Using Aurora devices as port extenders

Last Updated a year ago

Within the Aurora control system lineup, you may think of the LXC-1 primarily as a networked port extender.  But did you know that any Aurora control system (including DXB-8i button panels and legacy devices) can be used for port expansion?  And many video products can also be used for network port expansion as well?  Here is an overview of how the devices can be used.

RX Series:
In Core Studio, if you want to use your primary RX series controller to send a command using the physical port on another RX device (not the primary controller where your project is loaded), the simplest way to do that is to use the ‘Remote Host’ capability. For instance, if you wanted to send a serial command, you would use a serial Action and set it up as normal, but check the Remote Host box.

To use a Remote Host Action in Core Studio to send a command to one of these devices, simply specify the IP address. Example:  

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LXC, DXB-8i, and legacy (QX, NX, WACI POD, WACI Nugget, WACI, etc.):
LXC, DXB-8i, and legacy controllers function using the same Remote Host method described above, but use a different listening port for commands. RX devices use port 80, and you will need to manually specify.

To use a Remote Host Action with RX devices, specify the IP, and append port 80. Example:

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VLX, and certain other devices:

You can use VLX as a port extender as well, but with a different technique. The VLX supports a dedicated Telnet port that is a 2-way socket between the controller and the physical port. 

To send to a VLX serial port, use a Telnet Action to send to the VLX IP, port 6752. Any data sent will go out that VLX serial port.  If you are listening to that socket connection, any serial data received by the VLX serial port will be readable at the controller as well.

To send to a VLX IR port, use a Telnet Action to send to the VLX IP, port 6870. Any data sent will go out that VLX IR TX port.  If you are listening to that socket connection, any IR data received by the VLX IR receiver will be readable at the controller as well.