The PIC-TV RS-485 Text Overlay Module allows you to send messages from an automation controller (HCS-II, JDS Stargate, etc.) via RS-485 to any TV or video monitor. It allows you to display multi-color text on a 28×11 character grid allowing messages to be seen from across the room. The PIC-TV has many powerful features which allow you to create pleasing displays. Text can be overlayed on multi-color backgrounds or over an existing video signal (often security camera feeds). The PIC-TV provides users with a full array of cursor control commands and character control commands like blinking, directional cursor movement, and cursor position storage. See the instruction manual for the complete set of commands. A beeper is also included which allows the PIC-TV to get a users attention if necessary.
Industrial Control
If your system has an RS-485 port that can operate at 9600 baud, you can use the PIC-TV if your system supports sending RAW ASCII through the port. The complete command protocol is in the PIC-TV Instruction Manual.
Home Automation
HCS-II Users: The PIC-TV appears as an LCD-Link module so you can have up to eight of them connected to your system at once.
JDS Stargate Users: Using RS-485 ASCII-OUT commands with firmware 2.42c or higher, you can connect up to 8 PIC-TVs to your RS-485 port.
The PIC-TV is a small module measuring 3.9" x 1.6" which can be located almost anywhere. It interfaces with the HCS-II or JDS Stargate via a 9600 baud RS-485 serial interface. It utilizes a 3rd Party On Screen Display device called the BOB-II. Buy a PIC-TV for each TV in your house [up to 8] allowing different messages to be sent to different TVs or use one PIC-TV with an analog or digital modulator and an RF combiner to send the same display screen to all your TVs via an unused cable channel. You can even overlay the PIC-TV messages on top of a security camera or other useful video source. Most modulators support an audio input so you can send your home automation’s voice output to your TVs as well! Have your system talk to you as you control it with an IR Remote and see updates on the TV as well!
The PIC-TV outputs composite video. To send this signal to multiple TVs, use a digital modulator and combiner to send the PIC-TV output to an unused cable/broadcast channel. Then simply tune your tv to the proper channel. You can also feed the composite video to an unused video input on your TV.
If you have security cameras or some other type of home automation related video source, you can use the overlay mode like this:
For complete information about the PIC-TV, consult the instruction manual.
All Creative Control Concepts RS-485 Interfaces ship with MAX483E RS-485 transceiver chips for +15kV ESD Protection & Slew Rate Limiting. This ensures the modules can endure surges often induced over long RS-485 cable runs.
Each PIC-TV ships with two Gold Connector Video Cables
NOTE - Currently the PIC-TV ships with the BOB-II Video module. The BOB-III is not currently supported though it may be at a later time.
