Linking Enclosures - AMX Optima Instruction Manual

Installation and Setup

Linking Enclosures

Linking enclosures allows control information to pass between them. Optima enclosures are linked using
the Enc Link (Ethernet) ports* on the CPU boards; the Ethernet traffic between these ports maintains
consistent control speed. In a multiple-enclosure system, the enclosure with the control panel or external
controller receives control information and passes on relevant information to the other enclosures via the
links.
Important: If applicable, the shipping boxes each have a bright yellow/green sticker that states that
the unit (enclosure) is part of a multiple-enclosure system and must be installed with the same serial
numbers.
Important: The Enc Link (Ethernet RJ-45) connector on the CPU is not for a TCP/IP connection.
* The Optima Ethernet RJ-45 port is labeled "Enc Link." On other AMX enclosures, the Link port (BNC
or RJ-45) may be labeled "Link A," "Link 1," or "10/100."
Caution: AMX systems should only be linked in their own isolated networks.
If any of the linked enclosures were not part of the original system, contact technical support
(see page 40) for important information not included here.
An Optima can be linked directly to another Optima, an Optima SD, a Precis SD, an Epica DG,
Epica DGX 32, or Epica DGX 144 enclosure with the appropriate cable because they all use Ethernet
10Base-T (10/100) connectors for linking (see page 26).
An Optima can be linked to 10Base-2 enclosures (e.g., Modula, Modula CatPro, Epica-128, or
Epica-256 enclosures) using a 10Base-T to 10Base-2 Media (Ethernet) Converter and cables
(see page 27).
A switch (or hub) is required to link systems that include at least three Optima enclosures, or include two
Optima enclosures and at least one other enclosure with a 10Base-T connector, or include one Optima
enclosure and two or more enclosures with 10Base-T connectors (see page 28).
Network Segments
The network segments (the physical network sections as determined by hardware) of a linked system
determine the total distance between all the enclosures in a linked system. A switch/hub or a media
converter indicates the start of a new network segment. For more information regarding network
segments, see the directions for the individual type of system. 10Base-T (RJ-45) network segments
cannot exceed 100 ft. (30.5 m). 10Base-2 (BNC) network segments cannot exceed 10 ft. (3.05 m).
Important: Enclosures must be cabled correctly after linking. To ensure that the correct signal
cables are attached to the correct enclosure, check the "AutoPatch Connector Guide" that shipped
with the system, as well as the system / enclosure numbers on the rear of each enclosure.
Enclosures and Ethernet Connectors
The method used for linking depends on the type of Ethernet connector on each enclosure's CPU.
The table below indicates the type of Ethernet connectors available on AMX enclosures.
Enclosure
Optima and Optima SD
Epica DG, Epica DGX 32, Epica DGX 144
Epica-128 and Epica-256
Modula and Modula CatPro
Precis SD
Note: The Ethernet RJ-45 port may be labeled Enc Link, Link A, Link 1, or 10/100 for 10Base-T.
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Ethernet 10Base-T (RJ-45) Ethernet 10Base-2 (BNC)
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Optima Instruction Manual