SIMPLIFIED MFG 297ARCEX ARC Audio Extender Kit User Manual

: June 13, 2024
: SIMPLIFIED MFG

Table of Contents

Surge protection device recommended
Introduction
Features
Package Contents
Specifications
Operation Controls and Functions
- Transmitter Panel
- Receiver Panel
Application Example (ARC Mode)
Application Example (Optical)
Troubleshooting
Warranty and Contact Information
ARCEX Quick Start Guide

SIMPLIFIED MFG 297ARCEX ARC Audio Extender Kit User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the ARCEX

The Simplified MFG ARCEC was designed to provide years of reliable service. At Simplified MFG we want your experience with this device to be the best possible and are committed to helping achieve that experience. Please read and keep this manual for future reference.

Surge protection device recommended

This product contains sensitive electrical components that may be damaged by electrical spikes, surges, electric shock, lighting strikes, etc. Use of surge protection systems is highly recommended to protect and extend the life of your equipment. If connected to satellite or cable boxes, the HDSURGE is recommended to prevent surges through the HDMI cable.

Introduction

The ARCEX is an audio only extender designed to take the ARC audio of a display to an amplifier or other ARC enabled device and transmit it in full bandwidth up to 90m (295ft) over category cable. CEC transmission is supported so the display’s remote can be used to control the volume of the amplifier. The EXARC also supports optical S/PDIF transmission up to 150m (492ft) at 96 kHz., and 90m at 192 kHz. The ARCEX is designed to be a simple plug and play device to get ARC from the display back to the ARC enabled amplifier or other ARC device that is too far away to use a traditional HDMI cable.

Features

ARC Audio or Optical S/PDIF is extended over single category cable
Audio formats include: PCM 2.0 or Dolby/DTS 5.1
At the lower sampling rates of 96kHz. or below, the distance is increased to 150m (492ft)
At the higher sampling rates of 172kHz. and 192kHz., the distance is 90m (295ft)
Supports CEC for amplifier volume control, etc.
Compact size
DIP switch enables optical S/PDIF if ARC is not available (CEC is lost in this mode)
Power input is designed to use Micro USB so that available USB ports can be used to power the RX, TX or both

Package Contents

Qty	Item
1	1 HDMI ARC Transmitter
1	1 HDMI ARC Receiver
2	Shielded Micro USB cables
2	5V/1A 85-230VAC to 5V USB Type-A power adapters
4	Mounting Ears
1	User Manual

Specifications

Technical

Bit Rate /Distance| Up to 192kHz. – 90m (295ft.) Up to 96kHz. – 150m (492ft.)
Audio Formats| PCM 2.0 and Dolby/DTS 5.1
Supported Sampling Rates| Optical/ARC – 32kHz., 44.1kHz., 48kHz., 88.2kHz. & 96kHz. ARC- 32kHz., 44.1kHz., 48kHz., 88.2kHz., 96kHz., 176.4kHz. & 192kHz.
ESD Protection| Human body model — ±8kV (Air-gap discharge) & ±4kV (Contact discharge)
Connections
Transmitter| Inputs: 1 x HDMI (ARC in) Type A [19-pin female] 1 x optical S/PDIF 1x Micro USB, power connection port Outputs:1x CAT out [RJ45, 8-pin female]
Receiver| Inputs: 1x CAT in [RJ45, 8-pin female] 1x Micro USB, power connection port Outputs: 1x HDMI (ARC out) Type A [19-pin female] 1 x optical S/PDIF
Mechanical
Housing| Metal Enclosure
Color| Black
Dimensions| Transmitter / Receiver: 90mm/3.5” [W] x 72mm/2.823” [D] x 20mm/.79” [H]
Weight| 175g/6.17oz.
Power Supply| Input: AC 85 – 230V 50/60Hz Output: DC 5V/2A (Locking connector)
Power Consumption| TX – 0.35W RX – 0.7W
Operating Temp| 32 – 104°F / 0 – 40°C
Storage Temp| -4 – 140°F / -20 – 60°C
Relative Humidity| 20 – 90% RH (no condensation)

The terms HDMI and HDMI High-Definition Multimedia interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.

Operation Controls and Functions

Transmitter Panel

No.	Name	Function/Description
1	Power LED	LED indicates power status
2	Audio Selector Switch	Switch Mode: S/PDIF – The S/PDIF (optical) in at TX

is sent to S/PDIF out (optical) at RX ARC – Audio from HDMI TX in (ARC) is sent to HDMI out at RX
3| CAT OUT| Connects TX to RX via Category cable
4| Optical In (S/PDIF)| Connects to S/PDIF out (optical) of display via Toslink cable. In this mode ARC is disabled
5| HDMI In| Connects to eARC/ARC port of display
6| 5V Input| Connects to supplied power supplies or available USB port. Most USB ports on displays are capable, but this should be verified and the USB port settings may need to be modified in the display’s menu

Receiver Panel

No.	Name	Function/Description
1	Power LED	LED indicates power status
2	CAT In	Connects to Cat Out port of TX via Category cable
3	Optical Out (S/PDIF)	Connect to Optical Input on amplifier via Toslink

cable when the TX is set to S/PDIF mode
4| ARC Out (HDMI)| ARC Audio is output via the ARC audio function of HDMI from output of display connected to the TX via the HDMI port (switch set to ARC)
5| 5V Input| Connect to supplied 5V USB Power supply

Application Example (ARC Mode)

Application Example

The Switch on the TX should be set to ARC
Also note that it many displays will have a port marked “eARC”. eARC is backwards compatible with ARC. Some displays default to ARC when this is disabled, other may vary. It may become important to familiarize yourself with the display’s functions.

Application Example (Optical)

***The Switch on the TX should be set to “SPDIF”

Troubleshooting

No Power| – Verify power at both ends (make sure power LED) is illuminated. If you are using the display’s USB port, it is possible that it does not have enough current to power the TX or there may be a setting in the display’s menu that is affecting it – Use the supplied USB Power supplies – Verify that the USB Power supplies are operation by using a power bank or known USB supply
---|---
No Sound| – Verify power at both ends (see above) – Verify that the switch setting is in the mode you are wishing to use – If the ARC enabled amplifier does not have downmix capabilities, you must change the audio settings in the display’s menu, to “PCM”. – When using optical (S/PDIF) the same rules apply to this format as well if the amp/audio device does not downmix

Warranty and Contact Information

Should you feel that this product does not function adequately due to defects in materials or workmanship, we (referred to as “the warrantor”) will, for the length of the period indicated below (starting from the original date of the purchase) either a) repair the product with new or refurbished parts. Or b) Replace the product with new or refurbished product. All Simplified MFG products are covered by a 3-year warranty. During this period there will be no charge for unit repair, replacement of unit components or replacement of the product if deemed necessary. The decision to repair or replace is made by the warrantor. The purchaser must mail in the product during the warranty period. This limited warranty only covers the product purchased as new and is extended to the original purchaser only. It is non-transferrable to subsequent owners, even during the warranty period. A purchase receipt or other proof of purchase date is required for the limited warranty service.

Sales and Tech Support
P. 833-HDMI-411 (833-436-4411)
E. info@simplifiedmfg.com

ARCEX Quick Start Guide

Application Example

The ARCEX allows ARC audio to be transmitted up to 90m /295ft. Over category cable
Can be used for ARC (higher resolution audio), or optical audio (less resolution)
Compact size makes it easy to place behind display
Powers from USB Micro. Available USB ports can be used to power the ARCEX as the current draw is very low (0.3W on TX)

The ARCEX is a 90m (at full resolution) ARC audio over category cable extender. The ARCEX supports all ARC audio formats and CEC. The compact units are powered via Micro USB ports and come with cables and power supplies. Getting power from an available USB port is super easy as the TX portion only draws 0.35W. The RX portion, 0.7W. In addition the ARCEX can also be used as an optical to optical extender instead of ARC as well. Ideal use is where the display is the source to get audio back to AVR or ARC enabled amplifier.

Features

Supports all ARC audio formats
Supports CEC source control
Supports full audio resolution (ARC is better than optical)
Powers via Micro USB
Very low current draw means the display can be used to power TX
3-Year Warranty

Specifications

Technical

Bit rate by Distance| ARC up to 192kHZ. – 95m /295ft. , Optical up to 96kHZ. – 150m /495ft.
Digital-to-Digital Audio formats| LPCM, DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1
Sampling Rates| 32kHZ., 44.1kHZ., 48kHZ., 88.2kHz., 96kHZ., 176.4kHz., & 192kHz.
ESD Protection| Human body model — ±8kV (air-gap discharge) & ±4kV (contact discharge)
Connections
TX| Inputs: 1x HDMI (Type-A) 1× Optical (Toslink) 1x Micro USB (power) Outputs: 1x RJ-45
RX| Inputs: 1× RJ-45 1 x Micro USB (power) Outputs: 1× HDMI (ARC) 1× Optical (Toslink)
Mechanical
Housing| Metal Enclosure
Dimensions| 90mm / 3.54” [W] x 73mm /2.875” [D] x 20mm / .79” [H] 2.72”x2.5”x0.95”
Weight| TX: 138g/ 4.875oz. RX: 143g/5oz.
Power Supply| Input: AC100 – 240V 50/60Hz Output: DC 5V/1A (US/EU standards, CE/FCC/UL certified)
Power Consumption| TX 0.35W / RX 0.7W (Max)
Operation Temperature| 32 – 104°F / 0 – 40°C
Storage Temperature| -4 – 140°F / -20 – 60°C
Relative Humidity| 20 – 90% RH (no condensation)