Switcher / Serial Control Configuration

Configuring DAD

You will need Serial I/O enable on your security key before you can begin to use serial commands within DAD. To check for this, open the ENCO Applications folder on your desktop and run the Check DADkey program. If the box for Serial I/O is checked, you have Serial I/O enabled.

Next you should edit your workstation's configuration file. Go to Setup then ReadMe and select the CFI file. You will need to add a com info statement. This will configure the com port to the desired baud rate. If you are using com2 to talk to the switcher add the following line in the [SERIAL] section of the CFI file.

COM2_INFO=2400 N 8 1

Next edit the SWITCHER_IN_IO and SWITCHER_OUT_IO lines. The value will equal the com port the switcher is attached to.

SWITCHER_IN_IO=2

SWITCHER_OUT_IO=2

Serial strings to other serial devices such as satellite receivers can also be controlled. You should either consult the manufacture documentation or contact the manufacture for information.

Testing communications with HyperTerminal.

Before attempting to use DAD to talk to a switcher, you should verify that you are able to communicate with your switcher. This can be done with HyperTerminal. (Start > Programs > Accessories > HyperTerminal) Specify the com port you are hooked to, set the baud rate along with other necessary settings.  When you are connected you should be able to issue commands to the switcher.  Check your switcher manual for more information about the specific commands.

The IS1 and OS1 files explained

The IS files are related to the record decks. IS1 holds the switcher command for record deck 1. IS4 hold the switcher command for record deck 4. These entries will appear in the source window of the record setup window.

The OS1 file is for general commands that are to be sent to the switcher. These commands can control what sources you choose to place on the air.

DAD will reference the OS1 file when a cut using the "Switcher" field is used and the IS fields when the "source" window within the Record Deck Setup window has been selected.

The number at the top of the file represents the number of commands in the file. If you should add commands to the switcher files, you should adjust this number accordingly.

Ie: if there is an 8 at the top of the page there should be 8 lines of data listed below.

These files will be named after the workstation and can be found on the network data drive. (F:\DAD\FILES\  onair.os1  netcatch.is2  etc)

The format for all items within both the IS files and the OS1 should be as follows:

    “name of string” S “serial string data”

or if a command is being sent:

    "name for command" C "DCL command to execute"

Using switcher command cuts

1. Making switcher command cuts

• In Library press ADD then COMMAND.

• Enter a cut number and a title.

• Enter the crosspoint name in the SWITCHER field.

2. Using the switcher command cut.

• You can schedule the command in a playlist to perform the switch.

• You can assign that command to an array or a priority play button.

When these commands are "played" they will reference the OS1 file by the name of the crosspoint then send the serial string out via the associated com port.