Anyone power an RK3 using Power Over Ethernet (PoE)? The RK3 spec. says it can be done (follows IEEE 802.3af). Was looking at using this or similar:

[Link: blackbox.com]

This way, with one CAT5 between RK3 and network switch, I get two-way control via Ethernet and power.

Any thoughts?

normal RK3 hookup has one Cat5 for Power and RTI signal, and one Cat5 for ethernet. I like the idea of (PoE), but do you still have to run additional wires for the non-two way remote commands (signal)?

Although I haven't tried it yet, I'm thinking only the one CAT5 is needed when talking to an XP-8. With the output option set to two-way trigger codes, and two-way transport set to Ethernet, I don't see why this wouldn't work for all commands to/from the RK3 (both two-way and one way). The IR output "signal" should not be used in this mode, as all triggers are sent via Ethernet to the XP-8.

Anyone try it?

Might be completely out in left field, but FWIW, I just completed a system using the RS485 setup (single Cat5). This allows you to do everything except program it over the network.

The system consisted of a Vaux LE800, ST7001 and FS22 all doing two way, a CD player and a weather page. RK3 keypads worked perfectly.

That would be an easier solution to the PoE.

Weren't they planning on doing this with the RK2 as well? I understand you wouldn't be able to do dynamic text and stuff but I would be happy with page flips to track sources.

So with a single CAT5 from RK3 directly to XP-8 expansion port? Doesn't the RK3 need a seperate power supply (16V)?

Also, I don't want to use a CB-8 since I only have one keypad. Supposedly, with RS485, the speed isn't as fast and you can't do cover art, etc.

Please advise.

Thanks.

The keypad gets powered over the same Cat5 no matter how you are using it... via the "Control" port on the back. The Ethernet port is that and only that... not sure about the POE option that's mentioned in the literature.

I believe you are correct about the cover art. If that's all you loose, I'm OK with it.

I can say that it may have been a touch slower, but this latest customer had a REALLY sluggish ISP as the entire network was sluggish. I only noticed it on the weather page.

Plugging the keypad directly into the XP8 "Should" work. I've done it with an RK2 and an RP6 and it worked fine.

Hey Andy,

I have a questions when you said the file worked great and gave you feedback on the RK-3 did you use 2 Cat5 or 1. I just did a system today the guy only had 1 cat5 but I did not do any two way because the RTI tech support told me it would not work, is that true and where do you connect it to on the keypad Com port or ethernet? Thank you sir and GOD bless you.

Felix

One Cat5.

Connect it to the Com port and change the setting in properties from "ethernet" to "RS485".

What are you trying to get feedback on? Who did you talk to in Tech support?

For me, programming over Ethernet is important, so having at least the Ethernet connection is necessary. Ethernet is also the only way to get the MJPEG camera object to work on the RK3 if that's needed.

So for me, the PoE option made sense since I could power the unit and have full 2-way (fast) control. I think I might just buy the power injector and try it.

The ONLY reason to setup a system the way I did is if there is an older system or only one wire pulled to the keypad location! If you are pulling wires to new locations, you should most definitely pull TWO cat5 cables to each keypad... anything less would be doing a disservice to your customers.

The only reason I used the RS485 was because it was an old Niles system with a single Cat5 pulled to each keypad... in a HUGE house. To pull a second Cat5 just so I didn't have to go keypad hopping while programming would be ludicrous.

Hey Andy,

I am tring to get feedback on an Iport and Radio Ra2 but only have one cat5 it is in a condo and is impossible to run another cat5. I spoke to Drew and it was about 5 month ago. I guess they tell you no becuase they don't want people calling them if everything don't work the same as with 2 cat5. Has anybody try the POE piece? Thank you for all your help and the responce and the questions, GOD bless you.

Felix

The firmware update that makes it possible is less than 5 months old... so when you called, you couldn't... now you can.

Make sure all your software and firmware is up to date.

Haven't done this with an XP8, but did it with an RP6 amd cb4 (an MRP64 would probably be a better choice at this point however).

My experiece is that you can definitely run an RK3 with 1 cat5 cable and get it to do ethernet as well as power the unit and send the IR signal/repeat/or trigger codes to a processor.

You just need to be careful with your Cat5 breakout.

With one Cat5 you are more than covered. The easiest solution which I have used many times is to split out the Cat5 like eastside mentioned.

For 10/100 ethernet you only need two pairs from the Cat5, specifically the green and orange pair. It doesn't matter if you use 568 A or B for your termination because the green and orange pair are still in the same spot for each, just reversed. Once in a while I have even seen pre-made jumpers with this configuration if they were only going to be used in a 10/100 situation.

Your termination should be like this

----one---two---three------four--five---six---seven-eight
W/Green Green W/Orange Blank Blank Orange Blank Blank

Plug that part of the Cat5 in to your router/switch, and then the other end in to the ethernet on the RK3/4.

As for your remaining 4 wires, use them to transfer power from your power supply to the phoenix connector on the back of the keypad. If you don't double up your wires you'll even have two to spare.

As long as your keypads and processor are plugged into the same network, you're golden, and you can update the programming without running all over the house.