StarTech ST1218T VGA Video Extender User Manual

: June 6, 2024
: StarTech

Table of Contents

StarTech ST1218T VGA Video Extender
Introduction
Installation
Operation
Specifications
References
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StarTech ST1218T VGA Video Extender

Introduction

The StarTech.com Converge A/V VGA over Cat5 Video Extender system is comprised of a transmitter unit (ST1214T/ ST1218T) and a receiver unit (ST121R) and optionally a repeater unit (ST121EXT). This video extender system allows you to split and extend a single VGA source signal to up to four or eight separate remote locations. The VGA signal is extended using standard Cat5 UTP cable, with a maximum distance of up to 150m (492ft) or 250m (820ft) with a repeater.

Packaging Contents

1 x 4-port Transmitter Unit (ST1214T) or
1 x 8-port Transmitter Unit (ST1218T)or
1 x Receiver Unit (ST121R/ GB/ EU)or
1 x Extender (Repeater) Unit (ST121EXT/ GB/ EU)•
1 x Universal Power Adapter (ST1214T/ ST1218T only)or
1 x Standard Power Adapter (NA or UK or EU plug)
1 x Mounting Bracket kit (ST121R/ GB/ EU and ST121EXT/ GB/ EU only)
1 x Instruction Manual

System Requirements

VGA enabled video source and display
Available power outlet at local and remote locations
Both a Transmitter Unit and Receiver Unit(s)

ST121R / ST121RGB /ST121REU

ST121EXT / ST121EXTGB / ST121EXTEU ST1218T

Installation

NOTE: To prevent potential electrical damage to the units in some environments, ensure that the chassis is properly grounded.
Hardware Installation The following instructions detail how ST1214T, ST1218T, ST121R, and ST121EXT units can be used to extend a VGA signal to remote displays, using a variety of different configurations. ST1214T/ ST1218T (local) and ST121R (remote)

Using the Transmitter Unit, you can split the VGA signal from the source into 4/8 separate VGA signals, for a reception at remote locations (up to 150m (492ft) away).
Situate the Transmitter so that it is near your VGA video source as well as an available power source.
Connect the VGA video source to the VGA IN port on the Transmitter, using a male-female VGA cable.
Connect the Transmitter to the power source, using the power adapter provided.
Situate the Receiver Unit so that it is near the intended remote display(s) and an available power source.

OPTIONAL: with the optional mounting brackets (StarTech.com ID: ST121MOUNT), any ST121 series receiver can be securely mounted to a wall or other surface.

Using the Monitor Outports, connect the Receiver to the display. Note that each Receiver unit can be connected to two separate displays simultaneously. To connect two monitors, simply connect a VGA cable from the second Monitor Out to a second display.
Connect the Receiver to the power source using the power adapter provided.
Once the Transmitter and Receiver unit(s) have been positioned, connect the Cat5 OUT ports provided by the Transmitter unit to each Receiver Unit, using standard UTP cable, with RJ45 connectors on each end.

The following diagram illustrates the connection between Transmitter and receiver units.

ST1214T/ ST1218T (local), ST121EXT (extender), ST121R (Remote)
Using the Transmitter Unit, you can split the VGA signal from the source into 4 separate VGA signals, for a reception at remote locations. While the maximum transmission distance of the Transmitter is 150m (492ft), using the Extender Unit as a signal repeater adds another 100m (328ft) to the total transmission distance, for a total extension of 250m (820ft).

Situate the Transmitter Unit so that it is near your VGA video source as well as an available power source.
Connect the VGA video source to the VGA IN port on the Transmitter, using a standard male-female VGA cable.
Connect the Transmitter to the power source, using the power adapter provided.
Situate the Extender Unit up to 150m (492ft) away from the Transmitter unit, ensuring that the Extender Unit is able to connect to an available power outlet.
OPTIONAL: with the optional mounting brackets (StarTech.com ID: ST121MOUNT), any ST121 series receiver can be securely mounted to a wall or other surface.

5. Using a standard UTP cable with RJ45 terminators on each end, connect the Cat5 OUT port provided by the Transmitter Unit to the Cat5 IN port provided by the Extender Unit.
6. Connect the Extender Unit to an available power outlet, using the adapter provided.
OPTIONAL: You can connect two monitors directly to the Extender Unit. To do so, simply connect the monitors to the MONITOR OUT ports on the Extender Unit.
7. Repeat steps 4 to 7 for each Receiver Unit that will be used in conjunction with an Extender (up to 8).
8. Situate the Receiver Unit up to 150m (492ft) away from the Extender Unit, so that it is near the intended display(s) as well as an available power source.
9. Connect the Receiver Unit to the power source using the power adapter provided.
10. Using a standard UTP cable with RJ45 terminators on each end, connect the Cat5 OUT port provided by the Extender Unit to the Cat5 IN port provided by the Receiver Unit.
NOTE: Each Receiver Unit can be connected to two separate displays simultaneously. To connect two monitors, simply connect a VGA cable from the second Monitor Out port to a second display.

The following diagram illustrates the connection between Transmitter and Receiver units, with the addition of an Extender Unit. Please note that although only one Extender is used in this illustration, up to four can be used simultaneously.

Driver Installation No driver installation is required for this video extender as it is an external hardware-only solution, invisible to the computer system.

Operation

ST1214T/ ST1218T, ST121EXT, and ST121R all provide LED indicators, allowing simple operating status monitoring. Once the power adapter has been connected, the Power LED will become illuminated; similarly, when the unit is in use (i.e. transmitting a video signal), the Active LED will become illuminated.

Signal Equalizer Selector (ST121R, ST121EXT)
The Signal Equalizer Selector on the Receiver and Extender Units can be adjusted to obtain the optimal video signal for various cable lengths. There are four settings on the selector switch, indicating cables of different lengths. The following table can be used as a reference for selecting the appropriate setting:

Wiring Diagram
The Video Extenders requires an unshielded twisted pair Cat5 cable no longer than 150m (492ft). The cable must be wired according to the EIA/TIA 568B industry-standard as shown below.

Specifications

| ST1214T| ST1218T
---|---|---

Connectors

| 1 x DE-15 VGA male 1 x DE-15 VGA female

4 x RJ45 Ethernet female 1 x Power Connector

| 1 x DE-15 VGA male 2 x DE-15 VGA female

8 x RJ45 Ethernet female 1 x Power Connector

| ST121R / ST121RGB / ST121REU| ST121EXT / ST121EXTGB

/ ST121EXTEU

---|---|---

Connectors

| 2 x DE-15 VGA female 1 x RJ45 Ethernet female

1 x Power Connector

| 2 x DE-15 VGA female 2 x RJ45 Ethernet female

1 x Power Connector

Technical Support
StarTech.com’s lifetime technical support is an integral part of our commitment to provide industry-leading solutions. If you ever need help with your product, visit www.startech.com/support and access our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and downloads.
For the latest drivers/software, please visit www.startech.com/downloads
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a two-year warranty.
In addition, StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned for repair or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees, or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for the product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.