Global Cache Global Connect User manual

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 1 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Global Caché's modular Global Connect is the newest high-performance family of connectivity products from the company
that has revolutionized the way you connect, command, and control. Built with performance, flexibility, and empowering in
mind, Global Connect delivers a simple cost-effective way to extend the reach of any control system, from legacy hardware-
based systems to leading-edge cloud-based control software; from current projects to future installations.
Known for award-winning products connecting infrared (IR), serial (RS232 and 485), relay, and sensor input, to a WiFi or IP
network, Global Caché introduces Global Connect, adding the ability to build the scalable I/O you need, with customizable
configuration, and added modules including local computing capability (Raspberry Pi slot), and HDMI switching. Global
Connect features individual IP addresses for each module with individual web pages for easy configuration and advanced
addressability.
This document intends to provide additional information, insight, and instruction on installing, configuring, and using Global
Connect.
For initial setup instructions, or TCP and HTTP APIs please refer to the Global Connect Quick Start, or Global Connect APIs
respectively on our downloads page:http://www.globalcache.com/downloads

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 2 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
2.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3.0 Product Architecture ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
4.0 Discovering Modules on the Network...................................................................................................................................... 3
4.1 Configuration Web Pages..................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.0 Network Modules..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
5.1 GCIP – Single Ethernet Network Module ............................................................................................................................. 4
5.2 GCSW/GCSW-P – Dual Ethernet Network Switch Module................................................................................................... 5
5.3 Network Settings.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
5.3.1 DHCP and DHCP reservations........................................................................................................................................ 6
5.3.2 Static IP addresses (Advanced)...................................................................................................................................... 7
6.0 GCHMX3 – HDMI 3x1 switching Module.................................................................................................................................. 9
6.1 Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) ...................................................................................................................................... 9
6.2 HDMI Switching.................................................................................................................................................................... 9
7.0 GCIR3 - Infrared (IR) Control Module..................................................................................................................................... 10
7.1 IR Transmitters ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
7.2 Obtaining Infrared (IR) codes ............................................................................................................................................. 12
7.3 Troubleshooting IR ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
8.0 GCSL232 – RS232 Serial Control Module................................................................................................................................ 14
8.1 Serial Configuration............................................................................................................................................................ 14
8.2 DB9 Pinout.......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
8.3 Straight-Through and Null-Modem cables ......................................................................................................................... 16
9.0 GCRL3A – Relay Control Module (6 Relays) ........................................................................................................................... 16
9.1 Troubleshooting Relays ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
10.0 GCRPI – Raspberry Pi Module .............................................................................................................................................. 19
10.1 The Rasbperry Pi in Automation ...................................................................................................................................... 19
11.0 Factory Default..................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 3 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
3.0 PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE
Global Connect is a modular product. Each module has its own IP address, and configuration web pages. Modules can be
different sizes and occupy either 1, 2, or 3 slots in the unit chassis. The following chassis sizes are available:
•19” freestanding enclosure with 10 available module slots
•19” rack mount enclosure with 10 available module slots
•15" freestanding enclosure with 10 available module slots
•10.5" freestanding enclosure with 7 available module slots
•7.5" freestanding enclosure with 5 available module slots
•6" freestanding enclosure with 4 available module slots
•4.5" freestanding enclosure with 3 available module slots
The modular design of Global Connect allows for simplified compatibility with previous Global Caché product drivers. Drivers
for previous products should generally be expected to work on Global Connect devices assuming the Global Connect
functionality existed on the product line the original driver was written for.
Note: Previous Global Caché devices did not include an HDMI switch.
The modularity of the Global Connect also allows for numerous factory assembled product combinations. For orderable
configurations please see our web site at http://www.globalcache.com.
4.0 DISCOVERING MODULES ON THE NETWORK
When a unit is initially connected to the network, or after it has been reset to factory defaults, its modules will obtain an IP
address. To determine what IP address has been obtained, download and run iHelp from our website at
http://www.globalcache.com/downloads. iHelp will discover any Global Caché units on the network and display their IP
address, and MAC address.
To learn more about the different ways Global Connect modules will obtain IP addresses visit section 5.3 Network Settings.
4.1 CONFIGURATION WEB PAGES
Once the IP address of a module has been obtained the configuration pages can be loaded by typing the IP address of the
module into a browser.

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 4 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
From the configuration pages, network settings can be changed and the control interface can be configured. For more
information on network configuration see 5.3 Network Settings. For more information on control interface configuration see
the relevant section for the control module being configured.
5.0 NETWORK MODULES
Each Global Connect includes a network module. The network module provides the network connection for the unit. The
network module also provides the power input for the entire unit. Network modules can be powered with any power supply
between 5v and 24V DC. All Global Connect units ship with an appropriately rated power supply. The GCSW-P module
includes PoE capabilities. The GCSW-P module can be powered from any 802.3af compatible Power Sourcing Equipment
(PSE).
The power wattage requirement for a unit depends on the number and type of modules contained within the unit, however a
10W supply is suitable for all units that do not power a Raspberry Pi. For units that do power the Raspberry Pi a 5V 20W
power supply must be used.
5.1 GCIP – SINGLE ETHERNET NETWORK MODULE
The GCIP provides a hardwired networking solution to the Global Connect.
GCIP Module Feature
Description
Network Connector
RJ45
Network Speed
100Mbps, Full Duplex
Power Connector
Barrel Jack: 5.5mm x 2.1mm (Center Positive)
Power Input
Range: 5V-24V
Chassis Slots Occupied
1

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 5 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
5.2 GCSW/GCSW-P – DUAL ETHERNET NETWORK SWITCH MODULE
The GCSW provides a hardwired networking solution for Global Connect devices with built in network switch capabilities.
The additional ethernet port and switch capabilities allow for daisy-chaining of Global Connect units, or to connect the
Raspberry Pi (in units that contain the Raspberry Pi module) to the network.
GCSW/GCSW-P Module Feature
Description
Network Connector
2 x RJ45
Network Speed
100Mbps, Full Duplex
Power Connector
Barrel Jack: 5.5mm x 2.1mm (Center Positive)
Power Input
Range: 5V-24V
Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability (GCSW-P only)
802.3af Powered Device (PD)
Chassis Slots Occupied
2
5.3 NETWORK SETTINGS
Network settings for Global Connect units are set individually on each Global Connect module. Modules support DHCP as well
as static IP address assignment.
When a unit initially connects to the network, or after a factory default, it will be assigned an IP address by the DHCP server.
To determine what IP address has been assigned, follow the instructions in section 4.0 Discovering Modules on the Network.
Global Connect modules installed on networks without a DHCP server will take a predetermined static IP address. The IP
address taken will be based on the module’s unit address. The unit address is the position that the module occupies in the
Global Connect chassis. The module that occupies the first position next to the network module will have unit address 1 and
will take IP address 192.168.1.71. Subsequent modules will take IP addresses 192.168.1.72, 192.168.1.73, and so forth.

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 6 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
The network settings for a module can be set through the unit’s configuration pages. Please refer to the Global Connect Quick
Start for instructions on accessing the configuration pages.
The Network Settings page is further described in sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 which deal with DHCP and Static IP address
assignments.
Many control apps and systems expect the IP address of Global Connect modules to remain the same. If the IP address of a
module changes (which can happen when using DHCP) the control software may not be able to communicate with the
module. To prevent this, we recommend creating a DHCP reservation (preferred) or assigning a static IP address to Global
Connect Modules.
5.3.1 DHCP AND DHCP RESERVATIONS
DHCP is the most common form of network IP assignment on residential and commercial networks. The purpose of a DHCP
server is to dynamically assign unique IP addresses to all connected network clients. DHCP is enabled by default on Global
Connect modules.
Configuration Example:
To return a static assigned unit to DHCP, navigate to the Network Settings page of the module’s configuration pages.

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 7 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
Change the DHCP setting from Disabled to Enabled and press Apply Changes. The module’s network name (hostname) can
optionally be changed by entering a value in the name field and pressing Apply Changes.
DHCP Reservations
The purpose of a DHCP reservation is to ensure that a networked device always receives the same IP address every time it
requests one from the DHCP server. This is important for automation devices as many control systems rely on an unchanging
IP address. While exact instructions may vary, typically DHCP reservations are made in the router and can be set somewhere
under DHCP settings.
When setting a DHCP reservation the MAC address of the module is associated with the IP address it should be assigned. This
allows the DHCP server to assign the reserved IP address every time it sees a DHCP request from the module with the MAC
address entered in the reservation.
5.3.2 STATIC IP ADDRESSES (ADVANCED)
Setting static IP address settings allows manual configuration of network settings. Static IP address assignments must be
used on networks that do not have a DHCP server. On networks that do have a DHCP server static IP settings can be used as
an alternative to a DHCP reservation, however mixing DHCP and static IP address assignments can cause issues if not
implemented properly. DHCP reservations are therefore suggested for all but advanced users.
When static IP address assignment is used it is important to keep track of what IP addresses have already been assigned on
the network. Assigning two devices or modules to the same IP address will cause an IP address conflict which will result in

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 8 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
loss of communication with that device. If an IP address conflict is created, or a module is assigned a non-communicable IP
address, one simple way to recover the module is to perform a factory default as explained in section 11.0.
Configuration Example:
To set a static IP address assignment, navigate to the Network Settings page of the module’s configuration pages.
Set DHCP to Disabled, and enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and primary and secondary DNS servers. The
module’s network name (hostname) can also optionally be changed by entering a value in the Name field. After the settings
have been entered press Apply Changes to save the configuration.

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 9 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
6.0 GCHMX3 – HDMI 3:1 SWITCHING MODULE
The GCHMX3 module allows for network-controlled switching between 3 different sources at resolutions up to UHD 4K at
60Hz. The module also includes HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) injection capabilities which provides easy command
and control of devices connected through HDMI. The GCHMX3 module includes support for HDCP 2.2 (High-bandwidth Digital
Content Protection), allowing for seamless use with the latest HDCP 2.2 devices.
GCHMX3 Module Feature
Description
Ports
3 Inputs, 1 Output
Data Bandwidth
18Gbps
4K Resolutions
UHD 4K 60Hz, 4:4:4 8 bit
UHD 4K 60Hz, 4:2:2 8 bit|10 bit|12 bit
UHD 4K 60Hz, 4:2:0 8 bit|10 bit|12 bit
Chassis Slots Occupied
2
6.1 CONSUMER ELECTRONIC CONTROL (CEC)
Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) is designed to allow control commands to pass over HDMI. While typically control systems
have not had access to the CEC bus, the GCHMX3 module allows access to control over CEC by allowing for injection and
reception of CEC commands. With CEC control many commands typically sent with a physical remote can be performed over
a hard-wired HDMI connection.
6.2 HDMI SWITCHING
The GCHMX3 module provides 3 in 1 out HDMI switching functionality. The module allows for switching to any one of the 3
HDMI inputs as well as turning off transmission completely from the HDMI switch. The switch also can detect whether the
connected HDMI devices are on or powered off/in standby.
Configuration Example:
To access the HDMI configuration settings, navigate to the HDMI Settings page on the unit’s configuration pages.

Global Connect
User Guide
Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 10 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com Information subject to change without notice.
While the HDMI module does not require configuration of any HDMI settings, a testing interface is provided for switching the
HDMI switcher through the web interface. To switch the HDMI switch to a port, turn the output port On, then select the
desired input port and press Apply Changes. All other setup options can be configured in the chosen control software.
7.0 GCIR3 - INFRARED (IR) CONTROL MODULE
Infrared (IR) is a common control type and is commonly used for AV control, but also used in applications for climate control
systems, blinds, fans, and IP cameras. Global Connect’s GCIR3 Infrared modules can control any device that utilizes an IR
remote.
In addition to IR control the GCIR3 IR ports can be configured for Sensor Input. This allows for the use of iTach sensor cables
for sensing the presence of voltage, contact closure, or composite video.
GCIR3 Module Feature
Description
Ports
3 x IR Outputs/Sensor Inputs
Included Cables
3 x IR Emitters, 1 x IR Blaster
IR Output Frequency
20KHz – 500KHz
IR Learner Frequency
20KHz – 200KHz
Chassis Slots Occupied
1
7.1 IR TRANSMITTERS