HRT URA-RS232-C User manual

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Projector Controller
Programmable Serial Device
Hall Research Technologies, Inc
1163 Warner Ave
Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: (714) 641-6607
Fax: (714) 641-6698
UMA1073 Rev. 1.1

2
Table of Contents
Description ........................................................................3
Features............................................................................3
Operation ..........................................................................3
How to Create Command Strings..........................................4
Uploading commands to the URA-RS232-C ............................5
Important! - Connecting the URA-RS232-C to the serial device 6
SPECIAL CONNECTION INFORMATION ..................................6
Front Panel Status Indicator.................................................6
Federal Communications Commission Statement....................7
Warranty...........................................................................7
Limited Liability ..................................................................7

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Description
The Model URA-RS232-C is a standard VGA-plus-Audio over Cat5 Receiver with the added
feature of having a programmable RS-232 serial device port for the control & automation of a
Projector, LCD, or any other device with serial port.
The URA-RS232-C has a discrete input that senses a dry contact closure (or Voltage Level). It
detects both “Low-To-High” and “High-To-Low” transitions of the ‘EXT CTRL’ input and issues
corresponding commands out the serial port of the URA-RS232-C to the serial device
(projector).
The commands can be any ASCII (or non-ASCII) data with programmable delays embedded
in the string. The commands can also be complex multi-part strings typical of many modern
projectors.
Hall Research provides a powerful Windows® based application (available on-line) that is used
to create the data files and upload it to the URA-RS232-C, via a supplied cable.
Features
9Compact, Reliable, and Economical
92 user-programmable Command Strings
9Allows multiple instances of user-defined delays within each string
9Intuitive Operation
9Windows™ software for programming available on-line
9Made in USA
9Dual color front panel LED status indicator
Operation
The URA-RS232-C is designed to send a string of commands to a
serial device (projector) via the serial interface, when the discrete
input transitions. When the ‘EXT CTRL’ input transitions “High-To-
Low”, the dry contact is opened, the URA-RS232-C will send the
“OFF” string to the serial device (projector) and when the ‘EXT
CTRL’ input transitions “Low-To-High”, the dry contact is closed,
the URA-RS232-C will send the “ON” string to the serial device
(projector).
The URA-RS232-C will communicate with the serial device (projector) at some baud rate
specified in the user’s manual of the serial device (projector). The URA-RS232-C programming
software will allow the user to select that baud rate for the serial device (projector). The URA-
RS232-C programming software will also allow the user to upload two strings to the URA-
RS232-C. This will consist of the ON string and the OFF string. These strings are limited to 100
characters in length each. These two strings can be constructed directly in the URA-RS232-C
programming software. The user will then be able to upload the baud rate and the two strings
to the URA-RS232-C. The URA-RS232-C will, in turn, send out these strings to the serial
device (projector) when the ‘EXT CTRL’ input changes state.
The user also has the ability to include a number of waits in the string of commands. For
example the user may send out the commands ‘CCB’ and then wish to wait for 3 seconds and
then send out additional commands. This will be explained in further detail below.

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How to Create Command Strings
First, select the comm. port you will use to connect the URA-RS232-C to the PC.
Com Port Selection Screen
After you select the comm. port, you will be asked if you wish to use an existing file or create
a new file. Until you have saved a file, choose “Create New” and give your new file a name.
File Selection Screen
To build the “ON” and “OFF” strings URA-RS232-C programming software, start typing the
ASCII commands in the “ON String” or “OFF String” windows. If you wish to insert a Wait
Time in between codes, just specify the Wait Time in the Hours, Minutes, and Seconds fields
and click “Insert Wait”. The maximum Wait Time is 16 hrs. 59 min. 59 sec. If you need a Wait
Time longer than that, just insert repeated wait commands back to back. If you need to insert
a Hexadecimal byte, you must type the Hexadecimal byte into the Hex Byte window and click
Insert Hex Byte. The Hexadecimal bytes can occupy the hexadecimal range of x00 to xFF.

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Note!
There are a few restrictions you need to be aware of when you are building your string. The
Backspace key is the only way to correct/delete characters in your string. You can only
Backspace from the end of the string. The Windows “Paste” function has been disabled. You
may only insert a character at the end of the string. The maximum length of the ON or OFF
string is 100 characters. A Wait will occupy 3 character spaces in the string. Any ASCII
character input from the keyboard will increment the string length by 1. All Hexadecimal bytes
will increment the string length by 1 character with the exception of the Hexadecimal byte
x1B. This hexadecimal byte will occupy 2 bytes.
Uploading commands to the URA-RS232-C
After you have loaded a configuration file containing your “ON” string
and “OFF” string or you have created your “ON” string and “OFF”
string you are now ready to upload the “ON” and “OFF” strings to the
URA-RS232-C.
Connect the URA-RS232-C to the PC’s comm. port you selected
earlier via the supplied programming cable. The supplied programming cable is a 6’ cable that
has a female DB-9 connector that connects to the PC and the other end is a male mini-stereo
connector that plugs into the URA-RS232-C.
Important!
You may need to use a crossover serial cable (also know as a NULL-modem cable) to connect
the URA-RS232-C to the device you want to control.
There are 2 types of serial devices:
1. DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) ex. Computer/ PC
2. DCE (Data Communication Equipment) e.g. Serial controlled projector, modem, or the
URA-RS232-C.
DTE devices talk directly to DCE devices. If you have 2 DTE devices trying to talk, they need a
crossover serial cable connecting them. In the same way if you have 2 DCE devices trying to
talk, they will need a crossover serial cable connecting them as well. Generally DTE devices
will have a male DB9 connector and DCE devices will have a female DB9 connector. You will
notice that the serial cable included with the URA-RS232-C has a female DB9 connector. This
indicates that the URA-RS232-C is a DCE device, which is why it will connect directly to a
computer/PC serial port. When you are done uploading the “ON” and “OFF” strings to the
URA-RS232-C, you will need to use a crossover or straight through serial cable to connect the
URA-RS232-C to your serial device depending on what type of serial device you are trying to
control. Here is the pinout for the URA-RS232-C.
Power on the URA-RS232-C and click the “Upload” button.
A message box will tell you when the upload has completed.

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Important! - Connecting the URA-RS232-C to the serial
device
•Connect the URA-RS232-C to the serial device (projector) via the serial interface using
the supplied programming cable.
•When connecting the URA-RS232-C to the serial device (projector) you must use a
crossover serial cable in addition to the supplied programming cable.
•This will connect the TX line of the serial interface on the URA-RS232-C to the RX line
on the serial interface of the serial device (projector).
•Without a crossover serial cable between the supplied programming cable and the
serial device (projector), the serial device (projector) will not receive any commands
from the URA-RS232-C.
•Connect the dry contact closure wiring to the EXT CTRL input to the URA-RS232-C.
SPECIAL CONNECTION INFORMATION:
•By default the URA-RS232 is configured to detect a CONTACT or a NON-ISOLATED
VOLTAGE. By special request at the time of the order, the unit can be configured to
detect an OPTICALLY ISOLATED VOLTAGE.
•Both the CONTACT/NON-ISOLATED and OPTICALLY ISOLATED configurations use
the EXT CTL jack for detection of the signal.
oFor Contact/Non-Isolated Voltage configurations of the unit, ALWAYS
ensure that if you supply a voltage to the EXT-CTL jack, it is applied as CENTER
POSITIVE in the range of 3-24 vDC. The device will not sense 0 volts by
unplugging the EXT CTL jack. The sensing circuit is normally ‘pulled’ high. This
means that in order to detect the ‘No-Voltage applied’ condition, your circuit
must represent a low resistance.
oFor OPTICALLY ISOLATED configurations, ALWAYS ensure that the voltage
is applied as a CENTER POSITIVE in the range of 3-9 vDC. This voltage should
be isolated from the units Supply Voltage.
•Failure to observe these warnings may result in damage to the unit and void your
warranty
Connect the supplied Power Supply (6 vDC) to the URA-RS232-C and you are done.
Front Panel Status Indicator
The front panel has a convenient dual color LED that is used to indicate which of the two
command strings has been issued last from the URA-RS232-C. If the last command sent to
the device was an “ON” string then the LED will be solid Green. If the last command sent to
the device was an “OFF” string then the LED will be Red.
Anytime the unit is powered on, the LED will blink Red and Green until a string is sent out.
While the “ON” string is being sent out, the LED will blink Green.
When the “ON” string is done being sent out, the LED will be a solid Green.
While the “OFF” string is being sent out, the LED will blink Red.
When the OFF string is done being sent out, the LED will be a solid Red.
After uploading commands to the URA-RS232-C via the URA-RS232-C programming software,
the front panel LED will blink Red and Green until a string is sent out the serial port.

7
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This equipment generates, uses and radiates radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. This equipment has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. Harmful interference when operated
in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user, at his own expense, will be required to take
whatever measures are necessary to correct the interference.
If necessary, you should consult the place of purchase or and experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions.
Warranty
HRT warrants that the supplied equipment is free from defective workmanship and material.
Subject to the agreements set forth, will repair or replace, at its option, the defective
components for a period of 2 years after purchase. The following conditions apply to the
Warranty:
Warranty void if item subject to improper use, negligence, or unauthorized modification
Instructions must be followed in obtaining RMA number as explained below
Any defective part should be returned, insured and freight prepaid, to Hall Research, with the
following:
•Return Material Authorization Number (RMA#)
•Description of failure, as detailed as possible
•Shipping address and contact name and phone number
Limited Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DIRECT VENDOR'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE
PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ITS DOCUMENTATION

Products Designed and Made in the USA
© Copyright 2007. Hall Research Technologies, Inc.
All rights reserved.
1163 Warner Ave Tustin, CA 92780
Ph: (714)641-6607, Fax: (714)641-6698
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