ConfiX Audio Tab


    

This tab allows the audio source switching to be set up

The setting for the RF menu option will be determined by the audio connection you have decided to use.

In these notes CVBS or composite is taken to mean input using the yellow phono connector and Y/C or S-Video the input using the four pin mini DIN connector on the TV card.

Using an external connection:

The default installation of a Pinnacle TV card in an Iyonix suggests the use of the supplied audio lead to take audio from the output socket on the TV card and to input it back into the Iyonix using the Line In socket.

For this option set RF to "Line In"

This is fine for a basic installation but does have limitations if the composite or Y/C connections the TV card provides are also to be used. The limitation is that the audio connection will need to be swapped each time a switch is made from RF TV to either Composite or S-video input (assuming you require sound!)

Using an internal connection:

If you have two CD drives fitted and require audio from both then the following notes are not for you! If you only have one drive fitted or do not require audio from the second drive then read on.

The Pinnacle range of TV cards provide a four pin header on the board which provides audio out. This can be linked using a suitable cable to one of the Iyonix mother board audio in headers.

In order to use this connection you will require a standard 4 way to 4 way internal audio lead. A lead of this type may already be to hand if you've ever fitted a replacement CD drive and kept the cables that came with it. If a suitable cable needs to be purchased then I suggest you try ITC http://www.itc-uk.co.uk/ they had them on sale at last years SE Show for approx. £2.00.

Maplins also do a suitable lead, part number LQ80B at a penny short of a fiver.

Castle have provided two internal stereo analogue audio inputs on the mother board, PL800 and PL801. PL800 is normally used for the first CD drive and in most cases PL801 is free for other uses. The quality of the picture is poor but should enable the two connectors to be identified. PL800 is the right hand one, showing the audio lead to the CD drive attached. PL801 is the left hand connector.

Fitting the cable:

Plug one end of the cable on to PL801 with the white lead to the right as viewed from the front of the Iyonix. Having fitted a cable to this connector, it may then look as if the TV card will foul the connector when it's being fitted but this in not the case, there is just enough clearance provided the cables are dressed down as shown for the CD cable.

The other end of the cable goes to the 4 way header labelled "INTERNAL AUDIO OUT" on the TV card.

For a card which provides stereo sound then it's important that the 4 way plugs are fitted the right way round at both ends if the stereo sound field is to be correctly set up. The white lead goes to the pin marked L. For a mono card it doesn't matter which way round the cable is connected.

Once this modification has been made the Iyonix Line In socket is now free for use with other inputs, such as a DVD player, Freeview or Sky receiver.

A few more words on PL800/801 connections and PCI card clearance. Following a couple of concerns from users that tested out these notes, I questioned John Ballance on the expected clearance. John states "That the two audio connectors are in a position not formally occupied by a PCI cards outline." John also stated that "not all cards stick strictly to the PCI card form specification, that the clearance is quite small and it may be necessary to obtain an audio lead with low profile connectors such as the ones used by Castle."

For this option set RF to "Aux 3"

CVBS and Y/C settings:

The setting for these two options will depend on the RF setting.

If RF is set to "Line In" then the best option for the other two is "Off", this will ensure that TV sound is muted should CVBS or Y/C be selected.

If RF is set to "Aux 3", then set the other two as required. A permanent connection from (say) a DVD player could be made. In this situation, the correct audio source will be selected along with the video source.


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