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4 Configuring the Matrix for Operation
4.1 Matrix Configuration
The ‘brain’ inside Dow-Key Matrices, referred to as the “Matrix Controller”, has
been designed to be as generic as possible in regards to how many switches of
what positions it may control. Therefore, the matrix must first be informed as to
the set of switches it is able to control before it can operate successfully, and
this information must be updated as switches are added and deleted to the
matrix or connected to the CAN bus port on the rear of the matrix (see section
3.4). The knowledge of what switches are to be controlled and how many
positions each of those switches has is known as the matrix’s Configuration
Data.
In addition to switch information, the Matrix Configuration also contains other
information such as the base MAC address (for Ethernet based matrices), unit’s
Serial Number, alarm enabling, Model Name, etc. This information must
remain intact for the matrix to operate properly.
The matrix configuration is already performed at the factory and does not need
to be done by the user unless the Matrix Controller board has been replaced.
Adding and removing switches (see sections 4.2.3) automatically updates the
matrix configuration. No further action is required by the user.
The topics discussed in sections 4.2 and 4.3 are not needed during normal
operation of your matrix. These sections are here for informational purpose and
in the event the RF configuration of the matrix is being modified by
adding/removing switches.
4.2 Dow-Key CAN bus switches
A CAN Bus switch may assume a maximum CAN ID of 127. Individual
switches delivered by Dow-Key will be programmed with either ID=0 or ID=1,
depending on the particular procedure utilized to manufacture the switch. The
matrix provides the means to change CAN Bus ID’s at will.
A CAN Bus switch may have a maximum of 255 positions (0 through 254). 255
is reserved as a return value indicating that the switch is either in an erroneous
position, or is reported to the Operator hen a switch fails to respond to a query
for current position.
A switch whose ID is 0 is referred to as a “zero switch”, or also a “0 switch”. A
switch whose ID is other than 0 is referred to as an “N switch”.
Zero switches and N switches have different properties:
Only a zero switch may change into an N switch.
An N switch may not change its ID to anything other than 0.
A zero switch will not respond to commands to change or report its position.
A zero switch will not respond to queries as to switch position closure counts.
A zero switch may not be added to a Configuration (see below) as an ID=0.
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