Overview

This guide covers physical installation of the FLEX chassis, card installation sequence, power-up procedure, and cabling best practices. Proper installation sequence is critical — cards must be installed with the chassis powered off.

Chassis Rack Mounting

1. Install rack ears on the chassis using the included screws (left and right sides).
2. Mount the chassis in a standard 19-inch EIA rack. The chassis is 2U for FLEX-MF8X10 and 4U for larger models — verify rack space before installation.
3. Support the chassis from the rear of the rack for larger models (FLEX-MF24X36, FLEX-MF24X60). Use rear rack support brackets or a shelf.
4. Allow at least 1U of clearance above and below for ventilation. The chassis uses active cooling (internal fans) — do not obstruct front or rear vents.
5. Connect the chassis to a properly grounded power outlet. Use the included IEC power cable. For FLEX-MF24X60, a second power connection may be required — check the product datasheet.

Card Installation

Always power down the chassis before installing or removing cards.

1. Identify input and output card slots. Input slots are labeled on the chassis rear panel — input cards go in input slots only; output cards go in output slots only.
2. Remove the blank panel covering the target slot (retain the screw).
3. Align the card with the slot guides and slide it in firmly until the backplane connector is fully engaged. The card should sit flush with the chassis rear panel.
4. Secure the card with the retaining screw (same screw removed from the blank panel).
5. Repeat for all cards. Install all cards before powering on.
6. Power on the chassis. Wait 60 seconds for full initialization. The web GUI will show all installed cards in the System view.

Card Slot Configuration

Source Connections (Input Cards)

• FLEX-HDMI8IN: 8× HDMI 2.0 inputs. Connect source devices (media players, PCs, set-top boxes, cameras) using HDMI 2.0 cables. Maximum passive cable length: 5m for 4K60. Use active HDMI cables for longer runs.
• Label each input port during installation with the source name for easy routing reference.

Display Connections (Output Cards)

• FLEX-HDMI12OUT: 12× HDMI 2.0 outputs. Connect displays directly via HDMI. Maximum: 5m passive, 15m+ active HDMI.
• FLEX-CAT12OUT: 12× CATx outputs. Connect CAT6a cable to each FLEX-CATRX receiver. Receiver connects to display via HDMI. See HDBaseT & CATx Extension guide.
• Label each output port during installation with the display location.

Management Network

Connect the chassis management Ethernet port to the network switch for web GUI access, IP control, and REST API. Assign a static IP after initial setup.

Power-Up Sequence

1. Verify all cards are installed and secured.
2. Connect all source and display cables.
3. Power on the chassis.
4. Wait 60 seconds for full initialization.
5. Power on source devices and displays.
6. Access the web GUI and verify all cards and ports are detected.

Cooling & Environmental

• Operating temperature: 0–40°C (32–104°F)
• Do not install in enclosed cabinets without active ventilation
• Minimum 1U clearance above and below chassis in rack
• The chassis uses internal fans — fan speed increases automatically under thermal load

Related Articles

• Product Guide: Flex Chassis
• Product Guide: Flex Cards
• Features & Configuration: HDBaseT & CATx Extension
• Network Setup: IP Control & Management