10. Technologies
MX-FR Series Modular Matrix Frames – User's Manual
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Applied CPU2 firmware: v3.5.7b8 | LDC software: v2.5.17b2
Control System Connection
The third-party control system is connected to the Lightware crosspoint via a LAN connection to access
all RS-232 remote ports. Control commands can only be sent to and received from the matrix on the LAN
connection by the control system.
The baud rate can be 9600, 19200, 36800, 57600. There is a stop bit and no parity bit, covering all consumer
devices on the market to be suitable for the communication. The control protocol has two different methods
for sending and receiving RS-232 data to or from the frame: ASCII mode could be used only with human
readable characters, while binary mode can handle any data.
A maximum of 54 bytes of data can be sent / received at once, e.g. it is not possible to transfer files or to do
a firmware update via the router. It is also important that the control interfaces on the router (USB, IP, and RS-
232) use a shared resource. Please ensure that across all connections no more than 8 unanswered queries
are in progress. If proper locking can not be implemented, waiting for 600 ms between each query on each
connections is generally sufficient.
10.6.
The RICOD Technology
10.6.1.
Introduction
The main goal of Remote Input Control Over DDC (RICOD) is to control the remote Lightware transmitters
attached to a router (local device). The control means input switching (select video and audio sources) and
locking / unlocking the remote buttons / switches.
ATTENTION!
There is no possibility to send other kind of commands, including Lightware protocol
commands or any other character sequence. The "RS-232 extension" function is out of the question.
ATTENTION!
RICOD is Lightware’s intellectual property and proprietary function. It works only with
Lightware devices.
10.6.2.
Operation
Master and Slave Modes
First of all, it is important to understand the direction of RICOD and the working modes. Lightware's RICOD-
capable devices are able to send out remote switching commands on their video inputs towards another
RICOD capable device’s video output and / or they can receive remote switching commands on their video
outputs from another RICOD capable device’s video input. One device can work as a Master or a Slave:
Master
If a device sends out RICOD commands over its video input, it works as a Master, like the device on the right
side. Lightware matrix routers (e.g. MX-FR frames with CPU2) work as RICOD Masters typically.
Slave
If a device receives RICOD commands over its video outputs, it works as a Slave, like the device on the left
side. In this case, the devices are capable of receiving commands over their outputs (e.g. connected to
another Lightware device) if the function is enabled.
RICOD-capable
device’s output
Outputs
Slave
Lightware RICOD-
capable device
Inputs
Master
Outputs
VIDEO
RICOD
