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AMX BCS Instruction Manual

AMX BCS Instruction Manual

Basic control structure protocol
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Instruction Manual
BCS
(Basic Control Structure)
Protocol
R E V J : 0 2 / 0 6 / 2 0 1 3
A M X A u t o P a t c h C o m m u n i c a t i o n P r o t o c o l

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  • Page 1 Instruction Manual (Basic Control Structure) Protocol R E V J : 0 2 / 0 6 / 2 0 1 3 A M X A u t o P a t c h C o m m u n i c a t i o n P r o t o c o l...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Contents Introduction to BCS .....................1 Overview ..........................1 Command String Formats......................1 General Rules for Using BCS Commands ................. 2 Generating BCS Commands ....................3 BCS Command Tables ......................4 Command String Responses ....................5 Executing Switches....................6 Disconnecting Switches ..................7 Verifying Signal Status ..................8...
  • Page 3 Technical Support ........................43 Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics ......45 System Component Information .................... 45 Using BCS to Access System Diagnostic Information............. 47 Splash Screen Examples ......................48 Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 4: Introduction To Bcs

    RS-422 serial port. (For information on attaching external controllers, see the “Installation and Setup” chapter of the specific enclosure’s instruction manual.) BCS commands can also be used for APWeb macros, diagnostics, and Telnet sessions, as well as in AMX AutoPatch software applications (e.g., APControl).

  • Page 5: General Rules For Using Bcs Commands

    (VMs). While some methods of control (e.g., control panels) use the term “VM”, BCS commands on a serial controller use the equivalent term “level” designated by an “L”. For the purposes of this document, the terms virtual matrix and level are interchangeable.

  • Page 6: Generating Bcs Commands

    Introduction to BCS Generating BCS Commands Important: We strongly recommend checking Appendix A (page 25) for information about BCS commands specific to your equipment. Not all systems support all BCS commands. Basic and Preset Commands To generate basic and preset BCS commands: Enter commands using the formats from the tables below.

  • Page 7: Bcs Command Tables

    Introduction to BCS BCS Command Tables The table below shows BCS command characters (keys) used to generate control commands, their functions, and short function descriptions. Basic and Preset Command Characters Function Description Change Initiates a Change (execute switch) command; this must precede the level,...

  • Page 8: Command String Responses

    BCS Response Table The following table shows BCS response characters, with descriptions and meanings, that may appear instead of an entered character or number. If these characters appear, all or part of the command is not executed.

  • Page 9: Executing Switches

    Level 0 (e.g., CI72O35T routes Input 72 to Output 35 on Level 0). Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).

  • Page 10: Disconnecting Switches

    Level 0 (e.g., DO67T disconnects Output 67 on Level 0). Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).

  • Page 11: Verifying Signal Status

    Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).
  • Page 12 Output 7 is receiving only part of the defined components from an SL0O7T SL0O7( # ) input on Level 0 The defined components are originating from different inputs, e.g., the video is coming from a different input than the audio Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 13: Executing Presets

    Local Preset 3 on Level 2. Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file.

  • Page 14: Global Presets

    Enter the Execute Global Preset command below. Replace the “#” with the global preset number. Execute Global Preset Examples BCS Command Action Executes Global Preset 1 Executes Global Preset 3 Cancels the incomplete command Note: Status is not invalidated by global presets. Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 15: Adjusting And Verifying Audio

    Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).

  • Page 16: Adjusting Volume

    Note: If the decibel level requested is outside the range for the selected output, the system will respond with an “X” indicating an invalid value was entered (for a specific audio board’s volume adjustment range, see the board’s documentation). Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 17: Applying/Removing Mute To Volume

    Not all systems with audio support the mute option. If your system supports the mute option, outputs can be muted and un-muted using BCS commands. Inputs cannot be muted. Note: For BCS purposes, VM refers to volume mute, not virtual matrix. Applying Mute To mute an output: Enter the Volume Mute command below.

  • Page 18: Verifying Volume Status

    SL0O8VT( 5 ) SL0O22VT SL0O22VT( -700 ) Volume for Output 22 on Level 0 is at -70 dB SL0O41VT SL0O41VT( M ) Verifies the volume is muted for Output 41 on Level 0 Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 19: Adjusting Digital Input Gain

    Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).
  • Page 20 (above or below) for the specific type of audio board that has been selected for adjustment, the system will respond with an “X” indicating an invalid value was entered. For a specific audio board’s input gain adjustment range, see the specific board’s documentation. Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 21: Verifying Digital Input Gain Status

    Verifies the gain of Input 240 is -70 dB on Level 0 SL0I240VT SL0I240VT( -700 ) Verifies the gain of Input 16 is at 7.5 dB on Level 0 SL0I6VT SL0I6VT( 75 ) Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...
  • Page 22 Adjusting and Verifying Audio Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 23: Adjusting And Verifying Audio With Dsp

    To cancel an incorrect or incomplete command, enter “X”.  Important: If the level is not specified in a BCS command, the command is executed on the default level (normally Level 0), which is defined in the configuration file. If the level is omitted and the BCS command executes on an unexpected level, check the default level in the configuration file (for systems without a configuration file, check the product documentation).

  • Page 24: Adjusting Balance

    10, e.g., -5.0 dB is entered as -50.) CO#F#G^^^T Tone Band Examples BCS Command Action Adjusts the bass band to 10 dB for Output 5 CO5F1G100T Adjusts the trebel band to -12 dB for Output 13 CO13F3G-120T Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 25: Adjusting Equalization Bands

    Adjusting Equalization Bands BCS commands can be used to adjust the gain of each EQ band for each output to a specific decibel level. Each equalization band is identified by its center frequency and spans one octave (see the chart below for frequency to band number correspondence).

  • Page 26: Verifying Dsp Command Status

    Verifies the gain of EQ band 1 is set to +6 dB, band 2 is set to -9 dB, and band 3 is set to -12 dB for Output 4 ( 60 -90 -120 ) Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...
  • Page 27 Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 28: Appendix A - Product Specific Bcs Commands

    Precis HT  Basic Support BCS command characters are listed in the tables on page 4. Basic command string formats are listed in the tables on page 3. All supported enclosures (with the exception of some heritage systems) support these commands: Change ...
  • Page 29 Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands BCS Quick Reference Chart The chart below lists AMX products (heritage products are not included; see page 37) and indicates which BCS commands in addition to the ones listed on the previous page they support.

  • Page 30: Enova Dgx 8, Enova Dgx 16, And Enova Dgx 32

    ICSP SEND_COMMANDs The Enova DGX 8/16/32 supports basic BCS commands incorporated into SEND_COMMANDs (up to 1024 characters packaged in a single BCS command) for control and switching. See the product manual for additional information on using SEND_COMMANDs. Important: SEND_COMMANDs for Enova DGX 8/16/32 require a final “T” to execute the command.

  • Page 31: Epica-128 And Epica-256

    (see page 9) and error code reporting (see page 41) Auxiliary Commands Auxiliary Commands Supported by the Epica-128 and Epica-256 To cause a warm reboot ~app! To view a long splash screen with advanced system information ~scr! Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 32: Epica Dg, Epica Dgx 16, Epica Dgx 32, And Epica Dgx 144

    Tip: The information in the above table is displayed when you enter ~scr! or ~scrv0i0! Auxiliary Commands Auxiliary Commands Supported by Epica DG, Epica DGX 16, Epica DGX 32, and Epica DGX 144 To cause a warm reboot ~app! Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 33: Hdmi-Utpro-0808

    ICSP SEND_COMMANDs The HDMI UTPro supports basic BCS commands incorporated into SEND_COMMANDs (up to 1024 characters packaged in a single BCS command) for control and switching. See the product manual for additional information on using SEND_COMMANDs. Important: SEND_COMMANDs for the HDMI UTPro do not use a final “T” to execute the command.

  • Page 34: Modula And Modula Catpro

    BCS commands to control them Auxiliary Commands Auxiliary Commands Supported by Modula and Modula CatPro To cause a warm reboot ~app! To view a long splash screen with advanced system information ~scr! Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 35: Octaire

    Tip: The information in the table above is displayed when you enter ~scr! or ~scri0v0! Auxiliary Commands Auxiliary Commands Supported by Octaire To cause a warm reboot ~app! To view a splash screen with the lowest level of verbosity ~scr! Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 36: Optima And Optima Sd

    * Used only in Optima enclosures containing HDMI I/O boards. For additional information on persisting and – clearing the Sink Key cache, see the Instruction Manual Optima. Note: The command also disconnects all currently routed signals. The response to the command is Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 37: Precis Dsp

    If the Level “L” designation is omitted, the command is executed on the audio level. When  entering BCS commands, either omit the Level designation or use Level 0 or Level 2 (Level 0 indicates all levels and the Precis DSP models only have one level) Does not support global or local preset commands ...

  • Page 38: Precis Lt

    Level 1 for video only or Level 2 for audio only. Precis LT does not recognize Level 0 (L0)as part of a BCS command. To achieve the equivalent of routing signals on Level 0 (audio-follow-video), either omit the level command, (CI3O8T) or enter...
  • Page 39 Tip: The information in the table above is displayed when you enter ~scr! or ~scri0v1! Auxiliary Commands Auxiliary Commands Supported by Precis SD To cause a warm reboot ~app! To view a splash screen with advanced system information ~scr! Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 40: Heritage Systems

    Heritage Systems Note: If you have a heritage product (a discontinued product, i.e., not listed in the previous pages), refer to this section. Typically, older heritage products use BCS commands similar to the way the 1Y Series does. 1Y Series, 4Y-DM, 8Y-DM, and 8Y-XL...
  • Page 41 Level 0 (audio-follow-video). To route video or audio signals separately, enter Level 1 for video only or Level 2 for audio only The Precis 6x2 with a front control panel will accept BCS commands while the panel is  locked, but BCS commands cannot be used to unlock the front panel The Precis 6x2 is equipped with a Standby switch.
  • Page 42 Executing local presets – predefined in XNConnect (see page 10); supports 1280 local presets  Specific Commands and Conditions Precis HT models will accept BCS commands while the front control panel is locked, but BCS  commands cannot be used to unlock the front panel A range of numbers cannot be entered by using a colon “:”...
  • Page 43 Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 44: Appendix B - Error Code Reporting

    When a command string is entered but not accepted, a different character than the one entered will appear. All of the AMX systems listed in the “Product Specific” Appendix support limited error code reporting (displaying a single character). Advanced systems support error codes numbers (alone or in addition to a single character) if the error code reporting is enabled.

  • Page 45: Enabling Error Code Reporting

    Appendix B – Error Code Reporting Enabling Error Code Reporting Error code reporting can be enabled or turned off with BCS commands entered into a terminal emulation program. To enable error code reporting: Enter $ERR=1! The system responds with V.

  • Page 46: Technical Support

    Appendix B – Error Code Reporting Technical Support If this manual has not satisfactorily answered your questions regarding BCS commands, please contact your AMX representative or technical support. Have the system’s serial number ready. The system’s serial number is normally located on the rear of the enclosure.
  • Page 47 Appendix B – Error Code Reporting Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 48: Appendix C - Programmer's Interface For System Diagnostics

    PC. * AMX reserves the right to add to the contents of the splash screen at any time, without notice. ** Verbosity (i.e., wordiness) refers to the amount of information provided; the higher the verbosity setting, the more information is displayed.
  • Page 49 If both settings are omitted during a query (~scr!), the information displayed will be at the lowest verbosity level for all components (v0i0) (FIG. 2 on page 45). Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 50: Using Bcs To Access System Diagnostic Information

    Replace the “#”s with the applicable values (i = identity number, v = verbosity level) Diagnostic Command Examples BCS Command Action ~scr! or ~scri0v1 Accesses the lowest level of detail for all components ~scri6v3! or ~scrv3i6! Displays the highest level of detail for the power system Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...

  • Page 51: Splash Screen Examples

    [available system power] 2418w [required system power] 990w [ac power slot 1] good [status flags] 0x0000 [available power] 806w [output power] 150.850w [voltage] 12.248V [current] 12.248v FIG. 5 Display for v3i6 (verbosity 3, component 6) Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...
  • Page 52 [revision code] 0x4 [product code] 0xc0 [mtx driver 2] M21151 144x144 driver [revision code] 0x4 [product code] 0xc0 [mtx driver 3] M21151 144x144 driver FIG. 6 Display for v3i4 (verbosity 3, component 4) Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol...
  • Page 53 - Schedules and registration for any AMX University course - Travel and hotel information - Your individual certification requirements and progress 3000 RESEARCH DRIVE, RICHARDSON, TX 75082 USA • 800.222.0193 • 469.624.8000 • 469-624-7153 fax • 800.932.6993 technical support • www.amx.com...

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