Global Cache

We have found a non-conformity in the implementation of the TCP/IP protocol between the Linux operating system and the that of the Global Cache. This leads to problems using Global Cache ports at this time. This problem has only appeared when using the Global Cache serial ports for controlling lighting, HVAC, and security systems. We have not seen this problem when using the Global Cache to control AV components. Both companies are dedicated to fixing the problem. Please contact us for more information.

Also, if a Global Cache device is added to the project while working off line in the simulator, and the project is then downloaded to the Domain Controller, the actual Global Cache device must be present on the network at the specified address or the Domain Controller will not complete the boot up process.

In the mean time, please use Lantronics USD 100 and 200 Ethernet to Serial converters to add serial ports to the network.

If you need more serial ports than are available on the Domain Controller or if you have a number of ports in one location and would rather pull just one Ethernet to that location, then you will want to add a Global Cache (www.globalcache.com) to the project. It provides additional serial and relay ports to your home automation network.

Note that the GC-100 also has multiple IR outputs ports. These IR ports seem to work in controlling AV equipment. In general, we do not test the IR codes via the GC-100 when verifying the content of our library of devices. Therefore, we cannot be sure they work. However, in the few cases where we did control AV components via the GC-100 the codes worked successfully."

The Global Cache GC-100 cannot connect to an HVAC system or a Security system in the Ubiquity 3.1 release. Both will be supported in a later release.

There are 3 models to choose from:

 

GC-100-06

1 Serial port

No relays

3 IR outputs or sensor inputs

1 expansion module slot

Dim: 6.0" L x 3.0" D x 1.3" H

 

GC-100-12

2 serial ports

3 relays

6 IR outputs or sensor inputs

2 expansion modules slots

Dim: 12.0" L x 3.0" D x 1.3" H

GC-100-18

2 serial ports

3 relays

6 IR outputs or sensor inputs

5 expansion modules slots

Dimensions: 17.5" L x 3.0" D x 1.3" H

 

 

Global Cache Architecture

The Global Cache controller connects to the Domain Controller via an IP network. The IP network can be Ethernet, WiFi, HomePlug or some combination of these or other media running IP over them.

 

 

 

Test Out the Global Cache

Before using the Global Cache with the Domain Controller, it is important to test out the connection first.

After connecting the Global Cache to the network, Ping the Global Cache from your PC. If that does not work, reset the Global Cache to its default state and re-enter an IP address for it. Try pinging it again.

After you have successfully pinged the Global Cache, immediately try pinging the Domain Controller (you can find its IP address from Explore Find My Destiny).If you can ping both devices from your PC, then the Domain Controller can find the Global Cache.

Enter the IP address of the Global Cache in the "Add Global Cache Controller" menu below.

 

 

 

Software

Select the "More Ports" layer of the Design Module.

 

Click in the location in the room in which you plan to install the Global Cache.

 

 

 

The "Add Global Cache Controller" menu will pop up.

  • The Room will be filled in with the name of the room you clicked on.

  • You can change the Name of the Global Cache or accept the default.

  • You must enter an IP address. The Global Cache only supports static IP addressing and the address must be entered before clicking OK. Enter the IP address that you pinged in the test above. If you do not know the final address, enter a different address now. After running the ping test above, enter that address.

  • The Model dropdown lets you choose one of the three base models. First choose the base model. Then, if you have added additional modules to it, choose "Custom" to add modules to the base unit you started with.

  • Use the Module dropdown boxes to exactly represent how the unit will be used.

  • For the IR/Input modules, choose either "IR Out" or "Sensor In" for each port of the module. IR Out is the equivalent of another IR output port on the Domain Controller. Sensor In is the equivalent of an digital input port on the Domain Controller. "IR, No Carrier" (which would put out an IR signal without the frequency modulation that enables it to be received by an AV component) is not supported.

  • You can add Global Cache modules  to the unit using the "New Module" dropdown.

  • Click OK

 

 

After adding the Global Cache, a red dot will appear where you initially clicked to add it. If you want to change any of the parameters of that Global Cache, click on the red dot and make sure the "Edit Global Cache Controller" menu pops up. It is the one that also has a "Delete" button on it - otherwise, you will be adding a second Global Cache controller.

 

 

 

Instructions for the Global Cache controller

After applying power to the GC-100, all the IR indicators will momentarily turn on then off signifying completion of the self-test. The GC-100 is ready for operation after the power indicator is on and not blinking.  

 

 IP Communication

The connection to the Domain3000 Controller is through IP.

A LAN connection is used for all communication over the network and for configuring the GC-100. Accessing the GC-100 is initially achieved using its default IP address 192.168.1.70.

 

The best method for configuring the GC-100 is to communicate over an isolated network, directly to a networked PC utilizing a cross-over LAN cable or an isolated hub with standard LAN cables. The PC must also be on the same network with an address such as 192.168.1.102.  The "LINK" indicator on the LAN connector will light when the cabling is plugged in properly. After establishing a link, the GC-100's internal web pages are accessible from a browser at address: http://192.168.1.70/

 

A suitable static IP address can now be entered for your network environment, making sure the GC-100's IP address is outside the network's DHCP partition, if DHCP is used. In addition the default gateway address and subnet mask will need to be set before installing the GC-100. Once the GC-100 is on your network, further configuration can be accomplished through the new IP address. The IP address must be entered at the time the device is added to the project. The suggested address is x.x.3.1,  2,  3,  etc. where the subnet is 255.255.0.0 But if the subnet is 255.255.255.0 then x.x.x.200 might be a good address.

Except for serial, all data commands are sent over TCP/IP Port 4998. This includes infrared, sensor, and relay commands. Each serial connection has a unique port number for communication, starting with Port 4999 for serial 1, Port 5000 for the next serial connector, and so on.

 

Web pages are used to configure the GC-100 for proper operation in a particular environment. Parameters are selected by pull down menus and put in effect after executing "Apply." The GC-100 resets, blinking all indicators on then off, to complete the update.

 

Typically the connection to the other devices in your network will be through a serial or IR connection. The description is included below for your convenience. More detail can be found in the installation documentation that comes with your Global Cache device.

RS232 Serial Communication

Global Cache Serial communication utilizes a male (9 pin) DB9 connector with active signals on the pins shown in the diagram.

 

 

Typically, communications can be established by a trial and error method of swapping the TxD and RxD lines. (Incorrect wiring will not harm RS232 drivers.) Also, flow control must be disabled or asserted for communications to start. If erroneous characters are transmitted, it is usually an indication of an incorrect baud rate setting.

IR Communications

IR output and sensor input share a common connector and indicator on the GC-100. Each 3.5mm audio connector is independently configured using the internal web pages. Each connector has three contacts configured as either an infrared (IR) output or sensor input, as shown below.

 

When configured as an output the indicator will blink as an IR command is transmitted. When functioning as a sensor, the indicator is "on" when a positive input or no connection is present. The maximum sensor input voltage is ±24V, with an "on" indication for voltages greater than 2.5V and "off" when less than 0.8V with an input impedance of ~100KΩ.  

 

When selected, IR outputs can be transmitted without their carrier frequency, as waveform envelops. This is used for direct audio/video inputs, such as Control-S, or for modulating RF signals. Sensor Notifications are used to automatically signal changes in sensor state. Any connector configured as an input will send notification unless this feature is disabled.