NOTE: The Parameter ID list in the rear pages of this document identifies specific commands to the version 2.00
software. However, the descriptions and information in the rest of the document apply to all versions of the
software currently released.
Page 2
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
“Lexicon” and the Lexicon logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent
numbers and other worldwide patents issued and pending.
Inc. The information it contains is subject to change without notice. Harman International Industries, Inc.
assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.
Lexicon, Inc.
3 Oak Park
Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA
Tel 781-280-0300
Fax 781-280-0490
www.lexicon.com
Customer Service
Tel 781-280-0300
Fax 781-280-0495 (Sales)
Fax 781-280-0499 (Service)
Lexicon Part No. 070-15332 Rev 1
2
Page 3
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
1
Documents 5
1.1Change List 5
2 Definitions 5
2.1Protocol Version Cross-reference 5
3 Abbreviations 5
4 General Description 5
4.1Physical Layer 6
4.2Serial Port Driver 6
4.3Errors 6
4.4MC-8 Receive Buffer 6
4.5MC-8 Hardware Verification 7
5 Data Link Layer 7
5.1Errors 7
6 Application Layer 8
6.1MC-8 Asynchronous Notification Packets 8
6.1.1Wakeup Notification 8
6.1.2Sleep Notification 8
6.1.3Front Panel Display 8
6.1.4MC-8 Parameter Notification by Id 9
6.2Acknowledgment Packets 10
6.2.1Acknowledge 11
6.2.2No Acknowledge 11
6.3Host Initiated Command Packets 11
6.3.1Reset Unit 11
6.3.2Restore Defaults 12
6.3.3Get Custom Name 12
6.3.4Set Custom Name 13
6.3.5Host Wakeup 13
6.3.6Host Sleep 14
6.3.7Get Communication Configuration 14
6.3.8Set Communication Configuration 15
6.3.9Set Mute 15
6.3.10Send Display String Command 16
6.3.11MC-8 Get Parameter Definition by Id 17
6.3.12MC-8 Set Parameter Value by Id 20
6.3.13MC-8 Set Parameter Value by Id, No Run 21
6.3.14MC-8 Get Unit Configuration 21
6.3.15MC-8 Send IR Command 24
6.3.16MC-8 Get Parameter Value by Id 25
6.3.17MC-8 Set Parameter Notification by Id 25
6.3.18MC-8 Parameter Get Value String by Id 26
6.3.19MC-8 Clear All Parameter Notifications 27
6.3.20MC-8 Get System Status 27
6.3.21MC-8 Get Zone Status 29
6.3.22MC-8 Set System Volume 30
6.3.23MC-8 Set Main Balance 31
6.3.24MC-8 Set Front/Back Balance 31
6.3.25MC-8 Set Active Effect by Id 32
3
Page 4
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
MC-8 Set Zone2 Volume 32
6.3.26
6.3.27MC-8 Set Zone2 Left/Right Balance 33
6.3.28MC-8 Get Input Name by Id 33
6.3.29MC-8 Set Input Name by Id 34
Appendix A Command Codes 35
Appendix B Error Codes 36
Appendix C MC-8 IR Codes 37
Appendix D MC-8 Input Ids 39
Appendix E Protocol Constants 39
Appendix F MC-8 Mode Ids 40
Application Notes and Examples 41
6.4Box initializations: 41
6.4.1MC-8: 41
6.4.2HOST: 41
6.5Simple System Control & System Status: 41
6.6Examples: 41
6.6.1MC-8 Get Unit Configuration 41
6.6.2Send MC-8 IR Command Example 43
MC8 V2.00 Parameter ID List 44
4
Page 5
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
1 Documents
The following documents should also be used with this document to understand how this protocol can be
used with an MC-8.
070-15481 MC-8/MC-8B User Manual
1.1 Change List
9/2/05 Added Additional IR codes Appendix.
2 Definitions
User Parameter: A user changeable variable that stores a specific value that describes an
operating condition for the MC-8 system.
HOST: The device initiating or receiving the serial communication packets to/from the
MC-8.
MC-8: The Lexicon product receiving or transmitting the serial communication packets
to/from the HOST.
Nonvolatile RAM: The area of memory in an MC-8 that stores users adjustable parameters. The
Nonvolatile RAM is battery backed, to maintain values during MC-8 power down.
2.1 Protocol Version Cross-reference
All references to MC-8 shall be valid for both the MC-8 and SDP-5 products unless specifically
documented otherwise.
3 Abbreviations
SOP Start of Packet
EOP End of Packet
ACK Acknowledge
NAK No Acknowledge
FPD Front Panel Display
4 General Description
The intention of the MC-8 serial port and protocol communication is for an external connected HOST to
control and obtain status from the MC-8. The protocol has been designed to focus on two specific goals.
The first is HOST uploading and downloading of MC-8 configuration, and system/effect setups. The
second is HOST control of basic user adjustable parameters (i.e. input, volume, balance…).
HOST
RS-232 Serial
Lexicon MC-8
CD VOL
5
Page 6
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
The MC-8 uses simple notification, command, response and acknowledgment packets to have
communication transactions with a given HOST. This protocol is designed for point to point
communication between a HOST and the MC-8. The MC-8 Protocol is a 3 layered system. The MC-8
serial protocol allows for the MC-8, or the HOST, to initiate a communication transaction. Most
transactions are initiated by the HOST. The MC-8 then responds to the HOST command with either a
response or acknowledgment packet. There are a few asynchronous notifications that the MC-8 initiates
indicating system changes. Each transaction initiated must wait for a corresponding response before
initiating the next transmission.
The 3 protocol layers are: Physical, Data Link, and Application Layers.
The MC-8 Serial Protocol attempts to be as backward compatible with the MC-1 as possible. The basic
structure of the protocol has not changed.
4.1 Physical Layer
DB-9 RS232 Connector
MC-8
COM1
Transmit Data
Receive Data
2
3
2
3
Ground
5
5
9 Pin D-Shell (female)
9 Pin D-Shell (male)
Note: The wiring requirements for a 9 pin to 9 pin serial connection are a male to female straight through cable.
9 Pin D-Shell (female)
Host
Receive Data
2
2
Transmit Data
3
3
Ground
5
5
9 Pin D-Shell (male)
4.2 Serial Port Driver
MC-8 serial port has been setup to operate as follows:
The MC-8 will detect parity, framing, and data overrun errors. If any of the physical layer errors are
detected, the complete packet is corrupted and the MC-8 will reset the transaction and begin to look for a
start of packet byte.
4.4 MC-8 Receive Buffer
The MC-8 has an internal receive buffer. The buffer is 256 Bytes and will transmit a NAK packet with an
error code of DC_ERR_BUFFER_FULL to the HOST if the buffer is full. If the buffer is full, all data
transmitted to the MC-8 will be ignored. Therefore, making the currently transmitted packet, if partially
transmitted invalid.
6
Page 7
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
4.5 MC-8 Hardware Verification
This test verifies the RS232 ports are working by comparing the transmitted signal (at pin 2) to the
received signal (at pin 3). The MC-8 transmits a known test signal just following a power up. The MC-8
monitors the serial port receivers while transmitting the test signal. If the signals are the same, the test
passes. In order to test this circuit, RS232 Wraparound plug(s) are needed and must be installed at the
female D9 connector(s) on the rear panel of the MC-8 labeled “RS232”. The wraparound plug shorts pins
2 to 3, allowing for the MC-8 to receive the signal it is transmitting. Once installed, power cycle the MC-8
and verify the following message is displayed on the FPD:
SERIAL PORT A PASSED
SERIAL PORT B PASSED
This message is displayed for about 2 seconds before entering normal operating mode. If no messages
are displayed, then both wrap tests failed.
5 Data Link Layer
The data link layer is used to define a transmission packet. The layer appends a header and tail that
encloses the transmitted application packet data. The data link header will contain the start of packet
byte and count of bytes to follow. The data link tail will contain the end of packet byte.
Data Link
Header:
Byte Number Description Value
First Byte(0) Start of Packet (SOP) 0xF1
Byte(1) DLL Data Count nn
Application Header:
Byte(2) Command nn
Byte(3)
Application Data:
Byte(4) Data[0] nn
Byte(5) Data[1] nn
… Data[…] nn
Last Data Byte -1 Data[Data Count -1] nn
Data Link Tail:
Last Byte End of Packet (EOP) 0xF2
APP Data Count (number of application data bytes to
Follow)
nn
5.1 Errors
If the number of DLL data bytes received is the same as the data count and an EOP has not been
received, the MC-8 responds by transmitting a NAK packet with an error code
DC_ERR_INVALID_PACKET. The MC-8 then continues to look for a SOP byte and will not process the
erroneous application packet. The HOST can use this as an indicator to retransmit the corrupted packet.
In addition, each byte of a packet must be received sequentially and within the INTER_PACKET_TIME. If
any of the bytes within a packet transmission exceeds the INTER_PACKET_TIME, the MC-8 will respond
by transmitting a NAK packet with an error code DC_ERR_INVALID_PACKET. The MC-8 then continues
7
Page 8
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
to look for a SOP byte and will not process the erroneous application packet. The HOST can use this as
an indicator to retransmit the corrupted packet.
6 Application Layer
6.1 MC-8 Asynchronous Notification Packets
MC-8 has been designed to transmit the asynchronous notification packets following these system
changes:
1. Power On
2. Entering Standby
3. Front Panel Display update
4. Parameter Value Changes.
The notification packets are defined as follows:
6.1.1 Wakeup Notification
By transmitting the Wakeup Notification, the MC-8 indicates the unit has just “powered on” or reset and is
ready to receive host commands. This notification is primarily for the HOST to know the status of the
MC-8.
6.1.1.1 Notification Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_WAKEUP 0x01
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
6.1.1.2 Host Response
The MC-8 does not expect any response from the HOST.
6.1.2 Sleep Notification
By transmitting the Sleep Notification, the MC-8 indicates the unit is shutting down into a standby mode.
Because the hard power switch could be activated independently of the MC-8 system software, hard
power down will not be notified. Acknowledgment of the Sleep Notification is not required. This
notification is primarily for the HOST to know the operating status of the MC-8.
6.1.2.1 Notification Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_SLEEP 0x02
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
6.1.3 Front Panel Display
The MC-8 will transmit the front panel display buffer following the update to the MC-8 front panel display.
The MC-8 front panel display is 2 X 20 ASCII character display. The HOST can enable transmission of
this notification message by sending Host Wakeup (
6.3.5 page 13). To disable transmission the HOST
8
Page 9
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
can send Host Sleep (
6.3.6 page 14). Transmission of the display buffer is asynchronous to other
host/MC-8 communication and will only transmit following the completion of any communication
exchanges in progress or pending.
Data Type: Null (0x00) terminated ASCII character string.
Max Length: DISP_LINE_LENGTH defined in the Protocol Constants table
Appendix E page 39)
(
Line2
Data Type: Null (0x00) terminated ASCII character string.
Max Length: DISP_LINE_LENGTH defined in the Protocol Constants table
Appendix E page 39)
(
The MC-8 includes 8 custom characters that are defined to display increments of a display block.
(i.e. Volume Bar) The custom characters are ASCII character codes 8E - 93(hex). The codes
are used as follows:
'8E' - empty cell
'8F' - left 1 bar
'90' - left 2 bars
'91' - left 3 bars
'92' - left 4 bars
'93' - full cell
6.1.3.3 HOST Response
The MC-8 does not expect any response from the HOST.
6.1.4 MC-8 Parameter Notification by Id
The MC-8 will transmit parameter change notifications if they are enabled using the commands described
by the Set Parameter Notification by Id (
6.3.17 page 25). If a parameter value is changed due to any
user action or system action the MC-8 will transmit the current value of the parameter that is changing.
9
Page 10
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.1.4.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_PARAM_NOTIFICATION_BY_ID 0x05
Data Count 24 0x18
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId(LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId(MSB) nn
Data[2] ParamType nn
Data[3-23] Value[0 -20]
nn nn
nn…
6.1.4.2 Data Description
Same as the Set Parameter Value by ID: Data Description (
6.3.12.2 page 20).
6.1.4.3 HOST Response
The MC-8 does not expect any response from the HOST.
6.1.4.4 Defaults
The following Parameters Notifications are Enabled in the MC-8 default state:
Parameter MC-8 Parameter Name
Current Mode HPARAM_MAIN_EFFECT
Main Zone Mute HPARAM_MAIN_MUTE
Main Zone Volume HPARAM_MAIN_VOLUME
Main Zone Balance HPARAM_MAIN_BALANCE
Main Zone Input Selection HPARAM_MAIN_INPUT
Zone 2 Input HPARAM_ZONE_INPUT
Zone 2 Volume HPARAM_ZONE_VOLUME
Zone 2 Balance HPARAM_ZONE_BALANCE
Zone 2 Mute HPARAM_ZONE_MUTE
Bass HPARAM_MAIN_BASS
Treble HPARAM_MAIN_TREBLE
Loudness HPARAM_MAIN_LOUDNESS
Tilt HPARAM_MAIN_TILT
Menu Background On/Off HPARAM_OSD_BACKGND
See V2.00 Parameter ID List (
page 44) for the Parameter ID definitions.
6.2 Acknowledgment Packets
Acknowledge and No Acknowledge packets are used to communicate transmission, packet and data
validation status. Both the HOST and MC-8 can transmit and receive these packets.
10
Page 11
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.2.1 Acknowledge
6.2.1.1 Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_ACK 0xE0
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Command nn
6.2.1.2 Data Description
Command:
DataType: Valid MC-8 command as defined in the Command Codes table
Appendix A page 35).
(
6.2.2 No Acknowledge
6.2.2.1 Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_NACK 0xE1
Data Count 2 0x02
Application Data:
Data[0] Command nn
Data[1] ErrorCode nn
6.2.2.2 Data Description
Command:
DataType: Valid MC-8 command as defined in the Command Codes table
Appendix A page 35).
(
ErrorCode:
DataType: Error code as defined in the Error Codes table (
Appendix B page 36).
6.3 Host Initiated Command Packets
The MC-8 serial communication protocol has been designed to respond to the following commands as
described below. Each command is transmitted to the MC-8 with the identified parameters. If the
command is successfully received and processed by the MC-8, the unit will respond with the described
response packet or action.
6.3.1 Reset Unit
Commands the MC-8 to soft reset.
11
Page 12
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.1.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_RESET 0x10
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
6.3.1.2 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will perform an internal reset. After reset, the MC-8 will go through a soft power-up
initialization. This includes transmitting the “Wakeup Notification Packet”. A soft reset does not
reinitialize the MC-8. Nonvolatile RAM is maintained.
6.3.2 Restore Defaults
Commands the MC-8 to restore the system and effect parameters to the factory defaults.
6.3.2.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_RESTORE_DEFAULTS 0x13
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
6.3.2.2 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will reset, clear any saved system and effect parameters in Nonvolatile RAM, and
restore the factory default system and effect parameters. After reset the MC-8 will go through a
soft power-up initialization. This includes transmitting the “Wakeup Notification Packet”.
6.3.3 Get Custom Name
Request to MC-8 for an effect definition. MC-8 will respond with “Custom Name Packet”.
6.3.3.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_GET_CUST_NAME 0x2B
Data Count 0 0x00
Data Type: Null (0x00) terminated ASCII character string.
Max Length: CUSTOM_NAME_LENGTH defined in the Protocol Constants table
Appendix E page 39).
(
6.3.4 Set Custom Name
Sets the Custom Name that can be displayed when the unit powers up.
6.3.4.1 Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_SET_CUST_NAME 0x2C
Number of characters in
Data Count
Application Data:
CustomName + 2 nn
Data[0] CustomNameEnable nn
Data[1]-Data[DataCount-1] CustomName ch ch ch … 0x00
6.3.4.2 Data Description
CustomNameEnable: Enables/Disables the Custom Name Display.
DataType: Boolean
TRUE: CustomName Enabled
FALSE: CustomName Disabled
CustomName:
Data Type: Null (0x00) terminated ASCII character string.
Max Length: CUSTOM_NAME_LENGTH defined in the Protocol Constants table
Appendix E page 39).
(
6.3.4.3 MC-8 Response
If the custom name enable is TRUE then the custom name banner is display on “power on”. If
the Custom Name Enable is FALSE the custom name is not displayed. The CustomName string
is copied to Nonvolatile RAM. The MC-8 will ACK when completed with this command.
6.3.4.4 Data Validation:
No data validation is done on the transmitted data.
6.3.5 Host Wakeup
By transmitting the Wakeup Notification, the Host indicates it has just “powered on” or reset and is ready
to receive MC-8 Notifications or Responses. The Host is assumed to be asleep upon power up of the
MC-8. Host status is maintained during standby.
6.3.5.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command HOST_WAKEUP 0x11
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
13
Page 14
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.5.2 Data Description
N/A
6.3.5.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will respond to this command with an ACK.
6.3.6 Host Sleep
By transmitting the Sleep command, the Host indicates it has just “powered down” and will no longer
respond to MC-8 Notifications. No Acknowledgment is expected. The Host is assumed to be asleep
upon power up of the MC-8. Host status is maintained during standby.
6.3.6.1 Packet Description
Application Header:
Command HOST_SLEEP 0x12
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
6.3.6.2 Data Description
N/A
6.3.7 Get Communication Configuration
This command is a request to the MC-8 for the current communications configuration for the serial port
and protocol. The MC-8 responds to this command with a Communication Configuration Packet.
6.3.7.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_GET_COM_CONFIG 0x2F
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
6.3.7.2 Communication Configuration Response Packet
Application Header:
Command DC_RESP_COM_CONFIG 0x8C
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Configuration Register 0 nn
6.3.7.3 Data Description
Data Word Bit Definition
0 0 Acknowledge Enable
0 1 Parameter Change Enable
Acknowledge Enable:
TRUE Indicates the MC-8 will transmit Acknowledge Notification to the Host.
14
Page 15
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
FALSE Indicates the MC-8 will not transmit any positive Acknowledge
Notification messages. The MC-8 will always transmit NAK error
notification messages.
Parameter Change Enable:
TRUE Indicates the MC-8 will transmit any parameter change Notification as
specified in the Parameter Change Notification Message.
FALSE Indicates the MC-8 will not transmit parameter change Notifications.
6.3.8 Set Communication Configuration
The Set Communication Configuration Command allows the serial port user to set up the various serial
port/ protocol configuration parameters.
6.3.8.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_SET_COM_CONFIG 0x30
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Configuration Register 0 nn
6.3.8.2 Data Description
Data Word Bit Definition
0 0 Acknowledge Enable
0 1 Parameter Change Enable
Acknowledge Enable:
TRUE Indicates the MC-8 will transmit Acknowledge Notification to the Host.
FALSE Indicates the MC-8 will not transmit any positive Acknowledge
Notification messages. The MC-8 will always transmit NAK error
notification messages.
Parameter Change Enable:
TRUE Indicates the MC-8 will transmit any parameter change Notification as
specified in the Parameter Change Notification Message.
FALSE Indicates the MC-8 will not transmit parameter change Notifications.
6.3.8.3 MC-8 Response
The data values transmitted will be copied over to the registers stored in nonvolatile RAM. The
MC-8 will respond with an ACK Packet.
6.3.9 Set Mute
The Set Mute Command message allows the RS232 users to set/clear the MC-8 mute state directly.
6.3.9.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_SET_MUTE 0x31
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Mute State nn
15
Page 16
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.9.2 Data Description
MUTE State:
Value Definition Description
0 UNMUTE
1 USER MUTE
The user mute state is set to unmuted. The MC-8
may still be muted for other internal reasons.
The system volume decrements by the specified
user amount as set in the OUTPUT LEVELS Menu.
2 FULL MUTE The system is fully muted.
6.3.9.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will set the mute state according to the value transmitted. The MC-8 may still be full
muted if other conditions require the audio path to be muted. This is only a direct access to the
user mute state.
6.3.9.4 Data Validation
The data value transmitted to the MC-8 will be verified as a valid value. If it is valid the MC-8 will
set/clear the mute and respond with an ACK Packet. If the data value is invalid the MC-8 will
respond with a DC_INVALID_DATA error NAK.
6.3.10 Send Display String Command
This command allows the Host to send a 40 character string to the MC-8 for display on the OSD and
Front Panel Display.
6.3.10.1 Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_SET_DISPLAY_STR 0x33
Data Count Number of characters in the
nn
DisplayStr + 2
Application Data:
Data[0] DisplayFlags nn
Data[1]-Data[DataCount-1] DisplayStr ch ch ch … 0x00
6.3.10.2 Data Description
Display Command Flags:
Word Bit Definition
0 0
FPD only: If set TRUE, the display string will only be sent to
the FPD device for display.
Data Type: Null (0x00) terminated ASCII character string.
Max Length: 40 Characters.
6.3.10.3 MC-8 Response
The display string is sent to the OSD and Front Panel Display. The MC-8 will ACK when
completed with this command.
6.3.10.4 Data Validation:
If a string length exceeds the 40 character maximum the string will be truncated before displaying
and the MC-8 will transmit a DC_NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_DATA.
6.3.11 MC-8 Get Parameter Definition by Id
Request to MC-8 for a Parameter Definition by Parameter Id. MC-8 will respond with “MC-8 Parameter
Definition Packet”.
6.3.11.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_GET_PARAM_BY_ID 0x35
Data
Count
Application Data:
2 0x02
Data[0] ParamId(LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId(MSB) nn
6.3.11.2 Data Description
ParamId:
Data Type: Unsigned 16 bit Integer
Max Value: Max Parameter Count as reported by the MC-8 Unit Configuration
6.3.11.3 Data Validation:
If the ParamId is not a valid Id the MC-8 will respond with a NAK packet and error code DC_
INVALID_PARAM_ID.
Response Packet (
6.3.14.2 page 22)
17
Page 18
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.11.4 Parameter Definition Response Packet
The following Packet has been defined as follows for MC-8 V1.00. Future releases may modify
this definition.
Application Header:
Command
MC_SYS_PARAM_DEF_PK
T
0x8F
Data Count 110 0x6E
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId(LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId(MSB) nn
Data[2] ParamType nn
Data[3] MAX Value(LSB) nn
Data[4] MAX Value(MSB) nn
Data[5] MIN Value(LSB) nn
Data[6] MIN Value(MSB) nn
Data[7-27] CurrentValue[0 -20] nn nn nn…
Data[28]-Data[108] Parameter Path
ch ch ch …
0x00
Data[108] Read Only nn
6.3.11.5 Data Description
ParamId:
Data Type: Unsigned 16 bit Integer
Max Value: Max Parameter Count as reported by the MC-8 Unit Configuration
Signed 16 bit integer
(-32,767 to 32,768)
Zero terminated string of 20
ascii characters
2
21
Data:
The data value transmitted is dependent on the ParamType, as described above. The
CurrentValue is always packed starting at the CurrentValue [0] byte in the packet. For
multi-byte data, the values are packed LSB first(CurrentValue [0]) to MSB(CurrentValue
[0+(num bytes-1)]). For example: Setting a given signed 16 bit parameter to a value of 300 the data array would be packed as follows:
All signed values are in the 2's compliment format.
Max Value:
This is a 16 bit value representing the maximum value for a parameter. Parameter
values exceeding the maximum will be limited to the maximum. This may be a signed or
unsigned value depending on the Parameter Type.
Min Value:
This is a 16 bit value representing the minimum value for a parameter. Parameter values
exceeding the minimum will be limited to the minimum. This may be a signed or unsigned
value depending on the Parameter Type.
Parameter Path:
This is a zero terminated ASCII character string describing the parameter's name and
path in the units parameter tree structure.
19
Page 20
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
Read Only:
Data Type: Boolean
TRUE: Parameter is read only
FALSE: Parameter is writeable
6.3.12 MC-8 Set Parameter Value by Id
MC-8 Set Parameter by Id command sets the parameter value equal to the value sent in the command
packet and then runs the appropriate functional changes associated with changing the given parameter.
6.3.12.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_SYS_PARAM_VALUE_BY_ID 0x36
Data Count 24 0x18
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId(LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId(MSB) nn
Data[2] ParamType nn
Data[3-23] Value[0 -20]
nn nn
nn…
6.3.12.2 Data Description
ParamId:
Data Type: Unsigned 16 bit Integer
Max Value: Max Parameter Count as reported by the MC-8 Unit Configuration
Unsigned 8 bit integer(0
to 255)
Unsigned 8 bit integer(0
to 65535)
Zero terminated string of
8 ascii characters
Zero terminated string of
13 ascii characters
Unsigned 32 bit integer
(0 to 4,294,967,295 )
Data Size
(Bytes)
1
2
9
14
4
PARAM_TYPE_BOOLEAN 5 Boolean (0 to 1) 1
PARAM_TYPE_INT8 6
Signed 16 bit integer
(-32,767 to 32,768)
Zero terminated string of
20 ascii characters
2
21
Value:
The data value transmitted is dependent on the ParamType, as described above. The
Data Value is always packed starting at the Value[0] byte in the packet. For multi-byte
20
Page 21
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
data, the values are packed LSB first(Value[0]) to MSB(Value[0+(num bytes-1)]). For
example: Setting a given signed 16 bit parameter to a value of -300 the data array would
be packed as follows:
Value[0] = 0xd4
Value[1] = 0xfe
Value[2 - 13] = don't care.
All signed values are in the 2's compliment format.
6.3.12.3 Data Validation:
The ParamId must be a valid Parameter. The ParamType must be valid for the given ParamId. If
either of these conditions is not true, the MC-8 will respond with a NAK packet and error code DC
_ INVALID_PARAM_ID. The data value size cannot exceed the size of a given data type. A
value that does exceed the size of a give data type will be truncated to the appropriate size. The
ParamType transmitted must match the ParamType for the Parameter being transmitted, as per
the Parameter Definition as transmitted by the MC_SYS_PARAM_DEF_PKT . If the types do not
match, the MC-8 will transmit a NAK packet with a DC_INVALID_INPUT error code. The MC-8
will transmit a NAK packet with a DC_ERR_READ_ONLY error code for read only parameters.
6.3.13 MC-8 Set Parameter Value by Id, No Run
MC-8 Set Parameter by Id command sets the parameter value equal to the value sent in the command
packet and does not run the appropriate functional changes associated with changing the given
parameter.
6.3.13.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_SYS_PARAM_VALUE_BY_ID_NO_RUN 0x37
Data Count 24 0x18
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId(LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId(MSB) nn
Data[2] ParamType nn
Data[3-23] Value[0 -20] nn nn nn…
6.3.13.2 Data Description
Same as Set Parameter Value by ID: Data Description (
6.3.12.2 page 20).
6.3.14 MC-8 Get Unit Configuration
Request to MC-8 for its current unit configuration. MC-8 will respond with “Unit Configuration Packet”.
The HOST should use this information to determine if any information saved by the HOST is current.
6.3.14.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_GET_CONFIG 0x38
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
21
Page 22
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.14.2 MC-8 Unit Configuration Response Packet
Application Header:
Command MC_RESP_UNIT_CONFIG 0x91
Data Count 30 0x1E
Application Data:
Data[0] ProductId nn
Data[1] Software Type nn
Data[2] Software Level nn
Data[3] Software Major Revision nn
Data[4] Software Minor Revision nn
Data[5] Protocol Major Revision nn
Data[6] Protocol Minor Revision nn
Data[7] Parameter Count Low(LSB) nn
Data[8] Parameter Count High(MSB) nn
Data[9] Effect Count nn
Data[10] TimeStamp[0] ch
Data[11] TimeStamp[1] ch
Data[12] TimeStamp[2] ch
Data[13] TimeStamp[3] ch
Data[14] TimeStamp[4] ch
Data[15] TimeStamp[5] ch
Data[16] TimeStamp[6] ch
Data[17] TimeStamp[7] ch
Data[18] TimeStamp[8] ch
Data[19] TimeStamp[9] ch
Data[20] TimeStamp[10] ch
Data[21] TimeStamp[11] ch
Data[22] TimeStamp[12] ch
Data[23] TimeStamp[13] ch
Data[24] TimeStamp[14] ch
Data[25] TimeStamp[15] 0x00
Data[26] SerialNumber(LSB) nn
Data[27] SerialNumber nn
Data[28] SerialNumber nn
Data[29] SerialNumber(MSB) nn
22
Page 23
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.14.3 Data Description
ProductId: This unsigned 8 bit value describes the product.
Note: SW level indicates the status of the MC-8 internal application software.
Software Major Revision: An unsigned 8 bit integer value indicating the unit’s major software version.
The host should use this information to determine if new effects, effect
parameters, or system parameters have been added or removed.
Software Minor Revision: An unsigned 8 bit integer value indicating this units minor software version.
Indicates the units software operation has changed but effects, effect
parameters, or system parameters have not changed.
Protocol Major Revision: An unsigned 8 bit integer value indicating the serial communication protocol
major version. The host should use this value to determine if new
commands, notifications, or response packets have been added or deleted
from this specification.
23
Page 24
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
Protocol Minor Revision: An unsigned 8 bit integer value indicating the serial communication protocol
minor version. The host should use this value to determine if the existing
commands, notifications, or response packets have changed in this
specification
Parameter Count: An unsigned 16 bit integer value indicating the maximum number of
parameters for this version of software. All Parameters are sequentially
ordered within the unit so cycling from ParamId 0 to ParamId = Parameter
Count -1 allows for the host system to learn the Parameter definitions for all
Parameters defined for a given software version. The 16 bit value is packed
LSB followed by the MSB.
Total Number of Effects: An unsigned 8 bit integer value indicating the maximum number of effects
available for this version of software.
TimeStamp: Is a null terminated ASCII text string describing the build date and time of the
current software build. The Format of this text string is:
“yy/mm/dd(sp)hh:mm”
yy- is the last two digits of the year (i.e. year 2001=01, year 2002 = 02)
mm - is the month
dd- is the day
(sp) - is an ASCII space character (0x20)
hh - is the hour
mm - is the minute
SerialNumber: The Serial Number is an unsigned 32 bit integer holding the unique value of
the current unit.
6.3.15 MC-8 Send IR Command
This command allows the HOST to transmit IR command key codes to the MC-8.
6.3.15.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_IR 0x39
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] KeyCode nn
6.3.15.2 Data Description
KeyCode:
Data Type: Unsigned 8 bit integer.
Valid Values: MC-8 IR Codes (
Appendix C page 37)
6.3.15.3 MC-8 Response
The KeyCode is processed as a valid IR code. No acknowledgment will be sent from MC-8.
6.3.15.4 Data Validation
The KeyCode data will be verified as a legal IR code. If the Code is not valid the MC-8 will not
respond.
24
Page 25
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.16 MC-8 Get Parameter Value by Id
Request to MC-8 for the current value of a given parameter. The MC-8 will respond with a “Parameter
Value Packet”.
6.3.16.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_GET_PARAM_VALUE_BY_ID 0x3A
Data Count 2 0x02
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId (LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId (MSB) nn
6.3.16.2 Data Description
ParamId:
Data Type: Unsigned 16 bit integer.
Max: Max Parameter Count as reported by the MC-8 Unit Configuration
Response Packet (
6.3.14.2 page 22)
6.3.16.3 Data Validation
If ParamId exceeds the maximum value, the MC-8 will ignore the command and transmit a
DC_NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_PARAM_ID.
6.3.16.4 MC-8 Value String Response Packet
Application Header:
Command MC_RESP_PARAM_VALUE 0x92
Data Count 24 0x18
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId (LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId (MSB) nn
Data[2] ParamType nn
Data[3-23] Value[0 -20] nn nn nn…
6.3.16.5 Data Description
Same as Set Parameter Value by ID: Data Description (
6.3.12.2 page 20).
6.3.17 MC-8 Set Parameter Notification by Id
Request to MC-8 to enable or disable transmission of the MC-8 parameter change notification for a given
parameter.
25
Page 26
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.17.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_PARAM_NOTIFICATION_BY_ID 0x3B
Data Count 3 0x03
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId (LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId (MSB) nn
Data[2] Enable/Disable nn
6.3.17.2 Data Description
ParamId:
Data Type: Unsigned 16 bit integer.
Max: Max Parameter Count as reported by the MC-8 Unit Configuration
Response Packet (
6.3.14.2 page 22)
Enable/Disable:
Data Type: Boolean
TRUE: Enable transmission of parameter notification
FALSE: Disable transmission of parameter notification
6.3.17.3 Data Validation
If ParamId exceeds the maximum value, the MC-8 will ignore the command and transmit a
DC_NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_PARAM_ID.
6.3.17.4 MC-8 Response
If a parameter has been enabled for notification the MC-8 will transmit its current value whenever
it has been changed due to any user or system action. For the details of the MC-8 notification
packet, see the Parameter Notification by Id description (
6.1.4 page 9).
6.3.18 MC-8 Parameter Get Value String by Id
Request to MC-8 for the string representation of a given value for a given parameter. The MC-8 will
respond with a “Value String Response Packet”.
6.3.18.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_PARAM_GET_VALUE_STRING_BY_ID 0x3C
Data Count 23 0x17
Application Data:
Data[0] ParamId (LSB) nn
Data[1] ParamId (MSB) nn
Data[2] - Data[22] Value[0] - Value[20] nn nn nn ..
6.3.18.2 Data Description
ParamId:
Data Type: Unsigned 16 bit integer.
Max: Max Parameter Count as reported by the MC-8 Unit Configuration
Response Packet (
6.3.14.2 page 22)
Value:
See Set Parameter Value by ID: Data Description (
6.3.12.2 page 20).
26
Page 27
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.18.3 Data Validation
If ParamId exceeds the its maximum value, the MC-8 will ignore the command and transmit a
DC_NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_PARAM_ID.
6.3.18.4 MC-8 Value String Response Packet
Application Header:
Command MC_RESP_VALUE_STRING 0x93
Data Count
Application Data:
Number of Characters in Value
String + 1
nn
Data[0] - Data[20] Value String ch ch ch … 0x00
6.3.18.5 Data Description
Value String:
Data Type: Null (0x00) terminated ASCII string.
Max Length: 21 (20 characters plus terminating Null)
6.3.19 MC-8 Clear All Parameter Notifications
Request to the MC-8 to disable all MC-8 parameter notifications.
6.3.19.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_CLEAR_ALL_PARAM_NOTIFICATIONS 0x3D
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
6.3.20 MC-8 Get System Status
Request to MC-8 for its current system status. MC-8 will respond with “System Status Packet”.
6.3.20.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_GET_SYS_STATUS 0x3E
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
27
Page 28
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.20.2 System Status Response Packet
Application Header:
Command MC_RESP_SYS_STATUS 0x94
Data Count 10 0x0A
Application Data:
Data[0] System Volume nn
Data[1] Current Input nn
Data[2] Current Effect Id nn
Data[3] Current Input Sample Rate nn
Data[4] Current Input Format nn
Data[5] Mute Active nn
Data[6] Effect Bypass nn
Data[7] Left/Right Balance nn
Data[8] Front/Back Balance nn
Data[9] Video Sync nn
6.3.20.3 Data Description
System Volume:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: +12 (0x0C) (12 dB)
Min: -80 (0xB0) (-80 dB)
Current Input:
Data Type: Unsigned 8 bit integer
Definition/Conversion: MC-8 Input Ids (
Appendix D page 39).
Current Effect Id:
Data Type: Unsigned 8 bit integer
Definition/Conversion: MC-8 Mode Ids (
Data Type: Boolean.
TRUE: System Mute is Active
FALSE: System is unmuted.
Effect Bypass:
Data Type: Boolean
TRUE: Effect Bypass is Active
FALSE: Effect Bypass is Inactive
Left/Right Balance:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: 16 (0x10) (Full Right)
Min: -16 (0xF0) (Full Left)
Front/Back Balance:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: 16 (0x10) (Full Front)
Min: -16 (0xF0) (Full Back)
Video Sync:
Data Type: Boolean.
TRUE: MC-8 has detected Video Sync for current video input
FALSE: MC-8 can not detect Video Sync for the current video input
6.3.21 MC-8 Get Zone Status
This command is a request to MC-8 for current Zone 2 Status. MC-8 will respond with “Zone2 Status
Packet”.
6.3.21.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_GET_REC_ZONE2_STATUS 0x3F
Data Count 0 0x00
Application Data:
N/A
29
Page 30
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.21.2 Zone2 Status Response Packet
Application Header:
Command MC_RESP_REC_ZONE2_STATUS 0x95
Data Count 5 0x05
Application Data:
Data[0] Zone2 Volume nn
Data[1] Assigned Zone 2 Input nn
Data[2] Reserved For Future Use nn
Data[3] Zone2 Mute Active nn
Data[4] Zone2 Balance nn
6.3.21.3 Data Description
Zone2 Volume:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: +12 (0x0C) (12 dB)
Min: -80 dB (0xB0) (-80 dB)
Assigned Zone 2 Input:
Indicates the Zone 2 input that is currently assigned for the zone 2 outputs.
Data Type: Unsigned 8 bit integer.
Definition/Conversion: MC-8 Input Ids (
Appendix D page 39)
Zone2 Mute Active:
Data Type: Boolean.
TRUE: Zone2 Outputs are active.
FALSE: Zone 2 Outputs are not active.
Zone 2 Balance:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: 16 (0x10) (Full Right)
Min: -16 (0xF0) (Full Left)
6.3.22 MC-8 Set System Volume
This command is a request to the MC-8 to set the system volume with the value in this packet.
6.3.22.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_SYS_VOLUME 0x40
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Value nn
6.3.22.2 Data Description
Value:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: +12 (0x0C) (12 dB)
Min: -80 (0xB0) (-80 dB)
30
Page 31
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.22.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will assign the value from the packet to the system volume.
6.3.22.4 Data Validation
If a value is passed that exceeds the maximum value of that parameter the MC-8 will ignore the
command and transmit a DC_NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_DATA.
6.3.23 MC-8 Set Main Balance
Commands MC-8 to set the system balance to the value in this packet.
6.3.23.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command DC_CMD_SET_SYS_BALANCE 0x41
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Value nn
6.3.23.2 Data Description
Value:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: +16 (0x10) (Full Right)
Min: -16 (0xF0) (Full Left)
6.3.23.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will assign the value from the packet to the system balance.
6.3.23.4 Data Validation
If a value is passed that exceeds the maximum value of that parameter the MC-8 will ignore the
command and transmit a DC_NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_DATA.
6.3.24 MC-8 Set Front/Back Balance
Commands MC-8 to set the front/back balance to the value in this packet.
6.3.24.1 Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_FRONT_BACK_BALANCE 0x42
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Value nn
6.3.24.2 Data Description
Value:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: +16 (0x10) (Full Front)
Min: -16 (0xF0) (Full Back)
31
Page 32
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.24.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will assign the value from the packet to the front/back balance.
6.3.24.4 Data Validation
If a value is passed that exceeds the maximum value of that parameter the MC-8 will ignore the
command and transmit a NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_DATA.
6.3.25 MC-8 Set Active Effect by Id
This command requests the MC-8 to set the active effect to the value in this packet.
6.3.25.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_EFFECT 0x43
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] EffectId nn
6.3.25.2 Data Description
EffectId:
Data Type: Unsigned 8 bit integer
Definition/Conversion: MC-8 Mode Ids (
Appendix F page 40)
6.3.25.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will load the desired effect.
6.3.25.4 Data Validation
If a value is passed that exceeds the maximum value of that parameter the MC-8 will ignore the
command and transmit a NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_DATA.
6.3.26 MC-8 Set Zone2 Volume
Commands MC-8 to set the Zone 2 volume with the value in this packet.
6.3.26.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_ZONE2_VOLUME 0x45
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] Value nn
6.3.26.2 Data Description
Value:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: +12 (0x0C) (12dB)
Min: -80 (0xB0) (-80 dB)
6.3.26.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will assign the value from the packet to the Zone 2 volume.
32
Page 33
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.3.26.4 Data Validation
If a value is passed that exceeds the maximum value of that parameter the MC-8 will ignore the
command and transmit a NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_DATA.
6.3.27 MC-8 Set Zone2 Left/Right Balance
Commands MC-8 to set the Zone 2 balance to the value in this packet.
6.3.27.1 Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_SET_ZONE2_BALANCE 0x46
Data
Count
Application Data:
1 0x01
Data[0] Value nn
6.3.27.2 Data Description
Value:
Data Type: Signed 8 bit integer (2’s compliment)
Max: +16 (0x10) (Full Right)
Min: -16 (0xF0) (Full Left)
6.3.27.3 MC-8 Response
The MC-8 will assign the value from the packet to the Zone 2 balance.
6.3.27.4 Data Validation
If a value is passed that exceeds the maximum value of that parameter the MC-8 will ignore the
command and transmit a NAK command with an error code DC_INVALID_DATA.
6.3.28 MC-8 Get Input Name by Id
This command is a request to MC-8 for the custom input name. MC-8 will respond with “Input Name
Packet”.
6.3.28.1 Command Packet Description
Application Header:
Command MC_CMD_GET_INPUT_NAME 0x47
Data Count 1 0x01
Application Data:
Data[0] InputId nn
6.3.28.2 Data Description
InputId:
Data Type: Unsigned 8 bit Integer
Definition/Conversion:
MC-8 Input Ids (Appendix D page 39)
6.3.28.3 Data Validation:
The InputId must be a valid Input number. If it is not valid, the MC-8 will respond with a NAK
packet and error code DC_INVALID_INPUT.
Data Type: Unsigned 8 bit Integer
Description/Conversion:
InputName:
Data Type: Null (0x00) terminated ASCII character string.
Max Length: INPUT_NAME_LENGTH defined in Protocol Constants (
page 39)
6.3.29.3 MC-8 Response
MC-8 will copy the InputName to the given input.
6.3.29.4 Data Validation:
The InputId must be a valid Input Id. If it is not the MC-8 will respond with a NAK packet and
error code DC_INVALID_INPUT. If the InputName string exceeds the INPUT_NAME_LENGTH,
the MC-8 will truncate the string to the INPUT_NAME_LENGTH.
5.1 L7 Music 19 13
THX(ex) 20 14
Dolby Digital 21 15
5.1 2-Channel 22 16
5.1 Mono Logic 23 17
5.1 Mono Surround 24 18
5.1 Mono 25 19
dts L7 Film 26 1A
dts L7 Music 27 1B
dts 2-Channel 28 1C
dts 29 1D
dts THX 30 1E
2ch Analog Bypass 31 1F
5.1 Analog Bypass 32 20
Nightclub 41 29
Concert Hall 42 2A
Church 43 2B
Cathedral 44 2C
L7 Music Surround 45 2D
Panorama 50 32
MC-8
Effect
ID(hex)
40
Page 41
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
PLII + THX 14 0E
PLII Movie 12 0C
PLII Music 13 0D
PL + THX 51 33
Pro Logic 11 0B
DtsNEO6 + THX 52 34
DtsNEO6 Cin 15 0F
DtsNEO6 Music 16 10
THX Music (5.1) 48 30
Dts THX Music 47 2F
Application Notes and Examples
6.4 Box initializations:
6.4.1 MC-8:
When the MC-8 is powered on it will initialize the serial port and then transmit the DC_WAKEUP
Packet, and look for an ACK from the HOST. Currently, if an ACK is not received, the MC-8
continues to operate. This message is mostly for the HOST to know if the MC-8 is in an
operational state.
6.4.2 HOST:
When the HOST issues a HOST_WAKEUP Packet the MC-8 responds with an ACK and then
transmits the current FPD buffer with a DC_FPD notification. If the Host issues a
HOST_WAKEUP command and does not receive the ACK it should assume it is not connected
or the MC-8 is not capable of responding on the RS232 and therefore further serial
communications will not be possible. If the MC-8 RS232 is capable of communicating, the MC-8
will respond to a HOST_WAKEUP Command in any “Powered up” state including standby.
6.5 Simple System Control & System Status:
The HOST can control the system via the IR commands thus making any direct IR code a direct
command. Because of some limitations in the IR codes the HOST also has direct control over
the system volume, balance, fader, effect selection, zone 2 volume, balance and input selection
through dedicated commands.
6.6 Examples:
The following examples show the byte’s transmitted for the MC-8 Get Unit Configuration, and
Send MC-8 IR, and Send MC-8 IR Commands . They are shown as they should be transmitted
from left to right.
6.6.1 MC-8 Get Unit Configuration
The HOST initiates by sending the GET_UNIT_CONFIG command packet:
SOP DLL DC CMD AppDCEOP
F1 03 38 00 F2
41
Page 42
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
If the command is received without error the MC-8 responds with the UNIT_CONFIG response
packet:
From the response packet we can see that the MC-8 is configured as a
Product Id is Lexicon MC-8
Software type COMPLETE
Software level of RELEASED
Software Version 1.00
Protocol Version 1.00
with 1080 parameters
and 51 effects,
and the software image was built
“02/12/31 17:05”
and has an internal serial number of
1128 (0x00 00 04 68)
42
Page 43
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
6.6.2 Send MC-8 IR Command Example
SOP DLL DC CMD AppDC DATA0EOP
IR Key
Code
F1 04 39 01 26 F2
This example shows how to transmit the IR command for “
MAIN_CD”. This example command will
select the CD input for the Main Zone. The bytes are transmitted from left to right
and they are defined as:
Byte 0: Start of Packet(F1 hex)
Byte 1: Data Link Layer(DLL) Data Count(DC); for an IR command this would be 4 bytes
to follow
Byte 2: The Application Layer Command, in this case it is 39 hex indicating this is an IR
command packet.
Byte 3: The Application Layer Data Count(DC); for this packet it is 1 data byte to follow.
Byte 4: The Application Command Data: This IR Command Packet is transmitting Key
Code “
this byte with other IR key codes as found in MC-8 IR Codes (
MAIN_CD”(26 hex). To transmit other IR Key Codes the user would replace
Appendix C page
37).
Byte 5: End of Packet (F2 hex)
43
Page 44
Lexicon MC-8 Serial Communications Protocol
MC8 V2.00 Parameter ID List
The following table is for MC8 V2.00 reference only. These Parameter Id Values will change
with S/W and Protocol version changes. The MC8 can always be queried for the correct
Parameter Id numbers and Parameter Definition Packets.