Linking Enclosures - AMX Modula Instruction Manual

Installation Options
Additional installation tasks may include the following:
Special Installation Cases
Parallel Inputs – If the system is configured to route parallel inputs, see "Appendix C – Paralleling Inputs"
on page 167.

Linking Enclosures

Linking enclosures allows control information to pass between them. The enclosures are linked using the
Ethernet linking ports* on the CPUs; the Ethernet traffic between these ports maintains consistent control
speed. In a multiple-enclosure system, the enclosure with the control panel or an external controller
attached receives control information and passes on relevant information to the other enclosures via the
links.
* The Modula Ethernet (BNC) linking port is labeled "Enc Link." On other AMX AutoPatch enclosures,
the Link port (BNC or RJ-45) may be labeled "Link A," "10/100," or "Link 1."
Caution: AMX AutoPatch 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 43)
for important information not included here.
A Modula can be linked directly to another Modula, an Epica-128, or an Epica-256 with the appropriate
cable and T-connectors because they all use Ethernet (BNC) connectors for linking (see page 27).
A Modula can be linked to enclosures with RJ-45 link ports (e.g., Optima, Optima SD, Precis SD,
Epica DG, Epica DGX 16/32, Epica DGX 144) using a 10Base-T to 10Base-2 Media (Ethernet) Converter
and cables (see page 28).
A switch (or hub) is required to link systems that include one Modula enclosure and two or more
enclosures with 10Base-T connectors (see page 30).
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-2 (BNC) network segments cannot
exceed 10 ft. (3.05 m). 10Base-T (RJ-45) network segments cannot exceed 100 ft. (30.5 m).
Important: Enclosures must be cabled correctly after linking. To ensure that you are attaching the
correct signal cables to the correct enclosure, check the "AutoPatch Connector Guide" that ships with
the system, as well as the system / enclosure numbers on the rear of each enclosure.
Modula Instruction Manual
Customizing Channel Names – See page 153 in "Appendix A – Managing Configuration
Files."
Creating Local Presets – See page 154 in "Appendix A – Managing Configuration Files."
Creating global presets – See the Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
on the AMX AutoPatch CD or at www.amx.com.
Installation and Setup
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