Installation Guide

NI-4100

NetLinx Central Controllers

The NI-4100 series of NetLinx Controllers provide versatility with the ability to integrate the largest number of devices in the NI Series of Master Controllers, including projectors, lighting, VCR and DVD players, thermostats and other electronic equipment. In these technology-driven environments, this solution allows for the future addition of more devices and control capabilities.

With a perfect mix of compatible formats, the NI-4100 series offers flexibility and customization for businesses experiencing rapid growth and for homes that demand seamless integration of technology and design. The NI-4100 series provides higher performance with a faster processor, up to 256MB of onboard RAM and Duet-compatibility.

OUTPUT LED

INPUT LED

STATUS LED

LINK/ACT LED

RS-232/422/485 Status LEDs

RELAY Status LEDs

IR/SERIAL Status LEDs

I/O Status LEDs front rear

Slot 1-4 connectors

ICSNet/ICSHub Ports (provided by optional

ICSNet daughter card)

RS-232/422/485 (Ports 1-7)

ID Pushbutton

Cardframe

DIP Switch

Relays (Port 8)

I/O (Port 17)

IR/Serial (Ports 9-16)

PROGRAM Port

CONFIGURATION DIP Switch

ETHERNET

10/100 Port

AxLink Port

12 VDC PWR Connector

Slot 1-4 connectors

FIG. 1 NI-4100

The NI-4100’s on-board Master also provides the ability to update installed control card firmware.

ATTENTION!

Verify you are using the latest NI firmware for the on-board Master. Verify you are using the latest version of NetLinx Studio (available for download from www.amx.com).

Specifications

NI-4100 Specifications

Models Available: • NI-4100 64MB Controller (FG2105-06)

• NI-4100/256 256MB Controller (FG2105-26)

Dimensions (HWD): • 5 3/16" x 17" x 9 5/16" (13.2 cm x 43.2 cm x 23.7 cm)

• RU: 3

Power Requirement: • 900 mA @ 12 VDC

Memory:

Compact Flash:

NI-4100:

• 64 MB SDRAM

• 1 MB Non-volatile (NV) SRAM

NI-4100/256:

• 256 MB SDRAM

1 MB Non-volatile (NV) SRAM

2GB or greater (upgradeable to 4GB - see Other AMX Equipment).

Note: AMX may increase Flash size at any time in response to market availability.

Weight:

Enclosure:

9.15 lbs (4.15 kg)

Metal with black matte finish

Certifications: FCC Part 15 Class B, CE, and IEC 60950

Front Panel LEDs/Slots:

LINK/ACT

(green):

Status (green):

Output (red):

Input (yellow):

RS-232/422/485

(red):

Relay (red):

Blinks when the Ethernet cables are connected and terminated correctly.

Also blinks when receiving Ethernet data packets.

Blinks to indicate that the system is programmed and communicating properly.

Blinks when the Controller transmits data, sets channels On and Off, sends data strings, etc.

Blinks when the Controller receives data from button pushes, strings, commands, channel levels, etc.

Light to indicate that DB9 Ports 1 - 7 are transmitting or receiving RS-232,

422, or 485 data.

Light to indicate the relay channels 1 - 8 are active (closed). These LEDs reflect the state of the relay on Port 8.

NI-4100 Specifications (Cont.)

IR/Serial (red):

I/O (yellow):

NetLinx Control

Card Slots 1 - 4:

Accepts up to 4 compatible NetLinx Cards (NXC-COM2, NXC-IRS4,

NXC-I/O10, NXC-REL8).

Rear Panel Components:

RS-232/422/485

(Ports 1 - 7):

7 RS-232/422/485 control ports using DB9 (male) connectors with XON/

XOFF (transmit on/transmit off), CTS/RTS (clear to send/ready to send), and 300-115,200 baud.

ICSNet:

Light to indicate the IR/Serial channels 1 - 8 are transmitting control data on

Ports 9 - 16. LED indictor for each IR port remains lit for the length of time that IR/Serial data is being generated.

Light when the rear I/O channels 1 - 8 are active. The LED for each I/O port reflects the state of that particular port.

ICSHub Out:

Relay (Port 8):

Digital I/O

(Port 17):

2 RJ-45 connectors for ICSNet interface (provided by optional ICSNet daughter card).

RJ-45 connector provides data to a Hub connected to the Controller

(provided by optional ICSNet daughter card).

• 8-channel single-pole single throw relay ports

• Each relay is independently controlled.

• Supports up to 8 independent external relay devices

• Channel range = 1-8

• Each relay can switch up to 24 VDC or 28 VAC @ 1 A

• Two 8-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) connectors provide relay termination

8-channel binary I/O port for contact closure with each input being capable of voltage sensing. Input format is software selectable with interactive power sensing for IR ports.

Note: The I/Os are not dry closure; they are electronic switches that float at

5V when Off. Therefore, they should not be expected to work in situations that require true dry contact (or dry closure). The I/Os do work with AMX

PC1, PC2, UPC20 and UPC20+.

IR/Serial

(Ports 9 - 16):

Program Port:

Configuration

DIP Switch:

ID Pushbutton:

Ethernet Port:

8 IR/Serial control ports support high-frequency carriers of up to 1.142 MHz with each output being capable of two electrical formats: IR or Serial.

• 8 IR/Serial data signals can be generated simultaneously.

• IR ports support data mode (at limited baud rates and wiring distances).

RS-232 DB9 connector (male) can be connected to a DB9 port on a PC.

This connector can be used with serial and NetLinx programming commands, as well as other DB9 capable devices, to both upload/download information from the NetLinx Studio program.

Sets the communication parameters for the Program port (see Baud Rate

Settings).

Sets the NetLinx ID (Device only) assignment for the device.

RJ-45 connector provides TCP/IP communication. This is an Auto MDI/

MDI-X enabled port, which allows you to use either straight-through or crossover Ethernet cables.

The Ethernet Port LEDs show communication activity, connection status, speeds, and mode information:

• SPD (speed) - Yellow LED lights On when the connection speed is 100

Mbps and turns Off when the speed is 10 Mbps.

• L/A (link/activity) - Green LED lights On when the Ethernet cables are connected and terminated correctly, and blinks when receiving Ethernet data packets.

AxLink Port:

Power Port:

CardFrame #

DIP Switch:

Control Card

Connectors (1-4):

Operating

Environment:

Included

Accessories:

Other AMX

Equipment:

4-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (male) connector that provides data and power to external control devices. Green AXlink LED indicates the state of the

AXlink port.

2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (male) connector.

Sets the starting address for the Control Cards in the CardFrame. (Factory default CardFrame DIP switch value = 0). The Control Card address range is 1-3064.

20-pin (male) connectors that connect the Control Cards and external equipment to the CardFrame.

• Operating Temperature: 0° C (32° F) to 50° C (122° F)

• Operating Humidity: 20% to 85% RH

• Heat Dissipation (Typical): 36.9 BTU/hr

• 2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) PWR connector (41-5025)

• 4-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) AXlink connector (41-5047)

• 10-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) I/O connector (41-5107)

• Installation Kit (KA2105-01):

8-pin Relay Common Strip

4 rack mount screws

4 washers

• 2 8-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) Relay connectors (41-5083)

• 2 CC-NIRC NetLinx IR Emitter Cables (FG10-000-11)

• 2 removable rack ears (62-2105-07)

• 2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix male connector (41-5026)

• CC-NSER IR/Serial cables (FG10-007-10)

• NCK, NetLinx Connector Kit (FG2902)

• STS, Serial To Screw Terminal (FG959)

• Upgrade Compact Flash (factory programmed with firmware):

NXA-CF2NI4G, 4 GB Flash Upgrade (FG2116-07)

Connections and Wiring

Inserting NetLinx Cards into the NetLinx Control Card Slots

NetLinx Cards can be installed into the front card slots. The cards mount horizontally through the card slot openings on the front panel of the enclosure. To install a NetLinx Card:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Discharge the static electricity from your body by touching a grounded metal object and unplug all the connectors from the unit.

Remove the three screws by turning them in a counter-clockwise direction and remove the front faceplate.

Align the edges of the card with the internal guide slots and gently slide it in all the way until the rear edge of the card snap into place.

Re-secure the faceplate by inserting the three screws by turning them in a clockwise direction and securing the front faceplate to the Controller.

Re-apply power and other connections as necessary.

Setting the Integrated Controllers’ Starting Card Address

The 8-position CardFrame Number DIP switch on the rear panel sets the starting address

(the device number in the D:P:S specification) for the Control Cards installed in the controller.

The Control Card address range is 1 - 3064.

The factory default CardFrame DIP switch value = 0 (All CardFrame DIP switches in the OFF

position). The formula for setting the starting address is:

(DIP switch value) + Card slot Number (1 - 4) = Card Address

For example:

A DIP switch setting of 00010101:

(0 + 0 + 0 + 96 + 0 + 384 + 1536) + SLOT # (ex:1) = 2017.

A card in slot number 1 = device address 2017.

Set the CardFrame Number DIP switch value is based on the table below.

Position

Value

1

12

2

24

3

48

4

96

5

192

6

384

7

768

8

1536

ON position

Cycle power to the unit for approximately 5 seconds. This allows the unit to read the new device number settings.

Wiring a Power Connection

Use a 12 VDC-compliant power supply to provide power to the Controller via the rear 2-pin

3.5 mm mini-Phoenix connector. Use the power requirements information listed in the

Specifications table to determine the power draw.

The incoming PWR and GND cable from the PSN power supply must be connected to their corresponding locations within the PWR connector.

• This unit should only have one source of incoming power.

• Using more than one source of power to the Controller can result in damage to the internal components and a possible burn out.

• Apply power to the unit only after installation is complete.

RS-232/422/485 Wiring Connector Information

FIG. 2 shows the pinout and wiring specification information for the rear RS-232/RS-422/RS-

485 (DB9) Device Ports. These ports support most standard serial mouse control devices and RS-232 communication protocols for PC data transmission.

The NI-4100 uses Ports 1 - 7.

DB9 Serial Port pinouts (male connector)

3

2

1

5

4

9

8

7

6

RS-232

Pin 2: RX signal

Pin 3: TX signal

PIN 5: GND

Pin 7: RTS

Pin 8: CTS

RS-422

Pin 1: RX -

Pin 4: TX +

PIN 5: GND

Pin 6: RX +

Pin 9: TX -

RS-485

Pin 1: A (strap to 9)

Pin 4: B (strap to 6)

PIN 5: GND

Pin 6: B (strap to 4)

Pin 9: A (strap to 1)

FIG. 2 RS-232/422/485 DB9 (male) connector pinouts

WARNING: When wiring the 422/485 connections, do NOT use pre-made 9-wire cable or connect the wire in the cable to any connection that will not be used by the DB9 serial port.

Only use wiring that connects the needed pins.

Ethernet 10/100 Base-T Connector

The RJ-45 Ethernet connector provides 10/100 network connectivity between the panel and the NetLinx Master (FIG. 3).

L/A - Link/Activity LED lights

(green) when the Ethernet cables are connected and

terminated correctly.

FIG. 3 Layout of Ethernet LEDs

SPD - Speed LED lights (yellow) when the connection speed is

100 Mbps and turns Off when the speed is 10 Mbps.

Use a standard CAT5 Ethernet cable to provide communication between the Integrated

Controller and external NetLinx devices.

Baud Rate Settings (Program Port DIP Switch)

The Program Port DIP switch is located on the rear of the device. Use this DIP switch to set the baud rate for the Program Port, according to the settings shown in the following table.

Make sure the baud rate you set matches the baud rate on your PC's NetLinx COM Settings before programming the unit.

Baud Rate Settings

Baud Rate

• 9600 bps

• 38,400 bps (default)

• 57,600 bps

• 115,200 bps

Position 5

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

Position 6

ON

ON

OFF

ON

Position 7

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

Position 8

ON

ON

OFF

ON

Note: DIP switch 1 activates/deactivates the Program Run Disable Mode. DIP Switches 2,3, and 4 must remain OFF at all times.

Ethernet Ports Used by the NI-4100

Ethernet Ports Used

Port type

• FTP

• SSH (only SSH v2 is supported)

• Telnet

• HTTP

• HTTPS/SSL

• ICSP

• integration! Solutions

Port #

21/20

22

23

80

443

1319

10500

Type

TCP

TCP

TCP

TCP

TCP

UDP/TCP

TCP

Preparing the NI-4100 for Serial Communication

To establish serial communication with the Controller via the PROGRAM (DB9) port:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Use a Serial DB9 cable (i.e. CC-COM Programming Port Cable - not included) to connect the Controller’s Program port to a DB9 port on a PC.

Launch NetLinx Studio 2.x (default location is Start > Programs > AMX Control Disc

> NetLinx Studio 2 > NetLinx Studio 2).

Select Settings > Master Communication Settings, from the menu bar, to open the

Master Communication Settings dialog box.

Click the Communications Settings button to open the Communications Settings dialog.

5.

6.

Click the NetLinx Master radio button (from the Platform Selection section) to indicate you are working with a NetLinx Master.

Click the Serial radio button (from the Transport Connection Option section) to indicate you are connecting to the Master via a COM port.

7.

Click the Edit Settings button (on the Communications Settings dialog) to open the

Serial Settings dialog and set the COM port parameters (used to communicate to the

NetLinx Master).

Click OK to close all dialogs and return to the main application.

8.

9.

Right-click the Online Tree tab entry and select Refresh System: the Controller should appear in the Device Tree. If not, verify that the Serial cable is connected properly, and that the Baud Rate settings on the Controller (set via the Program Port

DIP Switch) match the settings in NetLinx Studio.

Once Serial communication has been established, use NetLinx Studio to configure the

Controller for Ethernet Communication, as described below.

Configuring the NI-4100 for Ethernet Communication

Before continuing, complete the COM port steps above.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Controller to the LAN to which the PC running

NetLinx Studio is connected.

Note: The NI-x100 Controllers feature an Auto MDI/MDI-X Ethernet port. This provides the option of using either a standard (straight through), or a crossover Ethernet cable to communicate with a PC - both cable types will work.

Select Diagnostics > Network Address from the menu bar and enter the System,

Device (0 for a Master), and Host Name information.

To configure the Address:

• Use a DHCP Address by selecting the Use DHCP radio button, then click the GET IP button (to obtain a DHCP Address from the DHCP Server), click the SET IP Informa-

tion button (to retain the new address), and then finish the process by clicking the

Reboot Master > OK buttons.

• Use a Static IP Address by selecting the Specify IP Address radio button, enter the IP parameters into the available fields, then click the SET IP Information button (to retain

the pre-reserved IP Address to the Master), and then click the Reboot Master > OK buttons to finish the process.

Repeat steps 1 - 5 from the previous section, but rather than selecting the Serial option, choose TCP/IP and edit the settings to match the IP Address you are using

(Static or IP).

Click on the Authentication Required radio box (if the Master is secured) and press the User Name and Password button to enter a valid username and password being used by the secured Master.

Click the OK to close all dialogs and return to the main application.

Onboard WebConsole

NetLinx Masters have a built-in WebConsole that allows you to make various configuration settings via a web browser on any PC that has access to the Master.

The WebConsole consists of a series of web pages that are collectively called the "Master

Configuration Manager". Refer to the NI Series NetLinx Integrated Controllers WebConsole

& Programming Guide for details on the WebConsole.

Accessing the WebConsole

From any PC that has access to the LAN that the target Master resides on:

1.

2.

Open a web browser and type the IP Address of the target Master in the Address Bar.

Press Enter to access WebConsole for that Master. The initial view is the WebControl page.

Additional Documentation

Additional Documentation for the N1-3100 is available at www.amx.com:

• Refer to the NXI-x100 Series Hardware Reference Guide for additional details on

Installation, Upgrading, and Wiring the NI-3100.

• Refer to the NI Series NetLinx Integrated Controllers WebConsole & Programming

Guide for detailed configuration instructions.

For full warranty information, refer to the AMX Instruction Manual(s) associated with your Product(s).

10/10

©2010 AMX. All rights reserved. AMX and the AMX logo are registered trademarks of AMX.

AMX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice at any time.

3000 RESEARCH DRIVE, RICHARDSON, TX 75082 • 800.222.0193 • fax 469.624.7153 • technical support 800.932.6993 • www.amx.com

93-2105-06

REV: J