Lectrosonics PT3 User Manual

PT3

Protocol Translator

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

and trouble-shooting guide

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Rio Rancho, NM

INTRODUCTION

The PT3 Protocol Translator offers convenient and flexible control of LecNet™
equipment from an AMX

®1

control system or a MIDI interface. Armed with intrinsic
knowledge of all three protocols, the PT3 is simultaneously an AMX-compatible
peripheral, a MIDI receiver, and a LecNet controller.

As an AMX-compatible peripheral with its own AXlink™
AXCESS™

1

language commands are all that are needed to dispatch LecNet func-

1

device number, familiar

tions and to receive notification of LecNet status changes. As a MIDI device, MIDI
program changes, notes and controllers easily operate LecNet devices. As an
intelligent LecNet controller, the PT3 is ready to use with built-in knowledge of many
LecNet devices and hundreds of LecNet commands, in a user-expandable and
downloadable library. Most applications require only point-and-click setup. For those
few cases requiring detailed LecNet interaction, AXCESS strings and buffers handle
the LecNet addressing and timings automatically. The PT3 puts an end to RS-232
programming hassles.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 2

FCC PART 15 NOTICE ........................................................................................ 3

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS ................................................ 3

REAR PANEL CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS................................................... 4

INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE ........................................................................... 4

INSTALLING THE HARDWARE ........................................................................... 4

PT3 CONCEPTS .................................................................................................. 5

SETTING UP THE PT3 ........................................................................................ 6

SETTING UP THE PT3 FOR THE FIRST TIME:

A TUTORIAL FOR MIDI USERS ................................................................. 12

SETTING UP THE PT3 FOR THE FIRST TIME:

A TUTORIAL FOR AMX USERS ................................................................. 15

AXCESS PROGRAMMING HINTS.................................................................... 19

ADVANCED CONCEPTS ................................................................................... 20

TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................... 23

SERIAL CABLE WIRING DIAGRAM ................................................................ 24

SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 26

SERVICE AND REPAIR ..................................................................................... 29

RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ................................................................... 29

WARRANTY ......................................................................................... Back cover

1

AMX is a registered trademark of AMX Corp. AXlink and AXCESS are trademarks of AMX Corp.

2

Protocol Translator

FCC PART 15 NOTICE

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. 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.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

LECTROSONICS PT 3

PC PORT

(RS-232)

POWER/

PC

LecNet MIDI AXlink

PORT STATUS

PROTOCOL TRANSLATOR

PWR (CH40)

PC PORT

The PC Port is used to set up the PT3 from a personal computer using the accompanying software. A suitable
interconnect cable is included, and the pinout is provided in this document. Once the PT3 has been set up for a
specific application, the PC Port need not remain connected. The PT3 software may be used to create setups (and
save them to disk) with or without the PT3 connected.

POWER/PC LED

This LED normally glows steadily, indicating that the PT3 is powered on. While the unit is being programmed via the
PC Port, the LED flickers to indicate activity. The LED also flickers while the PC is communicating with other LecNet
devices through the PT3.

LecNet LED

The LecNet LED is normally off, but flickers to indicate LecNet activity. Depending on the specific setup, the LED
might remain off much of the time, or it might blink several times a second. The PT3 has a “standby” mode which
allows the PC to access or control other LecNet devices. In this mode, the LecNet LED glows steadily on, flickering
briefly off to indicate LecNet activity. The PT3 does not perform any translations in standby mode.

MIDI LED

The MIDI LED is normally off, but flickers to indicate MIDI activity. The LED flickers any time the MIDI wire is active,
but translated MIDI messages may be recognized by the simultaneous flickering of the LecNet LED.

AXlink PORT LED

The AXlink port LED remains on when the PT3 is not connected to an active AXlink bus, and flashes slowly in synch
with the LEDs on other connected AXlink-compatible devices (about once every two seconds) when connected.

POWER JACK

The PT3 may be powered by a Lectrosonics CH40 charger or via the AXlink port connector. If both are connected,
the device will remain on so long as at least one power source remains active. While the PT3 has no power switch, it
uses very little power.

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REAR PANEL CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

GND

AXM

AXlink PORT

MIDI

AXP

PWR

LecNet

EXPANSION

AXlink PORT

The four pin AXlink connector is fully compatible with those used on other AMX-compatible equipment. When facing
the rear panel with the PT3 right side up, the pins are, from left to right, GND, AXM, AXP, and PWR.

MIDI JACK

The MIDI jack is a standard MIDI input. Connect to any MIDI output jack with a standard MIDI cable (5 pin DIN, all
pins connected straight through).

LECNET EXPANSION JACK

The LecNet Expansion jack is for connection to one or more LecNet devices. If the PC and the LecNet are both
connected during setup, the LecNet software can automatically detect the types and identities of all connected
LecNet devices. While this can be a great convenience, it is not necessary to connect anything to the LecNet Expan­sion jack during setup. Refer to the INSTALLING THE HARDWARE section for hookup instructions.

INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE

The PT3 software is provided as a component of LecNet Master Pro. To install LecNet Master Pro, you will need a
computer running Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95/98 or Windows NT, with approxi­mately 12 MB of available hard disk space. You will also need an available serial port to connect to the PT3.

Insert the first floppy disk and run SETUP.EXE. On Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups, select Run... from

the Program Manager. On Windows 95/98 and NT, click the start menu, then select Run.... Type in x:\setup,

where x is the letter associated with your floppy disk drive (usually a).

INSTALLING THE HARDWARE

REQUIRED CONNECTIONS

The PT3 software may be used to compose PT3 settings with or without a PT3 connected. To save settings to the
PT3, the unit must be powered on with the PC Port connector attached to an available COM port on the PC. (Use the
included cable or see the SERIAL PORT HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE section for details on wiring your own serial
cable.)

To use the PT3, it must be powered on with the LecNet expansion connector attached to the Expansion In jack of the
last device on your LecNet chain. The AXlink port connector or MIDI jack should be connected as appropriate. The
PT3 need not remain connected to a PC once it has been set up.

OPTIONAL CONNECTIONS

When setting up the PT3, it can be useful to have the LecNet expansion port connected. That way, the PT3 software
can detect the types and addresses of all attached LecNet components, saving you the time it takes to look up and
enter that information. It might also be convenient to have the AXlink or MIDI connection already established so you
can try out new settings quickly.

4

PWR

IN

M
A
S

(CH40)

T
E
R

20 VAC

Switch in
MASTER Position

PWR

IN

M
A
S

(CH40)

T
E
R

20 VAC

Switch in
SLAVE Position

PWR

IN

M
A
S

(CH40)

T
E
R

20 VAC

EXPANSION

S
L
A
V

OUT IN

E

EXPANSION

S
L
A
V

OUT IN

E

EXPANSION

S
L
A
V

OUT IN

E

RS232

RS232

RS232

Protocol Translator

AM8

(Master)

AM8

(Slave)

AM8

(Slave)

Switch in
SLAVE Position

GND

AXM

MIDI

AXP

PWR

LecNet

EXPANSION

PT3
Rear
Panel

AXlink PORT

LECTROSONICS PT 3

PC PORT

POWER/

(RS-232)

PC LecNet MIDI AXlink

Note: In AMX installations, it is possible that the PT3’s AXlink device number setting will conflict with another AMX-

PROTOCOL TRANSLATOR

PWR (CH40)

PORT STATUS

PT3 Front Panel

Typical PT3 connection to

LecNet chain and

computer

compatible device until PT3 setup is complete. When in doubt, leave the AXlink port unconnected until you have set
up the PT3.

PT3 CONCEPTS

The PT3 translates messages to and from the LecNet using three basic methods:
Using these three techniques, the PT3 moves information to and from the LecNet simply, easily and flexibly.

actions, monitors

, and

strings

.

ACTIONS

The most basic function the PT3 performs is to issue LecNet commands in response to AXlink or MIDI messages.

Actions

timings. The PT3 translates AXlink or MIDI messages (known as
translations comprises the

are named LecNet commands, which may be used with little regard for the underlying byte sequences or

action map

triggers

, which is nothing more than a list of triggers (AXlink or MIDI messages) and

) into LecNet actions. This collection of

their associated LecNet actions. One trigger may set off an ordered sequence of actions, if desired.

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The PT3 software comes with a large list of common LecNet actions for a wide variety of LecNet devices. This list is
stored as a separate disk file (actions.ini) which may be updated from Lectrosonics’s web site as new LecNet
devices are introduced (see ACTION AND MONITOR FILES in the ADVANCED CONCEPTS section for the web
address). The list is also user-extensible, via the user-friendly Actions Master List editor.

MONITORS

In AMX installations, it is sometimes useful for AMX levels and channels to automatically track with changes to a
LecNet device. For example, a touch panel button could be made to darken whenever a particular microphone on an
automatic mixer is in use. The PT3 can monitor LecNet devices for status information, notifying the AMX master
whenever changes occur.

Monitors

or timings. The PT3 can continually issue selected status inquiries (monitors) and relay any changes via an AXlink
level or channel (
simply a list of LecNet monitors and their associated AXlink mappings.

The PT3 software comes with a large list of common LecNet monitors for a wide variety of LecNet devices. This list is
stored as a separate disk file (monitors.ini) which may be updated from Lectrosonics’s web site as new LecNet
devices are introduced (see ACTION AND MONITOR FILES in the ADVANCED CONCEPTS section for the web
address). The list is also user-extensible, via the user-friendly Monitors Master List editor.

STRINGS

In AMX installations, it is sometimes necessary to send exact byte sequences to the LecNet and examine the re­turned string directly. While actions and monitors make the most common interfacing tasks trivially simple to config­ure, in some cases they are not sufficient. For example, if an AXCESS program wished to query a specific LecNet
address and receive the string identifying the type of device attached (e.g. “AM8”), it would have to use strings to do it.
Actions fetch no response, and monitors repeat continuously and only return numeric information. Sometimes a
LecNet command is simply too long to be expressed as an action, in which case the strings capability must be used.

PT3 strings are still much easier to use than an RS-232 port. The LecNet address, byte sequence, and reply length
(if any) are sent directly to the PT3 as a single SEND_STRING command. The reply is automatically accumulated in
a buffer, as with any AMX-compatible device. LecNet protocol timings are handled transparently by the PT3.

are named LecNet status inquiries, which may be used with little regard for the underlying byte sequences

AXlink mapping

). These monitors and AXlink mappings comprise the

monitor map

, which is

SETTING UP THE PT3

Preparing the PT3 for use mostly involves using the PT3 software to describe your setup. In AMX installations, some
AXCESS programming is also required, as it is with any AMX-compatible device. Once a configuration has been
described, it should be saved to disk. It can then be transmitted to the PT3, which will start performing the new
translations immediately. PT3 settings persist when the device is powered off.

MAIN WINDOW

The main window provides an at-a-glance overview of the PT3 setup currently being edited.

On the left side is the LecNet Action Map frame. (For an explanation of actions and the action map, see the PT3
CONCEPTS section.) A summary of the action map is displayed in the form of a list box. To save space, the first
letter in each action summary is either M for MIDI or A for AXlink. Scroll bars appear if the entire list cannot be
displayed at once. The New button adds, then edits a new entry, Delete removes one, and Edit alters the selected
entry. (The New and Edit buttons bring up the Edit LecNet Action Map Entry window, described later.) The Up and
Down buttons can be used to change the order of items in the list. If multiple actions share the same trigger, the
actions are executed in the order shown in the list, from top to bottom. Otherwise, the order of items in the action
map is unimportant. The action map can hold up to 96 entries. It is valid, but unusual, to have an empty action map.

On the right side is the LecNet Monitor Map frame. (For an explanation of monitors and the monitor map, see the PT3
CONCEPTS section.) The monitor map works similarly to the action map, except that it can hold only 16 entries. The
New and Edit buttons bring up the Edit LecNet Monitor Map Entry window, described later. Up and Down buttons

6

Protocol Translator

are provided to help organize the list cosmetically, however the order is not important to the functioning of the PT3. It
is valid, and fairly common, to have an empty monitor map.

The PT3 Status frame displays the current status of the connection between the computer and the PT3. The connec­tion has three states, as explained in the table below.

Not Connected The computer is not currently communicating with the PT3. This is the case whenever the

active window does not belong to the PT3 software, as well as whenever the PT3 is not
connected to the PC.

Ready The PT3 is connected but its settings do not match those shown by the PT3 software. It

will be necessary to save your settings to the PT3 before they take effect.

Live The PT3 is connected and the settings shown are up to date. The PT3 is operating on the

settings shown.

Note: If the active window in the Windows system belongs to an application besides the PT3 software, the PT3
software will pause PT3 operation and disconnect from the serial port until it again has focus. This is intended
to prevent serial port conflicts.

The Go Live button attempts to bring the PT3 into synch with the displayed user settings. Most often it will cause
settings to be saved to the PT3, however if blank settings are displayed, the Go Live button will instead cause the
current settings to be read from the PT3.

The Quit button exits, prompting to save any unsaved changes as appropriate. If a PT3 is connected, a prompt is
issued: “Do you wish to keep the PT3 running?”. This question is necessary because the LecNet can only be con­trolled by the PT3 or the PC, but not both. If you will need to control other LecNet devices from the PC after quitting
the PT3 program, choose No. Otherwise, choose Yes and allow the PT3 to do its job.

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The File menu offers the usual commands, plus two special ones. New prepares the
software for composing new settings by initializing all controls. Open reads settings
in from a previously saved file. Save saves your work in the current file. Save As
saves your work in any file you specify. Filenames are limited to 8 characters in
length. Import from PT3 loads the current settings from an attached PT3. This is
done automatically if a PT3 can be detected when the software is started. Program
PT3 causes the current settings to be written out to an attached PT3. (The Go Live
button is usually a more convenient way to accomplish this function.) Print creates a
hardcopy listing of your settings. Exit does the same as the Quit button.

The PT3 menu lets you explicitly connect and disconnect from an attached PT3, as well
as restore the PT3 to its original factory settings. The Factory Settings command
requires a confirmation before erasing any settings.

The Setup menu provides access to PT3 setup features not
appearing in the main window. Options brings up the Options
window, allowing the AXlink device number and MIDI channel
number to be edited. Device List brings up the Device List
window, which tells the PT3 what LecNet devices are available.
The Advanced submenu provides access to the Actions
Master List and Monitors Master List. These allow users with
special requirements to create their own LecNet actions and
monitors.

The Help menu brings up the help file table of contents and the About box. The
About box shows the revision of the PT3 software. If a PT3 is connected, its
firmware revision is also shown.

OPTIONS WINDOW

The Options window is used to select the AXlink device
number and the MIDI channel to be used by the PT3.
Valid AXlink device numbers are (decimal) 1 to 255. Valid
MIDI channels are (decimal) 1 to 16. In both cases, it is
sufficient to choose a number that does not conflict with
any other devices connected on the same wire.

If MIDI is not to be used, it doesn’t matter what MIDI
channel is selected. If the AXlink port is not to be used,
the AXlink device number setting is likewise unimportant.

8

Protocol Translator

DEVICE LIST WINDOW

The Device List window tells the PT3 what
LecNet devices will be connected. These
settings affect what options will be available
in the other windows, and thus should be
supplied first.

On the left side is the Device Select frame,
showing the device list itself. The New and
Delete buttons may be used to edit the list.
To change a list entry, select it in the list,
then make edits in the Device Settings
frame. LecNet ID must contain the official name of the device (e.g. “AM8”). A pull-down list of common LecNet
devices is provided for convenience. If your device is not in the list, you may type in the name. In order to work
correctly, the name must be spelled the same way in the device list, the actions master list, and the monitors master
list. LecNet Address must contain the address assigned to that LecNet device, in the range (decimal) 128-255.

If you have your LecNet gear connected during PT3 setup, the Probe LecNet button will autodetect the names and
addresses of all connected devices.

EDIT LECNET ACTION MAP ENTRY WINDOW

The Edit LecNet Action Map Entry window describes a
single translation from an AXlink or MIDI trigger message
to a LecNet Action.

Each trigger has a type (what kind of message it is) and a
specific ID number (in base 10).

The LecNet Action portion of the window simply requires
selection of a LecNet device and an action for that device.
If the required device isn’t listed or if no device is listed, use
the Device List window to add devices. If the required
action is not available, you may use the Actions Master List
window to create it.

Midi Controller This is a MIDI controller such as a modwheel or sustain pedal. The ID is the controller number.

The modwheel is controller 1. Consult the MIDI implementation document for your MIDI
transmitter to obtain other controller numbers. The action is executed whenever the
controller's value changes.

Midi Program This is a MIDI program change message. The ID is the program number, from 0 to 127. Note

that on some MIDI equipment, these numbers are not displayed as they are transmitted. The
action is executed whenever the specific program change message is received.

Midi Note This is a MIDI note-on message with nonzero velocity. (The MIDI spec says a note-on mes-

sage with zero velocity counts as a note-off.) The ID is the MIDI note number. Middle C is
note 60. The action is executed whenever the specific note-on message is received

AXlink Channel When the PT3's specified AXlink channel changes (either on or off), the action is executed.

This causes a LecNet feature to switch on and off with the channel value. See also AXlink
Pulse.

AXlink Level When the PT3's specified AXlink level changes, the action is executed. Valid level IDs are 1-8

and 9-64 (see AXLINK DEVICE SPECIFICATION for details on pseudo-levels 9-64). Levels
are useful for continuous adjustments like volume controls.

AXlink Pulse The action is executed only when the AXlink channel changes from off to on. This causes a

LecNet feature to activate whenever the channel is pulsed. See also AXlink Channel. For a
detailed description of pulsed vs. normal use of a channel, see the AXCESS PROGRAMMING
HINTS section.

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