BCD VC-16

The Input Connectors are designed for 16-pin insulation displacement ribbon cable connectors. The input pins are TTL-level with internal pull-ups. Each input pin has its own associated ground pin. Conductors: On each connector, the top row is ground, the bottom row is held high. Pin 1 is the bottom right pin and Pin 2 is above it. Pin 1 is also the colored conductor on the ribbon cable. Pins 1 & 2 are for 'button' #1, Pins 3 & 4 are for 'button' #2, etc. The ribbon pairs are logically arranged in pairs for easy connection. BCD provides labeled one-foot ribbon cables for each connector. Custom lengths and extra connectors are available from BCD (or your local electronics supply store).

We have tested the cables at lengths to 50' with no difficulty.

The IR Output (infrared) connector is a 1/8" sub-mini jack, which accepts the provided 10' IR cable and emitter. The IR signal is appropriate for the TYPE of machine selected during setup. The IR emitter is attached to the machine with adhesive velcro for reliable positioning. The IR is strong enough to pass through the adhesive backing for easy positioning prior to attachment.

The Trigger Output connector is the same as the input connectors, a 16-pin header which accepts a ribbon cable connector. The output from each pair is 5V, TTL level, suitable for driving LEDs and relays. The initial firmware configuration is that inputs 1-8 close outputs 1-8, and inputs 9-16 close outputs 1-8.

The Device Remote (left) connects to the RS-232 Serial Port the machine being controlled. This is an RJ-11-6 phone line connector. Conductors: The conductors from left to right are CTS, TxD, RxD, GND, Gnd, RTS. Typical configurations use 4-conductor cable (CTS/RTS are not implememted).

The Host RS-232 Looping connectors are the middle and right RJ-11 jacks. Using a single VC-16, either jack connects to the host computer. Using multiple VC-16s, either jack may connect to the host computer and the other one connects to the next VC-16. Typically, the RS-232 Host connectors are used only for setup programming, but they may be used for direct computer control of the machine via the VC-16. Conductors: The conductors from left to right are CTS, TxD, RxD, GND, Gnd, RTS. Typical configurations use 4-conductor cable (CTS/RTS are not used).

VC-16 Pins           DB-9 Female
 1 RTS (not used)
 2 TxD --------------- 2 RxD
 3 RxD --------------- 3 TxD
 4 Gnd
 5 Gnd  -------------- 5 Gnd
 6 CTS (not used)

The Switch controls various power-on initialization functions.

Power is 9VDC, 300mA. The connector is standard 2.1mm, Tip Positive. A 500mA supply may be required to drive multiple TTL loads at the Trigger Output. NOTE: BCD supplys wall transformers with US plugs only. For non-USA customers, BCD can supply the VC-16 without power transformer.