ETC Unison ERn Rack-mount Control Enclosure - Manual (Page 14)

10 Unison ® ERn Rack Mount Enclosure Installation Manual
The following table lists the recommended control wire types used in a typical Unison ERn
installation and the maximum wire runs allowed.
Data Types and Topologies
LinkConnect with LinkPower
LinkConnect is the station communication bus from the architectural control processor to
the stations. LinkConnect is based on Echelon ® LonWorks™ with LinkPower bidirectional
protocol, and uses one pair of wires (data +, data - ). You should pull an additional 14 AWG
(2.5mm
2
) wire for grounding when not installed in grounded metal conduit.
ETC uses two types of LinkConnect networks, for SmartLink and Paradigm systems. While
the wiring for LinkConnect in SmartLink and Paradigm systems are the same, the two
communication and control types are not interchangeable. SmartLink products are
compatible only with the SmartLink ACP, SmartLink station power module, and SmartLink
architectural control stations. Paradigm products are compatible only with the Paradigm
ACP, Paradigm station power modules, Unison Heritage architectural control stations, and
Paradigm touchscreens.
Throughout this manual LinkConnect is referred to by the protocol it uses, LinkPower.
LinkPower is topology-free and polarity independent, you can install your LinkPower data
runs in any desired combination of bus, loop, star, and home run. ETC recommends the
use of Belden 8471 (or approved equal) wire. The total combined length of a LinkPower
wire run cannot exceed 1,640 feet (500m) with a maximum distance of 1,312 feet (400m)
between any two devices.
DMX (Digital Multiplex)
DMX can address up to 512 channels of control. DMX is installed in a daisy chain topology
and includes one pair of wires (data+ and data-) plus an ISO ground. ETC recommends the
use of Belden 9729 (or approved equal) wire with a single end of line termination (90-150 
For best DMX performance, twist the wires together as close to the pluggable connector as
possible.
Auxiliary 24 Vdc
Auxiliary power is required when you are installing powered Unison control stations. ETC
recommends using two 16 AWG (1.5mm 2 ) stranded wires for 24 Vdc auxiliary power to the
control station(s). Auxiliary power is topology-free. Maximum auxiliary voltage runs are
dependant by the wire gauge and the distribution of auxiliary load determined by
installation. The auxiliary supply is capable is of 36W (1.5A at 24Vdc).
Purpose
Link Power
(Belden 8471)
DMX (Belden
9729)
Ethernet
(Cat5 /Belden
1583a)
Feet Meter Feet Meter Feet Meter
Total length of control wire
(without repeater module)
1640 500 1600 487 328 100
Maximum wire length (ERn
to station)
1313 400 1600 487 N/A N/A
Maximum repeater distance 1640 500 N/A N/A N/A N/A
N o t e : Repeater modules may be used to extend the Unison LinkPower station data bus
an additional 1,640 feet (500m) total wire, with a maximum distance of 1,313 feet
(400m) between the repeater and any station.
N o t e : Terminate LinkPower station wiring and the auxiliary power wiring to the rear
panel of the ERn that will host the Paradigm station power module (P-SPM).