QUANTUM™ LX EVAPORATOR CONTROL PANEL
COMMUNICATIONS SETUP
090.610-CS (MAY 2016)
Page 7
ETHERNET AND NETWORKING
DESCRIPTION
Frick® Controls uses Ethernet as the primary
method of connecting one or multiple Quantum™
LX panels to a common computer network. In the
past, this interconnection would have been done
by serial protocol wiring, such as RS-232/422/485.
But with the capabilities of today’s technology,
Ethernet is the quickest and most efficient way of
providing this connectivity.
Whereas the old serial communications methods
(RS232, etc.) were slow by today’s standards (ki-
lobits per second transmission speed), Ethernet is
available in two speeds: 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps.
NOTE: For connection examples, refer to
the section of this manual entitled Quan-
tum™ LX Local Ethernet Configurations and
Quantum™ LX Ethernet Network Configu-
rations.
Ethernet is a data and information sharing sys-
tem. It is a method of connecting one computer to
many others on a common network. This network
can consist of both hardwired connections, and
wireless devices, hence the name ETHERNET.
Any Windows or Linux based computer is capable
of accessing this network. All that is needed is
either a modem, USB port, or an Ethernet port.
These devices provide the necessary point of con-
nection for one end (branch) of the connection (a
home computer for instance). The other point that
completes the connection is usually provided by
an Internet Service Provider (or ISP). The Internet
Service Provider usually has a very large network
router, or means of bring in many individual con-
nections. The router then assigns a discrete and
individual address to each connection (much like a
street address). This address is known as an Inter-
net Protocol address (IP). The IP address consists
of a series of 4 to 12 digits, and is normally trans-
parent to the end user.
For individuals familiar with using the internet,
they are familiar that every time they activate
their web browser (the software that allows your
computer to connect), there is an address bar that
appears near the top of the screen. This address
bar is where you would enter the IP address of
the computer or network that you would like to
communicate with. To make this simpler, these
numeric IP addresses are also coded to allow
alpha-numeric names to be masked over them,
so that rather than having to enter an address
of 216.27.61.137, you can simply enter in www.jci.
com, as an example. Although the actual process
is more detailed and complicated than this basic
explanation, the end result is that most of the
work is being done invisibly.
The following write up describes how to set up the
Quantum™ LX to do this behind the scenes work,
so that it can communicate both at the Internet level,
and at a local Ethernet level.
CABLING
Each Quantum™ LX Ethernet connection must be in-
dividually cabled (known as a homerun) direct from a
switch or computer. Unlike RS422/485 communications
which allowed for cable daisy-chaining, Ethernet con-
nections do not allow this.
This type of cabling is designed to handle the 100-
Mbps speed needed by Ethernet. Both ends of each
cable must have an RJ-45 connector attached. The RJ-
45 connector looks similar to the RJ-11 connector on
the end of a telephone cord but is slightly larger (and
not compatible). You can buy Cat 5 cables in prede-
termined lengths with the connectors already attached
(for short runs), or you can buy the cable in rolls, cut it
to length and install the RJ-45 connectors to the ends
(up to 100 meters per each cable run).
Although Frick® Controls recommends the use of
shielded, twisted pair Cat 5 cable, if the cable is not
properly constructed and tested, it can actually be
more detrimental to the network than unshielded ca-
ble. As long as all of the cables that are used have
been properly constructed AND tested, either shielded
or unshielded are acceptable. This is mostly due to the
excellent (electrical) noise immunity that is inherent
with Ethernet componentry.
NOTE: Follow standard networking procedures
for the interconnections of all components. For
individual cable runs in excess of 300 feet (~100
meters), a Switch/Hub must be used for each
additional run.
Cabling Do’s and Don’ts – Frick® Controls recom-
mends the following guidelines when installing and us-
ing CAT 5 Ethernet cable:
Do:
• Run all cables in a star (homerun) configuration.
• Keep all individual cable lengths under 300 feet.
If greater distances are needed, use a switch/hub
every 300 feet.
• Ensure that the twists of the wire pairs within the
cable are maintained from end to end.
• Make gradual bends in the cable. Keep each bend
radius over one inch.
• Keep all cables tie wrapped neatly.
• Try to maintain parallel cable runs where possible.
• Keep the cable as far away as possible from EMI
sources (motors, transformers, solenoids, lighting,
etc.)
• Label the ends of each cable, to facility trouble-
shooting and identifying in the future.
• Test each individual cable run with an approved
CAT5 E cable tester. A TONING alone test is NOT
acceptable.
• Use rubber grommets anywhere that the cable en-
ters through a hole in a metal panel.
• ALWAYS obey local, national and fire building
codes.