BitWise Controls BC4 — User's Guide

User guide for the BitWise Controls BC4 — a network-enabled control enclosure that houses BCX-series expansion modules, with web-based configuration, PoE support, and a built-in temperature sensor.

Overview

The BC4 is a network-enabled enclosure that houses one of BitWise Controls' available BCX-series expansion modules. It has a built-in web server for easy browser-based setup and supports network communications via TCP or UDP sockets. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) or can be powered via a 12VDC wall adapter. The on-board temperature sensor lets you monitor and respond to temperature changes in equipment racks, plasma displays, projectors, or other equipment.

When a BCX-series expansion module is plugged into the BC4, the BC4 automatically senses which module was installed and configures itself accordingly. The two-way command protocol includes get/set commands for all device settings and hardware control, plus polled and asynchronous status reporting. The BC4's firmware is field-upgradeable, so it can always support the latest features.

Features

• IEEE 802.3af compliant Power-over-Ethernet Powered Device (PD)
• Alternate power via 12VDC external supply
• 10-Base-T Ethernet, compatible with all 10/100 switches
• Rugged metal enclosure
• Web-based configuration
• Supports TCP and UDP protocols for single or multiple host systems
• Built-in temperature sensor
• Automatically configures for installed BitWise Controls BCX-series expansion modules

Front Panel

1. Power Connector: if not powered via PoE, use a 12VDC wall adapter (available from bitwisecontrols.com).
2. Reset button:
   • Quick press/release — resets the device (like a power cycle).
   • Press and hold until the red Status LED goes out — clears all previously stored network settings.
   • Continue holding until the red LED comes back on — defaults all device I/O settings.
3. Ethernet Connection: connects to the LAN, supports PoE.
4. Status LED: solid red during normal operation; flashes during activity such as IR emitting.

Configuration

The BC4 ships from the factory with DHCP enabled and will attempt to auto-assign an IP address for easy first-time setup. BitWise Controls recommends assigning a static IP address outside your router's DHCP range for reliable, consistent access.

Via Web Browser

Navigate to the BC4's IP address (e.g. "192.168.1.100") in any browser to reach the Overview page, which shows the MAC address, current firmware revision, and information about the installed BCX module. The Configuration button on the menu bar opens network settings and (if applicable) RS232 Serial Port settings for an installed BCX module. The configuration page is password protected — default username admin, default password bitwise.

Via ControlCenter

BitWise Controls' free ControlCenter software identifies and configures any BC4 on your network, and lets you test all BC4/BCX functionality (Serial, IR, GPIO, and Relay control). It also logs all socket communications so you can see exactly what's being sent to/from the BC4 — useful for debugging third-party scripts, plugins, and host controllers. Download it from bitwisecontrols.com.

Via Other Means (TCP/UDP/Telnet)

Since the BC4's command protocol exposes get/set access to all internal settings (including the installed BCX module), it can be fully configured from any TCP or UDP client, including standard telnet applications.

Over TCP, commands aren't processed until a carriage return (CR) is received — you can open a telnet session (e.g. HyperTerminal or Windows Telnet) and type commands directly, or send a command as one packet terminated by CR. UDP commands must be sent as a single continuous packet. By default, UDP responses broadcast to all devices on the current subnet; specify a target machine with the bwc:udpsendto: command. See BitWise's Command Protocol documentation for the full command list.

Firmware

The BC4's field-upgradeable firmware lets you stay current as BitWise Controls releases updates — for new BCX modules, new features, or performance improvements. Download the Firmware Updater utility from bitwisecontrols.com.

Installing a BCX-Series Expansion Module

Before installing or removing a BCX module, disconnect all power, network, and device connections.

1. Slide the BCX module into the open end of the BC4 enclosure.
2. Keep pushing until the DB25 connectors on both circuit boards mate firmly, and the screw holes in the bottom of the BC4 enclosure align with the stand-offs on the BCX module.
3. Slide the BCX faceplate into position, and install all necessary screws into the faceplate sides and the bottom of the enclosure.

Reconnect Ethernet and power — the BC4 automatically senses which BCX module was installed and adapts accordingly. Note: a newly released BCX module may require a BC4 firmware update to operate properly.

Resources

Product news, software downloads, and updates are available in the support section at bitwisecontrols.com.

Contact Information

BitWise Controls, LLC · 1020 Hoosier Dr., Larkspur, CO 80118 · Phone: 866.932.1BWC (2292) · Fax: 866.932.2292 · www.bitwisecontrols.com