QUANTUM™ HD COMPRESSOR CONTROL PANEL
COMMUNICATIONS SETUP 090.040-CS (JAN 14)
Page 7
tion 8 for the correct wiring and jumper settings of
RS-422, or RS-485.
ETHERNET AND NETWORKING
DESCRIPTION
Frick®Controls uses Ethernet as the primary method
of connecting one or multiple Quantum™ HD panels
to a common computer network. In the past, this in-
terconnection would have been done by serial pro-
tocol wiring, such as RS-422/485. But with the capa-
bilities 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 (kilobits
per second transmission speed), Ethernet is available
in two speeds: 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps.
NOTE: For connection examples, refer to Sec-
tion 9 (Appendix B and C) of this manual entitled
Quantum™ HD Local Ethernet Configurations and
Quantum™ HD 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 con-
sist of both hardwired connections, and wireless de-
vices, 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 de-
vices provide the necessary point of connection for
one end (branch) of the connection (a home com-
puter for instance). The other point that completes
the connection is usually provided by an Internet Ser-
vice Provider (or ISP). The Internet Service Provider
usually has a very large network router, or means of
bring in many individual connections. The router then
assigns a discrete and individual address to each con-
nection (much like a street address). 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 transparent 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 en-
ter 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™ HD 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 Ethernet connection must be in-
dividually cabled (known as a homerun) direct from a
switch or computer. Unlike RS422/485 communica-
tions which allowed for cable daisy-chaining, Ether-
net 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 telephone cord but is slightly larger
(and not compatible). You can buy Cat 5 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 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
cable. As long as all of the cables that are used have
been properly constructed AND tested, either shield-
ed or unshielded are acceptable. This is mostly due to
the excellent (electrical) noise immunity that is inher-
ent 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 ad-
ditional run. No more than two Switches/Hubs
should be used on any cable run.
Cabling Do’s and Don’ts – Frick®Controls recom-
mends the following guidelines when installing and
using CAT 5 Ethernet cable:
Do:
• Run all cables in a star (homerun) con-
figuration.
• Keep all individual cable lengths under
300 feet. If greater distances are need-
ed, use a switch/hub every 300 feet
(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 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, transform-
ers, solenoids, lighting, etc.)
