Polycom EF2201 Brochure & Specs page 14

If you are more comfortable using the bus as a simple mix-minus of all the other bus signals on the particular bus (W, X,
Y, or Z) then any of the three outputs from each sub-matrix (one for W, X, Y, and Z) can be configured as a mix-minus of
the other linked device's entire W, X, Y, and Z expansion bus signals, respectively.
Why is it different from the main matrix?
The five sub-matrices make the main matrix more manageable. Essentially the bus signals from other devices are mixed
down to 12 main matrix inputs in the sub-matrix. Each of the 14 outputs from the sub-matrix (3 for each of the W, X, Y, Z
busses and 2 for the P bus) can have arbitrary cross point gains or mutes before combining the channels for presentation
to the main matrix.
How many channels can I use?
Each Vortex can map its inputs to the P, W, X, Y, and Z expansion busses just like it would create any other matrix output
signal. These five outputs are available to all the other linked devices as inputs to the sub-matrix.
How do I access them?
If you want to use the linked signals individually or with different gains, you should access the signals from the sub-
matrix. If just want a mix-minus of all the other devices, you can configure any of the sub-matrix outputs to be the sum
of all the other devices excluding the local device.
Can I share codecs and program audio sources easily through the busses?
Yes. Any input to a Vortex can be shared with other linked Vortexes by putting the signal on the expansion bus and then
any other Vortex can get that signal off the bus by muting all the other sub-matrix cross points except the one that it
wants.
How far can the bussing be run?
Because the bus is very high speed, it is required to keep the length of each cable segment to less than 14 ft (4 m).
RS-232 Control Questions
Will RS-232 work with AMX and Crestron?
Yes. Absolutely. Polycom has provided all the programming information to AMX & Crestron and macros are available.
What can I control via RS-232?
Absolutely everything. Every feature in the Vortex has an RS-232 command and documentation as to how to control the
feature. The Vortex has a very readable and friendly command set. Section 12 lists the Vortex RS-232 commands.
How does the Vortex work across multiple Vortex devices?
A linked network of Vortexes uses a single serial port on the host PC or controller. The remaining Vortexes receive their
commands via the EF Bus. This way only one Vortex needs to be connected to the control system and the remaining
Vortexes are linked in a daisy chain fashion. However, if you would like to connect multiple controllers to multiple linked
Vortexes, you can do that too. Each Vortex can be connected to its own controller (although in most applications you
would only need one controller to control all the linked devices). See the application note Interfacing to Multiple Vortex
Devices via Multiple RS-232 ports for more information.
Does the Vortex give mixer gating information to the controller? How?
Yes. With a single RS-232 command (GATEEN1 for GATE ENable On or CGATEEN1 for Camera GATE Enable On), the
Vortex will send event-driven gating status commands to the main controller. As the gating status of microphones
change, the Vortex will automatically send out a status message. Another command can be used to turn off this flow of
information. Gating information can also be mapped to the logic outputs, but it is usually simpler to have the Vortex
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