Sending GPI Commands

A special macro command allows you to send GPI signals to external devices and systems via network-connected GPI interface devices (such as the eBOX™ from JLCooper Electronics). GPI macro entries are formatted as shown below:

• Delay – the interval, in milliseconds, between the time when the command on the prior line (if any) was issued to the system, and execution of this line.
• Shortcut – Use the entry “gpi” in this field to send a GPI signal.
• Value – The shortcut value is the name of the GPI device (defined earlier in gpi_setup.xml) that you want the signal defined on this line to address.
• Key # (0 – n) – The value you enter in this field identifies a target pin on the external DVI device to receive a signal defined in the following field. The entry should be formatted as “pin#” (e.g., “pin1”, without quotation marks).
• Value # (0 – n) – This value controls the contact closure state (on or off) for the GPI device pin identified by the preceding key. The value can be entered variously as “1” or “0” , “on” or “off”, “true” or “false” (without quotations).

A typical entry might look like the following:

Hint: Multiple GPI pins can be targetted simultaneously by key/value pairs entered on a single line.

Alternatively, some GPI devices require a GPI ‘pulse’ of a specified duration. In such a case, you might send an “on” command on one line, followed – after a suitable delay – by an “off” command sent to the same pin.

Section 17.8.3