Monroe Electronics R184 User Manual

Model R184

16 x 1 Matrix Switch

User ’s Manual

PC Software 80203-1.12b

Monroe Electronics

100 Housel A ve

Lyndonville NY 14098-0535

800-821-6001 ⏐585-765-2254 ⏐ fax [phone]

www.monroe-electronics.com

111007

DESCRIPTION

The Monroe Electronics Model R184 is a 16 X 1 RF matrix switch that operates from 5 to
1000 MHz.
Control is by RS485 serial input, from a local PC that has an RS485 serial port, or via
a USB to RS485 adaptor that is available for PCs not having a local RS485 port.
A LAN to RS485 adaptor connected to the unit that commuinicates with the PC over an
Ethernet LAN is also provided for in the software supplied with the unit.
[Monroe can supply both of these adaptors. See data sheets at the end of the manual.]
The units may be operated as a single, 16 X 1 switch, or interconnected in one location as a
matrix with up to 17 units switching 256 inputs to a single output
Y ou may also control up to 128 individual units on one RS485 serial data connection, with
control of one of 16 inputs to one output on each of the R184 units.

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY RANGE 5 – 1000 Mhz
FREQUENCY RESPONSE <+/- 1.5 dB 5-1000 MHz
RF LEVEL -3 to +50 dBmV
INPUT IMPEDANCE 75 ohms
ISOLA TION >30 dB 5-1000 MHz
INSERTION LOSS <1 dB 5-1000 MHz
RETURN LOSS >15 dB 5-1000 MHz
MER DEGRADA TION <3 dB 5-1000 MHz

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INSTALLATION

Hardware

Single Unit

• Record Unit ID shown on rear panel of R184 being installed.

• Mount unit in rack, and connect the output port of the R184 via coaxial cable to the desired
device.

• Connect the RF sources to be switched to the RF inputs numbered 1 to 16.

• Record which RF input connects to which RF source.

• Plug in the 3 pin plug for the RS485 cable to the rear panel jack, then attach the power
supply plug to the rear panel.

• Plug the power supply into a power outlet.

• The software instructions later describe setting up the units.

Multiple Single Units

• Record the Unit IDs for all units being installed.

• Note which unit will be connected with the last plug on the RS485 cable.

• Mount units in racks as desired.

• As with the single unit, make the output connections as desired, connect the RF input s and
note which input goes to which switch on which unit.

• Connect the RS485 plugs to the units, and connect and plug in the power supplies. Ensure
that the end connector on the cable goes to the unit where the RS485 termination will be
turned on.

• The software instructions later describe setting up the units.

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Matrix Setup

• To use the R184 units as a matrix, one unit is designated as a master unit, and the other
units as slave units.

• Record the ID’s of the units, noting which unit will be the master unit.

• Mount the units where desired, realizing that the outputs of each of the slave units MUST be
routed to one of the sixteen inputs on the master unit. The master unit output is then
connected to the device receiving the RF input selected.

• After mounting, connect the RS485 cable plugs to the master and slave units. Remember to
connect the end plug on the cable to the unit designated the master unit.

• Plug in the power supplies to the rear panels of the units, and then to power outlets.

• Refer to the software instructions to set up the software for the matrix units.

4

Software Installation

• Insert the CD containing the software setup into your PC CD drive.
When the following screen displays, click on Installation to begin.

• If the above screen does not appear , click Start, then Run, then browse to the CD drive
containing the disc, and left click on the program logo being displayed, and follow the
instructions as before.

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• Click on Next to continue the installation.

• Click on Y es to agree with the software agreement.

• Input your Name and Company in the User Information panel, then left click Next.

• If the location for installation is correct for your computer , click on Next. If not,
set up your own location or browse to one that works for you.

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• This selection is used for icons. Unless you have some other selection, click Next.

• This screen describes the software installation settings. Click Next to continue.

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