Tyco Software House iSTAR eX User manual

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iSTAR eX Installation Quick Start Guide
iSTAR eX is an network-ready intelligent controller that improves performance and provides
features for networked security systems.
iSTAR eX Features
iSTAR eX has the following features and functions.
Memory
iSTAR eX memory features include:
Program (flash) memory – Provides performance and storage for additional iSTAR
features.
On-board SDRAM (64MB)
Compact Flash (256 MB) – Enhanced storage capacity for fully operational backups of card
and configuration data.
Cluster Configuration
iSTAR eX hardware supports communications in a user-defined group called a cluster that
contains other iSTAR eX or iSTAR Edge controllers.
Clusters allow iSTAR eX controllers to distribute information and control actions to connected
components without host intervention.
iSTAR eX cluster configurations allow iSTAR eX hardware to perform many actions locally
and to share information with other cluster members even when the controller is not
communicating with the host—for example, during a communications failure.
Events
iSTAR eX can manage the activation and deactivation of events and timed actions for itself and
other controllers in the cluster. For example, if a Forced Door Event activates outputs in the
cluster, the controller with the Forced Door Event, not the host, activates the outputs.
When configuring an event, you must specify whether the event is controlled by the host or by
an iSTAR. Software House recommends downloading the event to the iSTAR eX controller.
UM-248 Version A1
August 2010
iSTAR eX Installation Guide

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System Components
The iSTAR eX hardware components are housed in a 16-gauge sheet metal cabinet with a
lockable door. The cabinet can be wall mounted.
iSTAR eX hardware components consist of:
iSTAR eX GCM – an embedded microprocessor-based general controller board. The GCM
board provides inputs, relay outputs, open collector outputs, and Wiegand reader ports.
PMB – a board that provides power management, backups, and RM reader ports for RM
readers, I/8s, and R/8s.
ESD Power Supply - UL Recognized ESD, Model SPS-6.5
12 VDC, 17.2 Ah minimum capacity standby battery
LCD - displays diagnostic and status information
Figure 1-1 shows the standard iSTAR eX hardware and cabinet.
Figure 1-1: iSTAR Edge Cabinet and Components
GCM
PMB
Fuse
ESD Power
Supply
Lithium
Battery
LCD
Lead-Acid
Battery

iSTAR eX General Controller Module (GCM)
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iSTAR eX General Controller Module (GCM)
The iSTAR eX GCM contains a 400 MHz PXA255 Microprocessor, a member of the Intel XScale
family of ARM processors that runs Microsoft Windows CE 5.0. Figure 1.3 on page 1-9 shows
an iSTAR eX GCM.
Each iSTAR eX GCM contains:
an onboard CPU
two Ethernet ports (both are 10/100Base-T dual sensing)
onboard flash memory
onboard SDRAM memory
compact flash memory for storing primary and secondary backups
GCM Features
The iSTAR eX GCM supports:
LCD display area – provides iSTAR eX status and diagnostic messages
Multi-function rotary switch for board installation and diagnostics.
Memory components, including:
• Flash memory – to store iSTAR program data.
• On-board SDRAM (64MB) – storage capacity for card and event data.
• Compact flash memory.
Figure 1-2 shows the iSTAR eX GCM and the pinout for a Diagnostic cable.
Figure 1-2: iSTAR eX GCM Photo
Diagnostic Cable

iSTAR eX General Controller Module (GCM)
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GCM Component Layout
Figure 1-3 shows the layout of the iSTAR eX GCM.
Figure 1-3: Layout of iSTAR eX GCM
iSTAR eX GCM Component Description
Four Wiegand direct connect reader ports (5V or 12V)
16 general purpose inputs and Tamper, unsupervised input
Four relay outputs and Four open collector outputs
Two Ethernet ports, both of which are 10/100Base-T dual sensing (The second Ethernet
port can be used for redundant communication with the host, master, or member.)
One USB port.
64 Mb RAM, for use by programs and as run-time database storage
32 Mb Flash for the main firmware image and a small “known-good” backup image
256+ Mb Compact Flash card for database backup (shipped with iSTAR eX). Redundant
backups of configuration data
LCD for state and diagnostic display
LEDs for each output, for Ethernet and serial COMM, and for a board “heart-beat”
Coin-cell lithium battery to keep the “Real Time Clock” alive in the absence of AC power
or battery power for up to six days
16 General Purpose Inputs 4 Direct Wiegand Reader Ports 4 Relay Outputs
4 Open Collector Outputs
Diagnostic Cable Port

iSTAR eX General Controller Module (GCM)
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16 position rotary switch to inhibit or allow ICU, control diagnostics that display on the
LCD, clear memory and restore factory defaults
Reset button to force a hardware reboot that erases RAM but does not cause loss of flashed
configuration parameters such as IP addresses—unless you select “restore factory default”
on the rotary switch at the same time you press the reset button.
iSTAR eX GCM LEDs
iSTAR LEDs on the GCM are labeled and indicate the following:
HEARTBEAT - The LED blinks rapidly while the board is waiting for a reboot following restore-factory-
default. Otherwise, the LED blinks slowly.
COM1-RX – RS 485 COM1 receive data
COM2-RX – RS 485 COM2 receive data
COM1-TX– RS 485 COM1 transmit data.
COM2-TX – RS 485 COM2 transmit data
RS232-RX – RS-232 (debug port) receive data
RS232-TX – RS-232 (debug port) transmit data
ETH1 TxRx – Ethernet 1 receive or transmit data
ETH2 TxRx – Ethernet 2 receive or transmit data
ETH1 100 – Carrier - Ethernet 1 is connected to a 10/100Base network
ETH2 100 – Carrier - Ethernet 2 is connected to a 10/100Base network
RELAY1– Relay 1 is energized
RELAY2 – Relay 2 is energized
RELAY3 – Relay 3 is energized
RELAY4 – Relay 4 is energized
OC 1 – Open collector output 1 is energized
OC 2 – Open collector output 2 is energized
OC 3 – Open collector output 3 is energized
OC 4 – Open collector output 4 is energized
SPI ACTIVE – GCM is transferring data over the SPI bus
PWR – Power is applied to the GCM board

Power Management Board (PMB)
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Power Management Board (PMB)
The PMB manages the power system and backup facility of iSTAR eX, charges the battery, and
supplies power to the GCM.
PMB Component Layout
Figure 1-4 shows the iSTAR eX PMB.
Figure 1-4: iSTAR eX PMB Layout
PMB Component Description
The iSTAR eX PMB contains these major components:
RM Reader connectors – RS-485 Reader Busses (4 ports)
COM1, COM2 – RS-485 reader connectors to the GCM
Multiplex switch (S1) – used to connect RS-485 readers to either COM1 or COM2. Read1
and Read2 connect to COM1 and Read3 and Read4 connect to COM2, by default.
LEDs – indicators for power and system status of communications and RM reader bus
communications
Debug Port – for use by Software House technical support
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) – a synchronous serial data link that provides
communication between the iSTAR eX GCM and the PMB

Power Management Board (PMB)
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Battery – connector to 12 VDC, 17.2 Ah minimum capacity standby battery
PMB to ESD – battery charging connector
ESD power – UL Recognized ESD, Model SPS-6.5, supplies power to the PMB
Fuse – 10 A, 250 VAC fuse
Star Coupler Feature
The GCM board and the software support two ports for connecting readers and other
peripherals. Each port can control up to four readers. The PMB provides a star coupler feature
to expand the two RS485 ports into four ports with separate drivers (referred to as RM ports)
as shown in Table 1-7 on page 1-25.
The PMB star coupler uses a DIP Switch (S1) to route the RM ports to the RS485 ports on the
GCM.
iSTAR eX Capacities
GCM
16 general purpose inputs –- can be supervised with traditional Software House Double
NO/NC 1K, or various other 1K, 5K, 10K, Unsupervised methods.
Four Wiegand direct connect read heads
Four relay outputs
Four open collector outputs
PMB
Serial – eight I/8s, eight R/8s, four or eight RM Readers on up to four RM busses.
Input/Output Capacities
The maximum configuration per iSTAR eX controller is eight (8) RM (RS485) readers, eight I/
8 Modules, and eight R/8 Modules, for a total of:
96 inputs - does not include the special inputs for Tamper, AC Fail, and Battery Low.
88 outputs - does include the 4 Open collector (OC) outputs..

Power Management Board (PMB)
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iSTAR eX GCM - PMB Interconnections
Figure 1-5: GCM-PMB Interconnections
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) Connection
.
Figure 1-6: SPI Connector Details
Note: Pin 1 is not used on either
connector

iSTAR eX Connections
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iSTAR eX Connections
The following types of iSTAR eX connections are available:
Input connector – associates a security device with an input on iSTAR eX or add-on
module board
Output connector – associates an event or input with a relay on iSTAR eX or add-on
module board
Read head connectors – Direct connect Wiegand signaling read heads, and RM reader
modules.
Inputs
An input is a software object that associates a security device, such as an alarm switch, with an
input on iSTAR eX or on an input module board. An input reports the state of the switch. All
inputs can be in one of two states: active or inactive.
A supervised input reports on the status of the wiring between the controller and the switch. If
the wiring is cut, the system reports an open circuit. If someone tries to jumper across the
wiring (prevent the device from reporting), the system reports a shorted circuit.
Supervised inputs can report a total of five conditions to the controller:
Short
Open Loop
Line Fault (resistance is outside of expected ranges)
Inactive,
Active.
Outputs
An output is a software object that associates an event or input with a relay on iSTAR eX or
add-on module. The relay then activates or deactivates devices, such as door locks, flood lights
and alarm devices.
Readers
Direct connect Wiegand signaling read heads can be connected to the GCM connector.
RM reader modules, I/8s, and R/8s can be connected to the PMB.
NOTE For UL Listed products, burglar alarm inputs must be supervised.

iSTAR eX Tools
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iSTAR eX Tools
The following sections describe the configuration and diagnostic tools available for iSTAR eX
hardware.
ICU
The ICU runs on any Windows computer and lets you set the initial parameters for iSTAR eX
controllers and provides the ability to:
Display the status and type of controller
Configure IP address and connection information for master and member controllers.
Run configuration tools, like Ping and Ping Scan.
Activate the Real-Time Monitor that displays diagnostic information.
Run web-based diagnostics.
Download new firmware to multiple controllers.
Configuring Controllers
Use the ICU to configure a controller’s IP addresses, connection type, and identity
information.
Viewing Controller Status
If a controller in the ICU’s subnet is powered on, the utility displays the following information
for the controller:
MAC address
Name
IP address
Parent’s IP address (either the host or master controller IP address)
Type of controller
Connection status
Web-Based Diagnostic Utility
The Web-based Diagnostic Utility permits using the Web to view iSTAR eX status and
diagnostics information from any networked computer. The iSTAR web-based diagnostic
utility provides diagnostic tools for troubleshooting and monitoring system activity.
NOTE The ICU has not been evaluated by UL.
To ensure proper configuration, the information that you enter in the ICU
must match the information that you configure in C•CURE.