Multitech ZDX Series User manual

RackMountedModems
ZDX Series Modem Racks
User Guide

Copyright and Technical Support
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 2
Rack Mounted Modems
User Guide
“ZDX” Style Device Rack
S000338A, Revision A
Copyright © 1998 - 2004
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission from
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranty
with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any particular purpose. Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. to
notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Record of Revisions
Revision Date Description
A03/31/04 Replaces 82040205 Rev F. This new release is published on CD
Patents
This device covered by one or more of the following patents: 6,031,867; 6,012,113; 6,009,082; 5,905,794; 5,864,560; 5,815,567;
5,815,503; 5,812,534; 5,809,068; 5,790,532; 5,764,628; 5,764,627; 5,754,589; 5,724,356; 5,673,268; 5,673,257;
5,644,594; 5,628,030; 5,619,508; 5,617,423; 5,600,649; 5,592,586; 5,577,041; 5,574,725; 5,559,793; 5,546,448;
5,546,395; 5,535,204; 5,500,859; 5,471,470; 5,463,616; 5,453,986; 5,452,289; 5,450,425; D353,598;5,355,365;
5,309,562; 5,301,274 Other Patents Pending
TRADEMARK
Trademark of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. are as follows: Multi-Tech logo and MultiModem.
World Headquarters
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
[phone] or [phone]
FAX [phone]
Technical Support
Country By Email By Phone
France: [e-mail] (33) 1-64 61 09 81
India: [e-mail] 91 (124) 6340778
U.K.: [e-mail] (44) 118 959 7774
U.S. and Canada: [e-mail] [phone]
Rest of the World: [e-mail] [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.MultiTech.com

Table of Contents
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 3
Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description ....................................................................................................................4
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................4
Description .................................................................................................................................................................4
Technical Specifications.............................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2 - Installation ..................................................................................................................................................5
Power Up Preliminaries..............................................................................................................................................5
Safety Recommendations ..........................................................................................................................................5
Installation ..................................................................................................................................................................5
Rack Mounting Installation Procedure........................................................................................................................7
Powering Up...............................................................................................................................................................7
Chapter 3 - Service, Warranty and Tech Support........................................................................................................8
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................8
Multi-Tech Warranty Statement..................................................................................................................................8
Recording Rack Information.......................................................................................................................................9
Service ......................................................................................................................................................................9
About the Internet.....................................................................................................................................................10
Appendix.......................................................................................................................................................................11
Safety Requirements................................................................................................................................................11
Power Requirements................................................................................................................................................12
Notice ............................................................................................................................................................................13

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Description
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 4
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1 - I1 - I
1 - INTRODUCTION AND
NTRODUCTION ANDNTRODUCTION AND
NTRODUCTION AND D
DD
DESCRIPTION
ESCRIPTIONESCRIPTION
ESCRIPTION
Introduction
Welcome to the world of data communication. You have one of the finest modem racks made today. This
owner's manual provides information that will enable you to install and operate the MultiModemZDX fax
modems within your Multi-Tech ZDX modem rack. This manual covers the description of the modem rack,
its technical specifications, power supply, procedures for modem installation, RS232C and phone line
connections and powering up mode.
Description
The ZDX rack makes it easy for you to see what is happening with your data communications. Each
modem has its own LED display, with indicators such as Transmit Data, Receive Data, Carrier Detect,
Speed Status, Off Hook, Terminal Ready, Error Correction, and Fax mode. The ZDX rack holds up to
twelve modems and a redundant power supply.
The rack is available in both 115V and 230V versions. The rack measures 19 inches wide by 5 ¼ inches
high, is usually mounted in the same cabinet as your computer, or can be enclosed in a separate cabinet
of its own. Installation of the modems is accomplished by simply opening the rack door and sliding in the
modems. RS232C cables and phone cords are connected to the modem's connectors on the back of the
rack.
Technical Specifications
Rack Capacity: Up to twelve modems
Connectors: IEC 320 Inlet Power Connector
Dimensions: 19" wide x 5 ¼" high x 7 ¾" deep
48.26cm wide x 13.28cm high x 19.6cm deep
Weights: Rack with power supply: 8lbs. (3.7kg)
Rack with power supply and 12 modems:14½lbs. (6.6kg)
Power Supply Input: 90 - 240 Volts AC, 50/60 Hz, 2.0A
2 amp sloblo fuse
Output: +9 volts DC regulated
4.4 amps maximum
Power Consumption: 40 watts with a fully loaded rack
Ambient Temperature: 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
Indicators: Two LED’s indicate presence of 120/230 Volts AC power and 5 Volts DC power

Chapter 2 – Installation
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 5
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2 - I2 - I
2 - INSTALLATION
NSTALLATIONNSTALLATION
NSTALLATION
Power Up Preliminaries
The MultiModemZDX modems are shipped with the DTR signal controlled by the interface and the
modem’s Command mode enabled. With rack-mount modems, we generally assume that your modems
are used in a central site computer environment, with the modems connected to a mini or mainframe
computer. We expect the main purpose will be to automatically answer incoming calls from remote users.
Command mode should be disabled unless you wish to give the modem commands. Leaving Command
mode enabled offers the possibility of a user calling into the modem and reconfiguring it, or causing it to
dial out. Refer to the appropriate modem owner’s manual to configure the modem for your application.
Safety Recommendations
The following safety recommendations should be observed when installing a Multi-Tech ZDX Rack.
• Never install telephone wiring during a lighting storm.
• Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet
locations.
• Never touch insulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line has been
disconnected at the network interface.
• Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
• Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be a
remote risk of electrical shock from lighting.
• Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
• This product is for use only with listed computers, or equivalent.
Installation
Perform the following procedure to install the ZDX rack and install up to 12 ZDX modems in the rack.
1. Unpack the rack and check all items against the shipping list to ensure that you have received the
correct items.
Rack Components
A. Rack
B. Power Cord
C. Owner's Manual
2. Inspect the rack for visible shipping damage. If damage is observed, do not power-on the rack;
contact Multi-Tech's Technical Support for advice (refer to Chapter 3).
3. If no damage is observed, mount the rack in a standard 19-inch wide rack enclosure.
4. Open the rack front door.
5. Unpack the ZDX modems to be installed in the rack.
Note: The plastic feet can not be attached to the modem due to height clearance.
Note: The typical power supply cord is not used when the modem is installed in a rack.

Chapter 2 – Installation
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 6
6. Ensure that the power on/off switch on the ZDX modem is in the On position before the modem is
placed in the rack. The power on/off switch is not accessible when the modem is in the rack.
7. Slide a ZDX modem into one of the twelve available slots.
Figure 2-1. Modem Installation
8. Connect the appropriate power cable on the back of the rack to the modem's power jack. You may
have to hold the modem in place from the front while plugging in the power cable. The top power
cable supplies power to the top 6 modems and the bottom power cable supplies power to the bottom
6 modems.
Figure 2-2. Modem Power Connection
9. Repeat the above process of ensuring that the power on/off switch is in the On position, sliding the
modem into an available slot and connecting the power cable to the modem, for each modem being
installed.
10. Refer to the MultiModemZDX Quick Reference Guide for connecting the RS232C serial cables and
telephone lines to the modems.
11. When all the modems are connected to the computer and telephone lines, plug the AC power cord
supplied with the rack into the power cord connector on the back of the rack and to a live AC outlet.

Chapter 2 – Installation
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 7
Rack Mounting Installation Procedure
If the chassis is installed in a closed or multi-rack assembly, the operating temperature of the rack
environment may be greater than the ambient temperature. Be sure to install the chassis in an
environment that is compatible with the maximum rated ambient temperature. See Technical
specifications in Chapter 1.
When mounting the equipment in the rack make sure mechanical loading is even to avoid a
hazardous condition, such as loading heavy equipment in the rack unevenly. The rack should safely
support the combined weight of all equipment it supports.
When connecting the equipment to the supply circuit, be sure to check equipment nameplate ratings
to avoid overloading circuits that may cause damage to over-current protection devices and supply
wiring.
Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect if from overheating, maintain a minimum of 1 inch clearance on the tops, and
1 inch clearance on the sides.
Powering Up
Once power is applied to the rack, the modems perform a diagnostic self-test, indicated by the speed
LEDs flashing in sequence for approximately two seconds, then the 19 or 28 (depending on model of
ZDX modem) should light. If none of the modems have power to them, check the power cord connection
and that the AC outlet is live. If one or more of the modems do not power up, check the power connection
to that modem.
If one of the green power supply LEDs on the front of the rack is not on, then one of the redundant power
supplies is defective.
Models with AC power inputs are intended to be used with a three-wire grounding type plug—a plug that
has a grounding pin. Equipment grounding is to ensure safe operation. Do not defeat the grounding
means and verify device is reliably grounded when mounted within a rack.

Chapter 3 – Service, Warranty and Tech Support
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 8
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HAPTER 3 - S
3 - S3 - S
3 - SERVICE
ERVICEERVICE
ERVICE, W
, W, W
, WARRANTY AND
ARRANTY ANDARRANTY AND
ARRANTY AND T
TT
TECH
ECHECH
ECH
S
SS
SUPPORT
UPPORTUPPORT
UPPORT
Introduction
This chapter starts out with statements about your rack 2-year warranty. The next section, Tech Support,
should be read carefully if you have questions or problems with your rack. It includes the technical
support telephone numbers, space for recording your product information, and an explanation of how to
send in your rack should you require service. The final two sections explain how to use our bulletin board
service (BBS), and a brief section on the CompuServe System.
Multi-Tech Warranty Statement
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., (hereafter “MTS”) warrants that its products will be free from defects in material
or workmanship for a period of two, five, or ten years (depending on model) from date of purchase, or if
proof of purchase is not provided, two, five, or ten years (depending on model) from date of shipment.
MTS MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.
This warranty does not apply to any products which have been damaged by lightning storms, water, or
power surges or which have been neglected, altered, abused, used for a purpose other than the one for
which they were manufactured, repaired by Customer or any party without MTS’s written authorization, or
used in any manner inconsistent with MTS’s instructions.
MTS’s entire obligation under this warranty shall be limited (at MTS’s option) to repair or replacement of
any products which prove to be defective within the warranty period or, at MTS’s option, issuance of a
refund of the purchase price. Defective products must be returned by Customer to MTS’s factory —
transportation prepaid.
MTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, AND UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ITS LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE FOR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS.
Repair Procedures for U.S. and Canadian Customers
In the event that service is required, products may be shipped, freight prepaid, to our Mounds View,
Minnesota factory:
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, MN 55112
Attn: Repairs, Serial # ____________
A Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) is not required. Return shipping charges (surface) will be paid
by MTS to destinations in U.S. and Canada.
Please include, inside the shipping box, a description of the problem, a return shipping address (must
have street address, not P.O. Box), your telephone number, and if the product is out of warranty, a check
or purchase order for repair charges.
For out of warranty repair charges, go to www.multitech.com/DOCUMENTS/Company/warranty/

Chapter 3 – Service, Warranty and Tech Support
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 9
Extended two-year overnight replacement service agreements are available for selected products. Please
call MTS customer service at [phone] or visit our web site at
www.multitech.com/PARTNERS/Programs/orc/ for details on rates and coverage.
Please direct your questions regarding technical matters, product configuration, verification that the
product is defective, etc., to our Technical Support department at [phone] or email
[e-mail]. Please direct your questions regarding repair expediting, receiving, shipping,
billing, etc., to our Repair Accounting department at [phone] or [phone], or email
[e-mail].
Repairs for damages caused by lightning storms, water, power surges, incorrect installation, physical
abuse, or user-caused damages are billed on a time-plus-materials basis.
Recording Rack Information
Please fill in the following information on your Multi-Tech rack. This will help tech support in answering
your questions. (The same information is requested on the Warranty Registration Card.)
Model No.: __________________________
Serial No.: __________________________
The model and serial numbers are on the rack.
Please note any diagnostic test results. Use the space below to note the status:
Service
If your tech support specialist decides that service is required, your rack may be sent (freight prepaid) to
our factory. Return shipping charges will be paid by Multi-Tech Systems.
Include the following with your rack:
• A description of the problem.
• Return billing and return shipping addresses.
• Contact name and phone number.
• Check or purchase order number for payment if the rack is out of warranty. (The standard repair
charge for your rack is $75. This price is valid at the time of this publication but could change in
the future. Check with your technical support specialist.)
• If possible, note the name of the technical support specialist with whom you spoke.
If you need to inquire about the status of the returned product, be prepared to provide the serial number of the product sent
(see Recording Rack Information).
Send your rack to this address:
MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS, INC.
2205 WOODALE DRIVE
MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA 55112
ATTN: SERVICE OR REPAIRS
You should also check with the supplier of your rack on the availability of local service and/or loaner units in your part of the
country.

Chapter 3 – Service, Warranty and Tech Support
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 10
About the Internet
Multi-Tech is a commercial user on the Internet, and we retrieve messages from our customers on a
periodic basis. If you prefer to receive technical support via the Internet, please address your message to:
[e-mail] Technical Support
[e-mail] Marketing Dept.
[e-mail] Sales Dept.
[e-mail] International Marketing & Sales
[e-mail] Publications Dept.
Multi-Tech's presence includes a Web site at:
http://www.MultiTech.com
and an FTP site at:
ftp://ftp.MultiTech.com
The FTP server mirrors the MultiTech BBS.
Sales and marketing index (pages 1-4), or order basic modem operation and troubleshooting guides from
the technical support and engineering index. Just enter the applicable FB Doc. # from the left column of
the catalog.

Chapter 4 – Appendix
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 11
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AA
APPENDIX
PPENDIXPPENDIX
PPENDIX
Safety Requirements
1. No manual adjustments to the equipment are necessary for connection to main power within rated
voltage and frequency.
2. The power supply cord is intended to serve as the disconnect device. The socket-outlet must be
installed near the equipment and be easily accessible.
3. To reduce the risk of shock, all openings should be covered during normal operation of the equipment.
4. Use only plugs and cordage for connection of the power supply to primary power that meets the safety
and regulatory requirements in the country of use.
5. Conductors must have a cross-sectional area of not less than 1.00 mm2
Exigences de Sécurité
1. Aucun réglage manuel de l'équipement n'est nécessaire pour des connexions à l'alimentation
principale sous une tension et une fréquence nominales.
2. Le cordon d'alimentation a été conçu pour servir de dispositif de déconnexion. La prise d'alimentation
doit être installée près de l'équipement et doit être facile d'accès.
3. Afin de réduire les risques de choc, toutes les ouvertures doivent être couvertes pendant le
fonctionnement normal de l'équipement.
4. N'utiliser que des prises et cordons d'alimentation répondant aux normes de sécurité du pays de
destination.
5. La superficie de la section des conducteurs doit être supérieure ou égale à 1,00 mm2.
Requisitos de Seguridad
1. No son necesarios ajustes manuales del equipo para la conexión a la corriente de la red dentro del
voltaje y frecuencia establecidas.
2. El conector de alimentación de energía sirve como dispositivo de desconexión. La toma de corriente
se debe instalar cerca del equipo y tener un acceso sencillo.
3. Para reducir el riesgo de sacudida eléctrica, todas las aberturas deben estar cubiertas durante el
manejo normal del equipo.
4. Utilice solamente los enchufes y cables para la conexión del suministro de energiá a la energiá
primaria que cumplan con los requerimientos regulativos y de seguridad del país en que se usen.
5. Los conductores deben tener un área transversal mayor de 1,00 mm2.
Sicherheitsanforderungen
1. Bei Anschluß am Versorgungsnetz innerhalb der Nennleistung und -frequenz ist es nicht erforderlich,
dieses Gerät manuell nachzustellen.
2. Die Netzschnur dient als Trennvorrichtung. Die Steckdose muß in der Nähe des Geräts installiert
werden, um leicht zugänglich zu sein.
3. Um Elektroschockgefahr zu vermindern, müssen beim normalen Betrieb des Geräts alle Öffnungen
abgedeckt sein.
4. Zum Anschluß an das Primärstromnetz nur Stecker und Anschlußkabeln benutzen, die den
Sicherheits- und Überwachungsvorschriften des Landes entsprechen, in dem sie angewendet
werden.
5. Leitungsdrähte müssen einen Durchmesser von mindestens 1,00 mm2haben.

Chapter 4 – Appendix
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 12
Power Requirements
AC 90-240V, 50/60 Hz, 2.0A
CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace with same type and rating of fuse. Safety
requirements are not fulfilled unless the equipment is connected to a wall outlet socket that is provided
with an earth contact.
Mains Wiring Instructions (U.K.)
When wiring the mains plug the following instructions must be followed:
• The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter E or by the earth symbol, or coloured green and yellow.
• The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N
or coloured black.
• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L
or coloured red.
Alimentation Requise
C.A. 90-240V, 50/60 Hz, 2.0A
ATTENTION: Pour garantir une protection continue contre tout risque d'incendie, utilisez toujours des
fusibles de même type et de même intensité.
Les conditions de sécurité ne sont pas remplies si votre équipement n'est pas branché sur une prise
murale avec mise à la terre.
Requisitos de Potencia
C.A. 90-240V, 50/60 Hz, 2.0 Amp
ATTENCION: Para garantizar la protección continua frente al peligro de incendio, sustitúyase con un
fusible del mismo tipo e iguales especificaciones de funcionamiento.
Adviertase que los requisitos respecto a medidas de seguridad no quedan satisfechos a menos que este
equipo eléctrico esté conectado a una toma de corriente mural conectada a tierra.
Stromaufnahme
AC 90-240V, 50/60 Hz, 2.0A
VORSICHT: Als Vorkehrung gegen Brandgefahr immer nur Sicherungen der gleichen Art und mit
gleichem Nennwert verwenden.
Die Sicherheitsvorschriften sind nur erfüllt, wenn das Gerät an eine geerdete Wandsteckdose
angeschlossen ist.

Notice
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. “ZDX”-Style Device Rack – PN S000338A 13
N
NN
NOTICE
OTICEOTICE
OTICE
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 in a commercial installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, 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.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
The CE mark is affixed to the enclosed Multi-Tech product to confirm compliance with the
following European Community Directives:
Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of Member States
relating to electromagnetic compatibility;
and
Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization of the laws of Member
States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits;
both amended by
Council Directive 93/68/EEC of 22 July 1993 on the harmonization of CE marking requirements.