ICP DAS USA IR-712A User manual

User Manual
Version 2.0 Dec 2021
IR-712A
Universal IR Learning Remote Module
Written by Bruce Hsu
Edited by Kalia Huang

IR-712A User Manual Version 2.0 Page：2
Copyright © 2021 ICP DAS Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved E-mail: [e-mail]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .........................................................................................................................5
1.1 Features..........................................................................................................................6
2. Hardware..............................................................................................................................7
2.1 Specifications..................................................................................................................7
2.2 Appearance.....................................................................................................................8
2.3 Pin assignments..............................................................................................................9
2.4 Wire connection............................................................................................................10
2.4.1 RS-232 connection.................................................................................................10
2.4.2 RS-485 connection.................................................................................................12
2.4.3 Jack Plug of IR Output Cable .................................................................................12
2.4.4 Power Connection..................................................................................................13
2.5 Watchdog Timer............................................................................................................14
2.6 Firmware Update DIP Switch........................................................................................15
2.6.1 Update Firmware Mode..........................................................................................15
2.6.2 Firmware Operation Mode......................................................................................16
2.6.3 Restore to Default Communication Settings...........................................................17
2.7 LED Indicators ..............................................................................................................18
3. Software.............................................................................................................................19
3.1 The Configuration Tool–IR-712A Utility ........................................................................19
3.2 IR-712A Utility...............................................................................................................20
3.2.1 Menu ......................................................................................................................21
3.2.2 Open/Close COM port............................................................................................27
3.2.3 Set Device & IR Command Quantity ......................................................................27
3.2.4 Test and Save Learned IR Commands...................................................................29
3.2.5 Test IR commands in IR-712A................................................................................32
3.2.6 Copy IR Commands from File ................................................................................32
3.2.7 Display Waveforms of IR Commands.....................................................................35
3.2.8 Batch Download IR Commands..............................................................................36
3.3 R-712A+MBRTU/TCP GW Utility..................................................................................37
4. Learning IR command Example.......................................................................................39

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4.1 IR-712A Communication settings..................................................................................39
4.2 Set the Devices and IR commands Quantity.................................................................40
4.3 Learn and Test IR Commands ......................................................................................41
4.4 Saving the Learned IR Commands to a File .................................................................42
4.5 Download the IR Learning Commands to the IR-712A .................................................43
4.6 Test the IR commands saved in the IR-712A................................................................43
4.7 Load the IR Learning Commands from a File ...............................................................44
4.8 Load IR Learning Commands from the IR-712A...........................................................44
5. Modbus Register Addresses............................................................................................45
6. ASCII String Command.....................................................................................................46
Appendix A. Revision History.................................................................................................47

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：4
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Important Information
Warranty
All products manufactured by ICP DAS are under warranty regarding
defective materials for a period of one year, beginning from the date of
delivery to the original purchaser.
Warning
ICP DAS assumes no liability for any damage resulting from the use of this
product.ICP DAS reserves the right to change this manual at any time
without notice. The information furnished by ICP DAS is believed to be
accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by ICP DAS
for its use, not for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties
resulting from its use.
Copyright
Copyright @ 2012-2021 by ICP DAS Co., Ltd. All rights are reserved.
Trademark
Names are used for identification purpose only and may be registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Contact us
If you encounter any problems while operating this device, feel free to contact us
via mail at: [email protected] . We guarantee to respond within 2 working days.

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：5
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1. Introduction
The Intelligent Home and Building Automation are becoming the hot topics recently in the
world. Many countries are devoted to development and promotion in this field. There are
many kinds of consumer electronics and home appliances in the market applying the IR
remote control function because of its mature technology and low cost. However, these
appliances are usually equipped with their own remote controls using diverse IR protocols
which are not unified to a standard. If these IR commands of different appliances can be
collected and integrated to the control interfaces, it is possible to implement the automation
application for a better living experience.
IR-712A is a universal IR learning remote module which can learn IR remote commands of
diverse electronic devices. The learning commands (max. 224) can be stored in the module
or saved to a file. IR-712A supplies 2 IR output channels for individual or simultaneous
control on multiple devices. The accompanied RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces with
Modbus/RTU protocol provide more flexible expansion and control on the module. Besides,
IR-712A software utility provides users with easy configuration, learning, test and storage of
IR commands. As a replacement of IR remote controls and a module that can be easily
integrated with Modbus master devices (e.g. PAC, PLC, PC… etc.), IR-712A is well-suited
for smart home and building automation.

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1.1 Features
◼IR-712A
◆2 IR output channels for controlling multiple devices.
◆1 IR learning input.
◆Support 6 learning IR carrier frequencies: 33、36、37、38、40 and 56 kHz
◆IR command capacity: 224
◆Supports RS-232 and RS-485 serial interface.
◆Supports Modbus RTU protocol (FC06 and FC16) to emit IR commands.
◆Provides ASCII String Command (DCON protocol) to emit IR commands
◼Utility
◆IR commands learning and testing.
◆Save IR learning commands to files.
◆Get / Set IR learning commands from / to IR-712A.
◆Reference to Modbus and DCON commands.
◆Set / Reset basic settings of IR-712A.
◆Shows demodulated waveforms of IR commands.
◆Supports Windows 7/8/10
◼Applications
◆Home Entertainment Devices
◆Video Conferencing System
◆Surveillance System
◆e-Classroom service
◆Lighting Scenario Control
◆Home and Building Automation

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：7
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2. Hardware
2.1 Specifications
IR Interface
IR Output Ch.
2 channels with 3.5 mm audio jack
IR Input Ch.
1 channel. Supports 6 IR carrier frequencies: 33, 36, 37, 38, 40, 56 kHz.
IR Commands
Storage
224
Serial Communication Interface
Connector
8-pin (RS-485, RS-232, power) screw terminal connector
COM1
RS-232 (TxD, RxD, GND)
COM2
RS-485 (DATA+, DATA-)
Baud Rate (bps)
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200
Protocol
Modbus/RTU (slave)
LED Indicator
LED
2 LEDs: TR (IR Transmitting)/LN (IR Learning) and PWR (Power)
Power
Power Supply
+10 ~ +30 VDC
Power Consumption
Stand By
0.72 W
Using 1 IR Output
3.36 W
Using 2 IR Output
6.6 W (Max.)
Mechanism
Installation
DIN-Rail
Dimensions
52 mm x 27 mm x 93 mm (W x L x H)
DIP Switch
FW (firmware update mode) / OP (firmware operation mode)
Environment
Operating
Temperature
-25 ℃~ +80 ℃
Storage Temperature
-30 ℃~ +85 ℃
Humidity
10 ~ 90% RH, non-condensing

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：8
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2.2 Appearance
The appearance of the front case of IR-712A are shown as follows. The successive RevB
version with “RevB” label, which is added Init function in the down-right corner, is in the right
figure.
!!Caution: The firmware for IR-712A and IR-712A RevB version can’t be used mutually.
Figure 2-1 The front view of IR-712A (left) and IR-712A RevB (right).

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：9
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1
2
4
6
7
8
3
5
2.3 Pin assignments
◼IR output channels and learning input
Figure 2-2 IR output 3.5 mm audio jack and learning input hole
◼Communication terminal
Table 2-1 IR-712A terminal pin assignments
Figure 2-3 Screw terminal connector
Screw terminal connecter
Pin No.
Description
Interface
8
+Vs
Power
7
GND (ground)-
6
N/A
N/A
5
RxD
RS-232
4
TxD
3
GND (ground)
2
DATA-
RS-485
1
DATA+
3.5 mm audio jack 
learning input hole 
(front view)
(bottom view)

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：10
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2.4 Wire connection
The IR-712A supports 2 communication ports: RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces. Only one
interface can be used at the same time (*). Two IR outputs at the bottom are 3.5 mm audio jacks
for IR emitter cables.
* Note
1) Before the firmware v1.07 (included):
- Default serial interface is RS-232.
- Use IR utility to select RS-232 or RS-485 as the communication port.
- The TR/LN LED indications the current communication port after power-on within 3 seconds.
2) After the firmware v1.20 (included):
- RS-232 and RS-485 port of the IR-712Acan be used without the utility configuration. Though
there is the setting item of the serial port in the IR utility, it won’t affect the module.
- The TR/LN LED blinking 3 times after power-on within 3 seconds is for the function of
restoring to the default communication parameters.
2.4.1 RS-232 connection
The wire connection for IR-712A’s RS-232 port is shown in Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-4 RS-232 wire connection.

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：11
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Please refer to Fig. 2-6 if the RS-232 connection cable (e.g. CA-0910, Fig. 2-5) is applied. If
there is no DB9 serial port on the host PC, it is recommended to use USB to RS-232 converter
(e.g. I-7560 or I-7561) to extend the serial port.
Figure 2-5 RS-232 connection cable (CA-0910)
Figure 2-6 Wire connection between PC and IR-712A using CA-0910.

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2.4.2 RS-485 connection
The RS-485 wire connection between the IR-712A and RS-485 host device is depicted in Figure
2-7.
Figure 2-7 RS-485 wire connection.
The USB to RS-485 converter (tM-7561 or I-7561) is recommended for the host PC to test and
configure the IR-712A.
2.4.3 Jack Plug of IR Output Cable
Figure 2-8 TRS connection Figure 2-9 TS connection

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2.4.4 Power Connection
IR-712 consumes the power of +10~+30 VDC. The wire connection for the power is shown in
Figure 2-10.
Figure 2-10 Wire connection for the power.

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：14
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2.5 Watchdog Timer
Watchdog timer is a kind of timer to reset IR-712A while there is some error occurred in the
system and the recovery is not possible within a short time (several milliseconds).
1.IR-712A
Users can adjust the JP1 to enable or disable the watchdog timer as depicted in Figure 2-11. The
default setting to the watchdog timer is “Enable”.
Enable(default) Disable
Figure 2-11 JP1 for the watchdog timer of IR-712A
2.IR-712A (RevB)
The watchdog timer can be enabled by JP2 as shown in figure 2-12.
Figure 2-12 JP2 for the watchdog timer of IR-712A (RevB)

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：15
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2.6 Firmware Update DIP Switch
There is a DIP switch at the lateral of the IR-712A’s case. It is for the setting of the firmware
update mode. The following explains how to use the DIP switch.
2.6.1 Update Firmware Mode
Push the DIP switch to the “FW” position as shown in Figure 2-13. The IR-712A will be in the
update firmware mode after cycling the power. Users have to update the firmware by the RS-232
port of the IR-712A.
Figure 2-13 DIP switch in “FW” position.
To update the firmware, users can click the menu [Tool] -> [Update Firmware to IR-712A] from
the IR-712A Utility to launch the firmware update tool. Please follow the below steps to finish the
update firmware procedure, which is also depicted in Figure 2-14.
(1) Click “COM” radio button and select “COM Port” of the host PC connected to the RS-232
port of IR-712A.
(2) Click “Browser” to find the firmware file, e.g. ir712A_vx_xx.fw.
(3) Click “Firmware Update” button to start the update procedure.
The result of the update would be shown in “Firmware Update” section.
Note:
1. After updating the firmware, remember to push the switch to “OP” mode and power cycle the
IR-712A to run in operation mode.
2. Updating Firmware would not change the serial communication settings and IR commands
saved in the IR-712A.
FW

IR-712A User Manual Version 1.9 Page：16
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Figure 2-14 Update firmware of IR-712A.
The firmware of IR-712A can be downloaded from:
http://www.icpdas.com/en/download/show.php?num=2198&model=IR-712A
IR-712A firmware file format : ir712a_v#_##.fw
IR-712A (RevB) firmware file format : ir712a_RevB_v#_##.fw
Firmware Update Tool can be launched from the IR Utility:
IR-712A Utility main window Menu->[Tool]->[Update Firmware to IR-712A]
2.6.2 Firmware Operation Mode
Push the DIP switch to the position of “FW” as shown in Figure 2-15, IR-712A will be set in the
Firmware Operation Mode after cycling the power. In this mode (default), IR-712A can learn IR
commands from remote controls as well as be configured by the utility and receive Modbus
commands from the master devices.
Figure 2-15 Push the DIP switch to “OP” mode
1
2
3
OP

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2.6.3 Restore to Default Communication Settings
When IR-712A (RevB) is powered on in OP mode, the default communication settings can be
restored temporarily by pushing the DIP switch to the “FW/Init” position for user’s next custom
settings.
Figure 2-16 Push the DIP switch to “Init” mode when power is on.
IR-712A 序列埠(RS-232/RS-485)預設通訊參數如下：
Table 2-2 Default Communication Settings of IR-712A
Serial Port Parameters
Default Settings
Baud Rate
115200 bps
Parity
NONE
Data Bits
8
Stop Bits
1
Modbus/DCON Net ID
1

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2.7 LED Indicators
There are two LEDs in the IR-712A to show different operating states. The meanings of these
states are described in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3 The description of LEDs for IR-712A
LED
IR-712A Status
LED Status
TR / LN
Use RS-232 (*)
Blinks 3 times after power-on
Use RS-485 (*)
Turned on for 3 seconds after power-on
Serial Communication
Weakly blinking
Emitting IR Commands
On (during emitting IR signal)
IR Learning Mode
On
IR Learning Finished
Off
PWR
Power is normal
On
Power Failure
Off
ALL LEDs
Firmware Operation
Mode
TR/LN => OFF; PWR => ON
Note:
Push DIP switch to OP position
and restart IR-712A.
Update Firmware Mode
TR/LN and PWR => blinking
Note:
Push DIP switch to FW position
and restart IR-712A.
* Please refer to the section 2-4.
(Normal)
(Update firmware)

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3. Software
3.1 The Configuration Tool–IR-712A Utility
IR Utility is the configuration tool for the IR series modules. It runs on Microsoft Windows OS.
IR-712A utility, contained in the IR utility, is for IR-712A to set up parameters and learning IR
commands. Users can download the IR Utility(IR_Util_Setup_v#_#_#_#.zip) from:
https://www.icpdas.com/en/download/index.php?model=IR-712A

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3.2 IR-712A Utility
IR utility can be launched from [Start] => [ICPDAS] => [IR Utility]. The main window is shown in
figure 3-1. Select “IR-712A” in the Module and click “Connect” button to connect to the IR-712A.
The main window of the IR-712A utility will appear after connection.
Figure 3-1 Main windows of the IR utility and the IR-712A utility.