Global Caché iTach Flex IP

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iTach Flex IP Quick Start

Global Caché is lessening our carbon

footprint by reducing our paper

output. For complete documentation

and tutorials, visit:

www.globalcache.com/docs

Getting Started.

Connect both an RJ45

(Ethernet) network cable and power supply

or USB to power cable to your iTach Flex.

If the Flex is PoE (Power over Ethernet)

enabled, a power supply is not necessary. By

default, an IP Flex uses DHCP to automat-

ically obtain an IP address from your router.

To conrm connectivity to the network, the

power LED of the iTach Flex will blink once

per second. To determine the unit’s IP ad-

dress, download the iHelp application from

www.globalcache.com/downloads, and run it

on a Windows PC that is connected to your

network. iHelp listens for Global Caché mul-

ticast beacons and displays their IP address

and other details within one minute. In the

event there is no DHCP server present, Flex

units in default will reside at the default ad-

dress of http://192.168.1.70.

To congure the iTach Flex, right click on

the unit entry in iHelp and click congure.

is will bring up a web browser with the web

conguration pages of the Flex. en click

the “Flex Link Port Conguration” page on

the left side of the screen and congure the

unit for the required function. e congura-

tion web pages of the Flex can be brought up

at any time by entering the IP address of the

unit in a web browser.

When testing IR functionality, verify the Flex

Link Port is congured as “Single IR Emit-

ter” and connect the IR emitter to the unit. In

the “Single IR Emitter” mode, the Flex will

respond to and execute commands related to

IR functionality, such as “sendir.”

Quickstart_FlexIP_1up_062713.indd 1 7/1/2013 1:33:01 PM

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Summary

Getting Started with iTach Flex IP

Initial Network Connection

Connect RJ45 cable and power supply. Flex uses DHCP by default. Power LED blinks once per second for confirmation.

IP Address Configuration

Download iHelp to find the IP address. If no DHCP, default is http://192.168.1.70.

Flex Link Port Configuration

Access web configuration pages via IP address to set the Flex Link Port for specific functions.

Testing IR Functionality

Configure port as 'Single IR Emitter' and connect IR emitter to test command execution like 'sendir'.

Testing Serial RS232 Functionality

Configure port as 'Serial' with correct baud rate and connect the Flex Link Serial cable to the device.

IR Learning

Use the iLearn application to capture IR commands by pointing a remote at the Flex's top center hole.

Troubleshooting and Reset

Reset to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 8 seconds; LED blinks confirm the action.

The Global Caché iTach Flex IP is a versatile device designed to provide seamless integration of various control functionalities into an IP-based network. It acts as a bridge, allowing users to control devices that communicate via serial/RS232 or infrared (IR) signals using an IP network. This quick start guide emphasizes Global Caché's commitment to reducing environmental impact by minimizing paper output, directing users to their website for comprehensive documentation and tutorials.

Function Description

The iTach Flex IP facilitates communication between an IP network and devices that utilize serial/RS232 or IR control. It receives commands over the network and translates them into the appropriate serial or IR signals to control connected equipment. This enables remote control and automation of a wide range of devices, from home theater components to industrial equipment, all managed through an IP network. The device supports both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and USB power options, offering flexibility in deployment.

Important Technical Specifications

Connectivity:

Network: RJ45 Ethernet port for IP network connection.
Power: Supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) for simplified installation, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. Alternatively, it can be powered via a USB power cable.
Control Ports: Features a "Flex Link Port" which can be configured for either serial/RS232 or IR control.

Network Configuration:

IP Addressing: By default, the iTach Flex IP uses DHCP to automatically obtain an IP address from the router.
Default IP Address: In the absence of a DHCP server, the unit defaults to http://192.168.1.70.
Connectivity Indicator: The power LED blinks once per second to confirm network connectivity.

Serial/RS232 Specifications:

Configuration: The Flex Link Port must be configured as "Serial" with the correct baud rate and serial settings for the application.
Cable: A supplied Flex Link Serial cable connects to the Flex.
DB9 Connector: Provides a standard male DB9 connection with the following pin assignments:
- Tx (Transmit): Pin 2
- Rx (Receive): Pin 3
- Gnd (Ground): Pin 5
- RTS (Request To Send): Pin 7
- CTS (Clear To Send): Pin 8
Wiring: The wiring between the Flex Link Serial cable and the controlled hardware is determined by the specific device being controlled.

Infrared (IR) Specifications:

Configuration: For IR functionality, the Flex Link Port should be configured as "Single IR Emitter."
Emitter Connection: An IR emitter connects to the unit.
IR Learning: Each Flex unit includes an internal IR learner. This feature allows the device to "learn" IR codes from existing remote controls.

Physical:

Mounting: Flex units ship with a metal cradle that can be secured to any surface for easy mounting and placement. The unit can be gently pulled from the cradle by pushing the flange.

Compliance:

FCC and Industry Canada: Complies with Part 15 of FCC rules and ICES-003 of Industry Canada.
- Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) the device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) the device must accept any interference received.

Usage Features

Initial Setup and Connectivity:

Connection: Connect an RJ45 Ethernet cable and either a power supply or USB power cable to the iTach Flex. If PoE is available and enabled, a separate power supply is not needed.
IP Address Discovery: Use the iHelp application (downloadable from www.globalcache.com/downloads) on a Windows PC connected to the same network. iHelp listens for Global Caché multicast beacons and displays the unit's IP address and other details within one minute.
Web Configuration: Once the IP address is known, right-click on the unit entry in iHelp and select "configure" to open the web configuration pages in a browser. Alternatively, enter the unit's IP address directly into a web browser at any time.
Port Configuration: Navigate to the "Flex Link Port Configuration" page on the left side of the screen to configure the unit for the desired function (Serial or IR).

IR Control:

Emitter Mode: When testing IR, ensure the Flex Link Port is configured as "Single IR Emitter" and connect an IR emitter. In this mode, the Flex will respond to and execute IR commands like "sendir."
IR Learning: Download the iLearn application from www.globalcache.com/support. Connect to the learner, point a remote control at the small hole at the top center of the Flex, and input any button to capture its IR code.

Serial/RS232 Control:

Serial Mode: For serial functionality, configure the Flex Link Port as "Serial" and set the correct baud rate and serial settings.
Cable Connection: Connect the supplied Flex Link Serial cable to the Flex, and then use the appropriate RS232 cable to connect to the target device.

Maintenance Features

Factory Reset:

Procedure: To reset the Flex configuration to factory defaults, press and hold the reset button (located around the side to the right of the Flex Link Port) for 8 seconds, then release it.
Confirmation: The LED will blink quickly at 4 seconds and then faster at 8 seconds to confirm the default reset.

Documentation and Support:

Online Resources: For complete documentation and tutorials, users are directed to www.globalcache.com/docs and www.globalcache.com/support.
Contact Information: Global Caché, Inc. provides phone and fax support, as well as an email address (support@globalcache.com) for assistance.

The iTach Flex IP is a robust and flexible solution for integrating diverse control systems into a modern IP infrastructure, designed for ease of use and comprehensive control.