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Home > Configuration Software > Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) > AMP Documentation > Alternate Configuration > Add New Devices On-site to an Established System with AMP Alternate Configuration
Add New Devices On-site to an Established System with AMP Alternate Configuration
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Aug 27, 2026

Overview

Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) can add new Omega Series, Ultra Series, or MaxColor Series Encoders and Decoders to an established Alternate Configuration system while at the jobsite.

AMP communicates with one established device to retrieve the system settings and existing device assignments. The new devices can then be configured with compatible settings without reconfiguring the established Encoders and Decoders.

Important: Each new device must receive a unique input or output number and IP address. Duplicate assignments may interrupt system operation.

Video Walkthrough

The following video demonstrates how to add new devices on-site to an established AMP Alternate Configuration system.

Before You Begin

Before starting the AMP workflow:

  1. Download and install the latest version of AMP.

    See Download AMP and Configure an Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series System.

  2. Connect the AMP computer to the jobsite network using a wired Ethernet connection.

  3. Obtain the IP address of an established Encoder or Decoder that AMP can reach from the computer.

  4. Identify switchports where the new devices can be connected during discovery.

  5. Confirm that the final switchports for the new devices are assigned to the Just Add Power VLAN and have the required multicast settings.

Wired Connection Required: A wireless network adapter cannot be used for device discovery and configuration. Select the computer’s wired Ethernet adapter in AMP.

Start the On-Site Add Devices Workflow

  1. Open AMP.
  2. Select Alternate Configuration from the lower-left corner of the AMP start screen.
  3. Review the Alternate Configuration disclaimer.
  4. Click Continue.
  5. Select Build & Expand.
  6. Select Add Devices.
  7. Select On-Site.

Connect to the Established System

  1. Enter the IP address of an established Encoder or Decoder.
  2. Click Continue.
  3. Wait while AMP communicates with the device and retrieves the established system settings.

AMP uses the retrieved settings to keep the new devices compatible with the established system and displays the existing device assignments later in the workflow.

Connect and Discover the New Devices

  1. Connect the new Encoders and Decoders to the same local network as the AMP computer.

    • If the computer is connected to a multicast-enabled switchport, connect the new devices to multicast-enabled switchports.
    • If the computer is connected to a Data Network switchport, connect the new devices to Data Network switchports.
  2. Confirm that each new device has power and an active network connection.
  3. Select the computer’s wired Ethernet adapter in AMP.
  4. Click Go to begin discovery.
  5. Wait while AMP discovers the new devices and adds each device to the appropriate Encoder or Decoder list.
  6. Confirm that every new device appears, then click Continue.

If the firmware on a new device does not match the established system, AMP displays an arrow beside the device. Continue through discovery; AMP provides the firmware update option after the device configuration is applied.

Missing Devices

If a new device does not appear:

  1. Confirm that the device has a solid Power LED and a blinking Data LED.
  2. Verify the network cable and switchport connection.
  3. Confirm that the device and AMP computer are connected to the same local network.
  4. Confirm that the correct wired Ethernet adapter is selected.
  5. Temporarily disable any VPN connection or secondary network adapter that may interfere with discovery.
  6. Click Rescan after correcting the issue.

Assign Device Information

The new devices appear at the top of the configuration page. The established Encoders and Decoders appear below them for assignment reference.

Configure Encoders

For each new Encoder:

  1. Enter an optional descriptive device name.
  2. Assign an unused input number.
  3. Assign an unused IP address within the established Just Add Power subnet.

Configure Decoders

For each new Decoder:

  1. Enter an optional descriptive device name.
  2. Assign an unused output number.
  3. Assign an unused IP address within the established Just Add Power subnet.

Review the Established Devices: Compare each new assignment with the established devices shown below it. Do not reuse an existing input number, output number, or IP address.

Configure the Devices

  1. Review the new Encoder and Decoder assignments.
  2. Confirm that each new device has the correct name, input or output number, and IP address.
  3. Click Configure Devices.
  4. Click Apply.
  5. Wait while AMP applies the configuration and reboots the new devices.
  6. Confirm that AMP reports that configuration is complete.

Do Not Disconnect: Do not close AMP or disconnect the computer, devices, power, or network cables while the configuration is being applied.

Update Incompatible Firmware

If one or more new devices use firmware that is incompatible with the established system, AMP opens the Incompatible Devices page after configuration.

  1. Review the devices listed on the Incompatible Devices page.
  2. Click Update Now.
  3. Wait while AMP updates the firmware and reboots the devices.
  4. Confirm that every new device is marked as compatible before continuing.

Firmware Update: Do not disconnect power or network cables during the firmware update. The on-site Add Devices workflow updates the new devices; it does not update the established system.

Install and Verify the New Devices

  1. Move each new device from its discovery switchport to its final prepared switchport.
  2. Connect the appropriate HDMI source, display, USB, audio, or control connections.
  3. Confirm that each device is reachable at its assigned IP address.
  4. Update the control system programming with the new input or output assignments as required.
  5. Test source switching, video, audio, and any other required device features.
  6. Click Gather Details to collect and save the complete updated system information, or click Finish to close the workflow.

Recommended: Use Gather Details after expanding the system so the current assignments, firmware, and network information are available for future service.

Troubleshooting

AMP Cannot Reach the Established Device

  • Confirm that the entered IP address belongs to a powered and connected Encoder or Decoder.
  • Confirm that the computer can communicate with the established Just Add Power subnet.
  • Verify the computer’s wired network connection and any required static route.
  • Try the IP address of another established device.

New Devices Are Unreachable on Their Final Ports

  • Confirm that the assigned IP addresses are within the established Just Add Power subnet.
  • Check for an IP address conflict with an established device or another network host.
  • Confirm that the final switchports are assigned to the correct VLAN.
  • Verify the multicast settings and network routing for the final switchports.

Audio, Video, or USB/KVM Does Not Switch Correctly

  • Check for duplicate input or output numbers.
  • Confirm that the control system programming includes the new assignments.
  • Verify the multicast configuration on the final switchports.
  • Confirm that AMP completed any required firmware update.

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