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:
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 22).
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 AutoPatch Remote Control Panels and SBCs
AMX AutoPatch remote control panels and other AMX AutoPatch 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 31. 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 on the AMX AutoPatch CD.
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 107 or the APWeb Server Module's documentation on the AMX AutoPatch CD
or 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 AMX AutoPatch CD includes the XNNet Communication Library, an interface
library that supports C, Java, and Visual Basic and has 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 (e.g., Windows
Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol on the AMX AutoPatch CD or 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 AutoPatch control
and accessory devices connect via the Remote (XNNet) connector
TCP/IP – See the "APWeb Expansion Board" chapter on page 107 or the APWeb Server
Module's documentation on the AMX AutoPatch CD and at www.amx.com
®
HyperTerminal). For information on BCS commands, see the Instruction
Optima Instruction Manual