Installation guide
Network Cable Guidelines
Minimum Confguration
The MAC-4R uses Echelon’s LonTalk free topology transceivers to communicate between panels and
to the host computer. The network is designed to accommodate bus, star, or loop topologies or any
combination of these topologies. A single twisted pair wire is all that’s needed. LonTalk is very robust
and will operate on many different types of cable.
Performance will vary with cable type. The transmission specifcation depends on such factors as re-
sistance, mutual capacitance, and the velocity of propagation. The system performance on the cables
listed in the table below have been tested and documented.
It should be noted that shielded data cable is not required. If shielded data cable is to be used, the
shield wire should only be terminated at one end of each wire segment. If shielded cable is used the
distance limitation is reduced by approximately 50%.
Cable Type
Wire Dia./AWG R loop Ohm/km C NF/km Vprop % of C
Belden 85102, single twisted pair, stranded 19/29,
Unshielded, 150 degree C
1.3mm/16 28 56 62
Belden 8471, single twisted pair, stranded 19/29,
Unshielded, 60 degree C
1.3mm/16 28 72 55
Level IV 22AWG, twisted pair, typically solid & Un-
shielded
0.65mm/22 106 49 67
JY (St) Y 2x2x0.8, 4-wire helical twist, solid, shielded 0.8mm/20.4 73 98 41
WIre Terminations
All terminations are via plug-in connectors. All eld wire connectors are screw-terminal compression
type, accepting up to #14AWG solid or stranded wire. Stranded-type wire is recommended. If sol-
id-type wire is to be used, it is recommended that wire be no larger than #18AWG. Strip approximate-
ly ¼” of the insulation from lead wires for insertion into the connector terminal plugs. Screw terminals
clamp down onto the wires by advancing the screws in a clockwise direction. It may be necessary
to loosen each of the screws prior to panel wiring to allow ease of wire insertion. It is recommended
when tightening screws to remove the plug connector from its socket. Excessive pressure while tight-
ening may damage the PC Board. Use care when tightening screws with plug connector inserted.
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Field Device Cable Specications
Device Type Cable Type Max Length
Readers 22/6 shielded Stranded 500’
Inputs 22/2 stranded 1000’
Glass Breaks, PIR, REX 22/4 stranded 1000’
MagLock 18/2 stranded 1000’
Electric Strikes 18/2 stranded 1000’
Panel power 18/2 stranded 100’
REV 2.0