Global Cache Global Connect User Manual

Global Connect

User Guide

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Global Caché's modular Global Connect is the newest high-performance family of connectivity products from the company
that has revolutionized the way you connect, command, and control. Built with performance, flexibility, and empowering in
mind, Global Connect delivers a simple cost-effective way to extend the reach of any control system, from legacy hardware­based systems to leading-edge cloud-based control software; from current projects to future installations.

Known for award-winning products connecting infrared (IR), serial (RS232 and 485), relay, and sensor input, to a WiFi or IP
network, Global Caché introduces Global Connect, adding the ability to build the scalable I/O you need, with customizable
configuration, and added modules including local computing capability (Raspberry Pi slot), and HDMI switching. Global
Connect features individual IP addresses for each module with individual web pages for easy configuration and advanced
addressability.

This document intends to provide additional information, insight, and instruction on installing, configuring, and using Global
Connect.

For initial setup instructions, or TCP and HTTP APIs please refer to the Global Connect Quick Start, or Global Connect APIs
respectively on our downloads page: http://www.globalcache.com/downloads

Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
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Global Connect

User Guide

2.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2

3.0 Product Architecture ................................................................................................................................................................ 3

4.0 Discovering Modules on the Network ...................................................................................................................................... 3

4.1 Configuration Web Pages ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

5.0 Network Modules ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

5.1 GCIP – Single Ethernet Network Module ............................................................................................................................. 4

5.2 GCSW/GCSW-P – Dual Ethernet Network Switch Module ................................................................................................... 5

5.3 Network Settings .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

5.3.1 DHCP and DHCP reservations ........................................................................................................................................ 6

5.3.2 Static IP addresses (Advanced) ...................................................................................................................................... 7

6.0 GCHMX3 – HDMI 3x1 switching Module .................................................................................................................................. 9

6.1 Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) ...................................................................................................................................... 9

6.2 HDMI Switching .................................................................................................................................................................... 9

7.0 GCIR3 - Infrared (IR) Control Module ..................................................................................................................................... 10

7.1 IR Transmitters ................................................................................................................................................................... 10

7.2 Obtaining Infrared (IR) codes ............................................................................................................................................. 12

7.3 Troubleshooting IR ............................................................................................................................................................. 12

8.0 GCSL232 – RS232 Serial Control Module................................................................................................................................ 14

8.1 Serial Configuration ............................................................................................................................................................ 14

8.2 DB9 Pinout.......................................................................................................................................................................... 15

8.3 Straight-Through and Null-Modem cables ......................................................................................................................... 16

9.0 GCRL3A – Relay Control Module (6 Relays) ........................................................................................................................... 16

9.1 Troubleshooting Relays ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

10.0 GCRPI – Raspberry Pi Module .............................................................................................................................................. 19

10.1 The Rasbperry Pi in Automation ...................................................................................................................................... 19

11.0 Factory Default ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
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Information subje ct to change withou t notice.

Global Connect

User Guide

3.0 PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE

Global Connect is a modular product. Each module has its own IP address, and configuration web pages. Modules can be
different sizes and occupy either 1, 2, or 3 slots in the unit chassis. The following chassis sizes are available:

• 19” freestanding enclosure with 10 available module slots

• 19” rack mount enclosure with 10 available module slots

• 15" freestanding enclosure with 10 available module slots

• 10.5" freestanding enclosure with 7 available module slots

• 7.5" freestanding enclosure with 5 available module slots

• 6" freestanding enclosure with 4 available module slots

• 4.5" freestanding enclosure with 3 available module slots

The modular design of Global Connect allows for simplified compatibility with previous Global Caché product drivers. Drivers
for previous products should generally be expected to work on Global Connect devices assuming the Global Connect
functionality existed on the product line the original driver was written for.

Note: Previous Global Caché devices did not include an HDMI switch.

The modularity of the Global Connect also allows for numerous factory assembled product combinations. For orderable
configurations please see our web site at http://www.globalcache.com.

4.0 DISCOVERING MODULES ON THE NETWORK

When a unit is initially connected to the network, or after it has been reset to factory defaults, its modules will obtain an IP
address. To determine what IP address has been obtained, download and run iHelp from our website at

http://www.globalcache.com/downloads. iHelp will discover any Global Caché units on the network and display their IP

address, and MAC address.

To learn more about the different ways Global Connect modules will obtain IP addresses visit section 5.3 Network Settings.

4.1 CONFIGURATION WEB PAGES

Once the IP address of a module has been obtained the configuration pages can be loaded by typing the IP address of the
module into a browser.

Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
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Global Connect

GCIP Module Feature

Description

Network Connector

RJ45

Network Speed

100Mbps, Full Duplex

Power Connector

Barrel Jack: 5.5mm x 2.1mm (Center Positive)

Power Input

Range: 5V-24V

Chassis Slots Occupied

1

User Guide

From the configuration pages, network settings can be changed and the control interface can be configured. For more
information on network configuration see 5.3 Network Settings. For more information on control interface configuration see
the relevant section for the control module being configured.

5.0 NETWORK MODULES

Each Global Connect includes a network module. The network module provides the network connection for the unit. The
network module also provides the power input for the entire unit. Network modules can be powered with any power supply
between 5v and 24V DC. All Global Connect units ship with an appropriately rated power supply. The GCSW-P module
includes PoE capabilities. The GCSW-P module can be powered from any 802.3af compatible Power Sourcing Equipment
(PSE).

The power wattage requirement for a unit depends on the number and type of modules contained within the unit, however a
10W supply is suitable for all units that do not power a Raspberry Pi. For units that do power the Raspberry Pi a 5V 20W
power supply must be used.

5.1 GCIP – SINGLE ETHERNET NETWORK MODULE

The GCIP provides a hardwired networking solution to the Global Connect.

Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
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Global Connect

GCSW/GCSW-P Module Feature

Description

Network Connector

2 x RJ45

Network Speed

100Mbps, Full Duplex

Power Connector

Barrel Jack: 5.5mm x 2.1mm (Center Positive)

Power Input

Range: 5V-24V

Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability (GCSW-P only)

802.3af Powered Device (PD)

Chassis Slots Occupied

2

User Guide

5.2 GCSW/GCSW-P – DUAL ETHERNET NETWORK SWITCH MODULE

The GCSW provides a hardwired networking solution for Global Connect devices with built in network switch capabilities.
The additional ethernet port and switch capabilities allow for daisy-chaining of Global Connect units, or to connect the
Raspberry Pi (in units that contain the Raspberry Pi module) to the network.

5.3 NETWORK SETTINGS

Network settings for Global Connect units are set individually on each Global Connect module. Modules support DHCP as well
as static IP address assignment.

When a unit initially connects to the network, or after a factory default, it will be assigned an IP address by the DHCP server.
To determine what IP address has been assigned, follow the instructions in section 4.0 Discovering Modules on the Network.

Global Connect modules installed on networks without a DHCP server will take a predetermined static IP address. The IP
address taken will be based on the module’s unit address. The unit address is the position that the module occupies in the
Global Connect chassis. The module that occupies the first position next to the network module will have unit address 1 and
will take IP address 192.168.1.71. Subsequent modules will take IP addresses 192.168.1.72, 192.168.1.73, and so forth.

Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
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PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
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Global Connect

User Guide

The network settings for a module can be set through the unit’s configuration pages. Please refer to the Global Connect Quick
Start for instructions on accessing the configuration pages.

The Network Settings page is further described in sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 which deal with DHCP and Static IP address
assignments.

Many control apps and systems expect the IP address of Global Connect modules to remain the same. If the IP address of a
module changes (which can happen when using DHCP) the control software may not be able to communicate with the
module. To prevent this, we recommend creating a DHCP reservation (preferred) or assigning a static IP address to Global
Connect Modules.

5.3.1 DHCP AND DHCP RESERVATIONS

DHCP is the most common form of network IP assignment on residential and commercial networks. The purpose of a DHCP
server is to dynamically assign unique IP addresses to all connected network clients. DHCP is enabled by default on Global
Connect modules.

Configuration Example:

To return a static assigned unit to DHCP, navigate to the Network Settings page of the module’s configuration pages.

Global Connect User Guide 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659
Effective: January 10, 2019 Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
PN: 103118-01 ver. 1 Phone: [phone]
Page 6 Fax: [phone]
www.globalcache.com

Information subje ct to change withou t notice.