Escient Fireball E-2, User Manual

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FIREBALL Advanced Users Guide WD041-1-1
10/26/2004
Page 7 of 70
6325 Digital Way Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.616.6789 phone 317.616.6790 fax www.escient.com
RS-232 Connections
External disc changers are controlled via two-way serial protocols using RS-232 serial cables.
You should use COM ports 1,2, and 3 for each external disc changer.
COM port 4 is to 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.
If you are using both an Escient ETP-1500 touch panel and an external modem, connect the
Escient ETP-1500 to COM port 3 and use COM port 4 for the external modem.
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 COM port 4 for
other purposes, allows much longer distances between FireBall and the control system, and
provides a much faster path for data transfer.
External Modem Connections
Use of an external modem for connecting to the Gracenote™ and Escient disc lookup services
should only be used if a broadband connection is not available. Any external modem which
supports the standard AT Hayes command set and supports a serial connection (RS-232) will
work. USB modems will not work. Contact Escient for more information on compatible modem
options.
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.