
Quick Start Guide
NI-4000 NetLinx Integrated Controller
For more detailed installation, configuration, programming, file transfer, and 
operating instructions, refer to the NetLinx Integrated Controllers (NI-2000,  
NI-3000, NI-4000) Instruction Manual, available online at www.amx.com.
NI-4000 NetLinx Integrated Controller (front view)
FIG. 1 
Overview
The NI-4000 unit (FG2105) is geared toward those advanced control and 
automation requirements associated with most complex commercial and 
residential installations. The NI-4000 provides support for up to 4 NetLinx 
control cards (such as NXC-COM2, NXC-IRS4, etc.), 
7 RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 Ports, 8 IR/Serial Output ports,  
8 Digital Input/Output ports, and 8 Relays. The NI-4000’s on-board Master 
also provides the ability to update installed control card firmware.
ATTENTION!
To utilize the latest security firmware features, verify you are using the latest 
NI firmware for the on-board Master. Verify you are using the latest version of 
NetLinx Studio (available for download from www.amx.com). After the 
installation of build 130 (or higher) to the on-board Master, Telnet security 
configuration access becomes disabled.
Specifications   
NI-4000 Specifications
Dimensions 
 (HWD):
Power  
 Requirement:
Memory: • 32 MB SDRAM
Compact Flash: • 32 MB Card (upgradeable) (refer to the Other AMX Equipment 
Weight: • 9.15 lbs (4.15 kg)
Enclosure: • Metal with black matte finish
Certifications: • FCC Part 15 Class B and CE
Front Panel 
 Components:
• 5.21" x 17.00" x 9.60" (13.23 cm x 43.18 cm x 24.27 cm)
• 3 rack units high
• 900 mA @ 12 VDC
• 1 MB Non-volatile Flash
section)
• Refer to the NetLinx Integrated Controllers (NI-2000, NI-3000,  
and NI-4000 Series) Instruction Manual for more information.
• LINK/ACT: Green LED blinks when the Ethernet cables are 
connected and terminated correctly. Also blinks when receiving 
Ethernet data packets.
• Status: Green LED blinks to indicate that the system is 
programmed and communicating properly.
• Output: Red LED blinks when the Controller transmits data, sets 
channels On and Off, sends data strings, etc.
• Input: Yellow LED blinks when the Controller receives data from 
button pushes, strings, commands, channel levels, etc.
• RS-232/422/485 LEDs: Seven sets of red and yellow LEDs light to 
indicate the rear DB9 Ports 1-7 are transmitting or receiving 
RS-232, 422, or 485 data
• Relay LEDs: Eight red LEDs light to indicate the rear relay 
channels 1 - 8 are active (closed). These LEDs reflect the state of 
the relay on Port 8. 
• IR/Serial LEDs: Eight red LEDs light to indicate the rear IR/Serial 
channels 1 - 8 are transmitting control data on Ports 9 - 16. LED 
indictor for each IR port remains lit for the length of time that 
IR/Serial data is being generated.
• I/O LEDs: Eight yellow LEDs light when the rear I/O channels 1 - 8 
are active. LED indicator for each I/O port reflects the state of that 
particular port.
• NetLinx Control Card Slot 1- 4: Accepts up to 4 compatible 
NetLinx Cards: such as the NXC-COM2, NXC-I/O10, etc.
• Rack-mount brackets: Provides an installation option for the 
Integrated Controller to be mounted into an equipment rack, 
when used with the Installation Kit (KA2105-01).
NI-4000 Specifications (Cont.)
Rear Panel 
 Connectors:
Included 
 Accessories:
Other AMX 
 Equipment: 
• RS-232/422/485 (Ports 1 - 7): Seven RS-232/422/485 control 
ports using DB9 (male) connectors with XON/XOFF (transmit 
on/transmit off), CTS/RTS (clear to send/ready to send), and 
300-115,200 baud.
• ICSNet: Two RJ-45 connectors for ICSNet interface.
• ICSHub Out: RJ-45 connector provides data to a Hub connected 
to the Controller.
•Relay (Port 8 ): 8-channel single-pole single throw relay ports with  
each relay being independently controlled and supporting up to 
8 independent external relay devices.
• Digital I/O (Port 17): 8-channel binary I/O port for contact closure 
with each input being capable of voltage sensing. Input format is 
software selectable with interactive power sensing for IR ports.
•IR/Serial (Ports 9 - 16): Eight IR/Serial control ports support  
high-frequency carriers of up to 1.142 MHz with each output 
being capable of two electrical formats: IR or Serial. Eight IR/ 
Serial data signals can be generated simultaneously. IR ports 
support data mode (at limited baud rates and wiring distances).
• Program Port: RS-232 DB9 connector (male) can be connected to 
a DB9 port on a PC. This connector can be used with serial and 
NetLinx programming commands, as well as other DB9 capable 
devices, to both upload/download information from the NetLinx 
Studio program.
• Configuration DIP Switch: Sets the communication parameters for 
the Program port.
• ID Pushbutton: Sets the NetLinx ID (Device only) assignment for  
the device.
• Ethernet Port: LEDs show communication activity, connection 
status, speeds, and mode information: 
SPD (speed) - Yellow LED lights On when the connection speed 
is 100 Mbps and turns Off when the speed is 10 Mbps. 
L/A (link/activity) - Green LED lights On when the Ethernet cables 
are connected and terminated correctly, and blinks when 
receiving Ethernet data packets.
• AXlink LED: Green LED indicates the state of the AXlink port.
• AXlink Port: 4-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (male) connector that 
provides data and power to external control devices.
• Power Port: 2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (male) connector.
• CardFrame Number DIP Switch: Sets the starting address for the 
Control Cards in the CardFrame. (Factory default CardFrame 
DIP switch value = 0). The Control Card address range is 1-3064. 
• Control Card Connectors (1 - 4): 20-pin (male) connectors that 
connect the Control Cards and external equipment to the 
CardFrame.
• 2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) PWR connector (41-5025)
• 4-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) AXlink connector (41-5047)
• 10-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) I/O connector (41-5107)
• Installation Kit (KA2105-01): 
8-pin Relay Common Strip 
Four rack mount screws 
Four washers
• Quick Start Guide
• Two 8-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (female) Relay connectors 
(41-5083)
• Two CC-NIRC IR Emitters 
• Two removable rack ears (62-2105-07)
• 2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix male connector (41-5026)
• CSB Cable Support Bracket (FG517)
• CC-NIRC IR cables (FG10-000-11)
• CC-NSER IR/Serial cables (FG10-007-10)
• NCK, NetLinx Connector Kit (FG2902)
• STS, Serial To Screw Terminal (FG959) 
• Upgrade Compact Flash (factory programmed with firmware): 
NXA-CFNI64M - 64 MB compact flash card (FG2116-31) 
NXA-CFNI128M - 128 MB compact flash card (FG2116-32) 
NXA-CFNI256M - 256 MB compact flash card (FG2116-33) 
NXA-CFNI512M - 512 MB compact flash card (FG2116-34) 
NXA-CFNI1G - 1 GB compact flash card (FG2116-35)
Connections and Wiring
FIG. 2 shows the layout of the connectors and components located on the 
rear of the NI-4000 NetLinx Integrated Controller.  
Rear
RS-232/422/485 (Ports 1-7)
Relays
(Port 8)
CardFrame DIP
switc h
I/O (Port 17)
IR/Serial (Ports 9-16)
Program port
Slot 1-4 connectors
FIG. 2 NI-4000 rear connectors and components
ICSNet (2)
DIP 
switc h
AXlink port
ICSHub Out
AXlink LED
(green)
ID Pushbutton
Ethernet
PWR

Wiring a power connection
Use a 12 VDC-compliant power supply to provide power to the Integrated 
Controller through the rear 2-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix. Use the power 
requirements information listed in the Specifications table to determine the 
power draw. 
The incoming PWR and GND cable from the PSN power supply must be 
connected to their corresponding locations within the PWR connector. 
RS-232/422/485 wiring connector information
FIG. 3 shows the pinout and wiring specification information for the rear 
RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 (DB9) Device Ports. These ports support most 
standard serial mouse control devices and RS-232 communication protocols 
for PC data transmission (NI-4000 uses Ports 1 - 7). 
DB9 Serial Port pinouts (male connector)
RS-232
Male
9 
8
Pin 2: RX signal 
Pin 3: TX signal 
PIN 5: GND
7 
6
Pin 7: RTS 
Pin 8: CTS
5 
4 
3 
2 
1
RS-422
Pin 1: RX Pin 4: TX + 
PIN 5: GND 
Pin 6: RX + 
Pin 9: TX -
RS-485
Pin 1: A (strap to 9) 
Pin 4: B (strap to 6) 
PIN 5: GND 
Pin 6: B (strap to 4) 
Pin 9: A (strap to 1)
FIG. 3 RS-232/422/485 DB9 (male) connector pinouts
RJ-45 Connections
Use a standard CAT5 Ethernet cable to provide communication between the 
Integrated Controller and external NetLinx devices. 
Ethernet 10/100 Base-T Connector 
The Ethernet cable provides 10/100 network connectivity between the panel 
and the NetLinx Master.  
Baud Rate Settings
The Program Port DIP switch is located on the rear of the device. Use this 
DIP switch to set the baud rate for the Program Port, according to the 
settings shown in the following table. Make sure the baud rate you set 
matches the baud rate on your PC's NetLinx COM Settings before 
programming the unit. By default, the baud rate is set to 38,400 (bps).
Baud Rate Settings
Baud Rate Position 5 Position 6 Position 7 Position 8
9600 bps OFF ON OFF ON
38,400 bps 
(default)
57,600 bps ON OFF OFF OFF
115,200 bps ON ON ON ON
OFFONONON
Note: DIP switch 1 activates/deactivates the Program Run Disable 
Mode. DIP Switches 2,3, and 4 must remain OFF at all times. 
Inserting NetLinx Cards into the NetLinx Control Card Slots
NetLinx Cards can be installed into the front card slots. The cards mount 
horizontally through the card slot openings on the front panel of the 
enclosure. To install a NetLinx Card:
1. Discharge the static electricity from your body by touching a grounded 
metal object and unplug all the connectors from the unit.
2. Remove the three screws by turning them in a counter-clockwise 
direction and remove the front faceplate.
3. Align the edges of the card with the internal guide slots and gently slide 
it in all the way until the rear edge of the card snap into place.
4. Re-secure the faceplate by inserting the three screws by turning them 
in a clockwise direction and securing the front faceplate to the 
Integrated Controller.
5. Re-apply power and other connections as necessary.
Setting the Integrated Controllers’ starting Card Address
The rear 8-position CardFrame Number DIP switch, lower-left rear of the 
Integrated Controller, sets the starting address (the device number in the 
D:P:S specification) for the Control Cards installed in the controller. 
The Control Card address range is 1 - 3064. 
For full warranty information, refer to the AMX Instruction Manual(s) associated with your Product(s).
©2006 AMX. All rights reserved. AMX and the AMX logo are registered trademarks of AMX.
AMX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice at any time. 
3000 RESEARCH DRIVE, RICHARDSON, TX 75082 • 800.222.0193 • fax 469.624.7153 • technical support 800.932.6993 • www.amx.com
060-004-2692 05/06
The factory default CardFrame DIP switch value = 0 (All CardFrame DIP 
switches in the OFF position). 
The formula for setting the starting address is: 
(DIP switch value) + Card slot Number (1 - 4) = Card Address
For example: 
A DIP switch setting of 00010101: (0 + 0 + 0 + 96 + 0 + 384 + 1536) + 
SLOT #(ex:1) = 2017. A card in slot number 1 = device address 2017.
Set the CardFrame Number DIP switch value is based on the table below.   
Posi tion
Value
12345678
12 24 48 96 192 384 768 1536
ON position
Cycle power to the unit for approximately 5 seconds. This allows the 
unit to read the new device number settings.
Preparing the NI-4000 for Serial Communication
1. Launch NetLinx Studio 2.x (default location is Start > Programs >  
AMX Control Disc > NetLinx Studio 2 > NetLinx Studio 2).
2. Select Settings > Master Communication Settings, from the Main  
menu, to open the Master Communication Settings dialog box.
3. Click the Communications Settings button to open the 
Communications Settings dialog.
4. Click the NetLinx Master radio button (from the Platform Selection 
section) to indicate you are working with a NetLinx Master.
5. Click the Serial radio button (from the Transport Connection Option 
section) to indicate you are connecting to the Master via a COM port.
6. Click the Edit Settings button (on the Communications Settings 
dialog) to open the Serial Settings dialog and set the COM port 
parameters (used to communicate to the NetLinx Master). 
7. Click the OK button three times to return to the main application.
8. Right-click the Online Tree tab entry and select Refresh System.
9. Assign a System Value by using Diagnostics > Device Addressing  
from the Main menu.
10. Enable the Change System selection by clicking on it and then enter 
the current and new System values.
11. Click the Change Device/System Number button and when finished 
click Done.
12. Select Too ls > Reboot the Master Controller to access the Reboot  
the Master dialog, then click Reboot to restart the Master and  
incorporate any changes. 
13. Once the dialog replies with "Reboot of system complete", click Done  
and then click the OnLine Tree tab in the Workspace window to view  
the devices on the System.The default System value is one.
14. Right-click on the Empty Device Tree/System entry and select Refresh 
System to re-populate the list.
Configuring the NI-4000 for Ethernet Communication
Before continuing, complete the COM port steps above.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the unit’s rear Ethernet connector.
2. Select Diagnostics > Network Address from the Main menu and  
enter the System, Device (0 for a Master), and Host Name information.
3. To configure the Address:
• Use a DHCP Address by selecting the Use DHCP radio button, then 
click the GET IP button (to obtain a DHCP Address from the DHCP 
Server), click the SET IP Information button (to retain the new  
address), and then finish the process by clicking the Reboot Master > 
OK buttons.
• Use a Static IP Address by selecting the Specify IP Address radio 
button, enter the IP parameters into the available fields, then click the 
SET IP Information button (to retain the pre-reserved IP Address to 
the Master), and then click the Reboot Master > OK buttons to finish 
the process.
4. Repeat steps 1 - 5 from the previous section but rather than selecting 
the Serial option, choose TCP/IP and edit the settings to match the IP 
Address you are using (whether Static or IP).
5. Click on the Authentication Required radio box (if the Master is  
secured) and press the User Name and Password button to enter a  
valid username and password being used by the secured Master. 
6. Click the OK button three times to return to the main application.
 93-2105  
 REV: R