AMX Distribution Matrix Octaire - Manual (Page 30)

Installation and Setup
26 Octaire Instruction Manual
Serial Communication Settings
When controlling the system with a serial controller, use serial communication software and make sure
the baud rate is set at 9600. The settings on the PC serial communication software and the enclosure
must correspond to each other. Octaire communication settings are baud rate = 9600, data bits = 8,
stop bit = 1, and parity and flow control = none.
To establish external serial control:
1. Plug one end of the null modem serial cable into the serial port (DB-9) on the primary enclosure
(FIG. 18).
2. Plug the other end of the serial cable into the serial port on the serial controller.
3. If the power is not already on, apply power first to the Octaire enclosure(s) and then to the source
and destination devices (see page 27, “Applying Power and Startup”).
Note: Follow the power-up sequence on page 27. We recommend attaching all power cords to
surge protectors and/or AC line conditioners.
4. Setup and run the desired method of control:
AMX Control Devices – The Octaire, which supports Device Discovery,* is compatible with a
number of AMX control devices. For control programming information, see the instruction manual
for the specific interface.
APControl 3.0 – Install and open the program from the AMX AutoPatch CD (if your account has
the required permissions, the program can be downloaded from www.amx.com). For APControl to
control the Octaire, the configuration must be manually entered and must match the actual Octaire
configuration. From the APControl Launchbar menu, select System/New; select Heritage System/
Next; select Manual Configuration Entry/Next; enter system parameters and click Add VM
information/Next; and finish the Wizard instructions.
Terminal emulation – Open the program (e.g., HyperTerminal), select the COM port, and set the
settings to match the Octaire serial port settings (baud rate = 9600, data bits = 8, stop bit = 1, and
parity and flow control = none).
Click OK.
A short splash screen appears.
Enter BCS (Basic Control Structure) commands. For information on BCS commands, see the BCS
Protocol Instruction Manual on the AMX AutoPatch CD and at www.amx.com.
5. Execute a test switch to ensure the Octaire is working properly (see page 30, “Executing a Test
Switch”).
* 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).
FIG. 18 Connect to serial port on primary enclosure
Serial port