Service manual

Encore — Installation and Service Manual 27
Introduction
Encore System Control Fundamentals
Distributed Control System
The Encore system uses a distributed control networked architecture.
Various Encore software components are installed on different hardware
locations to perform different tasks. This design provides extraordinary
system power and flexibility. Configuration files are downloaded over the
network to target devices, permitting rapid configuration changes while
the Encore system remains operational. User-specific system-wide access
privileges can also be established to restrict system control as appropriate.
Encore Database
Information vital to Encore system operation resides in a collection of data
files, collectively called the Encore database. These files model the routing
matrix hardware being controlled, name input Sources and output Destina
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tions, determine matrix Levels, and specify the operational capabilities of
the control panels. The Encore database is created when the system is com
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missioned and is typically maintained by facility engineering staff. The
Encore database resides on the same PC as the Sharer.
Sharer Application
The Sharer application automatically downloads configuration informa-
tion to Encore system components when they are power up or reboot. The
Sharer application runs on a PC, and must be running when the Encore
system is configured. The Sharer does not need to be running to sustain
control panel operation. However, we recommend the Sharer application
run at all times, as this makes it easier to resume configuration procedures.
CAUTION An Encore system can have only one Sharer application running on the
network at any time. This is important to remember during software installa
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tion, or if a notebook PC with the Sharer is moved to different locations.
Configuration PC
An Encore system is configured using a standard PC installed with the
appropriate Encore software. Once configured, Encore control panels will
be able to switch crosspoints on routing matrices even if the configuration
PC is turned off or disconnected from the network. Typically the configu
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ration PC also has the Encore Sharer application installed, but this applica-
tion can reside on any PC on the network.