Appendix D. Serial Remote Control; Overview - Comtech EF Data CDM-570 Installation And Operation Manual

Appendix D. SERIAL REMOTE CONTROL

D.1

Overview

This appendix describes the protocol and message command set for remote monitor and control of the CDM-570/570L Satellite Modem
with Optional IP Module.
The electrical interface is either an EIA-485 multi-drop bus (for the control of many devices) or an EIA-232 connection (for the control of
a single device), and data is transmitted in asynchronous serial form using ASCII characters. Control and status information is transmitted
in packets of variable length in accordance with the structure and protocol defined in later sections.
D.2 EIA-485
For applications where multiple devices are to be monitored and controlled, a full-duplex (or 4-wire) EIA-485 is preferred. Half-duplex
(2-wire) EIA-485 is possible, but is not preferred.
In full-duplex EIA-485 communication there are two separate, isolated, independent differential-mode twisted pairs, each handling serial
data in different directions. It is assumed that there is a 'Controller' device (a PC or dumb terminal), which transmits data in a broadcast
mode via one of the pairs. Many 'Target' devices are connected to this pair, which all simultaneously receive data from the Controller.
The Controller is the only device with a line-driver connected to this pair – the Target devices only have line-receivers connected.
In the other direction, on the other pair each Target has a Tri-Stateable line driver connected, and the Controller has a line-receiver
connected. All the line drivers are held in high-impedance mode until one – and only one – Target transmits back to the Controller.
D–1