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LC Plus user manual
P3 communication link
LC Plus series panels communicate using the Martin™ P3™ signal format via Ethernet cable. The P3
signal contains both video data and command signals.
Each LC Plus panel has two RJ-45 Ethernet sockets (see
A
and
B
in Figure 1 on page 6) for connection to
the P3 link. All sockets are bi-directional, handling both P3 signal input and output.
Cable and connector types
Use good-quality CAT 5e or better STP (shielded twisted pair) Ethernet cable for the P3 link in an
installation with LC Plus panels. RJ-45 connectors should be shielded type, with the shield around the
connector terminals electrically connected to the cable shield.
The two Ethernet sockets on each panel are mounted in Amphenol IP67-rated reverse bayonet-mount
housings. For outdoor use, RJ-45 plugs installed in Amphenol RJF RB 6 housings (as supplied with the
panel) must be used at all times. Any unused sockets must be sealed with the cap attached to each socket.
For indoor use in dry locations, non IP-rated standard RJ-45 Ethernet connectors and patch cables may be
used.
Suitable IP67-rated and non IP-rated patch cables in various lengths and suitable connector housings are
available from Martin (see “Accessories” on page 26).
Planning the P3 link
Figure 11 shows an example of P3 system layout.
Media source
As a media source, we recommend the use of a product from the Martin™ Maxedia™ series. Maxedia
products offer fast processors, advanced features, DVI output and an intuitive user interface. Besides a
Maxedia media server/processor, any video camera or video source with an S-video, composite video or
component video output can be used as a video source.
P3 link requirements in large installations
A single P3-100 system controller can drive up to 400 LC Plus 2140 panels, up to 800 LC Plus 1140 panels,
or any combination within a limit of 500 000 pixels, provided that Ethernet switches are used to split and/or
amplify the P3 signal as described in this section.
Using Ethernet switches to split the link into chains
See Figure 11. If the LC Plus installation consists of more than 50 panels, you must first run the P3 signal
output from the P3-100 System Controller to a 1 GB Ethernet switch. Divide the panels into separate
daisy-chains with no more than 50 panels on any single chain, and use the outputs from the Ethernet switch
to send the P3 signal to each chain.
Figure 11 shows a 1 GB Ethernet switch on the P3 link as an example, but the switch is not necessary if
there are 50 panels or less in the installation.
Using Ethernet switches to extend the link
See Figure 11. The maximum permitted cable length between any two devices on the P3 link before a
signal amplifier is required is 100 m (328 ft.) if good quality Ethernet cable is used for the link. A 1 GB
Ethernet switch on the P3 link is an ideal signal amplifier. If the P3 link will exceed the 100 m cable length
limit at any point in the installation, insert a switch to boost the signal. If necessary, more switches can be
added each time the link reaches the 100 m limit.
Figure 11 shows the 1 GB Ethernet switch inserted between two panels on the P3 link as an example only:
the switch can be inserted in any position on the link where the cable length between any two devices would
exceed 100 m.
More expensive, sophisticated switches tend to carry out additional processing that can cause latency. You
should therefore choose a relatively cheap
unmanaged
gigabit Ethernet switch.
