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Introduction

This software is designed to provide a complete understanding of how HS

Series encoders and decoders work together, as well as describing how

they can be used in a system. There are two modes of operation: Software

Operation Mode and Development System Operation Mode. Software

Operation is the default mode when the program is started and requires no

additional equipment. Development System Operation Mode is accessed

through the “View Options” label at the top of the main “Linx Encoder /

Decoder Demonstration Software” window and requires the MDEV-LICAL-HS

Master Development System to be plugged into a USB port on the PC. Help

can be found by clicking the “Help” label at the top of the main window or the

“Help” button at the bottom of the “View Options” form.

Getting Started

When the program starts, the Software Operation Mode is initialized. Both

encoders and decoders have default baud rates, but Encryption Keys and

Control Permissions need to be set up. Each data line is set to control its own

function. It is best if you understand the basic operation before making any

changes to the settings in the “View Options” form.

Each encoder and decoder combination has three essential variables that must

match for successful communication. First is the baud rate. Each encoder and

decoder has an option to select one of two baud rates for data transfer. This

option is found in the “View Options” form. Second is the Encryption Key, which

is created by the user with the decoder and then learned by the encoder. Third

are Control Permissions, which determine if an encoder has the authority to

activate one of the decoder’s data lines.

The encoders are placed in the simulated handheld transmitter and the

decoders are placed in the receiving device. The Encryption Key is represented

by the background color of the transmitter and receiver, so units with matching

keys have matching colors. Detailed instructions are given later in this

document.

Software Operation Mode

The Software Operation Mode is used to simulate operation of the encoders

and decoders without any hardware present. It simulates two handheld

transmitters as well as two receiving devices. Any combination of these units

is allowed. Help can be accessed by clicking the “Help” label at the top of the

window.

HS Series Master Development System

Software Documentation

Revised 9/4/14

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MDEV-LICAL-HS Software Documentation

The simulation starts with no Encryption Key, so the units do not work with

each other. An Encryption Key needs to be created and associations made

among the units as described in the following sections. Once comfortable with

the default settings, various features can be enabled and disabled in the “View

Options” form so that the system operation can be simulated. The initial screen

is shown in Figure 1.

Creating an Encryption Key

To change the Encryption Key, press the receiver’s “Create Key” button

ten times. The length of time the button is held down and released is used

to gather entropy for the key generator algorithm. This creates a random

Encryption Key, which is represented by the background color of the receiver.

The decoder now starts sending the key out, which is simulated by a glowing

spot coming out of the receiver.

Figure 1: The Encoder / Decoder Demonstration Software Window in Software Operation Mode

Figure 2: Background Colors Represent Associated Encryption Keys

Figure 3: The Send Key Symbol