Description
The Notifier HS-NCM-MF is a high-speed network communications module that interfaces compatible ONYX Series fire alarm control panels and network annunciators with High-Speed NOTI•FIRE•NET. This module features two multi-mode fiber-optic ports utilized to establish resilient, low-latency node-to-node links across large-scale life safety installations. Running at a 100 Mb baud rate over optical fiber, the unit provides critical network isolation, data regeneration at each node, and immunity to electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.
Commercial Availability & Procurement Terms
- Condition: New Original (Factory Sealed Service Stock)
- Warranty: 12-Month Functional Warranty
- Availability: In Stock
- Standard Lead Time: Ships within 1–2 business days via global couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Pricing Policy: Indicative pricing only. Final transaction costs depend on current allocation availability and manufacturer supply baselines. Contact our sales department for a formal, time-bound quote.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification / Value |
| Model Number | HS-NCM-MF |
| Network Compatibility | High-Speed NOTI•FIRE•NET (Not compatible with standard NOTI•FIRE•NET) |
| Supported Node Count | Up to 200 total network nodes |
| Addresses per Module | Accommodates up to 2 distinct node addresses (e.g., FACP + NCA-2) |
| Fiber Core Type | Multi-mode fiber (OM1: 62.5/125 μm or OM3: 50/125 μm) |
| Optical Connectors | LC Duplex style ports (Port A and Port B) |
| Transmission Rate | 100 Mb baud rate |
| Optical Wavelength | 1310 nm |
| Max Allowable Attenuation | 10 dB with 62.5/125 μm fiber; 6.5 dB with 50/125 μm fiber |
| Input Power Requirement | 24 V DC nominal at 400 mA maximum |
| Local Device Ports | 2 x NUP (Notifier Universal Protocol) ports, 2 x USB ports |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +49 °C (+32 to +120 °F) |
| Relative Humidity | 93% ± 2% at +32 °C (+90 °F), non-condensing |
Deployment Constraints & Engineering Notes
1. Network Protocol Incompatibility
The HS-NCM-MF operates on an IP-based VDSL data layer and is completely incompatible with legacy, standard NOTI•FIRE•NET network cards (such as the NCM-W or NCM-F) which communicate via the ARCnet protocol.
Field Warning: Do not mix standard-speed NCM modules and high-speed HS-NCM modules within the same local network loop. Attempting to link standard and high-speed modules will disrupt token passing and cause communication dropouts across all connected nodes. Upgrades to high-speed networking must be completed comprehensively across all nodes.
2. Fiber Optic Routing and Connection Rules
When connecting consecutive fiber-optic modules in a network ring, installer discipline regarding transmit and receive orientation is mandatory.
- Cross-Connection Architecture: Fiber cables must exit the local module on Transmit (TX) and enter the downstream node on Receive (RX).
- Port-to-Port Wiring: Connect Port A of one module directly to Port B of the next module.
- Optical Budget Compliance: Use an optical power meter to verify that the total link insertion loss does not exceed 10 dB for 62.5/125 μm cable or 6.5 dB for 50/125 μm cable. Exceeding these attenuation budgets will lead to intermittent intermittent signal loss faults on the panel.
3. Standalone Repeater Mode Functionality
If the HS-NCM-MF is powered by an external 24 V DC source but disconnected from a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) or network annunciator via the NUP port, it automatically switches to a high-speed network repeater after approximately 30 seconds. In this state, it serves exclusively to regenerate signal pulses over long fiber runs. Note that once configured as a blind repeater (Address set to 0), the module itself can no longer be directly monitored or interrogated by peripheral equipment like an ONYXWorks workstation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the HS-NCM-MF interface directly with a wire-medium network segment?
Not on its own. The HS-NCM-MF is strictly populated with fiber optic LC ports. To bridge a multi-mode fiber leg onto a twisted-pair copper segment, you must terminate that specific link into a hybrid high-speed card, such as the HS-NCM-WMF, or place an HS-NCM-MFSF intermediate module to bridge single-mode and multi-mode systems.
Does this network card support panel database uploads and downloads?
Yes. The 100 Mb transmission rate of the HS-NCM series enables complete system software updates and database transfers using VeriFire Tools over the High-Speed NOTI•FIRE•NET infrastructure, eliminating the need to physically connect to each individual panel local port.
Which panel series support this card?
The HS-NCM-MF is explicitly compatible with ONYX Series controllers, including the NFS-320, NFS-640, NFS2-640, NFS-3030, and NFS2-3030 panels, as well as standalone NCA/NCA-2 Network Control Annunciators, NCD displays, and DVC Digital Voice Command platforms. Verify your panel firmware version is updated to meet the minimum baseline requirements listed in the manufacturer application manual.
