Working with the 32-Point Output Module:

This article explains the output of the 32-Point Output Module with details on how to "Talk" to it, enabling you to turn on and off the lights, bells and whistles for your simulator.

You can't get too far without making the EPIC system 'Aware' of your 32-Point Output Module so first you'll need to "Define" & "Initialize" the output module. This code segment will need to go at the very top of your EPL code file:

 

   #define OUTPUT 2 ;"2" refers to an OUTPUT module type.
Definemodule(0, OUTPUT, 0, 16)

This should fully initialize the output module so you can work with it. Once initialized, talking to the module is done in one of two ways: Directly or by an "Alias". Here's how to do it directly:

 

   Setpoint(0,0,0b00000111) ...this turns "On" bits 0,1,2 on module 0, row 0

Now turn 'em off

 

   Clearpoint (0,0,0b00000111)

'AKA'...
Now let's "Alias" the same steps: (This will go near the very beginning of your EPL file) This method makes things much easier to remember!

First, define the "Alias", which in this example is called 'Gearlites'

 

   #Define Gearlites 0,0,0b00000111

Turn them all on:

 

   Setpoint(Gearlites)

Now off: You will probably find that working with the 'Alias' method is much simpler, once you correctly define the binary outputs

 

   Clearpoint(Gearlites)

What are all those wires for?

Here is the "Breakout" of the 34-wire ribbon-cable from the output module. Noticed how it's divided up. If you are using the EMDA card, these are labeled on the card itself. Pay particular attention to the bit pattern to address each bit.

 
Example:
To turn on current at wire #17, you would use Setpoint(0,1,0b01000000), because wire 17 is located at Module 0, Row 1, Bit 6 ! Be sure not to fall into the "Off by one" trap... it can happen very easily!! You might think you are addressing Output #0 when in fact you are really addressing Output #1. This will become more evident as you begin writing your own EPL code..
The red wire is wire #1