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Frequently Asked Questions
GC-100
Network Adapter
GC-IRL IR Learner
GC-100 Network Adapter
Q: How can I interface with your device if I write
my own software?
A: Global Caché provides an API
document to allow third parties to write an interface to our devices.
Q: What is the current
released firmware version of the GC-100?
A: The GC-100-06 is 3.0-06,
the GC-100-12 and
GC-100-18 is 3.0-12.
Q: Does the GC-100 store
learned IR codes?
A: The GC-100 is a pass-through device and depends
upon external software to retain the necessary IR codes. This
architecture allows the system to remain versatile and not require
firmware or hardware changes when the environment and/or IR requirements
change.
Q: Does the GC-100 support
IR input?
A: The GC-100 supports IR input to the network with the GC-IRE
IR Extender.
Q: How are IR codes "learned" when
using the GC-100?
A: We provide a small utility in our Support
section to
assist in converting Pronto codes to the GC-100 format.
Q: Is the GC-100 compatible
with other IR devices?
A: The GC-100 output can be connected to
other IR devices such Xantech, Niles or SpeakerCraft. For example,
use the GC-CGX
Converter Cable to connect to the terminal blocks on a Xantech
789-44 or CB60 IR RCVR.
Q: Does the GC-100 support
RS422?
A: Currently, the GC-100 doesn't have direct RS422 support,
but you can make an RS232 to RS422 cable by following the instructions
on the Addenda
Electronics website.
Q: Can I use the GC-100
in a wireless or partially wireless environment?
A: Yes. Please
check this tech tip for
more information.
Q: How can I reset the
GC-100 back to factory defaults?
A: See the
Quickstart Guide.
Q. Is there a utility
to verify GC-100 operation, test IR codes and other operations?
A. Yes, we have modified the original GC-100 Test Utility (written
by Luca
Piergentili) and have uploaded a version tailored specifically
for GC-100 use here in our Support
section with
his permission. When you run the application for the first
time, your security software may present a dialog box asking
if you want to permit the application to access the Internet;
select "Permit
Always."
Q. Can the embedded web pages on the GC-100
be used for control?
A. The GC-100 web pages are used ONLY for
configuration, and not control.
Q. What type of Ethernet
cable do I need to use to connect my computer directly to a GC-100?
A. If you are connecting your GC-100 directly to your computer,
you must use a crossover
Ethernet cable which has
a different pin configuration than a normal Ethernet cable. If
your computer connects to a GC-100 through a hub or router, use
a normal Ethernet cable. Either type of Ethernet cable can be
readily obtained through your local or online computer store.
Q. What network settings
do I need to use on my computer to configure the GC-100?
A. To configure your GC-100, first make sure your computer
has an IP address that will talk to the unit, e.g. something
like 192.168.1.71 (the last number must be between 2 and 254,
but not 70 nor any other number that is already used on your
network). The Network Mask must also be set to an appropriate
number. For example, if your computer's IP address is 192.168.1.x,
then you can use a network mask of 255.255.255.0; this means
that anything with the same first 3 octets (hex
numbers) can
communicate; if your computer's IP address is 192.168.y.x, then
you can use a network mask of 255.255.0.0; this means that anything
with the same first 2 octets (hex
numbers) can communicate, and so on.
Q. After I have set
my computer's network settings, how do I configure the GC-100?
A. Launch a browser and set the URL to http://192.168.1.70.
Then, you should see the GC-100 Configuration web pages.
Note that changes do not take effect until the "Apply" button
on each page is pressed.
Q: When I change the IP address of my GC-100
unit, why can't I communicate with it?
A: When you change the IP address of a GC-100, you must make
sure your computer's network settings will allow communications
with the new address (see above.) You may also need to delete
the prior entry from the ARP table.
(Otherwise there would be two IP addresses with the same MAC
address which is not allowed). In Windows, (after changing the
IP address), open a command
window and type this command):
arp -d 192.168.1.70
Then power
cycle the
GC-100 (power down and then back up again.) Now make sure
you are entering the newly changed IP address into your browser
(or GCScan or other
application.)
Q. If I don't know what
the IP address was changed to, or still can't communicate with
it, what do I do?
A. If you are still unable to communicate with
the GC-100, first try clearing the arp table (see above) and
try to ping the unit. Open a command window, and type:
ping 192.168.1.70
If you can ping the unit, refresh the browser with the correct
URL. If that still doesn't work, default the unit to the factory
settings by cycling the power with pins 2 and 7 shorted on
the first Serial (9 pin D connector). The pins are numbered from
left to right, top to bottom as viewed from outside the GC-100,
so pin 2 is the 2nd pin on the top row (of 5 pins), and pin 7
is the 2nd pin on the bottom row (of 4 pins). If you don't have
a mating connector to dedicate to this purpose, a small flat
bladed screwdriver, carefully positioned, will work. With the
unit defaulted, you will need to start all configuration over
again, and use the default IP address of http://192.168.1.70.
Q. What other
resources are there for obtaining IR codes?
A. The GC-SP1 sensor should only be used to detect voltages up to 24V. Integrators will often find an output on a cable/satellite box that has 5V to 12V when the box is powered up and zero voltage when the box is off. This may be a serial or USB port.
Q. How do I upgrade the firmware of my GC-100?
A. The GC-100 firmware can be upgraded by returning the device to the factory for reprogramming. There is a $35 processing fee if the GC-100 is out of warranty. Please contact support@globalcache.com for an RMA number.
Q. I would like to use the serial ports on my GC-100, but my software only recognizes serial ports local to the computer. How can I make the GC-100 serial ports appear to be local to my computer?
A.There is a free serial port redirector available from Lantronix (http://ltxfaq.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ltxfaq.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=928). Once installed, you can configure the redirector to provide local serial ports that are redirected to the GC-100 serial ports.
GC-IRL IR Learner
Q. What do I need to consider before
attempting to learn a code from my IR device?
A. Important things to consider when capturing the codes from
IR remotes are the proximity of the device to the GC-IRL (the
optimum distance is usually 2-5 inches between the device and
the GC-IRL), minimizing any interfering light sources (an opaque
cardboard tube can help to guide the light and keep out extraneous
sources). These considerations may also apply to the operational
setup between the emitter and the IR receiving device.
Q. My first
attempt at learning a code from my IR device didn't work; what
should I try next?
A. When using a GC-IRL, increase the End Timeout parameter
under the Settings menu (to capture longer bursts) up to 100mSec.
This will vary depending on the vendor and remote used. Some
IR transmitters (remotes) repeat the IR burst multiple times.
The goal is to capture the complete signal without wasting memory
on data that isn't part of the signal, including repeated portions
that some remotes send.
Q. I still wasn't able to learn the code from my IR device; what
should I try next?
A. Try adjusting the Repeat Count parameter (see the GC-100 API
specification in the Support section). The reason that some IR
remote manufacturers use repeated IR commands is to lock on to
the A/V (or other) equipment, as well as provide multiple opportunities
for the code to be properly received. Adjusting this parameter
may achieve the desired result.
Q. What other
resources are there for obtaining IR codes?
A. In addition to your
IR device vendor's website or other literature, you might try
http://www.remotecentral.com/ and http://www.plutohome.com.
Q. I'm trying to use a Keyspan USB to serial adapter with the GC-IRL IR Learner. The GC-IRL utility reports it can not connect to the GC-IRL. What is the problem?
A: The Keyspan USB to serial adapters don’t provide the power levels required by the GC-IRL. Please try a different brand adapter, such as the ATEN UC232A available widely on the Internet and from technology providers like CDW.
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