System Diagnostics - AMX Optima Instruction Manual

Overview and General Specifications
BCS Serial Control Protocol
The Optima can be controlled with an external serial controller that sends and receives ASCII characters
via its Control (RS-232) serial port. AMX AutoPatch has developed a command language, BCS (Basic
Control Structure) protocol, for programming control operations and for diagnostic purposes. BCS
commands can be entered into a terminal emulation program (e.g., HyperTerminal) running on a PC. For
information on BCS commands, see the Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol on
the AMX AutoPatch CD or at www.amx.com.
Third-Party Controllers
A third-party controller can also be attached to an Optima enclosure. If using a third-party controller, see
the controller documentation for operating instructions.
Note: Advanced programmers who want to design their own control programs can use AMX's
AutoPatch XNNet protocol. The "AMX AutoPatch CD" includes the XNNet Communication Library,
an interface library that supports C, Java, and Visual Basic and has examples of the XNNet protocol
in use.

System Diagnostics

For system diagnostics, the Optima uses a programmer's interface, which displays in a splash screen.
Programmer's Interface for System Diagnostics
The Optima displays system information in its splash screen for diagnostic purposes. The information
indicates the current status and well-being of the system components. The splash screen can be accessed
using a terminal emulation program (e.g., HyperTerminal). For information on the programmer's
interface, see "Appendix B" on page 131.
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