ALFAtron ALF-IP6 User manual
ALF-IP6
Preface
Read this user manual carefully before using the product. Pictures are shown in this
manual for reference only, different models and specifications are subject to real
product.
This manual is only for operation instruction, please contact the local distributor for
maintenance assistance. The functions described in this version were updated January
2018. In the constant effort to improve the product, we reserve the right to make
functions or parameters changes without notice or obligation. Please refer to the dealers
for the latest details.
FCC Statement
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial
installation.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which
case the user at their own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacture would void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
ALF-IP6
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To ensure the best from this product, please read all instructions carefully before using
the device. Save this manual for further reference.
Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packing material for
possible future shipment.
Follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, and injury
to persons.
Do not dismantle the housing or modify the module. It may result in electrical shock
or burn.
Using supplies or parts not meeting the products’ specifications may cause damage,
deterioration, or malfunction.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or install
this product near water.
Do not put any heavy items on the extension cable in case of extrusion.
Do not remove the housing of the device as opening or removing housing may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Install the device in a place with fine ventilation to avoid damage caused by
overheat.
Keep the module away from liquids.
Spillage into the housing may result in fire, electrical shock, or equipment damage.
If an object or liquid falls or spills onto the housing, unplug the module immediately.
Do not twist or forcefully pull the ends of the optical cable. It can cause malfunction.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to
the device before cleaning.
Unplug the power cord when left unused for a long period of time.
Information on disposal for scrapped devices: do not burn or mix with general
household waste, please treat as normal electrical waste.
ALF-IP6
Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction to ALF-IP6 ......................................................................................1
1.2 Features ............................................................................................................1
1.3 Package List ......................................................................................................1
2. Panel Description........................................................................................................1
3. System Connection.....................................................................................................3
4. Control Panel Software...............................................................................................4
4.1 Basic Setting......................................................................................................4
4.2 Panel Set ...........................................................................................................7
4.3 Action List ..........................................................................................................8
4.4 Event setting......................................................................................................9
4.4.1 RS232 Setting .........................................................................................9
4.4.2 IR Setting...............................................................................................11
4.4.3 TCP/IP Setting.......................................................................................14
4.4.4 Delay setting..........................................................................................15
4.4.5 Compare Setting....................................................................................16
4.4.6 LED setting ............................................................................................17
4.4.7 Toggle Setting........................................................................................18
4.5 Event List.........................................................................................................20
5. Specification .............................................................................................................21
6. Panel Drawing ..........................................................................................................22
7. Troubleshooting & Maintenance ...............................................................................23
8. After-Sales…………………………………………………………………………………..24
9. Warranty…………………………………………………………………………………….25
ALF-IP6
1
1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction to ALF-IP6
The Alfatron ALF-IP6 Wallplate Control Panel has three built-in programmable RS232
connectors and two Infrared (IR) connectors.
The Programmable Control Panel can fully control the compatible switches, as well as
third-party devices such as a matrix switcher, compact scaler switcher, projectors,
screens, etc. Use the device for presentations in showrooms, classrooms, and
boardrooms.
1.2 Features
Each button can be programmed to send bi-direction RS232 commands
simultaneously to control third party devices.
Each button can be programmed to send the IR codes simultaneously to control the
third-party devices and support IR code learning function.
The unit may be programmed through the Ethernet port, via the Control Software.
Crystal and backlit buttons with easy user-friendly customizable changeable labels.
The backlit brightness is controllable.
Dimension: 70mm long and 41mm wide.
1.3 Package List
1 x ALF-IP6
2 x Screw (M4*35)
1 x Power adapter (12VDC 1A)
3 x 2-Pin Pluggable terminal blocks
1 x 3-Pin Pluggable terminal block
1 x 5-Pin Pluggable terminal block
1 x Button label
6 x Button caps
1 x User Manual
Note: Please confirm if the product and the accessories are all included, if not, please
contact your local agent.
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2. Panel Description
No.
Name
Description
1
Power LED
Illuminates red when powered on.
2 Button
Six crystal and luminescent programmable buttons:
Each button can be programed with the Control Panel
Software.
Each label within a button can be easily changed.
Simply select the label you need and change it as
shown below:
ALF-IP6
2
3 ETHERNET
RJ45 connector. Connects with a PC to run the Control
Panel Software to customize button control. After setting
button functions, the port can be connected to a
third-party device to control it via buttons.
4 IR Sensor
Receives and learns the IR code to build the IR
database.
5 RS232(1) ~
RS232(3)
Total of three RS232 ports. Connect to third-party
devices which need to be controlled via the Control
Panel Software.
6 PWR (12V)
Connects with 12V DC power adaptor.
7 IR (1) ~ IR (2) Two IR output ports. Connects with IR Emitter to control
other devices via the Control Panel Software.
8
FIRMWARE
Micro USB port for firmware updating.
9 RESET
Long-press this button for three (3) seconds until the
power LED goes out to restore factory default. When the
LED lights up, the reset is successful.
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3. System Connection
The ALF-IP6 can activate different ports at the same time. This means every button can
send RS232 commands, IP and IR codes at the same time.
The system diagram as below:
TX RX
RS232(3) IR(1) IR(2)
TX RX 12V
PWR
TX RX
ETH ER NE T
IR
IR
IR
IR Remote
IR Emitter
IR Emitter
IR:
TCP/IP:
RS232 :
1
Wireless Route
System Diagram
1) Connect the ALF-IP6 to the LAN port of a Wireless Router or control device (PC) to
the ETHERNET port.
2) Connect the third-party device (Matrix Switchers, Compact Scaler Switchers, or a
Projector) that need to be controlled to the RS232 (1) ~ RS232 (3) ports.
3) Connect the IR Emitters to IR (1) ~ IR (2) ports.
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4. Control Panel Software
4.1 Basic Setting
You can use Control Panel Software to easily set functions for each button.
1) Connect the control PC to the ETHERNET port.
2) The default IP of the ALF-IP6 wallplate is 192.168.0.178 (modifiable); the control
PC should have its network segment the same as the ALF-IP6’s.
Modify the IP of the PC
3) Install / uninstall Control Panel Software:
Install: Copy the software file to the computer connected with ALF-IP6
Uninstall: Delete all the software files in corresponding file path.
Same network
segment as the
switcher
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4) Double-click the below software icon to run this software:
The main window of the Control Panel Software has five parts:
Panel Set, TCP/IP, Action List, Event Set and Event List.
The main window of the Control Panel Software is shown as below:
Panel Set: Click “1~6”
to set key action
Show IP addresses of
all connected devices
in LAN.
Show all key actions, and
any action can be
selected for setting
events.
Set events for the selected action.
Show all events.
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The header of the main window has four titles including File, System, Connection, and
Help.
Click “File” →“Save” to save the current setting.
Click “File” → “Save as” to save all configuration information as a file.
Click “File” → “Open” to recall a configuration file.
Click “System” → “Version” to query the current software version.
Click “System” → “Message” to query the Link Status, Machine Type, Software
Version, IP Information, and MAC address.
Click “File” → “Software Update”
Hold down the “3” button and power on the system until the button lights up to
enable update mode →Open upgrade Web page (http://192.168.0.178:4001/) on
IE →Type User ID (admin) and Password (123456) →upload update file →
Click “Upload”
Click “System” → “Factory Defaults” to restore to factory default.
Click “Connection” → “TCP/IP” → “Reconnect” to reconnect all ALF-IP6’s.
Click “Connection” → “Upload” → to load the MCU information from the selected
ALF-IP6 to the control software.
Click “Connection” → “Download” → to download the current setting information to
the selected ALF-IP6 from the control software.
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4.2 Panel Set
Total of six customizable buttons on the front panel can be set via this software. Add a
button action to show the action list, then add events to ensure this action will execute
the events.
How to set up a button example:
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Buttons 1 through 6, correspond to the physical buttons on ALF-IP6. Click on button 1,
the following dialog window will pop up:
4.3 Action List
All Panel Set actions will be shown on the action list and available actions must be
added to the list. The action list is as the picture below:
Key Type:
1. Press: Execute events when
button is pressed.
2. Release: Execute events when
button is released.
3. Toggle: The button can be
regarded as composite key,
press the button twice to
execute different events.
Built key group for LED setting.
Delete the selected action.
Delete all invalid actions.
Empty all actions.
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4.4 Event setting
Event Set window includes RS232, IR, TCP/IP, Delay, Compare, LED, and Toggle
settings. Before setting events, an action must be added first. The following introduction
is about how to set events for each action.
4.4.1 RS232 Setting
This item is used for setting the events for RS232 (1) ~ RS232 (3) ports. Click “RS232”,
it will show as below:
Operation procedure:
1) Select the button action in action list.
2) Set the “Lib name” and “Lib Function”. This is an optional function, not compulsory.
3) Select the RS232 port. The port must be same as model setting, otherwise the
event cannot be added.
4) Confirm and set the baud rate, data bit, stop bit, and parity.
5) Enter RS232 command in data box, then press “add” to save setting.
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6) The RS232 data also can be selected from the library. Click “Change Lib” to select
a library file and open it, or, click “Edit Lib” to create a library file as below:
Note:Once set up, please press “Save” to save the edit or “Save as” to save as a file,
and then press “OK”.
7) There are two “Delay Send”: Set and None. When selecting “Set”, the number of
sending strings and the delay time between strings can be set.
Enter the RS232 command for device control.
Create/delete the function name of the command
Open/create a library
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4.4.2 IR Setting
This item is used for setting the events for IR (1) ~ IR (2) ports. Click “IR”, it will display
as follows:
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Operation procedure:
1) Select the button action in action list.
2) Set the “Lib name” and “Lib Function”. It is an optional function, not compulsory.
3) Select the IR port. The port must be the same as the model setting, or the event
cannot be added.
4) Set the IR carrier mode: On/Off
5) The IR data needs to be selected from library. Click “Change Lib” to select a library
file and open it. Click “Edit Lib” to create or edit a library file as below:
Note: Once set up, please press “Save Edit” to save the edit or “Save as” to save as a
file, and then press “OK”.
IR Learning Procedure:
1. Click “learn” to enter IR learning mode.
2. Put the IR Remote close to the IR sensor of the ALF-IP6.
3. Press any button on the IR Remote to send the IR code to the IR sensor,
it will then refresh the IR data.
4. Following the above steps enables the device to learn any function of
the remote buttons.
Note: The IR learning mode will be exited automatically if there is no
operation within 3 seconds.
Create/delete/rename the
function name of the IR data
Create/open a library
Show IR data.
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6) There are two “Delay Send”: Set and None. When selecting “Set”, the number of
sending strings and the delay time between strings can be set.
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4.4.3 TCP/IP Setting
The TCP/IP port supports pass-through function. You can set the events for different IP
port via commands.
Type the IP address of the
device that needs to be set.
Type in the control command.
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4.4.4 Delay setting
This item is to add a delay between two events; when one event is completed, it will
delay a certain time then start the next event. The delay setting is as picture below:
Hour: 0~24
Minute: 0~60
Second: 0~60
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