Associated with the JNIOR hardware is the robust and easy to use JNIOR software. The standard JNIOR contains a variety of features that make it easy to use for digital cinema applications. Some of the key software features include:

• Various communication methods to work with a variety of digital cinema servers
• Flexible configuration via built-in Web page
• No programming required
• Built-in features like input latching and various output control modes including pulse, close, open or toggle
• Network Time Protocol for syncing time with NTP servers
• Serial Control Software (preloaded) allows the JNIOR to make a serial (RS-232) connection to digital cinema servers for control and monitoring.
• JNIOR Support Tool for easy software updates, data back-up and configuration
• JNIOR can handle unique situations using add-on packages like Task Manager
• Advanced cinema control using Cinema.JNIOR program to run macros and communicate with devices

The Serial Control function for the JNIOR is a software application that runs on the JNIOR and allows the user to interact with the JNIOR I/O via the serial port. The user can control the relay outputs (on, off, pulse) and receive the status of the digital inputs (on, off) and counters via the serial port. Utilization of all other features of the JNIOR must be implemented via the Ethernet port.

You can interact with the JNIOR I/O via both the serial port and the Ethernet port at the same time.

The Serial Control function can be used in applications where the user’s external device cannot communicate over the Ethernet, but can communicate via an RS232 port. The user’s device must be able to utilize the command structure for the JNIOR defined in the Serial Control manual. Utilization of the serial port can be used in conjunction with another application utilizing the Ethernet port. Both connections can control the outputs and receive notification of a change in I/O status.

The Serial Control software is pre-installed on all JNIORs. A back-up copy is provided on the JNIOR CD. To activate the software so that it runs on boot up, please launch the main JNIOR web page, go to the Applications tab and check the Serial Control box. When finished, click the Save button and you will be asked if you want to reboot the JNIOR now. Please click “Yes” (if you are ready) and the JNIOR will reboot. After the reboot, the Serial Control software will be running.

Once the Serial Control program is running, it will be ready to accept clients on the auxiliary serial port. The default setting for the serial port is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity and flow control set to none. What this means is that the serial device connected to the JNIOR serial port must work with the above serial settings otherwise you will have to change the settings on either the JNIOR or your device.

The Registry Editor tab on the JNIOR Main Web page can be used to change any settings for the Serial Control software program. After you enable the Serial Control program and it is running after a reboot, the default settings are displayed in the Registry Editor.

The Serial-to-Ethernet function for the JNIOR is a software application that runs on the JNIOR and allows the JNIOR to act as a converter between a serial device connected to the JNIOR and a remote application communicating to the JNIOR via the Ethernet network using TCP/IP. The serial to Ethernet conversion is bi-directional meaning that the serial device can communicate to the PC and the PC can communicate to the serial device. The JNIOR acts as a converter in between the serial device and the PC sending and receiving packets of information between the two devices.

The Serial-to-Ethernet function can be used for a variety of applications and adds value to these applications when compared to standalone serial converters because of the digital and analog I/O available with the JNIOR. The user can integrate new and legacy serial devices into their application as well as utilize the JNIOR I/O and standard JNIOR functionality.

The Serial-to-Ethernet software is pre-installed on all JNIORs. A back-up copy is provided on the JNIOR CD. To activate the software so that it runs on boot up, please launch the main JNIOR web page, go to the Applications tab and check the Serial-to-Ethernet Converter box. When finished, click the Save button and you will be asked if you want to reboot the JNIOR now. Please click “Yes” (if you are ready) and the JNIOR will reboot. After the reboot, the Serial-to-Ethernet software will be running.

Once the Serial-to-Ethernet program is running, it will be ready to accept clients on the default Ethernet TCP/IP port of 9201. The default setting for the serial port is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity and flow control set to none. What this means is that the serial device connected to the JNIOR serial port must work with the above serial settings otherwise you will have to change the settings on either the JNIOR or your device. Any application running on a PC or other remote device that wants to interact with the serial device connected to the JNIOR via the Ethernet using TCP/IP will need to make a connection to the JNIOR using port 9201. This port can also be changed.

The Registry Editor tab on the JNIOR Main Web page can be used to change any settings for the Serial-to-Ethernet software program. After you enable the Serial-to-Ethernet program and it is running after a reboot, the default settings are displayed in the Registry Editor.