Glossary
Basic Control Structure (BCS) - A string of alphanumeric characters used to serially control the matrix from a PC
keyboard. BCS commands can be used to execute any command that can be keyed-in from the control
panel.
BAUD rate - The speed that communications travel through the serial port. A 1YDM can send and receive commu-
nications at 9600 BAUD.
check sum - A primitive way of error-checking the information sent in a packet. When a packet is uploaded to the
matrix, the check sum is the total value of the information in the packet. The program that reads the infor-
mation in the packet verifies that all the information it received adds up to the check sum. If the check sum
equals the sum of the information, all information was received; if the check sum does not equal the sum
of the information, something happened when the information was uploaded and the information needs to
be uploaded again.
com port - Refers to the communications port, or serial port. The term com port is used in several of the software
packages and devices used to control the matrix. There are two com ports on every matrix enclosure.
component signals - Groups of signals that are switched together because each signal carries a necessary component
for that group of signals to be recognizable. Some examples of component signals are: RGBS video, RGsB
video, Y/c video, and stereo audio. Each signal in a component signal travels through a separate wire or
cable, but all signals are switched together so that they arrive at the output device at the same or vitally the
same time.
connector assembly - An adapter that allows the audio, video, or data signals to pass from a source device to the in-
put board, or from the output board to the destination device.
distribution matrix - The environment of all signals and the hardware and software necessary to switch these signals.
Distribution matrices are also known as routing switchers, routing matrices, and switching matrices.
dry contacts - Provide a method for recalling presets, using digital rather than electrical ports. The dry contact must
have switches that provide the hexadecimal value of the preset to be executed. The dry contact module
polls the switches and uses the value provided to execute the desired preset.
echo serial command - A feature of the matrix that when turned on, echoes the commands sent to the matrix from
an external controller on the control panel screen.
enclosure - An enclosure is a metal chassis which holds input and output boards, a CPU board, and a power supply.
