Model IRS232A
Page 9
© 2002 Xantech Corporation
Method 2:
Testing RS232 Commands Through Dragon Drop-IR to PC Screen
NOTE:
This requires either 2 PC’s or a PC with two COM Ports. A communication program such as Hyper-
terminal is also required. This is an ‘advanced’ testing method and can be used as a trouble shooting tool if the
Method 1 test did not control the unit appropriately. This will allow you to visually confirm the IRS232A is
outputting the correct command string.
1. Connect the IRS232A as shown in
Figure 1
but connect the RS232 OUT via a “Null-Modem” cable to
either another PC’s COM Port or to another COM Port on the PC running Dragon Drop-IR.
2. On the PC connected to the RS232 OUT of the IRS232A, open the RS232 Communication software and
configure for the proper communication settings.
NOTE:
If you are using the same PC, you should now have 2 programs running; Dragon Drop-IR™ and
the RS232 Communication software. Arrange the two programs so both windows are visible
simultaneously.
3. Click the button labeled
TEST
in the IRS232 Window. The button should now be outlined in RED.
4. Click on a button to test in the IRS232 window.
5. The green RS232 OUTPUT LED should flash indicating the IRS232A has issued a command string and
the ASCII command string should be displayed in the RS232 Communication software screen.
6. Make changes to the ASCII text as needed in Dragon
7. Repeat Steps 4 & 5 for each string to be tested.
8. To
terminate
TEST
mode, simply click on
TEST
in the IRS232 window. The RED outline should now
disappear.
Method 3:
Testing RS232 Commands via IR Remote to PC Screen
NOTE:
This is an ‘advanced’ testing method that can also be used as a trouble shooting tool to visually verify the
correct command string is being sent by the IRS232A.The project created will need to be transferred to the
IRS232A (Please see
Transferring a Project to the IRS232A
). A PC running a communication program such as
Hyper-terminal is also required. You will also need a remote programmed with the proper RC68+ commands.
1. Connect an IR source (IR sensor and remote or a keypad) to the IR input of the IRS232A as in
Figure 1.
2. Connect the IRS232A’s RS232 OUT to the PC COM Port.
3. On the PC connected to the RS232 OUT of the IRS232A, open the RS232 Communication software and
configure for the proper communication settings.
4. With a handheld remote or keypad programmed with the proper RC68+, send the IR trigger commands to
the IRS232A.
5. The green RS232 OUTPUT LED should flash indicating the IRS232A has issued a command string and
the ASCII command string should be displayed in the RS232 Communication software screen.
6. Make changes to the ASCII text as needed in Dragon and transfer the project again.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until all command strings are verified.
TRANSFERRING A PROJECT TO THE IRS232A
1. Be sure the IRS232A is connected to the PC as in
Figure 1
.
2. From the File menu, select Base Unit Transfer (Ctrl+B). A Project Down Load window appears with the
statement "Synching Please Wait", then "Transmitting Please Wait".
3. A transfer status bar is shown as the transmission of data progresses. The green RS232 OUTPUT LED
on the IRS232A blinks until the transfer completes.
4. Using the same procedure, you may transfer to any number of additional Controllers.
NOTE:
If programming the previous version
IRS232
module (non ADVANCED version), DRAGON
DROP-IR™ version 1.04 and higher will transfer all commands to unit during programming with the
exception of any
advanced
parameter options (i.e. Baud Rates outside of 9600, STOP Bits other then 1
and DATA Bits other then 8). A message will appear indicating these features will be excluded as seen in
Figure 6
.
