instruction manual AMX Lighting PROlink/AXlink Programming Lighting Control
AMX Limited Warranty and Disclaimer AMX Corporation warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for three (3) years from the date of purchase from AMX Corporation, with the following exceptions: • Electroluminescent and LCD Control Panels are warranted for three (3) years, except for the display and touch overlay components that are warranted for a period of one (1) year.
Lighting Sales Information AMX Lighting products are guaranteed to switch on and off any load that is properly connected to our lighting products, as long as the AMX Lighting products are under warranty. AMX Corporation does guarantee the control of dimmable loads that are properly connected to our lighting products. That includes loads correctly chosen, sized and attached to our dimmers or switches under normal power conditions.
Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction ...............................................................................................................1 PROlink ............................................................................................................................. 1 PROlink wall panels ................................................................................................................. 2 Lighting Systems ...........................................................
Table of Contents Setting a Default Level Time .................................................................................................. 19 Setting a Default Ramp Time ................................................................................................. 19 Setting a Default Preset Time ................................................................................................ 20 Enabling a PROlink response ...........................................................................
Table of Contents Setting a Default Level Time .................................................................................................. 29 Setting a Default Ramp Time ................................................................................................. 30 Setting a Default Preset Time ................................................................................................ 30 Enabling AXlink Levels/Responses.......................................................................
Table of Contents iv AMX Lighting PROlink/AXlink Programming
Introduction Introduction The AMX Lighting Control System employs a dual-platform programming system using the Axcess and PROlink software programs to control the dimming of electronic ballasts, incandescent lamps, low voltage track lighting, and a host of new transformers. This manual describes connecting and programming a AMX Lighting system. This section explains PROlink wall panels, programming commands, and lighting curves. This manual refers to AMX Lighting firmware version 2.0 and higher.
Introduction RS-232 AXlink Pack 1 AMX Lighting Controllers Pack 2 AXB-EM232 AXlink PROlink PROlink Touch panel Wall panel PROlink Wall panel FIG. 1 Sample AMX Lighting Control System PROlink wall panels PROlink wall panels are available for direct connection to the AMX Lighting system. PROlink panels do not rely on an AXlink connection. PROlink panels have an internal fixed program that is powered from the PROlink connector on the AMX Lighting controller.
Introduction Reset AXlink device number DIP switch (SW1) Memory Protect PROlink device number DIP switch (SW2) Power PROlink CH5 connector for optional satellite module AXlink CH6 connector for optional satellite module Dry Closure FIG. 2 RDD-DM low-voltage connections and DIP switches The first of a ten pack PROlink system can have one of the 255 AXlink addresses. That means that a single AXlink address can control 60 channels of dimming or an entire PROlink system.
Introduction All this communication takes milliseconds of time. The AXlink buffer sends data to the PROlink buffer, receives commands from the PROlink buffer, receives data from the Axcess Central Controller, and connects AXlink levels to an Axcess Central Controller. Each Central Controller can control over 250 devices on the AXlink control bus. There is a DIP switch on each AXlink device to set the address from 1 to 255. Each AXlink Central Controller can receive 8 levels from a device.
Introduction One way to solve many of these problems is to apply different control curves to each dimmer and to provide a variable low-end cutoff point. A dimming curve is a graphical or electronic representation of the amount of control that must be applied to a dimmer in relation to the dimmer output. It is like a directional map that the controller follows. The amount of control is typically measured in percent; from an Off-state of level 0 to an On-state at level 100.
Introduction 6 AMX Lighting PROlink/AXlink Programming
Pre-Installation Settings Pre-Installation Settings Dry Closures Each AMX Lighting controller has a 9-pin captive screw connector for use as a dry closure input. One connection is for a common ground and the rest are for the eight dry closure inputs. AXlink device number DIP switch (SW1) PROlink pack number DIP switch (SW1) Dry closure inputs 1-8 Common Ground (COM) FIG. 5 Sample dry closure connector The inputs are an open collector pulled up to 5 VDC.
Pre-Installation Settings 3. Connect the four-pin AXlink male connector onto the four-pin female AXlink connector in the AMX Lighting Controller. FIG. 6 shows how to wire the AXlink connector to a Central Controller. PWR + PWR + AXP/TX AXP AXM/RX AXM GND - Central Controller GND AXlink connector FIG. 6 AXlink wiring diagram 4. Power up the AMX Lighting Controller at the circuit breaker panel or push the Reset Button. Configuring and connecting PROlink DIP switch SW2 sets the PROlink pack number.
Pre-Installation Settings +12V +12V PR+ PR+ PR- PR- GND GND PRO-SP8 wall panel Panja Lighting PROlink connector FIG. 7 PROlink wiring diagram Connecting dry closures Eight connections are available for dry contact closures and one common reference point. FIG. 8 shows the standard wiring configuration for the 9-pin dry closure connector. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 C O 8 M 9-pin dry closure connector FIG.
Pre-Installation Settings 2. Disconnect all AXlink and PROlink cables from the controller module. 3. Connect a jumper to the dry contact closures 1 through 8 and to ground as shown in FIG. 9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 C O M 9-pin dry closure connector FIG. 9 9-pin dry closure connector set to default mode 4. Power up the controller and wait for the controller's green status LED to go off after about one minute. 5. At the breaker panel, remove power from the controller again. 6.
Pre-Installation Settings The following tables shows the default low-end settings, default preset time values, default dryclosure presets and factory presets for AMX Lighting: Default Low-End Settings Function Low-end setting Channel 1 LE=0 Channel 2 LE=0 Channel 3 LE=0 Channel 4 LE=0 Channel 5 LE=0 Channel 6 LE=0 Default preset time values Firmware version Function 2.
Pre-Installation Settings Wiring Considerations The following information relates to wiring considerations for a AMX Lighting system. Do not connect power to the device until the wiring is complete. Preparing/connecting captive wires 1. Strip 0.25 inch of wire insulation off all wires. 2. Insert each wire into the appropriate opening on the connector according to the wiring diagrams and connector types described in this section.
Pre-Installation Settings AXlink wiring between multiple devices FIG. 11 shows AXlink wiring between AXlink devices. DEV.#3 DEV.#2 DEV.#1 PWR P+ M- PWR AXP AXM GND PWR P+ AXP P+ AXP M- AXM M- AXM GND GND FIG. 11 Multiple AXlink wiring connections Disconnect the main power to the AMX Lighting controller if rewiring the AXlink cables. PROlink wiring between multiple devices FIG. 12 shows PROlink wiring between PROlink panels and controllers.
Pre-Installation Settings 14 AMX Lighting PROlink/AXlink Programming
Programming Strings Programming Strings Strings A string is a set of values grouped together with single and/or double quotes. Character arrays (strings) are enclosed between double quotes while ASCII strings are enclosed within single quotes. All ASCII strings are character arrays. If an ASCII string needs to be sent with non-ASCII characters, it must first be enclosed in double quotes and then the non-ASCII characters must be delineated with commas.
Programming Strings PROlink Command Structure Sample format: Variables: Send_String , "'LT', 13" • : This is the dimmer number from 1-60 (Any combination of dimmers • : This is the dimmer level percentage 0-100 • : This is the time value, 0-255 in seconds Example: Send_String LTS, "'1L57T3', 13" PROlink response example: C001 LEVEL 57 IN 003 PROlink commands should not be sent while the PROlink buffer is responding to the previous command or a data collision could occur.
Programming Strings There are three special presets in AMX Lighting controllers that have a fixed, non-programmable function. Special preset #255 ramps a preset down; preset #254 ramps a preset up; and preset #253 allows dry closures to record presets. All special presets can be stored and recalled just like the other 128 standard presets. The addition of preset ramping as a preset was most useful for dry closures, giving them the ability to raise or lower lighting levels using simple switches.
Programming Strings To determine if a AMX Lighting level is in the 'UNDEFINED' state you must use the PROlink string command for single dimmer status as described in PROlink - Status section under the heading 'Dimmer status'. The AXlink layer could report a level as FF (all on), but at the same time the PROlink layer has assigned that channel as 'UNDEFINED'; this will make a difference when recording presets. Presets are stored using the PROlink layer, not the AXlink layer.
PROlink Command Structure PROlink Command Structure Setup Commands These commands are used to set the default values and parameters that are typically entered at the startup of the system and not changed. ! For example purposes the is always named 'LTS' and the will be substituted with the ASCII numerals 13. Setting a Default Level Time LT Level Time is the time it takes for a level to change from its present state to a new level when using a Level command.
PROlink Command Structure Setting a Default Preset Time Preset Time is the time it takes for a preset to be recalled. If a preset is stored or recalled without the time value specified (T), it will be recalled or stored using the Default Preset Time.
PROlink Command Structure PROlink remote reboot QQQ The command triggers execution equivalent to start-up or activation of reset button. Syntax: QQQ Setting a Curve A curve is used to match the channel level setting with the dimmer output. A curve can be used to govern the amount of dimming control relative to the level setting allowing for uniform dimming between different loads.
PROlink Command Structure Recording Presets If the value for is not entered, the AMX Lighting controller will use the value specified by the Default Preset Time. The parameter is optional.
PROlink Command Structure Obtaining a Pack Curve status This is the fastest way to see the curves in a pack. The PROlink answer gives the pack number followed by the dimmer curve status starting with dimmer one. Format: Send_String LTS, "'
C', 13" Variables: •
: This is the pack number 1-10 (Only one pack at a time) Example: Send_String LTS, "'1C', 13" PROlink response: CP01: 1, 1, 1, 6, N, N Obtaining All the Pack Curve status This is the fastest way to see the curves in a PROlink system.
PROlink Command Structure Obtaining a Pack Low End Setting status This is the fastest way to see the Low End Settings in a pack. The PROlink answer gives the pack Low End trim status from the selected pack starting with the pack number, followed by the six dimmer channels beginning with dimmer one.
PROlink Command Structure Ramping Dimmers Down The dimmer will continue ramping until the carriage return is sent or until the dimmer reaches level zero or 100. Ramping is best done on the push, while stopping is done on the release of a button.
PROlink Command Structure Ramping a Preset Down The preset will continue ramping until the carriage return is sent or until the new preset is reached. Ramping is best done on the push, while stopping is done on the release of a button. This is the same as AXlink channel command 146 and preset 255.
PROlink Command Structure Setting Group Dimmer Levels If the value for is not entered, the AMX Lighting controller will use the value specified by the Default Preset Time. The parameter is optional. This is the fastest and most reliable way to send multiple dimmers to the same level.
PROlink Command Structure Opening or Releasing a Dry Closure The closure will remain closed until a release is sent. Released closures respond on AXlink with channels 147 to 154 going off.
AXlink Command Structure AXlink Command Structure AMX Lighting Channel Commands Channel commands are available for AMX Lighting firmware version 2.0 and greater. The following table shows the AMX Lighting AXlink programming commands.
AXlink Command Structure Setting a Default Ramp Time Ramp Time is the time it takes to raise or lower the channel or preset from its preset levels to either extreme of level zero or 100%. All ramp commands will use the Default Ramp Time. Individual dimmers cannot have individual ramp rates. The factory default for this value is 6 seconds.
AXlink Command Structure Recording Commands These commands send preset data to the AMX Lighting controller memory chip. All recording and setup commands are stored in non-volatile memory. These commands are also used to store presets, assign presets for dry closure recall, and erase stored presets. Recording Presets If the value for is not entered, the AMX Lighting controller will use the value specified by the Default Preset Time. The parameter is optional.
AXlink Command Structure Operation Commands Operation commands are used for real-time lighting control and setup of scenes prior to programming presets. Recalling Presets If the value for is not entered, the AMX Lighting controller will use the value specified by the Default Preset Time. The parameter is optional.
AXlink Command Structure Ramping All Dimmers Down The dimmers will continue ramping down as long as the channel is on or until the dimmers reach level zero. A 'TO' statement is preferred for this application. Format: AXlink channel 142 Example: PUSH [TP, 114] TO [LTS, 142] PROlink PUSH response: CALL DOWN PROlink RELEASE response: CALL STOP (Ramp all dimmers down) Turning All Channels On The dimmers in pack #1 will go to 100 percent.
AXlink Command Structure Ramping Presets Down The preset will continue ramping down as long as the channel is on or until the preset reaches level zero with all dimmers on PROlink. A 'TO' statement is preferred for this application.
AXlink Command Structure AXlink Buffer Commands All commands that go between the AMX Lighting system and Axcess go into the buffer. AXlink Buffer Commands CREATE_BUFFER Use this within the DEFINE_VARIABLE section of the Axcess program. An example of the Array would be: LTS_BUFFER [#], where CREATE _BUFFER buffers incoming characters from the specified device in the the # is the length of characters in the buffer. specified string array.
AXlink Command Structure AXlink Level Commands (Cont.) DEFINE_CONNECT LEVEL You don't need to CREATE_LEVEL unless you plan to watch or use DIM1. This command links AMX Light- Syntax: ing dimmers to touch panel barDEFINE_CONNECT_LEVEL graphs and other displays.
Appendix A: PROlink vs. AXlink Commands Appendix A: PROlink vs. AXlink Commands The following table lists a comparison of the PROlink and AXlink commands present in areas such as: setup, recording, status, and operations.
Appendix A: PROlink vs.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves There are thousands of different lighting fixtures with unique shapes and styles all designed to do something visibly different with light. Any one of those fixtures in a hundred different locations could produce a different lighting effect. Two identical lights in different locations could produce different reflections and shadows.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves off-state at level 0 to an on-state at level 100. Dimmer output is measured in volts. A graphical representation of a dimming curve is usually the percentage of dimming in relation to the output voltage (RMS) of the dimmer connected to a standard load. AMX Lighting curve changes are implemented by a Send_String command to the AMX Lighting device. The command structure is: "/" ; SEND_STRING LTS, "'1/6',13".
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 13 Basic dimming curve Each curve allows a dimmer to change its output characteristics in relation to the amount of dimming. For example, the standard dimming curve at 50% could make a light brighter than another curve also at 50%. Each AMX Lighting control channel has three dimmer characteristics; AC dimming, DC dimming, and switching. These are the three primary control methods for most lighting systems worldwide.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves The RAD-VDR module uses a combination of the second and third dimmer characteristic to send a variable low-voltage control signal along with a single switched output. This module is commonly used for control of dimmable fluorescent ballasts. Curves can be used for energy saving applications where the high end needs to be trimmed to reduce voltage to the lamps and thereby increase lamp life.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 16 shows the dimmer turning on to level 20 from an off condition. It maintains the level until the dimmer reaches a level above 20%, at which point the dimmer output starts to climb again. Conversely, it will dim down to 20% and maintain that level until it turns off. ! Relay turn on level = 1% ! Dimming Range = 56 - 120 VAC. FIG. 16 Curve 1 with Low End Setting @ 20% Volts RMS FIG. 17 shows the low-voltage output of the RAD-VDR module.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 18 Curve 1 with Low End Setting @ 5%, 10%, and 20% Volts RMS Similar to Curve 1, Curve 2 rolls off at 90% of the top end or about 105 volts maximum. FIG. 19 shows a curve that reduces the maximum output to 90% of maximum to conserve energy. It is also called the 'energy saving curve'. ! Relay turn on level = 1% ! Dimming Range = 0 - 114 VAC. FIG. 19 Curve 2 voltage output in volts RMS FIG. 20 shows the low-voltage output of the RAD-VDR module.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 21 shows the output voltage of a RAD-MC120 dimmer. It has a smooth taper and a cut off point of 25 volts. This curve will shrink incandescent dimming range 25%. ! Relay turn on level = 1% ! Dimming Range = 30 - 115 VAC. FIG. 21 Curve 3 voltage output in volts RMS FIG. 22 shows the output voltage of the RAD-VDR module. The voltage range is from 2.6 to 9.3 VDC when attached to test ballast.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 24 shows the output voltage of the RAD-VDR module. Curve 4 is primarily used for control of Prescolite Intelect Ballast, using the RAD-VDR module. Its range is from 1 to 12 VDC. FIG. 24 Curve 4 Voltage output in volts DC FIG. 25 shows the output voltage of a RAD-MC120 dimmer. It quickly dims the high end and extends the mid-range dimming control with a cut-off at 18 volts. This curve can be useful with two wire dimmable fluorescent ballasts.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 27 shows the voltage output of Curve 6 applied to a RAD-MC120 dimmer. Curve 6 will smoothly dim the high end and extend the low-end range of dimming. This curve can be useful for dimming applications using transformers and requiring a more precise low end dimming range. ! Relay turn on level = 1% ! Dimming Range = 21 - 120 VAC. FIG. 27 Curve 6 Voltage output in Volts RMS FIG. 28 is a plot shows the output voltage of Curve 6 applied to the RAD-VDR module.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 29 Curve 7 Voltage output in Volts RMS FIG. 30 shows the DC output voltage of Curve 7 applied to the RAD-VDR module. It starts at 3 VDC and rises to 12 VDC. FIG. 30 Curve 7 Voltage output in volts DC FIG. 31 shows the output voltage of a RAD-MC120 dimmer. This curve follows the Standard dimming curve (Curve 1) for the first 50% and then levels off to a 50 volts cut-off. This can be used on Advance Mark X ballasts.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 32 shows the output voltage of the RAD-VDR module. The low end starts at 4 volts and slowly rises to 12 VDC. This curve provides precise mid-range dimming. FIG. 32 Curve 8 Voltage output in volts DC FIG. 33 shows the output voltage of a RAD-MC120 dimmer. Curve 9 starts at 70 volts and rises to 120 volts for a dimming range of 40%. This curve can be used to dim some fan motors. Use this curve when very little voltage range can be tolerated.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 35 shows the output voltage of a RAD-MC120 dimmer. Curve A is an alternate version of the Standard dimming curve (Curve 1). It rolls off the high end quickly and extends the dimming range in the middle with a sharper roll off starting at 20% dimming level. ! Relay turn on level = 1% ! Dimming Range = 0 - 120 VAC. FIG. 35 Curve A Voltage output in Volts RMS FIG. 36 shows the output voltage of the RAD-VDR module. Curve A starts at 2 volts and slowly rises.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 37 Curve B Voltage output in Volts RMS FIG. 38 shows the output voltage of Curve B applied to the RAD-VDR module. The turn on voltage is 2VDC and rises to 10VDC. This curve can be used with 0-10 VDC dimming ballasts. FIG. 38 Curve B Voltage output in Volts DC FIG. 39 shows the output voltage of a RAD-MC120 dimmer. This curve starts at the low end at about 20 volts and gently rises to only 113 volts. This curve reduces dimming range by about 20%.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 40 Curve C Voltage output in Volts DC FIG. 41 shows the output voltage of a RAD-MC120 dimmer. Curve D is an alternate version of Curve A. It rolls off the high end slower and extends the dimming range in the middle with a sharp roll off starting at 25% dimming level. ! Relay turn on level = 1% ! Dimming Range = 0 - 115 VAC FIG. 41 Curve D Voltage output in Volts RMS FIG. 42 shows the output voltage of the RAD-VDR module.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 43 shows the output voltage of the RAD-VDR module. This is an incandescent dimmer always on, starting at Level 9. Relay turn on level = 09. The RAD-VDR module will output 12 VDC above Level 09. FIG. 43 Curve N Voltage output in Volts RMS FIG. 44 is an incandescent dimmer, always off. No Level command will turn this dimmer on. Relay turn on level = none. The RAD-VDR module will output no voltage. FIG. 44 Curve O Voltage output in Volts RMS FIG.
Appendix B: AMX Lighting Curves FIG. 46 is the voltage plot of the original Radia MC Series in FDB mode. This is provided for informational purposes only as the current RDD-DM4 does not support FDB mode due to large variety of FDB ballasts. AMX recommends using the RDM-FDB, RDM-FDB2, RDC-HFDB, or RDC-MDM module for 3-wire dimming control of FDB ballasts. FIG.
Appendix C: Troubleshooting Appendix C: Troubleshooting Software Issues The following items address software related technical support issues. The following steps describe the steps necessary to use it in Terminal Emulator mode. Using PASS mode Use with a computer running Axcess software connected to an AXlink master controller, and the AMX Lighting controller connected as an AXlink device.
Appendix C: Troubleshooting Hardware Issues The following items address hardware related technical support issues. You should make sure that AXlink is a unique number. Duplicate AXlink device numbers will cause problems. The same holds true for PROlink pack numbers, they should not be duplicated. Troubleshooting hardware The following table shows the different areas that should be checked if a hardware problem arises. Hardware Checklist To check this Type this, then press Enter.
Appendix C: Troubleshooting AMX Lighting - PROlonl/AXlink Programming 57
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