Universal MSC-400 Reference Manual

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MSC-400

Reference Manual

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MSC-400 Reference Manual

Table of Contents

1. Features and Parts 2

Front Panel 5 Rear Panel 6

RFX-250 8

Voltage Sensor 9 Video Sensor 10

2. Installation 12

3. Programming 21

Overview of Programming 22 Main Window Explained 23

Creating a New File 24

Importing Devices 25 Devices and Routing 27 Configuration 31 Creating Smart Macros 33 Macro Window Explained 35 Programming Macros 36 Favorite Channel Tool 38 IF ELSE Statements 41 Sensor Triggered Macros 45 Nesting Macros 46 TOGGLE Statements 46 VARIABLES 48 RELAYS Control 52 Downloading to the MSC 56 Creating Triggers in Remotes 58

4. RS-232 60

5. RS-232 Testing via PC 72

6. Keyboard via USB 79

7. Master Slave Systems 83

8. Troubleshooting 91

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MSC-400

Reference Manual

Section One

Features and Parts

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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Universal Remote Control MSC-400 Master System Controller. The MSC-400 enables a professional installer to provide the ultimate in predictable, reliable one touch control of any audio video system.

One of the most common problems in home theater and whole-house entertainment systems is keeping the system audio and video components “in sync” as different devices are selected (and turned on and off). The MSC-400 knows exactly which components are on and off at any given time using a combination of composite video sensors, voltage sensors and discrete IR and RS232 power commands. The ability to send discrete power commands or sense device status and properly send or not send power commands eliminates user confusion completely.

With IR and RS232 command programmability and two built-in relays, system control is not just limited to A/V devices. Virtually any device incorporated into a home entertainment system - including lifts, screens, drapes and lighting - can also be controlled from the MSC-400.

When a MSC-400 system is programmed, something very different happens when the user presses a button on an MSC compatible remote. Instead of sending a long string of commands in a remote control generated macro that lasts several seconds (each step vulnerable to corrupting interference), the remote sends a unique RF Trigger command in a few milliseconds. The MSC-400 receives the “trigger”, identifies it, and generates a Smart Macro that is directly issued to the components via wired emitters, rear panel IR or RS-232 inputs and/or relay controls. Since all commands are generated within the MSC-400, there is no possibility of any outside interference corrupting any of the commands. Timing is perfect and there is no chance of a missed macro step. The macro is “smart” because it can be programmed to make decisions on the fly. If a component is already on, the video sensing circuit informs the microcontroller and the MSC-400 will skip the power on command and any power-on delay macro is prefaced with a power on command and the necessary power on delay. This accelerates operation when the system is already powered on, since power-on delays are skipped. The final result as your client experiences it: seamless perfection with every button push. The final result for you, the installer; predictable, reliable installations with clients that refer you to every friend they have!

Programming an MSC-400 system is fast and simple using Complete Control Suite. First, in the tab for the remote control, you program the remote control exactly the way you have in the past, except that you do NO Macro Programming. Once all IR codes are labeled and arranged the way you want, you save the file, switch to the MSC-400 tab and import all the codes as “Connected Devices”. After setting the routing and adding any RS-232 devices to the list of connected devices, you create a list of Smart Macro Names (Watch DVD, Watch Cable TV, Turn System Off), then program the macros. After saving the file, you switch back to the remote tab of CCS and drag in the triggers (labeled “Watch DVD”, “Watch Cable TV”, “Turn System Off”) into the correct buttons on the remote. Download to the MSC-400 and the remote and you are ready to test your work.

This manual provides instruction for all aspects of installation, setup and programming a MSC-400 controlled system.

Thank you again for purchasing the MSC-400 Master System Controller.

. If a component is off, the

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PRODUCT FEATURES

• System Control of up to twelve devices (twenty two in a Master/Slave System)

• Power management of up to six devices (twelve in a Master/Slave System)

• MSC-400 stores and outputs all system commands and macros eliminating pa rtially executed macros

• MSC-400 Outputs IR and RS232 commands

• Senses Composite Video and AC or DC voltage for device status

• Six Configurable Video or Voltage Sensor inputs

• Six dedicated IR Output Ports (twelve in a Master/Slave System)

• Six configurable IR or RS232 output Ports (ten in a Master/Slave System)

• Rear panel USB Port allows control of a Windows Media Center PC

• Remotes can be programmed to emulate Media Center Keyboard for alpha search

• IR input for system control via properly programmed and compatible IR remotes and keypads

• Narrow-band RFX-250 Sensor filters out interference from remote signals for reliable communication

and control

• Up to three RFX-250 Sensors can be connected for extended RF Remote range in large systems

• RF Output allows expansion to a second MSC-400 for control of up to 22 devices or connection to a

MRF Series Base Station for control of IR devices located away from the MSC-400

• Two internal relays provide additional integration and control of screens, lifts, drapes, amplifiers, etc.

• Relays are programmable for Paired Commands, (Normally Open or Normally Closed), Momentary

(Push and Hold) or Timed operation

• 12 volt ‘convenience’ output provides power supply to internal relays for devices that require voltage for activation

• Programmed with Complete Control Suite

• Programmable to output single IR or RS232 commands

• Programmable to output Smart Macros of IR and/or RS232 and Relay Commands

• Programmable for ‘conditional’ IF/ELSE Smart Macros and Action Variables to output specific

commands for specific system settings or user preference

• Programmable for Master System ON/OFF macros

• Programmable for specific source select settings

• Compatible remotes can be programmed with System Status Messages to let the user know when

the MSC-400 is executing Smart Macros and to wait for the macro to execute

WHAT’S INCLUDED

1 – MSC-400 Master System Controller 1 – 12V DC 3.5A Power Supply 1 – RFX-250 RF Sensor 1 – 10’ RFX-250 Connecting Cable 6 – Standard IR Emitters 1 – 3’ USB Programming Cable

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GENERAL INFORMATION

MSC-400 MASTER SYSTEM CONTROLLER

The MSC-400 is the heart and brains of any home entertainment system. All system components, (RFX250 RF Sensor, Status Sensors, Emitters, RS232 Cables, and USB to Media Center Cables) are connected to the MSC-400. It enables simple, reliable control and provides flexible, comprehensive connections that allow the seamless integration of any system device.

MSC-400 Front Panel Features

1 MSC-400 Front Panel

1. Power LED – One, blue LED illuminates to indicate MSC-400 power supply is attached and

connected to AC power.

2. Status LED – One, blue LED flashes when an RF signal from a MSC compatible remote is received

and understood via the RFX-250 Sensor.

3. USB1 LED – One, blue LED illuminates to indicate that a PC is connected to the MSC-400 front

panel USB1 Programming Port.

4. USB2 LED – One, blue LED illuminates to indicate that a Media Center PC is connected to the MSC-

400 rear panel USB2 Port.

5. Video Or Voltage Sensor LEDS – Six, green LEDs illuminate to indicate that devices connected to

the corresponding MSC-400 rear panel sensor inputs are ON by sensing the presence of composite video or AC or DC voltage.

6. IR Learning Sensor – One, IR sensor used to learn IR commands into a MSC Project File when a

particular code is not available in the IR Database.

NOTE - Using one of the MSC-compatible remotes connected directly to the PC running CCS is recommended for convenience in learning IR Commands.

7. USB1 Programming Port – One, USB Type B Port connects to a PC running CCS for programming

the MSC-400.

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MSC-400 Rear Panel Features

MSC-400 Reference Manual

2 MSC-400 Rear Panel

8. IR Programmable Outputs (1-6) – Six, 3.5 mono mini jacks connect to IR emitters for IR control of

Connected Devices. These Ports can be cond as discrete, ‘routed’ outputs that only send IR commands to the specific device that each emitter is attached to. This allows selective control of multiple same-brand, same-model components, (multiple DVD players, SAT receivers, etc.) and assures accurate control in that a given component’s commands are routed only to it’s dedicated IR output and emitter, preventing IR splash from multiple emitters flashing at the same time. POLARITY: TIP=IR data; SLEEVE=GND.

9. IR Or RS232 Programmable Outputs (7-12) – Six, 3.5 mono mini jacks configurable for RS232 or IR

output for control of Connected Devices. When used as RS232 outputs, a special 4-circuit mini plug to DB9 cable must be used. (Universal Remote Control Part #’s: RS232M-male DB9 and RS232Ffemale DB9). When used as IR outputs, these jacks have the same characteristics as jacks 1-6, but a special ‘sleeved emitter’ (URC Part # IRS6), should be used to protect the emitters from burning out due to potential long term exposure to voltage output from the jack pins normally used for RS232. POLARITY (RS232): TIP=no connection; RING 1=TX (red wire); RING 2=RX (white wire); RING 3=GND (shield). POLARITY (IR): TIP=IR data; SLEEVE=GND.

10. IR In – Three-pin plug-in connector allows MSC-400 control from properly programmed IR keypads

and compatible repeater systems.

11. RF In (Plug-In) – Three-pin plug-in connector allows parallel connection of up to three RFX-250 RF

Sensors for extended range in large systems. Also used for RFID Input from RF OUT on a Master MSC-400 in a Master/Slave System. (Max number of connected RFX-250 Sensors includes a sensor connected to the RF IN mini jack.)

12. RF In (Mini Jack) – 3.5 mono mini jack connects to a single RFX-250 using the included 10’ three-

circuit mini-mini plug cable. Also used for RFID Input from RF OUT on a Master MSC-400 in a Master/Slave System. POLARITY: TIP=+5VDC; RING=data; SLEEVE=GND.

13. RF Out – 3.5 mono mini jack connects to the RF IN on a MSC-400 Slave unit in Master/Slave

Systems using two MSC-400 Controllers. This jack can also connect to the RF IN on a MRF Series Basestation for control of system components located away from the main component area.

POLARITY: TIP=data; SLEEVE=GND.

14. USB2 – USB Type B port allows control of a Media Center PC.

15. DC 12V – 2.1mm coaxial jack connects to the included 12VDC, 3.5A power supply. POLARITY:

PIN=+12VDC; SLEEVE=GND.

16. 12V Out – Two-pin plug-in connector terminal provides a constant 12VDC supply for MSC-400

Relays 1&2, when used with voltage controlled devices that require external 12VDC to activate.

NOTE: Total draw (Relays 1&2) should not exceed .5A.

17. Relay 2 – Three-pin plug-in connector terminal provides configurable switch closure modes for

control of devices that require a switch closure for activation. Discrete Open and Close commands

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are programmable for three modes of operation: Latching, where the relay stays closed until told to open, (or stays open until told to close), Timed Momentary, where the relay can be set to stay open or closed for a specific duration, or Momentary, where the relay stays open or closed for as long as the remote button is pressed and held. DURATION (TIMED MOMENTARY): .1-99.9 seconds. RATING: 30V; .5A. (Total draw of Relays 1&2 cannot exceed .5A.)

18. Relay 1 – Three-pin plug-in connector terminal provides configurable switch closure modes for

control of devices that require a switch closure for activation. Discrete Commands for Open and Close are programmable for three modes of operation: Latching, where the relay stays closed until told to open, (or stays open until told to close), Timed Momentary, where the relay can be set to stay open or closed for a specific duration, or Momentary, where the relay stays open or closed for as long as the remote button is pressed and held. DURATION (TIMED MOMENTARY): .1-99.9 seconds.

RATING: 30V; .5A. (Total draw of Relays 1&2 cannot exceed .5A.)

19. Video Or Voltage Sensors – Six, 3.5 mono mini jacks connect to Universal Remote Control VID-6

Video Sensor Cables for sensing composite video or VS-1006 Voltage Power Sensors for sensing AC/DC voltage. When composite video or voltage is detected, the MSC-400 recognizes that the connected device is ON. System Power ON/OFF macros, conditional IF/ELSE Smart Macros and other control modes are typically associated with the status of these sensor inputs. When an ON condition is detected at the sensor input, the corresponding front panel sensor LED will illuminate to indicate the ON condition.

MSC-400 Top Panel Features

3 MSC-400 Top Panel

20. IR Output Levels – Twelve, rotary controls allow adjustment of corresponding IR emitter outputs 1-

12 on the MSC-400 Rear Panel. These pots do not adjust output level on jacks 7-12 when they are cond for RS232 control. RANGE: +X to –X.

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RFX-250 RF SENSOR

The RFX-250 receives narrow-band radio signals from compatible narrow-band RF remote controls and relays them via a connecting cable to the MSC-400. The narrow-band RF technology and advanced protocol used in the RFX-250 improves reliability and extends receiving range. The compact size and detached design enables the RFX-250 to be placed in discrete locations, away from RF interference generated by system components (when necessary).

RFX-250 RF Sensor Features

4 RFX-250 RF Sensor

21. Antenna – One flexible antenna, receives RF signals from MSC compatible remotes. The antenna

can be rotated and angled to optimum reception position.

22. RF Out (Mini Jack) – One three-circuit 3.5 mono mini jack provides power to the RFX-250 and sends

understood RF commands to the MSC-400. This jack can be connected to either of the RF IN’s on the MSC-400 rear panel. POLARITY: TIP=+5VDC; RING=data; SLEEVE=GND.

23. RF Out (Plug-In) – One three-pin plug-in connector terminal provides power to the RFX-250 and

sends understood RF commands to the MSC-400. This terminal can be connected to either RF IN on the MSC-400 rear panel.

24. RF LED – One red LED flashes when the RFX-250 is receiving RF signals from a MSC compatible

remote. This LED will also turn on in a range from low glow flicker to full on constant, when RF noise is present. This is useful in troubleshooting for positioning the RF Sensor in a location clear of RF interference (LED off).

25. Power LED – One red LED illuminates to indicate the RFX is powered from the MSC-400.

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VS-1006 VOLTAGE POWER SENSOR

The VS-1006 Voltage Power Sensor allows voltage output of a system component to be used to monitor that component’s ON/OFF status for power management when the device does not have discrete commands or a composite video output is not available for video sensing. Some components provide 12V Status Outputs while with other applications, a DC power supply plugged into a component’s switched outlet can be used to provide device status.

VS-1006 Voltage Power Sensor Features

5 VS-1006 Voltage Power Sensor

26. Sensor Plug – One four-circuit 3.5 mono mini plug connects to one of the Video or Voltage Sensor

Inputs on the MSC-400 rear panel.

27. Power LED – One red LED illuminates to indicate the VS-1006 is properly connected to and powered

from the MSC-400.

28. Sensed Voltage Input – One two-pin plug-in connector terminal connects to the AC or DC voltage

output of the device being sensed. POLARITY: Not critical on VS-1006 end. RATING: 3-25 V AC or DC. WIRE GAUGE: Up to 14AWG.

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VID-6 VIDEO SENSOR CABLE

The VID-6 Video Sensor Cable is a special cable assembly that connects the composite video output of a connected device to a Video or Voltage Sensor Input on the MSC-400 rear panel. This method provides excellent conditional status sensing with devices that feature a switched composite video output. Not all devices turn the composite video output off when in standby – some switch to a black screen. A black screen looks off and protects some types of video displays from ‘burn in’, but there is still a sync code present that is not compatible with video sensing for ON/OFF status. For devices that output a black screen, use a VS-1006 Voltage Power Sensor from a switched outlet (or status output on the device if available), a sensed AC outlet that outputs 12V or discrete IR ON/OFF codes or RS232 commands.

VID-6 Video Sensor Cable Features

6 VID-6 Video Sensor Cable

29. RCA Plug – One RCA plug connects to the composite video output of a system Connected Device.

Typically, unless multiple composite outputs are available, a Y adaptor can be used to connect the device video output to both the video input the signal is being sent to (Video Display) and the MSC400 sensed input with no loss of signal quality.

30. Sensor Plug – One four-circuit 3.5 mono mini plug connects to one of the Video or Voltage Sensor

Inputs on the MSC-400 rear panel.

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MSC-400

Reference Manual

Section Two

Installation

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System Design

The MSC-400 is designed to simplify control of a home entertainment system, from a simple stack of A/V components to an elaborate home theater or a whole-house audio/video distribution system. The two important parts of installing and programming a MSC-400 system are understanding the system device’s control capabilities and the user’s preferences.

Device Control Capabilities And Behavior

It is vitally important to understand each of the system devices’ control capabilities and how they behave. That is, how can the devices be controlled and what do they really do when they are on or in standby? The MSC-400 has multiple options for both control and sensing, so determining which options to use is critical to system configuration, installation and programming. (A device’s capabilities, or lack there of, may also determine which brand or model device is used in a given system.)

The MSC-400 can control a connected device using IR (infrared), RS232, or switch closure. First question for IR controlled devices: ARE SEPARATE ON/OFF COMMANDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS DEVICE? If they are, ON/OFF sensing won’t be required for this device. (Sensing a device with discrete commands isn’t necessary for System ON/OFF, but is still useful, as will be explained in the section on Source Select Smart Macros.) Power management for devices with discrete ON/OFF commands can be handled in MSC-400 programming. If a device does not have discrete ON/OFF commands, the next question is: HOW IS THE MSC-400 GOING TO KNOW IF IT IS ON OR OFF? If a device has a Control Out or switched AC outlet, a VS-1006 can provide voltage power sensing for the ON/OFF status of that device. If the device is an A/V (audio/video) component and has a composite video output, the question is: DOES THE COMPOSITE VIDEO OUT TURN OFF WHEN THE DEVICE IS IN STANDBY? The trick here is to be sure that the device is not outputting a ‘black screen’ that looks like the video is off. A simple test is to connect a VID-6 Video Sensor Cable to the device composite video out and to one of the Video or Voltage Sensor Inputs on the MSC-400 Rear Panel. Turn the A/V device ON. The associated green LED on the MSC-400 Front Panel should illuminate. Turn the device OFF. If the LED turns off, then the composite video out turns off in standby and video sensing can be used. If the LED does not go out, then the device is outputting video in standby and an alternate method will need to be incorporated.

For devices that do not have discrete IR commands, are not RS232 compatible and do not have a switched AC or composite video out, another option for sensing is to use a current sensing AC outlet, as shown in 7 TYPICAL SYSTEM ILLUSTRATION. This method has a device’s AC power cord connected to a sensed outlet that will output a 12V signal when current is drawn by the connected device. The 12V signal can then be connected to a VS-1006 for Voltage sensing.

Another option for control is RS232. Typically, RS232 controlled devices have discrete ON/OFF commands. Check the RS232 database in the MSC-400 editor first. If a device is not found in the library, check the device’s manual for a RS232 Command Table, check the product ma nufacturer’s web site or call their tech support. As with discrete IR Commands, sensing RS232 controlled devices is not necessary for System ON/OFF, but can be useful for Source Select Smart Macros.

TIP - Keep written notes on how each device is going to be sensed and controlled. This will be most helpful in making connections during installation. (It is also vital in knowing what parts to have on hand for installation.) A MSC-400 can sense the ON/OFF Status of up to six devices. When noting which sensing method will be used, it is also recommended to note which device is going to be connected to which Sensor Input. This will come in useful in making connections and programming.

User Preferences

The second major design consideration for system configuration is user preference or configuring the system for how the user or users interface with the system. Most of the configuration for preferences will be done in programming, but it is important to know what the preferences are during installation, to be

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sure the system has been properly setup to accommodate all possible control options. Typically, with a one user system, power management and selective control of each source, (particularly same-brand, same-model devices) are the main focus. Smart Macro programming makes the user experience with the MSC-400 rewarding by turning appropriate devices on and off at the correct time, as well as selecting sources, turning to specific channels or selecting surround modes with a single button press.

The best way to know how to program the system is to ask the user or users how they use the system. Each user will probably have a group of favorite Cable, Satellite TV or Radio channels they want to choose from. (See Section: Toggle Macros.) Each may have their own zone configuration in a wholehouse system with perhaps different local devices. MSC-400, the compatible remotes and CCS all allow the creative flexibility to truly customize each remote and controller for each user.

After interviewing the users, suggest other options or flexibilities that can be included during installation and programming that they may not have been aware of. Selecting different surround modes and video aspect ratios when selecting different video sources, or integrating lighting control for example.

The important point here is to be sure that the system has been designed, installed and connected to accommodate any possibility that may come up. Whether that is during initial installation or upgrading at a later date, the user will appreciate the ability to add additional flexibility.

INSTALLATION

MSC-400 Master System Controller

System A/V components should be mounted or installed in a normal manner in an equipment cabinet, rack or closet. The MSC-400 should be mounted in a location that provides easy access to all system devices to be controlled with the MSC-400. The MSC does not have any particular requirements for ventilation since it does not run hot, but proper ventilation should always be provided to prevent damage to system components. Leave plenty of extra space for free airflow after all wires have been pulled and connections made. Also be sure to have enough ‘play’ (extra length) on wire ends to be able to easily make connections, and move components if necessary.

RFX-250 RF Sensor

Some care does need to be taken when locating the RFX-250 RF Sensor. Some system device s with microprocessors such as Media Servers, TiVo’s or other devices such as telephone system controllers can create sufficient levels of RF that can interfere with the RFX-250’s reception. A simple test for placement is to simply power up the entire system, activate all sources and devices (including the MSC400 with RFX-250 connected) and check the RF LED on the RFX-250. If it is off, then there is probably no interference in that location. If the LED is full on or flickering, move the RFX-250 away from the system devices until the LED goes out. Finding a clean location for the RFX-250 is critical for system installation and operation.

In large installations (large homes and estate properties), up to three RFX-250’s can be connected in parallel to the RF IN terminals to extend the range of the coverage area. If the MSC-400 is centrally located, it may be desirable to have one RFX-250 at or near the MSC-400 and install a second at one end of the residence and a third on the other end to provide complete coverage for RF reception from the remote controls. WIRE: CAT 5 or two conductor shielded 18 gauge ; MAX WIRE LENGTH: 200’

The RFX-250’s can be installed anywhere, including closets or attics, to avoid disturbing the look of a professionally decorated home. Always test a location for RF interference or blockage from large metal devices such as refrigerators, steel beams, etc prior to installation.

Once a clean location has been determined, the RFX-250 can be mounted to a cabinet or wa ll surface using the slide clip and mounting bracket on the back of the RFX-250.

1. Carefully slide the mounting plate out of the clip track.

2. Position the mounting plate on the surface to which it is going to be mounted.

3. Using a pencil or sharp probe, mark the four screw holes on the wall surface.

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4. Drill small starter holes in the marked locations.

5. Using small flat head screws, attach the mounting plate to the wall surface.

6. Slide the RFX-250 over the mounting plate until it clicks into the clip track and locks into position.

VS-1006 Voltage Power Sensor

The VS-1006 should be located near the MSC-400, within the 10’ length of the attached sensor cable. It should be placed in a location that allows easy access for making connections or troubleshooting if necessary. It is not susceptible to RF interference. The VS-1006 can be mounted to a cabinet or wall surface using the same procedure described for the RFX-250, using two screws instead of four. When using multiple VS-100’s, placing a label on each sensor with both the device (type, brand, model) of the sensed device and the sensor input number will help keep track of which sensor is which whe n making connections and troubleshooting.

VID-6 Video Sensor Cable

Take care to not pinch the sensor cable between components. Label each VID-6 Cable to keep track of which sensor cable is connected to which device. Label the cable for both the device (type, brand and model) as well as the sensor input number to help keep track of which sensor is which when making connections and when troubleshooting.

CONNECTIONS

VIDEO OR VOLTAGE SENSORS (1-6)

Control Voltage Out/Switched AC Out (VS-100)

NOTE - When using a switched AC outlet, an AC or DC power supply adapter can be used to trigger a VS-1006 Voltage Sensor. Using AC or unregulated DC adapters is recommended given the instant ON/OFF characteristics such supplies. Regulated DC adapters are slower to respond when turned on and off and are therefore not considered ideal for status sensing. RATING: 3-2 5V AC or DC.

1. Using two-conductor stranded 24-14AWG wire, connect the CONTROL VOLTAGE OUT of the

SENSED DEVICE - or stripped ends of a POWER ADAPTER - to the TWO-PIN PLUG-IN CONNECTOR on the VS-1006 as shown in 7 Typical System. The VS-1006 can sense AC or DC so polarity is not critical on the VS-1006 end.

2. If using a POWER ADAPTER, plug it in to the SWITCHED OUTLET on the SENSED DEVICE.

3. Connect the 4-CIRCUIT MINI PLUG from the VS-1006 to the appropriate VIDEO OR VOLTAGE

SENSOR INPUT on the MSC-400 REAR PANEL.

4. Once the system has been powered up, the VS-1006 POWER LED should illuminate RED.

5. To TEST VOLTAGE SENSING, turn the SENSED DEVICE ON. The VIDEO OR VOLTAGE SENSOR

LED on the MSC-400 FRONT PANEL with the SAME NUMBER as the SENSOR INPUT should illuminate GREEN. Turn the SENSED DEVICE OFF. The LED should turn OFF. If not, check connections and measure the device control out or power adapter with a volt meter to confirm voltage output.

Current Sensing AC Outlet (VS-1006)

1. Connect the POWER CORD from the SENSED DEVICE to a SENSED AC OUTLET on a current

sensing AC outlet as shown in 7 Typical System.

2. Using two-conductor stranded 24-14AWG wire, connect the CONTROL VOLTAGE OUT of the

CURRENT SENSOR to the TWO-PIN PLUG-IN CONNECTOR on the VS-1006. The VS-1006 can sense AC or DC so polarity is not critical.

3. Connect the 4-CIRCUIT MINI PLUG from the VS-1006 to the appropriate VIDEO OR VOLTAGE

SENSOR INPUT on the MSC-400 REAR PANEL.

4. Plug the POWER CORD on the CURRENT SENSING DEVICE into an UNSWITCHED AC OUTLET.

5. Once the system has been powered up, the VS-1006 POWER LED should illuminate RED.

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6. To TEST VOLTAGE SENSING, turn the SENSED DEVICE ON. The VIDEO OR VOLTAGE SENSOR

LED on the MSC-400 FRONT PANEL with the SAME NUMBER as the INPUT to which the SENSOR is connected, should illuminate GREEN. Turn the SENSED DEVICE OFF. The LED should turn OFF. If not, check connections and measure the device control out with a volt meter to confirm voltage output. Also confirm that the SENSED DEVICE’S POWER CORD is connected to a SENSED OUTLET.

Composite Video (VID-6 Video Sensor Cable)

1. Connect the MALE end of a single male to two female RCA plug ‘Y’ ADAPTER to the COMPOSITE

VIDEO OUT on the device to be sensed as shown in 7 Typical System.

2. Connect the RCA PLUG END of the VID-6 SENSOR CABLE to one of the jacks on the Y ADAPTER.

3. Connect the 4-CIRCUIT MINI PLUG end of the VID-6 CABLE to the appropriate VIDEO OR

VOLTAGE SENSOR INPUT on the MSC-400 REAR PANEL.

4. Connect the SECOND JACK on the Y ADAPTER to the appropriate COMPOSITE VIDEO INPUT

(A/V Receiver DVD, VCR input, etc) using a shielded RCA to RCA video cable with gold ends.

5. To TEST VIDEO SENSING, once the system has been powered up, turn the SENSED DEVICE ON.

The VIDEO OR VOLTAGE SENSOR LED on the MSC-400 FRONT PANEL with the SAME NUMBER as the INPUT to which the SENSOR CABLE is CONNECTED, should illuminate GREEN. Turn the SENSED DEVICE OFF. The LED should turn OFF. If not, check connections and confirm the device is not outputting a ‘black screen’ or some other video sync information when off.

6. Confirm VIDEO SIGNAL to the A/V RECEIVER by SELECTING the INPUT to which the SENSED

DEVICE is connected. (Be sure TV or video display is on, connected and switched to the appropriate input.)

IR Programmable Outputs (1-6)

1. Carefully attach an IR EMITTER to a device being controlled via infrared after locating the IR EYE on

the device front panel and peeling away the ADHESIVE PROTECTIVE STRIP on the flat side of the emitter.

TIP - If the IR eye is not obvious, refer to the owner’s manual or shine a small flashlight into the display window on the device front panel to locate the eye.

2. Carefully pull the EMITTER WIRE back to the MSC-400 and connect it to the appropriate IR

PROGRAMMABLE OUTPUT JACK. TIP - This step is critical in that once programmed and cond for discrete output, the MSC-400 will only send a specific device’s IR commands to that device via the assigned IR Port. If an emitter is not connected to the proper IR Port, the MSC-400 will be sending commands to the wrong device. Keep written notes of which device’s emitters are connected to which IR Ports and label each emitter wire at the plug end for type, brand and model as well as the IR Port number. POLARITY: TIP=Signal, SLEEVE=GND.

IR or RS232 Programmable Outputs (7-12) – IR

NOTE - The default Configuration for these Ports is RS232. When using th ese outputs for IR, it is highly recommended that the special URC 6-IRS Sleeved Emitter s be used to prevent possible long term damage to the emitters from contact with voltage connections that are normally used for RS232.

1. Carefully attach the SLEEVED IR EMITTER to a device being controlled via infrared after locating the

IR EYE on the device front panel and peeling away the ADHESIVE PROTECTIVE STRIP on the flat side of the emitter.

TIP - If the IR eye is not obvious, refer to the owner’s manual or shine a small flashlight into the display window on the device front panel to locate the eye.

2. Carefully pull the SLEEVED EMITTER WIRE back to the MSC-400 and connect it to the appropriate

IR OR RS232 PROGRAMMABLE OUTPUT JACK. TIP - This step is critical in that once programmed and cond for discrete output, the MSC-400 will only send a specific device’s IR commands to that device via the assigned IR Port. If an emitter is not connected to the proper IR Port, the MSC-400 will be sending commands to the wrong device. Keep written notes of which device’s emitters are connected to which IR Ports and label each emitter wire at the plug end for type, brand and model as well as the IR Port number. POLARITY (IR): TIP=Signal, SLEEVE=GND

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IR OR RS232 PROGRAMMABLE OUTPUTS (Ports 7-12) – RS232

NOTE - There are two versions of the RS232 cable. The RS232M has a male DB9 connector and the RS232F has a female DB9 connector. Be sure to verify the proper cable configura tion by visually inspecting the RS232 terminal on the device to be controlled. Some devices will use other types of connectors such as RJ45 and mini jacks. Custom cables can be made using the pin-out for the MSC-400 jacks as shown in G Typical System. Please refer to the device owner’s manual for the pin-out of RS232 Terminals that are not DB9 connectors.

1. Connect the 3.5 MONO 4-CIRCUIT MINI PLUG end of a URC RS232M/F to the appropriate IR OR

RS232 PROGRAMMABLE OUTPUT JACK. TIP - This step is critical in that once cond and programmed, the MSC-400 will only send a specific device’s RS232 commands to that device via the assigned RS232 Port. If an RS232 cable is not connected to the proper RS232 port, the MSC-400 will be sending commands to the wrong device. Keep written notes of which device’s RS232 cables are connected to which RS232 ports and label each RS232 cable at the plug end for type, brand and model as well as the RS232 Port number.

2. Connect the DB9 CONNECTOR to the device RS232 TERMINAL. Tighten the thumb screws to

secure the connection.

8 RS232 3.5 Mono Mini Plug Pin-Out

IR In

1. Using appropriate 3-conductor 24-14AWG wire, connect the +12, SIGNAL AND GROUND from an IR

REPEATER SYSTEM to one of the included three-pin plug-in connectors for IR control of Connected Devices. The MSC-400 will output IR signals input to this terminal to ALL IR PORTS. (No routing for selective control.)

NOTE - IF THE IR REPEATER SYSTEM HAS ITS OWN POWER SUPPLY, DO NOT MAKE THE 12V CONNECTION.

2. Confirm polarity from the IR system prior to making connections. Be sure there are no loose strands

that can cause shorts.

RF In (RFX-250 RF Sensor)

1. Using the included 10’ 4-CIRCUIT MINI-MINI CABLE, connect the RF OUT on the RFX-250 RF

SENSOR to the RF IN on the MSC-400 REAR PANEL as shown in 7 Typical System. The RFX-250 can also be connected via three conductor wire, using one of the included 3-pin plug-in connectors.

2. If connecting multiple RFX-250’s, the 3.5 monoJACK and PLUG-IN TERMINAL are PARALLEL, so

both can be used. When connecting MULTIPLE RF SENSORS with the plug-in connector, CHECK POLARITY from each RFX-250 prior to making connections. Be sure there are no loose wire strands that can cause shorts.

3. Once the system has been powered up, the RFX-250 POWER LED should illuminate RED.

4. Be sure to TEST THE RFX-250 location for RF INTERFERENCE as described in Section: RFX-250

INSTALLATION.

5. WIRE: CAT 5 or two conductor shielded 18 gauge ; MAX WIRE LENGTH: 200’

RF Out

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MSC-400 Reference Manual

1. When using two MSC-400’s in a MASTER/SLAVE SYSTEM, use one of the included 10’ 4-CIRCUIT

MINI-MINI CABLES, to connect the RF OUT on the MSC-400 MASTER to the RF IN on the MSC-400 SLAVE. The RF OUT on the MASTER unit can also be connected to the RF IN on a MRF-350 or MRF-300 for control of devices located away from the MSC-400.

USB2 Keyboard Emulation

1. Using an appropriate USB Cable, connect the USB2 Port on the MSC-400 Rear Panel to a USB Port

on a PC. The remote is programmed with AUX Code Set 501 or AUX 502 (Keyboard commands). The MSC-400 automatically routes AUX 501 or AUX 502 to the USB 2 port.

NOTE - THIS PORT CANNOT BE USED FOR PROGRAMMING THE MSC-400.

Relay 1

When connecting the MSC-400 Relays, the controlled device end may be terminated with a plug or connected to wire terminals. In either case, the connections to the MSC Relays are the same for a given switch closure configuration.

NO (Normally Open)

1. For a device that PROVIDES VOLTAGE for use with a switch closure: a) Connect the +V TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE to the RELAY 1 NO TERMINAL on

the MSC-400 REAR PANEL, using one of the included THREE-PIN PLUG-IN CONNECTORS.

b) Connect the GROUND TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE to the RELAY 1 COM

TERMINAL using the same plug-in connector.

2. For a device that REQUIRES EXTERNAL CONTROL VOLTAGE: a) Connect a JUMPER (24-14AWG two conductor stranded wire, typical) from the 12V OUT

TERMINAL on the MSC-400 REAR PANEL to the RELAY 1 COM TERMINAL as shown in 8

Normally Open (Relay 2 Shown).

b) Connect the RELAY 1 NO TERMINAL to the +V TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE. c) Connect the GND TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE to the GND TERMINAL on the

MSC-400 REAR PANEL as shown.

When a properly programmed MSC-400 compatible remote sends an ON COMMAND, (latching, momentary or timed) RELAY 1 will CLOSE and the controlled device will respond (turn ON an amplifier or powered sub, raise a lift, drop a screen, open or close drapes, etc). When the OFF COMMAND (latching, press and hold or timed) is sent, RELAY 1 will OPEN and the controlled device will respond (reverse previously switched mode). WIRE GAUGE: 24-14AWG two-conductor stranded; MAX LOAD: 30V; .5A.

NOTE - Latching commands initiate an action until another command is sent. Press and hold and timed commands perform the specified action only for as long as the button on a remote is held (press and hold) or for the duration of the switch closure (timed).

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8 Relay +12V Normally Open 9 Relay +12V Normally Closed

NC (Normally Closed)

1. For a device that PROVIDES VOLTAGE for use with a switch closure: a) Connect the +V TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE to the RELAY 1 NC TERMINAL on

the MSC-400 REAR PANEL, using one of the included THREE-PIN PLUG-IN CONNECTORS.

b) Connect the GROUND TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE to the RELAY 1 COM

TERMINAL using the same plug-in connector.

2. For a device that REQUIRES EXTERNAL CONTROL VOLTAGE: a) Connect a JUMPER (24-14AWG two conductor stranded wire, typical) from the 12V OUT

TERMINAL on the MSC-400 REAR PANEL to the RELAY 1 COM TERMINAL as shown in 9

Normally Closed (Relay 2 Shown).

b) Connect the RELAY 1 NC TERMINAL to the +V TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE. c) Connect the GND TERMINAL on the CONTROLLED DEVICE to the GND TERMINAL on the

MSC-400 REAR PANEL as shown.

When a properly programmed MSC-400 compatible remote sends an ON COMMAND (latching, press and hold or timed), RELAY 1 will OPEN and the controlled device will respond with an interruption to its normal action. When the OFF COMMAND (latching, press and hold or timed) is sent, RELAY 1 will CLOSE and the controlled device will respond by resuming its normal action. WIRE GAUGE: 24-14AWG

two-conductor stranded; MAX LOAD: 30V; .5A. NOTE - Latching commands initiate an action until another command is sent. Press and hold and

timed commands perform the specified action only for as long as the button on a remote is held (press and hold) or for the duration of the switch closure (timed).

Relay 2

1. Follow instructions as detailed in Relay 1 using the RELAY 2 TERMINALS.

12V Out

1. See Sections: CONNECTIONS RELAY 1/RELAY 2 above for use with the MSC-400 internal relays.

12VDC

1. Connect the included 12VDC 3.5A power supply after all system connections have been made and

confirmed. POLARITY: PIN=+12V; SLEEVE=GND

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Master/Slave Systems

Two MSC-400 Controllers can be linked together for control of up to 22 Connected Device s via IR (22) or IR and RS232 (the number of IR devices will vary by system, 10 RS232 devices max). Other than using IR/RS232 Port 12 for a Smart Macro Control Buss between Controllers, both Controllers are fully capable of all functions. All Sensor Ports are available for Device Status Sensing of up to 12 devices, all Relays are available for up to 4 switch closure connections and both Controllers can be connected to Media Center PCs. When making connections in a Master/Slave system, follow all previous instructions and include the following connections: See section: PROGRAMMING MASTER/SLAVE SYSTEMS for additional information.

K Master/Slave System Connections

1. Make all connections for Status Sensing, IR and RS232 Control, Switch Closures etc., per Section:

CONNECTIONS. In addition:

2. Connect the RFX-250 RF SENSOR to the MASTER CONTROLLER.

3. Connect a MS-01 MASTER/SLAVE CABLE (4-circuit, 3.5 mono mini plug cable, not included)

between MASTER IR/RS232 PORT 12 and SLAVE IR/RS232 PORT 12 as shown in .

4. Connect a RFX-250 CONNECTING CABLE, (3-circuit, 3.5 mono mini plug cable, included) between

the MASTER RF OUT MINI JACK and SLAVE RF IN MINI JACK. (The RF IN three pin plug-in terminal on the Slave can also be used for the RF IN Connection on the Salve end.)

5. Connect one 12VDC 3.5A POWER SUPPLY (included) to EACH CONTROLLER after all system

connections have been made and confirmed. POLARITY: PIN=+12V; SLEEVE=GND

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MSC-400

Reference Manual

Section Three

Programming

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Overview of Programming

MSC-400 Editor or Complete Control Suite

Programming the MSC-400 requires that you have MSC-400 Editor and the editor for the remote control (MX-3000, MX-980, MX-950, MX-900 or TX-1000 Editor). You can download standalone versions of these editors or one Complete Control Suite from the URC Control Room, www.urccontrolroom.com Entry to the site requires a Registration Code (call your Distributor or Sales Rep to get one).

Prior Programming Knowledge Required

Programming the MSC-400 requires experience programming any of the MSC-400 com patible remotes, models: MX-3000, MX-950, MX-900 and TX-1000. For better understanding of the MSC-400 and compatible remotes, login to URC Control Room at www.urccontrolroom.com under the Training & Certification Tab. These Tutorials will provide excellent and in-depth training for the knowledge needed to successfully program the MSC-400.

Program Remote Control Devices First!

Before starting a MSC-400 Project, be sure all that you have completed programming Devices in the remote editor. It is much faster to import remote control devices than to create them from scratch in MSC400 editor.

Follow the MSC-400 Program Menu

Even when editing an existing file, certainly when programming a New configuration from scratch, following the order of the Program Menu is required.

In most situations, steps 4 and 5 are unnecessary, as explained below:

1. Import Remote Control Devices – Provides fast, easy navigation to where Device and Project files

have been saved for the purpose of importing complete IR Command sets for the device s to be controlled by the MSC-400.

2. Devices & Routing – Assigns IR Commands to dedicated Emitter Ports.

3. Configuration – Assigns the RFID settings for communication with the remote controls, cons the

Sensor Inputs and cons the Serial Ports.

4. (Optional) IR Database – Opens the window featuring the IR Command Library. This window can be

used to embed IR Commands in Smart Macros when they are not imported with a Device file.

5. (Optional)Serial Template Database - Opens the window featuring the Serial Command (RS232)

Library. This window can be used to embed Serial Commands in Smart Macros when they are not imported with a Device file.

6. Make Smart Macro –Starts the process of creating and programming Macro Groups and Smart

Macros. Smart Macros are the essence of the MSC-400.

7. Macro Recording – Allows IR or RS232 Commands to be added, or ‘recorded’ to a Smart Macro.

Save the MSC-400 File, Then Return to Remote Programming

1. In the Remote Control Editor, only drag macro triggers to the Macro Window. DO NOT drag

triggers to buttons. This ensures that you can read the label of the trigger!

2. If you have an RS-232 device, drag the RS232 triggers to the Macro Window for each button that is

to trigger an RS232 Command from the MSC. DO NOT drag triggers to buttons directly, you will not be able to see the label of the RS-232 command in the Macro Window.

and sign up for the Tutorials

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Introducing MSC-400 Editor

MSC-400 Editor Window

MSC-400 Reference Manual

Smart Macro Window

Tree View

A Menus and S hortcut Buttons for common tasks. The Program Menu activates each task in the correct

order.

B Tree View of the MSC-400 Configuration. Double clicking any page will display Smart Macros in the

Smart Macro Window and open various configuration windows used for system programming. Right clicking on a device or macro will activate a context menu.

C The Smart Macro Window is used to view and edit macros.

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Step by Step – Programming a Typical MSC-400 System

Start a NEW File

1. If not already open, launch COMPLETE CONTROL SUITE (CCS). The CCS TOOL BAR will appear.

CCS Tool Bar

2. In the CCS TOOL BAR, click the MSC-400 BUTTON. MSC-400 EDITOR will open.

3. In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE then click NEW to create a file for the new project. The

CREATE NEW PROJECT WINDOW will appear.

MSC-400 Editor Create New Project Window

4. In the NEW WINDOW select one of the following: a) Empty – This will open an EMPTY PROJECT TEMPLATE as shown in . It will have NO

DEFAULT CONNECTED DEVICES or SMART MACROS. Use this template to start a new system from scratch.

NOTE – You cannot save this file until you have created a Smart Macro Group and at least one Smart Macro!

b) Blank – This will open a BLANK PROJECT TEMPLATE with TWO GENERIC CONNECTED

DEVICES (New Device 1-IR, New Device 2-Serial) and ONE GENERIC SMART MACRO (Smart Macro 1) for reference in starting a system. These devices and macro must be renamed for use for a client.

c) Default – This will open a PROJECT TEMPLATE that has been populated with SEVEN IR

CONTROLLED A/V DEVICES, ONE GENERIC RS232 CONTROLLED DEVICE and ONE GENERIC SMART MACRO. This template is useful to experiment with while you are learning MSC-400 editor.

5. After selecting the template, to SAVE and NAME the NEW PROJECT FILE, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR click FILE then click SAVE. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR click the SAVE ICON.

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The SAVE AS WINDOW will appear. Navigate to where PROJECT FILES are SAVED. Type a meaningful name in the FILE NAME BOX. Click SAVE.

TIP - Saving the MSC-400 Project with the same name as the Remote Project will help in being able to associate remotes and MSCs as the number of MSC projects starts to increase.

NOTE – MSC-400 Editor will default to a Folder called MSC Editor. This folder is the Program File Folder and is not typically a good place to save documents. A main Folder for Universal Remote Control should have already been created in My Documents while configuring the remote and IR commands. It is highly recommended that specific folders for Device Files and Project Files be created as a method for easily being able to save and locate important system and programming data.

Program Menu Step #1 - Import Remote Control Devices

This step will import the IR Commands for the devices to be controlled by the MSC-400. Unless a device is only going to be controlled locally by a remote, all devices cond to the associated Remote Project should be imported to the MSC Project.

1. To Import Devices, do any one of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click IMPORT REMOTE CONTROL

DEVICES.

b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the IMPORT REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES ICON. c) In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, right click CONNECTED DEVICES. In the pop-up, click IMPORT

REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES.

Each of the above images should be labeled as 1A, 1B and 1C.

The IMPORT DEVICE WINDOW will appear, EMPTY.

MSC-400 Import Device Window

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2. In the IMPORT DEVICE WINDOW, click the BROWSE BUTTON. The OPEN WINDOW will appear.

3. Navigate to where PROJECT FILES are saved. Click the FILE for the REMOTE that was

programmed with the IR COMMANDS and click OPEN.

4. The IMPORT DEVICE WINDOW will populate with the DEVICES that were programmed in the

REMOTE PROJECT. . Check all BOXES for the DEVICES that are to be controlled by the MSC-400. NOTE - It is not necessary to check Listen and Watch unless IR commands have been associated with the Pages for those buttons. Also note that in the example, CD is not checked. The CD Changer is going to be controlled via RS232. RS232 devices will be added and cond in later steps. See Section: CREATING AND PROGRAMMING RS232 DEVICES for additional information.

5. Click APPLY.

6. The devices will appear in MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW under CONNECTED DEVICES. .

With this programming, all of the IR commands associated with these devices while setting up the remote will all now have been imported to the MSC Project.

7. Double click any CONNECTED DEVICE (DVD1) and the CONNECTED DEVICE IR COMMAND

WINDOW will open with a table of all IR commands for that device, broken down by HARD KEYS and LCD PAGES (SOFT KEYS). You’ll use these Connected Device windows to quickly record smart macros later.

The Connected Device Window opens when you double click the device name in Tree View.

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Program Menu Step #2 - Devices & Routing

This section will assign each device to a dedicated IR output on the MSC-400. When assigned, the MSC400 will ONLY send a Connected Device’s IR Commands to the IR PORT ASSIGNED. This gives much more precise control over the IR level delivered to the component and enables you to control identical components. There is an option to send a device’s IR commands to ALL Ports for troubleshooting purposes, however this should be avoided since all the emitters will be flooding the equi pment location with IR, reducing reliability.

TIP - In the example system, AVR (A/V Receiver), Tuner 1 and Tuner 2 are all assigned Port 1. This particular receiver has two internal tuners and in the system configuration the tuners have been setup as sources to be directly selected in Listen, but the IR commands for the tuners m u st be directed to the AVR, Port 1.

To open the DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW, do either of:

a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click DEVICES & ROUTING. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the DEVICES & ROUTING ICON.

The DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW will appear.

2 3

Devices & Routing Window

1. The DEVICE NAME and CONTROL VIA columns are NOT CONFIGURABLE in this window.

2. All CONNECTED DEVICES will default to MASTER. Select MASTER/SLAVE as appropriate, from

the PULL-DOWN.

3. All CONNECTED DEVICES will default to PORT 1. Under PORT #, click ‘1’ and select the

appropriate PORT from the PULL-DOWN.

NOTE - In a Master/Slave System, each MSC-400 can only control eleven Connected Devices. Port 12 is used as a Smart Macro Control Buss.

Optional Step - Adding IR Devices

Normally, you don’t need to add any devices, since you have already imported them from the remote control. Use this step should you need to control an IR device that is needed for macros but not needed on the remote control for the end user (for example a matrix video switcher).

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NOTE - Though some steps are similar, there are additional steps to adding and configuring RS232 Devices. See Section: CREATING & PROGRAMMING RS232 DEVICES for complete instructions on adding RS232 controlled devices in MSC Editor.

TIP - If the system being programmed has RS232 controlled devices, it is recommended that those devices be added prior to starting the next section, CONFIGURATION.

2 3

4 5

New Device Window

1. In the DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW, click the ADD NEW DEVICE BUTTON. The NEW DEVICE

WINDOW will appear. New Device

2. In the DEVICE NAME BOX type the device name as it is to appear in TREE VIEW/CONNECTED

DEVICES.

3. Select IR DATABASE.

4. Select MSC MASTER or SLAVE as appropriate.

5. Select IR PORT 1-12 or ALL as appropriate.

6. Click OK to Add the New Device. The new device will appear in the DEVICES & ROUTING

WINDOW.

7. In the DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW, click SAVE AND EXIT to save settings and add the new

devices to the tree view.

NOTE - Clicking the close button (X) in the Devices & Routing Window will close the window without saving settings.

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Optional Step - Adding RS232 Devices

If your client’s system has a device that you intend to control via RS-232, here is how you add a new Connected device that is RS-232. For more information on RS-232, refer to the RS-232 section of this manual.

1. With a Project open in MSC Editor, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM then click DEVICES & ROUTING. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the DEVICES ROUTING ICON.

The DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW will appear.

Devices & Routing Window

2. Click the ADD NEW DEVICE BUTTON.

a) The NEW DEVICE WINDOW will appear. New Device Window

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New Device Window

3. In the DEVICE NAME BOX type the device name as it is to appear in TREE VIEW/CONNECTED

DEVICES.

4. In the DEVICE TYPE BLOCK, select SERIAL DATABASE.

5. In the Target Block, select MSC MASTER or SLAVE and SERIAL PORT 7-12 as appropriate.

NOTE - In Master/Slave Systems only Ports 7-11 will be available for RS232 control.

6. Click OK. The NEW DEVICE WINDOW will close and the new device will appear at the bottom of the

CONNECTED DEVICES LIST in the DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW.

7. In the DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW, click SAVE AND EXIT. Closing the window (X) will NOT

save the new device.

8. The NEW DEVICE (ex. CD) will appear at the BOTTOM of the CONNECTED DEVICE LIST in TREE

VIEW.

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Program Menu Step #3 - Configuration

This section will assign the RFID settings for communication with the remote controls, con the Sensor Inputs and con RS232 Ports 7-12.

1. To open the CONFIGURATION WINDOW do one of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click CONFIGURATION. b) In the MSC-EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the CONFIGURATION ICON. c) In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, double click CONFIGURATION.

The CONFIGURATION WINDOW will appear. Configuration Window.

4-5

6 7

Configuration Window

2. In the MSC BASESTATION BASE SETTING BLOCK, type the name of the system being

programmed. (Example System)

3. In the MSC BASESTATION ID BLOCK, select MASTER or SLAVE as appropriate.

NOTE - When programming a Master/Slave System, the overall configuration for the two MSC’s is identical, other than the MSC ID Setting. When programming a Master/Slave System, it is also necessary to check the Port 12 to Slave MSC-400 Box. This creates a Smart Macro Control Buss between the Controllers.

4. To set RFID when using TX-1000 or MX-900 with MORE THAN 6 IR DEVICES on a MASTER or

SLAVE CONTROLLER:

a) Set the PRIMARY RFID ONLY. Use ID 11-1F for IR CONTROL from PORTS 1-12.

5. To set RFID when using MX-3000 or MX-950 with MORE THAN 6 IR DEVICES on a MASTER or

SLAVE CONTROLLER:

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a) Set the PRIMARY and SECONDARY RFIDs. Activate the Secondary RFID (click/check mark in

the box). Use one RFID from ID 11-1F for IR CONTROL from PORTS 1-6 (Primary), and a DIFFERENT RFID from ID 11-1F for IR CONTROL from PORTS 7-12 (Secondary).

NOTE - The Instructions in Steps 4-5 relate to IR Control from Ports 7-12. If only RS232 Devices are controlled via Ports 7-12, then any RFID can be used for any remote and the Secondary RFID does not need to be set in Step 5.

6. In the SENSOR PORT SETTING BOX, under SENSOR, click EITHER. From the pull-down, select

the TYPE of SENSOR being used for the DEVICE connected to that SENSOR INPUT. TIP - Create a table that shows all devices by type/brand/model, IR/RS232 Port and Sensor Port to assist in making connections and configuring Sensor inputs and IR/RS232 Ports. Whenever possible, try to use the same number Sensor Port as IR/RS232 Port for a given device, to keep things simple when making connections and trouble shooting.

7. Under DESCRIPTION (Edit Control), double click the line of the DEVICE being cond. The PORT

INFORMATION SETTING WINDOW will appear. Port Information Setting Window.

Port Information Setting Window

8. In the PORT INFORMATION SETTING WINDOW, type the name of the DEVICE and a short

description of the SENSING METHOD for that device (31 characters total). Be clear in the description as this information will become useful when configuring Smart Macros. Click OK to enter the information and close the window.

9. In the SERIAL PORT SETTING BOX, click the PORT to be cond. The entire line will highlight and

PULL-DOWNS will appear for all RS232 PROTOCOL PARAMETERS. Use the pull-downs to con EACH SETTING to the appropriate value.

NOTE - The Serial Port values must be set to the proper factory settings for each device being controlled via RS232. Refer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s web site for RS232 settings and commands. It may be necessary to contact some manufacturers’ technical support to obtain this information.

10. Under DESCRIPTION (Edit Control), on the line of the SERIAL PORT being cond, double click the

blue highlight. The PORT INFORMATION SETTING WINDOW will appear. Type the name of the DEVICE being controlled via that port and any important CONTROL INFORMATION that is worth noting. Click OK to enter the information and close the window.

11. When ALL FIELDS in CONFIGURATION have been set, click OK to save settings.

At this point, the fundamental elements of MSC-400 configuration are in place. The Connected Devices and their commands have been imported, the IR and RS232 Ports have been assigned and the Voltage and Video Sensors cond. These are the basic building blocks of MSC-400 system control. The following sections will take those building blocks and use them in various ways to control e verythin g from individual device functions to System ON/OFF Macros, Source Select Macros and conditional IF/ELSE Smart Macros that look at various elements of system and device status to determine which commands to send when, for an endless potential of system modes that meet any user requirements.

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Program Menu Step # 6 - Creating Smart Macro Groups and Smart Macros

Macro Groups and Smart Macros are the elements of MSC-400 programming and control that make the user experience of MSC-400 simple: One button control of System ON/OFF Power; Single button presses to select Tuner, Cable or Satellite channels; One button to switch from listening to music to activating and configuring the Home Theater for a specific source, surround mo de, video aspect ratio and light settings. All of this is accomplished with the simplicity of MSC-Editor and flexibility of MSC-400.

Macro Groups

Although all macros can be cond in one Macro Group, it is much easier to keep track of system programming by separating similar type macros into different Macro Groups. These groups could in clude: System ON/OFF Macros, Source Select Macros, S ensor Triggered Macros, Favorite Channel Macros and Toggle Macros. Within a Macro Group are individual Smart Macros. That is, within the System ON/OFF Macro Group would be of course, the System ON Smart Macro and the System OFF Smart Macro. Within the Source Select Macro Group would be the DVD 1 and DVD 2 Select Smart Macros, Cable Select Smart Macro and so on. The Smart Macros can be conditioned with IF/ELSE Statements and Action Variables to add intelligence to system function.

Macro Groups & Smart Macros

NOTE - There are no absolutes in how a MSC-400 has to be programmed, so the following sections are suggestions and guidelines for Macro programming. Every system is different, every user has different preferences and each installer has a different perspective of ho w things can be done. However, what does get cond must be done right for the system to function properly.

Adding a Macro Group and Smart Macros

1. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, click CONFIGURATION, then right click any blank space in TREE

VIEW. In the pop-up, click ADD MACRO GROUP. MACRO GROUP 1 (GRP-01) will appear at the bottom of TREE VIEW. To name a MACRO GROUP and add SMART MACROS to the Group, do either of:

2. In TREE VIEW: a) Right click the MACRO GROUP. In the POP-UP, select RENAME. The MACRO GROUP

DIRECTORY will become active. Type the name of the MACRO GROUP. (System ON/OFF Macros).

b) Click within TREE VIEW to SAVE.

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c) Right click the MACRO GROUP DIRECTORY. In the POP-UP, select ADD SMART MACRO. d) Right click the SMART MACRO. In the POP-UP, select RENAME. The SMART MACRO

DIRECTORY will become active. Type the name of the SMART MACRO. (System ON Macro).

e) Click anywhere in TREE VIEW to SAVE. f) Repeat STEPS C-E to add a SYSTEM OFF MACRO.

OR…

1. To open the MAKE SMART MACRO WINDOW, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click MAKE SMART MACRO. b) In the MSC-EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the MAKE SMART MACRO ICON.

The MAKE SMART MACRO WINDOW will appear. Make Smart Macro Window

2. In the MAKE SMART MACRO WINDOW: a) Click the NEW GROUP BUTTON. The PROPERTY WINDOW will appear. Property Window

2d,e,f,g

Make Smart Macro Window Property Window

b) In the NAME BOX, type the name of the new MACRO GROUP. (System ON/OFF Macros) It is

not necessary to make any other changes in this window at this time.

c) Click OK. The new MACRO GROUP will appear in the MACRO GROUP BOX in the MAKE

SMART MACRO WINDOW.

d) Double click in the BLANK SPACE directly below SMART MACRO. A TYPE TOOL will become

active.

e) Type the name of the SMART MACRO. (System ON Macro.) f) Press ENTER on the PC KEYBOARD or double click in the BLANK SPACE directly below

SYSTEM ON MACRO. The TYPE TOOL will again become active.

g) Type: SYSTEM OFF MACRO. h) Click SAVE AND EXIT. The MACRO GROUP and SMART MACROS will appear at the bottom of

TREE VIEW.

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Smart Macro Window

The Smart Macro Window is where all programming for MSC-400 Smart Macros is done. IR and RS232 Commands, Delays, IF/ELSE Statements, Action Variables and all steps and conditions are cond in this window for System ON/OFF Macros, Source Select Macros, etc. The functions of each of the Programming Buttons or Icons are detailed here for reference. Their specific applications are detailed in the Programming Section of this Manual.

MSC-400 Editor Smart Macro Window

1. Test – Click this Icon with the PC Connected to the MSC to test Commands and Macros.

2. Record – Click this Icon to add IR or RS232 Commands to a Macro List.

3. Stop – Click this Icon to Stop the Record function when all commands have been added to a Macro.

4. Delete – Click this Icon after selecting a step in a macro to delete the step.

5. IF/ELSE – Click this Icon to add an IF/ELSE Bracket to a Smart Macro for conditional control of

system devices based upon device status. i.e.: IF ON do nothing. IF OFF turn ON, etc.

6. Toggle Macro – Click this Icon to create special Macros that scroll through commonly used

commands such as Favorite Channels, Surround Modes, etc.

7. Delay – Click this Icon to add delay to a Smart Macro to allow different system components to

perform a function and be ready to receive additional commands, or add space between commands for components that are too slow to process fast sequences of commands.

8. IR Data Setting – Click this Icon to open the IR Setting Window. The IR Setting Window enables IR

Learning directly to the MSC, allows editing of IR Command repeat cycles and embedding commands into macros from the IR Database.

9. Serial Output – Click this Icon to open the Serial Command Window. This window enables testing

and embedding RS232 commands into Macros from the Serial Database.

10. Connected Data - Click this Icon to insert any IR or RS232 Command to a Smart Macro for any

device cond to the system. Can also adjust IR Repeats and RS232 Ramp Start and Ramp Speed.

11. Relay – Click this Icon to add and con Relay Commands into Smart Macros.

12. Action Variable – Click this Icon to con Action Variables to Smart Macros.

13. Nest a Smart Macro Alias Into a Smart Macro – Click this Icon to Nest a single line entry for a

Smart Macro in place of the list of steps in that macro.

14. Property – Click this Icon to open the Property Window which allows manual configuration of IR or

Serial Port assignment by Device. Typically, the system defaults should be used.

15. Smart Macro Function List – The Commands, Delays and Conditional Instructions included in each

Smart Macro.

Macro Trigger Setting – Sets the parameters for whether a macro will execute when a remote button is pressed (Normal) or when triggered by a video or voltage trigger (Trigger this macro when…)

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Programming Smart Macros

There are two ways that Smart Macros can be triggered in a MSC-400 System.

• Normal Macro - A Normal Macro is triggered by an RF Trigger from a remote control. Normal Macros are typically used for System ON/OFF, Source Select and Favorite Channel Macros.

• Sensor Triggered Macro - A Sensor Triggered Macro is triggered when an appropriately cond Sensor Input detects a change of state. The trigger mechanism can be set to send the Smart Macro when an ON or OFF condition is sensed or when a sensor changes from ON to OFF or vice versa. This type of Smart Macro is typically used for special applications such as automatically turning the system ON/OFF when triggered by a video game or camcorder.

A Typical Smart Macro

For this example, you’ve decided that the clients are best served with a macro that turns on all system devices and switches to Cable TV.

6-8

5&8

Record System ON Commands to Smart Macro

1. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, click the ‘+’ next to SYSTEM ON/OFF MACROS to expand the list

then click SYSTEM ON MACRO. SYSTEM ON/OFF MACROS/SYSTEM ON MACRO will appear in the TITLE BAR of the SMART MACRO EDITOR WINDOW.

2. Under MACRO TRIGGER SETTING select: NORMAL MACRO – NO SENSOR TRIGGERS. (The

System ON Macro will be initiated by a button press on a remote.)

3. In TREE VIEW click the ‘+’ next to CONNECTED DEVICES to expand the list.

4. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW, click the red RECORD BUTTON.

5. In TREE VIEW, double click the first CONNECTED DEVICE (AVR – A/V Receiver). The

CONNECTED DEVICE IR COMMAND WINDOW for the AVR will appear.

6. In the IR COMMAND WINDOW, click the AVR POWER ON COMMAND. (If there is no discrete

command for Power ON, click Power.) The COMMAND will appear in the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST.

7. In the IR COMMAND WINDOW, click the AVR CABLE INPUT COMMAND. This will be used to

switch the AVR to the Cable input as part of the System ON Macro.

8. Repeat STEPS 5-6 for ALL Connected Device power commands. For the example system, the

homeowners wants all devices ON, so POWER COMMANDS for all devices will be recorded to the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST.

9. When all commands have been added to the list, click the black STOP BUTTON.

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Moving Commands in a Smart Macro

When creating Smart Macros, it may be necessary to move commands in the list to have specific commands execute before others. In the Example System ON Macro, the TV is going to be moved to the top of the list, because it is a CRT that takes a few seconds to warm up before coming on. Putting it at the top of the list will allow the TV to come on while the other devices are turning on. Other commands should also be put in logical order such as placing the AVR Cable Input select command after the Power ON command, etc. To move commands in a Smart Macro:

1. In the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST, click the command to be moved, then DRAG AND DROP

the command to the desired position in the list.

2. Repeat as needed until commands are organized in the proper sequence.

Adding Delays To Smart Macros

Once the commands have been recorded to the Smart Macro Function List, some attention to device behavior is going to be necessary. Look for things like: When turning ON a device, how long does it take to turn on before it is ready to do anything? Or when already on, how long does a device take to execute a specific command before it is ready to ‘see’ and execute the next command? Most A/V receivers take at least 4-5 seconds, after receiving the Power ON Command, before they are ready to take any more instructions, such as input commands (or output audio or video signals) so some duration of delay will typically be added after the Power ON command for an AV Receiver. All devices vary, so where and when to add delays will depend upon the devices used and what the specific commands in the macro are for. To add Delays to Smart Macros:

1. In the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST, click the command AFTER the position where the DELAY

is to be inserted. (In the Example System a 5 SECOND DELAY will be added after the AVR POWER ON COMMAND to allow the AVR to come on and be ready to accept the CABLE INPUT COMMAND, so AVR (Cable) is selected as the insertion point.)

2. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR, click the DELAY ICON. The DELAY SETTING

WINDOW will appear.

3. In the DELAY SETTING WINDOW, do one of: a) Select a DELAY from the QUICK SELECT BUTTONS and click OK. The window will close and

the delay will be placed in the MACRO FUNCTION LIST.

b) Type a value from .1 TO 99.9 SECONDS in the ENTER DELAY TIME BOX. Click OK. The delay

will be placed in the MACRO FUNCTION LIST.

c) Use the UP/DOWN ARROWS to set DELAY from .1 TO 99.9 SECONDS in the ENTER DELAY

TIME BOX. Click OK. The delay will be placed in the MACRO FUNCTION LIST.

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6 5a

4. If necessary, DRAG AND DROP the DELAY to the proper position in the list.

5. To DELETE a DELAY do one of: a) Highlight the DELAY and click the DELETE ICON in the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR. b) Highlight the DELAY and press DELETE on the PC KEYBOARD. c) Highlight the DELAY. In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click EDIT then click DELETE.

6. TEST the SMART MACRO. With the PC connected to the MSC-400 using the included USB cable,

click the TEST ICON in the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR. The MSC will output the commands. Adjust command order and delay duration as needed.

NOTE - All devices, emitters, etc must be connected to perform this test.

7. To SAVE the Smart Macro, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE, then click SAVE. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the SAVE ICON.

Favorite Channel Macros

FAVORITE CHANNEL MACROS allow the user to press a single button on a remote to tune Cable, Satellite, AM/FM, XM, Sirius channels, rather than having to press the individual buttons for a given channel, i.e.: Press a single button for HBO rather than the individual buttons: 5-0-2. These macros will consist of the numeric commands for tuning with an appropriate INTERSTEP DELAY between commands to assure proper response by the Cable or Satellite Receiver, Tuner, etc. To program Favorite Channel Macros:

1. In the MSC-400 EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click MAKE SMART MACRO.

Add a NEW GROUP: FAVORITE CHANNELS CABLE (Satellite, etc), then add the names for the FAVORITE CHANNEL SMART MACROS to the list. (HBO, Cinemax, ESPN, etc.) See section: ADDING A MACRO GROUP AND SMART MACROS for additional information.

2. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, click the ‘+’ next to FAVORITE CHANNELS to expand the list.

3. Right click a SMART MACRO (HBO). In the pop-ups, highlight TOOLS, then click FAVORITE

CHANNEL. The FAVORITE CHANNEL TOOL will appear.

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Open Favorite Channel Tool

4. If necessary, select FAVORITE CHANNELS CABLE in the FAVORITE CHANNEL TOOL WINDOW

via the MACRO GROUP pull down.

6 7

Favorite Channel Tool

5. In the MACROS BOX, click a FAVORITE CHANNEL SMART MACRO. (HBO)

6. In the SELECTED MACRO BLOCK, if necessary, click the INTERSTEP DELAY BUTTON and set an

appropriate duration for the device being controlled, by either typing a value in the box or using the UP/DOWN Arrows. Some devices may not need a delay but others will be a little slow to process fast sequences of commands, so a short gap, typically around .3 seconds, between command s is usually a good idea. INTERSTEP DELAY RANGE: .1 to 32.3 seconds.

7. In the CONNECTED DEVICE BLOCK, select the device being controlled (Cable) using the PULL-

DOWN.

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8. Sequentially press the NUMERIC BUTTONS for the channel being cond (502). As ‘0’ and ‘2’ are

pressed the INTERSTEP DELAY is automatically inserted into the FAVORITE CHANNEL SMART MACRO.

NOTE - Some Cable Boxes and Satellite Receivers require a ‘0’ or ‘00’ before double or single digit channel numbers and others may require an ‘Enter’ Command. Be sure to add ‘0s’ and ‘Enters’ when necessary.

9. Repeat STEPS 7-8 for each FAVORITE CHANNEL SMART MACRO in the List.

10. Click the CLOSE BUTTON, (X) when all FAVORITE CHANNEL MACROS have been programmed.

11. To TEST, in TREE VIEW, click the ‘+’ next to FAVORITE CHANNELS GROUP to expand the list and

click a SMART MACRO in the list. The macro will appear in the SMART MACRO WINDOW.

12. With the PC connected to the MSC-400 USB1 PORT, click the TEST BUTTON in the SMART

MACRO WINDOW.

13. Make corrections to macros if needed.

14. To SAVE, do either of:

a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE, then click SAVE. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the SAVE ICON.

TIP - The Favorite Channel Tool can also be used to insert sequences of channel commands and Interstep Delays in any Smart Macro.

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Programming IF/ELSE Statements

IF Else statement enables you to program a decision into a Macro, making it truly a Smart Macro. What’s the difference between a normal “stupid” macro and a Smart one? Let’s take a look at how to program a Smart Macro in MSC-400 Editor:

1. Click on the red Record button, then record a standard macro with the macro steps you need from the

Connected Devices. Afterwards, the macro list for Watch Cable TV (power on the TV, Audio system and the Cable box, then select the correct TV and Audio inputs) might look something like this:

Now, what’s wrong with this macro? Well, it’s not very smart. Here are the problems:

a. It doesn’t know whether the Cable Box is on or off and simply toggles it on or off with a

power command. Sometimes the Cable Box will be on, sometimes it will be out of sync and the client will be extremely irritated.

b. The macro takes a long time because of the 5 second delay before the AUDIO receiver

will accept an Input command. When the system is already on, if the client switches from watching a DVD to Watching Cable TV, the macro takes more than 5 seconds. Once again, the client is irritated!

OK, let’s fix it. We’ll make this a smart macro by hooking up some sensors to the Cable box and the Audio receiver. Cable boxes typically have a switched outlet on the rear. Some of them may need you to activate it via the Cable box setup menu. Place an AC wall adapter (any voltage 3-25v) in the switched outlet and connect it to a URC voltage sensor. Utilize a voltage sensor for the Audio receiver the same way (though many AV receivers have a 12v trigger built in). Remember you can also use a URC Video Sensor or any of the current, light or RFI sensors from other manufacturers via a URC voltage sensor. Once you’ve connected the sensor and noted which input it is connected to, move to the next step.

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2. Name and con the sensors. Return to the Program Menu and go to Step #3, Configuration. Beside the

sensor numbers you use, note the kind of sensor (via the pull down list box shown) and write in a good description to help you while programming macros by double clicking in the Description field. Click on OK to close the Configuration window.

3. Double click the Watch Cable TV macro in Tree View. Once it is selected, the Macro Window should

be visible. If it is not, go to the View menu and select Simulate View mode, then double click on the Watch Cable TV macro again in Tree View.

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4. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR, click the IF/ELSE BUTTON. An IF/ELSE BRACKET will

appear at the bottom of the Macro Window.

5. Drag and drop the IF/ELSE BRACKET where you want it. In this case, we want it to sense the CABLE

box, so we drag it above the CABLE[Power} step in the macro.

6. Now, drag the CABLE[POWER] step inside the IF statement like this:

After you drag it, the IF statement should look like this:

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7. Double click the IF LINE in the macro window. The IF SETTING WINDOW will appear.

8. In the Type area , select the SENSOR radio button.

9. In the VALUE area, using the PULL-DOWN List boxes, do all of: a) Select MASTER (You would select Slave only in a double MSC-400 system when you wanted to

use the sensors of the 2

b) Select the SENSOR you want. (Sensor 1, CABLE Voltage Sensor) c) Select which state should trigger the IF action. (If the Cable box is OFF), then Click OK. The

configuration will appear in the IF LINE in the MACRO WINDOW.

With these selections, when the Watch Cable TV Macro is triggered, the MSC-400 will look at Master Controller Sensor Input 1 to determine if the Cable box is OFF. If it is, the MSC-400 will output the TV Power Command. If the Cable Box is already ON, the MSC-400 will execute the empty ELSE statement (since it is empty, nothing will happen and the Cable Box will stay on)..

Here’s how it looks in the Macro window now:

or slave MSC-400)

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7. Now let’s take care of the other problem in our macro, the Power On delay for the Audio receiver.

Once again, click on the IF button on the top of the macro window.

8. Drag the AUDIO power, the AUDIO input command and the 5 second delay into the IF branch.

9. Set

10. To SAVE, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE, then click SAVE. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the SAVE ICON.

11a 11b

11. To TEST, download the MSC Project to the MSC-400. Also see Section: PROGRAMMING SMART

MACRO TRIGGERS TO THE REMOTE.

NOTE – Macro Triggers must be programmed to a remote to test Smart Macros from a remote.

Programming Sensor Triggered Macros

Sensor Triggered Macros are programmed in mostly the same way as Normal Macros with one key difference. In the Smart Macro Window under MACRO TRIGGER SETTING, instead of selecting NORMAL MACRO (STEP 2 in the SYSTEM ON MACRO, STEP 2B in the SOURCE SELECT MACRO examples), select TRIGGER THIS MACRO WHEN, and set the appropriate configuration from the pull downs. These are the same settings as are cond in the IF SETTING WINDOW for a normal Smart Macro, except here, rather than being initiated by an RF Trigger from a remote button press, when the specified condition is sensed, the associated macro is executed. This is extremely effective for video games. When the game turns on, the presence of the video game composite video signal on a MSC Sensor Input will trigger the associated Smart Macro, i.e.: Turn the system ON if OFF, select the appropriate source input for the video game, etc. In addition, one of the Sensor Inputs will need to be cond for the sensor of the device triggering the macro. See section: CONFIGURATION for additional information. Otherwise, follow the steps in SYSTEM ON/OFF MACROS OR SOURCE SELECT MACROS to program a SENSOR TRIGGERED SMART MACRO.

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Nesting a Smart Macro Alias

This MSC-400 programming feature allows INSERTING a Smart Macro WITHIN ANOTHER Smart Macro as a single line item rather than as individual commands and delays. This saves programming time and, when working with long macros, makes reviewing the steps in the Smart Macro Function List less confusing. This is most useful for programming Toggle Macros. An example of Nesting Smart Macros has been used in the TOGGLE MACROS SECTION for programming a TOGGLE MACRO for multiple HBO Channels. See Section: TOGGLE MACROS for additional information.

Toggle Macros

Toggle Macros are a way of cycling through multiple similar functions such as surround modes or favorite channels while using only one button on the remote. That is, if a user has maybe three favorite audio modes they like to use, the individual commands for those modes can be programmed into a Toggle Macro using the same process as other macros, but now, when the Macro Trigger Button is repeatedly pressed on the remote, the MSC-400 will cycle through the list, rather than having to press a separate button for each mode. This same type of programming can be used for favorite channels. If the user has multiple HBOs available, or just wants to cycle through a few select favorite channels to ‘see what’s on’, repeated presses of the Toggle Macro Trigger Button will cycle through the channels. For purpose of example, a Toggle Macro of 6 HBO Channels will be used. To program Toggle Macros:

1. Create a NEW MACRO GROUP and appropriate SMART MACROS. See Section: MACRO GROUPS

AND SMART MACROS for additional information.

2. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, click the TOGGLE MACRO to be programmed. (HBO)

3. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR, click the TOGGLE MACRO BUTTON. A TOGGLE

MACRO BRACKET will appear in the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST.

4. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR, click the NEST A SMART MACRO…BUTTON. The

SMART MACRO ALIAS WINDOW will appear.

5. In the SMART MACRO ALIAS WINDOW, double click the MACRO GROUP with the SMART

MACROS to be added to the TOGGLE MACRO. (Favorite Channels Cable) The list of SMART MACROS in that GROUP will open.

6-7

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Smart Macro Alias Window

6. Click the first SMART MACRO in the list that is to be added to the TOGGLE MACRO. Click OK. The

FAVORITE CHANNEL MACRO will be nested within the TOGGLE MACRO BRACKET.

Toggle Macro

7. Repeat STEP 6 for all HBO FAVORITE CHANNEL SMART MACROS to be added to the TOGGLE

MACRO. (The ‘Favorites’ should have already been tested, so there is no need to test the nested macros at this point.)

8. SAVE the PROJECT and DOWNLOAD to the MSC-400. See Section: SAVING AND

DOWNLOADING A MSC-400 PROJECT for additional information.

9. In MX/TX EDITOR, open the associated REMOTE PROJECT.

10. Drag the TOGGLE MACRO TRIGGER(S) the appropriate BUTTON(S). See Section:

PROGRAMMING MACRO TRIGGERS TO THE REMOTE for additional information.

11. SAVE the PROJECT and DOWNLOAD to the REMOTE. See Section: SAVING AND

DOWNLOADING A MX/TX PROJECT

With this programming, the user will be able to cycle through all 6 HBO Channels by repeatedly pressing the button that the Toggle Macro has been programmed to.

for additional information.

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Action Variables

Variables enable the MSC-400 to track the status of a device or a user by “remembering” what state it/he/she is in.

Think of them as a way for the MSC-400 to take notes while your client uses the system so that when your client presses a button, the MSC-400 can make a decision on the best thing to do in the Smart Macro.

There are some important rules that will help you use variables:

1. The MSC-400 supports up to 255 variables. Each must be named uniquely to be used. Thus, to

create a variable, simply create a unique name for it.

2. A variable can be equal to one of two states: TRUE (1) or FALSE (0)

3. By default, after downloading to the MSC-400 all variables are FALSE.

4. You can do TWO different things with Variables in Smart Macros:

a. Set a Variable to be either TRUE or FALSE b. Write an IF/ELSE statement that does one step or series of steps if the Variable is TRUE,

and something else if the Variable is FALSE.

Can Variables get “Out of Sync”?

Yes they can. Variables are not as trustworthy as actually sensing what state a device is in via Video or Voltage sensors. There are two dangers, one of which the MSC-400 eliminates perfectly:

1. In a typical macro generated by a remote control tracking power status via variables, any IR

command can be easily corrupted or missed so that it doesn’t work. Thus, the remote control “thinks” the component is on, but in reality it is off- “out of sync”.

The MSC-400 eliminates this problem, since IR commands are perfectly generated and never miss.

2. If the client walks up to the device and powers it on manually or with the device’s original remote

control, there is no way for the MSC-400 to track the change. Thus, it will be “out of sync”.

Only you, the installer can eliminate this problem, by training the client to never use the front panel or original remote control to power on or off a variable tracked device.

An Example of Action Variables at Work

In the example system, the Audio receiver has discrete on and off commands, but requires a 5 second turn on delay before you can change the Inputs. The client switches from watchin g cable to watching satellite quite frequently every night, so making the input change quickly is important.

1. Select the Smart Macro to reveal it’s

existing programming. Here you can see that a conventional

macro will power on the TV, the Cable box, the Audio receiver, then delay 5 seconds before setting the TV and Audio inputs.

This macro is fine when the Audio receiver was off, but it is unnecessarily slow when the Audio receiver is already

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on.

2. Click on the IF button to add

an IF/ELSE line in the macro:

3. Double click on the IF line to open the IF Setting window:

The IF Setting window appears:

4. Click on the Action Variable radio

button.

5. Click on the New button.

The Action Variable Setting window appears:

6. Type in the name for your new variable here.

Since the variable will be either True or False, name it so that one state is described. In this case, we are tracking power so we’ve named the variable “Audio is ON”. This state can either be True or False, so the label is very descriptive.

Now, click on the Add button. You could add as many variables as

needed. When you are finished, click on OK.

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7. Now, you complete the IF setting by

choosing True or False using the list box.

8. Now you are using dragging or copy and paste to create the steps you need in both the IF branch

and the ELSE branch. When the Smart Macro runs, it will check the state of the variable and only run one branch, either

the IF or the ELSE branch of the macro. Each branch can have as many steps as you need. Try sounding out the sentence “If Audio is On is True

do this: ELSE if Audio is ON is False do this:” Makes sense. You’d put the Inputs alone in the IF branch and all the power commands, the delay and the inputs in the ELSE branch.

What if you said “If Audio is ON is False do this: ELSE if Audio is ON is True do this.” That also makes sense, but you’d now put the power commands, the delay and the inputs in the IF and the inputs alone in the ELSE statement .

The key is to understand the difference in the logic when you actually program the steps in the IF branch and the ELSE branch. So sound it out and if it sounds illogical to you, go back to Step 7 and reset the variable state. It needs to make sense to you, the programmer!

9. Finally, the critical step of setting the

variable. This is done by clicking on the Action Variable button on the Smart Macro toolbar and inserting a Variable setting as a new step in the macro.

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10. Change the state of our “Audio is ON”

variable to TRUE. Click on OK to close the window.

The new variable setting appears in Smart Macro window. Drag it into place in your IF Else statement .

Remember every place that the Audio Receiver’s power state changes needs to have the variable set correctly. Now you just need to repeat for all your Smart Macros. Don’t forget the System Off smart macro, since it will change the Audio Receiver to off, thus the variable Audio is ON needs to be set to FALSE.

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ADDING RELAY COMMANDS TO SMART MACROS

The MSC-400 has two Dry Contact Relays that can be used for a variety of functions such as opening and closing drapes, operating lifts, screens or activating switched devices such as amplifiers, switched outlets, etc. There are six switch modes to choose from: Latching ON, Latching OFF, Press and Hold ON, Press and Hold OFF, Timed ON and Timed OFF. Example: Relay 1 is connected to a mini plug that is connected to the 12V Control IN on a Power Amplifier (it is also connected to the 12V Convenience Terminal on the MSC-400 as the source of the control voltage). The Relay configuration is Normally Open (NO). When the ON Command is issued, the Relay will close, 12V will be present on the mini plug and the amplifier will turn ON. When the OFF Command is issued, Relay 1 will open, the control voltage is cut and the amplifier turns OFF.

The exact opposite would occur if the Normally Closed (NC) configuration were use d. When the ON Command is issued, the Relay will open, interrupting normal operation, and when OFF is issued, the Relay will close and the normal function will resume.

Both examples are also true of the Press and Hold options, the difference being, with the Latching ON and OFF commands, the Relay remains open or closed until the next command is issued. With Press and Hold, the Relay will open and close with the same logic, but now, will remain open or closed only for as long as the command is being sent from the remote, or, for the duration set in Minimum Press Time.

Relays can be embedded into Smart Macros and will execute as programmed as steps in System ON/OFF or Source Select Macros without any additional programming. However, in order to control a Relay with a button press from a remote, a Macro Group: Relay Commands, will need to be setup in order to create the RF Triggers required for control of the Relay from a remote. To program Relay Commands:

Embedding Relay Commands in a Smart Macro

In a previous section a SOURCE SELECT MACRO was created for DVD 1in the EXAMPLE SYSTEM. Mr. and Mrs. Example have just added a new POWERED SUBWOOFER to their Home Theater and want to activate it automatically when DVD 1 is selected.

1. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, click the DVD 1 SOURCE SELECT SMART MACRO so it is featured

in the SMART MACRO WINDOW.

2. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR, click the RELAY BUTTON.

a. The RELAY SETTING WINDOW will appear. Relay Setting ON

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3. In the VALUE BLOCK, set the TYPE of command to be issued in the macro using the PULL-DOWN.

(ex. ON).

4. In the TARGET BLOCK, select MASTER/SLAVE as appropriate, using the pull-down. (ex. Master)

5. In the TARGET BLOCK, select RELAY PORT 1 or 2 using the pull-down. (ex. Relay 1)

6. To TEST the command, with the PC connected to the USB1 PORT on the MSC-400, click the TEST

BUTTON. There should be an audile ‘click’ as the relay opens or closes in test mode.

7. Click OK. The command will appear at the bottom of the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST.

8. Drag the RELAY COMMAND to the appropriate POSITION in the SMART MACRO in the IF

STATEMENT. DVD1 Source Select Smart Macro with Embedded Relay Commands

9. Click the RELAY COMMAND to highlight it. COPY and PASTE the command, then drag it to the

appropriate position in the ELSE STATEMENT. This way the sub will activate regardless of system status.

DVD 1 Source Select Smart Macro With Embedded Relay Commands

10. To TEST the edited macro, SAVE the PROJECT and then DOWNLOAD to the MSC-400.

11. If already programmed with a RF TRIGGER for DVD 1 SOURCE SELECT, press the DVD 1

BUTTON on the remote. If not see section: PROGRAMMING MACRO TRIGGERS TO THE REMOTE. Pg #

TIP - Some additional tweaking of the macro, such as adding some delay or a mute command while the sub comes on, may be desirable. Each system and set of components will behave differently.

Creating a Macro Group for Relay Commands

In order to control the MSC-400 RELAYS directly from the REMOTE, for functions such as opening and closing drapes, a MACRO GROUP will need to be setup to create the RF TRIGGERS to activate the RELAYS from the REMOTE. To create a Macro Group for Relay Commands:

1. To open the MAKE SMART MACRO WINDOW do either of: a) In the MSC-EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click MAKE SMART MACRO. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the MAKE SMART MACRO ICON.

c) The MAKE SMART MACRO WINDOW will appear. Relay Macro Group

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4-5

Relay Macro Group

2. Click the NEW GROUP BUTTON. The PROPERTY WINDOW will appear.

3. In the PROPERTY WINDOW, type the NAME of the NEW GROUP. (Relay Macros) Click OK. In the

MAKE SMART MACRO WINDOW, RELAY MACROS will appear in the MACRO GROUP BOX.

4. In the SMART MACRO BOX, double click in the box directly under SMART MACRO. The TEXT

TOOL will activate. Type the name of the RELAY SMART MACRO. (Enter something meaningful like Relay 2 Drape Open, etc.)

5. Press ENTER on the PC KEYBOARD and type the name of the next SMART MACRO. (Relay 2

Drape Close)

6. Click SAVE & EXIT.

7. The new MACRO GROUP will appear at the BOTTOM of MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW.

7-8

8. Click the ‘+’ next to RELAY MACROS to expand the group.

9. Click the RELAY 2 DRAPE OPEN SMART MACRO so it appears in the SMART MACRO WINDOW

TITLE BAR.

10. Click the RELAY BUTTON. The RELAY SETTING WINDOW will appear. Relay Setting Window

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Press & Hold Relay Setting Window

11. In the VALUE BLOCK set the TYPE of Relay using the PULL-DOWN. (ex. Press & Hold On)

12. IF appropriate, set a MINIMUM PRESS TIME from .1 TO 32.3 SECONDS. This will have the relay

close (or open) for the duration designated in Minimum Press Time or for the duration of the button press, whichever is longer. For a purely PRESS & HOLD COMMAND set the value at .1 SECOND.

13. In the TARGET BLOCK, set MSC to MASTER/SLAVE as appropriate, using the pull-down.

14. In the TARGET BLOCK, set RELAY PORT to RELAY 1 or 2.

15. Click OK.

16. Repeat STEPS 9 -15 for all other RELAY SMART MACROS.

17. To TEST a RELAY COMMAND with a TIMED DURATION (with the PC connected to the MSC400

USB1 PORT) click the TEST BUTTON. There should be two audible clicks, from the MSC-400, equal to the value set in Minimum Press Time, indicating the relay is changing state.

18. To test a PURE PRESS & HOLD COMMAND, or any other RELAY COMMANDS from the REMOTE,

SAVE and DOWNLOAD the MSC PROJECT. See Section: SAVING AND DOWNLOADING A MSC400 PROJECT for additional information. Pg #

19. In MX/TX EDITOR, program the appropriate buttons for the RF TRIGGERS for the PRESS & HOLD

RELAY COMMANDS or any other RELAY COMMANDS to be TESTED from the REMOTE. See Section: PROGRAMMING MACRO TRIGGERS TO THE REMOTE for additional information. Pg#

20. SAVE and DOWNLOAD the MX/TX PROJECT. See Section: SAVING AND DOWNLOADING A

MX/TX PROJECT. Pg#

21. TEST from the REMOTE by PRESSING AND HOLDING the appropriate BUTTONS.

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SAVING AND DOWNLOADING A MSC-400 PROJECT When all configuration and programming have been completed, the MSC-400 Project should be saved and downloaded to the MSC-400.

Saving a MSC-400 Project

1. To Save, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE, then SAVE. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the SAVE ICON.

TIP - If Saving a Project for the first time, a main Folder titled ‘Universal Remote Control’ should have already been created in My Documents while configuring the remote and IR commands. It is highly recommended that specific folders be created for Device Files and Project Files as a method for easily being able to save and locate important system and programming data.

Downloading a MSC-400 Project

1. Using the included USB cable, connect a USB PORT on the PC to the USB1 PORT on the MSC-400

FRONT PANEL.

2. Do either of:

a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click COMMUNICATIONS, then click DOWNLOAD TO MSC. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the DOWNLOAD ICON.

3. The TO DOWNLOAD WINDOW will appear. Click DOWNLOAD. To cancel Download click CLOSE.

4. When successfully downloaded, the MSCEDIT WINDOW will appear with the message: THE

DOWNLOAD WAS SUCCESSFUL.

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5. Click OK. The MSC-400 is ready for action.

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Dragging TRIGGERS into MX Editors

Smart Macro Triggers are individual commands sent by a remote to the MSC-400 to initiate the output of a Normal Macro. Once the MSC-400 has been cond, programmed and tested (and the MSC file is saved), the Smart Macro Triggers need to be dragged into the correct button on the remote control. When any Smart Macro is created in MSC Editor, a corresponding trigger is automatically created ‘behind the scenes’. They must however be manually set to the specific buttons on the remote. To drag Smart Macro Triggers to buttons on remotes:

1. In COMPLETE CONTROL SUITE (CCS) open the appropriate MX/TX EDITOR with the REMOTE

PROJECT that corresponds to the Project programmed to the MSC-400.

2. To import the SMART MACRO TRIGGERS, open the UNIVERSAL BROWSER by doing either of: a) In the MX/TX EDITOR MENU BAR, click TOOLS then click UNIVERSAL BROWSER. b) In the MX/TX EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the UNIVERSAL BROWSER BUTTON.

The UNIVERSAL BROWSER WINDOW will appear.

3. Click the OPEN FOLDER icon to navigate to where REMOTE PROJECT FILES have been saved.

The OPEN window will appear.

4. Click the .MSF FILE with the SAME NAME as the REMOTE PROJECT (MSC400.msf) or the

appropriate MSC-400 PROJECT if named differently.

5. The UNIVERSAL BROWSER WINDOW will populate with all of the SMART MACRO TRIGGERS

created for the selected Project.

Macro Triggers

6. In the UNIVERSAL BROWSER WINDOW, under TREE VIEW, if not already expanded, click the ’+’

next to the SYSTEM NAME (ex. Example System) to expand the MACRO GROUPS list.

7. In the UNIVERSAL BROWSER WINDOW, under TREE VIEW, click the Macro Group with the

triggers to be programmed. (ex. System ON/OFF Macros). The MACRO TRIGGERS for the selected Group will appear under PANEL VIEW.

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Dragging Smart Macro Triggers

8. In the MX/TX EDITOR WINDOW, on the VIRTUAL REMOTE in SIMULATE VIEW, click LISTEN or

WATCH, depending upon which MODE the BUTTON LOCATIONS for the MACRO TRIGGERS are located. In the Example System, DVD 1, DVD 2, Cable, VID and REC are WATCH; Tuner 1, Tuner 2, and CD are LISTEN.

9. Click the BUTTON to which the MACRO TRIGGER is to be PROGRAMMED. (ex. ON) The selected

button will highlight RED.

10. Drag the MACRO TRIGGER to the MACRO FUNCTION WINDOW, NOT the button. A small GREEN

M will appear next to the SELECTED BUTTON indicating a Macro Trigger has been programmed to that button.

11. Repeat STEPS 7-11 to program ALL MACRO TRIGGERS to the appropriate buttons for ALL MACRO

GROUPS.

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Section Four

Programming RS-232 Devices

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CREATING AND PROGRAMMING RS232 DEVICES RS232 Command strings can be used to control Connected Devices from a MSC-400. Unlike IR commands, where the remotes can output both IR and RF to control local devices directly, the RS232 commands must be programmed into the MSC-400 and triggered with RF T rigg ers or Sensed Triggers.

RS232 Commands are stored in a Serial Database and cond as Conne cted Device s in a similar fashion to IR Devices. RS232 Commands can be added to the Database as long as the specific command strings and settings are known. To add RS232 Commands to the Serial Database it will be necessary to acquire the RS232 Protocol for a given device from the manufacturer. This information can be sometimes found in product documentation, the manufacturer’s web site, or sometimes a call to the manufacturer’s Tech Support Department may be necessary.

NOTE - RS232 Commands can be used as single commands for device function control and can be included in Smart Macros for System and Device setup.

Adding a RS232 Device

9. With a Project open in MSC Editor, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM then click DEVICES & ROUTING. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the DEVICES ROUTING ICON.

The DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW will appear.

Devices & Routing Window

10. Click the ADD NEW DEVICE BUTTON.

a) The NEW DEVICE WINDOW will appear. New Device Window

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New Device Window

11. In the DEVICE NAME BOX type the device name as it is to appear in TREE VIEW/CONNECTED

DEVICES.

12. In the DEVICE TYPE BLOCK, select SERIAL DATABASE.

13. In the Target Block, select MSC MASTER or SLAVE and SERIAL PORT 7-12 as appropriate.

NOTE - In Master/Slave Systems only Ports 7-11 will be available for RS232 control.

14. Click OK. The NEW DEVICE WINDOW will close and the new device will appear at the bottom of the

CONNECTED DEVICES LIST in the DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW.

15. In the DEVICES & ROUTING WINDOW, click SAVE AND EXIT. Closing the window (X) will NOT

save the new device.

16. The NEW DEVICE (ex. CD) will appear at the BOTTOM of the CONNECTED DEVICE LIST in TREE

VIEW.

Configuration (RS232 Device)

In order for the MSC-400 to be able to properly communicate with a RS232 controlled device, the RS232 Port on the MSC must be properly cond to the device manufacturer’s specification. To set Port Configuration:

1. To open the CONFIGURATION WINDOW, do either of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM then click CONFIGURATION. b) In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, double click CONFIGURATION.

The CONFIGURATION WINDOW will appear.

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Configuration Window Serial Port Setting

2. Under SERIAL PORT SETTING, click the PORT to which the DEVICE BEING COND is

CONNECTED. (Port 7)

3. Per the device manufacturer’s specifications, set the BAUD RATE, DATA BITS, PARITY and STOP

BITS, using the respective pull-downs.

4. Double click directly under DESCRIPTION (ex. Edit Control). a) The PORT INFORMATION SETTING WINDOW will appear. Port Information Setting Window.

9. Enter the TYPE of device, (ex. CD) and any other specific useful information, up to 31 characters in the TEXT BOX.

10. In the PORT INFORMATION SETTING WINDOW, click OK to SAVE.

11. Repeat STEPS 2-4 for any additional SERIAL DEVICES connected to PORTS 8-12.

12. Click OK. The window will close and the Port Configuration(s) will be saved.

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Serial Database

When a RS232 controlled device is added as a Connected Device, the first thing to do is look in the PREPROGRAMMED SERIAL DATABASE to see if the commands are already available.

1. To look up Serial Command Sets:

a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM then click SERIAL TEMPLATE DATABASE. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the PREPROGRAMMED SERIAL DATA SETTING ICON.

The PREPROGRAMMED SERIAL DATABASE WINDOW will appear.

2a 2b

MSC-400 Preprogrammed Serial Database Window

2. To find RS232 Commands in the Serial Database:

a) If not selected, select SERIAL DB. b) Select DEVICE using the pull-down. (ex. CD)

NOTE - Only Serial Devices that are Connected Devices in the system being programmed will be available in the Device pull-down.

c) Select SERIAL DATA FROM (ex. CD, DVD, etc.) using the pull-down. (ex. CD) d) Select the BRAND from the list. e) Select the MODEL from the list. f) Scroll the FUNCTION list to review commands. g) To TEST a command:

NOTE - Serial Port Settings must be downloaded to the MSC-400 before attempting to test RS232 Commands from the Serial Database.

I. Connect the DEVICE to the appropriate MSC-400 SERIAL PORT (7-12).

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II. Select a FUNCTION from the list.

III. Select MASTER or SLAVE Controller as appropriate.

IV. Select the PORT NUMBER.

V. Click TEST.

h) To SAVE the entire COMMAND SET, click SAVE ALL.

3. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, double click the CONNECTED DEVICE ICON (ex. CD). The

CONNECTED DEVICE RS232 COMMAND CONFIGURATION WINDOW will appear with all available commands as they were saved from the SERIAL DATABASE.

4. If ALL required RS232 Commands are present in the list, proceed to section: CONVERTING RS232

COMMANDS TO A SMART MACRO GROUP.

5. If ADDITIONAL RS232 commands are required, see section: MANUALLY CODING RS232

COMMANDS.

Manually Coding RS232 Commands

Commands for RS232 controlled devices not found in the Preprogrammed Serial Database can be added to MSC Editor. In order to add the commands, it is necessary to have the RS232 Protocol and command data for entry into the database. RS232 protocol and commands can typically be found in product manuals, on the manufacturer’s website or in some cases it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer’s Tech Support Department. To Manually Code RS232 Commands:

1. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, double click the CONNECTED DEVICE for which RS232 commands

are to be added.

a. The CONNECTED SERIAL DEVICE WINDOW will appear. Manually Coding RS232

Commands

2 3

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Manually Coding RS232 Commands

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2. In the DEVICE LEVEL BLOCK, select: ASCII, HEX or DECIMAL as defined in the manufacturer’s

protocol.

3. If all commands require a Carriage Return at the end of the string, If all commands require a Carriage

Return at the end of the string.

4. Under DEVICE COMMANDS, click the FUNCTION NAME, or anywhere on the SAME LINE, to enter

the command string for one of the default functions. The FUNCTION NAME, DATA and NOTES BOXES will become active in the FUNCTION CODE EDIT AND TEST BLOCK.

5. Click in the DATA BOX and enter the command string for the selected function.

NOTE 1 - ASCII must be entered EXACTLY (including spaces) as the command is to be sent. Use \x to indicate that the characters immediately following should be interpreted as a hex byte. Example: PWON\x03

NOTE 2 - Hex bytes MUST be separated by a comma. 0x and h notation may be used but are not necessary. Example: FE,36,20,03 or 0xFE,0x36,0x20,0x03 or FEh,36h,20h,03h

NOTE 3 - Decimal should be entered as values separated by commas. Example: 128, 2, 21

6. Click in the NOTES BOX and enter any relevant information.

7. Click the SAVE BUTTON to save the command string. The COMMAND STRING will appear under

Device Commands in the FUNCTION DATA COLUMN.

8. To enter commands for functions NOT found in the FUNCTION LIST, click the FUNCTION NAME of

a command that will not be used for a particular device. In the FUNCTION CODE EDIT AND TEST BLOCK, click the FUNCTION NAME box and type the name of the function to be added. Repeat STEPS 5-7 to add the command string and save.

NOTE - If using a device that has a tuner and the Favorite Channel Tool is to be used to create Favorite Channel Smart Macros, DO NOT change the functions in Indexes 25-36. These are used for the numeric, enter and +10 commands when creating the Favorite Channel Smart Macros for RS232 devices. Enter the command strings, but do not change the functions.

9. If more functions need to be added to the list, click the ASTERISK (*) line, which is the very last line

of the FUNCTION LIST, and add the FUNCTION NAME, COMMAND STRING and NOTES in the appropriate boxes in the FUNCTION CODE EDIT AND TEST BLOCK. Up to 1024 commands can be added.

10. To TEST manually encoded commands, the PC must be connected to the MSC-400 USB1 PORT,

and the MSC-400 SERIAL PORT selected in CONFIGURATION must be connected to the device using an appropriate RS232 CABLE. Be sure MASTER/SLAVE and the SERIAL PORT settings for the device being tested are properly set in CONFIGURATION.

NOTE - Serial Port Settings must be downloaded to the MSC-400 before attempting to test an RS232 Command from the Function List.

11. Select a COMMAND from the FUNCTION LIST.

12. Click the TEST BUTTON in the FUNCTION CODE EDIT AND TEST BLOCK. If the device being

tested is a true two-way device and provides a status response, the response will be displayed in the TEST RESULT BOX in the FUNCTION CODE EDIT AND TEST BLOCK.

13. Repeat previous steps to make changes or close the CONNECTED DEVICE WINDOW w hen all

commands have been tested and saved.

Converting RS232 Commands to a Smart Macro Group

In order for the MSC-400 to output RS232 commands from remote control button presses, RF Triggers must be created for the RS232 commands. The RF Triggers will be programmed to the appropriate buttons on the remote which will then be able to send the triggers to the MSC-400. When the MSC-400 receives one of these triggers, it will output the associated RS232 command, in the same way it works with IR commands.

RF Triggers are automatically created every time a Smart Macro is added to a Macro Group. Once a Connected Device’s RS232 commands are cond, they can easily be converted to a Smart Macro Group which will automatically create all of the RF Triggers for all of the commands in the group. To convert RS232 Commands to a Smart Macro Group:

1. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, right click the CONNECTED DEVICE to be controlled via RS232. (ex.

CD) Convert RS232 Commands To Smart Macro

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Convert RS232 Commands to Smart Macro Group

2. In the pop-up, highlight TOOLS and then click CONVERT TO SMART MACRO GROUP. The new

SMART MACRO GROUP will appear at the BOTTOM of TREE VIEW.

3. To review the group, click the ‘+’ next to the GROUP NAME to expand the list.

4. These commands are now ready to be used either as individual commands or in Macros, except for

commands that require press and hold functions such as Volume UP/DOWN.

IMPORTANT NOTE - RS232 Volume Commands MUST be cond for: Repeat, Ramp Start and most important Ramp Speed. If these settings are not properly cond, either the volume will not ramp at all or the volume will ramp from ‘0 to deafening’ in less than a second. See Section: RS232 REPEAT, RAMP START AND RAMP SPEED for additional Information.

TIP - When working with RS232 Commands, there may be functions that should be added to the remote Soft Keys, using the LCD Button Editor. By minimizing both the MSC and MX/TX Editors to fit on screen, the RS232 Smart Macro Group can be reviewed in MSC-Editor and desired functions can be added to the remote in MX/TX Editor. MSC400 and MX/TX Editor Split Screen

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MSC-400 and MX/TX Editors Split Screen

Recording RS232 Commands in Smart Macros

Once RS232 Commands have been cond for a Connected Device, recording RS232 Commands to Smart Macros is done using the exact same steps as recording IR Commands to Smart Macros. In fact, it is actually best to have all Connected Device IR and RS232 Commands cond before creating any Smart Macros if those macros are going to have both IR and RS232 Commands. By having all commands ready, Smart Macros can be created in ‘real time’ by recording commands directly from Connected Devices to the Smart Macros without having to start and stop, search databases and create commands. To use RS232 Commands in Smart Macros see section: MACRO GROUPS AND SMART MACROS and apply RS232 Commands the same way IR Commands are recorded, moved and used in IF/ELSE Statements within Smart Macros.

Programming RS232 Macro Triggers to the Remote

RS232 Macro Triggers are programmed to a remote using the same steps used for programming IR Macro Triggers. After navigating in Universal Browser to the appropriate .msf Project File, select a button on the remote and drag the appropriate trigger to the Macro Function List for each command for the device to be controlled via RS232, be it a Hard Key or Soft Key command. See Section: PROGRAMMING MACRO TRIGGERS TO THE REMOTE for additional information.

RS232 Repeat, Ramp Start and Ramp Speed

Any RS232 Commands such as Volume UP/DOWN, that require a PRESS AND HOLD of a remote button, need to be cond for Repeat, Ramp Start and Ramp Speed in the Smart Macro Window BEFORE the project is saved and downloaded.

• Repeat – Sets the command to repeat for a predetermined number of times or for as long as the

button on the remote is pressed and held.

• Ramp Start – The amount of time from when the first command is issued to when the command

starts to repeat.

• Ramp Speed – The speed at which the repeating command repeats.

If these settings are not properly cond, either the volume will not ramp at all or will ramp from 0 to deafening in less than a second. Typical commands such as Play, Pause, Stop, etc., do not require this configuration, and are ready for use at this point in programming. To con Repeat and Ramp:

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1. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW, double click the RS232 COMMAND to be cond. The

CONNECTED DATA WINDOW will appear. RS232 Repeat and Ramp Configuration

RS232 Repeat and Ramp Configuration

2. The CONNECTED DEVICE, DEVICE TYPE and FUNCTION should all DEFAULT to the proper

settings.

3. In the REPEAT BOX, enter the SPECIFIC NUMBER OF TIMES a command is to repeat, or check the

REPEAT WHILE BUTTON IS PRESSED BOX to have the command repeat for as long as the button on the remote is pressed and held.

4. Set RAMP START to an appropriate value. The user will be accustomed to instant response from the

system for most commands, so any setting higher than 50 (.5 second) will probably seem slow. The default is pretty typical for how IR commands behave, and will typically be a good place to start. The user should be ‘blind’ to whether a command is IR or RS232.

5. Set RAMP SPEED to an appropriate value. A good method for gauging this setting is to observe IR

RAMP SPEED for a device and enter a value that will provide similar response.

6. Click OK to SAVE.

NOTE - These settings ONLY apply to this command in this macro. That is, the command in the Serial Database for this function will not be modified. Repeat and Ramp will need to be cond for each use of the command.

7. To TEST the command, SAVE the Project, then DOWNLOAD the Project to the MSC-400 and test

using the REMOTE.

NOTE 1 - The remote must be programmed with the appropriate RS232 Command Smart Macro Triggers to perform this test.

NOTE 2 - This test must be done using the remote to confirm the press and hold/repeat function, which cannot be duplicated from the PC.

8. Make changes if necessary to RAMP START and RAMP SPEED. Download and repeat test.

9. To SAVE, do either of: a. In the MX/TX EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the SAVE ICON. b. In the MX/TX EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE then click SAVE.

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Embedding RS232 Commands in Smart Macros

On occasion, it may be necessary to place a single RS232 Command in a Smart Macro. Typically, creating a Connected Device then recording a command to the macro is the preferred method but embedding a single command can be done when required. To embed a RS232 Comm and in a Smart Macro:

1. In the SMART MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR, click the SERIAL OUTPUT ICON.

a. The SERIAL COMMAND WINDOW will appear. Embedding a RS232 command

Embedding a RS232 Command

2. If a command is NOT available in the SERIAL DATABASE: a) In the DESCRIPTION BOX, type the Function Name as it is to appear in the SMART MACRO

FUNCTION LIST.

b) In the DATA BLOCK, select ASCII, HEX or DECIMAL as specified in the manufacturer’s protocol. c) Type the COMMAND STRING into the DATA BOX, up to 256 characters. d) Check ADD A CARRIAGE RETURN, if appropriate, per manufacturer’s protocol. e) In the TARGET BLOCK select MASTER/SLAVE and the SERIAL PORT as appropriate. f) To test, with the PC connected to the MSC-400 USB1 PORT and the device connected to the

proper MSC-400 SERIAL PORT, click the TEST BUTTON.

NOTE - Serial Port Settings must be downloaded to the MSC-400 before attempting to test Embedded RS232 Commands.

g) Click OK. The command will appear in the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST, where it can be

moved and used in SMART MACROS or IF/ELSE STATEMENTS as with any other command.

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3. If a command IS available in the SERIAL DATABASE: a) Select the DEVICE (DVD, CD, Audio [receiver/preamp], etc) using the pull-down. b) Select the BRAND using the pull-down. c) Select the MODEL using the pull-down. d) Scroll the FUNCTION LIST, click the desired FUNCTION. e) Click the SET BUTTON. The COMMAND DATA will appear in DESCRIPTION, the TYPE OF

DATA will be SELECTED, the STRING will appear in the DATA BOX and when appropriate ADD CARRIAGE RETURN will be SELECTED.

f) In the TARGET BLOCK, select MASTER/SLAVE and SERIAL PORT as appropriate. g) To test, with the PC connected to the MSC-400 USB1 PORT, and the DEVICE connected to the

proper MSC-400 SERIAL PORT, click the TEST BUTTON.

NOTE - Serial Port Settings must be downloaded to the MSC-400 before attempting to test Embedded RS232 Commands.

h) Click OK. The command will appear in the SMART MACRO FUNCTION LIST, where it can be

moved and used in SMART MACROS and IF/ELSE STATEMENTS as with any other command.

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Section Five Testing RS-232 via PC (using HyperTerminal)

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Using HyperTerminal to Test ASCII RS-232 Codes

Introducing HyperTerminal

Even the most advanced programmers can sometimes have trouble utilizing RS232 commands. Poorly documented instructions can make it very difficult to determine if you are properly coding your commands. Minor transcription errors can be easily overlooked and even small flaw in the control cable can lead to hours of frustration as you try to determine where the problem is. To make things easier, we’ve prepared this document that explains how to set up and use HyperTerminal to test your codes and your components. HyperTerminal is a free program included with Microsoft Windows (get a Vista compliant version here: http://www.hilgraeve.com/htpe/download.html ) that makes it possible for your computer to send and receive RS-232 codes. This program will allow you to verify that the RS-232 commands you’ve written for the MSC-400 are correct. You can also use HyperTerminal to test the codes being sent out of the MSC-400 when all other troubleshooting techniques have been exhausted. Keep in mind that this only works for ASCII codes – we’re researching to find a program that serves this same function for HEX based codes. While this document will show you how to set-up and use HyperTerminal it is not written as a primer on RS-232. For further details on what RS-232 is and how to use it in the MSC-400, please view our tutorial now available on the installer only website.

How to set up HyperTerminal

1. To use HyperTerminal you first need to open the program. Do this by clicking on Start (bottom left corner of your screen), select Accessories, then select Communications and finally HyperTerminal. This will open the HyperTerminal program.

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2. HyperTerminal opens and immediately a box pops up that asks for a connection description.

3. Create a name – We suggest RS-232 Testing – and then select an icon to use.

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Click on Ok, which will bring up a new option that asks you to select a phone number. We aren’t using a modem, so a phone number won’t be necessary. Just click on the drop down menu labeled “Connect Using” and select an open COM port (you may have more or less COM ports than you see in the example below). To check which COM ports you have available, see Note below

NOTE:If you have a number of COM ports listed and wish to know which is available, there is a way to examine all ports. Follow these clicks:START>CONTROL PANEL>SYSTEM> This will open the System Properties Box. Select the HARDWARE tab, then select DEVICE MANAGER. Click on PORTS (COM & LPT) and look for the port labeled COMMUNICATIONS PORT.

4. After selecting your COM port, click on OK. This brings up a new box, COM1 PROPERTIES (if you are using a different COM port its name will appear instead of COM1).

The default values will appear. If you have different communications requirements (as provided in the manufacturers documentation) you can enter them here. Click on OK to accept the settings.

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5. You are now seeing the main HyperTerminal window. This is where you’ll be entering your RS-232 commands for testing and it is also where you can examine RS-232 commands that are sent out by the MSC-400.

Before we can start the testing process, there is one more thing you have to do. By default, feedback (status return messages) don’t appear in HyperTerminal. To ensure that you have sent out the correct commands it often helps to see the response from the device you are trying to control. To see those response, you’ll need to follow the instructions in step 7.

6. Select the FILE option, then PROPERTIES in the HyperTerminal window. This will open a new window with two tabs, CONNECT TO and SETTINGS. Choose the Settings option.

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7. Click on ASCII SETUP. This will bring up another new box, “ASCII” Setup…”. You need to check the box labeled “Echo typed characters locally”, then click OK.

NOTE: In addition, most installers find it helpful to check the boxes labeled “Send line ends with line feeds” and “Append line feeds to incoming line ends”. These two options make it easier to read the data as you type it and to easily comprehend any replies the device sends back to your computer.

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How to use HyperTerminal

You’ll need a DB9 to DB9 cable that is female on one side (to match your computer) and male or female on the other side (to match the device you are communicating to). The manufacturer of the device you are trying to control will state in their RS-232 documentation whether you need a null modem or straight through cable. Connect your computer to the device with this cable and start typing in commands. Keep in mind:

1. It is not usually necessary to hit the ENTER key to execute those commands.

2. Any responses from the device will appear in HyperTerminal. The documentation you receive from the device manufacturer will explain how to interpret those responses.

Tips and Tricks

• HyperTerminal is an instant connection to the devices you are controlling. Because of this it is possible that the program will sometimes send commands too slowly to the device. In our testing with a Denon receiver, we discovered that we couldn’t type commands fast enough for the receiver to understand them. To fix this we instead typed the commands into Word Pad (another free program included with Windows) and then used the Cut and Paste feature to insert them into HyperTerminal. To do this you open Word Pad, type in the command, then hit <Ctrl> V to copy the command. Then use <Ctrl> to paste the commands into HyperTerminal. This causes the info to instantly be sent to the device and eliminates any timing issue in your test commands.

• You can take one of the RS-232 output ports from the MSC-400 and plug that directly into your computer. This will allow you to see exactly what message the MSC-400 is sending to a device and verify that it is what you intended to happen. Just plug the MSC-400 RS-232 control cable into the output for a given RS-232 controlled device and plug the other end into the serial port on your computer. Launch HyperTerminal and con it to match the communication requirements of the controlled device (usually 9600, 8, N, 1). Pick up the hand-held remote that you’ve programmed and push a few buttons for the RS-232 controlled device. HyperTerminal will display exactly what the MSC-400 sends out and you can now compare that to the information you programmed into it. This is a great way to troubleshoot installations where you suspect that you have a bad RS-232 cable or (rarely) a defective MSC-400.

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MSC-400

Reference Manual

Section Six

Programming for USB Keyboard Emulation via the

MSC-400’s Rear Panel USB Port

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PC KEYBOARD EMULATION

As a convenience, a MSC-400 compatible remote can be programmed as a PC Keyboard emulator for alpha search commands when used with a Windows Media Center PC. The user should have a proper wireless keyboard for use with the PC, but having alpha search capability from the remote allows additional control capability without having to switch back and forth between the remote and keyboard.

To add this feature, a PC device will need to be created in the remote project and a multi-page ‘zooming keyboard’ will be created that will provide individual letter buttons using the LCD and Soft Keys. Page 1 of the PC Device will show the letter buttons available on each page. PC Keyboard Emulator Page 1

PC Keyboard Emulator Page 1

Zooming to one of the pages (via a Goto Page Command) makes the individual letters available for use. PC Keyboard Emulator A Jump Command can be added to each letter, to return to Page 1 after each

letter is sent to speed up letter navigation, or if the user prefers, the letter pages can be navigated manually using the Page UP/DOWN Buttons.

To Program a Remote for PC Keyboard Emulation:

1. In the MX/TX EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click CREATE & NAME DEVICES. Add a

device: PC.

2. In MX/TX EDITOR TREE VIEW, click the ’+’ next to PC to expand the PAGE LIST.

3. Click PAGE 1.

4. Click on Program, then Edit Buttons. Using the BUTTON EDITOR, create a MAIN KEYBOARD

PAGE as shown in PC Keyboard Emulator Page 1 with ABCDEF on BUTTON 1, GHIJKL on BUTTON 2, MNOPQR on BUTTON 3, STUVWX on BUTTON 4, YZ on BUTTON 5 and SPACE on BUTTON 6. (With each press of a letter button returning to Page 1, a space can be inserted between words when necessary, before selecting the next letter page.)

5. In MX/TX EDITOR TREE VIEW, right click the PC ICON and select INSERT PAGE in the POP-UP.

The ADD PAGE WINDOW will appear.

6. In the ADD PAGE TO BOX, select PC using the PULL-DOWN. The PAGE NUMBER will default to

the next highest Page. (Page 2). Click SAVE.

7. Repeat STEPS 5-6 to add PAGES 3-5. (One page for each set of letters.)

8. In TREE VIEW, click the PAGE 2 ICON.

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PC Keyboard Emulator Page 2

9. Using the BUTTON EDITOR, add the letters A-F to the individual buttons as shown in PC Keyboard

Emulator Page 2 and click SAVE.

10. Highlight the ’A’ BUTTON on page 2 of the PC device.

11. Click the GOTO PAGE BUTTON.

a) The GOTO PAGE WINDOW will appear.

12. In the GOTO PAGE WINDOW, for DEVICE select PC, for PAGE select PAGE 1 and for JUMP TO

select SELECTED DEVICE & PAGE for the settings using the PULL-DOWNS. Click SAVE.

13. Open the IR Database Navigator. To open the IR Database Navigator do any one of:

a) In the MX/TX EDITOR MENU BAR, click TOOLS, then click IR DATABASE NAVIGATOR. b) In the MX/TX EDITOR TOOL BAR click the IR DATABASE NAVIGATOR ICON. c) In the MX/TX EDITOR MACRO WINDOW TOOL BAR click the IR DATA ICON.

13a

The IR DATABASE NAVIGATOR WINDOW will appear.

14. In the DATABASE WINDOW, in IR DATA FROM select AUX. In the box directly to the right, enter the

SETUP NUMBER: 501 for letters or 502 for any special characters that may be desirable for a particular user requirement. DO NOT make any changes to: BRAND, MODEL OR REPEAT.

15. With the ’A’ BUTTON still selected, drag the ‘A’ from the DATABASE WINDOW to the top of the

MACRO FUNCTION LIST. Now, any time the ‘A’ BUTTON is pressed, the ‘A’ will be issued and the

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remote ‘keyboard’ will return to PC PAGE 1 for selection of the next letter. (If the user preference is to navigate the letters manually, omit the GOTO PAGE INSTRUCTIONS in STEPS 10-11.)

16. Repeat STEPS 8-14 for PAGES 3-5, until all LETTERS and a SPACE COMMAND have been added

to the PC DEVICE.

17. SAVE the PROJECT and DOWNLOAD to the REMOTE. See Section: SAVING AND

DOWNLOADING A MX/TX PROJECT for additional information.

NOTE - The Media Server PC must be connected to the USB2 Port on the MSC-400 Rear Panel.

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Section Seven

Master/Slave Systems

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PROGRAMMING MASTER/SLAVE SYSTEMS

Programming a Master/Slave System is essentially programming a system with two MSC-400s. Each Controller will be cond for the devices it is sensing and controlling, the main differences are, in Configuration, the devices sensed and controlled by the Master are set to Master and the devices sensed and controlled by the Slave are set to Slave. Additionally, each Controller is cond with a different RFID. The remote(s) used in a Master/Slave system are also set up essentially the same as in a single controller system, but are also cond for two RFID’s…one for the Master and one for the Slave.

Smart Macros, in Master/Slave Systems, are programmed exactly the same as with single controller systems. As long as the individual Connected Device Configurations and Sensor Input assignments are correct, Smart Macros need no additional programming. However, in a Master/Slave system, the two controllers must be connected via Output Port 12 on both controllers so the Master can communicate with the Slave to tell it when to output specific commands in Smart Macros. To make this connection work, the PORT 12 TO SLAVE BOX must be checked when downloading to both controllers. See section: CONNECTIONS/MASTER SLAVE SYSTEMS for additional information. Pg#

For the purpose of explanation, an Example System with 15 devices will be used. Master/Slave Connected Devices The Master Controller has eleven A/V Connected Devices, both IR and RS232 Controlled, and the Slave has four automation Devices also both IR and RS232 controlled. All Smart Macros for this system have already been created and will not be covered in this section. See section: MACRO GROUPS AND SMART MACROS for additional information. Pg# To program a Master/Slave System:

Master/Slave System Connected Devices

Configuring MSC Master and Slave Controllers

1. In MSC EDITOR TREE VIEW, right click DVD. In the POP-UP, select PROPERTIES. The

PROPERTY WINDOW will appear. Connected Device Property Window

2-3

Connected Device Property Window

2. In the PORT SETTING BLOCK, set MSC to MASTER. Set PORT to 1. Click OK.

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3. Repeat STEP 2 for all CONNECTED DEVICES appropriately setting MASTER/SLAVE and PORT

assignments.

4. To Open the Configuration Window do any one of: a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click CONFIGURATION b) In the MSC Editor Tool Bar, click the CONFIGURATION ICON. c) In TREE VIEW, double click CONFIGURATION.

d) The CONFIGURATION WINDOW will appear. Configuration Window

4b 4c

6-7

Configuration MSC Master

5. In the MSC BASESTATION ID BLOCK, select MASTER.

6. To set RFID when using TX-1000 or MX-900 with MORE THAN 6 IR DEVICES on EITHER

Controller, set the PRIMARY RFID only. Use any RFID from ID11 to 1F for IR CONTROL from PORTS 1-11.

7. To set RFID when using MX-3000 or MX-950 with MORE THAN 6 IR DEVICES on EITHER

Controller, set the PRIMARY and SECONDARY RFIDS. Use any two RFIDS from ID 01 to 0F for IR CONTROL from PORTS 1-11.

NOTE - The Instructions in Steps 6-7 relate to IR Control from Ports 7-11. If RS232 Devices are controlled via Ports 7-11, then any RFID can be used for any remote and the Secondary RFID does not need to be set in Step 7.

8. Within the Serial Port Setting page, select (check mark) the PORT 12 TO SLAVE MSC-400 BOX. The

PORT 12 SETTING LINE will gray out.

9. Click OK.

10. To SAVE, do either of:

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a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE, then click SAVE. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the SAVE ICON.

10a

11. To download to the MSC-400 MASTER CONTROLLER, with the PC connected to the USB1 PORT

on the MSC MASTER, DOWNLOAD by doing either of:

a) In the MSC EDITOR MENU BAR, click COMMUNICATIONS, then click DOWNLOAD. b) In the MSC EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the DOWNLOAD ICON.

11a

12. To program and download to the MSC-400 SLAVE CONTROLLER, repeat STEPS 5-12 with the

following changes:

a) In STEP 5, set the MSC BASESTATION to SLAVE. b) In STEP 6, set the RFID to one NOT used in STEP 7 from ID 11 to 1F. c) In STEP 7, set the RFIDS to any other two NOT used in STEP 8, ID 01 to 0F. d) In STEP 11, connect the PC to the USB1 PORT on the MSC SLAVE.

10b

11b

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Configuring The Remote for a Master/Slave System

Programming a remote for use with a Master/Slave system is essentially the same as the programming for a system with a single MSC Controller. The main differences are setting the RFIDs for two Receivers (MSC Controllers) and configuring the Port settings for Master/Slave. Devices controlled via RS232 will have their Flasher settings set to NONE when using RFIDS 10 to 1F.

All other setup, programming, dragging Smart Macro Triggers, etc., is exactly the same as is done for a single controller system. To Con the MX/TX RF Settings:

1. In MX/TX EDITOR, open the PROJECT for the MSC MASTER/SLAVE system being programmed.

2. To open the RF SETTINGS WINDOW, do either of: a) In the MX/TX EDITOR MENU BAR, click PROGRAM, then click RF CONTROL. b) In the MX/TX EDITOR TOOL BAR click the RF CONTROL ICON.

c) The RF SETUP WINDOW will appear. MX/TX Editor RF Settings Master/Slave System

MX/TX Editor RF Settings Master/Slave System

3. In the RF SETUP WINDOW, click the RECEIVERS< BUTTON. The window will expand to show the

default Receiver settings.

4. Click the DEFAULT RECEIVER LINE.

5. To set RFID when using TX-1000 or MX-900: a) Click the RENAME BUTTON. The RENAME WINDOW will appear. b) Type MASTER in the Box and click OK.

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c) In the RF Setup Window, click ADD. The ADD RECEIVER WINDOW will appear. d) Type SLAVE in the Box and click OK.

e) In the Receivers Section, the MASTER LINE under RECEIVER ID. Set the RFID for the MSC

MASTER to match the setting used in MSC EDITOR (ID 11). Repeat for the SLAVE LINE and set to the proper RFID (ID 12).

NOTE - If RFIDs of ID10 or higher are not selected, IR Ports 7-11 will not be available when configuring the Flasher Settings.

6. To set RFID when using MX-3000 or MX-950: a) Click the RENAME BUTTON. The RENAME WINDOW will appear. Type MASTER PRIMARY in

the Box and click OK.

b) Click ADD. The ADD RECEIVER WINDOW will appear. Type MASTER SECONDARY in the Box

and click OK.

c) Repeat STEP B to create SLAVE PRIMARY and SLAVE SECONDARY RECEIVERS. d) Click the MASTER PRIMARY LINE under RECEIVER ID. Set the RFID for the MSC MASTER

PRIMARY to match the setting used in MSC EDITOR. REPEAT for the MASTER SECONDARY, SLAVE PRIMARY and SLAVE SECONDARY RECEIVERS.

7. Set IR BLASTER to OFF for all receivers. Click Receivers.

8. In the DEVICES section, line by line, click under RECEIVER and select the appropriate receiver from

the pull-down. Systems using TX-1000 or MX-900 will be either MASTER or SLAVE, Systems using MX-3000, or MX-950 will be one of MASTER PRIMARY/MASTER SECONDARY or SLAVE PRIMARY/SLAVE SECONDARY RECEIVERS. Be sure these settings are correct. If they are not, some device’s IR commands will not be output by the MSC Controllers.

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9. Under FLASHERS, line by line, click under FLASHERS and select the appropriate PORT for that

DEVICE. In a MASTER/SLAVE system, BOTH Controllers use the SAME Port numbers, that is BOTH the MASTER and SLAVE will have a PORT 1, 2, 3 ETC (Line1 = MSC Port 7, 2 = 8 etc). Be sure these settings are correct. If they are not, some device’s IR commands will not be output by the MSC Controllers. Set any DEVICES controlled via RS232 to NONE.

10. Click OK, when all RFID, RECEIVER and FLASHER settings are set and confirmed.

11. To SAVE, do either of: a) In the MX/TX EDITOR MENU BAR, click FILE, then click SAVE. b) In the MX/TX EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the SAVE ICON.

11a

12. To TEST all MASTER/SLAVE SETTINGS, DOWNLOAD the MX/TX PROJECT to the REMOTE and

test all functions. To Download do either of:

a) In the MX/TX EDITOR MENU BAR, click COMMUNICATIONS, then click DOWNLOAD. b) In the MX/TX EDITOR TOOL BAR, click the DOWNLOAD ICON.

12a

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TIP - Make note of any commands or macros that do not execute properly . Look for specific devices that are not responding to button presses. If a specific device is not respo nding, check that device’s CONFIGURATION in both MSC EDITOR and MX/TX EDITOR. Confirm FLASHER connections to proper PORTS. See Section: TROUBLESHOOTING for additional information. Make necessary changes, save and download until all devices, functions and macros are executing properly.

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Section Eight

Troubleshooting

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TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM SOLUTION

Power

MSC-400 will not Power up a) Confirm connection of Power Adapter to MSC

at an unswitched AC outlet. b) In a Master/Slave system, both Controllers must have their own power supply.

MSC Does Not Receive RF Commands From Remote

RFX-250 Connection/Location a) Confirm proper connection of RFX-250(s) to

RFID Configuration Confirm configuration of RFIDs in both MX/TX Remote Configuration a) Confirm remote programming in RF Setup for

MSC Does Not Output IR Commands

Connected Device Configuration a) Confirm IR Command programming for

IR Emitter Connection a) Confirm emitter connection to assigned IR Port

MSC Does Not Output RS232 Commands

Connected Device Configuration a) Confirm RS232 Command programming for

RS232 Cable Connection a) Confirm connection to proper RS232 Port

Voltage Sensor

MSC does not detect voltage sensor a) Confirm sensor connection to sensed device

Video Sensor

MSC does not detect video sensor a) Confirm sensor connection to sensed device

Video Sensor Status does not turn OFF a) Confirm sensed device composite video turns

Slave Controller Does Not Output Commands

Master/Slave Connections a) Confirm RF connection between controllers

MSC-400 b) Reposition RFX-250 if RF LED is flickering or illuminated to improve reception.

Editor for remote and MSC Editor for MSC-400. IR & RF Output.

c) Confirm device command programming b) Confirm Macro Trigger programming

Connected Devices b) Confirm IR Port Configuration for Connected Devices c) Confirm RFID Configuration when Ports 7-12 are used for IR

b) Confirm emitter is properly positioned over IR eye on controlled device c) Adjust IR output level

Connected Devices b) Confirm RS232 Port Configuration c) Confirm Serial Port Settings have been downloaded to the MSC-400

b) Confirm control voltage from sensed device c) Confirm sensor connection to proper Sensor Port on MSC-400 d) Confirm Sensor Port Configuration

b) Confirm composite video output from sensed device c) Confirm sensor connection to proper Sensor Port on MSC-400 d) Confirm Sensor Port Configuration

OFF in standby and is not outputting a black screen or other video signal

b) Confirm Port 12 connection between controllers

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Master/Slave Configuration a) Confirm Master/Slave RFID Configuration

b) Confirm Slave Connected Device Configuration to Slave

Macro Execution

Smart Macros do not maintain device ON/OFF sync with system status

a) Confirm Smart macro structure for all commands, IF/ELSE Statements, etc. b) Confirm Sensor connections and Configuration

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Universal Remote Control, Inc.

500 Mamaroneck Avenue

Harrison, NY 10528

Phone: 914.835.4484

Fax: 914.835.4532

Technical Support: 1.800.901.0800

www.universalremote.com

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