MultiBox - antrax.de

antrax Datentechnik GmbH 

info@antrax.de - www.antrax.de 

Manual 

18.10.2005 

MultiBox 

• programmable sequence control 

• master-slave function 

• watchdog function 

• integrated control panel 

• interface: USB or RS232 (COM) 

...a variety variety of possibilities! 

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Hasenbrink 4, 32052 Herford, Germany Tel. +49 (0) 5221 929660 Fax +49 (0) 5221 9296628



Content 

General 

Use of the MultiBox 

Safety Instructions 

Scope of delivery 

Hardware 

Software 

System requirements 

Physical Characteristics 

General 

Load Circuit 

Control Circuit 

CE-Certification 

Mode of Operation 

General 

Watchdog 

Master-Slave-Function 

Programmable Sequence Control 

Highlights 

Installation 

Hardware 

Software 

Function Reference 

Modes 

Triggering 

Switching Operations + Sequences 

Miscellaneous 

Read States 

Programming 

General 

Addressing the MultiBox 

Program Error Detection 

Examples 

Operation 

LED 

Buttons 

Serial Interface 

Difference between mode 1 and mode 3 

Difference between mode 1 and mode 4 

Address MultiBox as Text Printer 

Expressions Used 

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G eneral 

The MultiBox enables you to directly or by time control switch ON/OFF up to 5 230V devices via serial 

or USB interface of a PC or via integrated process control. 

Control or operating of the MultiBox can easily be set up with the free of charge Antrax-Service- 

Software "ASS" that you can download from our website. 

Before first use of the MultiBox, please read this instruction manual or the help file (found on our 

homepage). It contains information for the correct use and contains important tips for the installation of 

the MultiBox. The manufacturer does not accept any liability due to improper use of the unit. In this 

case all guarantee claims are invalid. 

Use of the MultiBox 

The MultiBox is designed for the switching of 

• resistance loads i.e. electric light bulbs or heating fans and/or 

• inductive loads i.e. electric motors or transformers to a maximum consumption of 2000W 

(230V / 8.7A) 

up to maximum 1000W (230V / 4.4A) per channel, in dry, closed residential rooms and offices. 

Rules and Regulations governing the connection and use of electronic devices and their security 

regulations must be followed. 

Caution: The complete switching capacity of the MultiBox (i.e. the overall capacity of the connected 

consumers) must not exceed 2500W. 

Safety Instructions 

� Do not open the MultiBox. It contains no parts to be serviced by you. 

� Only use the MultiBox indoors and do not subject the unit to moisture or 

� humidity. 

Only connect the MultiBox to properly installed 230V AC outlets. 

� Only clean the exterior of the MultiBox with a dry cloth after unplugging it 

� from the electrical outlet and removal of the interface cable. 

� Do not overload the MultiBox above its load specification level. An 

� overload can lead to the MultiBox being destroyed. 

� Do not use the MultiBox in areas used by children. 

� Do not use the MultiBox if one or several parts (case, cable, plug) are damaged or damage may 

be caused by its location (e.g., falling down). 

� The MultiBox may only be repaired by authorized service personnel. 

� Only connect electrical appliances that have no limit to their switched-on time (i.e. all connected 

electrical appliances must be able to take continuous current without sustaining damage in the 

case of a default to the permanently "ON" position). 

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Caution: 

� The load circuit is switched by a single-pole electronic relay, therefore even when the MultiBox 

outlet is switched to off there can still be a mains voltage on one of the outlet sockets! 

� Depending on its current switch position, the MultiBox can switch a connected appliance "ON" 

after an electrical failure in the network has been restored. 

� The COM or USB interface used must be reserved for the MultiBox and can not be addressed by 

other programs. 

�� Very Very fast ON/OFF switching sequences can be controlled with the MultiBox. MultiBox. 

The duration of the 

switching cycles is to be adjusted to the controlled device. Not all electronic devices tolerate 

rapid switching sequences. 

S cope of Delivery 

Hardware 

Everything these? The delivery of a MultiBox unit contains: 

Software 

the MultiBox 

connector cable for the serial PC interface or USB connector cable 

the description and operating instructions 

free of charge control software for the MultiBox can be downloaded from our website at 

http://www.antrax.de/ 

System Requirements 

General 

serial interface (9600-8-N-1) 

USB interface (USB 1.1) 

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P hysical Characteristics 

General 

Load Circuit 

Protective Class: IP20, only in dry rooms 

Plug system: SCHUKO, Safety plug (CEE 714) 

The current switch condition of the unit is indicated by LEDs 

Load and Control circuits use galvanic separation over relay and transformer 

Ambient temperature range: 0 ... +40°C 

Storage temperature range: 10 ... +70°C 

Power supply: 230/240V~ 50/60Hz 

5 pole load switch (relay) 

maximum switching capacity: 

- per channel maximum 1000W (4.4A at 230/240V) 

- in total (over all 5 channels) maximum 2500W (11A at 230/240V) 

Control Circuit 

vial serial interface (9600, 8, N, 1) or USB 1.1 

maximum connector cable length: 2,0 m 

CE-Certification 

In accordance with the Low Current and EMV Guidelines. 

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Mode of Operation 

General 

The MultiBox is a multiple socket outlet, whereas the five outlets available can be switched 

independently from each other by the control PC. 

On channel 1 an integrated Watchdog can be activated. Furthermore the MultiBox can be configured 

such that channel 1 operates as master outlet and the channels 2 … 5 operate as so dedicated slaves (i. 

e. if a consumer is switched ON by the master outlet, the slave outlets "follow" to switch ON their 

devices). 

With the help of a Watchdog one can recognise whether a program is correctly running on a PC or 

whether it was interrupted by an internal (e.g. program bug) or external (e.g. interfering impulses of 

the electric power supply) error source. Precondition however is that the program being observed 

regularly contacts the Watchdog (triggering). If triggering fails to appear (because of hang-up of the 

program for example), the Watchdog initiates a problem solving. Generally this is a hardware reset of 

the computer or switching OFF and back ON of the power supply. 

Watchdog 

The MultiBox is connected via the connector cable to a serial or USB interface of a PC that is to be 

equipped with the Watchdog functionality. 

CAUTION: In both cases (connected via serial or USB interface) the MultiBox is addressed as a COM 

port by the software! The USB drivers used provide a virtual COM port the control software – i. e. the 

MultiBox can therefore be addressed as easily as a serial device. 

Via a serial interface for output 1 at the MultiBox the computer software sets 

• the time TR (re-triggering must be within this time period), 

• the time TA (how long must the MultiBox remain shut off at Watchdog event) and 

• the time TF (within this time period after the Watchdog event the triggering must be restarted) 

on and regular triggering of the MultiBox within the set time period is executed. 

The Watchdog is activated when the monitored computer is not reporting within the set time period 

(TR). In such case the MultiBox interrupts the power to the connected computer at channel 1, waiting 

for the set time (TA) and then switches the computer back on. The computer will boot and the software 

is restarted (should be set in the auto boot file). 

Alternatively to the restart of a computer after an error occurred, by using of the MultiBox, also a 

"external" device can directly be switched ON/OFF (e.g. modem, lamps, printers, measuring 

instruments, etc.). All switching times can be set within wide time limits. 

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The MultiBox differentiates following initial states: 

• Error-Restart- 

the MultiBox has triggered a restart and waits for initialisation of the software 

launched on the computer (for example set in the auto boot file) 

• Reboot – the computer has been switched ON. The MultiBox has not stored an Error-Restart, as 

the computer has properly logged out before last switch OFF (via the command "{+} 

Deactivate") 

The MultiBox can even detect whether a triggering takes place in an (unintentional) infinite loop: with 

the triggering a state variable can be set. If this state variable does not change at two consecutive 

triggering, the second trigger command is ignored. In case of error the last selected state variable can 

be read back and used as a base for troubleshooting. 

In addition, the MultiBox also recognises the problem "computer or operating system fails to boot" 

(boot error): After an Error-Restart or a Power-ON (also after brief voltage dips) triggering must be 

executed by the MultiBox in a pre-set time period (TF). If this is not happening the MultiBox activates 

another Error-Restart, and so on. 

Master-Slave-Function 

The MultiBox can detect whether a at channel 1 connected consumer is switched ON or OFF (using a 

built-in "current sensor"). If requested, the slaves or channels 2...5 can be switched subject to the 

switching state of the master: 

- Consumer at channel 1 (external) ON --> current flowing --> slaves will be switched ON 

- Consumer at channel 1 (external) OFF --> currentless --> slaves will be switched OFF 

Master-Slave-Circuits are typically used to switch ON/OFF e.g. monitors or printers subject to the PC. 

Switching Threshold 

From the perspective of the MultiBox the consumer using channel 1 is switched ON, if it takes at least 

40W. Devices switched to standby therefore do not activate triggering the slave circuit. 


The MultiBox provides an integrated programmable sequence controller (hereinafter "PLC") allowing to 

run a time dependent switching sequence with up to 50 steps for all five outlets even without connected 

control PC. 

The switching sequence can be started in endurance run or as "one-shoot". The control (Start / Pause, 

Stop) takes place via the integrated control panel and/or with clear text commands via the interface. 

The "programming" of the switching sequence is done by simple clear text commands and follows the 

scheme: 

time (in seconds), channel, action 

Thus, for example with 

{+} PLCset = 30, 4, ON 

a switching step is programmed that switches on channel 4 for 30 seconds. 

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A well known example of an endurance test sequence, for example, the traffic light system: 

Outlet 1 = red (street) 

Outlet 2 = yellow (street) 

Outlet 3 = green (street) 

Outlet 4 = red (pedestrian in cross traffic) 

Outlet 5 = green (pedestrian in cross traffic) 

The switching sequence for this example is set as the default switching sequence after "{+} 

DelEEPROM". 

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Highlights 

Connection via a COM or USB interface, thus easy installation and activation: 

o simple (clear) text output via the COM or USB interface by the software 

o with any terminal program such as HyperTerminal, TELIX, etc. (command transmission 

similar to a modem via AT commands) 

o control can also be activated as text output to a "printer" (the MultiBox in this case is a 

connected plain text printer via a serial interface) 

The MultiBox operates independent of the operating system 

The MultiBox has a own microprocessor 

All output are independently selectable 

The MultiBox has an integrated control panel 

Watchdog-Functions: 

o The MultiBox also recognises triggering in infinite loops: multiple identical triggering is 

ignored 

o The last trigger status of the main program before an Error-Restart is stored onto the 

MultiBox and can be read back after booting (conclusions causing malfunction and leading 

to "hang-up" of the system can be drawn) 

o The MultiBox recognises non booting computers ("Windows does not boot"") by time 

control after an Error-Restart 

o The re-trigger and switching time of the MultiBox can be set within wide limits (up to 

214748364 seconds = approx. 2485 days) 

Master-Slave-Function: 

o The MultiBox has Master-Slave - Functionality (1 x Master / 4 Slaves) 

o The master switches ON the slaves (also time displaced) 

Programmable Process Control: 

o programmable switching sequence for all outlets 

o up to 50 switching steps 

o Endurance run and "one-shoot" 

o adjustable: automatic start after Power-ON 

o operated via the integrated control panel and/or the interface 

Control software free of charge, please download at http://www.antrax.de 

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Installation 

Hardware 

Switch OFF computer 

Set up serial or USB connection between MultiBox and computer 

Plug mains of the computer in the Master-Outlet (red) of the MultiBox 

Plug MultiBox in a 230V AC outlet plug 

Switch ON computer 

The MultiBox has two push buttons. By pressing SELECT an output can be selected 

(corresponding LED signal). By then pressing the SET button, the output is switched. This 

ensures that a a consumer connected to the MultiBox can also be switched ON manually. 

Connector Cable 

When laying the connector cable (serial or USB cable) to the PC or the mains cables please make sure 

that these are not set into one cable channel or similar. Especially when switching “problematic” 

consumers with very high power surge, disturbances can be induced, that lead to malfunction 

(especially the extensions brought out to the front USB ports are relatively sensitive). 

Therefore we recommend usage of shielded or ferrite steel interference-suppressed USB connector 

cables. 

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Installation 

USB-Installation 

The hardware installation assistant providing the corresponding drivers 8USB as virtual COM port) is 

started after the MultiBox is connected to a computer by USB. 

The USB drivers can be downloaded at http://www.antrax.de. Download the ZIP file and unpack it to a 

directory on your local hard drive. 

The following example illustrates the driver installation on Windows XP: 

After connecting to the USB port the hardware installation assistant starts: 

Here you select: "No, not at this time" and click next. 

The following window appears: 

Please select "Install from a list or specific location” and click "next". 

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Select the item "browse" and specify the directory on the local hard disk, into which you 

extracted the ZIP file containing the driver files. 

Click "next". 


Select "continue installation". 

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Once all necessary files are copied , click "continue” 


Select "Finish". 

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Software 

The software for controlling the MultiBox via a virtual COM port is now configured. To check 

whether the new COM port is working correctly, please have a look at the control panel in the 

device manager: 

If a sub item "antrax UniBox" is listed here at "ports" (COM & LPT), the installation was 

successful. 

The MultiBox is now ready. 

The MultiBox can now be operated with the service software "ASS" (= Antrax-Service-Software) 

or other software (such as HyperTerminal, Telix or any other terminal program). 

The control by the monitored main program is realised by its output to the serial interface. 

The service program "ASS" (= Antrax-Service-Software) can be downloaded free of charge at: 

http://www.antrax.de 

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Function Reference 

Modes 

Syntax Description 

{1} Modus = 

1 

{n} Modus = 

2 

{1} Modus = 

3 

{1} Modus = 

4 

{n} Modus = 

5 

{+} Modus = 

6 

Output 1 as WatchBox (switches the own connected computer). The active 

main function in this mode is the controlled ON/OFF switching of the 

computer: 

- after Power ON (and box without function) → Outlet ON! 

- onapon = 1, triapon = 0 

Output as SwitchBox (switches any other consumer). The active main 

function in this mode is the ON switching of consumers: 

- the Watchdog functions are deactivated 

- after Power ON (and box without function) → Outlet OFF! 

- Default setting 


- n = 1…5 

Output 1 as WatchBox in fail save mode (switches the own connected 

computer). The active main function in this mode is the controlled ON/OFF 

switching of the computer: 

- after Power ON (and box without function) → Outlet ON! 

- The set time Tf already expires starting with Power ON and switches 

the MultiBox ON/OFF, if not triggered within the time Tf 


Output1 as WatchBox in neutral-power-ON mode (switches any other 

consumer). Like mode 1 but the MultiBox remains switched OFF after 

Power ON 


Operate output n as slave. The switching state of output n follows the state 

of output 1. Whereby the switching ON of output n can also be timely 

delayed. If by {n}tv=x a time x (specified in seconds) is set, the output is 

switched ON only after time x. 

- n=2…5 

Activate programmable sequence control 

All programmable sequence control concerning commands are only accepted 

if mode 6 is set. In this mode the Watchdog and master-slave functionality 

is deactivated. 

In this mode the PLC can be started, stopped and programmed. The mode is 

quit, when for any channel the mode 2 (SwitchBox) is being set. 

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{n} onapon 

= 1 

{n} triapon 

= 1 

{n} PLCapon 

= 1 

ONAfterPowerON 

Describes the switching behaviour of the specified channel after Power ON of 

the MultiBox. 

If with {n} mode = x a mode is set, onapon will automatically set to the 

correct value. It can however be changed later (e.g. that the MultiBox 

operates in mode 2 [SwitchBox] and is switched ON after a Power-ON 

[{+}onapon=1]). Following values are possible: 

0 Outlet remains OFF after Power-ON (e.g. in mode 2) 

1 Outlet is switched ON after Power-ON (e.g. in mode 1) 

2 Outlet is switched ON, if the outlet was switched ON before failure of 

current 

- Range: 0 … 2 

- Default setting: 0 

- with {+}mode = n may be set again 

- n=1…5 

TRIgAfterPowerON 

Describes the behaviour of the specified channel after Power-ON of the 

MultiBox. 

If with {n}Modus = x a mode is set, triapon automatically is set to the 

correct value. It can however be changed later. Following values are 

possible: 

0 MultiBox must not be trggered after Power-ON and switching ON of 

the outlet (e.g. in mode 1) 

1 MultiBox must be triggered after Power-ON and switching ON of the 

outlet (e.g. in mode 3) 

- Range: 0 … 1 


- with {+}mode = n may be set again 

PLCAfterPowerON 

Describes the behaviour of the programmable sequence control (=PLC) after 

Power-ON of the MultiBox. This pre-setting is only considered, if before 

Power-OFF mode 6 is set. 

Following values are possible: 

0 The MultiBox after Power-ON waits for the start signal of the 

switching sequence 

1 The MultiBox after Power-ON immediately starts the switching 

sequence 

- Range: 0 … 1 


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Triggering 


{1} Tr = 20 Can only be executed in mode 1, 3 or 4(MultiBox). 

Setting the re-trigger time in seconds 

- within this time frame triggering is to be executed regularly, 

otherwise a Watchdog event is being released 

- Range: 1 … 214748364 

- Default setting: 60 s 

{1} Ta = 10 Can only be executed in mode 1, 3 or 4 (MultiBox). 

Setting the turn-off time in seconds 

- upon occurrence of the Watchdog event the socket is switched OFF 

for the set time 

- Range: 1 … 214748364 


{1} Tf = 500 Can only be executed in mode 1, 3 or 4 (MultiBox). 

Setting the error time in seconds 

Time up to next Watchdog event, if after a Watchdog event, processed by 

the MultiBox or by general Power-ON, no [anew] triggering is executed (e.g. 

'Windows hangs-up while booting') 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 


{1} Trig 

{1} Trig = 10 

At a value of 0 the boot-error function is deactivated, i. e. after a Watchdog 

event the outlet is being switched ON permanently (also see → {+} maxrst) 

Can only be executed in mode 1, 3 or 4 (MultiBox). 

Release triggering 

- with the first triggering the MultiBox is armed and must be triggered 

on regular basis thereon 

- LED flashes (duty cycle 50:50, 0.5Hz) 

- if the {+}Trig command is sent, the MultiBox immediately switches 

ON the consumer and waits for the next triggering (re-trigger time is 

running) 


Trigger release with delivery of a status value: 

Function as above with the exception that that only one trigger is released, if 

the status value is differs from the one before. The last passed status value 

is placed in non-volatile memory upon occurrence of a Watchdog event. The 

saved and the last sent status value can be queried with the command "{+} 

Get". With the command "{+} Del Status" the saved and the last sent state 

can be deleted. The state values are only displayed if a status has in fact 

been reported. After deleting the values with "{+} Del Status" the lines 

TRIG-STATE and ERROR-STATE are not issued. 

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{1} maxrst = 

3 


Limit the number of restarts of the PC 

This command is only effective if the command "Tf" is bigger than 0: 

In order to avoid, that a PC after a reset and missing triggering is being 

restarted over and over, use {+} maxrst = n to set a maximum amount of 

restarts. The internal counter ACT-RST is being updated by 1 with every new 

restart. When the counter ACT-RST reaches the set value of the parameter 

"maxrst", the outlet remains permanently deactivated. 

- Range: 0 … 65535 

- if 0 → no limitation 


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Switching Operations + Sequences 


{n} Tv = 12 Can be executed in any mode. 

Turn-on delay in seconds afterPower-ON 

This time is after a Power-ON of the MultiBox all following processes/timers 

up-streamed and allows the delayed switching ON of the outlet (e.g. for 

synchronisation of "fast" devices) 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 


- n=1…5 

{n} Off Switch OFF one or all outputs immediately. If a value from 1…5 is set, the 

corresponding output is switched OFF, by setting of "+" all outputs are 

switched OFF 

- n=1…5 / "+" 

{n} On Switch ON one or all outputs immediately. If a value from 1…5 is set, the 

corresponding output is switched ON, by setting of "+" all outputs are 

switched ON 

{n} Off = 

100 

{n} Off = 

1000 

{2} On = 20 

{2} Off = 40 

{3} Off = 20 

{3} On = 40 

- n=1…5 / "+" 

Direct switch OFF after the set time in seconds 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 

- if after {n} On = m – command is set, a ON/OFF sequence is started 

- n=1…5 

Direct switch ON after the set time in seconds 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 

- if after {n} Off = m – command is set, a OFF/ON sequence is stated 

- n=1…5 

A ON/OFF sequence starts. 

Output 2 of the MultiBox is switched ON after 20 seconds. After switch ON, 

40 seconds later switch OFF is executed. 

A OFF/ON sequence starts.. 

Output 3 of the MultiBox is switched OFF after 20 seconds. After switch 

OFF, 40 seconds later switch ON is executed. 

Requirements for operating with sequences: 

- commands must be set directly consecutively 

- the second command must be set before the set time in the first 

command expires 

- a sequence is interrupted by any command, that causes switching of 

the outlet (directly or on time basis). 

- a sequence is being interrupted by the command{n} Deaktiv and {1} 

Trig 

Caution: The given times are added added up! 

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Programmable Sequence Control(= PLC) 

Mode 6 is required for all following commands: 


{+} PLCstart Start sequence or time out 

{+} PLCstop Stop sequence, switch OFF all channels (mode 6 is required) 

{+} PLCget Read out current switching sequence 

Format: serial number, time in seconds, channel, state 

Example: 

PLCAPON=0 

PLC: 

01,Time=000000,Ch1,ON 

02,Time=000000,Ch2,OFF 

03,Time=000000,Ch3,OFF 

04,Time=000000,Ch4,OFF 

.. 

.. 

15,Time=000022,Ch2,OFF 

16,Time=000024,Loop 

OK 

{+} PLCset= Insert a switching step in the current switching sequence 

Format: serial number, time in seconds, channel, state 

{+} 

PLCclear=1 

{+} PLCclear 

all 

Example 

{+}PLCset=400,3,OFF 

This command deactivates channel 3 after 400 seconds. All steps are 

automatically sorted, according to their time stamp, in the current 

switching sequence. Possible states: ON, OFF, LOOP and END. 

Remove the specified or all switching steps from the current switching 

sequence 

{+} PLCstore Transmit and store the current switching sequence to the configuration 

memory permanently (a non saved switching sequence is lost after a 

Power-OFF/Power-ON) 

Loading and saving function of a switching sequence with the service program "ASS" (= Antrax-Service- 

Software) into a text file (*.PLC) exclusively uses the MultiBox commands {+}PLCget and 

{+}PLCset. For this function the MultiBox does not offer further special functionality, since with the 

"back load" of a switching sequence into the MultiBox basically, the gradually read-out text with 

{+}PLCget with {+}PLCset is loaded back to the MultiBox again. 

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Miscellaneous 


{+} Echo ON Switch ON interface echo 

- Default setting: ON 

{+} Echo 

OFF 

"Testseite" 

{+} 

Testseite 

Switch OFF interface echo 

- Default setting: OFF 

If this string is recognised, the LED flashes 3 times 

(Help for the operator, if the MultiBox is set up as COM printer) 

{n} Deaktiv Can only be executed in mode 1, 3 or 4 (MultiBox). 

Deactive MultiBox 

- no triggering required 

- all times remain set 

- depending on momentary state: LED static ON or OFF 

- n=0…5 

{+} Del 

EEPROM 

{+} Del 

Status 


Delete non-volatile configuration memory and set default values. 


Deletes the stored and the last status, that with the {+} Trig = n command 

has been passed. 

Deletes the counter for the WatchDog events 

21/33 




General Command Processing 

- MultiBox commands are always initiated with {n}. Whereby n stands for the number of the 

outlet or for "+" when all outputs are to be addressed. 

- Spaces are ignored. 

- Upper and lower case letters are not distinguished. 

- Each command must at least be determined with CR (character 13). 

- All MultiBox times remain set, until they are explicitly set anew. 

- All settings are kept in a non-volatile memory and "survive" even a power outage. 

- Important for manual input via a terminal program: The time-out during a manual command 

input is 5 seconds (that means: type quickly..!). 

- At Echo = On the command execution with CRLF + 'OK' + CRLF will be acknowledged. 

- Unrecognised commands are acknowledged with CRLF + '?' + CRLF. 

- Before sending a command, the previous command must have been recognised by the 

MultiBox (receipt or time delay). 

If an output of the MultiBox is set to one of the 5 modes with {n}, the parameters "onapon" 

and "triapon" are automatically changed. If then additional a combination is set with {n}onapon 

= m or {1}triapon = m, that does not fit to one of the 4 modes (see chapter "modes", page 15) 

the mode "USERDEFINED" is displayed after the command {+}Get. 

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Read States 


{n} Remain Check of the remaining time until next switching operation 

Display: COUNT=214748364...0 (line 4 of the status inquiry) 

{n} Get Send all values and states 

(Description of the states see below) 

{+} F Query current software version (= date of release) 

{+} H Query hardware ID 

State query with "{+} Get": 

MultiBox Switchbox 

MultiBox= 

MultiBox_FS= 

MultiBox_NP= 

00...15 CRLF SWITCHBOX= 00...14 CRLF 

RELAIS= 0...1 CRLF RELAIS= 0...1 CRLF 

TIME= 0...2147483 CRLF TIME= 0...2147483 CRLF 

64 

64 

COUNT= 214748364. CRLF COUNT= 214748364. CRLF 

..0 

..0 

TR= 1...2147483 

64 

CRLF ONAPON= 0...2 CRLF 

TA= 1...2147483 CRLF TV= 0...2147483 CRLF 

64 

64 

TF= 0...2147483 

64 

CRLF OK CRLF 

TV= 0...2147483 

64 

CRLF 

TRIG-STATE= 0...2147483 

64 

CRLF *) 

ERROR-STATE= 0...2147483 CRLF *) 

64 

ONAPON= 0...2 CRLF 

TRIAPON= 0...1 CRLF 

RST-COUNTER= 0...65535 CRLF 

MAX-RST= 0...65535 CRLF **) 

ACT-RST= 0...65535 CRLF **) 

OK CRLF 

*) These lines are only issued when a status value is present. 

**) These lines are only issued if MAX-RST > 0. 

23/33 




Return values in detail: 

Return Description 

MultiBox=00...05 

MultiBox_FS=00...05 

MultiBox_NP=00...05 

SWITCHBOX=00,01,03,04 

USERDEFINED=00...05 

In addition, depending on 

the event, the opposite 

values add together: 

e. g: 

RELAIS=0...1 0 = Outlet is OFF 

1 = Outlet is ON 

00 = WB / SB is switched OFF 

01 = WB / SB is switched ON 

02 = WB waiting for next triggering 

03 = WB / SB waits for switch OFF 

04 = WB / SB waits for switch ON 

05 = WB reboot time running out 

+ 10 ON/OFF switching sequence follows 

14 = Sequence started + waiting for switch ON 

TIME=0...214748364 Time in seconds after Power ON 

COUNT=214748364...0 Time in seconds to trigger the next operation, 

e.g. after "{+} On=20" 

yields 

"{+} Get" → COUNT=20...0 decrementing, at counter 0 

the outlet is switched ON 

TR=1...214748364 Stored re-trigger time 

TA=1...214748364 Stored switch OFF time 

TF=0...214748364 Stored error time 

TRIG-STATE=0...214748364 Last state set with "{+} Trig" = n 

ERROR- 

STATE=0...214748364 

Last stored last state set with "{+} Trig" = n before a 

Watchdog event 

RST-COUNTER=0...65535 Number of initiated resets of the MultiBox since last reset 

with {+} Del Status 

MAX-RST=0...65535 Maximum number of initiated resets of the MultiBox (then 

channel 1 is permanently switched OFF) 

ACT-RST =0...65535 Number of initiated resets of the MultiBox since last 

triggering 

24/33 




Please note: 

TRIG-STATE and ERROR-STATE are only issued when a status value is present. 

After deleting the status with "{+} Del Status" these lines will not be displayed until a new status 

is given with "{+} Trig = 0...214748364". 

25/33 




Watchdog Programming 

General 

Basically, there is two different types of control of the MultiBox. No doubt, the best and safest method 

of control is realised by the main program itself, however that means the the source code of the main 

program is present and can/is allowed/should be modified. The section "1. Method: control by the 

monitored software” refers to the corresponding changes in the source code. If the source code of the 

main program is not available the MultiBox must be operated using a background program (2. 

Method). Unfortunately this is only the second best method of control as it could cause bugs this 

process in principal can not recognise. This is, by the way, a problem that all Watchdogs have to face. 

By far the most common programming errors (program in an endless loop with watchdog triggering), 

however, can be reliably detected by the MultiBox ... ! 

Addressing the MultiBox 

Settings and triggering of the MultiBox can only be made via the serial of the USB interface. 

In the simplest case, it is sufficient after setting the required Watchdog mode in the main program, to 

only output the the cyclic triggering. In this case the default switching times for re-trigger and switching 

time are used. Initialisation of the MultiBox is not required. 

The MultiBox switching times can vary in wide limits, so that the computer for example remains 

switched OFF longer (switch OFF time TA) or is operated with very long re-trigger times (TR). All 

switching times can be set anew any time. 

Furthermore the MultiBox recognises the problem "computer (or Windows) not booting": After an error 

re-start the triggering by the MultiBox must be executed by a time pre-set (TF) … if not, the MultiBox 

causes another error re-start, and so on. 

The MultiBox can also be operated as simple switch box without Watchdog functionality. In this case, 

with the commands "{+} On" and "{+} Off" external devices, like modems, printers, lamps or 

measuring devices (also time controlled) can be switched ON/OFF directly by the computer. 

Program Error Detection 

With conventional Watchdogs a re-triggering is already realised through the writing process (or function 

call itself), namely it can not be detected, whether any changes happened in the main program after 

two consecutive triggering sequences. This leads to, an infinite loop in the main program, containing a 

triggering of the Watchdog, is not recognised. 

The MultiBox has a different approach and also evaluates, by event of triggering (optional) the passed 

states variables. With to consecutive triggering events with the same content the activated MultiBox 

ignores the last triggering or defines it as not taken place. Only with this behaviour the above described 

error can safely be recognised. 

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Examples 

Example 1 

In this example the MultiBox, with the computer connected to channel 1, executes a controlled shut 

down and switch OFF, and then switches ON the computer 24 hours later.. 

Settings: 

1. Waiting period of 60 seconds for the controlled shut down of the PC is set. 

2. Switch OFF time of 86400 seconds (= 24 hours) is set. 

3. Thereafter, the program can be stopped and the PC is shut down. 

... 

... 

Send('{1} off = 60'); 

Send('{1} on = 86400'); 

... 

... 

... 

... 

End program and shut down PC ... 

Example 2 

In this (Delphi-) example a MultiBox triggering (with infinite loop detection) at channel 1 is executed 

by the main program. In this case we assume that the procedure "Send" sends the specified string to 

the serial interface. 

Setting: 

1. Re-trigger time of 30 seconds is set. 

2. Switch OFF time of 20 seconds is set.. 

3. Error time of 180 seconds is set. 

4. Thereafter regularly triggering. 

var nStatus : integer; 

cStatus : string; 

Send('{1} tr = 30'); 

Send('{1} ta = 20'); 

Send('{1} tf = 180'); 

Send('{1} Modus = 1'); 

nStatus := 0; 

// Main loop of the program 

repeat 

nStatus := nStatus + 1; // Increment status variable 

cString := IntToStr(nStatus); // Status variable in String 

Send('{1} trig = ' + cString); // trigger MultiBox 

... 

... 

... 

until ... 

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General 

The MultiBox has an integrated sequence control. This, like a simple PLC sequence control allows 

automatic or time dependent switching operations and thus a a permanent connected and running 

control computer is obsolete. 

The programmable sequence control is activated by the MultiBox being switched to mode 6. Only in 

this mode the switching sequence can be programmed and started. The switching step programming is 

always done with the help of commands (all with prefix "PLC") via the serial or USB interface. The actual 

operation, namely starting, stopping and pausing the switching sequence can also be realised through 

the interface, but also directly on the integrated control panel. 

Addressing via the interface 

Basic Process: 

1.) Set MultiBox to mode 6 with "{+} modus=6" 

2.) with "{+}PLCget" check the current control sequence and if necessary with "{+}PLCclear", 

"{+}PLCset" and "{+}PLCstore" modify and safe to the configuration memory permanently 

3.) start the control sequence with "{+}PLCstart" 

4.) the control sequence can be paused by anew "{+}PLCstart" ("pause function" like CD player) 

5.) the termination of the switching sequence is done with "{+}PLCstop" (all channels are switched 

OFF) 

6.) the return from mode 6 into a different mode is possible when mode 2 is set for any channel 

Addressing via the touch panel 

Basic Process: 

1.) by pressing at least 3 seconds on both push buttons on the control panel the MultiBox is set to 

mode 6 

2.) by pressing "SELECT" the current control sequence is started or set to pause 

3.) by pressing "SET" the control sequence is interrupted(all channels are switched OFF) 

4.) by newly pressing at least 3 seconds the two push button on the control panel all channels of the 

MultiBox are set to mode 2 

If the MultiBox is set to mode 6 and the control sequence has not been started yet, the 5 LEDs show a 

flash in running light. This running light is also (briefly) displayed, when an endurance run sequence 

after a loop command restarts "at zero" 

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Operation 

Integrated control panel 

LED for channel 1 (red) 

Button "SELECT" 

Button "SET" 

USB interface 

or 

serial interface 

19" fastening angle 

LED for channels 2 … 5 (green) 

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Operating 

LED for channel 1 (red) 

Permanently OFF MultiBox not in Watchdog mode, outlet OFF 

Permanently ON MultiBox not in Watchdog mode, outlet ON 

Flashing (duty cycle 50:50, 

0.5Hz) 

Flashing (duty cycle 50:50, 

5Hz) 

Flash (duty cycle 10:90, 

0.5Hz) 

MultiBox in Watchdog mode 

(Tr expires, waiting for next trigger) 


(Ta expires, waiting for switch ON after a Watchdog 

event) 


(Tf expires, waiting for anew trigger after anew switch 

ON) 

Flashes 3 times briefly A text page was recognised (while setting a COM printer) 

LED 2 x briefly light with 1Hz 

repetition 

LED 2 x briefly dark with 1Hz 

repetition 

LED for channels 2…5 (green) 

MultiBox not in Watchdog mode, outlet will be switched 

ON after course of time started 

MultiBox not in Watchdog mode,, outlet is switched OFF 

after course of time started 

Permanently OFF Output of the MultiBox is permanently OFF 

Permanently ON Output of the MultiBox is permanently ON 

Flash (duty cycle 10:90, 

0.5Hz) 

The output of the MultiBox either waits for time 

scheduled switch ON or it is set as slave and waits for 

switch ON of the master 

All LEDs in running light: Mode 6 activated and control sequence not yet started. 

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Buttons 

Mode 1 … 5: 

By pressing the SELECT button the LED for channel 1 starts flashing. Re-pressing the SELECT 

button causes switching further. When pressing the SET button for more than 3 seconds the 

selected channel is switched to the each other mode (= toggled). Manual switching always 

causes deactivation of any time or master dependent operation for the appropriate channel. 

After pressing the SET button, the LED of the previously selected channel displays the switching 

state of the outlet. 

Mode 6: 

By pressing the SELECT button the current control sequence is started or an ongoing control 

sequence is interrupted (pause function). 

By pressing the SET button an ongoing control sequence is interrupted and and all channels are 

switched OFF, the LEDs display a running light. 

Serial Interface/ USB Interface 

- Connect via COM interface or USB (= virtual COM interface), 9600-N-8-1 

- No hard- or software handshake (3-wire connection, RxD-TxD-GND) 

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Difference between mode 1 (MultiBox) and mode 3 (MultiBox_FS) 

- In mode 1 the MultiBox is started after a Power ON, without waiting for triggering, i. e. the 

connected PC at channel 1 is permanently switched ON. After that, it is in the responsibility of 

the PC to address the MultiBox. 

- In mode 3 the m Modus 3 the MultiBox is started and immediately waits for triggering. If the 

connected PC is does not report back within the set time Tf, the MultiBox executes a reset and 

is then in the reset loop, i. e. reset is being continued until the PC reports back. 

Difference between mode 1 (MultiBox) and mode 4 (MultiBox_NP) 

- In mode 1 the MultiBox is started after a Power ON, without waiting for triggering, i. e. the 

connected PC is permanently switched ON. After that, it is in the responsibility of the PC to 

address the MultiBox. 

- In mode 4 the MultiBox behaves as in mode 1 with the difference, that channel 1 remains 

switched OFF after Power ON. 

Difference between mode 1...5 and mode 6 (process control) 

- If the MultiBox is set to mode 6 whilst Power OFF, the MultiBox "looks" for Power ON on 

parameter "PLCapon". Depending on the pre-set mode the current control sequence is not 

started ((PLCapon = 0) or started (PLCapon = 1) 

- Mode 6 prevents all special functions like Watchdog and master slave function 

Address MultiBox as Text Printer 

When the MultiBox is addressed as plain text printer, multiple commands can not be "printed" in a 

row, (no within one print row). Here too, the acknowledgement of the MultiBox after each command 

has to be awaited (the MultiBox does not know that it is being addressed via a printer output). 

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Expressions Used 

COM Abbreviation for the serial interface 

Restart The computer start after Power-ON. Includes also 

the cold-start 

Error Restart Computer restart, triggered by the MultiBox 

Cold Start Computer restart after a Hardware-Reset via the 

reset button 

Hardware Reset A hardware reset is usually triggered via the socalled 

reset button on the front panel of the 

computer. Unlike the software reset (e.g. via Ctrl- 

Alt-Del), the hardware reset in addition to the 

Power OFF/Power ON is the only truly safe method 

of computer-cold start 

Re-trigger Time The Re-trigger time is the time that lies between 

the last trigger and the error-restart 

Switch OFF Time The switch OFF time is the time that the MultiBox 

outlet remains shut off after an error restart 

Error Time The error time is the time within which after an 

error restart triggering must be started. If this does 

not happen a new error restart is triggered. 

Triggering The MultiBox expects within the re-trigger time a 

cyclic triggering. The status variables of two 

consecutive triggering must (when used) not have 

the same value (these triggering are ignored). 

Main program or 

monitored program 

MultiBox Service 

Program 

Describes the program on the PC, that executes the 

triggering for the MultiBox 

The MultiBox can of course also be used when the 

source code of the main program is not available 

and thus can not be modified for usage of a 

MultiBox. For general setting and control (= 

triggering) please use the MultiBox Service 

Program 

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MultiBox - antrax.de

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