The FPC 5500 assembly consists of the FPC computer, external power supply, and a rack-
mountable, 7U high, 19 inch wide metal panel.
As part of a complete Matrix 12800, Fox Matrix 14400, or FOX Matrix 320x system, the
FPC 5500 can be installed in a rack or a cabinet with the rest of the system. The controller
is connected to the Ethernet port of the matrix. In a Matrix 12800 system with more than
one switching BME, the FPC must be connected to the BME that is designated as BME 0 in
the system (see your Matrix 12800 manual for more information). If the BMEs are rack- or
cabinet-mounted, they can be mounted in any order.
Plan carefully before installing the equipment in a room. Poor planning can cause problems.
The number of cables involved can result in a cluttered appearance. Power and ventilation
requirements must be adequate. Although not noisy, the background noise generated by a
rack of matrix switchers could be distracting.
To install and set up the FPC 5500 for operation with a matrix system, perform the following
steps:

Disconnect power from all of the matrix units.

Secure the FPC computer to the FPC mounting panel (see “

Unpacking and

Assembling the Front Panel Controller

”on page 7).

Rack mount the front panel controller (see ”

Rack Mounting the FPC Assembly

”on

page 7).

Connect an Ethernet cable from the FPC to the Ethernet port of the matrix system
(BME 0 on a Matrix 12800 system), or to the Ethernet LAN on which the matrix system
resides.

Connect the AC power cable to the FPC and to the power supply.

Connect the power supply cable to a power source.

If not already accomplished, complete the installation and virtualization of the rest of the
matrix system (see your matrix manual).

Turn on the FPC 5500 and observe the startup display of the FPC computer.