American Dynamics ADACSNET Installation

ADACSNET
USB Control Module

Installation Guide

2-Pin SensorNet
Termination
Switch

Communication LEDs

The USB Control Module allows a host computer
such as an Intellex digital video management
system (or a PC with a USB port) to control one or
more American Dynamics camera domes using the
SensorNet (RS485) communication protocol.

This guide explains:

- Features of the module and basic hookup

- Information required to download special
software, if required

- SensorNet Rules and network types.

Connection

USB Port

Features and Hookup

The USB Control Module contains the following:

- USB port: Connects to the host computer.

- Communication LEDs: A yellow LED indicates
correct USB connection by glowing steadily or
blinking. Immediately after power is turned on, a
green LED glows steadily for about 3 seconds
then turns off. This LED also blinks every time a
data packet is sent to the camera dome.

- Termination switch: Termination is indicated
by a resistor symbol near the switch. See
“SensorNet Rules and Network Types” in this
document for when to set the switch.

The following diagram shows how to hook up the
control module between the host (Intellex or PC)
and a camera.

Host (Intellex shown)

To J-Boxes or
Camera Domes

USB Port

Control
Module

SensorNet
Connection

Software Installation for
Non-Intellex Systems

If not connecting the module to an Intellex system,
special drivers and utilities software must be
downloaded to your personal computer that enable
its use. USB Control Module Software Utilities User
Guide 8200-0310-02 explains how to download this
software. To obtain this guide:

1. On the internet, go to

http://www.americandynamics.net

“Software Downloads”.

2. Click on the USB Control Module picture.

3. Download USB Control Module Software

Utilities User Guide 8200-0310-02.

© Sensormatic 2004

ADACSNET USB CONTROL MODULE 8200-0310-01, REV. B
INSTALLATION GUIDE

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and select

SensorNet Rules and
Network Types

The SensorNet communication protocol allows the
host computer and camera domes to exchange
data along a cable network (star, daisy chain, or
backbone).

SensorNet Rules

• A star network cannot have more than four
branches, one line termination per branch

• A backbone network has a termination at each
end of the line

• A SensorNet line cannot have more than 32
network-compatible devices

• A network cannot have more than four
repeaters in the path of any two camera domes

• A SensorNet line or branch cannot exceed 1km
(3300ft). Use signal repeaters only when
exceeding the maximum distance or noise is an
issue

• Signal levels for SensorNet-compatible devices
are from 0.3–5V (1–5V is recommended).

Network Types

Star Network

The star network allows you to relocate devices.
However, this network is not recommended in high
noise environments because the extra terminations
required will lower the signal to noise ratio.

A separate cable line (branch) runs from the USB
module to each device. Limit branches to four.

The example below shows the USB module as
the hub of a star network. The module is not
terminated.

Black box = USB module, T = Terminated

Not

Terminated

ADACSNET USB CONTROL MODULE 8200-0310-01, REV. B
INSTALLATION GUIDE

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