AMX Octaire Attaching External Control, Control Options, NetLinx, APControl, APWeb TCP/IP

Installation & Setup

Attaching External Control

Note: The Octaire has a fixed configuration that was programmed at the factory.

The Octaire can be controlled externally by attaching a control device that uses one of the communication protocols listed below:

BCS (Basic Control Structure) – ASCII sent over a null modem serial cable via RS-232 XNNet – AMX AutoPatch protocol via RS-232

TCP/IP – See “Connecting to the APWeb Server” on page 35

In a multi-enclosure Octaire system, only the primary enclosure (with control panel) is enabled for external control via the serial port or TCP/IP port. Serial ports on secondary enclosures are primarily intended for single enclosure diagnostic information and system firmware upgrades.

Control Options

The communication protocols listed above are used for these control options:

NetLinx®

AMX AutoPatch distribution matrices are NetLinx® compatible and support Device Discovery. For specific control programming information, contact your AMX representative.

Important: Device Discovery functionality (beacon response) will only function properly if the NetLinx master is connected to the RS-232 control port on the primary enclosure (the one with the control panel).

APControl 3.0

APControl 3.0 software (for control and scheduling) runs on a PC connected to an Octaire via the serial port (DB-9) on the primary enclosure 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). The Octaire TCP/IP port is used to access APWeb. For connecting to the APWeb server, see page 35. For APWeb Server setup and operation information, see the “APWeb – Initial Setup by Network Admin” chapter on page 67 and the “APWeb – Controlling the Octaire” chapter (page 87).

Important: Contact AMX regarding limitations and conditions for operating an Octaire 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 with 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, such as Windows® HyperTerminal. For information on BCS commands, see the BCS Protocol Instruction Manual on the AMX AutoPatch CD and at www.amx.com.

Third-Party Controllers (Serial)

Third-party controllers connect to the serial port (DB-9) on the right rear of the primary enclosure.

If using a third-party controller, see the controller documentation for setup and operating instructions.

24 Octaire Instruction Manual