Installation and Setup
59
Instruction Manual – Enova DGX 8/16/32/64 Digital Media Switchers
Attaching an External Serial Controller
Enova DGX Switchers can be controlled externally by attaching a serial control device that uses one of the
communication protocols listed below:
BCS (Serial) – ASCII sent over a null modem serial cable via the serial Control port
BCS (USB) – ASCII sent over a USB cable via the USB (mini-B) Control port
XNNet – AMX AutoPatch protocol via the serial port
Note:
The two Control ports provide direct serial control of matrix switcher processing (they do not work on
the same layer of control as the integrated Master, which uses the LAN 100/1000 and Program ports). For
information on establishing TCP/IP control from the integrated NetLinx Central Control Processor to a LAN,
see page 46.
External Serial Control Options
Although the main method of control for the Enova DGX Switcher is the integrated NetLinx Central Control Processor
(for WebConsole/XBar Controller interface information, see page 151; for ICSP commands, see page 166), several
external serial control methods are also available.
The communication protocols listed at the top of this page are used for these control options:
XNNet Protocol
Advanced programmers who want to design their own control programs can use AMX AutoPatch XNNet protocol. The
XNNet API Communication Library (an interface library that supports C, Java, and Visual Basic with examples of the
XNNet protocol in use) is available at www.amx.com.
BCS 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 (e.g., the Terminal view in
DGX Configuration Software; see page 187). For information on BCS commands, see the
Instruction Manual – BCS
Basic Control Structure Protocol
at www.amx.com.
Third-Party Controllers
Third-party controllers connect to the serial port (DB-9) or USB (mini-B) port on the CPU. Third-party control is also
possible via a BCS Tunnel over TCP/IP (see
page 65). If using a third-party controller, see the controller documentation
for setup and operating instructions.
Connecting Serial Controllers
An external serial controller is any device that can send and receive ASCII code over an RS-232 (null modem) serial
cable attached to the serial port (DB-9) on the enclosure’s CPU. PCs are common serial controllers. Once a PC is
attached to the Enova DGX Switcher, the system can be controlled by entering BCS commands into a terminal emulation
program (e.g., the Terminal view in DGX Configuration Software; see page 187). The USB port can also be used for
connecting serial controllers by creating a virtual COM port; see page 61.
PC Requirements for BCS
Windows 7 or Windows XP Professional
Terminal emulation program
Serial port or USB port
