JLCooper Electronics eBOX GPI8 User manual

eBOX GPI8
Ethernet to GPI Interface
Users Manual

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eBOX, eBOX GPI8 and eBOX I/O are trademarks of JLCooper Electronics. All
other brand names are the property of their respective owners.
eBOX GPI8 User’s Manual, First Edition
Part Number 932135
©2014 JLCooper Electronics, 142 Arena Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 USA
![phone] ![phone] "www.jlcooper.com

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................... 6!
Setup............................................................................................... 7!
Unpacking................................................................................... 7!
Connections................................................................................. 7!
Operating Modes........................................................................... 8!
eBOX GPI8 Server Mode ....................................................... 8!
eBOX GPI8 Client Mode........................................................ 9!
GPI to Ethernet Conversion.................................................... 9!
Resetting eBOX GPI8 Settings .................................................. 10!
Initial Hardware Configuration ................................................ 11!
eBOX GPI8 Configuration Utility............................................. 12!
eBOX GPI8 to Configure.......................................................... 13!
eBOX GPI8 Password Change ................................................. 13!
eBOX GPI8 Settings.................................................................. 14!
Configuration with Web Page Interface ................................... 16!
Operational Settings.............................................................. 18!
eBOX GPI8 IP Address ........................................................ 20!
Port ............................................................................................... 21!
Unused Switches................................................................... 21!
GPI Outputs in GPI Conversion Modes ................................... 22!
GPI Outs ............................................................................... 22!
GPI Programmer Software........................................................ 23!

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eBOX GPI8 GPI Tester Utility .................................................. 26!
eBOX GPI8 Software for Apple Mac........................................ 29!
Installation ................................................................................ 29!
Operation .................................................................................. 29!
Preferences ............................................................................... 30!
Password................................................................................... 31!
Keysets ...................................................................................... 31!
Programming Mode.................................................................. 32!
Action Tabs ............................................................................... 33!
MIDI Tab .................................................................................. 34!
MIDI Machine Control (MMC)............................................ 34!
Custom MIDI Messages ....................................................... 35!
Special Tab................................................................................ 37!
Delay Tab.................................................................................. 37!
Keyboard Triggers.................................................................... 38!
GPI Input Pins .......................................................................... 39!
GPI Output Pins........................................................................ 39!
GPI Preset Buttons ................................................................... 41!
Live Mode.................................................................................. 42!
Using the eBOX GPI8 With a Router ....................................... 44!
Technical Reference.................................................................... 45!
Electrical Connections.............................................................. 45!
Ethernet................................................................................. 45!
GPI Port Pinouts ................................................................... 46!
GPI Port Circuitry Details..................................................... 49!
Power............................................................................................ 52!
Troubleshooting .......................................................................... 53!

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Care and Service....................................................................... 54!
JLCooper Electronics Limited Warranty ................................ 55!

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Introduction
The eBOX GPI8 is a general purpose interface box that converts 8
GPI (General Purpose Interface) inputs and outputs to 100/10baseT
Ethernet.
The eBOX GPI8 communicates over standard TCP/IP which
allows is be used with any host computer running any operating
system that uses TCP/IP protocol. The eBOX GPI8 can also be
connected to other eBOX GPI8es to allow longer runs than
traditional GPI cables. Since the eBOX GPI8 uses TCP/IP, traffic
can be routed over internal LANs, wireless LANs, MANs, WANs
and even over the public Internet.
Items such as IP address, remote IP address and TCP port are set
using the eBOX Configuration Utility. Settings are stored in
nonvolatile memory.
Typically, the eBOX GPI8 functions as a server, passively waiting
for client devices to connect to it. The device can be a computer or
another eBOX GPI8 configured as a client. When the eBOX GPI8
is configured as a client, it will actively attempt to connect to the
server eBOX GPI8. Once this is accomplished, the either eBOX
GPI8 will pass data received from the GPI ports to the remote
eBOX GPI8.

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Setup
Unpacking
The eBOX GPI8 package will contain the following items:
•eBOX GPI8
•Power Supply
•This Users Manual
•Four rubber feet
Connections
The eBOX GPI8 connections are straightforward:
1. Plug the power supply into the eBOX GPI8.
2. Plug a network cable into the Ethernet jack.
3. Connect GPI cables into GPI ports.

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Operating Modes
The eBOX GPI8 has five distinct modes of operation that are set
by the rear panel DIP switches. The DIP switches are read only at
power on so the eBOX GPI8 must be power cycled for the changes
to take effect.
SW8
SW7
SW5
On
X
Off
Not used
Off
Off
Off
eBOX GPI8 is server at address specified on
next page
Off
On
Off
eBOX GPI8 is client at address specified on
next page
Off
On
On
Not availaible
Off
Off
On
eBOX GPI8 performs GPI to Ethernet
conversion
X = Don’t Care
Mode Configuration
eBOX GPI8 Server Mode
When the eBOX GPI8 is in the server mode, it waits for a client to
connect to it. The client can be another eBOX GPI8 in client mode
or it can be a computer based application. The IP address and TCP
port of the eBOX GPI8 is set by DIP switches 1, 2 and 3.
Note: The eBOX GPI8 must be power cycled to switch to this mode.

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eBOX GPI8 Client Mode
When the eBOX GPI8 is set to client mode, it actively attempts to
connect to another eBOX GPI8 in server mode. The IP address
and TCP port of the eBOX GPI8 is set by DIP switches 1, 2 and 3.
Note: The eBOX GPI8 must be power cycled to switch to this mode.
GPI to Ethernet Conversion
When the eBOX GPI8 is in GPI to Ethernet Conversion Mode, it
converts GPI inputs into Ethernet messages specifically for Doremi
V1 and MCS video servers. The IP address of the eBOX GPI8 is
set by DIP switches 1, 2 and 3 plus one. The TCP port is fixed at
8000. The eBOX GPI8 GPI Programmer Software allows you to
edit and upload the commands that are sent when GPI inputs are
triggered.
When the eBOX GPI8 operates as a GPI to Ethernet Converter, it
will send to the Doremi server status requests on a periodic basis.
Replies from the server will be used to establish the state of some
of the GPI Output pins, acting as tally lines. Refer to the section
regarding GPI Outputs in GPI Conversion Modes.
Note: The eBOX GPI8 must be power cycled to switch to this mode.

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Resetting eBOX GPI8 Settings
The eBOX GPI8 settings can be forced to factory defaults by using
the reset button. The reset button is located behind the front panel.
It can be accessed via the small, unmarked hole to the right of the
Port 4 Send LED. The arrow in the picture below shows the
location of the hole for the reset button.
To reset the eBOX GPI8 to factory defaults, simply press the
button with a long, thin object such as a paper clip and turn the
power on. The reset button can be released after the 5 Send and 5
Receive LEDs stop flashing.
The eBOX GPI8 factory defaults are:
IP Address
192.168.254.102
Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0
Gateway Address
192.168.254.198
TCP Port
23
Destination IP Address
192.168.254.103
Destination TCP Port
5000
Password
password
eBOX GPI8 Settings After Reset
After the eBOX GPI8 settings are reset in this manner, you must
power cycle the eBOX GPI8 to load those settings.

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Initial Hardware Configuration
IP Address
The IP Address of the unit depends on the position of DIP switches
1, 2 and 3. This is detailed in the table below. The address box
can accommodate numeric (nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn) or alphanumeric
(domain.name.com) network locations.
SW3
SW2
SW1
SW7
Mode
IP Address
Off
Off
Off
Off
Server
192.168.254.102
Off
Off
Off
On
Client
192.168.254.103
Off
Off
On
Off
Server
192.168.254.104
Off
Off
On
On
Client
192.168.254.105
Off
On
Off
Off
Server
192.168.254.106
Off
On
Off
On
Client
192.168.254.107
Off
On
On
Off
Server
10.0.0.128
Off
On
On
On
Client
10.0.0.129
On
Off
Off
Off
Server
10.0.0.130
On
Off
Off
On
Client
10.0.0.131
On
Off
On
Off
Server
10.0.0.132
On
Off
On
On
Client
10.0.0.133
On
On
Off
Off
Server
172.16.0.128
On
On
Off
On
Client
172.16.0.129
On
On
On
Off
Server
Set by user,
Default=192.168.254.102
On
On
On
On
Client
Set by user,
Default=192.168.254.102
IP Address Configuration for eBOX GPI8

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eBOX GPI8 Configuration Utility
The eBOX GPI8 to be configured while the eBOX GPI8 is in use
and avoids any compatibility issues with web browsers. This is the
recommended way to configure the eBOX GPI8.
To allow easy configuration of the eBOX GPI8, JLCooper has
provided a small Windows utility. The eBOX GPI8 Configuration
Utility is shown below.
To use the utility, simply install and launch it.

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eBOX GPI8 to Configure
In this section, enter the IP Address, TCP Port and Password of the
target eBOX GPI8 that you wish to configure.
IP Address
This is IP Address of the target eBOX GPI8 to configure.
TCP Port
This is the TCP Port of the target eBOX GPI8 to configure. The
TCP Port for configuration is fixed at 4141. In most
circumstances, you will never have to change this however, if the
eBOX GPI8 is behind a router using port forwarding, you may
have to specify a different port.
Password
If DIP switch 6 is set to the down position, the eBOX GPI8 uses a
password to prevent unauthorized access. The default password is
‘password’.
Note: If the Password box contains any text, the eBOX GPI8
Configuration Utility will pad out the password with spaces and
truncate the password to 8 characters. If the Password box is empty,
the eBOX GPI8 Configuration Utility will send no password.
eBOX GPI8 Password Change
This section allows you to change the password of the eBOX
GPI8. Remember, if DIP switch 6 is set to the down position, the
eBOX GPI8 requires the correct password in the ‘eBOX GPI8 to
Configure’ section. The default password is ‘password’.
New Password
This is the area to enter a new password. The password can be up
to 8 characters in length.
Update Password
Clicking on this button sends the new password to the eBOX GPI8.
Note: The eBOX GPI8 Configuration Utility will pad out the password
with spaces and truncate the password to 8 characters even if the
Password box is empty.

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eBOX GPI8 Settings
This section allows you to change the operational settings of the
eBOX GPI8 Ethernet interface. These settings are identical to the
settings that appear on the configuration web page.
Device IP Address
IP address of this eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
Subnet Mask
The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP address
to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.
Gateway Address
IP address of gateway router that connects to other networks.
Port Number
TCP port of this eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
Destination IP Address
IP address of remote eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
This is used when eBOX GPI8 is configured as a client
(SW7=On).
Destination Port Number
TCP port of remote eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
This is used when eBOX GPI8 is configured as a client
(SW7=On).
Password
Eight character alphanumeric password that is embedded in the
Ethernet packet that prevents unauthorized eBOX GPI8es from
passing unintended packets. If the password protection feature is
enabled (SW6=Off) on either eBOX GPI8, then both eBOX
GPI8es must have the same password.
Baud Rate
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.
Parity and Parity Type
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.
Serial Time Out
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.

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Max Buff Size
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.

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Configuration with Web Page Interface
Note: The ability to configure the eBOX GPI8 with the eBOX GPI8
Configuration Utility while the eBOX GPI8 is in use was added. For
this reason, using the eBOX GPI8 Configuration Utility to configure
the eBOX GPI8 is the recommended method to configure the eBOX
GPI8.
When SW8 is set in the ‘On’ position, the eBOX GPI8 allows
access to the configuration web page. On this page, various
settings such as port rate and parity, IP addresses and ports, and
password can be modified.
Note: The eBOX GPI8 will not send GPI messages when the eBOX
GPI8 is set to configuration mode.
This page is accessed by setting SW8 to the ‘On’ position and
typing http://192.168.254.102 into your web browser. During this
time, the normal operation of the eBOX GPI8 is suspended. Make
any changes that are necessary for your system and click on
SUBMIT. These changes are stored in nonvolatile memory and
are loaded at power up.
Note: The configuration web page is always set to 192.168.254.102
regardless of the state of the DIP switches.
Note: In the configuration mode, the subnet mask is set to
255.255.255.0. This means that the eBOX GPI8 will only see traffic
from computers with and IP address of 192.168.254.nnn. You will
need to change your computers IP address to 192.168.254.nnn where
nnn = any number except 0, 102 and 255. This will allow your
computer to access the configuration page of the eBOX GPI8.
Switch SW8 to the ‘Off’ position and power cycle the eBOX GPI8
so the changes are loaded.
The configuration web page is shown on the next page.

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Operational Settings
Device IP Address
IP address of this eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
Subnet Mask
The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP address
to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.
Gateway Address
IP address of gateway router which connects to other networks.
Port Number
TCP port of this eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
Destination IP Address
IP address of remote eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
This is used when eBOX GPI8 is configured as a client
(SW7=On).
Destination Port Number
TCP port of remote eBOX GPI8 when SW1, SW2 and SW3=On.
This is used when eBOX GPI8 is configured as a client
(SW7=On).
Password
Eight character alphanumeric password that is embedded in the
Ethernet packet that prevents unauthorized eBOX GPI8es from
passing unintended packets. If the password protection feature is
enabled (SW6=Off) on either eBOX GPI8, then both eBOX
GPI8es must have the same password.
Baud Rate
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.
Parity and Parity Type
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.
Serial Time Out
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.
Max Buff Size
This parameter is not used in the eBOX GPI8.

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eBOX GPI8 Security
The eBOX GPI8 contains a basic security mechanism that prevents
unintended hosts or eBOX GPI8es from passing data through a
secured eBOX GPI8. An eBOX GPI8 can be protected with
password that is set on the configuration web page. The password
is stored in nonvolatile memory and, is read upon power up.
When password protection is enabled, the sending eBOX GPI8
embeds the password in the transmitted IP packet. At the remote
end, the receiving eBOX GPI8 must have password protection
enabled AND have a matching password.
The DIP switches are read only at power on so the eBOX GPI8
must be power cycled for any changes to take effect.
This security mechanism is only used in eBOX GPI8 Server and
eBOX GPI8 Client modes. SW6 should be set to the off position
when used in the GPI to Ethernet modes.
SW6
On
Disable password protection
Off
Enable password protection
Security Configuration
The effect of SW6 takes place immediately.
Note: If an eBOX GPI8 has password protection is disabled, it will
ignore the password and act on any packets sent to it.

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eBOX GPI8 IP Address
The IP address of the eBOX GPI8 can be set by the rear panel DIP
switches or by the internal web page. As above, the DIP switches
are read only at power on so the eBOX GPI8 must be power cycled
for the changes to take effect.
Here is a table of how IP address and the TCP port are set with the
DIP switches in eBOX GPI8 Server and eBOX GPI8 Client
modes.
SW3
SW2
SW1
SW7
Mode
IP Address
Port
Off
Off
Off
Off
Server
192.168.254.102
23
Off
Off
Off
On
Client
192.168.254.103
23
Off
Off
On
Off
Server
192.168.254.104
23
Off
Off
On
On
Client
192.168.254.105
23
Off
On
Off
Off
Server
192.168.254.106
23
Off
On
Off
On
Client
192.168.254.107
23
Off
On
On
Off
Server
10.0.0.128
23
Off
On
On
On
Client
10.0.0.129
23
On
Off
Off
Off
Server
10.0.0.130
23
On
Off
Off
On
Client
10.0.0.131
23
On
Off
On
Off
Server
10.0.0.132
23
On
Off
On
On
Client
10.0.0.133
23
On
On
Off
Off
Server
172.16.0.128
23
On
On
Off
On
Client
172.16.0.129
23
On
On
On
Off
Server
Set by user
On
On
On
On
Client
Set by user
IP Address Configuration for eBOX GPI8 Server and eBOX
GPI8 Client modes