Xantech IRS232A Installation Instructions Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

MODEL IRS232A

‘ADVANCED’ IR TO RS232 MODULE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Title

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................. 3

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATION ..................................................................................................................... 3

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS (minimum).......................................................................................................... 3

INCLUDED HARDWARE & SOFTWARE ITEMS ................................................................................................. 3

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS............................................................................................................................. 3

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................. 3

STARTING DRAGON DROP-IR .......................................................................................................................... 4

SERIAL PORT SELECTION ................................................................................................................................ 4

PLANNING THE SYSTEM................................................................................................................................... 4

PROGRAMMING THE IRS232A .......................................................................................................................... 5

Select Base Unit............................................................................................................................................... 5

Verifying Com Port Communication (“Who Am I” Firmware Version Verification)............................................... 5

Configuring The IRS232A................................................................................................................................. 6

Changing The Code Group Manually With An RC68+ Programmer (Optional) .................................................. 7

Associating IR Trigger Commands With ASCII Strings...................................................................................... 7

Character Conversion Utility ............................................................................................................................. 8

Editing Command Strings................................................................................................................................. 8

Testing Commands From The IRS232A ........................................................................................................... 8

Transferring A Project To The Irs232a .............................................................................................................. 9

TEACHING RC68+ COMMANDS TO A HAND-HELD CONTROLLER OR KEYPAD FROM AN RC68+ ............. 10

TEACHING RC68+ COMMANDS TO A HAND-HELD CONTROLLER OR KEYPAD FROM DRAGON DROP-IR10

SAVING AND BACKING-UP FILES................................................................................................................... 10

Automatic Save.............................................................................................................................................. 10

Save Project As.............................................................................................................................................. 10

Backing-Up Project Files ................................................................................................................................ 11

Using Backup Files......................................................................................................................................... 11

Backing-Up SmartPad and Palette Files ......................................................................................................... 11

TROUBLE SHOOTING...................................................................................................................................... 11

TABLE 1 - IRS232A CONNECTOR PINOUT INFORMATION ............................................................................ 12

TABLE 2 - DEFAULT SETTINGS....................................................................................................................... 12

Page

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Figure 1 – Typical System Configuration with Programming Hardware Connections

© 2002 Xantech Corporation

Model IRS232A Page 3

INTRODUCTION

The IRS232A, IR to RS232 Module, provides IR control of advanced components such as projectors and lighting
systems that would normally be controlled via RS232 with exotic controllers or automated systems. The IRS232A
has advanced features allowing it to be compatible with a wide variety of RS232 controlled devices.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

 Converts Xantech RC68+ IR codes to RS232 ASCII commands
 Program up to 36 different RS232 command strings each with up to 100 characters
 Support of multiple Baud Rates including 300bps, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19.2k, 38.4k, and 115.2kbps.
 User configurable Stop Bit, Data Bit, and Parity parameters
 Power Indicator LED (Lights solid RED indicating unit is powered)
 RS232 OUTPUT LED (Blinks GREEN when RS232 commands are triggered and when Dragon Drop-IR

download is in progress)

 Accepts Hex Commands and printable/non-printable ASCII characters
 Decimal/HEX/Binary character Conversion Utility (DRAG460 v1.04 and higher)
 Support of “WHO AM I” version recognition using DRAG460 v1.04 and higher
 Backwards compatible to DRAG460 v1.03
 Dragon Drop-IR Programming Software and PC DB-9 Program Cable included
 Mounting-flanges, permits easy mounting to flat surfaces
 Power requirements: 12VDC ±1.5V @30mA
 Dimensions: 4.25” W x 1.20” D x 4.25” H (108mm x 31mm x 83mm)

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS (MINIMUM)

• 486 66-MHz IBM® Compatible Computer (Pentium versions preferred)

• Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP

• 5 MB Hard Drive space (you will need more as your IR palette libraries expand)

• 16 MB RAM (32 MB preferred)

 Available PC COM Port

• Mouse

INCLUDED HARDWARE & SOFTWARE ITEMS

To use the DRAG460 Software, you will need the following items included with Dragon Drop-IR™.

1. CD ROM Disc. Contains the Dragon Drop-IR software, plus IR Code and Product files.

2. One DB9 Male-to-Female Programming Cable.

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

Refer to Figure 1:

1. Using 2-conductor cable (22AWG up to 600’, 20AW G up to 2000’ and 18AWG up to 5000’), connect
PWR GND, and +12VDC connections from the IRS232A module to the appropriate terminals on the
connecting block.

2. Using a Mono Mini-Plug to Stripped Ends 2-Conductor cable (Xantech PN#06015900, not included), plug
the Mini-Plug end into an available Emitter out on the Connecting Block and wire the ‘Stripped End' in IR
IN (White Stripe) and IR GND on the IRS232A.

3. Connect the COM PORT of the IRS232A to an available COM PORT of the PC running DRAG460

4. Connect the RS232 Port of the IRS232A to the product to be controlled to test commands

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

The installation software for the DD460 system is included in the supplied CD ROM. Install the Dragon Drop-IR™
Software onto your hard drive as follows:

Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP

1. Insert the Dragon Drop-IR CD into your CD-ROM drive. If your drive has been set for auto run, a ‘Xantech
Welcome’ menu will appear. If not, access your CD ROM drive with Windows Explorer and double click on
the "autorun.exe" file.

© 2002 Xantech Corporation

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2. On the W elcome menu, click Install DD460 Software. (If upgrading from a previous version of Dragon Drop-
IR 460, select REPAIR from the install menu. This will add and replace all appropriate files while keeping
existing projects and palette files un-touched.)
Follow the on-screen instructions as the program installs. It takes approximately one to three minutes to
complete, depending on the speed of your machine.

NOTE: For the convenience of the installer, the Dragon Drop-IR™ CD ROM contains a complete set of
Application Notes, the Xantech Product Catalog, Factory Learned IR Codes, web site browsers and important
notes. Read the Very Important Notes first, click on the desired menu item and follow the on-screen
instructions.

STARTING DRAGON DROP-IR

Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP

1. Installation creates a shortcut on the desktop. Double click on the Drag460 Shortcut or:

2. From START menu, choose Programs.

3. Select XANTECH from the list and click on the DRAG460 Icon.

4. The program loads and opens to the Xantech Dragon Drop-IR programming screen.

SERIAL PORT SELECTION

When first launched, the Dragon Drop-IR software scans the serial ports and will display the available ports under
"Preferences" in the File menu. Unavailable ports will be grayed out. Com Port 1 would normally be used, but if it
is already in use, it will be necessary to use a different one. If your computer only has a USB connection, a USB
to Serial Adapter (including software) can be purchased at most computer stores.

Select the Com Port as follows:

1. Click Preferences (F2) from the File menu.

2. Click on an available port, then OK.

PLANNING THE SYSTEM

Before attempting any programming, plan the system configuration first. This should include the following:

a) Determine the brands and types of all components you expect to use.
b) Acquire the HEX or ASCII text commands for the component that will be interfacing with the IRS232A.

These can be found in the product’s installation manual, manufacturer’s web site or manufacturer’s tech
support.

c) Determine if a Null-Modem cable will be necessary for communicating to the device.

© 2002 Xantech Corporation