Network Cables & Waterproofing - NorthStar MX500 Operator's & Installation Manual

Operator's Manual
The MX antenna sensor is connected to the master unit and in turn
shares its position to all the slaves. Please refer to page 115 and
Appendix D on page 173 for more details about networking with
Multiple Unit Control configuration.
Network Cables & Waterproofing:
If all components are located in dry areas and do not require
waterproof cables and connectors, standard off-the-shelf Ethernet
cables can be used. These cables are available in a variety of
lengths and can be obtained from sources that carry computer
networking supplies. The installer should ensure that the cable is
category 5 (CAT5) or category 5e (CAT5e) cable. Other cables,
particularly voice grade cables, look very similar but will not work
as part of the MX 500 network system.
Any connector exposed to the weather or possibility of exposure
need to be waterproof. Cables can be ordered from BNT-ME with
waterproof connectors installed on both ends. Cables are also
available with a waterproof connector on one end and a non-
waterproof connector on the other end.
The simplest way to interconnect a network consisting of just two
MX 500 units (Dual Control configuration) is to use an Ethernet
cross-over (null) cable. A cross-over cable eliminates the need for
an Ethernet switch.
When more than two MX 500 units (Multiple Unit Control
configuration) are being connected, or if you wish to leave room for
future expansion, use an Ethernet switch that serves as a common
connection point for all the units. Do not use cross-over cables
with an Ethernet switch.
4
In a Multiple Unit Control (three or more units) networking
•
system, all Slave and Repeater units must be enabled in
CFG1/Dual Contrl (see page 115) before enabling it in the
Master unit.
MX500 Overview
Version 3.0