Eiki A-5 Instruction Manual

Package contents

Item Qty.

Macro Box 1
3 way terminal plug 3
IR emitter 2
Programming cable 1
Software CD-ROM

The latest software is also available for download at:

www.eiki.com

1

Please note:

Because its function can be shared with other equipment in a
system, a DC power supply is not included.

For standalone use, the power supply you use should be
capable of supplying 9 to 16 volts DC at 50mA.

Caution!

Applying in excess of 16 volts will damage the A-5

Eiki A-5

Macro Box

Instruction Manual

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 2

NOTE: This symbol and recycle system apply to EU

countries only and do not apply to countries in othe

r

areas of the world.

Please dispose of this equipment at your local
community waste collection/recycling centre. In the
European Union there are separate collection systems
for used electrical and electronic

p

roducts.

Your EIKI product is designed
and manufactured with high
quality materials and
components which can be
recycled and reused.

This symbol means that
electrical and electronic
equipment, at their end-of-life,
should be disposed o

f

separately from your household

Federal Communication Commission Notice

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the instructions. If such
changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
Model Number : A-5
Trade Name : EIKI
Responsible party : EIKI International, Inc.

A

ddress : 30251 Esperanza Rancho Santa Margarita CA 92688-2132

Telephone No. : 800-242-3454 (949-457-0200)

EIKI A-5

Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

To the System IntegratorR

Thank you for choosing Eiki A-5.
Before commencing installation, please read

these instructions carefully to get the best
results from your A-5.

For your safety

Please ensure that any wiring used to
connect A-5 to other equipment is kept
clear of mains wiring and follows applicable
local wiring codes. Under no
circumstances may an A-5 be connected
directly to power mains.

Power Supply caution

Make sure that the power supply
you are using meets your local
safety regulations and that its
voltage does not exceed 16 volts
DC. Unregulated power supplies
can output voltages that are well
above what is shown on their
label.

V:E1.1

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 3

The Macro Box is a multi-purpose device that can perform a variety of
roles, either singly or in combination.

As a general-purpose interface, it can function as:

• IR receiver

• IR transmitter

• IR repeater

• IR to RS232 converter

• IR to RS485 converter

• RS232 to IR converter

As well, a Macro Box can be easily programmed to store up to 16 separate
Macros or sequences of commands. These commands can consist of any
combination of IR, RS232 and RS485 commands with intervening delays
extending from milliseconds to hours, using up to four separately addressable
timer channels.

Macros can be set to execute from IR commands, RS232 commands or
automatically on power up.

You can combine up to 15 Macro Boxes and/or IR Relay Modules on a common
control bus, with each unit separately addressable.

A Macro Box is ideal for controlling a projector. With most projectors, there
is a delay of anything up to a minute after the projector is switched on before you
can select an input. However, with a Macro Box, a single command to the Macro
Box initiates all necessary projector commands, with delayed operations occurring
in the background. This provides a much smoother user experience, because the
control panel or remote control can be used to do other things while the projector
is warming up. As well, the use of RS232 commands avoids the clumsy toggle
interfaces that are so common with projector IR controls.

Macro send

RS232

RS485

IR

IRBus activity

Power

MacroBox

RS232RS485

Programming

12v DC in IR output ports

IRBus

TxD

CTS

D-

D+

GND

GND

GND

Data

+12v

MacroBox

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 4

How to use a Macro Box

You can use a Macro Box in a number of ways, either singly or in combination.

IR Repeater – pass-through mode.

When a Macro Box receives an IR signal that it does not understand, it will pass
that signal through to its output without taking any action except for modulating
the signal.

Why does it need to modulate the signal?

IR signals, when received from an IR receiver, cannot be used to directly drive an
IR LED. The LED must be driven by a modulated version of the received IR signal,
that is, an IR signal inserted onto a carrier. The Macro Box performs this function.

IR outputs

The Macro Box has eight IR outputs. The same signal will be transmitted from all
eight outputs simultaneously. This is the same as would happen if all devices
were in the same room and used with ordinary remote controls. It does mean you
can’t control two identical devices independently from the same Macro Box.

Another implication of the simultaneous outputs is that, for reliable operation, you
should allow at least 500mS between commands for different devices so that
each device’s silence period is observed. See the following section for more about
silence periods.

IR

receiver

IR

remote

IR LED

Macro Box

Modulato

r

IR

device

Modulated

IR data

Unmodulated

IR data

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 5

Interpretive mode

When a Macro Box receives an IR signal that is intended for it and it is
programmed to send an IR signal, the following actions will occur:

1. IR Pass-through is switched off.

2. An automatic 500mS delay occurs to enforce a period of silence for IR
devices (a period of silence preceding an IR command is a requirement of
many devices)

3. The internally programmed IR signal is sent

4. IR Pass-through is re-enabled.

The significance of the period of silence

It’s important to remember when the IR pass-through is disabled in relation to
the period of silence.

If you send a third-party IR signal immediately after sending a Macro Box
command that is programmed to send an IR signal from the Macro Box, the third­party IR signal will NOT be passed through the Macro Box and so will not be
received by the intended IR device.
Use a 1 second delay in your sending device to allow time for the signal to be
sent and the pass-through channel to re-open.

Sending RS232 and RS485 signals

When it receives a valid signal, a Macro Box can also send signals other than IR,
such as RS232 and RS485 signals.

Controlling a Macro Box with RS232 signals

A Macro Box can also respond to signals other than IR. Using the Macro Box’s
programming port, any IR input command can be simulated by RS232
commands.

IR

receiver

IR

remote

IR LED

IR

device

Modulated

IR data

Unmodulated

IR data

Program

Wait
Send IR signal

Macro Box

Modulato

r

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 6

Dipswitch settings

The Macro Box has eight dipswitches that are
accessible on the underside of the unit.

• The first four switches allow you to set an
address for the unit. This is for applications
that are using more than one Macro Box or
IR relay box in the same system.

• The other four “option” switches allow you to
customise the unit’s interface for a variety of
applications.

Setting the Address Dipswitches

You can control up to 15 IR relay boxes and/or Macro Boxes from a single control
panel. To do this, you must set each unit to a different address. Two units set to
the same address will obviously respond simultaneously.

Do not use address 0 when you have more than one unit – it is a global address.
Conversely, if you are only using a single unit, set its address to 0 and you won’t
need to send address codes.

With all 4 dipswitches off, the address is 0. The first four switches have values of
1, 2, 4 and 8 respectively. Switching on a switch adds its number to the address.
For example, to set a unit to address 9, switch on 1 and 8. Switching on all four
switches results in an address of 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 = 15.

After you send an address code, a unit set to that address will continue to
respond to command codes until a different address code is sent.

Setting the Option switches.

Switch 5 enables the internal IR transmitter. This permits wireless control of any

IR device that is within range of the unit, without the use of a separate IR
emitter.

Switch 6 enables the internal IR receiver. As well as connecting to the Macro Box
internally, this receiver will transmit any data it receives onto the IRBus where it
can be used to control other devices.

Switches 5 and 6 must not be enabled at the same time. To do so will set
up a feedback loop and cause unpredictable results.

Switch 7 selects a shorter than normal IR demodulation time constant. This may
be needed for critical IR protocols such as RCMM. Switch 7 only affects pass-
through mode. If you have a device that either works unreliably or not at all
using pass-through mode, try switching this switch on.

Switch 8 permits the use of third-party IR receivers or IR outputs of other Macro
Boxes or processors to act as an input to the Macro Box. With this switch on, the
input signal only needs to be 5 volts and may contain carrier or not.

1 Address 1
2 Address 2
3 Address 4
4 Address 8
5 IR Tx Enable *
6 IR Rx Enable *
7 IR demod TC

8 5v input enable
* 5 & 6 – do not switch on
simultaneously.

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 7

The diagnostic LEDs

If your Macro Box system doesn’t work as expected,
the Diagnostic LEDs will help you quickly pinpoint
the trouble.

Power LED

If this is not lit, check the power supply. It is
permissible to power a Macro Box from the IR bus
or to power the bus from the Macro Box.

IRBus activity

This LED will light or flash if there is any activity – noise or data – on the IRBus.
If it is flashing or blinking intermittently when no keys are being pressed, this will
adversely affect the reliability of the system. Look for the cause, such as sunlight
or high-level artificial light falling on an IR receiver.

The “Macro Send” LEDs

These LEDs will flash (often very briefly in the case of the RS232 or RS485 LEDs)
when a signal of the type indicated is being sent by a macro you have
programmed into the unit.

Operation.

You can control a Macro Box by IR codes that are available in the Eiki Control
System Editor. This is very easy – if you choose the Eiki Macro Box as the
codeset, the commands are listed for you in the editor. You will not have to refer
to the table below.

You can also control a Macro Box from 3

rd

-party equipment or a PC using RS-232.

Whether using IR or RS-232, to execute a macro, first send a number
corresponding to the address of the unit. Next, send the command for the macro
you wish to execute.

Code Address Code Operation

0 Address 0 16 Macro 1
1 Address 1 17 Macro 2
2 Address 2 18 Macro 3
3 Address 3 19 Macro 4
4 Address 4 20 Macro 5
5 Address 5 21 Macro 6
6 Address 6 22 Macro 7
7 Address 7 23 Macro 8
8 Address 8 24 Macro 9

9 Address 9 25 Macro 10
10 Address 10 26 Macro 11
11 Address 11 27 Macro 12
12 Address 12 28 Macro 13
13 Address 13 29 Macro 14
14 Address 14 30 Macro 15
15 Address 15 31 Macro 16

Powe

r

IRBus activity IR RS485 RS232

Macro Send

Tip: If you need to
send a sequence of
commands to the
same unit, it is
sufficient to send the
address code once
only, at the start of
the sequence.

Example: In Macro
Box address 5,
execute macro 15 ­Codes: 5 30

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 8

Using RS-232 codes to control a Macro Box.

RS-232 codes should be sent as 1200 baud, 8 data, 1 stop, no parity. Data is
expressed as hexadecimal, NOT ASCII.

The format is as follows:

<Product ID (2 bytes)> <Command type> <Key number> <checksum>

A Macro Box will reply to a successfully received command with “FEh 64h”,
however, you can’t use the programming port’s TxD connection where more than
one unit is connected, as all units will respond and the ports will clash.

Address RS232 code (HEX) Operation RS232 code (HEX)

0 FE 64 02 00 64 Macro 1 FE 64 02 10 74

1 FE 64 02 01 65 Macro 2 FE 64 02 11 75

2 FE 64 02 02 66 Macro 3 FE 64 02 12 76

3 FE 64 02 03 67 Macro 4 FE 64 02 13 77

4 FE 64 02 04 68 Macro 5 FE 64 02 14 78

5 FE 64 02 05 69 Macro 6 FE 64 02 15 79

6 FE 64 02 06 6A Macro 7 FE 64 02 16 7A

7 FE 64 02 07 6B Macro 8 FE 64 02 17 7B

8 FE 64 02 08 6C Macro 9 FE 64 02 18 7C

9 FE 64 02 09 6D Macro 10 FE 64 02 19 7D
10 FE 64 02 0A 6E Macro 11 FE 64 02 1A 7E
11 FE 64 02 0B 6F Macro 12 FE 64 02 1B 7F
12 FE 64 02 0C 70 Macro 13 FE 64 02 1C 00
13 FE 64 02 0D 71 Macro 14 FE 64 02 1D 01
14 FE 64 02 0E 72 Macro 15 FE 64 02 1E 02
15 FE 64 02 0F 73 Macro 16 FE 64 02 1F 03

Example: For Macro Box 5, execute macro 15

Code: FE 64 02 05 69 FE 64 02 1E 02

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 9

Programming a Macro Box using the Macro Box editor

Programming a Macro
Box is very similar to
programming macros
in a control panel.
The main difference
is that you have
access to some extra
tools and the timers
can run in the
background, allowing
other actions to
continue.

When you start the
editor, you will see a
window like this. You
can load an existing
file or start a new
design.

To start a new
design, press “Add”.

Enter a description
for your macro. Then
enter the commands
you wish to send as
you would in a
control panel editor.

On the next page is
an example of a
macro that takes the
necessary actions to
prepare a VCR for
use.

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 10

Building a macro

Normally when sending commands to a device you would use “Add From
Codeset” and use a codeset for the device from the library. Alternatively, you can
add RS232 (or RS485) instructions directly – see below.

1. Video input is selected on the projector first so as to get a rapid response
if the projector is already ON. However, if it’s off….

2. It will be turned on with the next instruction

3. and the
picture un­muted (for
reasons
covered
later).

4. Next, we
power up
the AV
receiver,

5. Select the
Video input.

6. Switch on
the VCR.

7. Wait for the
projector to
warm up in
case it was
off.

8. Then select
projector’s
video input

9. And unmute the picture.

Using delays - timers

When adding delays of 1 second or more, you
can select a timer channel. By always using
the same timer channel for the projector, for
example, you can ensure that a timer gets
reset when it should (by another macro
operating the projector) and not cancelled
unexpectedly.

Macro Box timers run in the background,
allowing other actions to continue while
waiting for a delayed event. Calling a timer
that has an event pending will cancel that
event.

It’s wise to rename timer channels to keep track of their usage and as an
aid in avoiding use of a wrong timer.

Warning:

Don’t use toggle (e.g. ON/OFF)
IR commands in macros.

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 11

Controlling a projector

When programming a macro to switch a projector off, it’s a good idea to first put
the projector into Picture Mute mode for 30 seconds or so and then switch it off.

Always use the same timer channel for any macros that control the
projector!

By using the same timer, if a user selects Projector Off (either intentionally or
accidentally) and within 30 seconds he selects a key that switches the projector
on, this action will automatically cancel any pending instructions in the
Projector Off macro.

Using this technique, your user is far less likely to be inconvenienced by projector
lamp cool-down and warm-up delays.

Using the RS485 transmit port

When you use “Add
RS232” or “Add from
Codeset” and the codeset

contains RS232 data, by
default the data will be
sent from the RS232
transmit port.

If you need to connect to
a system that uses an
RS485 interface, add a
“Set RS485 On” line
before the RS232
command. This will cause
the RS485 transmitter to
be enabled in readiness
for the macro Box to
transmit the following
command onto the RS485
bus. While this is
happening, the RS232
transmitter in the Macro
Box will be disabled.

Don’t forget to add a “Set
RS485 OFF” command
immediately afterwards. If
you don’t set it to OFF,
the external equipment’s
RS485 bus won’t be
released for access by
other devices.

The example shown here sends an OFF command from a codeset to an RS485­controlled lighting system.

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 12

Using the Power Up vector function

You can program a
Macro Box to
automatically
execute a macro
when it is powered
on. To do this,
choose the Power
Up function from
the Input Code list.

The Power Up
function is useful
for automating
things such as
retail sales
displays. For
example, you can
make a projector,
plasma display or
TV switch on and a
DVD player start
playing selected
tracks whenever
power is switched
on.

Using an ordinary timer switch (mechanical or electronic), the show can be
started at the same time each day, or whenever you like, by switching on the
power. Once the power has been switched on, the program you create in the
Macro Box controls the timing of the show (playing of DVD tracks etc.) using
delays, IR commands and/or RS232 commands. It works like a script – there is
no practical limit to how long this macro can be.

After a certain amount of time (at the end of the script) the projector can be
safely shut down before your timer switch removes the power.

Saving your work

Before downloading to the
Macro Box, you should save
your work so that you can
edit it again if required.

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 13

Downloading

With the Macro Box powered, connect its
programming port to your PC. If you are
using a laptop that does not have a
conventional serial port, you will need a
USB to Serial adaptor.

If there is no connection or you are trying
to use the wrong serial port, you will get
a Download Failed message like the one
shown here.

Correct the reason for the failure – it
could be a wrong serial port or
programming cable – and try again.

The download will take from 10 to 60
seconds depending on the complexity of
your design. You will get a progress
indicator like the one shown here. When
this completes successfully, you can
unplug the programming cable and your
system is ready to go.

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 14

Connecting to a Macro Box

RS232RS485

Programming

12v DC in IR output ports

IRBus

TxD

CTS

D-

D+

GND

GND

GND

Data

+12v

MacroBox

MCS-1

+12v

Data

G

ND

A-7 IR Receiver

+12v

Data

G

ND

A-2 IR relay box

+12v

Data

GND

IR controlled device

IR controlled device

IR controlled device

Optional 3rd party

RS232 control panel

or system

Powering your system.

12v DC power can be
supplied from a single
power supply directly to
the IRBus or via a DC In
socket on any device.
However, current that can
be supplied to the IRBus
from any single device in
this way is limited to
250mA.

Lighting system RS485

D +
D -

GND

Projector,
Plasma or
LCD display

* Some brands of projectors (e.g.

Epson) require a hardware enable
signal (i.e. a positive voltage) to be
present when the pro

j

ector has power
applied in order for the RS232
interface to work. The “CTS”
connection provides this enable
facility.

Enable *

RxD

GND

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 15

An example system using a Macro Box

12 volts DC at 250mA

Eiki A-2

IR relay box

Eiki A-7

IR receiver

Amp

DVD

VCR

Projector

RS232

Macro send

RS232

RS485IRIRBus activity

Power

MacroBox

* The Eiki IR Relay Box, IR

receiver, MCS-1 and Macro Box
can share a power supply via
the IRBus so that a separate
power supply is not required.

Eiki A-5

Macro Box

Screen

Lights

Down

Up

N

Eiki MCS-1

Control panel

IRBus
connections

Data
+12v
Gnd.

Eiki A-5 Macro Box manual Page 16

U.S.A.

EIKI International, Inc.
30251 Esperanza
Rancho Santa Margarita
CA 92688-2132
U.S.A.
Tel : [phone] (949)-457-0200
Fax : [phone] (949)-457-7878
E-Mail : [e-mail]

Deutschland & Österreich

EIKI Deutschland GmbH
Am Frauwald 12
65510 Idstein
Deutschland
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
E-Mail : [e-mail]

Eiki (Shanghai) Co., LTD

1. Dapu Road,
Golden Magnolia Plaza
#2109 Shanghai,
200023 China
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
E-mail : [e-mail]

Canada

EIKI CANADA - Eiki International, Inc.
P.O. Box 156, 310 First St. - Unit 2,
Midland, ON, L4R 4K8, Canada
Tel : [phone] (705)-527-4084
Fax : [phone] (705)-527-4087
E-Mail : [e-mail]

Eastern Europe

EIKI CZECH spol. s.r.o.
Umělecká 15
170 00 Praha 7
Czech Republic
Tel : [phone]

[phone]
Fax : [phone]
E-Mail : [e-mail]

Japan & Worldwide

EIKI Industrial Company Limited.
4-12 Banzai-Cho, Kita-Ku, Osaka,
530-0028 Japan
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
E-Mail : [e-mail]

For the latest software and information go to:

WorldWide Website http://www.eiki.com