Biamp PMX84 PROGRAMMABLE MATRIX SWITCHER, PMX84 User Manual

PMX84

Programmable

Matrix Switcher

Operation Manual

®

Biamp Systems, 10074 S.W. Arctic Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005 U.S.A. [phone] http://www.biamp.com

an affiliate of Rauland-Borg Corp.

PMX84

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Front & Rear Panel Features
Remote Controls
Logic Inputs
Logic Outputs
Configuration - PC Control Software
Computer Control
Applications
Block Diagram
Specifications
Warranty

pgs. 2 & 3
pgs. 4 & 5
pgs. 6 & 7

pgs. 8 & 9
pgs. 10~12
pgs. 13~15
pgs. 16~21

pg. 22
pg. 23

INTRODUCTION

The ADVANTAGE® PMX84 Programmable Matrix Switcher provides eight
inputs and four outputs under microprocessor control, with complete
programmability and remote control of crosspoint switching via infrared, wall­mount panel, logic inputs, and/or computer. Multiple units may be used to
expand input/output capability of the matrix. The PMX84 is extremely versatile,
and ideal for applications such as room combining, zone paging, program
routing, and mix-minus. The PMX84 carries a Five-Year ‘Gold Seal’ Warranty.

PMX84 features include:

♦

eight balanced line inputs with level control & peak indicator

♦

four balanced line outputs with level, patch, & expansion

♦

inputs and outputs provided on plug-in barrier strip terminals

♦

linking of multiple units for increased matrix inputs/outputs

♦

all inputs are assignable to all outputs in any configuration

♦

input/output assignments via ‘on’, ‘off’, or ‘toggle’ switching

♦

up to fifty presets affecting single or multiple inputs/outputs

♦

four remote control ports with location assignable commands

♦

remote control via infrared, wall-panels, switches, or RS-232

♦

sixteen logic inputs for remote control via external switches

♦

logic inputs include combining, override, & default modes

♦

sixteen logic outputs for controlling external circuits or relays

♦

logic output assignments via ‘on’, ‘off’, or ‘toggle’ switching

♦

serial port for programming and/or RS-232 computer control

♦

linking port for combined remote control of multiple units

♦

front panel indicators display input-to-output assignments

♦

PC control software for Windows® 95 & serial cable included

♦

incorporates AES recommended grounding practices

♦

marked and UL / C-UL listed power source

♦

covered by Five-Year ‘Gold Seal’ Warranty

?

After reading this manual, if you have any questions or need technical

assistance, please call Biamp Systems toll-free 1-800-826-1457.

☎

1

FRONT & REAR PANEL FEATURES

output A

input channels

123456 87

output B

input channels

123456 87

output C

input channels

123456 87

123456 87

FRONT PANEL FEATURES

Output Displays: These four LED displays show the various

input/output assignments of the matrix switcher. Each group of
eight indicators will display which Inputs (1~8) are currently
assigned to that Output (A~D).

Inputs 1~8: These plug-in barrier strips provide the balanced line­level inputs to the matrix switcher. For balanced input, wire high to
(+), low to (-), and ground to (
to (+) and ground to both (-) & (

to expand the matrix output capability, wire each source (in
Error Indicator: This indicator will flash when unusable
information has been received via remote control (see Remote

parallel) to the respective input on each PMX84. From the factory,

all Inputs are assigned to all Outputs.
Controls on pg. 4). If an error in transmission/reception of a
command occurs, the Error indicator will flash. The Error Indicator
will also flash continuously whenever an emergency override is
activated (see Override on pg. 3).

Input Trim Controls & +10 Indicators: The Trim controls adjust

gain at the associated inputs to compensate for different signal

levels. For best performance, set Trim so the +10 indicator is

activated only by occasional peaks in signal level. When the +10
Remote Indicator: This indicator will flash when any information
is received via remote control (see Remote Controls on pg. 4). If

indicator lights, 8dB of headroom remains before clipping. When

Trim is centered, input to balanced output level will be unity gain.
the Remote and Error indicators flash simultaneously, this may be
an indication of improper installation. Check location and wiring of
all remote controls.

Outputs A~D: These plug-in barrier strips provide the balanced

line-level outputs from the matrix switcher. For balanced output,

wire high to (+), low to (-), and ground to (
Power Switch & Indicator: When the Power Switch is turned on,
the adjacent indicator will light. When power is turned off, all
current settings will be stored in non-volatile memory and recalled

output, wire high to (+) and ground to (

Signal level will be reduced by 6dB when outputs are unbalanced.

From the factory, all Inputs are assigned to all Outputs.
when power is turned back on.

Patch & Expansion Input: These 3-conductor 1/4” phone jacks

allow insertion of external signal processing at the Outputs, as well

as inter-connection of multiple PMX84s to expand the matrix input

capability. Patch jacks are wired with Tip as send, Ring as return,

and Sleeve as a common ground. They may be used to provide

both input and output for external signal processing devices, such

as remote controls & equalizers. Expansion Input jacks are wired

with Tip as input, Ring as output, and Sleeve as a common

ground. They are used in conjunction with the Patch jacks on

other PMX84s, to increase the number of inputs assignable to the

matrix. For this purpose, Expansion Input jacks are connected to

Patch jacks using 3-conductor 1/4” phone cables (Biamp #909-

0013-00). To combine the inputs of two PMX84s, connect the

Patch jacks of the first unit to the Expansion Input jacks of the

second unit. Both units will provide identical matrix output signals,

with all sixteen inputs being assignable. Additional PMX84s may

be connected in this same fashion, to further increase the matrix

input capacity. External signal processing may still be inserted at

the Outputs, by utilizing the Patch jacks available on the ‘last’

PMX84 in the chain. Signal processing inserted here will affect the

Outputs of all PMX84s in the chain.

output D

input channels

ADVANTAGE PMX84

Programmable Matrix Switcher

error remote power

REAR PANEL FEATURES

ý

). For unbalanced input, wire high

ý

). When using multiple PMX84s

ý

ý

), leaving (-) unconnected.

o

). For unbalanced

2

FRONT & REAR PANEL FEATURES

remote inputs

1234

IR2

IR3

IR2

IR3

gnd

gnd

override PMX link

IR2

gnd

~27V 15VA
50/60 Hz
Class 2 wiring

IR3

IR2

gnd

BIAMP SYSTEMS

Portland, Oregon

an affiliate of Rauland-Borg Corp.

logic outputs

IR3

logic inputsserial port

MADE IN U.S.A.

patch expansion

input

patch expansion

input

Logic Outputs: This 25-pin Subminiature-D (male) connector
provides Logic Outputs 1~16 (pins 1~16 respectively) and a
common ground (pins 17~25). Logic Outputs allow remote control
of external circuits (see Logic Outputs on pg. 8). From the factory,
all Logic Outputs are ‘off’ and access to them is available only
through Configuration (see Configuration on pg. 10). During
Configuration, remote control buttons and Logic Inputs may be
defined to control the various Logic Outputs, utilizing ‘on’, ‘off’,
‘toggle’, and ‘no operation’ commands (see Remote Controls on
pg. 4). Logic Outputs can control relays, indicators, or other
products having logic inputs (such as VSX41 Video Switchers).

level

level

outputs

B

D

level

patch expansion

input

level

patch expansion

input

Override: This plug-in barrier strip terminal provides an

‘emergency’ (override) function. Override operates like a Logic

Input, and is activated when shorted to the adjacent ground (

However, Override maintains a higher priority than any other Logic

Input or remote control button. When Override is released (no

longer shorted to ground), the PMX84 will automatically revert to

its previous settings, and to normal operation. From the factory,

Override is non-functional and may be programmed to perform

functions only through Configuration (see Configuration on pg. 10).

During Configuration, Override may be defined as an individual

input/output assignment, or as multiple input/output assignments

(such as a preset). Override is defined to affect input/output
Logic Inputs: This 25-pin Subminiature-D (female) connector
provides Logic Inputs 1~16 (pins 1~16 respectively) and a
common ground (pins 17~25). Logic Inputs allow remote control
of PMX84 input/output assignment & Logic Output functions via
external circuits (see Logic Inputs on pg. 6). From the factory, all
Logic Inputs are non-functional and may be programmed to

assignments using ‘on’, ‘off’, ‘toggle’, and ‘no operation’ functions.

The Override terminal performs the functions defined for button

#40 on Remote #4. When Override is activated (shorted to

ground), the front panel Error Indicator will flash continuously, and

all Serial Port, PMX Link, Logic Input, & Remote Input 1~4

commands will be ignored.
perform functions only through Configuration (see Configuration on
pg. 10). During Configuration, each Logic Input may be defined as
an individual input/output assignment, or as multiple input/output
assignments (such as a preset). Logic Inputs are defined to affect
input/output assignments using ‘on’, ‘off’, ‘toggle’, and ‘no
operation’ functions. Logic Inputs can be controlled via switches,
contact-closures, active driver circuits, or other products having
logic outputs (such as the ADVANTAGE

®

AGII and DRC 4+4).

PMX Link: This plug-in barrier strip terminal provides a ‘linking’

interface between multiple PMX84s within a system. PMX Link is

a communications bus, which allows Remote Input & Logic Input

commands received by one PMX84 to be ‘shared’ by all PMX84s

in the system. However, the way that each PMX84 in the system

responds to these ‘shared’ commands can be completely different,

as defined during Configuration (see Configuration on pg. 10). To

‘link’ multiple PMX84s, connect the PMX Link and adjacent ground

ý

Remote Inputs 1~4: These plug-in barrier strips accept up to four
optional remote controls (see Remote Controls on pg. 4). Remote
controls may be infrared, wall-mount, and/or customized, and may

) terminals from each PMX84 to the respective terminals on the

(

next PMX84, in a parallel fashion.

received at the PMX84 Serial Port are not included at PMX Link.

be wired up to 2000 feet away from the PMX84. From the factory,
Remote Inputs 1~4 are non-functional and may be programmed to
perform functions only through Configuration (see Configuration on
pg. 10). During Configuration, each remote control button on
Remote Inputs 1~4 may be defined as an individual input/output
assignment, or as multiple input/output assignments (such as a

Serial Port: This 9-pin Subminiature-D (male) connector provides

an RS-232 Serial Port. PC Control Software and a serial cable are

provided (see Configuration on pg. 10). The Serial Port also

allows remote control via computer, or via third-party controllers

which use the RS-232 protocol (see Computer Control on pg. 13).
preset). Control buttons are defined to affect input/output
assignments using ‘on’, ‘off’, ‘toggle’, and ‘no operation’ functions.
Each control button can have different functions assigned to it,
depending upon which Remote Input (1~4) it is received from.
This is an effective way to customize remote control functions for
specific zones or locations.

AC Power Cord: The power transformer provides 27 Volts AC to

the PMX84, and is detachable via a 5-pin DIN connector. The

PMX84 has two internal ‘self-resetting’ fuses (there are no user

servicable parts inside the unit). If the internal fuses blow, they will

attempt to re-set after a short period. However, this may be an

indication that the PMX84 requires service.

A

C

4

level

+10 +10 +10

8

level

level

level

inputs

3

7

level

level

2

6

NOTE: RS-232 commands

1

level

+10

5

level

+10+10 +10 +10

ý

).

3

REMOTE CONTROLS

InfraRed Receiver

External Receiver

(Biamp #909-0030-00)

2 A

4 A

3 A

1 A 1 B 1 C 1 D

2 B

4 B

3 B

2 C

4 C

3 C

2 D

4 D

3 D

5 A

7 A

6 A

5 B

7 B

6 B

5 C

7 C

6 C

5 D

7 D

6 D

ADVANTAGE PMX84

Infrared Transmitter

(Biamp #909-0065-00)

The type and quantity of remote controls are optional for the PMX84. Remote controls affect the individual input/output assignments, as
well as selection of more global ‘preset’ assignments (see Configuration on pg. 10). Remote controls may be added at any time, and do
not require the PMX84 to be modified, opened, or removed from a rack. There are four types of remote controls available: The Infrared
Transmitter, the Infrared Receiver, the Wall-Mount Panel, and the Remote Interface Kit. The PMX84 may also be controlled via switches
(Logic Inputs), computer (RS-232), and various third-party controllers. NOTE: Remote controls come with complete instructions.

Infrared Receiver (Biamp #909-0030-00): The Receiver consists of a black plastic box, containing an infrared
photo detector, an LED indicator, and five screw terminals. To install the Receiver, first take off the front cover
by removing four screws. Mount the Receiver to a wall or other surface, using the two screw holes on the back
cover (screws not included). The Receiver should not be mounted in direct sunlight, or pointed directly at
fluorescent lighting. Receiver performance may be adversely affected by electronic ballasts. For best results,
there should be an unobstructed line-of-sight from Transmitter to Receiver. The Receiver may be wired up to
2000 feet from the PMX84, using 2-conductor shielded cable (not included). Route cable through access hole
on the bottom of the Receiver. Three screw terminals inside the Receiver ("GND", "IR2", & "IR3") correspond to
"Remote Input" terminals on the rear of the PMX84. Connect the cable shield to the "GND" terminals at each
end. Use the two conductors to connect "IR2" to "IR2" & "IR3" to "IR3". Replace the Receiver front cover. The
LED indicator inside the Receiver lights when infrared information is detected. NOTE: The Infrared Receiver
also includes two 'Remote Translator' terminals ("GND" & "XLATE"), which allow remote control of the PMX84
via third-party 'serial' controllers. Complete instructions are included with the Infrared Receiver.

InfraRed Transmitter (Biamp #909-0065-00): The Transmitter is a hand-held controller, which transmits
infrared codes unique to Biamp. Therefore, the Transmitter should not affect any other infrared controlled
equipment (such as TVs or VCRs). Likewise, other infrared controllers will not provide proper control of Biamp
equipment. The Transmitter requires two AAA batteries, which are included with the unit (user installed). The
Transmitter has twenty-eight buttons. Each button is labelled with both a number and a letter, as a generic
button reference. From the factory, remote control buttons are non-functional and may be programmed to
perform functions only through Configuration (see Configuration on pg. 10). During Configuration, each remote
control button may be defined as an individual input/output assignment, or as multiple input/output assignments
(such as a preset). Control buttons are defined to affect input/output assignments using ‘on’, ‘off’, ‘toggle’, and
‘no operation’ functions. Each control button can have different functions assigned to it, depending upon which
Remote Input (1~4) it is received from. This is an effective way to customize remote control functions for specific
zones or locations. By downloading a specific file (‘startup.pmx’) during Configuration, the PMX84 may be
programmed so that each button assigns a specific input to a specific output. Under these circumstances, the
button labelling indicates which input (number) is assigned to which output (letter). (Example: button ‘1 A’
assigns Input 1 to Output A
button ‘4 D’ assigns Input 4 to Output D; etc.). This file does not allow Input 8 to be assigned via the Transmitter.
It is reserved as an ‘emergency/all-call’ input, which can be assigned to Outputs A~D using the Override terminal
(see Rear Panel Features on pg. 3). This file also designates a ‘toggle’ function for the remote control buttons.
This ‘toggle’ function works as a ‘push-on/push-off’ assignment. (Example: pressing button ‘ 7 A’ once assigns
Input 7 to Output A

; pressing button ‘7 A’ again un-assigns Input 7 from Output A; etc.). For best results, there
should be an unobstructed line-of-sight from Transmitter to receiver. The Transmitter will operate up to 30 feet
from a receiver. In addition to the Infrared Receiver described above, receivers are also included on the PMX84
and the Wall-Mount panel (see next page). NOTE: Default button definitions are all ‘no operation’.

; button ‘2 B’ assigns Input 2 to Output B; button ‘3 C’ assigns Input 3 to Output C;

4

REMOTE CONTROLS

Wall-Mount (Biamp #909-0075-00): The Wall-Mount is a "hard-wired" control, which is powered

by the PMX84. There are no batteries to wear out, and it is not easily lost or stolen. The Wall­Mount may be wired up to 2000 feet from the PMX84, using 2-conductor shielded cable (not
included). To install the Wall-Mount, first remove the mounting box from the front panel. Route
the cable through a "knock-out" hole on the rear of the mounting box. Install the mounting box in
a wall or panel. Three screw terminals on the circuit board ("GND", "IR2", & "IR3") correspond to
"Remote Input" terminals on the rear of the PMX84. Connect the cable shield to the "GND"
terminals at each end. Use the two conductors to connect "IR2" to "IR2" & "IR3" to "IR3". Install
the front panel on the mounting box. The Wall-Mount has twenty-eight buttons. Each button is
labelled with both a number and a letter, as a generic button reference. From the factory,
remote control buttons are non-functional and may be programmed to perform functions only
through Configuration (see Configuration on pg. 10). During Configuration, each remote control
button may be defined as an individual input/output assignment, or as multiple input/output
assignments (such as a preset). Control buttons are defined to affect input/output assignments
using ‘on’, ‘off’, ‘toggle’, and ‘no operation’ functions. Each control button can have different
functions assigned to it, depending upon which Remote Input (1~4) it is received from. This is
an effective way to customize remote control functions for specific zones or locations. By
downloading a specific file (‘startup.pmx’) during Configuration, the PMX84 may be programmed
so that each button assigns a specific input to a specific output. Under these circumstances, the
button labelling indicates which input (number) is assigned to which output (letter). (Example:
button ‘1 A’ assigns Input 1 to Output A

; button ‘2 B’ assigns Input 2 to Output B; button ‘3 C’
assigns Input 3 to Output C; button ‘4 D’ assigns Input 4 to Output D; etc.). This file does not
allow Input 8 to be assigned via the Transmitter. It is reserved as an ‘emergency/all-call’ input,
which can be assigned to Outputs A~D using the Override terminal (see Rear Panel Features on
pg. 3). This file also designates a ‘toggle’ function for the remote control buttons. This ‘toggle’
function works as a ‘push-on/push-off’ assignment. (Example: pressing button ‘7 A’ once
assigns Input 7 to Output A

; pressing button ‘7 A’ again un-assigns Input 7 from Output A; etc.).
The red LED will flash whenever the Wall-Mount is transmitting information. The Wall-Mount
includes an infrared detector, which allows it to operate as an Infrared Receiver, as well. The
infrared detector may be disabled via an internal circuit board jumper strap (labelled "IR RECV").
NOTE: Defualt button definitions are all ‘no operation’.

1 A 1 B 1 C 1 D

2 A

3 A

4 A

5 A

6 A

7 A

ADVANTAGE PMX84

Wall-Mount Panel

(Biamp #909-0075-00)

2 B

2 C

2 D

3 B

3 C

3 D

4 B

4 C

4 D

5 B

5 C

5 D

6 B

6 C

6 D

7 B

7 C

7 D

Remote Interface Kit (Biamp #909-0041-00): The Remote Interface Kit allows the user to create a customized control panel, using his
own momentary switches, enclosure, and panel. It can provide up to 40 buttons (12 more than standard remote controls), which are
supported by the PMX84. The Remote Interface Kit is a tested circuit board assembly, which includes two wiring harnesses. The circuit
board connects to the PMX84 in exactly the same way the Infrared Receiver or Wall-Mount does, using 2-conductor shielded cable (not
included), and may be wired up to 2000 feet from the PMX84. The circuit board is 2.27"W by 2.65"H, with four mounting holes (2" centers)
and #6 mounting hardware provided.

5

LOGIC INPUTS

The sixteen Logic Inputs are available on a rear panel 25-pin Subminiature D (female) connector. Logic Inputs allow remote con trol of
PMX84 input/output assignment & Logic Output functions via external circuits, such as switches, contact-closures, active driver circuits,
and/or ‘open-collector’ logic outputs. From the factory, all Logic Inputs are non-functional and may be programmed to perform functions
only through Configuration (see Configuration on pg. 10). During Configuration, each Logic Input may be defined as an individual
input/output assignment, or as multiple input/output assignments (such as a preset). Each Logic Input may also be defined with either an
‘on’, ‘off’, ‘toggle’, or ‘no operation’ function.

Furthermore, Logic Inputs may be assigned in ‘prioritized’ groups (see Global Configuration Screen on pg. 12). There are seven possible
‘priority’ group assignments: A) No Priority (all Logic Inputs at same priority level); B) One Group of Four
Groups of Four (Logic Inputs 1~4 & 5~8); D) Three Groups of Four (Logic Inputs 1~4, 5~8, & 9~12); E) Four Groups of Four (Logic
Inputs 1~4, 5~8, 9~12, & 13~16); F) One Group of Eight (Logic Inputs 1~8); G) Two Groups of Eight (Logic Inputs 1~8 & 9~16). Within
each priority group, the lower numbered Logic Input has highest priority. Logic Inputs are affected by priority only within th ese groups.
Logic Inputs in one group will not have priority over Logic Inputs in another group. Likewise, Logic Inputs assigned to priority groups do not
have priority over Logic Inputs which are not assigned to priority groups. Also, within each priority group there is a ‘fall-back’ function. This
‘fall-back’ function allows a higher priority Logic Input to override a lower priority Logic Input, and then automatically revert to the lower
priority Logic Input when the higher priority Logic Input is released (assuming the lower priority Logic Input is still being activated). Since
Logic Inputs are controlled by switches, contact-closures, etc., each Logic Input is allowed two button definitions (one for sw itch ‘closed’
and one for switch ‘open’). Therefore, button definitions are also available for when certain groups of Logic Inputs are all ‘open’. This is
very effective for creating an additional ‘fall-back’ priority level. For example, when all of the Logic Input 1~4 priority group are ‘open’ (no
paging), a special button definition may be activated which selects a ‘fall-back’ assignment (such as background music).

(Logic Inputs 1~4); C) Two

Logic Inputs may also be set for ‘normal’ or ‘binary’ modes of operation. The ‘binary’ mode reconfigures Logic Inputs 9~12 for ‘room
combining’ applications, utilizing one Logic Input (switch) for each room partition. This supports up to four rooms, with sixteen possible
combinations of ‘open’ or ‘closed’ partitions. Under these circumstances, button definitions are created which perform the appropriate
input/output assignments when specific room partitions are moved (switches ‘opened’). In Binary mode, Logic Inputs 1~8 operate
normally, however, Logic Inputs 13~16 are unused (disabled). Files are available for downloading to the PMX84, which represent typical
uses of Logic Input Priority & Logic Input Mode, for page routing & room combining applications (see Application on pgs. 16~21).

When nothing is connected to a Logic Input, an internal pull-up resistor keeps it at a ‘high’ idle state (+5.0 VDC). The Logic Input is
activated when its input goes ‘low’ (less than +0.8 VDC), and is de-activated when its input goes ‘high’ (greater than +2.4 VDC). A Logic
Input is controlled in one of three ways: 1) Use an NPN style ‘open-collector’ logic output from an external device (such as an AGII
Autogate or DRC 4+4 Digital Remote Control) to short the Logic Input to ground. 2) Use a switch, relay, or other contact-closure (such as
from a third-party controller) to short the Logic Input to ground. 3) Use an active TTL output driver circuit (such as from a third-party
controller) to actively drive the Logic Input to a ‘high’ or ‘low’ state.

Multiple contact-closures or ‘open-collector’ logic outputs or may be wired in parallel to a single Logic Input (see diagrams on next page).
Likewise, a single contact-closure or ‘open-collector’ logic output may be wired in parallel to multiple Logic Inputs. In some circumstances,
a diode matrix may be necessary to isolate multiple switches which are controlling similar groups of Logic Inputs. However, these
circumstances may be rare, since each individual Logic Input may be defined to perform multiple funtions. Logic Outputs and contact­closures should be rated for at least 5 Volts / 1mA operation. Low-current / dry-contact closures are recommended for reliability. Active
output driver circuits should not exceed a signal range of 0~5 Volts DC, and should have a minimum pulse width of 100 milli-seconds.
Logic Input impedances are approximately 10k ohms.

6

LOGIC INPUTS

13 1

25 14

multiple switches to single Logic Input

13 1

25 14

single switch to multiple Logic Inputs

13 1

25 14

multiple switches to multiple Logic Inputs (diode isolation)

13 1

25 14

logic inputs pin numbers

logic inputs

logic #1~16

ground

pin #1~16

pin #17~25

7