance will be  
reset to its factory default values.  
Resetting to default and slightly  
adjusting the Tint control may be  
enough to improve the colors.  
These keys are auto-repeat  
buttons; that is, pressing and  
holding these buttons causes them  
to constantly send instructions.  
Tint/.Contrast and Level buttons  
are still active when in Menu Mode.  
4.7 Adjusting a Menu Option  
Use the Position Up and Down  
control buttons to adjust menu  
options. These keys auto-repeat.  
Pressing Shift RESET when the  
menu is showing resets all menu  
items, including the color  
adjustments, to factory-default  
values.  
24  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
If the colors still need adjustment,  
follow these steps and use the red  
and green adjustments to fine-tune  
the panel:  
4.7.3 TRACKING  
The Tracking adjustment bar allows  
you to match the Projection Panel’s  
internal clock to the different  
computer graphics signals. Using  
tracking allows the Projection Panel  
to project crisp images from a range  
of computer graphics systems. There  
are 64 tracking levels.  
1. Move the green bar down until  
you have a rich red and a solid  
black.  
2. Move the red bar down until you  
have a rich, true green. If cyan  
turns green, the green bar turns  
brown, and the white turns  
magenta, you have moved the  
bar too far down.  
You need to adjust the tracking  
if the display shows evenly spaced,  
fuzzy vertical lines, or if the  
projected image is too wide or too  
narrow for the screen.  
Move the tracking bar down (lower  
numbers) to make the image look  
narrower. Move the tracking bar up  
(higher numbers) to make the  
image look wider. The default Track  
value is shown with the Video  
Information. As you move the  
Tracking adjustment bar up or  
down, the Track value changes.  
Move the Tracking adjustment bar  
up or down until the fuzzy lines  
move apart on the screen or  
3. If your white is magenta-tinted,  
drop the red bar down a few  
steps until it is white, but not so  
far that the black turns red.  
White and black, however, are  
always going to be slightly  
reddish.  
4.7.2 EGA 64  
For the True Color Panel, EGA 64  
may affect the color brown on some  
EGA systems and some VGA systems  
when in EGA mode. If your brown is  
displaying as light red, turn on the  
EGA 64 setting.  
disappear, or the text fits the screen.  
The ideal is to have no bars visible  
and all the projected text or graphics  
on the screen.  
For the Monochrome Panel, EGA  
64 may allow you to get all 16 shades  
of grey instead of 15 shades.  
Default value is OFF.  
25  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
Fig. 4-16. Tracking.  
4.7.4 VIDEO/NO VIDEO  
4.7.5 LANGUAGE  
The Video column provides  
Menus can be displayed in either  
English, French, German, Italian, or  
Spanish. The User Menu allows you  
to choose the language. The default  
is English.  
information about the current video  
input. If video is not present, the  
User Menu displays “No Video,” with  
no Horizontal or Mode information  
and the test pattern or blank screen  
visible in the image area.  
4.7.6 REAR PROJECTION  
Select ON to flip the image from left  
to right for rear projection screens.  
The default is OFF. Rear projection  
allows you to use a standard  
overhead projector without complex  
mirror setups for rear projection.  
The Video information column  
shows the tracking setting (described  
previously), the horizontal sync  
frequency and polarity (HORZ), the  
vertical sync frequency and polarity  
(VERT), and the video mode  
number (MODE).  
These values (except for Track)  
are for informational purposes and  
cannot be adjusted. If you are  
experiencing problems, be sure to  
write down these values before  
calling Technical Support.  
26  
 
CHAPTER 4: Operation  
Fig. 4-17. Rear Projection.  
4.7.7 TEXT SLICE  
Selecting ON for the Text Mode  
locks VGA text to solid pixels (no  
shimmering). CGA graphics,  
however, may be compressed. Unless  
you regularly project CGA graphics  
with the Projection Panel, text mode  
should be set to ON.  
Text Slice allows you to adjust VGA  
text characters to look their best.  
The Projection Panel discards one  
of seven pixels to adjust characters.  
Text Slice allows you to choose  
which of the seven pixels you want  
the Projection Panel to discard. Text  
Slice is ON for only 720 text mode  
(VGA text). Text Slice has no effect  
on characters when Text Mode is  
OFF. Adjust the Text Slice until your  
characters are solid and fully  
Text Mode works only when text  
is present. For example, this mode  
works in VGA text but not in VGA  
graphics.  
You are now ready to begin a  
presentation.  
formed.  
4.7.8 TEXT MODE  
Now that the Projection Panel is  
properly connected and you have  
adjusted the image on the screen,  
you are ready to begin projecting  
your computer data and graphics.  
The Projection Panel screen area is  
640 pixels wide. Text that extends  
beyond 640 pixels may be either  
compressed or truncated. When text  
(or graphics) is compressed, it is  
tightly spaced to fit the display  
screen. Truncated text (or graphics)  
is not respaced to fit the display;  
rather, anything beyond the right  
edge of the screen display is not  
shown.  
The projected images will be live  
from your computer and change as  
you change the computer data.  
27  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting  
The information in this chapter  
is a guide to the cleaning and  
maintenance of your Projection  
Panel, as well as to locating and  
solving possible problems.  
2. If the surface needs cleaning,  
you can use any normal non-  
abrasive glass cleaner on it.  
Apply the cleaner to a cleaning  
cloth and then wipe the surface  
lightly. Do not use excessive  
amounts of liquid. Do not use  
abrasive cleaners, solvents, or  
other harsh chemicals.  
5.1 Cleaning the Display Surface  
1. Handle the Projection Panel  
as you would anything made of  
glass. Be especially careful not  
to drop it.  
5.2 Cleaning the Projection Panel  
Filter  
The filter, which is located at the  
front of the Projection Panel,  
catches dust particles before they  
get into the Projection Panel. You  
need to routinely clean the filter. To  
clean the filter, follow these steps:  
The hardened polymer surface  
of the Real Color 16 LCD  
Projection Panel (AC400A) is  
designed to be scratch and dent  
resistant. However, you should  
avoid scratching it with sharp  
metal objects. The Monochrome  
16 LCD Projection Panel  
1. Unsnap the fan cover.  
(AC401A) surface is made of  
glass, and you should follow the  
instructions in step 2.  
28  
 
CHAPTER 5: Maintenance and Troubleshooting  
Filter  
Fig. 5-1. The Projection Panel Filter.  
2. Gently remove the filter and  
5.3 Troubleshooting Guide  
clean it by washing it in gentle  
soap. Be sure to let the filter dry  
completely before re-inserting it  
in the Projection Panel.  
Before calling Technical Support  
for assistance, attempt to solve the  
problem by checking this  
troubleshooting guide.  
The frequency with which you  
will need to clean the filter  
depends on how often you  
use the Panel. Typically, you  
will need to clean the filter  
approximately once every  
three to six months or when  
the Projection Panel overheats  
from a clogged filter.  
Problem: Nothing on screen.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
• You may not have any power  
or you may be using the wrong  
power supply. Check to see that  
the proper Projection Panel  
power supply is being used  
with the Projection Panel.  
29  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
• The power supply may not be  
plugged into a live AC outlet.  
Check to ensure that the power  
supply is connected to the  
Projection Panel and to a live  
AC wall outlet.  
Problem: Image not centered on  
the screen.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
• Adjust position to center image  
on screen.  
• Your power supply may be  
plugged into a power strip  
that is not turned on.  
Problem: Only the test pattern is  
being displayed.  
• Your overhead projector may not  
be set up correctly. Check to  
see that the projector is on and  
plugged in properly. Also check  
the bulb, and make sure the  
overhead deflector is correctly  
positioned.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
• Your Projection Panel video  
cables may not be connected  
correctly. Check to see that the  
cable is connected to the video  
port on the computer’s graphics  
card.  
• You Projection Panel may not be  
adjusted properly. Also, check  
and adjust the contrast and level  
control settings.  
• Your computer graphics system  
may not be set up correctly.  
Check the following: your  
computer’s color graphics card  
is turned on; your computer has  
a compatible graphics card; and  
the computer’s external video  
card has been turned on.  
Problem: Color or VGA text not  
being projected.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
• Your level control may need  
to be adjusted. Adjust the  
Projection Panel level control up  
or down until the text is visible.  
Problem: Image is too wide or  
narrow for screen.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
• Your software may be displaying  
colors that are too similar. Set  
your software to increase the  
difference between displayed  
colors.  
• You may need to adjust the  
tracking to reduce or enlarge  
the projected image.  
• Check to see that your computer  
is using a compatible graphics  
card.  
• You may be using a high-  
resolution display card.  
Make sure your computer is  
compatible. Change the  
resolution if you can.  
30  
 
CHAPTER 5: Maintenance and Troubleshooting  
Problem: Image is out of focus.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
• Overhead is not adjusted  
Problem: The projected colors do  
not match the monitor.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
correctly. Adjust overhead until  
image is in focus.  
• Adjust the level and/or tint  
controls. However, just as there  
are differences in the displays  
of different monitors, there will  
always be some differences  
between the computer screen  
and the projected image.  
• The surface of the Projection  
Panel or overhead projector may  
need cleaning.  
Problem: Vertical lines or bleeding.  
Possible Causes and Solutions:  
• Adjust tint to minimize vertical  
lines or bleeding from around  
projected boxes or borders.  
31  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
A. Working With Colors  
(AC400A only)  
1. Apply power to the Projection  
Panel, but do not connect a  
video cable to it.  
NOTE  
This appendix applies only  
to the Real Color 16 LCD  
Projection Panel (AC400A).  
2. Place the Projection Panel on  
your projector and turn the  
projector on. A test pattern  
consisting of a series of color  
bars and a line grid should  
appear.  
Convergence  
Color alignment on a screen is  
known as convergence. Colors that  
are aligned correctly, pixel by pixel,  
will produce sharp lines on the  
screen. If the colors do not align  
correctly, objects on the screen will  
seem to have multi-colored shadows.  
Poor color convergence or  
3. Looking at the projection  
screen, move the Projection  
Panel around on the projector  
until all lines, both horizontal  
and vertical, are solid. (As you  
move the Projection Panel  
around, you will see the lines  
split apart from single dark lines  
to rainbow-colored lines).  
misconvergence, then, creates  
blurred images, which can cause  
eye strain.  
You can adjust convergence by  
positioning the Projection Panel on  
an overhead projector. To adjust the  
convergence, follow these steps:  
4. Position the Projection Panel  
on the spot at which the lines  
are the most converged.  
32  
 
APPENDIX B: Interface Requirements  
B. Interface Requirements  
The Projection Panel is equipped  
with a 26-pin connector. Table B-1  
shows the pin assignments for the  
26-pin connector.  
Table B-1. Pin Assignments for the 26-pin connector.  
Input Pin  
Signal Description  
Output Pin  
1
Vertical sync  
Horizontal sync  
Blue analog  
Intensity TTL  
Green TTL  
Red analog  
Blue TTL  
10  
11  
14  
12  
13  
15  
3
2
8
6
7
9
16  
17  
18  
20, 21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
Red TTL  
4
Green analog  
GND  
5
GND  
Key (TTL/analog sensor)  
GND  
GND  
Hercules  
19  
33  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
B.1 Power Connector Polarity  
The power connector on your  
Projection Panel uses the polarity  
shown in Fig. B-1.  
Fig. B-1. Power Connector Polarity.  
The Projection Panel is shipped with  
a 12-Volt, 1.5-Amp power supply  
B.2 Screen Area  
The Projection Panel’s screen is  
640 by 480 pixels. (Pixels are tiny  
rectangular dots that are turned on  
and off by the computer to create  
images.) Various computer monitors  
have different pixel dimensions.  
Depending on the computer’s  
resolution, the images may not fill  
the entire screen.Fig. B-2 represents  
the Macintosh display. Table B-2 lists  
several common computer monitors  
and their screen areas.  
designed to work specifically with  
the Projection Panel. Many portable  
computers and peripherals use  
similar-looking power supplies.  
CAUTION  
Do not substitute other  
power supplies. You could  
damage the Projection Panel.  
To double check, look for the  
label on the Projection Panel power  
supply.  
34  
 
APPENDIX B: Interface Requirements  
640 pixels  
512 pixels  
Fig. B-2. Macintosh Display.  
Table B-2. Common Computer Monitors and Their Screen Areas.  
Computer Monitor  
Projection Panel Screen Area  
AT&T, CGA  
EGA  
640 x 400 pixels  
640 x 350 pixels  
512 x 342 pixels  
640 x 480 pixels  
512 x 384 pixels  
Macintosh  
Macintosh II, VGA  
Macintosh LC  
35  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONOCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
C. Special Guidelines for IBM  
and Compatibles  
For most IBM and IBM  
compatibles:  
C.1 IBM Computers with Two Display  
Cards  
1. Follow the instructions for  
setting up the Projection Panel.  
If your computer has both a color  
and monochrome display, you may  
need to turn on the color card.  
Because your computer will only  
display on one monitor at a time,  
you need to ensure that the color  
display is on when using the  
Projection Panel.  
2. Insert your MS-DOS disk in drive  
A. (Skip this step if you have a  
hard drive.)  
3. When the DOS prompt appears,  
type MODE CO80  
(CO for color, the number 80  
for 80 columns).  
You can do this in a variety of ways.  
Some computers require special  
commands other than  
4. The color card should be  
activated.  
®
MS-DOS commands. The best  
reference for finding these  
commands is your computer  
manual.  
If you have a monochrome  
monitor and want to switch back,  
at the DOS prompt, type:  
MODE MONO  
See Section C.2 for instructions  
on how to setup a color or  
monochrome display.  
The Projection Panel will go off  
and your monochrome monitor  
will come on.  
36  
 
APPENDIX C: Special Guidelines for IBM and Compatibles  
C.2 Instructions for Activating  
Portables and Laptops  
Refer to Table C-1 for commands to  
activate or de-activate the Projection  
Panel.  
Table C-1. Portable and Laptop Activation Chart.  
Computer  
Model  
Activate Port  
Command  
De-activate  
Command  
Video  
Standard  
Compaq® portable II  
Compaq portable III  
Compaq SLT  
Ctrl Alt <  
Ctrl Alt <  
Ctrl Alt <  
Ctrl Alt <  
Ctrl Alt F11  
Switch for CRT  
On  
Ctrl Alt >  
Ctrl Alt >  
Ctrl Alt >  
Ctrl Alt >  
Ctrl Alt F10  
CGA  
CGA  
VGA  
CGA  
VGA  
Compaq LTE/286  
Dell® 316LT  
Epson® LT  
Switch for LCD CGA  
On  
Epson 286e  
Switch for CRT  
On  
Switch for LCD EGA  
On  
Gridcase 1200 series Active port  
Gridcase 1400 series Ctrl Alt Tab  
N/A  
CGA  
VGA  
CGA  
CGA  
CGA  
VGA  
Ctrl Alt Tab  
Ctrl Alt Tab  
Ctrl Alt Tab  
Ctrl Alt Tab  
N/A  
Gridcase 1520  
Gridcase 1530  
Gridcase 1535 EXP  
IBM P70 386  
Ctrl Alt Tab  
Ctrl Alt Tab  
Ctrl Alt Tab  
Active Port  
Mitsubishi  
Sw2 on off off off  
Sw2 off on on on EGA  
Fn F10 EGA  
Packard Bell PB286LT Fn F10  
Sharp® PC-5541  
Switch for CRT  
Switch for LCD VGA  
On  
On  
Toshiba® 1000  
Toshiba 1100  
Fn End  
Fn Home  
CGA  
CGA  
CGA  
CGA  
Ctrl Alt End  
Fn End  
Ctrl Alt Home  
Fn Home  
Toshiba 1200, 1600  
Toshiba 3100  
Ctrl Alt End  
Ctrl Alt Home  
37  
 
REAL COLOR AND MONCHROME 16 LCD PROJECTION PANELS  
Table C-1 (continued). Portable and Laptop Activation Chart.  
Computer  
Model  
Activate Port  
Command  
De-activate  
Command  
Video  
Standard  
Toshiba 3100-e  
Toshiba 3100sx  
Toshiba 3200sx  
Toshiba 3200  
Ctrl Alt End  
Active Port  
Active Port  
Fn End  
Ctrl Alt Home  
N/A  
EGA  
VGA  
VGA  
EGA  
EGA  
EGA  
VGA  
VGA  
CGA  
N/A  
Fn Home  
Ctrl Alt Home  
N/A  
Toshiba 5100  
Ctrl Alt End  
Active Port  
Active Port  
Active Port  
Fn F10  
Toshiba 5100/100  
Toshiba 5200  
N/A  
Toshiba 5100/100  
Zenith 128, 170, 180,  
183, 184, Supersport  
N/A  
Fn F10  
Zenith Supersport 286e Fn F10  
Supersport sx  
Fn F10  
VGA  
Supersport  
38  
 
Index  
Numbers  
512x342 pixels, 15  
640 by 480 pixels, 36  
640x480 pixel display, 7  
C
CGA, 7, 10,, 18, 28  
E
EGA, 7, 10,, 18, 21, 26  
M
MCGA, 10, 24  
MS DOS, 38  
R
RGB, 7  
V
VGA, 7, 10, 13, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28  
39  
 
© Copyright 1993. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746  
 

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