Instruction Manual BCS (Basic Control Structure) Protocol AMX AutoPatch Communication Protocol REV J: 02/06/2013
Contents Contents Introduction to BCS .............................................................................................1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 1 Command String Formats........................................................................................................ 1 General Rules for Using BCS Commands .......................................................................
Contents Precis LT ................................................................................................................................ 35 Precis SD................................................................................................................................ 35 Heritage Systems................................................................................................................... 37 Appendix B – Error Code Reporting..................................................
Introduction to BCS Introduction to BCS This instruction manual is designed for programmers who wish to create their own control programs using the BCS (Basic Control Structure) protocol. BCS is a simple character stream control protocol used by external control devices attached to a number of AMX products, e.g., AutoPatch Matrix Switchers, the HDMI-UTPRO-0808, and Enova DGX 8/16/32 Digital Matrix Switchers.
Introduction to BCS General Rules for Using BCS Commands Command strings typically are not case-sensitive (for exceptions – see “Heritage Systems” on page 37). All command strings must end with the Take command “T” which tells the system to execute the command. “O” is the letter O, not the number zero (0) Entering “X” at any point in a command string cancels the command. A command cannot be canceled after the “T” has been entered. Command strings cannot be edited.
Introduction to BCS Generating BCS Commands Important: We strongly recommend checking Appendix A (page 25) for information about BCS commands specific to your equipment. Not all systems support all BCS commands. Basic and Preset Commands To generate basic and preset BCS commands: 1. Enter commands using the formats from the tables below. Replace the “#”s with the appropriate level, input (source), output (destination), local preset, or global preset number.
Introduction to BCS BCS Command Tables The table below shows BCS command characters (keys) used to generate control commands, their functions, and short function descriptions.
Introduction to BCS Command String Responses When command characters are entered into a terminal emulation program (such as HyperTerminal) and accepted by the system, they are echoed back to the terminal screen one at a time, as they are typed. The complete command has executed successfully when all of the entered characters including the entered Take command “T” appear.
Executing Switches Executing Switches A switch is an active connection between an input (source) signal and one or more output (destination) devices. The signals connected in a switch command are either individual signals or groups of signals coming through the connectors on the rear of the enclosure. When executing a switch, you must specify a level that contains all the signals you want to route (or the switch will execute on the default level, normally 0).
Disconnecting Switches Disconnecting Switches The characters and numbers in a Disconnect command tell the system which input or output to disconnect on which level. Command characters and numbers appear on the screen when the system accepts them. A command string has successfully executed when the entered “T” command appears. If a character or number is not accepted, a different character appears and all or part of the command is not executed. For explanations of other possible responses, see page 5.
Verifying Signal Status Verifying Signal Status Switch status can be checked to confirm that the switch has executed correctly or to confirm correct routing to multiple outputs. Digital output volume status (see page 15) and digital input gain status (see page 18) can also be verified. The characters and numbers in a Status command tell the system which input or output to verify on which level.
Verifying Signal Status Fragmented Status The system may also support fragmented status reporting. (To determine if your system supports fragmented status reporting, see Appendix A which starts on page 25.) This feature must be enabled in XNConnect. If reporting is not enabled, the status result will display empty parentheses: ( ). When fragmented status reporting is enabled, a fragmented status result is indicated by a ( # ).
Executing Presets Executing Presets Presets Overview This chapter provides information for executing local presets and for defining and executing global presets using BCS commands. Presets are not supported on all systems (see Appendix A on page 25). Local Preset A local preset is a predetermined collection of switches (on the same level) to be routed simultaneously. Executing a local preset will affect only those inputs and outputs specified, not the whole system.
Executing Presets To execute a local preset: 1. Enter the Execute Local Preset command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and local preset number(s).
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Adjusting and Verifying Audio For BCS purposes, adjustments to input audio signals are referred to as digital gain adjustments, while similar adjustments to output audio signals are referred to as volume adjustments. Not all systems support digital input gain or digital output volume control. If your system supports these features, adjustments may be made at any time during normal operation.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Adjusting Volume To adjust volume use any of the following three methods: Absolute – adjusts the volume to a specific decibel level Relative – increases/decreases the volume by a specific decibel amount Increment/Decrement – increases or decreases the volume a step Absolute Method The Absolute Method adjusts the volume of an output to a specific decibel level. To adjust an output’s volume to a specific decibel level: 1. Enter the Volume Absolute command below.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Increment/Decrement Method The Increment/Decrement Method increases or decreases the volume of an output by a step. You may need to repeat the command to hear an audible difference. To increase an output’s volume by a step: 1. Enter the Volume Increment command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and output number(s). CL#O#VS+T To decrease an output’s volume by a step: 1. Enter the Volume Decrement command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and output number(s).
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Volume Mute and Unmute Examples BCS Command Action CL0O24VMT Mutes Output 24 on Level 0 CL0O2 4VMT Mutes Outputs 2 and 4 on Level 0 CL0O2:8VMT Mutes Outputs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 on Level 0 CL0O5VUT CL0O11 15VUT Unmutes Output 5 on Level 0 Unmutes Outputs 11 and 15 on Level 0 Verifying Volume Status Note: Multiple levels or outputs cannot be entered in volume status commands.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Adjusting Digital Input Gain For BCS purposes, adjustments to input signals are referred to as digital gain adjustments, while similar adjustments to output signals are referred to as volume adjustments. Not all systems with audio support digital input gain adjustments. Although digital input gain is normally set during installation, if your system supports digital input gain control, gain adjustments can be made at any time during normal operation.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Absolute Method The Absolute Method adjusts digital input gain to a specific decibel level. To adjust digital input gain to a specific decibel level: 1. Enter the Absolute command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and input number(s) and replace the “^^^” with the decibel level (entered as a decimal number; see “General Rules for Audio” on page 12). CL#I#VA^^^T 2.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Increment/Decrement Method The Increment/Decrement Method increases or decreases digital input gain by a step. To adjust digital input gain up a step: 1. Enter the Increment command below. Replace the “#”s with the level and input number. CL#I#VS+T 2. Repeat Step 1 as necessary for additional sources (inputs) that will be routed to the same destination (output). To adjust digital input gain down a step: 1. Enter the Decrement command below.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol 19
Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP This chapter covers information unique to products with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) functionality. For information on general audio functions, see “Adjusting and Verifying Audio” on page 12. AMX AutoPatch products with DSP use BCS commands to make volume adjustments at anytime during normal operation. Balance and tone can also be adjusted at any time using BCS commands.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP Adjusting Balance Note: The examples below assume a default level which is audio or includes audio. If the default level does not include audio, you must enter a level that includes audio. Balance commands tell the output to pan to the left or to the right by a percentage of the total range. Positive percentages pan to the right, and negative percentages pan to the left. To adjust balance for an output: 1. Enter the balance command below.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP Adjusting Equalization Bands BCS commands can be used to adjust the gain of each EQ band for each output to a specific decibel level. Each equalization band is identified by its center frequency and spans one octave (see the chart below for frequency to band number correspondence). The bands are set for a flat response at the factory. The adjustment range is -12 dB to +12 dB.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP Verifying DSP Command Status The status for DSP command settings will display in parentheses ( ). Balance results are a percentage of the pan right (positive number) or pan left (negative number). Gain results for tone bands and for equalization bands are decibel amounts specified as a decimal number to the tenth place without the decimal point. For example, if the result is -480, the decibel level is at -48 or if the result is 65, the decibel level is at 6.5.
Adjusting and Verifying Audio with DSP 24 Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Product Specific Overview This appendix provides an overview of BCS command information that applies to specific AMX products. Product families are listed in alphabetical order; heritage systems follow current products.
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands BCS Quick Reference Chart The chart below lists AMX products (heritage products are not included; see page 37) and indicates which BCS commands in addition to the ones listed on the previous page they support.
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Enova DGX 8, Enova DGX 16, and Enova DGX 32 The Enova DGX 8, Enova DGX 16, and Enova DGX 32 support the following items: General Commands Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Executing local presets – predefined in XNConnect (see page 10); the Enova DGX 8/16/32 supports 64 local presets Defining and executing global presets (see page 11); these products support 64 global presets ICSP SEND_COMM
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Epica-128 and Epica-256 The Epica-128 and the Epica-256 support the following items: General Commands Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Executing local presets – predefined in XNConnect (see page 10); the Epica-128 supports 120 local presets and the Epica-256 supports 60 local presets Defining and executing global presets (see page 11); these products support 64 global presets Audio Command
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Epica DG, Epica DGX 16, Epica DGX 32, and Epica DGX 144 The Epica DG, Epica DGX 16, Epica DGX 32, and Epica DGX 144 support the following items: General Commands Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Executing local presets – predefined in XNConnect (see page 10); the Epica DG and Epica DGX 144 each support 335 local presets, and the Epica DGX 16 and Epica DGX 32 each support 64 local presets De
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands HDMI-UTPRO-0808 HDMI UTPro systems support the following items: General Commands Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Defining and executing global presets (see page 11); this product supports 16 global presets Error Code Reporting (see page 41) ICSP SEND_COMMANDs The HDMI UTPro supports basic BCS commands incorporated into SEND_COMMANDs (up to 1024 characters packaged in a single BCS command)
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Modula and Modula CatPro Modula and Modula CatPro systems support the following items: General Commands Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Executing local presets – predefined in XNConnect (see page 10); these products support 254 local presets Defining and executing global presets (see page 11); these products support 64 global presets Audio Commands (for systems that support digital gain a
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Octaire Octaire systems support the following items: General Commands Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Defining and executing global presets (see page 11); this product supports 64 global presets Error Code Reporting (see page 41) Audio Commands (if system contains audio) If the Octaire routes audio signals, it supports the following audio commands.
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Optima and Optima SD Optima and Optima SD systems support the following items: General Commands Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Executing local presets – predefined in XNConnect (see page 10); these products support 16 local presets Defining and executing global presets (see page 11); these products support 16 global presets Error Code Reporting (see page 41) Audio Commands (for systems
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Precis DSP Precis DSP models support the following items: General Commands and Conditions Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Specific Commands and Conditions If the Level “L” designation is omitted, the command is executed on the audio level.
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Precis LT Precis LT models support the following items: General Commands and Conditions Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Specific Commands and Conditions The Precis LT uses Level 1 for video and Level 2 for audio. To route video or audio signals separately, enter Level 1 for video only or Level 2 for audio only. Precis LT does not recognize Level 0 (L0)as part of a BCS command.
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Precis SD (continued) Audio Commands (for systems that support digital gain and volume control) If the control panel has a Volume Adjust Key, then the system supports the following audio commands: Digital output volume control – absolute, relative, and increment/decrement methods (see page 13) Verifying volume status (see page 15) Muting and un-muting outputs (see page 14) Digital input gain control – absolute, relative, and increment/decrement methods (s
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Heritage Systems Note: If you have a heritage product (a discontinued product, i.e., not listed in the previous pages), refer to this section. Typically, older heritage products use BCS commands similar to the way the 1Y Series does.
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands 8Y-3000 (continued) Audio Commands (for systems that support digital gain and volume control) If the 8Y-3000 supports digital control of audio signals, it supports the following audio commands.
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands Precis (300 MHz) Precis (300 MHz) models support the following items: General Commands and Conditions Executing and disconnecting switches (see page 6 and page 7) Verifying signal status (see page 8) Executing local presets – predefined in XNConnect (see page 10) Specific Commands and Conditions Precis (300 MHz) models with front control panels will accept BCS commands while the panel is locked, but BCS commands cannot be used to unlock the front panel
Appendix A – Product Specific BCS Commands 40 Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Appendix B – Error Code Reporting Appendix B – Error Code Reporting When a command string is entered but not accepted, a different character than the one entered will appear. All of the AMX systems listed in the “Product Specific” Appendix support limited error code reporting (displaying a single character). Advanced systems support error codes numbers (alone or in addition to a single character) if the error code reporting is enabled.
Appendix B – Error Code Reporting Enabling Error Code Reporting Error code reporting can be enabled or turned off with BCS commands entered into a terminal emulation program. To enable error code reporting: 1. Enter $ERR=1! The system responds with V. Note: If the power is cycled, you will need to enable error code reporting again. To turn off error code reporting: 1.
Appendix B – Error Code Reporting Technical Support If this manual has not satisfactorily answered your questions regarding BCS commands, please contact your AMX representative or technical support. Have the system’s serial number ready. The system’s serial number is normally located on the rear of the enclosure. We recommend recording the system’s serial number in an easily accessible location. AMX Contact Information 3000 Research Drive, Richardson, TX 75082 800.222.0193 469.624.8000 Fax 469.624.
Appendix B – Error Code Reporting 44 Instruction Manual – BCS Basic Control Structure Protocol
Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics System Component Information Some of the AMX systems listed in the “Product Specific” Appendix display system information in a splash screen* for diagnostic purposes (see the individual product in the table on page 26 to determine if your system supports diagnostic commands). The information indicates the current status and well-being of the system components.
Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics Verbosity Settings The verbosity (v) settings (v0, v1, v2, v3) correspond to the level of detail that will be displayed, with v0 being the lowest level of detail and v3 being the highest level. Component Identity Settings Detailed information for a single system component can be specified (if the system supports it) by using its identity (i) number setting (i1 through i7) in the following table.
Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics Using BCS to Access System Diagnostic Information Instructions are provided for accessing the lowest level of verbosity for all components and for accessing a specific level of verbosity for a specific component. To access the lowest level of verbosity for all components: 1. Enter ~scr! or ~scrv0i0! Note: Either of these commands provides a “menu” of the identity numbers and their corresponding components (FIG. 2 on page 45).
Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics Splash Screen Examples Following are four examples of splash screen information that could display when different verbosity/component identity settings are specified. Depending on the amount of detail provided, you may need to scroll to see the entire display. All examples provided are for an Epica DG system.
Appendix C – Programmer’s Interface for System Diagnostics Splash Screen Examples (continued) ~scrv3i4! [4:Hardware Boards] detected [switching drivers] count = 4 [mtx driver 1] M21151 144 x 144 driver [revision code] 0x4 [product code] 0xc0 [mtx driver 2] M21151 144x144 driver [revision code] 0x4 [product code] 0xc0 [mtx driver 3] M21151 144x144 driver FIG.
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