Quantumâ„¢ HD Unity Evaporator Control Panel
Communications Setup
090.620-CS (JUN 23)
Page 6
Ethernet and Networking
Description
Frick Controls uses Ethernet as the primary method of
connecting one or multiple Quantum HD Unity panels to a
common computer network. In the past, this interconnec-
tion would have been done by serial protocol wiring, such
as RS-422 or RS-485. But with the capabilities of today’s
technology, Ethernet is the quickest and most efcient way
of providing this connectivity.
Older serial communications methods (RS232, for ex-
ample) were slow by today’s standards (kbit/s transmission
speed). Ethernet is available in three speeds:
10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1 Gbps.
NOTICE
For connection examples, see Section 8, Appendix B
and Appendix C of this manual entitled Quantum HD
Unity Local Ethernet Congurations and Quantum HD
Unity Ethernet Network Configurations.
Ethernet is a data and information sharing system. 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 ac-
cessing this network. All that is needed is either a modem,
USB port, or an Ethernet port. These devices provide the
necessary point of connection 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 (ISP). The ISP usually has
a very large network router, or means to bring in many
individual connections. The router then assigns a discrete
and individual address to each connection. This address is
known as an Internet 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 know
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 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 section describes how to set up the Quan-
tum HD Unity 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 HD Unity Ethernet connection must be indi-
vidually cabled, known as a homerun, direct from a switch
or computer using a CAT5e cable. Unlike RS-422 485
communications which allowed for cable daisy-chaining,
Ethernet connections 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 tele-
phone cord but is slightly larger and not compatible. You
can buy CAT5e cables in predetermined 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 m for each cable run).
Although Frick Controls recommends the use of shielded,
twisted pair CAT5e cable, if the cable is not correctly con-
structed and tested, it can actually be more detrimental to
the network than unshielded cable. Shielded or unshielded
are acceptable, provided that all of the cables that are
used have been correctly constructed and tested. This is
mostly due to the excellent electrical noise immunity that
is inherent with Ethernet componentry.
NOTICE
Follow standard networking procedures for the inter-
connections of all components. For individual cable
runs in excess of 300 ft (91 m), a switch or hub must
be used for each additional run. Do not use more
than two switches or hubs on any cable run.
Adhere to the following guidelines when installing and us-
ing CAT5e Ethernet cable:
Do:
• Run all cables in a star (homerun) conguration.
• Keep all individual cable lengths under 300 ft. If greater
distances are needed, use a switch or hub every 300 ft
minimum.
• 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 1 in.
• Keep all cables tie-wrapped neatly.
• Try to maintain parallel cable runs where possible.
• Keep the cable as far away as possible from EMI sourc-
es, such as motors, transformers, solenoids, or lighting.
• Label the ends of each cable to facilitate troubleshoot-
ing and identifying in the future.
• Test each individual cable run with an approved CAT5e
cable tester. A toning alone test is not acceptable.
• Use rubber grommets anywhere that the cable enters
through a hole in a metal panel.
• Always obey local, national and re building codes.