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Tips and Communication Behaviors
We highly recommend using IP control rather than RS232. Because the AMX system knows when an IP socket is
dropped, the module can properly re-scan features and ensure status information is current if the connection is lost.
Using RS232, if the MTX5-D is restarted or the cable is interrupted, it is more difficult to know if the connection was
lost and things can fall out of sync.
Command to turn communications on: The MTX5-D will not respond on the control port until it receives a wakeup
string of "'devstatus runmode',$10". If you are using IP, the module sends this string as soon as the IP
socket opens.
When using RS232, AMX can't be sure if the product is online or offline. (Anytime the power is cycled on the
MTX5-D, this string will need to be resent.) We have added a routine to automatically send the wake-up string after
every minute of silent communication between the controller and MTX5-D, but if you cycle power on the MTX5-D, it
may be a short while between the MTX5-D finishing boot-up and the serial port becoming available. If you prefer to
send a command to the module, you can send 'WakeUp' and the module will then send the string for you.
Efficient communications model: The MTX5-D automatically sends status updates any time parameters
change. For instance, if you change volume from this module, a wall controller or MTX editor, status updates are
automatically generated. The same goes for presets – all status changes will be updated for you. However, you
should be aware that the system will not give you a status update if you send a command that doesn't change a
value. For instance, if you ask for volume at 50% and it was already at 50%, no status string will be returned.
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AMX Control Module for: MTX5-D Matrix Processor Rev.1
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