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How To: Use the MXNET USB Control Software

The MXNET USB Control Software is the control tool for MXNET encoders and decoders. Use it when you cannot control or configure the encoders and decoders over the network. Typical uses include configuring the IP address or IP mode, setting up point-to-point applications, and debugging the system.

This article walks through connecting a device over USB, reading its configuration, changing the Serial over IP mode, confirming the result in the web GUI, and configuring a point-to-point connection between an encoder and a decoder.

• An MXNET encoder or decoder.

• A USB 2.0 Type-A to Micro-USB cable (or a USB-C cable for V2 devices).

• A Windows PC with the USB CH340 driver installed (see Step 2).

• The MXNET USB Control Software. Download it from: https://support.avproedge.com/portal/en/kb/articles/how-to-using-the-mxnet-usb-control-tool

1. On the encoder or decoder, set the USB SELECT switch to FPGA (labeled FPGA / DEBUG). The other position is MCU / ISP.

2. Connect the USB port on the device to a USB port on your PC with a USB 2.0 Type-A to Micro-USB cable. V2 devices use a USB-C cable.

Figure 1. The USB SELECT switch (circled) and a Type-A to Micro-USB cable

1. On the PC, open Device Manager and expand Ports (COM & LPT).

2. Look for USB-SERIAL CH340 followed by a COM port number. Note the number. In the example it is COM5.

3. If the CH340 device does not appear, install the USB CH340 driver: https://www.avproedge.com/uploads/5/2/9/0/52903137/ch34x_install_windows_v3_4.zip

Figure 2. Device Manager showing the USB-SERIAL CH340 device on COM5

Start the MXNET USB Control Software. The window has four tabs:

• Get Device Configuration Info

• IP Settings

• Point-to-Point Extension

• Debug

Figure 3. The MXNET USB Control Software on first launch

1. On the Get Device Configuration Info tab, select the COM port you found in Step 2 from the Serial Port list.

2. Click Open.

3. Click Read. The tool displays the device information.

The tool shows the following fields: Device Type, MAC Address, IP Mode, IP Address, Net Mask, Gateway, Transmission Mode, Serial over IP Mode, and Channel Number.

Figure 4. Device information after clicking Open and Read

If the device is used with an MXNet CBOX, it must be in Type 2 mode.

1. Click the Debug tab to open the Debug page.

2. Under Serial over IP Modes, choose Type2.

3. Click the Reboot button to reboot the system.

Figure 5. The Debug page with Serial over IP Mode set to Type2

Note: For point-to-point connections (no CBOX), it is recommended to leave this setting at Type 1.

Open the Mentor web GUI and go to Configure (Inputs/Outputs). The Encoder & Decoder Configurations page lists each encoder (Inputs/Encoders/Sources tab) and decoder (Outputs/Decoders/Displays tab) with its channel, IP address, MAC address, firmware version, and light status. With the device in Type 2 mode, the encoder lights show ON.

Figure 6. Encoder list in the web GUI with the device in Type 2 mode

When an encoder or decoder works in Type 1 mode, some features are unavailable, such as LED light control and firmware updates. In the web GUI, the encoder lights show DISABLED instead of ON. Make sure your encoders and decoders are in Type 2 mode if you use an MXNet CBOX.

Figure 7. The Debug page with Serial over IP Mode set to Type1

Figure 8. The same encoder in the web GUI in Type 1 mode, with the lights disabled

A point-to-point connection routes an encoder directly to a decoder without a CBOX. Configure the encoder first, then the decoder, using the Point-to-Point Extension tab. Connect to each device over USB as described in Part 1 (Steps 1 to 4).

1. Connect to the encoder and open the Point-to-Point Extension tab.

2. Check the TX Channel Number. If it is 0000, change it to 0001 or higher.

3. Click Apply. You must click Apply after making any changes.

Figure 9. Encoder point-to-point settings (TX Channel Number 0004)

1. Connect to the decoder and open the Point-to-Point Extension tab.

2. Set the TX Channel Number to the same channel number as the encoder you want to connect to.

3. Leave ALL selected under Signal Type (Video, Audio, IR, USB, Serial, and GPIO).

4. Click Apply.

Figure 10. Decoder point-to-point settings (TX Channel Number 0004)

Your encoder and decoder are now routed using a point-to-point connection.

Remember: Click Apply after changing point-to-point settings, and click Reboot after changing the Serial over IP mode.

Powerpoint and software for the USB Control Tool used when configuring Point To Point, Multicast Settings, and Control Routing.
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Powerpoint and software for the USB Control Tool used when configuring Point To Point, Multicast Settings, and Control Routing.