Kramer FC-18 User manual

P/N: 2900-301044 Rev 1 www.kramerAV.com
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
FC-18
Display Controller

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-18 –Contents
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Contents
Introduction 1
Getting Started 1
Overview 2
Typical Applications 3
Defining FC-18 Display Controller 4
Mounting FC-18 6
Connecting FC-18 7
Connecting Remote Control Switches 8
Connecting to FC-18 via RS-232 8
Connecting to FC-18 via Ethernet 9
Controlling the FC-18 12
Controlling the Display via FC-18 13
Controlling the Display via HDMI OUT Port (CEC) 14
Controlling the Display via its RS-232 Port 21
Controlling the Display via the Network (Ethernet) 28
Using the Embedded Web Pages 36
Viewing General Information 38
Changing Device Settings 38
Defining Video and Audio Settings 42
Managing EDID 43
Setting RS-232 Port and Toggle Remote Switch Functions 45
Configuring CEC Commands 50
Controlling an External Device via Ethernet 52
Setting Web Page Access Permission 54
Viewing About Us Page 56
Firmware Upgrade 57
Technical Specifications 58
Default EDID 58
Default Communication Parameters 61
Protocol 3000 62
Understanding Protocol 3000 62
Protocol 3000 Commands 63
Result and Error Codes 68

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-18 –Introduction
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Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been providing a world
of unique, creative, and affordable solutions to the vast range of problems that confront the
video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professional on a daily basis. In recent years, we
have redesigned and upgraded most of our line, making the best even better!
Getting Started
We recommend that you:
•Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packaging materials for
possible future shipment.
•Review the contents of this user manual.
Go to www.kramerav.com/downloads/FC-18 to check for up-to-date user manuals,
application programs, and to check if firmware upgrades are available (where appropriate).
Achieving the Best Performance
•Use only good quality connection cables (we recommend Kramer high-performance,
high-resolution cables) to avoid interference, deterioration in signal quality due to poor
matching, and elevated noise levels (often associated with low quality cables).
•Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils.
•Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely influence
signal quality.
•Position your Kramer FC-18 away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust.
Safety Instructions
Caution:
•This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be connected to other
equipment that is installed inside a building.
•For products with relay terminals and GPI\O ports, please refer to the permitted rating
for an external connection, located next to the terminal or in the User Manual.
•There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Warning:
•Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit.
•To ensure continuous risk protection, replace fuses only according to the rating
specified on the product label which located on the bottom of the unit.

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FC-18 –Introduction
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Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC aims to reduce
the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by requiring it to be collected
and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive, Kramer Electronics has made
arrangements with the European Advanced Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any
costs of treatment, recycling and recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on
arrival at the EARN facility. For details of Kramer’s recycling arrangements in your particular
country go to our recycling pages at www.kramerav.com/support/recycling.
Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer FC-18 Display Controller. FC-18 is a display
ON/OFF controller for 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) HDR HDMI™signals. It accepts and outputs an
HDMI signal after reclocking and equalizing.
FC-18 can be used to control a display device manually via front panel buttons, contact
closure switches and via RS-232 and Ethernet serial commands.
On detection of the onset of an input signal, FC-18 sends an ON command to the display or
projector, and on detection of the loss of the input signal, FC-18 sends an OFF command.
FC-18 provides exceptional quality, advanced and user-friendly operation, and flexible control.
Exceptional Quality
•High-Performance HDMI Acceptor –Supports 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) HDR10, HDCP 2.2/1.4
signals at 18G (6G per channel) data rate, CEC (bypass), Dolby Vision (bypass) as
specified in HDMI 2.0.
Advanced and User-friendly Operation
•Facilitates Meeting Setups –Just plug in the AV source and the display screen or
projector automatically turn on. No more searching for the power button.
•Variety of Automatic Control Formats –Commands are sent to the display device via
CEC, RS-232, or Ethernet.
•Variety of Manual Control Formats –Manually turn the display device ON and OFF via
front panel buttons and RS-232/CEC commands, Ethernet and contact closure switches.
•Efficient Power-Saving –Shuts down display devices automatically when not in use.
•Firmware Upgrade –Ethernet or USB based, via a user-friendly software upgrade tool.

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FC-18 –Introduction
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Flexible Connectivity
•Data Tunneling –Supports RS-232 data tunneling over Ethernet.
•Easy Installation –Compact DigiTOOLS® fan-less enclosure for surface mounting or
side-by-side mounting of 3 units in a 1U rack space with the recommended rack adapter.
FC-18 supports CEC functionality and has been tested and verified with many display
models. Kramer cannot guarantee CEC compatibility with all CEC displays due to command
variations and proprietary commands implemented by some manufacturers in some of their
displays.
Typical Applications
FC-18 is ideal for the following typical applications:
•Small meeting spaces.
•Projection systems in conference rooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, hotels and churches,
production studios, rental and staging.
•Ethernet-based control applications where the installation uses an RS-232 controlled or
CEC supported projector.
Controlling your FC-18
Control your FC-18 via:
•RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial
controller.
•Ethernet using built-in user-friendly Web pages.
•The front panel push buttons.
•Remote contact-closure switches (for example, a proximity switch).

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FC-18 –Defining FC-18 Display Controller
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Defining FC-18 Display Controller
This section defines FC-18.
Figure 1: FC-18 Display Controller Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
PROG USB Connector
Connect to update the firmware.
HDMI™ IN
Connector
Connect to an HDMI source.
LED
Lights green when a valid HDMI signal is detected. Detection is based on
the presence of 5V and a clock signal on the HDMI input.
DISPLAY ON LED
Lights green when the HDMI acceptor on the output is on.
MANUAL
OFF Button
Press to instruct FC-18 to send a CEC OFF (or RS-232 or Ethernet)
command to the display.
The display remains off (and the DISPLAY ON LED is off) even if the input
conditions dictate to turn the display on.
Only after detecting no input signal for a period of over 5 minutes will the
trigger-defined input conditions be able to turn the display on once again.
Press and hold for 3 seconds for full factory reset.
ON Button
Press to instruct FC-18 to send a CEC ON (or RS-232 or Ethernet)
command to the display.
The display remains on (and the DISPLAY ON LED is on) for an interval of
a minimum of 5 minutes.
After that time-period, the trigger-defined input conditions will dictate to
shut the display down.
Press and hold for 3 seconds to enter firmware upgrade mode
(see Firmware Upgrade on page 57).
On/off behavior remains the same whether the display is set to ON/OFF manually or via serial
communications.
Press both ON and OFF buttons simultaneously to show the current device IP address on the
display.
ON LED
Lights green when power is connected.
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FC-18 –Defining FC-18 Display Controller
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Figure 2: FC-18 Display Controller Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
Ethernet RJ-45 Port
Connect to a PC via a LAN to control the device, send commands to the
display, or tunnel RS-232 data to the display. Also use for firmware
upgrade.
REMOTE 4-pin Terminal
Block Connector
Connect to contact closure switches (by momentary contact between the
desired pin and GND pin), see Connecting Remote Control Switches
on page 8.
TOGGLE –one button toggles between display ON and display OFF
(instead of using two separate buttons for ON and OFF). The button can
be set for edge triggering (momentary connection) or for level triggering
(constant contact connection), see Setting the Toggle Pin Function
on page 45.
ON –turns the display on.
OFF –turns the display off.
RS-232 3-pin Terminal
Block Connectors
(G, Rx, Tx)
Set the function of the RS-232 port via the webpages:
Connect to the display to send RS-232 commands to the display (default)
via web pages, for example.
OR
Connect to a PC or remote controller to control FC-18 (for example,
instructing it to send a CEC command to turn the display on or off).
Tx LED
Lights red when RS-232 port transmits data.
Rx LED
Lights green when RS-232 Port receives data.
HDMI™ OUT Connector
Connect to a CEC enabled HDMI acceptor.
5V DC Power Connector
Connect to the supplied power adapter.
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FC-18 –Mounting FC-18
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Mounting FC-18
This section provides instructions for mounting FC-18. Before installing, verify that the
environment is within the recommended range:
•Operation temperature –0to 40C (32 to 104F).
•Storage temperature –-40to +70C (-40 to +158F).
•Humidity –10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing.
•FC-18 must be placed upright in the correct horizontal position.
Caution:
•Mount FC-18 before connecting any cables or power.
Warning:
•Ensure that the environment (e.g., maximum ambient temperature & air flow) is
compatible for the device.
•Avoid uneven mechanical loading.
•Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used for avoiding
overloading of the circuits.
•Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.
Mount FC-18 in a rack:
Use the recommended rack adapter
(see www.kramerav.com/product/FC-18).
Mount FC-18 on a surface using one of the following methods:
•Attach the rubber feet and place the unit on a flat surface.
•Fasten a bracket (included) on each side of the unit and attach it to
a flat surface. For more information go to
www.kramerav.com/downloads/FC-18.

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FC-18 –Connecting FC-18
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Connecting FC-18
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your FC-18. After
connecting your FC-18, connect its power and then switch on the power to each device.
Figure 3: Connecting to FC-18
To connect the FC-18 as illustrated in the example in Figure 3:
1. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a laptop) to the HDMI™ IN connector on the
front panel.
2. Connect the HDMI™ OUT connector to an HDMI acceptor (for example, a
CEC-enabled display).
3. Connect the REMOTE 4-pin terminal block connector to contact closure switches
(for example, Kramer RC-20TB).
4. Connect the ETHERNET RJ-45 port to the Ethernet to control the FC-18 or to tunnel
RS-232 data to the display. Also use for firmware upgrade.
5. Connect the power adapter to the FC-18 and to the mains electricity (not shown in
Figure 3).
6. Press the ON and OFF buttons simultaneously to display the current device IP address
of the FC-18 on the HDMI acceptor.
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FC-18 –Connecting FC-18
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Connecting Remote Control Switches
FC-18 includes 3 remote control switches . Use contact closure remote control (also
known as push-to-make momentary contact) to momentarily connect the desired pin to the
GND pin to select one of the following operations:
Pin Name
Function
TOGGLE
Toggle between ON and OFF.
ON
Turn the display ON.
OFF
Turn the display OFF.
Instead of a push-to-make switch, TOGGLE may
be configured to operate with a standard SPST
switch or for TTL level detection (for example, to
use with an occupancy sensor). See Setting the
Toggle Pin Function on page 45.
The Toggle pin function can be defined via the RS-232 & Remote embedded webpage
(see Setting the Toggle Pin Function on page 45). By default, the display toggles on or off
when momentarily connected. By setting the Toggle function, you can set the pin for level-
triggering rather than edge-triggering (i.e., constant contact connection rather than momentary
connection), allowing, for example, connection to an occupancy sensor that triggers the toggle
commands.
Connecting to FC-18 via RS-232
You can connect to the FC-18 via an RS-232 connection using, for example, a PC.
The FC-18 features an RS-232 3-pin terminal block connector allowing the RS-232 to control
the FC-18.
Connect the RS-232 terminal block on the rear panel of the FC-18 to a PC/controller, as
follows:
From the RS-232 9-pin D-sub serial port connect:
•Pin 2 to the TX pin on the FC-18 RS-232 terminal
block.
•Pin 3 to the RX pin on the FC-18 RS-232 terminal
block.
•Pin 5 to the G pin on the FC-18 RS-232 terminal
block.
RS-232 Device FC-18
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FC-18 –Connecting FC-18
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Connecting to FC-18 via Ethernet
You can connect to the FC-18 via Ethernet using either of the following methods:
•Directly to the PC using a crossover cable (see Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to
a PC on page 9).
•Via a network hub, switch, or router, using a straight-through cable (see Connecting the
Ethernet Port via a Network Hub or Switch on page 11).
If you want to connect via a router and your IT system is based on IPv6, speak to your IT
department for specific installation instructions.
Connecting the Ethernet Port Directly to a PC
You can connect the Ethernet port of the FC-18 directly to the Ethernet port on your PC using
a crossover cable with RJ-45 connectors.
This type of connection is recommended for identifying the FC-18
with the factory configured default IP address.
Press the front panel ON and OFF buttons simultaneously to show the current device IP
address on the display connected to the HDMI output of the FC-18.
After connecting the FC-18 to the Ethernet port, configure your PC as follows:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Adapter Settings.
3. Highlight the network adapter you want to use to connect to the device and click Change
settings of this connection.
The Local Area Connection Properties window for the selected network adapter appears
as shown in Figure 4.

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FC-18 –Connecting FC-18
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Figure 4: Local Area Connection Properties Window
4. Highlight either Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) or Internet Protocol Version 4
(TCP/IPv4) depending on the requirements of your IT system.
5. Click Properties.
The Internet Protocol Properties window relevant to your IT system appears as shown in
Figure 5 or Figure 6.
Figure 5: Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties Window

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FC-18 –Connecting FC-18
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Figure 6: Internet Protocol Version 6 Properties Window
6. Select Use the following IP Address for static IP addressing and fill in the details as
shown in Figure 7.
For TCP/IPv4 you can use any IP address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255
(excluding 192.168.1.39) that is provided by your IT department.
Figure 7: Internet Protocol Properties Window
7. Click OK.
8. Click Close.
Connecting the Ethernet Port via a Network Hub or Switch
You can connect the Ethernet port of the FC-18 to the Ethernet port on a network hub or
using a straight-through cable with RJ-45 connectors.
Configuring the Ethernet Port
You can set the Ethernet parameters via the embedded webpages (see Using the Embedded
Web Pages on page 36).

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-18 –Controlling the FC-18
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Controlling the FC-18
You can control FC-18 via:
•RS-232 port and/or Ethernet by sending protocol commands (see Protocol 3000
on page 62).
•Embedded web pages (see Using the Embedded Web Pages on page 36).
Control FC-18 by connecting a laptop or controller to the RS-232 port.
Figure 8: Controlling FC-18 via RS-232 Port
To control the device:
1. Connect a controller to the FC-18 RS-232 port to control the device.
2. In the Navigation pane, click RS-232 & Remote. The RS-232 & Remote page appears.
3. Check Port Definition to FC-18 Control.
4. Send protocol commands to control the device.
The device is controlled via RS-232.
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FC-18 –Controlling the Display via FC-18
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Controlling the Display via FC-18
Control the display that is connected to the HDMI OUT connector on the FC-18 via HDMI,
RS-232 or via the Ethernet (mainly, turning it on/off). You can select one of several control
methods to enable FC-18 control the connected display.
To control the display via FC-18:
1. Choose the FC-18 connection to the display.
2. Choose the user control method via FC-18.
3. Wire and configure the system according to the appropriate configuration in the table
below:
FC-18 Controls Display Using
HDMI (CEC)
RS-232
Ethernet
User Control Method Via FC-18
RS-232
See Controlling Via RS-
232 (FC-18 Sends CEC
to HDMI OUT)
on page 14.
N/A
N/A
Ethernet
See Controlling Via
Ethernet (FC-18 Sends
CEC to HDMI OUT)
on page 16.
See Controlling the
Display using Ethernet
(Sending to the Display’s
RS-232 Port)
on page 22.
See Controlling the
Display from the Network
(Sending CEC to the
Display) on page 29.
Front-panel
buttons
See Controlling Via Front
Panel Buttons (FC-18
Sends CEC to HDMI
OUT) on page 16.
See Controlling the
Display via FC-18’s
Front Panel Buttons
(Sending to the Display’s
RS-232 Port)
on page 23.
See Controlling the
Display from the Front
Panel Buttons (Sending
Ethernet to the Display)
on page 29.
Remote
buttons
See Controlling Via
REMOTE ON/OFF Pins
(FC-18 Sends CEC to
HDMI OUT) on page 17.
See Controlling the
Display via FC-18’s
REMOTE ON/OFF Pins
(Sending to the Display’s
RS-232 Port)
on page 24.
See Controlling the
Display from REMOTE
ON/OFF Pins (Sending
Ethernet to the Display)
on page 31.
Occupancy
sensor / GPO
See Controlling Via
REMOTE TOGGLE Pin
(FC-18 Sends CEC to
HDMI OUT) on page 18.
See Controlling the
Display via FC-18’s
REMOTE TOGGLE Pin
(Sending to the Display’s
RS-232 Port)
on page 26.
See Controlling the
Display from REMOTE
TOGGLE Pin (Sending
Ethernet to the Display)
on page 32.
Automatic
control (video
input sensing)
See Controlling the
Display Automatically
(Sending CEC to HDMI
OUT) on page 19.
See Controlling the
Display Automatically via
the RS-232 Port
on page 27.
See Controlling the
Display Automatically via
the Ethernet Port
on page 34.
In the following sections, the acceptor that is connected to HDMI OUT is referred to as “the
display” but this also implies “the projector” or any other acceptor type.

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FC-18 –Controlling the Display via FC-18
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Controlling the Display via HDMI OUT Port (CEC)
You can control a CEC-enabled display via CEC commands in any of the following ways:
•Controlling Via RS-232 (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI OUT) on page 14.
•Controlling Via Ethernet (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI OUT) on page 16.
•Controlling Via Front Panel Buttons (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI OUT) on page 16.
•Controlling Via REMOTE ON/OFF Pins (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI OUT) on page 17.
•Controlling Via REMOTE TOGGLE Pin (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI OUT) on page 18.
•Controlling the Display Automatically (Sending CEC to HDMI OUT) on page 19.
If your display does not include CEC features, you can send display on/off commands via the
RS-232 port (see Controlling the Display via its RS-232 Port on page 21) or the Ethernet port
(see Controlling the Display via the Network (Ethernet) on page 28).
Controlling Via RS-232 (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI OUT)
You can send an FC-18 CEC command to the display via the HDMI port by connecting a
laptop or controller to the RS-232 port on FC-18.
To control the display by RS-232 via HDMI:
1. Connect a controller to the FC-18 RS-232 port and the HDMI port to the CEC-
enabled display.
Figure 9: Sending a CEC Command via RS-232 Port
2. In the Navigation pane, click RS-232 & Remote. The RS-232 & Remote page appears.
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FC-18 –Controlling the Display via FC-18
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Figure 10: RS-232 & Remote Page
3. Check Port Definition to FC-18 Control.
Figure 11: RS-232 & Remote Page –RS-232 Controls FC-18
4. Send the CEC protocol command to control the display (see Protocol 3000 Commands
on page 63).
The display is controlled by RS-232 via the HDMI port.

Kramer Electronics Ltd.
FC-18 –Controlling the Display via FC-18
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Controlling Via Ethernet (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI OUT)
You can send a CEC command to the display via the HDMI port by connecting a laptop or
controller to the Ethernet port on FC-18.
To control the display by Ethernet via HDMI:
1. Connect a controller to the FC-18 Ethernet port and the HDMI port to the
CEC-enabled display.
Figure 12: Sending CEC Command via Ethernet Port
2. Send the CEC protocol command to control the display (see Protocol 3000 Commands
on page 63).
The display is controlled by Ethernet via the HDMI port.
Controlling Via Front Panel Buttons (FC-18 Sends CEC to HDMI
OUT)
You can turn the display on or off using the front panel buttons.
To control the display using the ON/OFF buttons via HDMI:
1. Connect the HDMI port to the CEC-enabled display.
Figure 13: Sending Commands by ON/OFF Buttons via HDMI Connector
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FC-18 –Controlling the Display via FC-18
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2. In the Navigation pane, click CEC. The CEC Configuration page appears.
Figure 14: CEC Configuration Page –Button On and Button Off Command Configuration
3. Check that the Button On and Button Off commands are defined correctly and enabled.
4. Press ON/OFF on the front panel to turn the display on or off.
The display is controlled via ON and OFF buttons on the front panel.
For further details, see Configuring CEC Commands on page 50.
Controlling Via REMOTE ON/OFF Pins (FC-18 Sends CEC to
HDMI OUT)
You can turn the display on or off via the contact closure REMOTE ON and OFF pins or
TOGGLE pin.
To control the display using the REMOTE ON/OFF pins via HDMI:
1. Connect the REMOTE ON, OFF and GND pins (or TOGGLE and GND pins) to
remote control buttons and the HDMI port to the CEC-enabled display.
Figure 15: Sending REMOTE ON/OFF Commands via HDMI Connector
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FC-18 –Controlling the Display via FC-18
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If you are using the TOGGLE pin, select the TOGGLE pin function via the RS-232 & Remote
page (see Setting the Toggle Pin Function on page 45).
2. In the Navigation pane, click CEC. The CEC Configuration page appears.
Figure 16: CEC Configuration Page –Remote On and Remote Off Command Configuration
3. Check that the Remote On and Remote Off commands are defined correctly and
enabled.
4. Momentarily connect an ON or OFF pin to the G pin to turn the display on or off.
The display is controlled via ON and OFF buttons on the front panel.
For further details, see Configuring CEC Commands on page 50.
Controlling Via REMOTE TOGGLE Pin (FC-18 Sends CEC to
HDMI OUT)
You can turn the display on or off via the REMOTE contact closure TOGGLE pin that is
connected, for example, to an occupancy sensor.
To control the display using the REMOTE TOGGLE pins via HDMI:
1. Connect the REMOTE TOGGLE and GND pins to remote control buttons and the
HDMI port to the CEC-enabled display.
Figure 17: Sending Occupancy-Sensor Triggered Commands via HDMI Connector
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