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Quick Start Guide

AutoPatch Octaire Distribution Matrix

Overview

The Octaire Distribution Matrix is a fixed system consisting of a single video or audio 
enclosure or multiple video enclosures with or without audio in a fixed input/output 
range. Because the Octaire is available in various fixed sizes, the illustrations in this 
guide may differ from the model(s) you purchased. The Octaire

 

Instruction Manual 

contains complete documentation for this product (including individual signal 
specifications); see the AMX AutoPatch CD or visit www.amx.com.

General Specifications 

Installation

ESD Warning: Avoid ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) damage to 
sensitive components; be sure you and the enclosure(s) are 
properly grounded before touching any internal materials.

Rack Mounting 

 

standard EIA 19 in. (48.26 cm) rack

To rack mount an Octaire

 

enclosure:

Linking Multiple Enclosures (if applicable)

For multi-enclosure systems, use the link cables provided. Link from the bottom Link 
port (RJ-45) on one enclosure to the top Link port on next enclosure in a daisy chain. 
Check the signal type label on the rear of each enclosure (see the Note on FIG. 3). 

Attaching Input & Output Cables/Wires

For testing, attach the input and output connectors for the first source and the first 
destination. Each system comes with a Connector Guide and “Signal Color-Band” kit.

 

Multiple BNC connectors are required for all video signals except composite (FIG. 3). 

Video Connectors – BNC

All video connectors are BNC. Octaire systems with video contain one or more of the 
following types of video enclosures: 

• 1 or 2 standard video enclosures – support composite or Y/c signals.

• 3 ultra-wideband enclosures – support three-component or the R, G, and B 

components of an RGBHV signal.

• 2 digital sync enclosures – support the H/V sync part of an RGBHV signal.

Note: A label above the power receptacles

 

on video enclosures indicates the signal 

type: STD = standard video, UWB = ultra-wideband video, and SYNC = HV sync. 

Y/c signals, 3-component signals (Y/Pb/Pr or RGsB), and RGBHV signals require a 
BNC connection on each video enclosure. The example in FIG. 3 shows three BNC 
cable connectors attached to corresponding connectors on three enclosures for 
routing a 3-component signal through Input 1. The first enclosure has a control panel.

    

Stereo Audio Connectors – 5-Term

Stereo audio connections use 5-position terminal blocks; they can be wired for 
balanced (differential) audio or unbalanced (single-ended) audio (FIG. 4).

Note: When using a shielded twisted-pair cable, connect the shield (ground) at one 
end only (recommend receiving end) to minimize low frequency noise (FIG. 5).

Source and destination devices will require either balanced (differential) or unbalanced 
(single-ended) connections. More than one of the options shown in FIG. 5 can be used 
in the same system.

Applying Power & Control Startup

Important: We recommend attaching all power cords to one or two surge protectors 
(top outlets together and bottom ones together) and/or an AC line conditioner(s).
When power is applied, the Power indicator on the front of the panel illuminates green 
to indicate the redundant power supplies are both working. If only one power supply is 
working, the Power indicator illuminates red (check power connections and switches).

To apply power:

1.

Attach power cords (FIG. 6, top of next page) and plug into power source (turn 
on power source if necessary). Press the “l” side of both power switches on the 
enclosure(s). 
The Power Indicator on the front of the enclosure illuminates a constant green.

2.

Apply power to the source and destination devices.

Specifications

Approvals

CE, UL, cUL

AC Power 

100 to 240 VAC single phase (50 to 60 Hz)
3.3 A @ 115 VAC max.; 1.6 A @ 230 VAC max.

Power Consumption (max.)

260 Watts per enclosure

Power Consumption (typical)

120 Watts per enclosure, fully loaded

Thermal Dissipation (max.)

887 BTU/hr.

Thermal Dissipation (typical)

409 BTU/hr., fully loaded enclosure

Operational Temperature

32° to 113° F (0° to 45° C)

Humidity

0 to 90% non-condensing

Enclosure Dimensions

12 in. (30.5 cm) depth
18.9 in. (48 cm) width with mounting ears
17.4 in. (44.2 cm) width without mounting ears
6.95 in. (17.65 cm) height, 4 RU

Weight 

Approximately 20 lbs. (9.07 kg) per loaded enclosure
Approximately 24 lbs. (10.89 kg) packaged for shipping

FIG. 1  

Attach rack ears

FIG. 2  

Use Link ports to link enclosures with cable provided 

1.

Attach rack ears (4 screws each); see FIG. 1.

2.

Place the Octaire in the rack, leaving a minimum 
of one empty rack unit above and below (required); 
three empty rack units are recommended.

3.

Secure enclosure to rack with screws.

Tip: When placing in the rack, keep in mind the optimal 
viewing angle for a control panel is eye level.

Important: An Octaire system can only 
be linked in its own isolated network.

Crossover cable

3 ft. (0.9 m) provided 

Link to additional enclosures
as required

Start with primary enclosure (with control panel)

FIG. 3  

Multiple BNC connectors are required for all video signals except composite

FIG. 4  

Balanced audio                                                          Unbalanced audio

FIG. 5  

Options for source-to-Octaire-to-destination 5-Term wiring

Y

Pb

Pr

Enclosure 1

Enclosure 2

Enclosure 3

Note: Start with the enclosure 

(e.g., R for RGBHV). Link 

with the control panel for the 

according to the Connector

 

Guide and signal type labels. 
The audio enclosure is last. 

first video component type 

the rest of the enclosures

Video signal type label

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