Aurora DXB-8 User manual

USERS GUIDE
Manual Number: 170410 | Firmware Rev. v0.7 & Above
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DXB-8
1 Gang Decora®8 Button Wall Plate Controller

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please review the following safety precautions. If this is the first time using this model, then read this manual before
installing or using the product. If the product is not functioning properly, please contact your local dealer or Aurora for
further instructions.
The lightning symbol in the triangle is used to alert you to the presence of dangerous voltage inside the product
that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock to anyone opening the case. It is also used to indicate
improper installation or handling of the product that could damage the electrical system in the product or in other
equipment attached to the product.
The exclamation point in the triangle is used to alert you to important operating and maintenance instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury to you or damage to the product.
Be careful with electricity:
Power Outlet: To prevent electric shock, be sure the electrical plug used on the product power cord
matches the electrical outlet used to supply power to the Aurora product. Use the power adapter and power
connection cables designed for this unit.
Power Cord: Be sure the power cord is routed so that it will not be stepped on or pinched by heavy items.
Lightning: For protection from lightning or when the product is left unattended for a long period, disconnect
it from the power source.
Also follow these precautions:
Ventilation: Do not block ventilation slots, if applicable, on the product, or place any heavy object on top of
it. Blocking airflow could cause damage. Arrange components so that air can flow freely. Ensure that there
is adequate ventilation if the product is placed in a stand or cabinet. Put the product in a properly ventilated
area, away from direct sunlight or any source of heat.
Overheating: Avoid stacking the Aurora product on top of a hot component, such as a power amplifier.
Risk of Fire: Do not place unit on top of any easily combustible material, such as carpet or fabric.
Proper Connections: Be sure all cables and equipment are connected to the unit as described in this
manual.
Object Entry: To avoid electric shock, never stick anything in the slots on the case, or remove the cover.
Water Exposure: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose to rain or moisture.
Cleaning: Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to the device
before cleaning.
ESD: Handle this unit with proper ESC care. Failure to do so can result in failure.
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two (2) conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Trademarks
All trademarks in this document are the properties of their respective owners.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PACKAGE CONTENTS .........................................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................................................4
About...................................................................................................................................................................................4
Features..............................................................................................................................................................................4
DXB-8 Front ........................................................................................................................................................................5
DXB-8 Rear.........................................................................................................................................................................6
APPLICATION........................................................................................................................................................................7
DXB-8 Controlling DXW-2EU and Projector .......................................................................................................................7
BUTTON SETUP FUNCTIONS ..............................................................................................................................................8
Button Setup........................................................................................................................................................................8
DXB-8 Daisy Chain Mode...................................................................................................................................................9
PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................................10
DX Interface ......................................................................................................................................................................10
BUTTON CAP SELECTION.................................................................................................................................................11
Button Caps.......................................................................................................................................................................11
SERIAL COMMANDS ..........................................................................................................................................................12
RS-232 Commands...........................................................................................................................................................12
RS-232 Command Usage.................................................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX 1.........................................................................................................................................................................17
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX 2.........................................................................................................................................................................18
Firmware Update...............................................................................................................................................................18
APPENDIX 3.........................................................................................................................................................................19
Technical Specifications....................................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX 4.........................................................................................................................................................................20
Warranty............................................................................................................................................................................20

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PACKAGE CONTENTS
Please make sure the following items are included within your package. Contact your dealer if any items are missing or
damaged.
DXB-8 x 1
Gang Decora®Paintable White Wall Plate x 1
*Note: Go to www.auroramm.com for latest manual and firmware.

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INTRODUCTION
About
The DXB-8 is a low cost 8 button single gang button panel. Designed to work with just about any RS-232 device on the
market, the DXB-8 allows any RS-232 string to be assigned to the press and release of each button. Advanced
functionality is available like repeat on hold. Toggle, macro (delay between multiple commands), and interlocking buttons
for transport controls, power on/off, etc.
The buttons can individually be lit red, green, or blue so in dimly lit areas it can be seen. There are over 60 different laser
etched button types available as well as custom laser etching. Available in Decora®white or black, the DXB-8 is designed
to match.
Low cost, low power, simplicity, and compatibility with just about any device on the market makes the DXB-8 the simple
sweet solution of choice.
Features
8 Backlit Buttons (Red, Green, Blue)
Fits in Standard 1 Gang Decora®Style Outlet
2 RS-232 Ports
Buttons Individually Programmable for RS-232 Command
Programmable on Press, Release, Toggle, and Hold
Macro Functions and Interlocking Buttons
9600 –115k Baud Rate Selectable
Designed to Work seamlessly with DXW-2 Series
Customizable Laser Etched Buttons
Daisy Chain up to 8 Units for Multi-Gang Button Panels
Low Power
5v DC Powered
*Note: SN >= SNA1618-0072 allows 5-24vdc operation.
Low Depth 48” for Floor and Table Boxes

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DXB-8 Front
Front
Buttons: There are 8 backlit buttons, ON, OFF, VGA, HDMI, Up Arrow, Down Arrow, Speaker Mute, and Mic Mute.
These laser etched buttons come as a default with the DXB-8. Other customizable buttons are available. The LED
backlighting can be set to light red, green, or blue.
The default scheme is to match the DXW-2 wall plate series to remotely select the inputs and to also control the display.

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DXB-8 Rear
Rear Connections
RS-232 1: Connect RS-232 device up to 115k baud. Note there is a 5v line as it is designed to power the DXB-8 from
the DXW-2 wall plate or an option 5v supply for stand-alone operation with any RS-232 device.
RS-232 2: Connect RS-232 device up to 115k baud.
Units can be linked together to create larger button arrays by feeding port 2 of first unit into port 1 of next unit in line. By
repeating this process from unit to unit, the commands can pass through from one the next. Make certain to “null” the TX
and RX. In other words TX should go to RX and RX should go to TX from unit to unit. The RS-232 protocol is designed to
communicate to the address of a specific unit so it is important to make certain each unit has a unique address and the
same baud rate.

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APPLICATION
DXB-8 Controlling DXW-2EU and Projector
The example below demonstrates the DXB controlling a DXW-2 series wall plate which in turn passes the RS-232 to the
DXE-CAT series receiver. The DXE-CAT receiver RS-232 port is connected to the projector.

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BUTTON SETUP FUNCTIONS
Button Setup
Buttons are referenced 1-8 starting in upper left to lower left for 1-4 and upper right to lower right for 5-8.
Unit Address: Holding buttons 1 and 4 down for 5 seconds will allow user to press button 1 through 8 to set address
accordingly. When the 5 seconds is reached, current address will show by blinking button relative to address blue.
Next user will press any of the 8 buttons to set new address. Once button is pressed, a confirmation will happen by
flashing new address buttons LED RED, then green then off as it exits the mode of operation.
Factory Test: Holding buttons 5 and 8 down for 5 seconds will do factory test. Factory test is light all buttons Red for
2 seconds, Blue for 2 seconds, and Green for 2 seconds. Next, it will blink a red LED starting at button 1. When
pressed, next button in order will blink red and prior button will turn off until all 8 buttons are pressed. After button 8 is
pressed, unit will finish with RS-232 loop test from port 1 to port 2 to verify back and forth communications. LED 1 and
2 will light blue and pressing button 1 will send string from port 1 to 2 and pressing button 2 will send string from port 2
to 1. During both, it checks for proper response. Send string !test<cr> to be responded with ~test<cr>. If it checks
okay, LED 4 will light Green for okay or Red for bad for port 1. Use LED 5 for port 2 indicator. Once Port 2 test is
done, light blue LED 8 and when pressed End factory test mode by turning on all 8 LEDs blue for 1 sec then off.
Factory Reset: Holding buttons 3 and 4 down for 10 seconds will do a factory reset. Factory reset will set RS-232
ports 1 and 2 to 96008N1, Unit address to 1, and assign strings on push for !1B1<cr> for button 1 and increment
accordingly for all 8 button. The release will be set to !1R1<cr> for button 1 and increment accordingly for all 8
buttons. Hold will have nothing. All LED will be defaulted to blue for press and release.
Update Mode Port 1: Holding buttons 1 & 8 > 5 seconds will force unit into firmware update mode via port 1.
Update Mode Port 2: Holding buttons 4 and 5 > 5 seconds will force unit into firmware update mode via port 2.
Daisy Chain Mode: Holding buttons 4 and 8 for 2 seconds will enable daisy chain mode. After 2 seconds, all button
LEDs will go off for 1 second then LEDs 1, 4, 5 and 8 will light for 1 second, Red for daisy chain mode or Green for
normal mode then all LEDs return to their normal color.

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DXB-8 Daisy Chain Mode
The DXB-8 units can be combined (up to 8 total), allowing multiple units to function as a single control interface. All
commands when operated in this mode pass through to com1 of unit1. The last unit in the chain must always be address
8 in order to connect a device to communicate with port 2. The !8PD,z<cr> (z = string) command must be used to target a
command out this port (see RS-232 command section for proper usage). If you are not using the last port in the chain
then it will not be necessary.
Daisy Chain Mode
Holding buttons 4 and 8 for 2 seconds will enable daisy chain mode. After 2 seconds, all button LEDs will go off for 1
second then LEDs 1, 4, 5,and 8 will light for 1 second, Red for daisy chain mode or Green for normal mode then all LEDs
return to their normal color.