N-COM Setup manual

NOTTROT BV, Oosterhout, Nederland

For more information please visit www.nottrot.nl or call +31-162-515458

(Ref. NCOM_setup_v1.01 / 22-07-2020)

N-COM On-front dimming

External dimming

Central dimming

Single knob full OSD control

N-COM Setup manual

Contents 1 Revision history .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

2 About this manual ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3

3 Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

4 Available hardware components ............................................................................................................................................... 4

5 Description ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

6 Safety precautions...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

7 System overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6

8 Hardware .................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

8.1 Connectors at I/O bracket ................................................................................................................................................. 8

8.2 Dimming & control knob ................................................................................................................................................... 9

9 NCOM Application .................................................................................................................................................................... 10

9.1 System network ............................................................................................................................................................... 11

9.2 ID-list ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11

9.3 Read, wite and store........................................................................................................................................................ 12

9.4 Configuration-tab ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

9.5 Unit ID and state .............................................................................................................................................................. 12

9.6 LinBus module ................................................................................................................................................................. 12

9.7 Control Backlit settings .................................................................................................................................................... 13

9.8 Configuration of dimming sources .................................................................................................................................. 13

9.9 Setting the dimming curve. ............................................................................................................................................. 13

9.10 Backlight settings ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

9.11 Miscellaneous functions .................................................................................................................................................. 13

10 Installation and parameter settings ......................................................................................................................................... 14

10.1 Configuration plan ........................................................................................................................................................... 14

11 Example configuration central dimming .................................................................................................................................. 15

12 Configurations .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22

12.1 Single stand-alone monitor control ................................................................................................................................. 22

12.2 Central dimming, multiple monitors ............................................................................................................................... 22

12.3 Mixed dimming ................................................................................................................................................................ 23

13 OSD control .............................................................................................................................................................................. 24

14 External (RS485) control and commands ................................................................................................................................. 25

14.1 Protocol settings .............................................................................................................................................................. 25

14.2 Setting the dimming sources ........................................................................................................................................... 25

14.2.1 Factory default and 0-configuration ....................................................................................................................... 26

14.2.2 Reserved Dimming sources .................................................................................................................................... 26

15 Trouble shooting ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27

N-COM Setup manual

1 Revision history

Before installation or using the monitor make sure you have the latest version of this owners manual.

Version Remark

NCOM_Setup_V1.0 Initial manual

NCOM_Setup_V1.01 Minor corrections

2 About this manual

The N-COM is a dimming control system designed for the Nottrot N-Line models. Since all models are built using the same concept (similar components), all data has been collected to create one manual that describes the entire series. This document contains technical and users information about the dimming system and must be used with the manual of your type of monitor, like N-Line. Please make sure you are using the latest version of this manual when installing the product. Although we strive to be as complete as possible, there will always be additions made. All updates of this document are subject to change without notice. The revision history is shown in chapter 1.

3 Disclaimer

Nottrot BV makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Nottrot BV reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation of Nottrot BV to notify any person of such revision or changes. Please follow these safety instructions for best performance, and long life for your monitor Copyright © 2013 by Nottrot BV. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nottrot BV.

N-COM Setup manual

4 Available hardware components

Image Description Remark

Monitor with N-Com option

NControl Remote dimming and preset selections

External encoder or potentiometer with LIN-Bus and LED-backlight

Can be mounted on a 1mm or 4mm frontplate.

External converter LIN-Bus to 3-button dimming ans OSD control

For momentary switches +, - and power

RJ45 splitter Connect RS485 and dimming knob

CAT5 cable Used for inter-connection of monitors (RS485 protocol)

Converter cable USB to RS485 For programming and communication with other computer equipment

N-COM Setup manual

5 Description

N-Com is an advanced dimming system on the N-Line. This digital system can be used for controling various functions like OSD-control and dimming of your LCD monitor. N-Com also makes it possible to interconnect upto 20 monitors for central dimming and (basic) control. The units will be addressed automatically. With the N-COM application software you are able to set all kinds of parameters. The advantage of the N-Com with LIN-Bus and RS485 is the supported long cable length. It supports auto-addressing and patching of any dimming control-unit to any other monitor.

6 Safety precautions

• Consider this document as a addendum on the N-Line monitor manual. • Remove power before (dis)connecting any cables to the monitor • Connecting the RS485 (LAN/CAT5) cable to a computernetwork may result in damage to the devices on the network and

the monitor. • The cover glass or touch sensor is made of regular (or hardened) glass. This can be scratched or even broken in pieces by

hitting it • In case of trouble contact your supplier. Service should only be done by qualified personal • Never open the chassis. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. • Never place any parts of the monitor system near warm objects like heaters or in direct sunlight. • Keep all parts dry to avoid short circuit. Make sure no fluids can enter the units through any ventilation gaps. • Wait for at least 6 seconds after switching power off before removing the cables. • Make sure the temperatures do not exceed max values when storing or using the display. • Never expose the unit to strong vibrations during transport and use.

N-COM Setup manual

7 System overview

Basically N-Com is introduced for advanced dimming of the N-Line monitors. With this system you are able to control OSD and dimming levels from the front of the monitor, but you can also control it remotely with a PLC or PC by means of RS-485 (using a USB adapter cable) or with a LIN-Bus dimming knob. LIN bus (Local Interconnect network) is a serial network protocol used for communication between components (Single wire / 12VDC). In this chapter the harware configurations will be described.

Figure 7-1 System overview

N-COM Setup manual

In the picture below a setup of 4 monitors is shown. They are connected to a PC through a USB/RS485 converter. With the PC you can program and set all parameters for dimming control and you can patch dimming of specific monitors to a specific control knob. For instance, you can control dimming from monitor 4 by using the knob on monitor 1. You can even use the PC for dimming any monitor. For all kinds of configurations, please refere to chapter 8.

Figure 7-2 Sample configuration with 4 monitors

Specifications:

Item Description Remark

Monitor 1, 2…. N-Line monitor with N-Com function Prepared for dimming and OSD control

PLC or PC Computer device with a USB or RS485 output Used for programming settings (curves, addresses etc) and serial dimming and OSD control

USB-RS485 Converter cable Connection to PC or PLC for programming and controlling dimming and OSD

LDC1, 2…. LIN Bus Dimming Control unit Dimming knop: Potentiometer of encoder 256 dimming steps, 4096 dimming levels 3-button control: + / - and enter

LIN Bus Regular CAT5 (patch) cable Max cable length: 40m

RS-485 N-Com protocol using a standard CAT5 (LAN) cable Max cable length: 100m

N-COM Setup manual

8 Hardware

8.1 Connectors at I/O bracket

There are 3 connectors located on the I/O bracket. → The RJ45 connectors are not compatible with LAN protocol.

Figure 8-1 I/O Bracket with N-Com connectors

1- NCOM-IN: RS485 input, dimmin knob, daisy chain IN 2- NCOM-OUT: Daisy chain output to other/next monitor

Figure 8-2 I/O section with screening

1 2

N-COM Setup manual

8.2 Dimming & control knob

The standard type of dimming control is the incremental encoder, which can be recognized by the clicks/steps when rotating the knob. Another type is the potentiometer, which has smooth and stepless turning. With the potentiometer it is not possible to control the OSD menu. Both types can be used with on-front and central dimming. The brightness of the base ring will dimm simultaniously with the brightness of the monitor.

Figure 8-3 Dimming knob with illuminated base ring mounted on a N-LINE KGE-model (partly shown)

Part Description

Dimming & control knob: rotate CW to increase and CCW to decrease brightness or scroll through the OSD-menu:

- Encoder type (standard): o Rotate for dimming control o Push shortly: Standby modus o Push 2 seconds: change source input (Illuminated ring will flicker

shortly) ▪ Push shortly for next source ▪ Wait for 2 seconds to return to dimming mode again

o Push 6 seconds: enter OSD-Menu ▪ Rotate to scroll through OSD-menu ▪ Push shortly to select menu item ▪ Push 3 seconds to exit current menu level

- Potentiometer type (On request or external): o Rotate: dimming control o Push shortly: Standby modus

N-COM Setup manual

9 NCOM Application

To be able to make the settings in the monitor, the NCOM app needs to be installed on a Windows PC. Depending on the release version the filename is: Nottrot_NCOMx_xx_Installer.msi (where x_xx = version) Double click to install. After installation please start the application from the Windows start-menu: Nottrot - NCOM V2.12 , of coarse depending on the release version. After starting the NCOM-app the main screen appears.

➔ Do not make any changes without sufficient knowledge

Group listing. Refer to next sections for detailed description:

1- System network : Make connection to the monitors 2- ID list : What is connected (in the daisy chain) 3- Read, write : Read/write the parameters from the selected (2) monitor 4- Tab’s : Select configuration for monitor settings 5- Unit ID/state : ID and status of selected monitor (double monitor from ID-list (2) click to refresh) 6- LinBus module : Select the controls, corresoding ID and assign push functions 7- Backlit settings : Backlit behaviour for the controls 8- Dimming sources : List of dimming sources the selected (2) monitor. Unit refers to Units number (in-external) 9- Curves : Select Backlight-TAB to set the curve. Pick the dots and move them. 10- Backlight settings: Set backlight limits and control parameters 11- Misc. funcitons : Power control settings for backlight, touch and external control

N-COM Setup manual

9.1 System network

Make connection to the controller

a) Unplug the USB-RS485 cable from the PC.

b) [Open port] and write down displayed (used) ports

c) Connect the USB-RS485 cable to the PC

d) [Open port]. Now the port-nr of the cable is displayed. When using the 1st time make sure the PC is online to enable drivers

(plug&play) to be installed.

e) [Lookup]

9.2 ID-list

The unit(s) connected are listed in this table. In this case only one unit is connected:

- Net ID: The Net ID is automatically assigned via the RS485 Protocol. The first monitor from the PC or the

controller becomes the master gets Net ID number 1 the next monitor on the RS485 line gets Net ID number 2 and so

on. With the Net ID you can adjust OSD menu and other settings (These are described in excel document for RS485

communication) of the specific monitor.

- Unit: This is the Unit number entered by the user.

- Serial: Serial number of selected monitor

- Identify: Select a unit from the list, Click [identify] > the monitor will blink to identify itself.

- State: Normally set to Run.

N-COM Setup manual

For compatibility of the NCOM app and DC, you first need to check the FW version of the DC: Select the Tools-tab (4)

and [Get version]:

In this example 2.27. You need to use App-version2.xx

If a version 1.xx is shown, please run App-version 1.xx

9.3 Read, wite and store

a) Select the monitor from the ID-list

b) [Read stored values from DC]

• All parameters are read from the DC and a ‘D’ (device) is shown in the status-boxes

• Changing parameter will directly effect the DC, but changes will be stored in the DC after selecting [Write and store

values to DC]. The status-box shows a ‘M’ (modified)

9.4 Configuration-tab

In this section the information of the selected unit (2) is shown.

a) By double clicking the unit in the table (2) the information is refreshed/updated.

9.5 Unit ID and state

a) Set the Unit number according your dimming configuration. (Refer to 10.1 Configuration plan)

9.6 LinBus module

All local LinBus-modules (dimming control devices like potentiometer, encoder, cap-switches etc) are configured in this section. Only make changes when adding an external encoder or potentiometer. → only one encoder and/or one potentiometer can be used on each monitor. If you need 2 control knobs, use an encoder and potentiometer. a) Select the check box to make the module active b) Enter the ID for the active modules. This ID is used in Dimming sources. c) For the encoder you can enter the steps for dimming 0-100%. Max 255 steps. d) Do not change the other parameters.

N-COM Setup manual

9.7 Control Backlit settings

Control of status LED’s, like LED backlight of the dimming devices

a) Enable/disable the LED

b) Assign a curve (9)

c) Set min and max values

9.8 Configuration of dimming sources

a) Set ID (6) and source (5) according configuration plan (Refer to 10.1 Configuration plan)

b) Action:

i. LTP = Latest action takes precedence

ii. HTP = Highest level takes precedence

iii. MIX = average of inputs

iv. NON = no action

9.9 Setting the dimming curve.

➔ We do not recommend to change these settings.

9.10 Backlight settings

➔ We recommend not to change the hardware related settings for PWM, freq and Output. a) Minimum and Maximum settings.

b) Standby level can be set for sleep mode

c) Dim to black will set backlight to zero as a minimum level.

9.11 Miscellaneous functions

a) Backlight control, ON, OFF, delayed, inverted delayed

b) By enabling Level visible a Backlight level-bar will appear on screen showing the brightness level in %

c) When using internal power (from monitor) for the touch screen, you can change settings here.

N-COM Setup manual

10 Installation and parameter settings

Install all units as described in the N-Line user manual. Before connecting the monitors to a power source make sure all connections have been made, but leave the NCOM interconnection cable (RJ45) disconnected. We recommend to connect and set the parameters one by one first. This will avoid double unit numbers being used and causes an instable control. Limitations:

- Only one encoder and/or potentiometer can be connected to a monitor. Default the built-in knob is encoder-type, so you can only use a potentiometer as an external dimming knob

- Up to 4 dimming sources can be assigned to a monitor-unit. - With central dimming configuration only the brightness can be adjusted remotely. There is no central power ON/OFF.

The zero configuration also allows remote Power ON/OFF.

To set all user preferences for dimming and OSD control you can use the N-Com application software. Once the

configuration is completed you will not need this software. Contact your dealer to get a copy of this software or have

the configuration made by your dealer.

10.1 Configuration plan

It is essential to prepare a configuration and make a clear plan (on paper) of the configuration you want to create,

which knob effects which monitor. For only central dimming it is easy, but when you design a mixed configuration

you might easily get confused. A configuration plan can be given to the dealer to make the configuration for you. You

will not need to connect the system to the application software, unless you need to change parameters.

We will use the example given in chapter 7 System overview:

configuration Description

(internal and external) dimming knobs on monitor 1, 2 and 3 can control any monitor in the network. Example: - Knob 1 controls monitor 1 - EDC1 controls all 4 monitors - Knob 3 controls monitors 3 and 4

In the table below you can see clearly what configuration will be made. This will help make the settings in the

application software.

Monitor LinBUS model ID Controls monitor Controlled by monitor

1 1-Encoder 1 1, 2

2 2-EDC1 1, 2, 3 and 4 2

3 3-Encoder 3, 4 2, 3

4 - - 2

N-COM Setup manual

11 Example configuration central dimming

In the image below 4 units are shown. From left to right the units will be numbered from 1 to 4. Unit 2 has an external control (potentiometer) that should dim all displays (master). Unit 1 and 3 have a built-in encoder dimming control.

First a configuration plan has to be made. Just make a table as shown below containing and write down all control settings.

Monitor Control knob/ unit Controls monitor Controlled by monitor

1 1 1 1, 2

2 EDC1 1, 2, 3 and 4 2

3 3 3 2, 3

4 - - 2

Start the application and following window will appear:

N-COM Setup manual

Net ID – Logic address Unit – User defined unit number Serial – Serial number of controler Identify – Blinks when identify function is activated State – App / boot

Follow the next steps:

1. Connect unit 1 to the PC using the USB>RS485 cable. When using this cable for the 1st time you need to be connected to the internet to install the drivers. This is done automatically

2. Click [Open port]

a. →If you see more then one COMx port you need to check which COM port is the converter. Disconnect the cable and click [Open port] again. The COM port missing is from the converter.

3. Click [Lookup] and the unit is shown in the list:

4. Select the unit to modify in the list and click [Read stored values rom PC]

.

a. ..and the configuration window will show all evice values of the selected device:

N-COM Setup manual

5. Set the Unit number and Dimming sources:

6. Set Unit number to 1. Notice the changing to odified

7. In the Dimming sources section set inputs: a. 1: U1/S2 This is the built in encoder b. 2: U2/S1 This is the external potentiometer hooked up to unit 2, which will be set later. c. LTP-latest takes precedence

8. Click [Write and store values to DC]

N-COM Setup manual

All and to alue

N-COM Setup manual

9. Install a RJ45 (RS485) cable from Unit 1 to Unit 2 and hookup the external potentiometer (EDC1)

10. Click [Lookup]

a. A 2nd Net ID has been added to the list

11. Select the 2nd unit, repeat step 4 – 8 with these parameters:

a. The only dimming source is Unit 2/Source 2, the external potentiometer.

b. At this point the dimming of the 2 units can be tested. The external potentiometer controls both screens, the

knob on unit 1 controls only unit 1.

12. Install a RJ45 (RS485) cable between unit 2 and 3

N-COM Setup manual

13. Click [Lookup]

a. A 3rd Net ID has been added to the list

b. Select the 3rd unit, repeat step 4 – 8 with these parameters:

14. Install a RJ45 (RS485) cable between unit 3 and 4

15. Click [Lookup]

a. A 4th Net ID has been added to the list

b. Select the 4th unit, repeat step 4 – 8 with these parameters:

N-COM Setup manual

c. Don’t forget to click [Write an store values to DC]. The window should look like this:

N-COM Setup manual

12 Configurations

12.1 Single stand-alone monitor control

With a simple single monitor setup there are 2 different configurations. One dimming knob controls one monitor:

configuration Description

On-front control

• The knob can be encoder or potentiometer.

• Dimming and OSD-menu control. OSD menu only available with encoder knob.

External control

• The knob can be encoder or potentiometer.

• Dimming and OSD-menu control

12.2 Central dimming, multiple monitors

Central dimming means that multiple monitors are controlled simultaniously by one dimming knob.

• Configuration of different monitor sizes is possible.

• Hookup 2 to 20 monitors

• Each monitor size is progammed with it’s native dimming curve. This curve can me modified, also by the customer if needed.

• A potentiometer gives the best smooth dimming results

configuration Description

On-Front dimming knob on monitor 1 controls:

• brightness of monitor 1-3 simultaniously

• OSD menu of monitor 1 when using a encoder knob

The dimming knob can be located on any monitor

N-COM Setup manual

External dimming knob on monitor 1 controls:

• brightness of monitor 1-3 simultaniously

• OSD menu of monitor 1 when using a encoder knob

The dimming knob (EDC1) can be connected to any monitor

12.3 Mixed dimming

Mixed dimming can have many configurations. Basically mixed means you can set any dimming controller (encoder, potentiometer etc.) to control dimming of any monitor. Only dimming (not OSD menu fnuctions) can be controlled when using dimming knobs. When using a PC/PLC you can also control the OSD menu functions.

configuration Description

Dimming knob 1. Potentiometer for backlight brightness:

rotate CW to increase and CCW to decrease

2. Multifunction knob: o rotate CW to increase and CCW

to decrease o Push for standby-modus (power

ON/OFF)

N-COM Setup manual

13 OSD control

N-Line monitors with N-COM are prepared for OSD function controlled by the dimming knob (encoder). All local OSD-functions can be controller by the dimming knob (encoder type). Please refere to the flow chart below for instructions.

➔ The press and press&hold functions can be set in LinBus modules settings area.

Symbol Encoder External Buttons

● Switch function of encoder (press knob to activate) Middle button

→ Increase, rotate CW Right button

← Decrease, rotate CCW Left button

Press ● for ≥6 sec to enter OSD

Press → or ← to scroll through

the menu items Press → or ← to adjust parameter

Desired item?

No

Press ● to select menu item

Yes

Repeat until desired parameter is active

Press ● for ≥2 sec to previous OSD

level

Adjust another

parameter?

Press ● for ≥2 sec for previous OSD level until dimming mode is active

again or wait 10 sec to exit OSD-menu

automatically

Yes

No

Press ● for ≤ 1 sec for standby mode (ON/OFF)

Press ● for 2 sec to select input source (backlit will

flash). Press shortly to select next source. Wait 2

sec to exit select mode

→ or ← for dimming

N-COM Setup manual

14 External (RS485) control and commands

The NCOM protocol is based on RS485. The concept is easy, but before starting to prepare the setup it is important to understand the addressing of the monitor units and the control unit. The monitors have a Unit ID (logic address) and a Unit number (user-defined address). A dimming source of a monitor always refers to the combination of Unit number and Dimming source. This means that the control unit (PC, PLC…) should be addressed as a unit with dimming sources as descripted in chapter 14.2. Remote dimming and remote function control have different approach. Dimming follows the channel level (many monitors can follow the same channel), function control is a command addressed to a single monitor. Function control is based on logic addresses. The first monitor in the physical chain is address 1, the 2nd address 2, etc…

→ The RS485 commands are actively forwarded by each monitor, like a repeater. An un-powered monitor will not forward the command. The master is the communication partner for the PC/PLC. A reply will always be addressed from the master. →All commands and listed in: NCOM-protocol_x.x.xlsx, where x.x is version. Please contact us to receive a copy.

14.1 Protocol settings

• RS485

• Half duplex

• Frame based

• Baudrate 115200

• Data bits 8

• 1 stop bit

• no parity A message always consist of a start (0x02) and stop (0x03) byte, address to sent to, command, length of data bytes and checksum. The length of data can be 0 to 79. See complete description and example in the Excel sheet (available on request)

14.2 Setting the dimming sources

Each monitor can be controlled by 4 input sources. Sources can be an internal/external encoder/potentiometer, an encoder/potentiometer from another monitor or a PLC. A dimming source is defined by a Unit and source ID. In this chapter the basic settings are listed. In the application the dimming sources are listed for each unit:

Notation: <1 - 0,2> = <Input - Unit, Sources> Example: <1 - 0,2> LTP <2 – 0,1> NON <3 – 0,0> NON <4 – 0,0>

A message must be sent with a level, Unit and source ID. A monitor with corresponding settings will be set to this level.

N-COM Setup manual

14.2.1 Factory default and 0-configuration

The most basic way of central dimming is achieved with the 0-configuration. The monitor will work stand-alone, but you can also control a set of monitors with one master dimming knob without the need of changing parameters. The default settings are: <1 - 0,2> LTP <2 – 0,1> NON <3 – 0,0> NON <4 – 0,0> You can simply connect the units by a CAT 5 cable. Connect an external potentiometer to the first monitor (master). Reset power and all monitor will dimm simultaniously. Dimming of each monitor can still be controlled locally with it’s own dimming knob. The units will follow the master when operated. Other 0-configuration (master encoder etc) setting are available on request.

14.2.2 Reserved Dimming sources

Notation: Unit, Source (Channel) NControl 21,1 .. 21,4 22,1 .. 22,4 23,1 .. 23,4 System: 24,1 .. 24.4 Remote controller PLC/PC: 20,1 .. 20,4 These channels have been assigned, but if more channels are needed use 19,1 .. 19,4 etc

N-COM Setup manual

15 Trouble shooting

Symptom Problem Action

No external control • Wrong baudrate

• NCOM App still active

• Check com-port settings

• Close NCOM App

OSD-settings do not funtion • Commands are not processed in the monitor

• Set right baudrate for RS232 in the OSD menu. This should be 38400

Instable control, backlight flicker • Units have the same ID • Set unique ID’s for each monitor.

• 0-configuration excepted.

Monitor backlight is black, even when dimmed to 100%

• OSD backlight settings is set to 0

• Re-power to reset backlight settings in OSD

No reaction on a frame, not even (N)ACK

• Last frame is not sent correctly, fi wrong checksum

• Send correct frame