Appendix D - Multiple Unit Control (Via Lan Connection); Dual Control Configuration - NorthStar MX500 Operator's & Installation Manual

Multiple Unit Control
Appendix D - Multiple Unit Control

Dual Control Configuration:

The Dual Control mode, which is enabled in the CFG Dual Contrl.
screen, allows you to connect one MX 500 as a Master and another
MX 500 as a Slave unit. This allows a common data base to be shared
between the two CDU control heads. This configuration also allows
you to use one antenna connected to the Master unit for both CDUs.
The remaining data ports, the MOB/Event input port, and the alarm
output ports are still available on each unit for individual use on each
CDU.
The hardware interface is accomplished by connecting the two units
together via the Local Area Network (LAN) port. You can use an
Ethernet cross-over (null) cable or an Ethernet switch. Refer to page
118 of this manual to setup LAN.
The interface between the two units takes place over a high speed (100
Mbps) data link. The master unit must be connected to the antenna.
The master unit receives the NMEA signals from an MX antenna and
pass it along to the slave unit at a one second rate. Due to the high
speed data link, there is virtually no visible position delay between the
two units.
When the two units are first configured as master and slave, the mas-
ter unit mirrors to the slave, and the Common Data Base (see Table D-
1) is downloaded from the master to the slave. This function also takes
place each time the units are powered up. If you happen to have the
CFG1 Dual Control screen active, the status bar will indicate Mirror-
ing during the database update period.
Version 3.0
(Via LAN Connection)
LAN Type: Host
cross-over cable
MX 422 Profe s sio nal DG P S N avigator
MX 500
MASTER UNIT
Hub/Switch/Router
LAN Type: Client
Ethernet
LAN Number: 1
MX 422 Profe s sio nal DG P S N avigator
OR
(CAT5)
(CAT5)
SLAVE UNIT
Operator's Manual
No Antenna
Connected
MX 500
173