Automation with the Wexer Player

Wexer's OnDemand and Basic Players are capable of limited RS-232 and TCP/IP automation to most auxiliary hardware with either RS-232 or TCP control schemas. All of our products include an adapter kit specifically for RS-232 control, which will convert all applicable connections to RJ45, for ease of running network cable during install.

Our automation capability is generally for projectors, motorized screens, and Digital Signage Displays (Commercial TVs).  We do not recommend that automation be used on consumer-level TVs, even if it has an external control schema, as automation triggering has been known to drastically reduce the lifespan of devices that were not designed for this sort of use.

If you are looking to automate devices, running and connecting cabling is only half the battle - you must also have equipment with publicly posted RS-232 or TCP/IP transmission/control codes so that we may add the control schema to our program accordingly.

If you are using a room control system or relay system such as Crestron, Kramer, etc. you will need to speak with one of our senior agents.

INSTALLATION: If you are looking to introduce automation into your facility, please note that the installation will be more complex with an additional 1-3 cables needed. You should also be aware that Wexer will need to know WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR INSTALLATION which devices will need to be automated, and the make/model/series of all equipment being automated. Automation will not work on your system without prior coordination with Wexer.

For RS-232 control, these parameters are usually expressed by Baud Rate, Data Bit, Parity, and Stop Bit codes.

For TCP/IP control, these parameters are usually expressed by standard IP, port, and a data-string with variable elements.

Wexer already has much equipment pre-programmed, but we must ensure that we support the hardware you intend to use, so make sure to notify us accordingly prior to installing. 
To get in touch with Wexer regarding preparing the unit for automation, please raise a ticket here:
ticket.wexer.com and we will ensure to put you in touch with a specialist. Please note that adding a new device for automation with the Wexer player might come at a cost.

The Wexer unit comes bundled with automation adapters specifically manufactured to accommodate easy installation. Please ensure that the cabling of the devices needing automation is done as described below.

Primary device (projector/TV)

• Use the BLUE ADAPTER and plug it into COM-1 on the Wexer device.
• If the target device has a male RS-232/PC control port, plug in the WHITE ADAPTER into the RS-232 port on the target device.
• If the target device has a female RS-232/PC control port, plug in the GREEN ADAPTER into the RS-232 port on the target device.
• If necessary, use the male/male DB9 adapter to facilitate a connection on the target device.
• For cabling, use a straight, regular Ethernet cable between the adapters.

Secondary device (projection screen, DMX-controller, etc.)

• Use the RED ADAPTER and plug it into COM-2 on the Wexer terminal.
• Use the whichever adapter was left over from cabling the primary device.
• If necessary, use the male/male DB9 adapter to facilitate a connection to the target device.
• For cabling, use a straight, regular Ethernet cable between the adapters.
• If necessary, use a crossed Ethernet cable to facilitate the connection as this will reverse the Rx and Tx to the target device.

Additional information

• Both the BLUE ADAPTER and the RED ADAPTER are pinned to allow for low-voltage operation using the brown/white + brown pair in an Ethernet cable. Make sure to inform Wexer technical staff which COM-port should allow for low-voltage operation.
• If necessary, Rx and Tx can be swapped by re-arranging the Orange/White and Green/White wires in the Ethernet cable running between the Wexer terminal and the target device.
• If necessary, the usage of classic DB9 > RJ45 adapters is possible. The pinout for the female RJ45 plug on the BLUE ADAPTER and the RED ADAPTER is as follows:
  • Rx = Pin 1 (Orange/White)
  • Tx = Pin 3 (Green/White)
  • GND = Pin 8 (Brown)

Diagrams

See below high-level wiring diagrams for different compositions of automation installations. Please note that all connections going out of the Wexer kiosk is facilitated using the BLUE and RED colored adapters supplied with each shipment. Connections going into the operated devices can either utilize the WHITE and GREEN colored adapters included. Below these standard scenarios, the adapter pin-outs are posted.

Adapter pin-out