Escient MP-200 user manual RS-232 Connections, IR Connections

RS-232 CONNECTIONS

COM ports 1 or 2 may be used for connecting an Escient ETP-1500 wired touch panel, external modem or to interface with a third party control system such as AMX or Crestron.

Note: You should use the Ethernet control system for controlling FireBall from a third party control system whenever possible. Using the Ethernet control system frees up the COM ports for other purposes, allows much longer distances between FireBall and the control system, and provides a much faster path for data transfer.

IR CONNECTIONS

The direct IR input jack on the back panel of the FireBall is for controlling FireBall from a wired IR distribution system such as a Xantech system. This connection must be an IR signal with a 36kHz carrier using an 1/8” mono or stereo connector.

The IR input jack provides 12V power. This means that you can directly connect a 12V IR receiver (like the Xantech series 291 units) to the FireBall using a 1/8” stereo connector.

ETHERNET CONNECTIONS

The Ethernet jack on the back panel of the FireBall accepts any standard twisted pair CAT5 Ethernet cable. If you are connecting FireBall to a home network, you typically connect a standard Ethernet cable from your Ethernet router or hub to the FireBall.

There are different grades, or categories, of twisted-pair cabling. Category 5 is the most reliable and widely compatible, and is highly recommended. It runs easily with 10Mbps networks, and is required for 100Mbps networks. You can buy Category 5 cabling that is pre-made, or you can cut & crimp your own.

Category 5 cables can be purchased or crimped as either straight-through or crossed. A Category 5 cable has 8 thin, color-coded wires inside that run from one end of the cable to the other. Only wires 1, 2, 3, and 6 are used by Ethernet networks for communication. Although only four wires are used, if the cable has 8 wires, all the wires have to be connected in both jacks.

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FireBall™ MP-200 User’s Manual