Add input expander to M1 bypass DBH

[Big517]

I have a data bus hub in a separate location away from my M1. Can i add another expander or DBH next to my M1? If so any suggestions? I think another DBH would be ideal so i add even more in the future, but wanted to reach out for any advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[TheHoff]

You can run two separate lines off the data bus.  How many you run determines how you configure the terminating resistors. If you run a second line, you remove the jumper from JP3 and just use the terminating resistor on the second DBH (or have the terminating jumper on the last device in the chain if you don't use the DBH).
 
Check out p7 of the installation  & programming manual.  It probably explains it better than I can.

 

[TheHoff]

Oh yeah... if you already have two lines on the data bus, you can actually daisy chain your DBH's with a crossover cable.  So the one next to your M1G would have to be the first in the line.  Just stay within the maximum length limits.

 

[jpmargis]

Can i add another expander or DBH next to my M1? If so any suggestions?

 
Yes, but my suggestion is to wait until you figure out exactly what you are trying to do!  As long as you have space in the can, it's easy to extend the databus to new devices later.

 

[Big517]

I really need to add a zone expander in the room where the M1 is. It seems redundant to run another cat5 all the way to the dbh in the other side of the house. That's why I'm wondering What the best method is, and if it's smarter to add another dbh next to the M1.
Would it be better to run another cat5 ?
Would i have to reprogram all the zones on the existing devices that run of the current dbh?

 

[video321]

No. Each device off the DBH would be assigned an address.
You have 2 options:
The easiest option, as mentioned already, is to install a 2nd DBH at the panel and terminate with a jumper.
The other option is to install the DBH at the panel, but pull the existing DBH wiring off the panel and terminate into the 2nd DBH via crossover. The 2nd DBH would then get terminated into the panel.

 

[jpmargis]

I really need to add a zone expander in the room where the M1 is.

 
I don't get it!  Why are we talking about DBHs?  Just add the M1XIN in the can with the M1.

 

[tmbrown97]

yeah - if only installing a single device, I don't know that I'd run a second zone expander; just use the second Data Bus leg and terminate at the zone expander.  Simple and cheap.