AMX Precis SD Attaching External Controllers, AMX AutoPatch Remote Control Panels & SBCs

Installation & Setup

Attaching External Controllers

The Precis SD can be controlled by attaching an external control device that uses one of the communication protocols listed below:

BCS (Serial) – ASCII sent over a null modem serial cable via the CONTROL port

XNNet – AMX AutoPatch protocol via all ports (including serial); AMX AutoPatch control and accessory devices usually connect via the REMOTE port

Important: The ENC LINK (Ethernet RJ-45) connector on the CPU is not a TCP/IP interface and is used for linking enclosures. The Precis SD is primarily designed as a standalone system, but can be linked to other AMX AutoPatch Matrix Switchers (Optima, Optima SD, Modula, Epica-128, Epica-256, and Epica DG; see the instruction manual for the specific product).

Control Options

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

AMX Control Devices

The Precis SD is compatible with a number of AMX control devices. For specific control programming information, contact your AMX representative.

AMX AutoPatch Remote Control Panels & SBCs

AMX AutoPatch remote control panels and other AMX AutoPatch control devices (SBCs, and Preset SBCs) usually connect to the REMOTE port on the CPU. For instructions for attaching an external controller to the REMOTE port, see page 20. For specific information on the 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 a Precis SD 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 Server Module is required for APWeb. For setup and operation information, see the APWeb Server Module’s documentation on the AMX AutoPatch CD and at www.amx.com.

Important: Contact AMX regarding limitations and conditions for operating a Precis SD 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, such as Windows® HyperTerminal. For information on BCS commands, see the

BCS Protocol Instruction Manual on the AMX AutoPatch CD or at www.amx.com.

Third-Party Controllers (Serial)

Third-party controllers connect to the CONTROL port (RS-232) on the CPU. If using a third-party controller, see the controller documentation for setup and operating instructions.

20 Precis SD Instruction Manual