The Firetronix LTX-8 LIP PROTOCOL ENCODER is a utility board that converts the LTX-8 opto-coupler output of connected firealarms to an RS485 datastream having the same protocol as the Local Indication Port (LIP) of an LTX-16. This makes it possible to use the same LIP monitoring equipment for new systems using the LTX-8 as that used for LTX-16 based systems.