Beijer Electronics RBC User Manual

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RBC

User’s Guide

MAEN986C, 2012-05

English

Foreword

RBC Manual

Foreword

The Remote Backlight Controller (RBC) module is a part of the MTe monitor series and of the EPC C2D Nautic series. The main purpose of this module is to enable remote access to some of the monitor parameters or features, especially the backlight.

Supported features are dependant on the device with the built-in RBC module. Dimming can be carried out using the buttonson the front, or remotelyby

interpreting SCOM commands received from the RS232, RS485 or USB interface. The internal ﬁrmware manages all software tasks includingthe SCOM command handling.

This manual describes the features, the conﬁguration and the usage of the RBC module.

Order no: MAEN986C

The information in this document is subject to changewithoutnoticeandisprovidedasavailableatthe

time of printing. Beijer Electronics AB , including all its group companies, reserves the right to change any

information without updating this publi catio n. Beijer Electronics AB assumes no responsibility for any

errors that may appear in this document.

All examples in this document are only intended to improve understanding of the functionality and

handling of the software. Beijer Electronics AB cannot assume any liability if these examples are used in real

applications.

In view of the wide range of applications for this software, users must acquire sufﬁcient knowledge themselves

in order to ensure that it is correctly used in theirspeciﬁcapplication. Persons responsible for the application

and the equipment must themselves ensure that each application is in compliance with all relevant

requirements, standards,and legislation in respect to conﬁguration and safety. BeijerElectronics AB will

accept no liability for any damage incurred during the installation or use of this software. Beijer Electronics

AB prohibits all modiﬁcation, changes,orconversionofthesoftware.

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Contents

1 Hardware ................................................................ 4

1.1 Interfaces .........................................................

1.1.1 COM A and COM BPinConﬁguration ........................

1.1.2 BuzzerIn/Out Pin Conﬁguration ......... ......................

1.1.3 Power RemotePinConﬁguration .............................. .

1.1.4 USBInterface .................................... ................

1.2 DIP Switches .....................................................

1.2.1 Accessingthe DIP Switches ................... ...................

1.2.2 SerialModeDIPSwitchSettings ......... ......................

1.2.3 MonitorAddressDIP SwitchSettings ...........................

1.2.4 Example ........ .................................................

2 Firmware ................................................................. 10

2.1 Firmware Conﬁguration ... .....................................

2.1.1 UsingSoftware Settings InsteadofDIPSwitches ...............

2.1.2 RemoteControl ........................... ......................

2.1.3 Default Brightness ................... ............................

2.1.4 Startup BrightnessMode ............ ............................

2.1.5 Keypress Mode ........................................... .......

3 Operation ................................................................ 13

3.1 RBC Driver ......................................................

3.1.1 SystemRequirements ............................................

3.1.2 DriverInstallation ........................................ .......

3.2 SCOMProtocol .................................................

3.3 Dimming .........................................................

3.3.1 RemoteDimming .......... .....................................

3.4 BuzzerIn/Out ....................................................

3.5 RemotePowerOut ..............................................

3.6 AdditionalSoftware .............................................

3.6.1 RBC Router ......................... ............................

3.6.2 RBC RouterConﬁguration ......... ............................

3.6.3 RBC Viewer .............................................. .......

4 MTe Monitor Ports Drawing ........................................... 23

5 Troubleshooting ......................................................... 24

6 7

11 11

13 13

16 16

19 19 20

20 22

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1 Hardware

An RBC module is a built-in part of an EPC C2D Nautic or an MTe monitor. Supported features depend on the device.

Component Function Description Device support

4 DIP switches Monitor addressing Monitor Address DIP

Switch Settings

3 buttons Poweron/off

Dimming control

Buzzer Buzzer Buzzer In/Out EPC C2D Nautic

Internal USB interface

COM A interface

COM B interface

Buzzer in/out Buzzer control BuzzerIn/Out MTemonitor

Power remote button

Internal 4–port USB

2.0 hub

DIP switch Serial mode Serial Mode DIP Switch

* In order alter the DIP switches to change the default address of the EPC C2D Nautic, the housing has to be opened.

USB connection USB Interface EPC C2D Nautic

RS232/RS485 COM A and COM B Pin

Power on/off f or external EPC Nautic

USB connection USB Interface MTe monitor

Dimming EPC C2D Nautic

Conﬁguration

Remote Power Out MTe monitor

Settings

EPC C2D Nautic*

MTe monitor

Hardware

DIP Switches

Accessing the DIP Switches

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Related information

1.1 Interfaces

Related information

MTe Monitor Ports Drawing

1.1.1 COM A and COM B Pin Conﬁguration

The COM A and COM B ports are 9 pin D-SUB female ports.

54321

9876

RS232 Mode

Pin Designation Function Pin Designation Function

1 +5 V +5V 6 – Not connected

2 TxD Transmit data 7 – Not connected

3 RxD Receive data 8 – Do not connect

4 – Not connected 9 GND Ground

5GND Ground

Hardware

RS485 Mode

Pin Designation Function Pin Designation Function

1+5V +5V 6 – Notconnected

2 485+ Differential signal 7 – Not connected

3 – Do not connect 8 485– Differential signal

4 – Do not connect 9 GND Ground

5 GND Ground

Note:

The different pins of COM A and COM B are hard–wired to each other. This means that using both interfaces at the same time is only allowed in RS485 mode. In RS232 mode only one interface can be used.

Note:

In RS485 mode the switchingfrom receiving to transmitting and back must be performed very fast (typical 20 µs). NotallCOM ports or adapters support such a speed. Make sure that the hardware used is fast enough.

Related information

Serial Mode DIP Switch Settings

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Hardware

1.1.2 Buzzer In/Out Pin Conﬁguration

There is a buzzer integrated in the front behind the front foil. Itcan be turned on or off by a SCOM compatible RBC software command.

It can also be activated by the buzzer-in hardware input according to the following table.

The resulting buzzer-in signal is evaluated by an OR operation on the signals from software and hardware.

Buzzer-out is a relay contact parallel to the integrated buzzer that can be used to switch an external signal device.

The buzzer-in and -out can be connected to the 4-pole Phoenix connector:

1 4

Pin Designation Function

1, 2 Out Buzzer-out, NO-contact, max. load 1 A @ 24 V DC

3 In Buzzer-in, +24 V DC

4 In Buzzer-in, ground

Related information

Buzzer In/Out

1.1.3 Power Remote Pin C onﬁ guration

Remote power out is a relay contact that is closed after the power button on the front side is pressed for more than one second. Itis opened after the button is released. Withthe remote power out signal, it is possible to switch an external Beijer Electronics EPC Nautic on and off. TheEPC hasa corresponding ATX power remote input. To use this function, connectthe double-pole Phoenix connector to the corresponding connector on the EPC.

Pin Designation Function

1, 2 Out RemotePower, NO-contact

To be connected to a Beijer Electronics EPC power remote input.

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Hardware

1.1.4 USB Interface

TheUSBinterfaceoftheRBCmodulecannotbeaccesseddirectlybyaplug. In an EPC, the USB interface is built-in and internally connected to the USB root

hub of the PC. This means that if the PC is running, the USB interface is always accessible.

In an external MTe monitor,the USB interface is accessible if the monitor is connected to the PC by a USB cable. Indetail a 4-PortUSB 2.0 hub is accessible to which the RBC module and other monitor components are connected.

If an MTe XXX E (Ethernet) is connected by an Ethernetcable to a PC, the RBC is accessible as a USB device too, because a virtual USB connection exists using the Ethernet hardware.

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Hardware

1.2 DIP Switches

The DIP switches can be used to adjust the mode of the serial interfaces as well as the monitor address.

The four DIP switches that areused to set addresses entails setting 16 binary addresses (0–15) This makes it possible to connect up to 16 monitor for example via the RS485 interface. It is possible to ignore the DIP switch settings; instead using software settings for address and serial mode and assigning up to 240 different monitor addresses in 15 different groups.

With the default setting, all DIP switches are OFF, which means that the monitor is set with address 0 in RS232 mode.

Related information

Using Software Settings Instead of DIP Switches

1.2.1 Accessing theDIP Switches

TheDIPswitchesareplacedontheRBCmodule,thatisabuilt-inpartofanEPC C2D Nautic or an MTe monitor.

MTe Monitor DIPSwitches

The DIP switches onthe MTe Monitor are located next to the COM ports and are available from the outside of the device.

EPC C2D Nautic DIP Switches

To access the DIP switches that are located on the RBC module of the EPC C2D Nautic,the housing has to be opened according to the steps below.

Note:

Inside the EPC there are electronic components which can be destroyed by electrostatic charges. Therefore cautionary measures have to be taken from the moment the EPC is opened. These can be found in the guidelines for electrostatic endangered components (EGB-guidelines).

Disconnect the EPC from the powersupply.

Warning:

Make sure that your electrostatic p ad does not damage the front panel of the EPC.

Loosen the screws of the left part of the back cover(the partwith the fan) using a 2.0 mm Allen key.

After removing the screws, the enclosure can be easily opened. Be careful with the cables connected to the fan.

Locate the DIP switches on the RBC module, positionedat the opposite side from the communication ports.

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Hardware

Make the desiredDIP switch settings.

Replace the back cover.

1.2.2 Serial ModeD IP Switch Settings

DIP switch 5 is used to set COM A and COM B in RS232 or RS485 mode.

Mode DIP switch 5

RS485 ON

RS232 (default) OFF

1.2.3 Monitor AddressDIP Switch Settings

DIP switches 1–4 are used to set the monitor addresses.

Address DIP switch 1 DIP switch 2 DIP switch 3 DIP switch 4

0 OFF OFF OFF OFF

1 ON OFF OFF OFF

2 OFF ON OFF OFF

3ONONOFFOFF

4 OFF OFF ON OFF

5 ON OFF ON OFF

6 OFF ON ON OFF

7ONONONOFF

8 OFF OFF OFF ON

9ON OFFOFFON

10 OFF ON OFF ON

11 ON ON OFF ON

12 OFF OFF ON ON

13 ON OFF ON ON

14OFFONONON

15 ON ON ON ON

1.2.4 Example

12345

This example sets the address to 5 and the mode to RS232.

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Firmware

2Firmware

The internal ﬁrmware is responsible for all software tasks running on the RBC module, especially the SCOM command handling, USB, RS232 and RS485 support and keyboard evaluation.

The ﬁrmware is stored in a non-volatile memory in the controller and can be updatedbyourserviceteamonly.

2.1 Firmware Conﬁguration

The tool RBCFrmConﬁgurator.exe, a part of the Monitor Control Center, can be used to change some ﬁrmware properties, in order to ﬁt the user’sneeds. All settingsarestoredinaninternalnon-volatilememory. Thesettingsareonlyread once at power on or reset. This means that runtime changes are valid after the next restart.

If an RBC module is connected immediatelyto thePC where the Conﬁgurator is running, the RBC Router must not be running. This is the case if using an RS232, RS485 or USB connection.

If the RBC module to be conﬁgured is connected immediately to another PC, the RBC Router must be running on that PC. The two PCs have to be connected by a RS232, RS485 or Ethernet cable.

ThecorrectinterfaceandthecorrectaddressoftheRBCmodulehastobeselected in everycase. Only if both are correct, the conﬁguration will be successful.

The following properties can be conﬁgured:

Note:

The delivered software is for Windows operating systemsonly. Itwas written for Windows XP and Windows 7. The software needsto access interfaces like COM ports a n d USB. Therefore the software needs to be run as administrator otherwise it will not function correctly. If the user is not logged in as administrator, the Windows tool "runas" can be used. The disadvantage of "runas" is that administrator and password must be known. There are commercial tools on the market where these inputscan be set once by the administrator resulting in that the software thereafter can be run with administrator privileges by any user.

Firmware property

Using Software Settings Instead of DIP Switches

Remote Control

Default Brightness

Startup Brightness Mode

Keypress Mode

There are some additional properties that can be used by authorized users only.

Related information

RBC Router

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Firmware

2.1.1 Using SoftwareSettings Instead of DIP Switches

The DIP switches can be used to adjust the mode of the serial interfaces as well as the monitor address. Bydefault, DIP switch settings are used.

Alternatively, it is possible to ignore the DIP switch settings; instead using software settings for address and serial mode. DIPswitches allow addresses from 0.0 (Group.Address)to 0.15, i.e. 16 different addresses, always in group 0. Software settings allow addresses from 0.0 to 14.15, i.e. 240different addressesin 15 different groups.

Make sure to use every monitor address in a network only one time.

2.1.2 Remote Control

TheRemoteControlfeaturespeciﬁesifthemonitorshouldbeabletocontrol the backlight brightness of other monitors (default) or not. Ifremote controlis enabled, all monitors to be controlled must be reachable. That means that exactly one monitor can be connected using the RS232 interface or several monitors can be connected using the RS485 interface. Another possibility is to connect this monitor to a PC (using RS232, RS485 or USB) where the RBC Router is running. Depending on the conﬁguration of this RBC Router,it is possible to control a ll connected monitors.

If only one of the dimmer buttons is pressed, the remote control command is transmitted whenthe button is released. Ifboth di mmer buttons are pressed, the command is transmitted after one second, if conﬁgured.

Related information

Remote Dimming

Keypress Mode

2.1.3 Default Brightness

TheDefaultBrightnesscanbeusedaskeypressbrightnessorasstartupbrightness after power on or reset. The range is from 0 (darkest) to 255 (brightest).

Related information

Keypress Mode

Startup Brightness Mode

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Firmware

2.1.4 Startup BrightnessM ode

The Startup Brightness Mode speciﬁes backlight brightness after poweron or reset, in one of the following ways:

• darkest (0)

• brightest (255)

• default brightness

• last brightness before power off

By changing the Default Brightness, it is possibleto start the device with any brightness in the allowed range of 0 to 255.

Related information

Default Brightness

2.1.5 Keypress Mode

The Keypress Mode speciﬁes the behavior of the backlight brightness after both dimmerbuttonsarepressedatthesametimeforonesecondorlonger,inoneof the following ways:

• none (no change i n brightness)

• darkest (0)

• brightest (255)

• default brightness

• last SCOM brightness, set by the latest received SCOM brightness command

When last SCOM is speciﬁed, the brightness is set to the same value as last received SCOM brightness command did. It is useful if meanwhile the brightness was changed to another value by pressingone of the dimmer buttons on the front.

Related information

Default Brightness

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3Operation

3.1 RBC Driver

The RBC hardware is based on a Microchip Technology Inc. controller supporting USB. Microchip provides a General Purpose USB Windows driver which is used t ogether with the RBC module. Thecurrent version is v1.0.0.6 of January 4th, 2008.

3.1.1 System Requirements

Microchip’s General PurposeUSB Windows driver supports the following operating systems:

Supported operatingsystems

Windows 2000 Windows Vista

Windows Server 2003 Windows Vista 64

Windows XP Windows 7 (32-bit)

Windows XP 64

Operation

3.1.2 Driver Installation

Theﬁrsttimeamonitorisconnecte hardware is automatically detec

The New HardwareWizard leads you through the driver installation in the following steps:

d to a USB interface on a PC, the new

ted.

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In the ﬁrst window select No, not this time, and click Next.

Operation

Select Install from a list or speciﬁc location (A

dvanced),andclickNext.

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Select the path to the driver, and click Next.

Operation

On the MTe/EPC C2D Nautic Driver and Documentati is located at (CD-ROM):\EPC_C2D_Nautic_PC\M

onitorControlCenter\

rbcdriver_windows.

The installation is now running.

Click Finish. The hardware can be used now,as displayed in the new message.

on CD, the driver

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Operation

3.2 SCOM Protocol

The implemented SCOM Protocol is designed for remote controllingof different devices over different kinds of interfaces. It is based on, and compatible with, the “SCOM Protocol”(Originally developed by Hatteland). Besides the standard command set, theimplemented SCOM Protocol includesa rich set of special purpose com mands for extended remote controlling options. The manual MAEN993 shows all SCOM commands supported by the RBC series. The SCOM Protocolis extended with these special features, without affecting compatibility with other SCOM devices. Some of the major extensions are:

• USB support

• Special purpose command set available with the new SCOM command

“LAU”.

• Extended address ﬁeld functionality, which enables device grouping, allowing

a total count of 240 devices in a network (15 groups, 16 devices in each group).

Many examples in different programming languages are available on the MTe/EPC C2D Nautic Driver andDocumentation CD, showing how to implement SCOM commands in customer programs. The RBC Samples are also available in the MonitorControl Center after installation.

3.3 Dimming

The monitor can be dimmed in different ways. The typical way is to use the dimmer buttons on the front of the monitor.

Button Instruction Description

Press - (brightness down) on the dimmer button (single step or automatic repeating after one second)

Press + (brightness up) on the dimmer button (single ste p or automatic repeating after one second)

Press + and - simultaneously for more than one second

The dimmer buttons can be disabled and enabled by a SCOM compatible RBC software command (POT). All supported SCOM compatible commands are described in the SCOM Protocol on RBC manual.

TheRBCmoduleofferstheremotedimmingaswell,usingtheserialport,aUSB port or Ethernet.

Related information

Firmware Conﬁguration

SCOM ProtocolonRBC Manual MAEN993x

Makes the display darker

Makes the display brighter

Tu r n s o n fu l l brightness quickly (default - this may be conﬁgured)

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Operation

3.3.1 Remote Dimming

The Remote Dimming feature allows building local networks of connected monitors where any m onitor can control the backlight brightness of any other monitor. If the Remote Control feature of a single monitor is not enabled, this monitor cannot control other monitors, but it can be controlled by other monitors.

The following examples show some possible types of monitor networks. The PC showninsomeoftheexamplescanhaveadisplaywithanRBCmoduleaswell. The built-in monitors have an internal USB connection to the PC and do not support RS232 or RS485.

Make sure to use every monitor address in a network only one time.

Point-to-Point

Two monitors can control each other, if they are connected via RS232.

Multiple Monitors

More than two monitors can be connected and control each other via an RS485 bus.

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Operation

USB Network

Several monitors can control each other if they have a USB connection to the same PC. To enable this feature, the RBC Router must run on the PC, and USB output must be enabled.

Local Universal Network

Several monitors can control each other if they have any of the supported connections RS232, RS485 or USB to the same PC. To enable this feature, the RBC Router must run on the PC, and RS232 output, RS485 output or USB output must be enabled.

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Operation

Global Universal Network

Several monitors in different local networkscan control each o ther if they are connected via Ethernet, RS232 (only two PCs per connection) or RS485. To enable this feature, the RBC Router must run on every PC, and RS232 output, RS485 output, USB output and Ethernetinput must be enabled.

Note:

If the brightness is changed at different monitors at almost the same time, every change creates a command. The last command in the network will ﬁnallycontrol the brightness of all reachable monitors. Withmanycommandswithshorttime-laginthe network,andifitisconﬁgured to return answers,mistakes may occur.

3.4 Buzzer In/Out

There is a buzzerintegrated in the front behind the front foil. The buzzer can be activated by a hardwareinput, or be turned on or off by a SCOM compatible RBC software command.

The resulting buzzer-in signal is eva from software and hardware. All s described in the SCOM Protocol o turning the buzzer on or off for

luated by an OR operation on the signals

upported SCOM compatible commands are

n RBC manual. The software command allows

a single monitor or for all reachable monitors

(broadcast). The buzzer-out signal can be inﬂuenced only indirectly by setting one of the

buzzer-in signals.

Related information

Buzzer In/Out Pin Conﬁguration

MTe Nautic Installation Manual MAEN983x

SCOM ProtocolonRBC Manual MAEN993x

3.5 Remote Power Out

The remote power out is a pure hardware signal and cannot be inﬂuenced by software.

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Operation

3.6 Additional Software

Note:

3.6.1 RBC Router

The RBC Router is a servicethat handles SCOM commands. It is a part of the Monitor Control Center. The task of the RBC Router in general is to receive SCOM commands from input interfaces and transfer them to the output interfaces. Additionally, the output interfaces are scanned for answers or for new commands which are transferred to other monitors or interfaces. A typical new command is the brightness command transmitted from a monitor just controlling other monitors. The conﬁguration of the input and output interfaces and the selection of different options can be determined by a conﬁgurator. TheRBC Router can be started and stopped using the Monitor Control Center.

IftheRBCFirmwareConﬁguratorisrunning,itdependsonthetypeof connection to the RBC module if the RBC Router is needed or must not run.

Make sure to use every monitor address in a network only one time.

Related information

RBC Router Conﬁguration

Firmware Conﬁguration

RBC Viewer

3.6.2 RBC Router Conﬁguration

Before starting the RBC Router,it is recommended to make the conﬁguration. The tool RBCRouterConﬁgurator.exe, part of the MonitorControl Center, offers a convenient way for this conﬁguration. ToreduceanyoverheadwhiletheRBC Router is operating, the conﬁguration should exactly ﬁt the customers needs. The input interfacestypically specify connections to other PCs or supervising PCs. The output interfaces typically specify connections to RBC modules,allowing only enabling of the interfaces in use.

Additional options allow

• returning answers from output to input interfaces

• forwarding (brightness) commands from one output to all output interfaces

• forwarding (brightness) commandsfrom one output to all input interfaces

• searching for non-Beijer Electronics/Lauer devices

• specifying the highest monitor address in use

• specifying the time-out for answers

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• specifying the time-out for clearing the answer buffer

The RBCRouterConﬁgurator must be called on the same PC wherethe RBC Router is running. Changes made by the RBCRouterConﬁgurator will be valid only after a restart of the RBC Router.

Operation

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Operation

3.6.3 RBC Viewer

The tool RBCViewer.exe, part of the MonitorControl C enter, offers a convenient way to show all monitors connected to a PC. All reachable monitors are shown, independent of hardware connection(USB, RS232, RS485 or Ethernet). The (series) name, the address and the type of hardware connection is shown for each connected monitor.

This works only, if a well-conﬁgured RBC Router is running.

Related information

RBC Router

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MTe Monitor Ports D rawing

4 MTe Monitor Ports Drawing

DIP switchesPower remote

Buzzer in/out COM A COM B

OFF

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Troubleshooting

5Troubleshooting

If the monitor detects an e rror, it beeps twiceatstartupandsetsthefactorydefault settings. Any customer settings will be overwritten, and need to be conﬁgured again.

If the delivered software does not function correctly, please consider that the software needs to be r un as administrator.

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Head ofﬁce

Beijer Electronics AB

Box 426

20124Malmö,Sweden

www.beijerelectronics.com / +46 40 358600

Beijer Electronics RBC User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

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