Attaching External Controllers - AMX Epica DG Instruction Manual

Installation & Setup

Attaching External Controllers

The Epica DG can be controlled externally by attaching a control device that uses one of the
communication protocols listed below:
Important: The Ethernet connector is not a TCP/IP interface and is used primarily for linking
enclosures (see page 19).
Control Options
The communication protocols listed above are used for these control options:
®
NetLinx
AMX AutoPatch Distribution Matrices are NetLinx
information, please contact your AMX NetLinx representative.
APControl 3.0
APControl 3.0 software (for control and scheduling) runs on a PC connected to an Epica DG via
the serial port (DB-9) or the USB (Mini-B) port and is available on the AMX AutoPatch CD.
APControl 3.0 has a setup wizard that discovers the system's configuration information.
APWeb (TCP/IP)
The APWeb Server (for control, diagnostics, and third-party access) is accessed through a TCP/IP
interface, such as, a web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer). The Epica DG serial port (DB-9) is used to
access APWeb. Additional equipment is required for APWeb. For setup and operation information, see
the APWeb Server Module's documentation on the AMX AutoPatch CD and at www.amx.com.
Important: Contact AMX regarding limitations and conditions for operating an Epica DG on a
company LAN.
XNNet Protocol (Serial)
Advanced programmers who want to design their own control programs can use AMX AutoPatch
XNNet protocol. The AMX Autopatch CD includes the XNNet Communication Library, an interface
library that supports C, Java, and Visual Basic with examples of the XNNet protocol in use.
BCS (Serial) Control
AMX AutoPatch has developed a command language, BCS (Basic Control Structure), for executing
control operations and for diagnostic purposes. BCS commands are issued via a terminal emulation
program, such as, HyperTerminal. For information on BCS commands, see the BCS Protocol Instruction
Manual on the AMX AutoPatch CD or at www.amx.com.
Third-Party Controllers (Serial)
Third-party controllers connect to the serial port (DB-9) or USB (Mini-B) port on the CPU. If using a
third-party controller, see the controller documentation for setup and operating instructions.
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BCS (Serial) – ASCII sent over a null modem serial cable via the serial port
BCS (USB) – ASCII sent over a USB cable via the USB (Mini-B) port
XNNet – AMX AutoPatch protocol via the serial port
Compatible
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compatible. For specific control programming
Epica DG Instruction Manual