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Installation Guide

NI-3100

 NetLinx

®

 Integrated Controller

Overview

The NI-3100 (

FG2105-05

), part of the NI Series of Master Controllers, satisfies the 

control and automation features common in a larger area or multiple rooms, which may 
include the integration of a larger number of devices including VCR and DVD players, 
projectors, lighting, thermostats and other electronic equipment. In technology-driven 
environments, this solution allows for the future addition of more devices and control 
capabilities. The NI-3100 offers higher performance with a faster processor, 64 MB of 
onboard RAM and a 256 MB CompactFlash card. For smaller business and home 
applications, the NI-3100 includes just the right mix of ports and features.

The NI-3100 can be upgraded to provide one ICSHub and two ICSNet ports by either 
installing the optional ICSNet daughter card (FG2105-10) or purchasing this upgrade 
as an included feature of the NI-3100 Kit (FG2105-15).

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     

Connections and Wiring

FIG. 2 shows the layout of the connectors and components on the rear of the NI-3100 
NetLinx Integrated Controller.

 

FIG. 1  

NI-3100 NetLinx Integrated Controller (front view)

NI-3100 Specifications

Dimensions (HWD):

• 3.47" x 17.00" x 3.47" (8.81 cm x 43.18 cm x 8.82 cm)
• 2 rack units high

Power Requirement:

900 mA @ 12 VDC

Memory:

• 64 MB SDRAM
• 1 MB Non-volatile (NV) SRAM

Compact Flash:

128 MB or more
• AMX may increase Flash size at any time in response to market 

availability 

• Upgradeable - see 

Other AMX Equipment

Weight:

4.55 lbs (2.06 kg)

Enclosure:

Metal with black matte finish

Certifications:

FCC Part 15 Class B, CE, and IEC 60950

Front Panel LEDs:

• LINK/ACT: 

Green LED blinks when the Ethernet cables are connected and 
terminated correctly. Also blinks when receiving Ethernet data 
packets.

• Status: 

Green LED blinks to indicate that the system is programmed and 
communicating properly.

• Output: 

Red LED blinks when the Controller transmits data, sets channels 
On and Off, sends data strings, etc.

• Input: 

Yellow LED blinks when the Controller receives data from button 
pushes, strings, commands, channel levels, etc.

• RS-232/422/485: 

7 sets of red and yellow LEDs light to indicate that DB9 Ports 1 - 7 
are transmitting or receiving RS-232, 422, or 485 data.

• Relay:

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

• IR/Serial: 

8 red LEDs 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 gen-
erated.

• I/O:

8 yellow LEDs 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.

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: 

2 RJ-45 connectors for ICSNet interface

 

(provided by optional 

ICSNet daughter card).

• ICSHub Out: 

RJ-45 connector provides data to a Hub connected to the Controller 
(provided by optional ICSNet daughter card).

NI-3100 Specifications (Cont.)

Rear Panel Components (Cont.):

• Relay (Port 8):

• Eight-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

• Digital I/O 

(Port 17): 

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.

• IR/Serial 

(Ports 9 - 16): 

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).

• Program Port: 

RS-232 DB9 connector (male) can be connected to a DB9 port on a 
PC. This connector can be used with serial and NetLinx program-
ming commands, as well as other DB9 capable devices, to both 
upload/download information from the NetLinx Studio program.

• Configuration DIP

Switch: 

Sets the communication parameters for the Program port (see 

Baud 

Rate Settings

).

• ID Pushbutton: 

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

• Ethernet Port: 

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: 

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.

• Power Port: 

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

Included 
Accessories:

• 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)

Other AMX 
Equipment: 

• 2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix male connector (41-5026)
• CC-NSER IR/Serial cables (FG10-007-10)
• ICSNet daughter card (FG2105-10)
• NCK, NetLinx Connector Kit (FG2902)
• STS, Serial To Screw Terminal (FG959) 
• Upgrade Compact Flash (factory programmed with firmware):

NXA-CF2NI256M - 256 MB compact flash card (FG2116-47)
NXA-CF2NI512M - 512 MB compact flash card (FG2116-48)
NXA-CF2NI1G - 1 GB compact flash card (FG2116-49)

FIG. 2  

NI-3100 rear connectors and components

AXlink Port/LED

Relays

RS-232/422/485 (Ports 1-7)

I/O 

IR/Serial 

Program port

DIP switch

ID Pushbutton

Ethernet

PWR

ICSNet cover plate

(Port 8) (Port 17) (Ports 9-16)

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