Attaching An External Serial Controller - AMX Enova DGX 8 Instruction Manual

Installation and Setup

Attaching an External Serial Controller

Enova DGX Switchers can be controlled externally by attaching a serial control device that uses one of
the communication protocols listed below:



Note: The two Control ports provide direct serial control of matrix switcher processing (they do not
work on the same layer of control as the integrated Master, which uses the LAN 100/1000 and
Program ports). For information on establishing TCP/IP control from the integrated NetLinx Central
Control Processor to a LAN, see page 39.
External Serial Control Options
Although the main method of control for the Enova DGX Switcher is the integrated NetLinx Central
Control Processor (for WebConsole/XBar Controller interface information, see page 137; for ICSP
commands, see page 151), several external serial control methods are also available.
The communication protocols listed at the top of this page are used for these control options:
XNNet Protocol
Advanced programmers who want to design their own control programs can use AMX AutoPatch
XNNet protocol. The XNNet API Communication Library (an interface library that supports C, Java,
and Visual Basic with examples of the XNNet protocol in use) is available at www.amx.com.
BCS 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 (e.g., the Terminal view in DGX Configuration Software; see page 173). For information
on BCS commands, see the Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol at
www.amx.com.
Third-Party Controllers
Third-party controllers connect to the serial port (DB-9) or USB (mini-B) port on the CPU. Third-party
control is also possible via a BCS Tunnel over TCP/IP (see page 58). If using a third-party controller, see
the controller documentation for setup and operating instructions.
Connecting Serial Controllers
An external serial controller is any device that can send and receive ASCII code over an RS-232
(null modem) serial cable attached to the serial port (DB-9) on the enclosure's CPU. PCs are common
serial controllers. Once a PC is attached to the Enova DGX Switcher, the system can be controlled by
entering BCS commands into a terminal emulation program (e.g., the Terminal view in DGX
Configuration Software; see page 173). The USB port can also be used for connecting serial controllers
by creating a virtual COM port; see page 54.
PC Requirements for BCS
Windows 7 or Windows XP Professional



52
BCS (Serial) – ASCII sent over a null modem serial cable via the serial Control port
BCS (USB) – ASCII sent over a USB cable via the USB (mini-B) Control port
XNNet – AMX AutoPatch protocol via the serial port
Terminal emulation program
Serial port or USB port
Instruction Manual – Enova DGX 8/16/32 Digital Media Switchers