Contemporary Research FeatherTouch FT6 User manual

17630 Davenport Rd, Suite113
Dallas, TX 75252 USA
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888.972.2728
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www.contemporaryresearch.com
Product Manual
FT6
FeatherTouch 6 Panel
Ver. 4.3 September 1, 2004

Contemporary Research Corporation 2 ICC-STA/FT6
Table of Contents
Overview.............................................................................................................................................3
FT6 Specifications...............................................................................................................................4
Physical.................................................................................................................................................4
Connections...........................................................................................................................................4
User Interface........................................................................................................................................4
Panel Wiring .......................................................................................................................................5
FT6 Panel Wiring....................................................................................................................................5
RS-232 Device Control Protocol .........................................................................................................6
Overview...............................................................................................................................................6
General protocol specifications ................................................................................................................6
Command String Structure......................................................................................................................6
RS-232 FT6 Commands.......................................................................................................................7
Safety Instructions.............................................................................................................................8
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer.......................................................................................................9

Contemporary Research Corporation 3 ICC-STA/FT6
Overview
In a world of generic injection-molded control panels, the FeatherTouch 6 panel stands out as an
exceptional, truly custom panel. Each FeatherTouch 6 begins as a solid block of aircraft-grade
aluminum, sculpted into an elegant, compact enclosure with computer-guided precision. Even the
switch keys inside are computer-carved from of a solid square of milk-white plastic, designed to
evenly transmit the panel’s constant LED illumination. Completing the custom touches are engraved
keycaps, a choice of LED colors, and a wide selection custom-plated metal finishes.
Less than an inch in depth, the 2.125” by 4.75” FeatherTouch 6 snap-fits in to a variety of small
spaces, including wood furniture and cabinetry, as well metal and plastic surfaces. Each of the six
switches are constantly illuminated by two-color LEDs, available in amber/green or red/green colors.
An eight-character amber LED text display brightly spells out source selections, today’s weather, and
other system responses. A headphone jack for personal entertainment is available as an option.
Operated by RS-232 and simple ASCII commands and feedback and powered by 12 to 24 VDC power,
the FeatherTouch 6 easily interfaces with custom control systems.
Featured in the luxury environments, aircraft, and yachts - as well as a number of American Airlines
Admiral’s Clubs, the FeatherTouch 6 adds a touch of class to any custom installation.
•Features computer machined aluminum enclosure, custom-plated in a variety of metal finishes
•Snap-mounts into wood, metal and plastic surfaces
•Operates using six always-illuminated, custom-engraved buttons, select from amber/green or
red/green LEDs
•Shows source and information text on 8-character LED display
•Integrates with custom control systems 2-way RS-232 communication
•Accepts 12-24 VDC, can be remotely powered by most custom control system’s data/power
networks

Contemporary Research Corporation 4 ICC-STA/FT6
FT6 Specifications
Physical
Size: 4.75" [120.65mm] wide x 2.125" [53.98mm] height x .75" [19.05mm] deep
Weight: 6 oz [170 g]
Enclosure: Machined aluminum enclosure, plated with custom finish
Mounting: Surface mounted, friction-fit, spring clips included
Connections
Control/Power DB-9 male connector, installed on 10” cable
Power: 12-24 VDC, 135mA @ 11.2V, 75mA @ 24 VDC
Pin 6 = PWR
Pin 5 = GND
RS-232: 1200 baud
Pin 1 = GND
Pin2=RXD
Pin3=TXD
Audio: Stereo headphone audio (optional 3.5mm jack)
Pin7=COM
Pin8=Right
Pin 9 = Left
User Interface
Buttons: Six, backlit by two dual-color LEDs, color indicates status
Options include amber/green or red/green LEDs
Custom-engraved keycaps
LED Display: 8-character alphanumeric amber LED display

Contemporary Research Corporation 5 ICC-STA/FT6
Panel Wiring
FT6 Panel Wiring
The connection cable for the FT6 includes RS-232, DC power, and stereo headphone audio (optional).
Pin 1 Chassis GND is connected to the metal bezel of the FT6 and should be tied to Earth or Airframe GND, or
left unconnected.
9 Audio Left, 8-32 ohm load
7 Audio common
8 Audio Right, 8-32 ohm load
6 PWR In (12-24 VDC)
5 GND
2 RS-232 RXD
1 Chassis GND*
3 RS-232 TXD
*Wire to airframe or earth ground, if available

Contemporary Research Corporation 6 ICC-STA/FT6
RS-232 Device Control Protocol
Overview
The FT6 full duplex RS-232 scheme enables a system programmer to control FT6 functions. All commands are
sent as ASCII strings. No delays between characters or commands are required, as data is interrupt driven and
buffered.
The 2 status groups are: Channel/Source Select and Audio Levels/Mode. Each of the groups has one ASCII
status response string containing all of the status data for that group. The current status string of a group is
sent from the ICC-STA whenever a valid command for that group is received from the iC-Net bus, the RS-232
ports (Terminal or Control port), or the FT6 panel. In addition, both strings are sent when the units power up.
Communications settings are fixed at 1200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
General protocol specifications
Characters in command strings to the FT6 are common ASCII keyboard characters.
Command strings begin with the ASCII > (greater than symbol) as an 'Attention' character and end with
carriage return - ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard Enter - as an 'End-of-command' character.
Responses begin with the ASCII < (less than symbol) as an 'Attention' character and end with a carriage return
followed by line feed an ASCII LF or Hex $0A as 'End-of-command' characters.
A carriage return is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples.
Command String Structure
[Attention] [Command] (Parameters) [Return]
Attention Single character (>) starts the string
Command A two-character command
Parameters Added attributes to some commands
Return A carriage return ends the command string, you may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard
‘Enter’ in programming. For simplicity, the programming examples in the manual will not show
the ‘CR’ – so remember, you’ll need to add it in your control code.

Contemporary Research Corporation 7 ICC-STA/FT6
RS-232 FT6 Commands
The following commands apply to the FT6.
CMD Function Description
Note that FT6 buttons are always backlit—the button state sets color of LED. Typically,
a green LED indicates on, while yellow is used for off. Other colors are available, and
the color “polarity” can be switched via programming.
L0= Turn Off >LOn
Turns off a specific button LED, 1-6
L1= Turn On >L1n
Turns on a specific button LED, 1-6
L2= On/Off Pattern >L2dd
Turn all buttons on and off by sending a decimal representation of the on buttons.
Ex: >L2=12 — Turns on buttons 3 and 4, others are off
1 On = 1 4 On = 8
2 On = 2 5 On = 16
3 On = 4 6 On = 32
L3= LED Polarity >L3dd
Set the polarity (color of LED when on and off) by sending a decimal “map” of the
buttons. Off sets the normal mode, On switches on/off colors.
L4=
Group Off >L4dd Turns off specified button LEDs. Similar to L2, but turns off specified buttons only,
leaving others alone. Ex: >L424 — turns off buttons 4 and 5.
L5=
Group On >L5dd Turns on specified button LEDs. Similar to L2, but turns on specified buttons only,
leaving others alone. Ex: >L524— turns on buttons 4 and 5.
L9=
Brightness >L9n Sets LED brightness of all buttons.
1 = 13% 5 = 53%
2 = 20% 6 = 80%
3 = 27% 7 = 100%
4 = 40%
K
Press String >Kn(string)(\r) [use \r in place of $0D] Set button press string (0-32 characters) for specified button, sending no characters
clears display. Ex: >K1>VU — starts STA volume ramp up
K0 Press Clear >K0 — Clears all button press strings
KZ Start String >KZ(string)(\r) [use \r in place of $0D] —Send string on power-up or reset
J
Release String >Jn(string) (\r) [use \r in place of $0D] Set button release string (0-32 characters) for specified button, sending no characters
clears display. Ex: >J1>VV — stops STA volume ramp
J0 Release Clear >J0 — Clears all button release strings
DM Display String >DMtttttttt
Sends string to LED display, 8 characters maximum.
V6 Show Version >V6 — Shows version on FT6 display

Contemporary Research Corporation 8 ICC-STA/FT6
Safety Instructions
Read before operating equipment.
1. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
2. Power Sources - Use supplied or equivalent UL/CSA approved low voltage DC plug-in transformer.
3. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If you connect an outside antenna or cable system to the product, be
sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides
information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
4. Lightning - Avoid installation or reconfiguration of wiring during lightning activity.
5. Power Lines - Do not locate an outside antenna system near overhead power lines or other electric light
or power circuits or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna
system, refrain from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.
6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
7. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, resulting in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
8. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
9. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
•When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
•If liquid spills or objects fall into the product.
•If the product is exposed to rain or water.
•If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product
to its normal operation.
•If the video product is dropped or the cabinet is damaged.
•When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
*Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call CATV system installer's attention to
Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part I), that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as possible.

Contemporary Research Corporation 9 ICC-STA/FT6
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
Contemporary Research Corporation (CR) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use for a period of two years from the date of purchase from CR. Should such a
defect occur CR will repair or replace, at their option, the defective product at no cost for parts or labor.
This warranty extends to product purchased directly from CR or an Authorized CR Dealer. Consumers should
inquire from selling dealer as to the nature and extent of the dealer's warranty, if any.
All warranty claims must be shipped pre-paid to the factory. Call or fax to obtain a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) number.
CR is not liable for any damages caused by any of its products or for the failure of any products to perform,
including any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or consequential damages. CR is not responsible for
any claim made by a third party or made for you by a third party. This limitation of liability applies whether
damages are sought, or a claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort claim (including negligence and strict
product liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation of liability cannot be waived or amended
by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if CR or an authorized representative of CR has
been advised of the possibility of any such damages.
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts. Some states do not allow the
limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products. In such states, the
limitation or exclusion of the Limited Warranty may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific
legal rights. You may also have other rights that may vary from state to state. You are advised to consult
applicable state laws for a full determination of your rights.
Except as expressly set forth in this Limited Warranty, CR makes no other warranties, expressed or implied,
including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. CR expressly disclaims all
warranties not stated in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties that may be imposed by law are limited
to the terms of this Limited Warranty.