HU-PYXIS
20
PYXIS
System User Guide
On power up, the control module designated MASTER will become ‘ACTIVE’. Every main loop, the
software checks whether a changeover has occurred. When a controller changes state from ‘IDLE’ to
‘ACTIVE’ a message is issued to the remote control ports, such that any external control system,
such as Aurora, will be able to report the change.
All data is synchronized constantly between the dual controllers, using an internal serial link. This
data includes the tally table, configuration and database, ensuring that in the event of a controller
changeover no crosspoint routes change and all configuration parameters remain the same. Since all
control ports and reference signals connect only to the active controller, using tri-state drivers, a
controller changeover will be transparent to the user.
A controller changeover may be forced by the user by either pressing the reset button on the active
controller, or removing the active controller.
In the event of a second controller, configured as a slave, being plugged into a single controller
system, all data is automatically transferred from the active controller over a period of time.
Do not press the reset on the ACTIVE control module or remove the ACTIVE module after
plugging in the IDLE controller. It takes up to ten minutes to download the database. If the
reset is pressed during this time ALL DATABASE SETTINGS WILL BE LOST, and the default
database and tally table loaded.
4.2
2449: Nebula Controller
The Pyxis router is supplied with a basic database and default settings for all control ports. This
means external controllers, control panels and Under Monitor Displays can be directly connected to
the frame if required. The database contains system configuration details such as the number of
logical/control levels within the system, signal types and control panel functions.
4.2.1 Functionality
The 2449 is a microprocessor-based module made up of a base card and 2445 Nebula Card.
Together they run system code from flash memory giving a rapid boot-up and easy code upgrade.
NVRAM on the module holds a record of the system crosspoint settings (known as the 'tally table')
ensuring that the router status is maintained following power interruptions or signal module removal.
The system database and an exact record of the router module hardware, known as the
'configuration' are also held in memory on the module.
The control module(s) connect to all router signal modules within the frame via a serial control bus
(routed on the system Motherboard). Status data from the PSU(s) and Fan Module is passed onto
the controller(s) via dedicated logic lines.
All external communication is passed through the control module(s) whether for remote control of the
router or connection of control panels or Under Monitor Displays.
The final function performed by the controller(s) is to detect and process the audio and video
