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C Series C 20:8X, C 10:8X, C 10:4X and C 5:4X Operation Manual
6 QUICK GUIDE OVERVIEW
6.3 NomadLink / Ethernet
network setup
The amplifier includes, as a standard feature, internal
facilities for the NomadLink monitoring and control
network. All features of the NomadLink network
are accessible via a PC running Lab.gruppen’s pro-
prietary DeviceControl software. A single rackspace
NLB60E NomadLink Bridge & Network Controller,
the NLB 60E, accepts the TCP/IP data stream from
the computer and converts it to the NomadLink
protocols. Even when no computer is connected,
the NLB 60E can initiate stand-alone power on/off
and muting functions, as well as report any fault or
warning condition.
The PC is connected to the NLB 60E using a
standard Ethernet interface and a crossed Cat-5 cable
(peer-to-peer setup). If a HUB or switch is in the
network, standard “straight” Cat-5 cables must be
used. The front and rear Ethernet connections on
the NLB 60E can be used individually, but only one
PC at a time running DeviceControl can access the
network.
Many newer laptop computers will allow
peer-to-peer connection with the NLB 60E
using a standard “straight” Cat-5 cable in-
stead of a crossed cable.
The default fixed TCP/IP address of the NLB 60E is
192.168.1.166. The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0.
For further system configuration details, please refer
to instructions supplied with the NLB 60E unit.
The NomadLink connections between amplifiers use
standard “straight” Cat-5/RJ45 equipped cables.
US National Differences cl.16.3 requires
that NomadLink network cables must be
rated VW-1.
The OUT port from the NLB 60E must be connected
to the IN port of the first amplifier. The OUT port
from the first amplifier in turn connects to the next
amplifier’s IN port to form a daisy chain The OUT
port on the last amplifier is connected to the IN port
on the NLB 60E to close the loop.
There are performance limitations to cable
lengths on a NomadLink network, both in
terms of total cable length in the loop and
between any two devices. These limitations
follow standard Ethernet cabling protocols. Read the
Operation and Performance chapter in this manual,
or the Operation Manual supplied with the NLB 60E,
to ensure the network is configured within these
constraints.
Although the network will function as an
open loop under most circumstances, it is
strongly recommended that the loop be
closed by connecting the last amplifier’s
OUT port to the NLB 60E’s IN port. Doing so will
improve redundancy and communication speed.
When using a system that is based en-
tirely on C...X amplifiers, the total number
of amplifiers assigned to one NLB 60E
subnet should not exceed 30. When a
system has a mix of models that include C:,
FP+ Series and C...X amplifiers, a total of 60 ampli-
fiers is the recommended maximum.
All C...X amplifiers should be counted as
two devices in the total count of 60 de-
vices allowed in a mixed model NLB 60E
network.
External contact closures can be connected to the
GPI connectors on the NLB 60E for control of fire-
alarm systems or external power sequencers. For
more details read the Operation Manual supplied
with the NLB 60E.