Ultrix Onboarding

Ross Ultrix routers connected via the Ultrix/OGP protocol require an onboarding process after being added. This configures how Birch interprets the router’s ports and generates the source/destination mappings that appear in the routing panel.

Other protocols do not require onboarding — they configure themselves automatically.

Caution

Onboarding replaces the currently active database on the Ultrix router. This is a highly impactful process — make sure you understand the implications before proceeding. During onboarding, Birch temporarily pauses its active session with the router to prevent accidental changes while configuration is being modified. The session reconnects automatically when onboarding completes.

Running the wizard

1. Navigate to the router — Go to Devices → select your appliance → select the Ultrix router.

2. Click “Run Ultrix Onboarding” — This button appears on the router overview page for Ultrix routers that haven’t completed onboarding.

3. Step 1: Create Backup — The wizard creates a backup of the router’s current configuration.

4. Step 2: Working Model — Birch reads the router’s card layout and port names.

5. Step 3: Configure Ports — For each detected card slot, configure:

   • AUX A, AUX B, AUX C — Assign auxiliary port functions
   • Multiviewer Heads — Configure multiviewer outputs (if supported by the card)
   • Slot 0 options — Include mixers, include disconnect source

6. Step 4: Generate Variants — Birch generates variant sources based on your port configuration. This takes a moment and shows progress.

7. Complete — The router is marked as onboarded. The session reconnects, and the router’s sources and destinations populate in the routing panel.

What are variant sources?

Ultrix routers support multiple signal variants per physical source (e.g., video, individual audio channels, ancillary data). During onboarding, Birch generates these variant mappings so you can route individual signal components, not just the combined source.

Re-running onboarding

If your Ultrix router’s physical configuration changes (cards added or removed), you may need to re-run onboarding to update the port mappings.