AMX AXB-PCCOM AXLINK TO PC COMMUNICATIONS PORT... User manual

instruction manual
AXlink Bus Controllers
AXB-PCCOM
AXlink to PC Communications Port
Interface

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Table of Contents
i
AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Table of Contents
Product Information .................................................................................................1
Specifications .................................................................................................................... 2
DIP Switches ..................................................................................................................... 2
Communication Parameters..................................................................................................... 2
Device Code............................................................................................................................. 3
Connectors ........................................................................................................................ 4
Preparing/connecting captive wires ......................................................................................... 4
Using the AXlink connector for data and power ....................................................................... 4
Using the RS-232 (DB-9) connector control or data ................................................................ 5
Programming ............................................................................................................7
Requests ........................................................................................................................... 7
Request Commands ................................................................................................................ 7
Send_Commands .................................................................................................................... 9
Response Commands............................................................................................................ 10
Response Mask ..................................................................................................................... 11
Axcess Master Mode....................................................................................................... 11

ii AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Table of Contents

Product Information
1
AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Product Information
The AXB-PCCOM (FIG. 1) allows you to use a personal computer (PC) as a touch panel to control
Axcess systems.
The AXB-PCCOM:
 Allows a PC (Macintosh, IBM-compatible, or other RS-232 device) to emulate up to four
AXlink bus devices.
 Allows you to create custom PC software applications (conforming to the AXB-PCCOM
protocols) to control AXCESS systems.
 Can be located up to 3,000 feet from AXCENT, AXCENT2, or Axcess card cage. This
overcomes the RS-232 distance limitation of 50 feet or less.
 Does not require special Axcess programming to work on AXlink. In programming, treat
AXB-PCCOM as a standard Axcess panel.
FIG. 1 AXB-PCCOM top view
PARAMETERS
COMMUNICATION
6
5
4
8
7
2
1
3
RS-232
ON
DEVICES
HS
BAUD
RX
TX
ON
5
3
2
1
4
7
6
8
DEVICE
CODE
AXM
AXP
GND
PWR
AXlink
TX LED
RX LED
RS-232
connector
Communication
Parameters
DIP switch
Device Code
DIP switch
AXlink
LED
AXlink
connector

Product Information
2AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Specifications
The following table details the specifications for the PCCOM.
DIP Switches
Communication Parameters
The AXB-PCCOM has these default configurations settings:
 Parity: None
 Stop Bits: 1
 Data Bits: 8
Use the Communication Parameters DIP switch to set the communications parameters. Switches 1
and 2 determine how many AXlink devices the PC device is emulating. Switch 5 enables the
hardware handshaking. Switches 6 through 8 determine the baud rate. Switches 3 and 4 are
reserved for future use. As an example, the DIP switch below (FIG. 2) defines four devices, a baud
rate of 9,600, with handshaking disabled.
Specifications
Dimensions (HWD) 1.00" x 5.26" x 3.75" (2.54 cm x 13.36 cm x 9.53 cm)
Enclosure Metal with black matte finish
Power Consumption 75 mA @ 12 VDC
Input buffer • 12,000 bytes
Output buffer (AXlink) • 12,000 bytes
Baud range • 300 - 38.4 K
Max. Length of
SEND_STRING to device
•64
Max. Length of data packets
from device
•64
Weight 8.60 oz. (243.80 g)
Panel Components
RS-232 connector A DB-9 RS-232 connector used for communication with the PC for AMX
programming tools, such as Axcess and IRLIB.
TX LED (Red) Blinks to indicate that the AXB-PCCOM is transmitting data.
RX LED (Red) Blinks to indicate the AXB-PCCOM is receiving data. The RX LED blinks even
if the data is incorrect.
Communications Parameter
DIP switch
An eight position DIP switch used to set the number of AXlink devices
emulated, enable or disable handshaking, and set the Baud rate.
AXlink LED AXlink LED (green and blinks to indicate AXlink communication activity and
power:
• Full-Off indicates no power is being received or the controller is not
• functioning properly.
• One blink per second indicates power is active and AXlink communication is
• functioning.
• Full-On indicates there is no AXlink control or activity, but power is on.
AXlink connector This four-pin captive wire receives power and information via the AXlink bus
and AXlink system controller.
Device DIP switch An eight-position DIP switch used to set the AXlink device number for the
AXB-PCCOM.

Product Information
3
AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
The following table describes the Communications Parameters DIP switch settings and its
corresponding DIP switch arrangements.
Device Code
Use Device Code DIP switch to set the AXB-PCCOM AXlink device number. You can set it as one
of 255 devices in an Axcess, AXCENT, or AXCENT2system. Set the device number with the total
of all ON (down) switches. As an example, the DIP switch (FIG. 3) defines Device 128.
The following table describes the Device Code DIP switch settings and its corresponding DIP
switch arrangements.
FIG. 2 Communications Parameters DIP switch setting example
Communications Parameters DIP switch settings
Switch 1 Switch 2 Switch 3 and 4 Switch 5 Switch 6 Switch 7 Switch 8
Off Off Off Off Off Off
Two AXlink devices (Reserved) Handshaking disabled 300 Baud
On Off On On Off Off
Two AXlink devices Handshaking disabled 600 Baud
Off On Off On Off
Three AXlink devices 1,200 Baud
On On On On Off
Four AXlink devices 2,400 Baud
Off Off On
4,800 Baud
On Off On
9,600 Baud
Off On On
19,200 Baud
On On On
38,400 Baud
FIG. 3 Device Code DIP switch setting example
Device DIP switch settings
Position 12345678
Value 1248163264128
12345678ON
12345678ON
The device number takes effect only on power-up. If you later change the device
number, remove and reconnect the AXlink connector. This enters the new device
number into memory.

Product Information
4AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
AMX standard device numbers are assigned as follows:
 Cards are 1 through 25.
 Boxes are 96 through 127.
 Panels are 128 through 255.
The AXB-PCCOM emulates as a touch panel. Set the device number to one in the panel range.
Connectors
Preparing/connecting captive wires
You will need a wire stripper and flat-blade screwdriver to prepare and connect the captive wires.
1. Strip 0.25 inch of wire insulation off all wires.
2. Insert each wire into the appropriate opening on the connector according to the wiring
diagrams and connector types described in this section.
3. Do not tighten the screws excessively; doing so may strip the threads and damage the
connector
Using the AXlink connector for data and power
To use the AXlink 4-pin connector for data communication and for power supply, the incoming
PWR and GND cable from the control system must be connected to the AXlink cable connector
going to the control system. The AXlink connector is located on the side of the PCCOM (FIG. 4) is
a four-wire, captive compression connector.
Install the AXlink data/power as sown in the AXlink wiring diagram (FIG. 5).
Never pre-tin wires for compression-type connections.
FIG. 4 AXlink connector location on AXB-PCCOM
FIG. 5 AXlink connector wiring diagram
Four-pin AXlink connector
PWR +
AXP/TX
AXM/RX
GND -
PWR +
AXP/TX
AXM/RX
GND -
To the AXB-PCCOM To the Control system

Product Information
5
AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Using the RS-232 (DB-9) connector control or data
The AXB-PCCOM uses the dual-function (DB-9) RS-232 connector (FIG. 6) to communicate with
the PC.
The following table lists (DB-9) RS-232 connector pinouts and signal definitions.
FIG. 6 RS-232 (DB-9) connector location on AXB-PCCOM
(DB-9) RS-232 Connector Pinouts
Pin Signal Function
1 N/A Not used
2 RXD Receive data
3 TXD Transmit data
4 DTR Data terminal ready (not used)
5 GND Signal ground
6 N/A Not used
7 RTS Request to send (not used)
8 CTS Clear to send (not used)
9 N/A Not used
RS-232 connector
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
9
8
7
6
Female - on PCCOM Male
DB-9 (male)
DB-9 (female)

Product Information
6AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface

Programming
7
AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Programming
Requests
 Enter the numeric value only; do not enter the brackets.
 Examples shown are in the Axcess programming language syntax.
 All values expressed in brackets are true decimal values.
 Replace the comma delimiter, as used in the examples, with the delimiter accepted by
your PC or RS-232 device. (Refer to your PC or device user's or reference guide.)
 The DEVICE value is not the AXlink device code. It is the value incremented from the
AXB-PCCOM DEVICE value, which should be 0. If you configure the AXB-PCCOM
for multiple devices, the successive device values will be 1, 2, and 3.
 Valid values for <LEVEL NO> are 0 through 7, and correspond to Axcess levels 1
through 8. (For example, 0 corresponds to 1, 1 corresponds to 2, and so on.)
CHECKSUM the sum of all bytes mod 256.
For the equation X mod Y = N, X is divided by Y, with the remainder being N.
 All examples are for an AXB-PCCOM set as AXlink device number 128, configured for
four devices
Request Commands
The following table lists the request commands sent to the AXB-PCCOM :
Requests sent to the AXB-PCCOM
Command Packet Structure and Example
DO Push/Release Syntax:
'*' <1> <DEVICE> <CHANNEL> <STATUS> <CHECKSUM>
"'*',1,0,1,1,45"
(Status Byte: 1 = Push; 0 = Release). Push channel 1 on device 0 (AXlink device
128).
Example:
"'*',1,3,255,0,45"
Release channel 255 on device 3 (AXlink device 131).
Get Bus Status Syntax:
'*' <8> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',8,50"
Request bus status. The AXB-PCCOM responds with a BUS STATUS string.
Get Channel Status Syntax:
'*' <6> <DEVICE> <CHANNEL> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',6,0,100,148"
Request the channel status for channel 100 on device 0 (AXlink device 128). The
AXB-PCCOM responds with a CHANNEL STATUS string.

Programming
8AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Requests sent to the AXB-PCCOM (Cont.)
Command Packet Structure and Example
Get Devices Syntax:
'*' <9> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',9,51"
Request the devices and device numbers of the AXB-PCCOM. The AXB-PCCOM
responds with a DEVICE LIST string.
Get Level Status Syntax:
'*' <7> <DEVICE> <LEVEL> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',7,2,7,58"
Request the level for level 7 on device 2 (AXlink device 130). The AXB-PCCOM
responds with a CHANGE LEVEL string.
Pulse Push/Release Syntax:
'*' <2> <DEVICE> <CHANNEL> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',2,0,1,45"
Push and release channel 1 on device 0 (AXlink device 128).
Send All Levels Syntax:
'*' <12> <DEVICE> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',12,2,56"
Request the AXB-PCCOM to send level status for all levels on device 2 (AXlink
device 129). The AXB-PCCOM responds with a CHANGE LEVEL string for each level
for device 2.
Send All On Channels Syntax:
'*' <11> <DEVICE> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',11,1,54"
Request the AXB-PCCOM to send all on channels for device 1 (AXlink device 129).
The AXB-PCCOM responds with a channel status string for each channel that is On
for device 1.
Send Command Syntax:
'*' <5> <DEVICE> <# BYTES> <STRING> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',5,3,9,'COMMAND 0',138"
Device 3 (AXlink device 131) sends the command 'COMMAND 0' to the master card
from device 3 (AXlink device 131).
Send String Syntax:
'*' <4> <DEVICE> <# BYTES> <STRING> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',4,0,9,'AXB-PCCOM',177"
Send the string 'AXB-PCCOM' to a buffer assigned to device 0 (AXlink device 128).

Programming
9
AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Send_Commands
The following table lists the Send_Commands for the AXB-PCCOM :
Requests sent to the AXB-PCCOM (Cont.)
Command Packet Structure and Example
Set Level (Byte) Syntax:
'*' <3> <DEVICE> <LEVEL NO> <LEVEL> <CHECKSUM>
Example
"'*',3,1,0,200,246"
Set level 0 on device 1 (AXlink device 129) to 200.
Set Level (Word) Syntax:
'*' <13> <DEVICE> <LEVEL NO><LEV_H><LEV_L><CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'*',13,1,0,128,0,184"
Set level 0 on device 1 (AXlink device 129) to 32768.
Set Response Mask Syntax:
'*' <10> <MASK1> <MASK2> <CHECKSUM>
Examples:
"'*',10,32,0,212"
Set the AXB-PCCOM to send only CHANNEL STATUS strings.
"'*',10,160,0,84"
Set the AXB-PCCOM to send CHANNEL STATUS and RECEIVE STRING strings.
Refer to the Response Mask section on page 11 for more information.
AXB-PCCOM Send_Commands
Command Packet Structure and Example
’RXON Enables strings to be sent to master.
’RXOFF’ Disables strings to be sent to master.
’LEVON’ Enables levels to be sent to master.
’LEVOFF’ Disables levels to be sent to master.
’PASS ON’ AXB-PCCOM is put into PASS mode where any string sent from master will be sent
without protocol formatting, and any string received will be sent to master without
protocol checking. The PCCOM will act like a AXB-232 with the capability to send and
receive strings.
’PASS OFF’ Turns off PASS mode. PCCOM operates normally.
’SS-’ Allows a RAW string to be sent from the PCCOM. Any characters after the '-' will be
sent without PCCOM protocol formatting.

Programming
10 AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Response Commands
The following table lists the response commands sent to the AXB-PCCOM when set as device
number 128, configured for four devices :
Return/Requests sent to the AXB-PCCOM
Command Packet Structure and Example
Bus LED Status Syntax:
'&' <5> <STATUS> <CHECKSUM>
Examples:
"'&',5,1,44"
The bus LED is On.
"'&',5,0,43"
The bus LED is Off.
Bus Status Syntax:
'&' <6> <STATUS> <CHECKSUM>
Example
"'&',6,1,45"
The bus is on-line.When you reset AXlink, it sends BUS STATUS without being que-
ried. When AXlink goes back on-line, it sends BUS STATUS again.
"'&',6,0,44"
The bus is Off-line.
Change Level Syntax:
'&' <2> <DEVICE> <LEVEL NO> <LEVEL> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'&',2,1,2,132,175"
Level 2 on device 1 (AXlink device 129) is 132.
Channel Status Syntax:
'&' <1> <DEVICE> <CHANNEL> <STATUS> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'&',1,0,255,1,39"
Channel 255 on device 0 (AXlink device 128) is On.
"'&',1,3,100,0,142"
Channel 100 on device 3 (AXlink device 131) is Off.
Device List Syntax:
'&' <7> <# DEVICES> <DEVICES> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'&',7,4,128,129,130,131,55"
The AXB-PCCOM is configured for four devices, and their device numbers are 128,
129, 130, and 131.
Receive Command Syntax:
'&' <4> <DEVICE> <# BYTES> <STRING> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'&',4,3,9,'COMMAND 0',133"
AXCESS sent the command 'COMMAND 0' to device 3 (AXlink device 131).

Programming
11
AXB-PCCOM Communications Port Interface
Response Mask
If the AXB-PCCOM receives a change, it sends data automatically. Disable this feature if the data
is not used. Bits in the response mask will turn off the data.
 1 = ON Data sent
 0 = OFF Data not sent.
Axcess Master Mode
When an Axcess device is placed in "Master Mode", the Central Controller’s PROGRAM port is
moved to the Axcess device’s RS-232 port.
Press the escape key, then type either MC or MD:
 <esc>MC - connects the device in Master Mode
 <esc>MD - disconnects the device
where <esc> means "press the Esc key".
Return/Requests sent to the AXB-PCCOM
Command Packet Structure and Example
Receive String Syntax:
'&' <3> <DEVICE> <# BYTES> <STRING> <CHECKSUM>
Example:
"'&',3,0,9,'AXB-PCCOM',172"
AXCESS sent the string 'AXB-PCCOM' to device 0 (AXlink device 128).
Response Mask for the AXB-PCCOM
Byte Bit Data Controlled Default
First byte (mask 1) 7 (msb) Receive String 1
6 Receive Channel 1
5 Channel Change 1
4 Level Change 1
3 Bus LED 0
2 (Reserved for Future use) 0
1 (Reserved for Future use) 0
0 (lsb) (Reserved for Future use) 0
Second byte (mask 2) 7 (msb) (Reserved for Future use) 0
6 (Reserved for Future use) 0
5 (Reserved for Future use) 0
4 (Reserved for Future use) 0
3 (Reserved for Future use) 0
2 (Reserved for Future use) 0
1 (Reserved for Future use) 0
0 (lsb) (Reserved for Future use) 0
Master Mode can be very useful in situations where physical access to the Central
Controller’s PROGRAM port is not practical (for example, in installations where the
Central Controller is located a long distance from the bus device(s)).

AMX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice at any time.
032-004-1020 9/05 ©2005 AMX Corporation. All rights reserved. AMX, the AMX logo, the building icon, the home icon, and the light bulb icon are all trademarks of AMX Corporation.
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Last Revision: 9/12/05