Ross openGear GPI-8941 Series User manual

GPI-8941 Series User Guide

Thank You for Choosing Ross
You've made a great choice. We expect you will be very happy with your purchase of Ross Technology.
Our mission is to:
1. Provide a Superior Customer Experience
• offer the best product quality and support
2. Make Cool Practical Technology
• develop great products that customers love
Ross has become well known for the Ross Video Code of Ethics. It guides our interactions and
empowers our employees. I hope you enjoy reading it below.
If anything at all with your Ross experience does not live up to your expectations be sure to reach out to
us at [email protected].
David Ross
CEO, Ross Video
[email protected]
Ross Video Code of Ethics
Any company is the sum total of the people that make things happen. At Ross, our employees are a
special group. Our employees truly care about doing a great job and delivering a high quality customer
experience every day. This code of ethics hangs on the wall of all Ross Video locations to guide our
behavior:
1. We will always act in our customers’ best interest.
2. We will do our best to understand our customers’ requirements.
3. We will not ship crap.
4. We will be great to work with.
5. We will do something extra for our customers, as an apology, when something big goes wrong and
it's our fault.
6. We will keep our promises.
7. We will treat the competition with respect.
8. We will cooperate with and help other friendly companies.
9. We will go above and beyond in times of crisis. If there's no one to authorize the required action in
times of company or customer crisis - do what you know in your heart is right. (You may rent
helicopters if necessary.)

GPI-8941 Series · User Guide
• Ross Part Number: 8941DR-004-09
• Release Date: November 22, 2019.
The information contained in this Guide is subject to change without notice or obligation.
Copyright
©2019 Ross Video Limited, Ross®, and any related marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ross Video
Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. PATENTS ISSUED and PENDING.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Ross Video. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, Ross Video assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein.
Patents
Patent numbers US 7,034,886; US 7,508,455; US 7,602,446; US 7,802,802 B2; US 7,834,886; US 7,914,332; US
8,307,284; US 8,407,374 B2; US 8,499,019 B2; US 8,519,949 B2; US 8,743,292 B2; GB 2,419,119 B; GB
2,447,380 B; and other patents pending.
Notice
The material in this manual is furnished for informational use only. It is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as commitment by Ross Video Limited. Ross Video Limited assumes no responsibility or liability
for errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
Safety Notices
Refer to the “Important Regulatory and Safety Notices” document that accompanied your product.
Statement of Compliance
This product has been determined to be compliant with the applicable standards, regulations, and directives for the
countries where the product is marketed.
Compliance documentation, such as certification or Declaration of Compliance for the product is available upon
request by contacting tech[email protected]. Please include the product; model number identifiers and serial
number and country that compliance information is needed in request.
EMC Notices
US FCC Part 15
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A Digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a Commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Canada
This Class “A” digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe “A” est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
European Union
This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions established under
regulation (EC) No 765/2008 and Decision No 768/2008/EC referred to as the “New Legislative Framework”.
Australia/New Zealand
This equipment is in compliance with the provisions established under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and
Radiocommunications Labeling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Notice 2008.
Korea
This equipment is in compliance with the provisions established under the Radio Waves Act.
Class A equipment (Broadcasting and communications service for business use)
This device is a business-use (Class A) EMC-compliant device. The seller and user are advised to be aware of this
fact. This device is intended for use in areas outside home.
International
This equipment has been tested under the requirements of CISPR 22:2008 or CISPR 32:2015 and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A Digital device.
Maintenance/User Serviceable Parts
Routine maintenance to this openGear product is not required. This product contains no user serviceable parts. If
the module does not appear to be working properly, please contact Technical Support using the numbers listed
under the “Contact Us” section of this manual. All openGear products are covered by a generous 5-year warranty
Notice — Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Ross Video Ltd. could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Warning — This equipment is compliant with Class A of CISPR 32. In a residential environment this
equipment may cause radio interference.
Notice — This is a Class A product. In domestic environments, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may have to take adequate measures.
Type of Equipment User’s Guide
A
(߶הࡈ ؏ܞݦ࢕ࢢ)
Class A Equipment
(Industrial Broadcasting &
Communication Equipment)
ࢇ Е ߶הࡈ(A)ࢷ࢕ળࢶଢԻ۰ શ
֐࢕ ӖЕ یࡈ࢕Е ࢇ ࢺࡶ ࣯ࢂଜݤ ؂Ԃ
ֲ,ɼࢽ࠹ࢂ ࠇ߾۰ یࡈଜЕ ʨࡶ ּࢶࡳԻ
ଢТЬ.
This equipment is Industrial (Class A)
electromagnetic wave suitability equipment and
seller or user should take notice of it, and this
equipment is to be used in the places except for home.

and will be repaired without charge for materials or labor within this period. See the “Warranty and Repair
Policy” section in this manual for details.
Environmental Information
The equipment may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.
To avoid the potential release of those substances into the environment and to diminish the need for the extraction
of natural resources, Ross Video encourages you to use the appropriate take-back systems. These systems will reuse
or recycle most of the materials from your end-of-life equipment in an environmentally friendly and health
conscious manner.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use these systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse, and recycling systems, please contact your local or regional
waste administration. You can also contact Ross Video for more information on the environmental performances of
our products.
Company Address
Ross Video Limited Ross Video Incorporated
8 John Street P.O. Box 880
Iroquois, Ontario, K0E 1K0 Ogdensburg, New York
Canada USA 13669-0880
General Business Office: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4886
Fax: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4425
Technical Support: (+1) 613 • 652 • 4886
After Hours Emergency: (+1) 613 • 349 • 0006
E-mail (Technical Support): [e-mail]
E-mail (General Information): [e-mail]
Website: http://www.rossvideo.com

GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0) Contents • i
Contents
Introduction 11
Related Publications ...............................................................................................................................................11
Documentation Conventions ..................................................................................................................................11
Interface Elements ...............................................................................................................................................11
User Entered Text ...............................................................................................................................................12
Referenced Guides ..............................................................................................................................................12
Menu Sequences ..................................................................................................................................................12
Important Instructions .........................................................................................................................................12
Contacting Technical Support ................................................................................................................................12
Before You Begin 13
Features ..................................................................................................................................................................13
Workflow Diagram ................................................................................................................................................13
Input Circuit Diagrams ..........................................................................................................................................14
Output Circuit Diagrams ........................................................................................................................................15
User Interfaces .......................................................................................................................................................15
DashBoard Control System .................................................................................................................................15
Card-edge Controls .............................................................................................................................................15
Hardware Overview 17
Card-edge Controls for the GPI-8941 .................................................................................................................... 17
Bootload Button ..................................................................................................................................................17
Control and Monitoring Features ...........................................................................................................................17
Status and Selection LEDs ..................................................................................................................................18
Supported Rear Modules ........................................................................................................................................18
Physical Installation 21
Before You Begin ..................................................................................................................................................21
Removing the Blank Plates from the Rear Panel ...................................................................................................21
Installing the Rear Module into the openGear Frame ............................................................................................21
Installing the GPI-8941 Card into a Frame ............................................................................................................22
GPIO Cabling 23
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................23
Inputs ................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Outputs ................................................................................................................................................................23
Pinout Mapping ...................................................................................................................................................23
GPI-8941-I16 Pinouts ............................................................................................................................................25
GPI-8941-I32 Pinouts ............................................................................................................................................26
GPI-8941-O16 Pinouts ...........................................................................................................................................27
GPI-8941-O32 Pinouts ...........................................................................................................................................28
GPI-8941-I16-O16 Pinouts ....................................................................................................................................29
Reference Cabling 31
Reference Cabling ..................................................................................................................................................31
Serial Cabling 33
Serial Adapter Port on the Rear Module ................................................................................................................ 33
Serial Interface Cable .............................................................................................................................................34
Using DashBoard 35
Before You Begin ..................................................................................................................................................35
Accessing the GPI-8941 in DashBoard .................................................................................................................35

ii • Contents GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0)
DashBoard Interfaces Overview ............................................................................................................................36
Basic Configuration 37
Before You Begin ...................................................................................................................................................37
Assigning an IP Address to the Card .....................................................................................................................37
Setting up the Reference ........................................................................................................................................38
Selecting a Reference Source ..............................................................................................................................38
Setting up the Vertical Reference Timing Window ............................................................................................39
Setting up Remote Control 41
Specifying the Protocol for an Output ....................................................................................................................41
Enabling the GPI-8941 for the GPI485 Serial Protocol .........................................................................................42
Specifying a Group Number ................................................................................................................................43
Setting up Remote Control via an Ethernet Protocol .............................................................................................43
Before You Begin ................................................................................................................................................43
Setting up the RossTalk Clients ..........................................................................................................................43
Setting up Communications for a RossTalk Server ............................................................................................45
Troubleshooting RossTalk Communications ......................................................................................................45
Setting up Communications via the GPInet Protocol ..........................................................................................48
Configuring the GPI Inputs 49
Configuring a GPI Input .........................................................................................................................................49
Configuring the GPI Outputs 51
Configuring the GPI Outputs .................................................................................................................................51
Monitoring 53
Monitoring the GPI Input Status ............................................................................................................................53
Monitoring the GPI Output Status .........................................................................................................................54
Software Upgrades 55
DashBoard Menus 57
Status Tabs .............................................................................................................................................................57
Product Tab .........................................................................................................................................................57
Hardware Tab ......................................................................................................................................................57
Network Tab ........................................................................................................................................................58
Config Tab ..............................................................................................................................................................59
Network Setup Tab .................................................................................................................................................60
Remote Control Setup Tabs ...................................................................................................................................60
RossTalk Client Tabs ..........................................................................................................................................60
RossTalk Server Tab ...........................................................................................................................................62
GPInet Tab ..........................................................................................................................................................63
Serial I/O Port Tab ..............................................................................................................................................63
GPI Input Setup Tab ...............................................................................................................................................64
Setup Tab .............................................................................................................................................................65
Report Tab ...........................................................................................................................................................65
GPI Output Setup Tab ............................................................................................................................................66
Setup Tab .............................................................................................................................................................66
Report Tab ...........................................................................................................................................................67
Control Tab ..........................................................................................................................................................68
Technical Specifications 71
GPI Input Specifications ........................................................................................................................................71
GPI Outputs Specifications ....................................................................................................................................71
Environment ...........................................................................................................................................................71
Power ......................................................................................................................................................................71

GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0) Contents • iii
RossTalk Protocol 73
Before You Begin ..................................................................................................................................................73
Examples .............................................................................................................................................................73
Sessions ..................................................................................................................................................................74
Sample Session 1 ................................................................................................................................................74
Sample Session 2 ................................................................................................................................................76
Module ID and Capabilities ...................................................................................................................................77
Session Control ......................................................................................................................................................78
Message Auto-Response Control ........................................................................................................................78
Verbose Message Control ...................................................................................................................................79
GPI Index Base Control ...................................................................................................................................... 80
Request All Session Settings ...............................................................................................................................81
Asynchronous GPI State Reporting Control ..........................................................................................................81
GPI State Control ...................................................................................................................................................82
GPI Trigger Control ............................................................................................................................................83
GPI State Control ................................................................................................................................................83
GPI Status Request .............................................................................................................................................. 84
GPI Status Message ............................................................................................................................................84
Software Licenses 87
lwIP ........................................................................................................................................................................87
Service Information 89
Troubleshooting Checklist .....................................................................................................................................89
Bootload Button ..................................................................................................................................................89
Warranty and Repair Policy ...................................................................................................................................89
Glossary 91

iv • Contents GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0)

GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0) Introduction • 11
Introduction
This guide provides an overview of the GPI-8941 General Purpose Interface Processor. The following chapters are
included:
•“Introduction” summarizes the guide and provides important terms, and conventions.
•“Before You Begin” provides general information to keep in mind before installing and configuring your
GPI-8941.
•“Hardware Overview” an overview of the card-edge controls of the GPI-8941 and the supported rear module.
•“Physical Installation” provides instructions for the physical installation of a GPI-8941 card.
•“GPIO Cabling” outlines the GPIO cabling designations for the GPI-8941 based on the card type.
•“Reference Cabling” provides general information for connecting a reference signal for the GPI-8941.
•“Serial Cabling” provides general information on cabling the serial adapter port on the rear module.
•“Using DashBoard” provides an overview of launching DashBoard and accessing the GPI-8941 interfaces in
the DashBoard window.
•“Basic Configuration” provides instructions for configuring the GPI-8941 using the options available in
DashBoard.
•“Setting up Remote Control” outlines how to specifying the communication protocol for a GPI output, and to
set up communications on the Serial or Ethernet port.
•“Configuring the GPI Inputs” outlines how to configure each GPI input using the options in DashBoard.
•“Configuring the GPI Outputs” outlines how to configure each GPI output using the options in DashBoard.
•“Monitoring” provides an overview of the available options for monitoring the inputs and outputs of the card.
•“Software Upgrades” outlines how to upgrade the software on the GPI-8941 using the options in DashBoard.
•“DashBoard Menus” summarizes the menus and parameters of the GPI-8941 tabs in DashBoard.
•“Technical Specifications” provides the specifications for the GPI-8941.
•“RossTalk Protocol” provides additional information on the RossTalk protocol when used with the GPI-8941.
•“Software Licenses” provides third-party software license information for your GPI-8941.
•“Service Information” provides information on the warranty and repair policy for your GPI-8941.
•“Glossary”provides a list of terms used throughout this guide.
Related Publications
It is recommended to consult the following Ross documentation before installing and configuring your GPI-8941:
•DashBoard User Guide, Ross Part Number: 8351DR-004
•OGX-FR Series Quick Start Guide, Ross Part Number: 8322DR-202
•OGX-FR Series User Guide, Ross Part Number: 8322DR-204
Documentation Conventions
Special text formats are used in this guide to identify parts of the user interface, text that a user must enter, or a
sequence of menus and sub-menus that must be followed to reach a particular command.
Interface Elements
Bold text is used to identify a user interface element such as a dialog box, menu item, or button. For example:
In the Network tab, click Apply.

12 • Introduction GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0)
User Entered Text
Courier text is used to identify text that a user must enter. For example:
In the Language box, enter English.
Referenced Guides
Text set in bold and italic represent the titles of referenced guides, manuals, or documents. For example:
For more information, refer to the DashBoard User Guide.
Menu Sequences
Menu arrows are used in procedures to identify a sequence of menu items that you must follow. For example, if a
step reads “File > Save As,” you would click the File menu and then click Save As.
Important Instructions
Star icons are used to identify important instructions or features. For example:
Contact your IT department before connecting to your facility network to ensure that there are no conflicts. They
will provide you with an appropriate value for the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway for your device.
Contacting Technical Support
At Ross Video, we take pride in the quality of our products, but if problems occur, help is as close as the nearest
telephone.
Our 24-hour Hot Line service ensures you have access to technical expertise around the clock. After-sales service
and technical support is provided directly by Ross Video personnel. During business hours (Eastern Time),
technical support personnel are available by telephone. After hours and on weekends, a direct emergency technical
support phone line is available. If the technical support person who is on call does not answer this line immediately,
a voice message can be left and the call will be returned shortly. This team of highly trained staff is available to
react to any problem and to do whatever is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.
•Technical Support: ([phone]
•After Hours Emergency: ([phone]
•E-mail: [email protected]
•Website: http://www.rossvideo.com

GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0) Before You Begin • 13
Before You Begin
The GPI-8941 cards provide an interface between openGear agents, such as DashBoard, and hardware devices that
communication via the General Purpose Interface (GPI). Some devices produce outputs (GPI outputs) that are
intended to either control other devices or signal their own status. When these signals are connected to inputs (GPI
inputs) on the rear module, the card communicates the state of the GPIs via the openGear protocol (OGP) to
DashBoard. Similarly, the GPI-8941 card accepts commands via OGP that cause it to product GPI outputs to
control external devices.
Features
The GPI-8941 includes the following features:
• Ability to individually select isolated/pull-to-ground setting for each GPI input
• Ability to individually select contact-closure/voltage-source setting for each GPI output
• Supports the Image Video™ GPI485 serial protocol
• Supports the Image Video™ GPInet protocol over Ethernet
• Supports RossTalk protocol over Ethernet
• Reports status and configuration remotely via DashBoard Control System
• Fits openGear frames
• 5-year transferable warranty
Workflow Diagram
Some devices produce GPI outputs that are intended to either control other devices or signal their own status. When
these signals are connected to GPI inputs on the GPI-8941 card, it will communicate the state of the inputs via the
openGear protocol (OGP) to DashBoard. Similarly, the GPI-8941 card will accept commands via OGP that cause it
to product GPI outputs to control external devices. The GPI-8941 card also communicates to/from other devices via
the RossTalk protocol, the Image Video™ GPInet or GPI485 protocols.
Table 2.1 Card Models
Card Model Number of GPI Inputs Number of GPI Outputs
GPI-8941-I16 16 0
GPI-8941-O16 016
GPI-8941-I16-O16 16 16
GPI-8941-I32 32 0
GPI-8941-O32 032

14 • Before You Begin GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0)
Figure 2.1 Simplified Workflow Diagram
Input Circuit Diagrams
This section provides simplified input circuit diagrams for the GPI-8941.
Figure 2.2 provides a simplified circuit diagram for isolated inputs.
Figure 2.2 Simplified Circuit Diagram — Isolated Inputs
Figure 2.3 provides a simplified circuit diagram for pull to ground inputs.
Figure 2.3 Simplified Circuit Diagram — Pull to Ground Inputs
RossTalk Protocol
via TCP/IP
DashBoard Control
CPU
Serial Port
GPI485
Protocol
GPI-8941
Rear Module
openGear Frame
with an
MFC-OG3-N or
MFC-OGX-N
Daughter Card 2
16 Channels Input
or
16 Channels Output
2
u
t
u
t
Daughter Card 1
16 Channels Input
or
16 Channels Output
GPI-8941
FROM
REAR MODULE
INPUT
PROTECTION
CURRENT
LIMIT
TO INPUT
CARD
CIRCUIT
FROM
REAR MODULE
INPUT
PROTECTION
TO INPUT
CARD
CIRCUIT

GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0) Before You Begin • 15
Output Circuit Diagrams
This section provides simplified output circuit diagrams for the GPI-8941.
Figure 2.4 provides a simplified circuit diagram for contact closure outputs.
Figure 2.4 Simplified Circuit Diagram — Contact Closure Outputs
Figure 2.5 provides a simplified circuit diagram for voltage source outputs.
Figure 2.5 Simplified Circuit Diagram — Voltage Source Outputs
User Interfaces
Each card includes the following interfaces.
The GPI-8941 cards do not support DataSafe.
DashBoard Control System
DashBoard Control System enables you to monitor and control openGear frames and cards from a computer.
DashBoard communicates with other cards in the frame through the MFC-OG3-N or MFC-OGX-N. The
DashBoard software and manual are available for download from our website.
For More Information on...
• installing and using DashBoard, refer to the DashBoard User Manual.
• the available menus in DashBoard, refer to the chapter “DashBoard Menus” on page 57.
Card-edge Controls
The front-edge of each card features LED indicators for the power, and communication activity.
For More Information on...
• the card-edge LEDs, refer to the section “Control and Monitoring Features” on page 17.
TO
REAR MODULE
FROM OUTPUT
CARD CIRCUIT
0.5A
TO
REAR MODULE FROM OUTPUT
CARD CIRCUIT
+5V WET
0.5A

16 • Before You Begin GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0)

GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0) Hardware Overview • 17
Hardware Overview
This chapter provides an overview of the card-edge controls of the GPI-8941.
Card-edge Controls for the GPI-8941
This section provides information on the jumpers, buttons and LEDs for the GPI-8941. Refer to Figure 3.1 for the
location of the card-edge features.
Figure 3.1 GPI-8941 — Card Control Locations
Bootload Button
This button for factory service in the unlikely event of a complete card failure. Do not press this button unless
instructed to do so by Ross Technical Support personnel.
Control and Monitoring Features
This section provides information on the card-edge LEDs for the card. Refer to Figure 3.2 for the location of the
LEDs and controls.
Figure 3.2 Card-edge Controls
Bootload Button
Daughter Card
Bootload Button
PWR LED
ETH LED
CAN LED
RS485 LED

18 • Hardware Overview GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0)
Status and Selection LEDs
The front-edge of the card has LED indicators for the power, video input status, and communication activity. Basic
LED displays and descriptions are provided in Table 3.1.
Supported Rear Modules
The 8399AR-533 Full Rear Module is required when installing the GPI-8941 in an openGear frame. Each rear
module occupies two slots in the frame and accommodates one card.
There are two male DC-37 terminal block connectors on each rear module. Each DC-37 connector on the rear
module provides thirty-seven pins. Depending on the card model, the pins may be allocated for GPI inputs, GPI
outputs, or a combination.
Ensure to use only the supplied back-shells (Ross part number 30-01038) with a back-shell maximum thickness
of 0.645" (16.4mm).
Table 3.1 LEDs on the Card-edge
LED Color Display and Description
PWR
Green When lit green, this LED indicates that the card is functioning normal
and that no anomalies have been detected.
Flashing Green When flashing green, this LED indicates the bootloader is waiting for a
software upload.
Flashing Green
and Orange
When lit green with flashing orange, this LED indicates there is a signal
error, such as a missing or invalid input or reference.
Orange When lit orange, this LED indicates the card is powering on.
Red When lit red, this LED indicates the card is not operational.
Off When off, this LED indicates there is no power to the card.
ETH
Green When green, this LED indicates that network communication is
occurring.
Off When off, this LED indicates there is no network connection to the card.
CAN
Flashing Green When flashing green, this LED indicates that CAN Bus traffic is
occurring.
Off
When off, this LED indicates there is no communication between the
card and the MFC-OG3-N or MFC-OGX-N via the CAN Bus in the
openGear frame.
RS485
Flashing Green When flashing green, this LED indicates that serial communication is
occurring.
Green
When green, this LED indicates that the GPI485 is selected as the
protocol and the communication is normal.
When green, this LED indicates that Port Test is selected as the protocol
and will be unlit when a character is received.
Red When red, this LED indicates there are no valid GPI485 protocol
messages.
Flashing Red When flashing red. this LED indicates there are valid messages but no
data for the cards groups are being received.
Off When off, this LED indicates there is no serial communication to the card
and None is selected as the Serial protocol.

GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0) Hardware Overview • 19
For More Information on...
• the number of GPI inputs and outputs for your card, refer to Ta ble 2.1.
• cabling the GPI inputs and outputs, refer to the chapter “GPIO Cabling” on page 23.
• reference cabling, refer to the chapter “Reference Cabling” on page 31.
• serial cabling, refer to the chapter “Serial Cabling” on page 33.

20 • Hardware Overview GPI-8941 Series User Guide (v9.0)