Specifications

Sicon-8 Technical Manual CircuitWerkes, Inc.

Sicon-8 Rear Panel

Power: The Sicon-8 accommodates power from 100 - 240VAC at 50/60Hz.

SX-8: This RJ-45 jack is used to connect SX-8 expansion chassis to the Sicon-8. Up to 3 SX-8 expanders can be added to the Sicon-

8, bringing the total number of available channels to a maximum of 32. SX-8 expanders should only be added or removed when the

Sicon-8 is un-powered. When the Sicon-8 is powered back up, SX-8 expanders are automatically detected.

RS232: Serial connection for direct connection to PC. Also used for firmware upgrades and/or connecting to an X10 brand model CM-

17a or equiv X-10 transmitter.

JP605- Serial cable type: Jumpers to set the RS-232 cable type (Normal or Null Modem). This 2x3 set of

jumpers must be set in pairs with the jumpers horizontal to the plane of the PCB. When both jumpers are set

to the left, a standard serial cable is selected. When set to the right, a null modem cable is selected.

X10: Connects to a Powerhouse model PL513 (or equiv) X10 transmitter for more control. Note: Not for Telephone Use.

USB: onboard USB-serial adapter. Shares with the standard serial port, disables main serial port when plugged in. Appears as a

new serial port when connected to your PC (after installing the driver). The USB driver is part of the installation CD package. NOTE: If

your system assigns USB/serial ports above port 16, you must manually set them below port 16 for the software to detect the port.

Metering: Analog inputs with range of -12 to +12VDC. Auto-ranging and semi-auto-calibrating.

Status: Normally open; Sink these inputs to ground for Sicon-8 detection. Can be powered by internal 5V supply or driven from

external supply of up to 24Vdc.

Ch8 Sel (JP-514): Selects Channel 8 Status input mode. When the jumper is set for “SRC”, you supply a Voltage to 8+ status input to

turn it on. When it is set for “Sink” you ground the 8- terminal to activate the channel 8 status input. Do not simultaneously jumper both

“SRC” and “Sink”. Leave the unused terminal floating when either position is jumped. When both jumpers are off, the input is floating

& you supply a Voltage + and – to turn on the input.

Pwr Sel (JP-517): Selects Status Inputs Power mode. When “Int” is jumped all status optocoupler inputs are powered by the internal

Sicon-8 5V power supply. When the jumper is set to “Ext”, you can supply up to 24V of external power to drive the status inputs. Note:

Your External power supply’s ground must be connected to the Sicon-8 ground for this to work.

Stat Pwr (JP-525): This is a 3-terminal depluggable connector with a ground, a +5V output and the external power input for driving

status inputs. The +5V output and ground can be used to drive external devices like temperature probes. The “ext” input and ground

let you connect an external power supply for driving the status inputs. See also JP-517 above.

Telco: RJ-11 connector for on-site telephone line.

Audio Out: Audio from the telephone line appears at this balanced, 1/4” jack for possible use as emergency audio feed to transmitter.

Audio In: Allows external audio (such as off-air monitor) to be fed to the phone line (Bal. 1/4” jack).

Safety Information

WARNING!

Serious injury or death can occur if a command channel is activated while you are performing

maintenance on your equipment. If you are performing maintenance on your equipment, you should press the

REMOTE/LOCAL button on your Sicon-8 to switch into Local mode. The LED indicator changes to a flashing red. Local mode

prevents the unit from issuing command outputs. All metering and status information is still available to remote software users, but the

Sicon-8 won't accept incoming telephone calls until a user programmed number of rings (default = 20

ring) and will not accept any