AMX Epica DGX 144 User manual

Instruction Manual
AutoPatch Matrix Switchers
Epica DGX 144
Distribution Matrix
REV C: 1/25/2011

AMX Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
This Limited Warranty and Disclaimer extends only to products purchased directly from AMX or an AMX Authorized
Partner which include AMX Dealers, Distributors, VIP’s or other AMX authorized entity.
AMX warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for three (3) years from
the date of purchase, with the following exceptions:
• LCD Panels are warranted for three (3) years, except for the display and touch overlay components are
warranted for a period of one (1) year.
• Disk drive mechanisms, pan/tilt heads, power supplies are warranted for a period of one (1) year.
• AMX lighting products are guaranteed to switch on and off any load that is properly connected to our lighting
products, as long as the AMX lighting products are under warranty. AMX also guarantees the control of
dimmable loads that are properly connected to our lighting products. The dimming performance or quality
there of is not guaranteed, due to the random combinations of dimmers, lamps and ballasts or transformers.
• AMX software is warranted for a period of ninety (90) days.
• Batteries and incandescent lamps are not covered under the warranty.
• AMX AutoPatch Epica, Modula, Modula Series 4, Modula Cat Pro Series and 8Y-3000 product models will be
free of defects in materials and manufacture at the time of sale and will remain in good working order for a
period of three (3) years following the date of the original sales invoice from AMX. The three-year warranty
period will automatically be extended to the life of the product (Limited Lifetime Warranty). The life of the
product extends until five (5) years after AMX ceases manufacturing the product model. The Limited Lifetime
Warranty applies to products in their original installation only. If a product is moved to a different installation,
the Limited Lifetime Warranty will no longer apply, and the product warranty will instead be the three (3) year
Limited Warranty.
REV G, Page 1 of 10, Effective Date 1-01-10
Note: The complete Warranty is at www.amx.com.

Contents
i
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Contents
ESD Warning .......................................................................................................1
Important Safety Information and Instructions....................................................2
Information et directives de sécurité importantes...............................................3
Notices ................................................................................................................4
Overview and General Specifications ..................................................................7
Applicability Notice ................................................................................................................. 7
Product Notes ......................................................................................................................... 8
Front View............................................................................................................................... 9
Rear View .............................................................................................................................. 10
General Specifications ........................................................................................................... 13
Configuration Information and Control Options.................................................................... 13
System Diagnostic Options ................................................................................................... 15
Installation and Setup........................................................................................17
UL Site Requirements ............................................................................................................17
UL Safety Certifications, Notices, and Recommendations for Laser Products ....................... 17
Site Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 18
General Hazard Precautions .................................................................................................. 18
Unpacking.............................................................................................................................. 19
System Setup Options ........................................................................................................... 20
Rack Installation and System Setup ....................................................................................... 20
Linking Enclosures ................................................................................................................. 23
Attaching External Controllers .............................................................................................. 30
Attaching Inputs and Outputs ............................................................................................... 36
Applying Power and Startup ................................................................................................. 38
Redundant Power Supply (RPS) ............................................................................................. 40
Executing a Test Switch.........................................................................................................41
Technical Support.................................................................................................................. 43
Epica DGX 144 SC Fiber Boards........................................................................45
Specifications Epica DGX 144 SC Fiber ................................................................................. 46
System Setup with DGX Modules.......................................................................................... 47
Safety Recommendations for Laser Products ........................................................................ 48
Attaching Cables ................................................................................................................... 48
Epica DGX 144 HD-15 RGBHV Input Board.......................................................51
Specifications Epica DGX 144 HD-15 RGBHV........................................................................ 52
Attaching Cables ................................................................................................................... 53
Board Configuration .............................................................................................................. 54

Contents
ii Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Epica DGX 144 DVI Boards............................................................................... 59
Specifications Epica DGX 144 DVI .........................................................................................60
Attaching Cables ...................................................................................................................61
Appendix A – EDID Programmer...................................................................... 63
EDID Overview ...................................................................................................................... 63
Determining the Need for EDID Programming......................................................................64
Installing the EDID Programmer ............................................................................................65
Reading and Saving EDID Data from a Destination Device ................................................... 65
Writing EDID Data to a DVI or HD-15 RGBHV Input Connector ............................................66
Appendix B – Managing Configuration Files .................................................... 69
Installing XNConnect .............................................................................................................70
Opening a Configuration File ................................................................................................71
Discovering a System.............................................................................................................72
Navigating the Interface........................................................................................................73
Modifying a Configuration File ..............................................................................................74
Loading a Configuration File ................................................................................................. 77
Device Discovery Support ..................................................................................................... 77
Appendix C – APDiagnostics ............................................................................ 79
Overview ...............................................................................................................................79
System Requirements ............................................................................................................79
Installing APDiagnostics ........................................................................................................79
Modes.................................................................................................................................... 81
Main Screen and Menus.........................................................................................................82
Communications ....................................................................................................................92
Appendix D – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics ........................ 93
System Component Information ............................................................................................93
Using BCS to Access System Diagnostic Information.............................................................94
Appendix E – Board Replacement .................................................................... 97
Procedure Overview ..............................................................................................................97
Safety Recommendations for Laser Products ........................................................................98
Replacing or Adding a Board.................................................................................................98
Updating the System Configuration ....................................................................................101

ESD Warning
1
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
ESD Warning
To avoid ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) damage to sensitive components, make sure you are properly
grounded before touching any internal materials.
When working with any equipment manufactured with electronic devices, proper ESD grounding
procedures must be followed to make sure people, products, and tools are as free of static charges as
possible. Grounding straps, conductive smocks, and conductive work mats are specifically designed for
this purpose.
Anyone performing field maintenance on AMX AutoPatch equipment should use an appropriate ESD
field service kit complete with at least a dissipative work mat with a ground cord and a UL listed
adjustable wrist strap with another ground cord. These items should not be manufactured locally, since
they are generally composed of highly resistive conductive materials to safely drain static charges,
without increasing an electrocution risk in the event of an accident. ESD protective equipment can be
obtained from 3M™, Desco®, Richmond Technology®, Plastic Systems®, and other such vendors.

Important Safety Information and Instructions
2Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Important Safety Information and Instructions
When using and installing your AMX AutoPatch product, adhere to the following basic safety
precautions. For more information about operating, installing, or servicing your AMX AutoPatch
product, see your product documentation.
 Read and understand all instructions before using and installing AMX AutoPatch products.
 Use the correct voltage range for your AMX AutoPatch product.
 There are no user serviceable parts inside an AMX AutoPatch product; service should only be
done by qualified personnel.
 If you see smoke or smell a strange odor coming from your AMX AutoPatch product, turn it
off immediately and call technical support.
 For products with multiple power supplies in each unit, make sure all power supplies are
turned on simultaneously.
 Use surge protectors and/or AC line conditioners when powering AMX AutoPatch products.
 Only use a fuse(s) with the correct fuse rating in your enclosure.
 Make sure the power outlet is close to the product and easily accessible.
 Make sure the product is on or attached to a stable surface.
 Turn off equipment before linking pieces together, unless otherwise specified in that product’s
documentation.
 For safety and signal integrity, use a grounded external power source and a grounded power
connector.
 Turn off and unplug an enclosure before adding or removing boards, unless otherwise
specified in that product’s documentation.
 To avoid shock or potential ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) damage to equipment, make sure
you are properly grounded before touching components inside an AMX AutoPatch product.

Information et directives de sécurité importantes
3
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Information et directives de sécurité
importantes
Veuillez vous conformer aux directives de sécurité ci-dessous lorsque vous installez et utilisez votre
appareil AMX AutoPatch. Pour de plus amples renseignements au sujet de l’installation, du
fonctionnement ou de la réparation de votre appareil AMX AutoPatch, veuillez consulter la
documentation accompagnant l’appareil.
 Lisez attentivement toutes les directives avant d’installer et d’utiliser les appareils AMX
AutoPatch.
 Le voltage doit être approprié à l’appareil AMX AutoPatch.
 Les appareils AMX AutoPatch ne contiennent aucune pièce réparable par l’usager; la
réparation ne doit être effectuée que par du personnel qualifié.
 Si de la fumée ou une odeur étrange se dégagent d’un appareil AMX AutoPatch, fermez-le
immédiatement et appelez le Service de soutien technique.
 Veillez à ce que tous les blocs d’alimentation des appareils dotés de blocs d’alimentation
multiples dans chaque unité soient allumés simultanément.
 Servez-vous de protecteurs de surtension ou de conditionneurs de lignes à courant alternatif
lorsque vous mettez les appareils AMX AutoPatch sous tension.
 Placez uniquement des fusibles de calibre exact dans les boîtiers.
 Veillez à ce que la prise de courant soit proche de l’appareil et facile d’accès.
 Veillez à ce que votre appareil AMX AutoPatch soit installé sur une surface stable ou qu’il
y soit fermement maintenu.
 Fermez toutes les composantes de l’équipement avant de relier des pièces, à moins
d’indication contraire fournie dans la documentation de l’appareil.
 Par mesure de sécurité et pour la qualité des signaux, servez-vous d’une source d’alimentation
externe mise à la terre et d’un connect d’alimentation mis à la terre.
 Fermez et débranchez le boîtier avant d’ajouter ou d’enlever des plaquettes, à moins
d’indication contraire fournie dans la documentation du appareil.
 Pour éviter les chocs ou les dommages éventuels causés à l’équipement par une décharge
électrostatique, veillez à ce le dispositif oit bien relié à la terre avant de toucher les
composantes se trouvant à l’intérieur d’un appareil AMX AutoPatch.

Notices
4Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Notices
Copyright Notice
AMX©2011 (Rev C), all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of AMX. Copyright protection claimed
extends to AMX hardware and software and includes all forms and matters copyrightable material and
information now allowed by statutory or judicial law or herein after granted, including without
limitation, material generated from the software programs which are displayed on the screen such as
icons, screen display looks, etc. Reproduction or disassembly of embodied computer programs or
algorithms is expressly prohibited.
Liability Notice
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, AMX assumes no
responsibility for error or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein.
Further, this publication and features described herein are subject to change without notice.
US FCC Notice
The United States Federal Communications Commission (in 47CFR 15.838) has specified that the
following notice be brought to the attention of the users of this product.
Federal Communication Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement:
“This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions. The user may find the booklet, How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV
Interference Problems, prepared by the Federal Communications Commission to be helpful.”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Stock N.
004-000-00345-4.
Use shielded cables. To comply with FCC Class A requirement, all external data interface cables and
adapters must be shielded.

Notices
5
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Trademark Notices
AMX®, AutoPatch®, NetLinx®, and SmartScale™are trademarks of AMX.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
HyperTerminal®is a copyright product of Hilgraeve Inc.
3M®, Desco®, Richmond Technology®, and Plastic Systems®are registered trademarks.
Neuron®and LonTalk®are registered trademarks of Echelon.
TosLink® is a registered trademark of the Toshiba Corporation.
Ethernet®is a registered trademark of the Xerox Corporation.
ENERGY STAR®is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Energy and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Other products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Lithium Batteries Notice
Switzerland requires the following notice for products equipped with lithium batteries. This notice is not
applicable for all AMX equipment.
Upon shipment of products to Switzerland, the requirements of the most up-to-date Swiss Ordinance
Annex 2.15 of SR 814.81 will be met including provision of the necessary markings, documents, and
annual reports relative to the disposal of the batteries to the Swiss Authorities.
Warnings and Cautions
This manual uses the following conventions and icons to draw attention to actions or conditions that
could potentially cause problems with equipment or lead to personal risk.
ESD Warning: The icon to the left indicates text regarding potential danger associated with the
discharge of static electricity from an outside source (such as human hands) into an integrated
circuit, often resulting in damage to the circuit.
Warning: The icon to the left indicates text that warns readers against actions or conditions that
could cause potential injury to themselves.
Caution: The icon to the left indicates text that cautions readers against actions that could cause
potential injury to the product or the possibility of serious inconvenience.

Notices
6Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual

Overview and General Specifications
7
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Overview and General Specifications
Applicability Notice
The information in this manual applies to the following Epica DGX 144 enclosure and Epica DGX 144
input and output boards:
Epica DGX 144 Enclosure (16 RU)
Epica DGX 144 Input and Output Boards
Each Epica DGX 144 system is custom built. The Epica DGX 144 boards that are currently available are
listed in the charts below. Each board fills one slot. All boards have 16 connectors except for the DVI
boards which each have 8 DVI-I and 4 DMS-59 connectors. The DMS-59 connectors break out to allow
two DVI connections each for a total of 16 input or output channels per DVI board.
A source connected to any of the input boards can be routed to any destination connected to any of the
output boards. When routing from one board type to another, the Epica DGX 144 automatically converts
the signal format to match the output board.
 For general board information, see page 12 and page 36.
 For specific board information, see the applicable board chapter, which is based on the
supported signal type.
DGX SC Fiber Boards* (see page 45)
DGX HD-15 RGBHV Board (see page 51)
DGX DVI Boards (see page 59)
* DGX SC Fiber boards are used in conjunction with DGX SC Fiber Transmitter and Receiver modules.
For system setup options with DGX SC Fiber boards and the modules, see page 20. For model numbers
of the compatible modules, see page 46. For system setup information, see page 47.
Configuration FG # Model
144x144 FG1055-11 AVS-EPDGX144-ENC
Type FG # Model
Input FG1055-440 AVS-EPDGX144-OI-SC
Output FG1055-450 AVS-EPDGX144-OO-SC
Type FG # Model
Input FG1055-480 AVS-EPDGX144-VI-HD15
Type FG # Model
Input FG1055-460 AVS-EPDGX144-VI-DVI
Output FG1055-470 AVS-EPDGX144-VO-DVI

Overview and General Specifications
8Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Product Notes
The Epica DGX 144 is available for custom systems in a variety of input to output configuration sizes and
can contain an assortment of input and output boards in a single enclosure. An Epica DGX 144 enclosure
fits in a broad range of digital and analog environments and is controllable from a variety of sources.
Note: Because the Epica DGX 144 Distribution Matrix is available in various board configurations, the
illustrations in this manual may differ from the model(s) you purchased.
Features of the Epica DGX 144
 Available in input/output ranges from 16x16 to 144x144 in increments of 16 with configuration
size upgrade potential.
 DGX Technology provides a common signal transport and matrix switching layer that
transcodes between analog and digital signals.
 Supports uncompressed video resolutions up to 1920x1200 @ 60 Hz, including 1080p.
 AMX Device Discovery enabled through AMX’s AutoPatch Duet module.
 Designed for use with single strand multimode fiber.
 Use in conjunction with DGX SC Fiber Transmitters and Receivers to send video, audio, and
one-way control over a single fiber cable up to 6,000 feet (1828.8 m) – 3,000 feet (914.4 m) to
the Epica DGX 144 and 3,000 feet after the Epica DGX 144.
 Customizable with any combination of Epica DGX 144 SC Fiber input and output boards, DVI
input and output boards, and HD-15 RGBHV input boards.
 SC Fiber boards support RGBHV, RGBS, RGsB, and Y/Pb/Pr (Y/Pb/Pr up to 1080p) video
formats and DVI formats, depending on the type of DGX SC Fiber modules used with them.
 SC Fiber boards support embedded analog stereo audio signals (unbalanced stereo @ a sample
rate of 48 kHz) and embedded digital audio signals (PCM over S/PDIF @ 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz,
48 kHz, as well as 96 kHz, which requires a minimum 800x600 @ 60 Hz).
 SC Fiber boards also support unidirectional (source to destination) serial data.
 Compatible DGX SC Fiber Receivers feature SmartScale™Technology which automatically
responds to the display’s declared EDID information and scales the video to the best resolution
and video parameters for that display without manual setup.
 Pre-loaded with the most common EDID settings on each matrix switcher input connector
(other than fiber connectors) to emulate display response when queried, which makes sure
transmission of the video from the source device is working.
 Custom EDID settings can be loaded on each DVI input or RGBHV input with the included
EDID Programmer.
 System self-diagnostics (power monitoring, fan control and monitoring, signal and
temperature sensing); plus ships with free APDiagnostics software (monitors, display, collects
advanced diagnostic information).
 Virtual matrices (levels) / groupings; ships with free matrix switcher configuration software.
 RJ-45 Ethernet (Enc Link) ports support linking to other AMX AutoPatch matrix switchers.
 Local presets allow quick recall of a pre-programmed set of switches with a single command;
multiple presets can exist within a system at the same time.
 Global presets allow quick recall of a comprehensive snapshot of all switches.
 Standard RS-232 (Control) port.
 USB (mini-B) port can be used as a virtual Com port for serial communication with a PC.
 Fully redundant (hot-swappable) power supplies (RPS) with independent power paths for
maximum reliability.
 Rack mounting ears integral to product design.
 AMX Limited Lifetime Warranty included (see www.amx.com or the AMX AutoPatch CD).
 24-hour technical support.

Overview and General Specifications
9
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Control Features of the Epica DGX 144
Epica DGX 144 systems support the following two protocols: BCS* (Basic Control Structure) and
XNNet.
Several control options are available for Epica DGX 144 systems. Multiple control methods can be used
on the same system.
 Compatible with a number of AMX control devices (for control programming information,
see the instruction manual for the specific interface)
 APControl 3.0 software (free with all systems) provides easy single-user PC control
 APWeb (TCP/IP control via an external module)
 Supports AMX AutoPatch’s simple BCS serial control protocol
 Supports third-party controllers
* BCS is sent as ASCII characters through the RS-232 port.
Note: Features and specifications described in this document are subject to change without notice.
Front View
The enclosure, which is the structural basis of the Epica DGX 144 Distribution Matrix, is custom built
for each installation. The Epica DGX 144 enclosure is controlled using control software or an external
controller (see page 14). The three LEDs on the front (FIG. 1) indicate status for power, redundant power
supplies (RPS), and communication activity (see page 40).
FIG. 1 Front view of the Epica DGX 144 and front panel LEDs

Overview and General Specifications
10 Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Rear View
The enclosure’s appearance, as viewed from the rear (FIG. 2), will vary depending on the number and
types of input and output boards present.
Rear View Components
 Input and output boards (some slots may be empty, depending on the configuration)
 3 expansion/control slots
 CPU/Control board
 Up to 4 power supplies with receptacles
 Serial number
Note: The Epica DGX 144 has a hand-hold inset on each side to assist with maneuvering the
enclosure. Do not attempt to move the enclosure by yourself.
FIG. 2 Rear view of an Epica DGX 144 enclosure
Power supplies
Serial number
Input boards (up to 9)
CPU/Control board
Output boards (up to 9)
Hand-hold inset
Expansion slots

Overview and General Specifications
11
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
The following sections briefly introduce the hardware on the rear of the enclosure.
CPU/Control Board
The CPU/Control board (FIG. 3) is on the left rear of the enclosure, between the input connectors and the
power supplies.
Each CPU includes the following port options:
 Control port (DB-9 serial) – for attaching an external control device (see page 31)
 USB (mini-B) port –for attaching an external control device (see page 33)
 Enc Link port (Ethernet RJ-45) –for linking to other types of enclosures (see page 23)
Two LED indicators are located on the far left side of the CPU/Control board:
 Communication Status Indicator –for Ethernet / linking communication activity
 System Status Indicator –for system status
Power Supply Units
Each power supply unit on the rear of the enclosure (FIG. 4) has a power receptacle that will accept
all major international standard power sources. (US power cords are included with all shipments unless
ordered otherwise.) Maximum power specifications are provided on the power supply receptacles.
For information on applying power, see page 38.
The power supply unit has three LED indicators (listed left to right):
 AC ( ): When the LED is green, the power is good.
 DC ( ): When the LED is green, the power is good.
 Temperature ( ): When the LED is not illuminated, the temperature is good; when the LED
is amber, the temperature is above normal.
Caution: Each power supply has a small toggle switch to the left of its LEDs that controls internal
power and must remain flipped to the right for the system to operate. Do not flip this switch to the left.
FIG. 3 CPU/Control hardware
FIG. 4 Power supply receptacle, LEDs, and switch
USB (mini-B) port
Enc Link port
Control (DB-9, RS-232 serial) port
Communication Status indicator
System Status indicator
(Ethernet RJ-45, 10/100),
used only for linking enclosures
Indicator LEDs
Leave switch on (flipped right)

Overview and General Specifications
12 Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Expansion/Control Slots
Each enclosure has three expansion/control slots (FIG. 2 on page 10) for expansion boards to increase
functionality and add new features to the system. If expansion boards are part of the original system, the
boards are installed at the factory.
Input and Output Boards
A single enclosure can handle a combination of digital signals and analog signals, depending on the type
of input and output boards. Digital signals can include: DVI-D, DVI-D over SC fiber, and embedded
digital audio over SC fiber. Analog signals can include: RGBHV, RGBHV over SC fiber, and embedded
analog audio over SC Fiber. The current selection of boards is listed on page 7.
Epica DGX 144 enclosures have 18 vertical board slots (9 slots each for input and output boards with
16 channels per board), allowing for a maximum configuration of 144x144.
For information on the boards included in your system, including connector types, cabling directions,
and specifications, see the specific board chapter in this manual.
For information on adding or replacing boards, see “Appendix E –Board Replacement” on page 97.
Input and Output Connectors
The connectors on the input and output boards are the attachment points for source and destination
devices that connect to the system. Viewed from the rear of the enclosure, the input connectors (for
attaching sources) are on the left, and the output connectors (for attaching destinations) are on the right.
Input and output channels (that correspond to the connectors) are numbered separately and read from top
to bottom. The numbers for the channels are located on the metal to the left of each connector.
For important information on connecting to the DMS-59 connectors on the DVI input and output boards,
see page 61.
FIG. 5 DGX SC Fiber, DGX DVI, and DGX HD-15 RGBHV input boards
DGX DVI input board
DGX HD-15 RGBHV input board
DGX SC Fiber input boards

Overview and General Specifications
13
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Serial Number
The serial number is normally located on the rear of the enclosure on the left (FIG. 2 on page 10).
Before installation, we recommend recording the serial number for each enclosure in the system in an
easily accessible location.
General Specifications
For individual board information and specifications, see the specific board chapter in this manual.
Note: Features and specifications described in this document are subject to change without notice.
Configuration Information and Control Options
The configuration file contains routing and control information for an AMX AutoPatch Routing System.
Each system is programmed (configured) at the factory according to customer specifications.
Configuration Information
As shipped from the factory, the Epica DGX 144 supports full Device Discovery. The factory
configuration contains two virtual matrices (VMs) for switching signals: VM 0 = all signals and VM 1 =
video signals (in systems like the Epica DGX 144, by default both VMs route the same signals).
Note: When embedded audio is transmitted along with the video over the fiber, the audio switches
on the same VM as the video (the audio and video cannot be switched independently).
The custom configuration file is provided on the AMX AutoPatch CD that is shipped with each system.
XNConnect, the configuration software provided on the CD can be used to further customize the
configuration file (see page 69).
Unless you need to modify your system, you will not need to use any of the configuration software that
is included on the CD. If you do modify the configuration file, we recommend making a copy of it first.
Configuration file modifications include creating local presets, customizing input and output channel
names for control display (e.g., in APControl 3.0 or APWeb’s control interface), as well as adding or
managing hardware. Configuration file modifications are made with XNConnect, which graphically
displays the AMX AutoPatch system and its control configuration. Other configuration software for
specific hardware or for adjusting signal quality is also available on the AMX AutoPatch CD. For details,
see the individual program’s Help file.
Specifications
Parameter Value
Approvals CE, UL, cUL, RoHS, FCC Class A
AC Power per Supply 100 VAC to 240 VAC single phase (50 Hz to 60 Hz)
Power Consumption (max.) 1563 Watts
Power Consumption (typical) 850 Watts, fully loaded enclosure
Thermal Dissipation (max.) 5333 BTU/hr.
Thermal Dissipation (typical) 2900 BTU/hr., fully loaded enclosure
Operational Temperature (continuous) 32° F to 110° F (0°C to 43° C)
Humidity 0 to 90% non-condensing
Dimensions 20.08 in. (51 cm) depth; 21.08 in. (53.54 cm) with extractors
19 in. (48.26 cm) width with rack mounting ears
17.6 in. (44.7 cm) width behind rack mounting ears
28 in. (71.1 cm) height (16 RU)
Weight Approximately 160 lb. (72.6 kg) per loaded enclosure
Shipping Weight Approximately 205 lb. (93 kg) per loaded enclosure

Overview and General Specifications
14 Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
Control Options
Note: The Epica DGX 144 supports full Device Discovery through AMX’s AutoPatch Duet module
(see page 77).
Epica DGX 144 enclosures can be controlled externally using one of the following options.
AMX Control Devices
The Epica DGX 144 is compatible with a number of AMX control devices. For control programming
information, see the instruction manual for the specific interface.
Control Software
Epica DGX 144 enclosures can be controlled using AMX AutoPatch software:
 APControl 3.0 – for control and scheduling
 Serial port located on the CPU
 Runs on a PC connected to the serial port
 Download from the AMX AutoPatch CD or from www.amx.com
 APWeb Server (TCP/IP) – for control, diagnostics, and third-party access
 Serial port located on the CPU
 Additional equipment is required
 Accessed through a TCP/IP interface, such as a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer)
 Contact AMX regarding limitations and conditions for operating an Epica DGX 144 on a
company LAN (Local Area Network)
Control Panel
If the Epica DGX 144 is linked to an Optima, Optima SD, Modula, or Modula CatPro that has a CP-10
or a CP-20A Control Panel (local or remote), the panel can fully control the Epica DGX 144. When other
types of AMX AutoPatch Control Panels are used to control the Epica DGX 144, some limitations apply.
For specific control panel information, contact your AMX representative. For control panel operation,
see the applicable product’s instruction manual.
BCS Serial Control Protocol
The Epica DGX 144 can be controlled with an external serial controller that sends and receives ASCII
characters via the RS-232 serial port. AMX AutoPatch has developed a command language, BCS (Basic
Control Structure) protocol, for programming control operations and for diagnostic purposes. BCS
commands can be entered into a terminal emulation program (such as Windows®HyperTerminal)
running on a PC. For information on BCS commands, see the Instruction Manual –BCS Basic Control
Structure Protocol on the AMX AutoPatch CD or at www.amx.com.
Third-Party Controllers
A third-party controller can also be attached to an Epica DGX 144 enclosure via the RS-232 port.
If using a third-party controller, see the controller documentation for operating instructions.
XNNet Protocol
Advanced programmers who want to design their own control programs can use XNNet protocol.
The AMX AutoPatch CD includes the XNNet Communication Library that supports C, Java, and
Visual Basic with examples of the XNNet protocol in use.

Overview and General Specifications
15
Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual
System Diagnostic Options
The two system diagnostic options for the Epica DGX 144 are APDiagnostics software and a
programmer’s interface, which displays in a splash screen.
APDiagnostics
APDiagnostics is a software application that monitors and displays advanced diagnostic information
about the Epica DGX 144. This application is available on the AMX AutoPatch CD or at www.amx.com.
APDiagnostics also works with other AMX AutoPatch products that are capable of reporting such data.
For information on APDiagnostics, see Appendix C on page 79.
Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics
The Epica DGX 144 displays system information in its splash screen for diagnostic purposes. The
information indicates the current status and well-being of the system components. The splash screen can
be accessed using a terminal emulation program, such as HyperTerminal. For information on the
programmer’s interface, see Appendix D on page 93.

Overview and General Specifications
16 Epica DGX 144 Instruction Manual