Altinex CP500-110 Neutron Mini-Controller - Compact Ethernet-Based AV Controller

Overview:

The CP500-110 Neutron Controller is a compact Ethernet-based controller with (2) RS-232 bi-directional ports, (2) IR ports, (2) relay ports, and (2) sensor ports.

Summary:

Providing multi-point device control from a compact Ethernet-based unit, the new Altinex Neutron CP500-110 Mini-Controller re-defines value. This unassuming shelf mount unit supports multiple Altinex MultiTouch touch panels and provides control of up to two RS-232 devices, two IR (infrared) devices, two Relay-based devices, and two Sensor inputs—making it the ideal solution for controlling projectors and LCD/Plasma display panels, lighting, motorized equipment such as drapes or drop-down screens, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems.

The Altinex Neutron CP500-110 Mini-Controller offers a 12V DC power terminal block, an RJ-45 Ethernet port and four 5-pin terminal blocks—one each for the Sensor inputs, the two Relay-based devices, the two RS-232 devices, and IR control. The Neutron Mini-Controller is designed to work with a wide variety of sensors, including motion sensors, IR detectors, and RF detectors. The two Sensor inputs accept sensor output voltages up to 24 VDC and each sensor input has an independent trigger level setting that can be used to determine if a sensor has been “tripped” or “activated” based on movement, occupancy, etc.—depending on the sensor type.

The Neutron Mini-Controller’s two relays can be used to control external devices such as a projector screen. Similarly, these relays can also be used to route power to low power DC devices. The Neutron Mini-Controller’s two bi-directional RS-232 COM ports are able to communicate with virtually any serial device such as computers and control systems. Each port can be individually set with different baud rates, parity, stop bits, and data bits—enabling a control application to operate different devices from a single remote location through the TCP connection via Ethernet. Two LED indicators on the rear of the controller show Ethernet activity and verify that the RS-232 has been wired properly.

Supporting three distinct methods for IP control, the Neutron CP500-110 Mini-Controller’s IR capabilities are extensive. Using an IR receiver such as the Altinex AC301-103, an AV system can be created that enables a user to aim a remote control at a wall mount or other receiver and then automatically redirect the remote control’s signal to the IR emitters connected to the two output pins of the controller. Alternately, a computer, controller, or other device can send IR command strings from the Altinex IR library directly to the Neutron Mini-Controller using an Altinex MultiTouch panel. Further, IR commands can be stored in the Neutron’s internal memory for the purpose of controlling external devices.