Terms and Definitions
Listed below are some common terms used in communicating the specifications and operations of Cervis remote control systems. Simply click on the term for it’s definition. If you have questions or don’t see an item you’re looking for, email us at info@cervis.net for assistance.
Configuration method using a series of specific remote unit button presses to establish a communication link between a Remote Control Unit and a Base Unit.
Controller Area Network: a standard high-speed serial network interface used in a variety of industrial and vehicular applications.
Usually a hardline communications network (umbilical, remote to base unit) using the SAE J1939 communications protocol.
Transmit/Receive over Control Area Network (CAN Bus).
Console Box: Remote control unit that can be handheld or attached to a belt or harness for convenience.
Direct sequence spread spectrum; an advanced wireless communication technology.
Dissolution of established communication links between remote control units and base units involved in the process.
Dedicated On/Off : Where one of the six buttons is configured to function as both the “power on” button and “power off” button. Typically, the action of this button is immediate, but if the “power off” feature is configured such that the button must be held for several seconds before the handheld shuts down, it may also serve as a command button.
Field Effect Transistor:
Type of transistor that relies on an electric field to control the conductivity of the device.
Portable unit that controls base unit activity using RF signals or through a hardwired tether connection.
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) rating that classifies the level of protection that an enclosure provides.
IP (international protection)
6 (dust tight)
5 (water jetted from any direction on the enclosure shall have no harmful effects)
Command from the handheld remote to maintain an output state until specifically signaled again to change state.
Type of communication between transceivers, or a transmitter and a receiver, where the pathway between the two units must be clear of obstacles.
Mini Console Box: Compact remote control unit that is easily held or attached to a belt or harness for convenience.
Discrete electronic component commonly used to divert excessive current. A protection device used to suppress noise that can have an undesired effect on equipment and systems.
A switch or button capable of turning a base unit output to either an “on” or “off” state when an end-user presses the switch. The output returns to its original state when the button is released.
On Button, Off Button: Where one button turns the handheld on and a different button turns it off. Once the unit is turned on, the On button can be used to issue commands. Typically, the Off function is immediate, but as in the DO configuration, this button can issue commands if turning the handheld off is accomplished by holding the Off button for a short period.
When a handheld transmitter takes control of a receiver for operation.
Pistol Grip: Handheld remote that has a handle with a trigger with which the operator can hold the remote and use the trigger to enable functions or provide proportional control commands to the base unit outputs.
Push to Operate: With a handheld unit, activation occurs with the press of any button; command broadcast then ensues. After the button is released, deactivation occurs after some time of inactivity (i.e. 3 sec.). If any button is pressed before the handheld turns off, the handheld remains on until the period of inactivity expires. The command associated with a button is broadcast only while that button is being pressed. A command can trigger either a momentary action (where the output stays on only as long as the button is pressed), or a latching action (where pressing and releasing the button causes an output to come on and some other instance of a command, either from the same button or another will turn it off, depending on the base unit’s configuration).
System consisting of one or more base units and from one to eight remote control units. The system operates in the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz range and has inputs/outputs or data communications.
Low-speed serial interface used for configuration of the base unit.
Cervis software that allows a base unit to be configured through the base unit RS-232 port.
Electrical circuit used to suppress electrical spikes (transients) by diverting excess current around the protected device.
Mode of communication between one instigator and two sympathizers. Also referred to as 1:2 communication.
Hardwired connection between the handheld remote and base unit. When the tether is connected, handheld RF control is disabled, and all commands are sent over the umbilical connection to the base unit. This connection is detachable from the handheld remote and, when removed the system, returns to RF control as long as the RF link has been previously established.
Handheld or portable RF control unit.
Transmit / Receive
