Durand Interstellar, Inc. Switch-4 Instruction Manual

Switch-4

MIDI and RS-232 Versions

PC Board Revision 1

January 14, 2011

Instruction Manual

tel: [phone], USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886

Durand Interstellar, Inc.

219 Oak Wood Way

Los Gatos, California 95032-2523

www.interstellar.com

Table of Contents

Table of Contents.................................................................................................................i

Intended Use.......................................................................................................................1

Specifications......................................................................................................................2

Mounting.............................................................................................................................3

Wire Connections................................................................................................................4

Testing.................................................................................................................................6

Standard Commands...........................................................................................................7

Customizing the Switch-4...................................................................................................8

California Proposition 65 Warning.....................................................................................9

Warranty............................................................................................................................10

Intended Use

The Switch-4 interface will allow up to four switch inputs to send commands to a
host device (such as a PC running ShowMan, a Mac running QLab a lighting
control board, a PLC, or other musical or digital equipment). The Switch-4 is
offered in MIDI and RS-232 versions with customization available.

Since the data sent by the Switch-4 has no error checking, it should not be
used to control anything that might be damaged or cause injury if the
wrong data is received.

The Switch-4 is designed to be continuously powered, typical power use is about
1/10th of a Watt so it meets all energy conservation requirements.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

The only user serviceable parts inside are the screw terminals. Re-attach the
cover securely being careful to not bend the LED. Never apply power with the
cover removed.

The latest version of this manual, and any application notes are available from
our support site:

http://interstellar.com/support.html

All of our documentation is in Adobe Acrobat format. Download a free reader
from:

http://www.adobe.com

All trademarks are the property of their owners and are used for reference only.

Specifications

• Width: 3.5” (89mm) including mounting flanges

• Height: 2.5” (64mm)

• Thickness: 1” (25mm)

• Mounting: Two 0.19” (4.8mm) diameter holes on 3” (76.2mm) centers.

• Weight: 2oz (60gm)

• Connections: Screw terminals

• Power supply: 9-24VDC, 50mA max (shorted output cable), normal draw

is about 10mA (varies slightly with model)

• Environmental: 32-100° F (0-40° C), non-condensing humidity

• Switch inputs: Four contact closure or logic level. Active LOW with internal

pullup resistors.

• Debounce: 20mS on both Open and Close.

• Initial Delay: Switches are ignored for about 5 seconds after power up.

• Data output: MIDI Note commands, RS-232 characters, or customized.

• Output Levels: 0V and 5V, current limited.

Note: The RS-232 specification calls for voltage levels of -12V to -3V for
“Mark” but except in very rare cases RS-232 receiver chips allow a “Mark”
to be as high as +0.8V. The Switch-4 uses 0V for “Mark” and should have
no problem working with all modern devices. If you have any concerns, you
may contact us for help in verifying the levels needed for your application.

MIDI operation is fully compliant with the specification and recommended
practices.