Specifications
DXP Correspondence Manual
Planning An lnstalla tion
2.6
Preparing
An
MDF Diagram
~Begin the layout plan by determining where each piece of equipment
will mount on the Main Distribution Frame (MDF). Standard
3/4-inch
plywood usually works well as the main distribution frame. Using an
~ MDF helps us in several ways: it provides stability for the
~system-many office walls are drywall, and the MDF helps ensure
that your moorings won’t slip or shift in the drywall; the MDF also
, isolates the system from the wall, keeping condensation off the
equipment; lastly, the MDF makes moving the equipment relatively
pain-free.
In planning
the
layout of the MDF, you should diagram all of your
various cable runs in detail and consider where you should position
the following devices:
-
the main cabinet
-
a modem,
-
the expansion cabinet,
-
the surge protector(s),
-
the ground cables,
-
station blocks,
-
line blocks,
-
the music source,
-
a paging amplifier,
-
the battery backup
-
an OPX-X,
-
a VMI-X,
-
an
ATI-D-
1 PT,
-
and finally, the cabling
and wiring
requirements.
Even if you are not installing these devices, allocate space for them on
the MDF because they may be installed later.
As far as the location of the DXP on the board, you will want to put it
in the left-hand comer since all of the wiring comes out on the right
side of the cabinet. If you are going to mount the battery backup on
the left, be sure to leave adequate room. Whether you are using an
expansion cabinet or not, you should leave enough room on the MDF
for both cabinets. The expansion cabinet always mounts above the
main cabinet. The cabinets have to be no more than two inches apart
to allow the cables from the interface boards to connect.
Make sure all of your cable runs are as short as possible. When you
wire your stations, remember that the length from the DXP to the
stations depends upon the type of station and the gauge of wire (see
section 1.8 in this manual for more information). You also want to
keep the wires as far away from fluorescent lighting as possible. If you
do have to cross these lights, run the wires perpendicular to the lights
in order to keep interference negligible.
I
For more on DXP specifications, see
GCA40-112,
“DXP
General
Description.
”
Planning An lnstalla tion 2
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5