Attaching External Controllers - AMX Optima Instruction Manual

Installation and Setup

Attaching External Controllers

The Optima can be controlled by attaching an external control device that uses one of the
communication protocols listed below:
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Important: The Enc Link (Ethernet RJ-45) connector on the CPU is not for a TCP/IP connection.
This port is used for linking enclosures (see page 24).
External Control Options
The communication protocols listed above are used for these control options:
AMX Control Devices
The Optima is compatible with a number of AMX control devices. For control programming
information, see the Instruction Manual for the specific interface.
AMX Remote Control Panels and SBCs
AMX CP-15 and CP-20A remote control panels and other AMX control devices (SBC, Preset SBC, etc.)
can connect to the Remote port on the CPU board. For instructions for attaching an external controller to
the Remote port, see page 33. For specific information on a remote control device, see its product
documentation.
APControl 3.0 (Serial)
APControl 3.0 software (for control and scheduling) runs on a PC connected to an Optima via the
Control port and is available at www.amx.com.
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). An APWeb expansion board or an
APWeb Server module is required for APWeb. For setup information, see the "APWeb Expansion
Board" chapter on page 109 or the APWeb Server Module's documentation at www.amx.com.
Important: Contact AMX regarding limitations and conditions for operating an Optima on a
company LAN.
XNNet Protocol (Serial)
Advanced programmers who want to design their own control programs can use AMX AutoPatch
XNNet protocol. The XNNet Communication Library (available at www.amx.com), is an interface
library that supports C, Java, and Visual Basic and has examples of the XNNet protocol in use.
BCS (Serial) Control
AMX 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., TeraTerm, PuTTY, or HyperTerminal). For information on BCS commands, see the Instruction
Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol at www.amx.com.
Third-Party Controllers (Serial)
Third-party controllers connect to the Control port (DB-9) 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
XNNet – AMX AutoPatch protocol via all ports (including serial); AMX control and
accessory devices connect via the Remote (XNNet) connector
TCP/IP – See the "APWeb Expansion Board" chapter on page 109 or the APWeb Server
Module's documentation at www.amx.com
Optima Instruction Manual