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Introduction to BCS
This instruction manual is designed for programmers who wish to create their own control programs
using the BCS (Basic Control Structure) protocol. BCS is a simple character stream control protocol
used by external control devices attached to a number of AMX products, e.g., AutoPatch Matrix
Switchers, the HDMI-UTPRO-0808, and Enova DGX 8/16/32 Digital Matrix Switchers. BCS
commands are used primarily for control of a matrix switcher during system installation and setup and
for diagnostic purposes. Internally, BCS commands are translated into XNNet protocol packets.
Important: We strongly recommend checking Appendix A (see page 25) for information about BCS
commands specific to your equipment. Not all systems support all BCS commands.
Overview
BCS is a set of alphanumeric characters that combine to form control commands. BCS command strings
are entered into a terminal emulation program (such as Windows
external control device. The control device (AMX control device, PC, or third-party controller) sends the
commands to the system. Control devices must be able to send and receive ASCII code via an RS-232 or
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).
For advanced programmers who want access to the underlying XNNet packet based protocol, the
AMX AutoPatch CD (that ships with each system) includes the XNNet Communication Library. This
interface library supports C, Java, and Visual Basic and has examples of the XNNet Protocol in use.
General rules, as well as lists and tables for command string formats and command string responses, are
provided first for quick reference. Detailed information and examples for creating and executing the
various commands can be found in the subsequent chapters. For product specific information, see
page 25.
Command String Formats
A command string is a series of command characters and numbers used to send commands to the system.
Commands can include basic ones for executing and disconnecting switches, as well as for verifying the
status of switches. Commands can execute local presets or define and execute global presets. On systems
with audio, commands can be used to control a variety of audio functions depending on the product
(e.g., adjustments to tone and balance are available on the Precis DSP).
In a command string, each character is either a general command (e.g., "D" for Disconnect) or an
identifier that indicates what the following number designates (e.g., "I" and the number following it
designate an "input number").
The command string CL1I27O160T can be interpreted as follows:
[C] Change on [L1] Level 1, [I27] Input 27 to [O160] Output 160, [T] Take to execute the command.
For a complete list of command characters and their functions, see page 4.
Command characters and numbers are echoed back to the terminal screen as the system accepts them.
When a command is successfully executed, all of the characters appear as entered. If a command
character or a number is not accepted, the system responds with a different character and all or part of the
command is not executed. For explanations of other possible responses, see page 5.
Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Introduction to BCS
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