XAP800 serial connection to one NI3000 works and doesn't on others??
sonny275
Posts: 17
in AMX Hardware
We have XAP800 connected to one NI-3000 and it works.
We installed same master firmware v3.12.332, NI firmware v1.00.118, and software module on other (two) NI-3000s and it doesn't work. XAP 800 doesn't respond to serial commands using same connectors and cable.
We researched the AMX forum and increased the Ni memory to 4 Meg, no difference.
Do you guys have any suggestions??
We installed same master firmware v3.12.332, NI firmware v1.00.118, and software module on other (two) NI-3000s and it doesn't work. XAP 800 doesn't respond to serial commands using same connectors and cable.
We researched the AMX forum and increased the Ni memory to 4 Meg, no difference.
Do you guys have any suggestions??
0
Comments
You need an blank program in all secondary Masters if not.
If you have a unit that is working with one NI-3000 but not with several others, chances are very high, in my opinion, that you have either a configuration problem or a hardware/wiring problem. I think it would be very rare to have three NI-3000s configured identically and only have one of them communicating properly with an XAP800.
First thing to check is if the serial port that you are connected to is receiving anything from the XAP800. Change something on the XAP800 (such as a channel mute status) using the XAP800 front panel and see if you get a yellow light flash on the NI-3000 front panel. If you don't, either the wiring is awry or your RS232 port is not configured properly. This has to be the case because you know the XAP800 is sending back a good string because it works on one of the NI-3000s. Also, you can check communications from the NI-3000 port all the way to the DB9 that plugs into the XAP800 by unplgging from the NI3000 and shorting pins 2 and 3 together. Send a string to the Unit and the same string should be received at the port -- both the red and yellow lights will flash.
Use diagnostics to check the string that the module is sending to the XAP800 and see if you get a red flash on the appropriate serial port.
If you're using a module, it's probably the AMX proprietary module. I've tried that module but for personal preference reasons never used it. Mostly because the Clear One RS232 protocol is so simple that it's about as easy to program from scratch (or create your own module or functions). Also because when I tried it it seemed that the unit was being queried excessively. So, you might try communicating without the module -- something simple like toggling a mute and watch for the red light, the yellow light, and an appropriate string being returned using either diagnostics or debug.
It changes the com port handshaking settings every time and this may be your problem.
We finally isolated the problem. We were using default 'binary" serial connection instead of "Ascii"/text. We switched to text and it's working in all NIs.
I don't understand how it ever worked with some of the NIs with 'binary' srial connection???
If only all equipment could have two 232 ports....