Global Caché GC-100-06 — Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide for the Global Caché GC-100-06 Network Adapter — a network-based control interface for connecting IR, serial, sensor, and relay devices to a TCP/IP network.

Overview

The GC-100-06 connects diverse, previously unconnected devices and appliances in a network-based home, school, or business. Using commonly needed controls and sensor inputs in one box, it provides an easy way to control real-world devices — audio/video gear via infrared (IR), shades via relays (on the GC-100-12), and A/V sources via serial commands — reducing installation complexity by eliminating piggybacked components and multiple power supplies. Because it uses open standards (TCP/IP), any networked device, such as a PC, can send and retrieve GC-100 data.

The GC-100 is designed to work with popular control software packages, which supply the drivers needed for proper operation along with an easy-to-use configuration interface. It is required that such a package be used with the GC-100 product family.

Getting Started

Power

Power is supplied by an AC wall adapter rated for 9V to 18V DC @ 300mA. Shortly after power is applied, all IR indicators momentarily turn on then off, signifying completion of the self-test. The GC-100 is ready for operation once the power (PWR) indicator is on and not blinking (blinking indicates a self-test fault).

LAN Connection

• The GC-100 is initially accessed at its default IP address 192.168.1.70.
• Best configuration method: connect directly to a networked PC via a cross-over LAN cable, or use an isolated hub with standard LAN cables. The PC should have an address such as 192.168.1.102 on the same network.
• The "LINK" indicator on the LAN connector lights when cabling is plugged in properly.
• Once linked, access the GC-100's internal web pages from a browser at http://192.168.1.70/.
• Set a suitable static IP address for your network (outside the DHCP partition if DHCP is used), plus the default gateway address and subnet mask, before installing the GC-100 on the live network.

Network Ports

Except for serial, all data commands (infrared, sensor, relay) are sent over TCP/IP Port 4998. Each serial connection has a unique port number, starting with Port 4999 for Serial 1, Port 5000 for the next serial connector, and so on.

Factory Defaults

Factory defaults can be restored during power-up by connecting pins 7 and 2 on the SERIAL 1 connector with a wrap-back connector or a flat-bladed screwdriver. IR indicator 1 will blink on then off to confirm the reset, including disabling Configuration Lock (its default state).

Web Configuration

Web pages configure the GC-100 for the target environment. Parameters are selected via pull-down menus and applied by clicking "Apply." The GC-100 then resets — blinking all indicators on then off — to complete the update.

Serial Communication

Serial communication uses a male 9-pin DB9 connector. Serial standards aren't always adhered to, so pay attention to three things: cable configuration, baud rate, and (if used) flow control signal assertion (greater than +3V). At minimum, TxD, RxD, and Gnd must be connected to the other serial device. Communication issues are often solved by swapping the TxD and RxD lines — incorrect wiring will not harm RS232 drivers. Erroneous characters usually indicate an incorrect baud rate.

DB9 Pinout Reference

There are two types of flow control: RTS/CTS for data flow and DTR/DSR for modem control. The GC-100 does not use modem flow control — it always asserts DTR and ignores DSR. For data flow control, the GC-100 stops transmitting when its CTS signal is asserted by the other device, and may assert RTS to signal the other device to stop transmitting. The GC-100 asserts RTS when its input buffer (256 bytes) exceeds 192 bytes, and de-asserts RTS below 64 bytes. All serial buffer overflows are logged and counted on the Network web page. In typical control setups with short, infrequent commands, flow control can usually be disabled without issue — but enabling it when available on the connected serial device is good practice to avoid character loss.

IR / Sensor Connector

IR output and sensor input share a common 3.5mm audio connector and indicator on the GC-100. Each connector is independently configured via the internal web pages as an infrared (IR) output, Control-S output (IR without carrier), or sensor input.

• IR output mode: the indicator blinks as an IR command is transmitted.
• Sensor input mode: the indicator is "on" for a positive input or no connection. Max sensor input voltage is ±24V; "on" threshold is >2.5V, "off" threshold is <0.8V, with ~100KΩ input impedance.
• IR outputs can optionally be transmitted without their carrier frequency (as waveform envelopes) — used for direct audio/video inputs such as Control-S, or for modulating RF signals.
• Sensor Notifications automatically signal changes in sensor state for any input-configured connector, unless disabled.

Contact & Support

Global Caché, Inc. — 11894 Upper Applegate Road, Jacksonville, Oregon 97530. Phone (541) 899-4800, Fax (541) 899-4808. Support: support@globalcache.com | Sales: sales@globalcache.com | General Info: info@globalcache.com | www.globalcache.com

PN: 030127-02 pdf ver. 10. Effective: January 18, 2007. Copyright © 2007 Global Caché, Inc. All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice.