Compact Media Converter
Installation Guide
LHC001A - LHC002A - LHC003A
LHC004A - LHC005A - LHC006A
Black Box’s Compact Media Converter is a low-cost, IEEE 802.3 singleconversion media converter that converts between 100Base-TX twisted pair and
100Base-FX multi-mode or single-mode fiber. It is available with one RJ-45
connector for the twisted pair port and one pair ST or SC connectors for the fiber
port.
Compact Media Converter is a 1U high, standalone unit that includes
diagnostic LEDs for each port and a universal (100-240 VAC) power supply. The
following Compact Media Converter versions are available:
100B TX - 100B FX — 100Base-TX twisted pair/100Base-FX 1300 nm multimode fiber; includes one RJ-45 connector and one pair ST (LHC001A) or SC
(LHC002A) connectors
100B TX - 100B FX SM — 100Base-TX twisted pair/100Base-FX 1300 nm
single-mode fiber; includes one RJ-45 connector and one pair ST
(LHC003A) or SC (LHC004A) connectors
100B TX - 100B FX SM/PLUS — same as above with higher power budget;
includes one pair ST (LHC005A) or SC (LHC006A) connectors
Installing Compact Media Converter
Compact Media Converter comes ready to install. The only adjustments that
may need to be made come after installation.
To install Compact Media Converter, first make sure that the unit is placed on
a suitable flat surface. Attach the cables between the Compact Media Converter
and each device that will be interconnected, then plug the unit into a reliable,
filtered power source.
Configuring Compact Media Converter
The following diagram shows the switches and connections on Compact
Media Converter.
Twisted Pair
port
FiberAlert and
Auto-Negotiation
switches
724-746-5500
Fiber Optic
port
LEDs
XMT
RCV
100 Mbps
FX RCV
TX LNK
FA
FX LNK
MM850
Figure 1: Compact Media Converter TX/FX, Front View
Once installed, you can configure Compact Media Converter for the following:
• Auto-Negotiation (default = DOWN/disabled)
• FiberAlert (default = DOWN/disabled)
Note: LinkLoss is an additional feature that can be enabled before
installation. LinkLoss is disabled as a factory default. Refer to Enabling
TX and FX LinkLoss on page 4 for more information.
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About FiberAlert and LinkLoss
Compact Media Converter comes with the following troubleshooting
features:
• FiberAlert
• Twisted Pair LinkLoss (a.k.a. "TX LinkLoss," or just "LinkLoss")
• Fiber LinkLoss (a.k.a. "FX LinkLoss")
FiberAlert and LinkLoss are advanced troubleshooting features that can
help you locate "silent failures" on your network. However, it is vital that you
understand exactly how FiberAlert and LinkLoss work, and how they will
react in your network configuration, before attempting to install the enclosed
module(s).
Installing modules without understanding the effects of FiberAlert and
LinkLoss can cause perfectly functioning units to appear flawed or even
dead!
If you are unfamiliar with FiberAlert and LinkLoss, the manufacturer
strongly encourages you to read the following information.
About Link Integrity
During normal operation, link integrity pulses are transmitted by all pointto-point Ethernet devices. When a Compact Media Converter receives valid
link pulses, it knows that the device to which it is connected is up and sending
pulses, and that the copper or fiber cable coming from that device is intact.
The appropriate “LINK” LED is lit to indicate this. The Compact Media
Converter also sends out link pulses from its copper and fiber transmitters, but
normally has no way of knowing whether the cable to the other device is
intact and the link pulses are reaching the other end. The combination of
FiberAlert and LinkLoss allows this information to be obtained, even when
physical access to a remote device (and its link integrity LED) is not
available.
Local Site
Compact
Media Converter
AN FA
AutoCross Feature for Twisted Pair Connection
The twisted pair port of the Compact Media Converter includes
AutoCross, a feature which automatically selects between a crossover
workstation or pass-through/repeater hub connection depending on the
connected device.
What Is FiberAlert?
Cable Break
XMT
FiberAlert minimizes the problems
Remote Site
RCV
associated with the loss of one strand of
RCV
LED
fiber. If a strand is unavailable, the
XMT
Compact Media Converter, at the receiver
LED
end, notes the loss of link. The device will LED OFF = Broken Link
Black Box product with FiberAlert Enabled
then stop transmitting data and the link
Remote Site stops transmitting
Local Link LED is OFF indicating a break in the fiber loop
signal until a signal or link pulse is
received. The result is that the link LED on BOTH sides of the fiber
connection will go out indicating a fault somewhere in the fiber loop. Using
FiberAlert, a local site administrator is notified of a fault and can quickly
determine where a cable fault is located.
2
What Is Fiber LinkLoss?
FX LinkLoss is a troubleshooting feature. When a fault occurs on the fiber
segment of a conversion, FX LinkLoss detects the fault and passes this
information to the twisted pair segment. If a media converter is not
receiving a fiber link, FX LinkLoss disables the transmitter on the media
converter's twisted pair port. This results in a loss of link on the device
connected to the twisted pair port.
FiberAlert/LinkLoss Compared
Feature
Fault Location
Disabled LEDs
FiberAlert
Fiber
Fiber
TX LinkLoss
Twisted Pair
Fiber
FX LinkLoss
Fiber
Twisted Pair
What Is TX LinkLoss?
TX LinkLoss is another troubleshooting feature. When a fault occurs on
the twisted pair segment of a conversion, TX LinkLoss detects the fault and
passes this information to the fiber segment. If a media converter is not
receiving a twisted pair link, TX LinkLoss disables the transmitter on the
media converter's fiber port.
Auto-Negotiation is labeled “AN.” Enable these features by moving the
corresponding switch to the up (ON) position. Disable (default) by moving
the switch to the down (OFF) position.
Enabling TX and FX LinkLoss
In order to enable TX and/or
FX LinkLoss, remove the cover from
the Compact Media Converter and
place the jumpers accordingly.
TX/FX
LinkLoss
1) Make sure that there is no
power going to the unit by
UNPLUGING THE POWER
CORD!
2) Using a phillips screwdriver,
remove the screws on the
corners of the cover.
Enabled
3
2 1
Disabled
(Default)
JP3
Twisted Pair
(TX) LinkLoss
Jumper
3) Remove the cover. After doing so, find the three-pin jumpers JP1 and
JP2. JP1 toggles the TX LinkLoss feature and JP2 toggles the FX LinkLoss
feature.
JUMPER CONFIGURATION CHART
Auto-Negotiation on Compact Media Converter
Auto-Negotiation is available on Compact Media Converter. When AutoNegotiation is enabled, the media converter negotiates as a 100 Mbps FullDuplex device; if the device the Compact Media Converter is connected to
can operate at 100 Mbps Full-Duplex, a link will be established.
If the twisted pair port on the other device does not have the ability to
auto-negotiate, or if a 100 Mbps Half-Duplex connection is desired, AutoNegotiation on Compact Media Converter must be disabled. Half- and FullDuplex settings must be manually set and match on both devices to which
Compact Media Converter is connected. The diagram below shows a typical
application, followed by a table with three possible configurations.
JP2
Fiber (FX) LinkLoss
Jumper
Jumper
Position
ON
(pins)
OFF
(pins)
Factory
Default
FX LINKLOSS
JP2
1-2
2-3
Off
TX LINKLOSS
JP3
1-2
2-3
Off
Feature
4) Replace the cover and tighten the screws to secure the cover.
Using FiberAlert and LinkLoss
In a typical central site to remote site media conversion, the manufacturer
recommends you enable your media converters’ troubleshooting features as
follows:
FiberAlert:
TX LinkLoss:
FX LinkLoss:
Remote Site Only
Main and Remote Site
Remote Site Only
This will ensure that any faults, no matter where they occur, can be
detected by an administrator located at the central site.
Installation Troubleshooting
•
Enabling FiberAlert and Auto-Negotiation
FiberAlert and Auto-Negotiation are each configured on Compact Media
Converter by adjusting a two-position switch on the faceplate next to the
fiber connectors. The switch for FiberAlert is labeled “FA” and
3
•
During installation, first test your fiber and twisted pair connections
with all troubleshooting features disabled. Then enable these
features, if desired, just before final installation. This will reduce
the features’ interference with testing.
To test Compact Media Converter by itself, you must have an
appropriate fiber patch cable. First, connect Compact Media
Converter to the twisted pair device with a twisted pair cable.
4
Next, loop a single strand of fiber from the transmit port to the
receive port of your media converter. Finally, verify that you have
both twisted pair and fiber link on your Compact Media Converter.
LED Operation
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause damage to your add-in modules. Always
observe the following precautions when installing or handling an add-in module or any
board assembly.
1) Do not remove unit from its protective packaging until you’re ready to install it.
Compact Media Converter features four diagnostic LEDs. LED functions are:
FX RCV
TX LNK
FA
FX LNK
Electrostatic Discharge Precautions
Blinks yellow when module is receiving data.
Glows green when a twisted pair link is established.
Glows green when FiberAlert is enabled.
Glows green when a fiber link is established.
Specifications
Environmental
Operating Temperature: 32° - 104° F (0° - 40° C)
Storage Temperature: 20° - 160° F (-20° - 70° C)
Humidity: 5 - 95% (non-condensing)
Power
AC Input Load: 100/240V± ~ 50/60 Hz, 0.1/0.05A
Heat generated: 25 BTU/hr.
Dimensions
1.50”H x 4.65”W x 4.43”D (3.8 cm x 11.8 cm x 11.3 cm)
1.3 lbs. (0.6 kg)
2) Wear an ESD wrist grounding strap before handling any module or component. If
you do not have a wrist strap, maintain grounded contact with the system unit
throughout any procedure requiring ESD protection.
WARNING! Integrated circuits and fiber optic components are extremely susceptible to electrostatic discharge
damage. Do not handle these components directly unless you are a qualified service technician and use tools and
techniques that conform to accepted industry practices.
3) Hold boards by the edges only; do not touch the electronic components or gold
connectors.
4) After removal, always place the boards on a grounded, static-free surface, ESD pad or
in a proper ESD bag. Do not slide the board over any surface.
Please contact Black Box for complete warranty, FCC and Safety Certification
information.
Black Box Customer Service Information
CALL:
(724) 746-5500 7 a.m. Monday to midnight Friday; 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. Saturday (EST)
FAX:
(724) 746-0746 7 a.m. Monday to midnight Friday; 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. Saturday (EST)
Mail Order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA
15055-1018
Technical support, phone and fax orders 24 hours a day.
Fiber Optic Cleaning Guidelines
Fiber Optic transmitters and receivers are extremely susceptible to contamination by
particles of dirt or dust, which can obstruct the optic path and cause performance
degradation. Good system performance requires clean optics and connector ferrules.
1) Use fiber patch cords (or connectors, if you terminate your own fiber) only from a
reputable supplier; low-quality components can cause many hard-to-diagnose
problems in an installation.
2) Dust caps are installed by the manufacturer to ensure factory-clean optical devices.
These protective caps should not be removed until the moment of connecting the
fiber cable to the device. Assure that the fiber is properly terminated, polished and
free of any dust or dirt, and that the location is as free from dust and dirt as possible.
3) Store spare caps in a dust-free environment such as a sealed plastic bag or box so that
when reinstalled they do not introduce any contamination to the optics.
4) Should it be necessary to disconnect the fiber device, reinstall the protective dust
caps.
5) If you suspect that the optics have been contaminated, alternate between blasting
with clean, dry, compressed air and flushing with methanol to remove particles of dirt.
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 USA
TEL: (724) 746-5500 • FAX: (724) 746-0746
E-MAIL: [email protected]
WEB: http://www.blackbox.com
© 2001-2002 Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Black Box Corporation assumes no responsibility for any
errors that may appear in this document. Specific brands and product names may be trademarks and are the property of their
respective companies.
Document Number 55-80126BB-01 C1
5
May 2002
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