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10 | OMNI POWER AND CONTROL INTERFACE SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 2
OmniCtrl modules map a convenient path for one computer to connect to and collect data from up to sixteen
individually mechanized behavior boxes. The operating computer connects via USB to the interface decode card
in the interface cabinet. The IC-124 Omni Control interface card is connected and controlled via the interface
cabinet. The IC-124 connects with connection panels such as OC-112, OC-124, and OSC-112 through an
HDMI style connector.
Decode Card Integration
The OmniCtrl system requires an interface and decode card to communicate with Med-PC. The DIG-705 interface
and decode card, inserted into the control interface cabinet, connects to the controlling computer via a USB-A to
USB-B cable (CAB-USB-AM-BM-10). To maintain the short latency expected of Med Associates interfaces, it is
recommended to connect the USB cable directly to a high-speed serial port (USB 2.0 or better) on the computer
and not rely on cable extensions or USB "hub" devices.
SmartCtrl cards require 28 Volt power and a shared ground to operate the control connection. SmartCtrl cards
require a 2-pin Molex power connection via the port just below the main USB port (see Figure 2.2 I). This is
supplied by connecting a SG-210CP-2 cord through a SG-210CP-M12-4M from an M12 power port on the back
of the cabinet. The 28 volt power cord is not needed when only using OmniCtrl or SuperPort input cards.
Power Connectivity
The Power Interface Cabinet (PIC) is powered through a standard wall outlet configured as either 120V/60Hz or
230V/50Hz in the style of outlet connector for your location. It is important that a grounded outlet plug is used
like the one provided with the system and that plug is seated in a fully grounded outlet and not fed through a
power strip or extension cable that does not have a grounding line. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is filtered
away from the unit using the grounding line, therefore a lack of grounding can cause unexpected damage or
disfunction.
Connection panels are powered through an M12 power connector that connects to back of the PCIC. To connect
the M12 power connector, orient the plug to match the pins of the receiving port and insert until the threaded
collar comes into contact with the port threads. Turn the collar until it engages with the threads and bring it to
thumb tight against the panel. When the panel is first powered, the green light at the bottom of the faceplate will
flash initially quickly then slowly, alternating on and off once per second. When "Control" becomes correctly
connected (see Connection panel Connectivity p.14) the flashing green light will change to constant. Due to the
capacity of power that can be held in the connection panel, the light may remain flashing a few minutes after the
panel is disconnected from power till sufficient power has been drained from the panel capacitors.
A connection panel directly connected from the power source can "daisy chain" or pass the power to one
additional connection panel. This reduces the number of power lines needed from the power cabinet. Each of
the M12 power supply ports of the PIC can power up to two powered connection panels. A 30' power connection
cable (CAB-M12-4F/M-10M) is supplied with the first of two connection panels and a 9' power cable (CAB-M12-
4F/M-3M) for each to daisy chain. A full cabinet for sixteen chambers properly supplied will have eight 30' power
cables, and eight 8' daisy chain power cables.
Alternate and supplemental 28V power supplies can provide excellent solutions to setup challenges. Be sure to
review our website
supply options. In the past it was important that control cards (such as the SmartCtrl or SuperPort) shared the
same grounding line as the power source. This is not necessary when only using OmniCtrl products, but if using
cards of mixed technology levels this can become an important factor in system configuration.
GETTING SET-UP
https://med-associates.com/product-category/power-control-interface/
for available power
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