Serial Communication

The MediaLink switcher can be remotely set up and controlled via a host computer or other device (such as a control system) attached to the rear panel MLC/RS-232 Power port.

Alternatively, the switcher can be controlled by an optional MediaLink Controller (MLC) (connected to the MLS’s MLC/RS-232 Power port) or by an RS-232 device acting through the MLC. The control device (host) can use either the Extron Simple Instruction Set(SIS) commands or the graphical control program for Windows®. For details on use and setup of a system that includes a MediaLink Controller, see the MediaLink Controllers User’s Manual.

Error responses

When the MLS receives a valid SIS command, it executes the command and sends a response to the host device. If the MLS is unable to execute the command because the command is invalid or it contains invalid parameters, it returns an error response to the host. Error response codes and their descriptions are as follows:

E01 – Invalid input channel number (the number is too large) E10 – Invalid command

E13 – Invalid value (the number is out of range/too large) E14 – Invalid for this configuration.

MLC/RS-232

 

POWER

MLS100Series

 

 

Switcher

A B

MLC/RS-232

Power Port

 

+12VDC

The switcher protocol is

9600 baud

1 stop bit no parity

no flow control.

The MLC/RS-232 Power

3.5 mm, 5-pole captive screw

Using the command/response tables

The command/response tables on the next page list valid command ASCII codes, the MLS’s responses to the host, and a description of the command’s function or the results of executing the command. Unless otherwise indicated (as for the gain commands), upper and lower case characters may be used interchangeably in the command field.

Ground ( )

B Receive (Rx) A Transmit (Tx)

connector’s pin assignments

are shown at left.

ASCII to HEX Conversion Table

The ASCII to HEX conversion table at left is

MLC/RS-232 Power port pin assignments

RS-232 Programmer’s Guide

Host-to-MLS communications

SIS commands consist of one or more characters per field. No special characters are required to begin or end a command sequence. When the MLS determines that a command is valid,

ASCII to Hex conversion table

for use with the command/ response tables.

it executes the command and sends a response to the host device. All responses from the switcher to the host end with a carriage return and a line feed (CR/LF = ), which signals the end of the response character string. A string is one or more characters.

MLS-initiated messages

When a local event such as a front panel selection or adjustment takes place, the MLS responds by sending a message to the host. No response is required from the host. The MLS-initiated messages are listed here (underlined).

(c)Copyright 2002, Extron Electronics MLS 100 Series, V0.08 The MLS sends the copyright message when it first powers on. Vx.xx is the firmware version number. The MLS 102 VGA is used in this example.

Chn X1 (where X1 is the input number)

The MLS sends this response when an input is switched.

Symbol definitions

= CR/LF (carriage return/line feed) (hex 0D 0A)

= Space

Esc = Escape key

X1 = Specific input number (0 – 4 maximum)

0 = no connection

1 = input 1 & Aux/Mix

2 = input 2 & Aux/Mix

3 = input 3 & Aux/Mix

4 = input 4 (audio only) & Aux/Mix

X2 = Audio gain (per input)

0 to 24; 0dB through +24dB in 1dB steps

X3 = Audio attenuation (per input)

0 to 18; 0dB through -18dB in 1dB steps)

X4

X5

X6

X7

X8

=Input to be adjusted (1 – 4) 1 = input 1

2 = input 2

3 = input 3

4 = input 4

=Audio gain/attenuation value (-18 through +24)

=Volume adjustment range (0% – 100%)

=On/off status

0 = off/disable

1 = on/enable

=Switcher firmware version (listed to two decimal places e.g.: x.xx)

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MediaLink VersaTools Switchers • Serial Communication

MediaLink VersaTools Switchers • Serial Communication

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Extron electronic MLS 103 V, MLS 102 VGA Serial Communication, RS-232 Programmer’s Guide, Host-to-MLS communications

MLS 100 A, MLS 103 SV, MLS 102 VGA, MLS 103 V specifications

Extron Electronics is renowned for its innovative and high-quality AV solutions, and the MLS series, including the MLS 102 VGA, MLS 100 A, MLS 103 SV, and MLS 103 V, exemplifies the company's commitment to excellence in audio-visual integration. These MediaLink Switchers are designed to simplify the management of multiple audio and video sources in classrooms and conference rooms, providing seamless integration and user-friendly operation.

The MLS 102 VGA model focuses on VGA signals, making it a reliable choice for installations that primarily use legacy video sources. It features a simple interface with push-button controls, enabling users to easily switch between two video sources with a single VGA output. This model is ideal for educational environments where older laptops and PCs are still in use.

The MLS 100 A model adds audio capabilities to the mix, offering audio switching along with video. This switcher supports stereo audio signals, allowing educators to present multimedia content effectively. The MLS 100 A simplifies the setup for instructors, enabling them to connect different media sources without complicated wiring or extensive technical knowledge.

The MLS 103 SV and MLS 103 V models elevate functionality with their multi-format switching capabilities. The MLS 103 SV supports both VGA video and stereo audio, while the MLS 103 V is solely focused on video. Both models provide a more comprehensive solution for modern AV requirements. The MLS 103 series employs advanced signal processing technology, ensuring high performance across multiple resolutions and formats.

Additionally, the MLS 103 series incorporates features such as EDID management, which automatically configures the video output to ensure compatibility with a variety of display devices. This eliminates the need for users to worry about the technicalities, enabling a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Scalability is another key characteristic of the MLS series. These devices can be seamlessly integrated with other Extron products, allowing for an expandable AV infrastructure that meets the growing demands of technology in educational and corporate environments.

Durable construction, easy installation, and operation make the MLS series a preferred choice among AV professionals. Whether for a small meeting room or a large lecture hall, Extron's MLS 102 VGA, MLS 100 A, MLS 103 SV, and MLS 103 V models deliver flexibility, reliability, and superior performance, enhancing any audio-visual presentation.