Overview

Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) can configure new Omega Series, Ultra Series, or MaxColor Series Encoders and Decoders at an office before they are added to an established Alternate Configuration system at the jobsite.

Because AMP cannot communicate with the established system during an off-site configuration, the existing AMP project report must be used to reproduce the system settings and identify available input numbers, output numbers, and IP addresses.

When the new devices are brought to the jobsite, they can be connected to the prepared network switchports without running AMP on the established system.

Video Walkthrough

The following video demonstrates how to configure new devices off-site for an established AMP Alternate Configuration system.

Before You Begin

Before starting the AMP workflow:

1. Download and install the latest version of AMP.

   See Download AMP and Configure an Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series System.

2. Obtain the most recent AMP project report from the established system.

   The report must provide the information needed to determine:

   • The System Mode
   • The default gateway
   • The subnet mask
   • The input numbers already assigned to Encoders
   • The output numbers already assigned to Decoders
   • The IP addresses already assigned to devices
   • The firmware used by the established system

   See How to Open Projects Folder using AMP for Standardized & Alternate Systems if the project files are stored on the computer originally used to configure the system.

3. Identify unused input numbers, output numbers, and IP addresses that can be manually assigned to the new devices.

4. Confirm that the required switchports will be configured on the Just Add Power VLAN before the devices are installed at the jobsite.

5. Connect the AMP computer to the office network using a wired Ethernet connection.

Start the Off-Site Add Devices Workflow

1. Open AMP.
2. Select Alternate Configuration from the lower-left corner of the AMP start screen.
3. Review the Alternate Configuration disclaimer.
4. Click Continue.
5. Select Build & Expand.
6. Select Add Devices.
7. Select Off-Site.

Enter the Established System Information

Use the existing AMP project report to enter the settings used by the established system.

1. Select the System Mode.

   • Unified Mode: Audio, video, and USB/KVM switch together.
   • Flexible Mode: Audio, video, and USB/KVM can be switched independently.

   If the System Mode is not listed in an older project report, the system was likely configured in Unified Mode. Confirm the setting before configuring the new devices whenever possible.

2. Enter the Default Gateway used by the established system.

   This is normally the router or VLAN interface IP assigned as the gateway for the Just Add Power VLAN.

3. Enter the Subnet Mask used by the established system.
4. Review the values for accuracy.
5. Click Continue.

Connect and Discover the New Devices

1. Connect each new Encoder and Decoder to the same office network as the AMP computer.
2. Confirm that each device has power and an active network connection.
3. Select the computer’s wired Ethernet adapter in AMP.
4. Click Go to begin discovery.
5. Wait while AMP discovers the connected devices and adds each discovered device to the appropriate Encoder or Decoder list.

A wireless network adapter cannot be used for device discovery and configuration. The AMP computer and new devices must be connected through the wired network.

Missing Devices

If a device does not appear:

1. Confirm that the device has a solid Power LED and a blinking Data LED.
2. Verify the network cable and switchport connection.
3. Confirm that the device and AMP computer are connected to the same local network.
4. Confirm that the correct wired Ethernet adapter is selected.
5. Temporarily disable any VPN connection or secondary network adapter that may interfere with discovery.
6. Click Rescan after correcting the issue.

Check Firmware Compatibility

AMP checks the firmware installed on each new device. The major firmware version must be compatible with the firmware used by the established system.

For example, MaxColor Series v3.x.x and v4.x.x firmware cannot be used together in the same system.

1. Review the firmware status shown for each Encoder and Decoder.
2. If AMP indicates that an update is required, start the firmware update.
3. Wait for the update and device reboot process to finish.
4. Confirm that every device is discovered and marked as compatible before continuing.

Do not disconnect power or network cables during a firmware update.

Assign Device Information

Use the established system’s project report to manually assign unused values to each new device.

Configure Encoders

For each Encoder:

1. Assign an unused input number.
2. Assign an unused IP address within the established Just Add Power subnet.
3. Enter an optional descriptive device name.

Configure Decoders

For each Decoder:

1. Assign an unused output number.
2. Assign an unused IP address within the established Just Add Power subnet.
3. Enter an optional descriptive device name.

Input numbers, output numbers, and IP addresses must be entered manually and must be unique. Review every assignment against the established project report before continuing.

Configure the Devices

1. Review the Encoder and Decoder assignment tables.
2. Confirm that each device has the correct:
   • Device type
   • Input or output number
   • IP address
   • Default gateway
   • Subnet mask
   • Optional device name
3. Click Configure Devices.
4. Click Apply.
5. Wait while AMP applies the settings and reboots the devices.
6. Confirm that AMP reports that configuration is complete.
7. Click Finish.

Do not close AMP or disconnect the computer, devices, or network cables while the configuration is being applied.

Install the Devices at the Jobsite

1. Confirm that each new switchport is assigned to the Just Add Power VLAN and has the required multicast settings.
2. Disconnect the configured devices from the office network.
3. Bring the devices to the jobsite.
4. Connect each device to its prepared switchport.
5. Connect the appropriate HDMI source, display, USB, audio, or control connections.
6. Confirm that each device is reachable at its assigned IP address.
7. Update the control system programming with the new input or output assignments as required.
8. Test source switching, video, audio, and any other required device features.

If the established system information and device assignments were entered correctly, AMP does not need to reconfigure the existing devices at the jobsite.

Troubleshooting

Firmware Is Incompatible

• Compare the new device firmware with the firmware listed in the established project report.
• Confirm that the major firmware versions are compatible.
• Update the new devices when AMP provides a compatible update option.
• If necessary, plan an update for the established system before installing the new devices.

Devices Are Unreachable at the Jobsite

• Confirm that the assigned IP addresses are within the established Just Add Power subnet.
• Verify the subnet mask and default gateway configured on the new devices.
• Confirm that the new switchports are assigned to the correct VLAN.
• Verify that inter-VLAN routing and the existing static route include the assigned device subnet.
• Check for an IP address conflict with an existing device or another network host.

Audio, Video, or USB/KVM Does Not Switch Correctly

• Confirm that the new devices use the same System Mode as the established system.
• Check for duplicate input or output numbers.
• Confirm that the control system programming includes the new assignments.
• Verify the multicast configuration on the new switchports.

Related Articles

• Build a New System on an Existing Network with AMP Alternate Configuration
• Download AMP and Configure an Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series System
• How to Open Projects Folder using AMP for Standardized & Alternate Systems
• Single VLAN Multicast Switching (Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series)
• Setup a Static Route for an Established Just Add Power System