iSTAR eX Features
1–2 iSTAR eX Installation and Configuration Guide
iSTAR eX Features
iSTAR eX has the following features, described in the sections below.
Memory
iSTAR eX memory features include:
 Program (flash) memory – Provides performance and storage for 
additional iSTAR features.
 On-board SDRAM (64MB) 
 Compact Flash (256 MB) – Enhanced storage capacity for fully operational 
backups of card and configuration data.
Cluster Configuration 
iSTAR eX hardware supports communications in a user-defined group called 
a cluster that contains other iSTAR eX controllers. 
One cluster can contain iSTAR Classic and Pro controllers, and another cluster 
can contain iSTAR eX controllers; however, you cannot mix iSTAR eX and 
iSTAR Pro controllers in the same cluster. 
Clusters allow iSTAR eX controllers to distribute information and control 
actions to connected components without host intervention. 
iSTAR eX cluster configurations allow iSTAR eX hardware to perform many 
actions locally and to share information with other cluster members even 
when the controller is not communicating with the host—for example, during 
a communications failure. 
iSTAR eX clusters manage the activities described in the following sections.
Events 
iSTAR eX can manage the activation and deactivation of events and timed 
actions for itself and other controllers in the cluster. For example, if a Forced 
Door Event activates outputs in the cluster, the controller with the Forced 
Door Event, not the host, activates the outputs.