Brand:

• AMX

Models:

• Netlinx
• Axcess

Overview:

​​​​Tips for Going Onsite with​​​ NetLinx and Axcess ​​Systems.

Taking the Right Stuff: 

So you've got a situation where you are going to be going onsite to Program, Update, or deal with problems in a NetLinx or Axcess system. Here are a few tips for things to carry along to make your life MUCH easier. These are all items that I carry onsite with me whenever I travel to Program or Update any AMX System.​

• PROGRAMMING CABLES - The generic DB9 female to female wired 2 to 3, 3 to 2, and 5 to 5. We all SHOULD have them. I normally carry two - one 6 footer and one that's 35 - 40 feet long. This long cable can come in handy when you'd rather do your programming sitting at the conference table than crouched behind the rack in the dark.
• ETHERNET CABLES - Generic RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cables. I normally carry about 4 with me at all times when I go onsite. Normally 2 to 3, 6 footers and one 50 footer. You guessed it again. To be able to sit out in the room to do your programming rather than behind the rack where you can't watch what's happening with the system. (Beats having someone shout " YEA it came on" while your getting cramps in your behind from sitting in the floor)
• ETHERNET CROSSOVER ADAPTER - A small adapter to allow a crossover connection directly to a NetLinx Master without the use of a HUB.
  SMALL 4 PORT 10baseT HUB - This can be extremely useful especially if you've got several NetLinx Masters in close proximity. Connect the masters using your 6-foot Ethernet cables, then use your long one to get out in the room and be connected to all of them at once. It can also function to extend your reach to the master, or to allow more than one PC to connect to the Master. A very useful tool that's handy to have around. Hawking makes one that's only slightly larger than a pack of smokes and costs in the neighborhood of $25.00.
• USB to ETHERNET adapter - THIS one can be a real timesaver when connecting to NetLinx systems. If your Laptop is Network connected as ours are to a Novell network or any Network for that matter then you KNOW what a pain it can be to be having to re-work your networking properties all the time to connect to NetLinx masters. If you are running WIN98 SE or later, this can save LOTS of time in getting connected. Simply pull out your PCMCIA card and plug this USB unit in and boot up. WIN 98 or later will allow you to have different TCP/IP settings for different LAN adapters. Configure the USB LAN adapter to have the correct static IP setting, or DHCP settings to connect to the Master. Your home Networking settings remain intact and you should only have to reboot once to reset the IP address and connect to the Master.
• A FEW HAND TOOLS - I normally carry a small Shure Microphone bag with a few things like a Tweaker, convertible screwdriver (Phillips or Regular), wire strippers, wire nippers, an exacto knife, a couple of small cable ties, and a few various sized Phoenix plugs. If you've got room, a power strip can come in very handy also.

There you go!! When I travel doing programming I wind up using all these items quite a lot; they are real time savers. With a little judicious packing you can even pack all that up in your Laptop case.