Creative Control Concepts

This product was never produced. However AnswerMan modules can still be interfaced with an HCS-II system. AnswerMan Jr modules can be purchased from Micromint.

The HCS-II AnswerMAN Jr. Network Module consists of a ‘black box’ AMAN Jr. module and a circuit board allowing users to connect a variety of inputs and outputs to it. The AMAN Jr. is an ideal I/O module since it provide sthe user with a broad spectrum of I/O that can be located anywhere along the HCS-II RS-485 network. The AMAN Jr. is a multi function HCS-II network module with the following usable features:

• 8-bits Digital I/O
• 4 Channel 8-bit Analog to Digital Converter
• 4×20 LCD & Keypad Support
• Pulse Width Modulation Output
• Frequency Counter Input
• Pulse Counter
• Dallas iButton Input
• Optional 12-bit Analog Inputs (2 Channels)
• Optional 12-bit Digital to Analog Outputs (2 Channels)
• Not all functions can be used simultaneously. See Datasheet

More information on the AMAN Jr. Module itself can be found in the AMAN Jr. Datasheet. For information on the new XPRESS commands for the AMAN Jr, see the XPRESS 3.6 Addendum

HCS-II AMAN Jr. Specifications

• Communications
  • RS232 to PC: 9600 bps, 8-N-1 via 2 x 8 header
    (PC Interface Cable Included - used for initial configuration)
  • HCS-II RS485 Network: 9600 bps, half-duplex, via screw terminals
    Up to 31 network modules may be connected to the SC
• Input/Output
  • Digital I/O: 8 bits, TTL compatible, I/O Direction switched by command
  • Analog Inputs: 4-channel 8-bit ADC inputs (0-5V)
  • Optional Analog Inputs: 2-channel 12-bit ADC inputs (0-5V)
    (Requires add-on ADC chip)
  • Optional Analog Outputs: 2-channel 12-bit DAC outputs (0-5V)
    (Requires add-on DAC chip)
• Physical
  • Size: TBD (should be approx 3" x 3")
  • Power: 8-16 VDC @ 50 mA
  • Temperature: 0-70°C, 10-90% relative humidity

AMAN-Link FAQ

1. Why does my AMAN-Link cycle from * to - to E in HOST?
   This is often due to an incorrect response time setting. Put your AMAN Jr. into configuration mode and execute the Configure Delay command with a value of 50ms (CD 32) Otherwise the AMAN will respond too quickly for the HCS-II to handle it.
   If your AMAN Jr. is configured as an LCD-Link and the firmware is 1.12 or earlier, the response delay is ignored no matter what it is set to. v1.13 of the AMAN Jr. firmware fixed this.
2. Why can’t I set the I/O direction on my AMAN Jr?
   There is a bug in XPRESS versions 3.5 through 3.61 where the Set Direction, PWM, and Total Clear commands are sent with improper checksums so they are ignored. Contact Creative Control Concepts to upgrade your firmware to 3.62.
3. Why are my Analog Input Values from the AMAN Jr wrong?
   There is a bug in XPRESS v3.5 through v3.6 (fixed in 3.61) where the 12-bit Analog values are incorrectly calculated in XPRESS. Contact Creative Control Concepts to get an upgrade for your XPRESS firmware.
4. What is the recommend version of XPRESS for using AMAN Jrs?
   Your AMAN Jrs. should be firmware v1.11 or higher and XPRESS should be v3.62 or higher. Some LCD features are not fixed in the AMAN Jr. until v1.13 (backlight control, etc.)