CK 2.2 Keypad
Programming Manual
And
(BKC-DIP) RS232 Guide
Updated 08/13/07
Page 46 of 87
Macro Programming-What is a Macro? continued…
Discrete -
Only one action can occur when the code is sent by a keypad. An example is
a television with a POWER ON button and a POWER OFF button. If the television is
already on, the POWER ON command has no effect. If the television is off, the POWER
ON command will turn on the television. Another example is a television with five
discrete input commands (ANT A, ANT B, EXT 1, EXT 2 and EXT 3). No matter what
input was previously selected, any of these commands will change the television to the
desired input WITHOUT the end user “knowing” or “seeing” what the previously selected
input was!
Imagine a system with three components (a TV, a VCR and a surround sound Receiver).
Each has a toggle type POWER command on the original keypad. You program a macro
with the three power commands on the MAIN Power ON button and tell your client to
turn on their system with this button. Here’s what will happen:
The client will pick out videotape and insert it in the VCR (the VCR will now automatically
turn on). The client sits down, walks up to their CK 2.2 Keypad and presses the MAIN
Power on button. The three toggle type power commands are issued. So, since the TV
and the Receiver were off, they turn on, however the VCR was already on from inserting
the tape, so it turns off. The client is puzzled that they don’t see a picture, so they press
the MAIN Power on button again. The three toggle type power commands are issued
again. This time the TV and the Receiver turn off and the VCR turns on. The client
begins to get frustrated...
TIP - For systems with lots of toggle Power co, create a “Power” help list.
You cannot successfully train a family to use a Point & Pray macro. It is too inconsistent.
You are better off creating a help list device named “POWER.” On the Power Page 1,
create shortcut buttons to all of the components toggle power commands. Train the
customer to turn on the system by pressing the Power button on MAIN, then turning
anything that they need on one at a time. Once the system is on, they press MAIN and
decide what they want to watch or listen to.
Professional Installations Require “Bullet-Proof” (Reliable) Macros or a help list.
The use of Point & Pray macros will create service calls and a lot of bad will.
Never leave a customer with a keypad programmed to “maybe” work...
Finding Workarounds for Toggle Commands in Macros
By creatively experimenting you may find that you can workaround the lack of discrete
codes. This takes time and there is no guarantee that you will find a workaround for any
given component. Here are some common examples:
DVD and VCR Power Workaround
Most DVD players will turn on when off when they receive a Play command. Thus you
can workaround like this:
DVD ON = 1) Play
2) DVD Stop
