Force America 5100EX

Written By: Alkesh Dhak (and one other contributor)

Difficulty

Moderate

Requirements

If the Force America 5100EX is installed with the joystick control, then the Force America part number 1104107 - COM Port “Y” cable is required to allow dual COM connections for both the joystick control and IOX-WRKS.
The Force America part number 1104107 - COM Port “Y” cable is available from Force America.

The IOX-WRKS primary port "must" connect to the serial port on the back of the Force America 5100EX with the HRN-FAI cable. Interference with the controller will occur if an improper cable is used.

Connect the IOX-WRKS primary port to the serial port on the Force America 5100EX using the HRN-FAI cable.
Power on the Force America 5100EX controller.
Enter the [Calibration] menu.
An access code may be required and can be obtained from your Force America representative.
Under the [Calibration > Config] menu, set [Event Logging] to "AVL".
Press "Ok" to save the setting and exit the calibration menu.
The Force America 5100EX controller is now configured to stream data to the IOX-WRKS.

Ensure the IOX-WRKS has the correct controller configuration loaded before proceeding to verification / simulation mode.

A computer can be used to confirm data is flowing from the serial port on the Force America 5100EX controller.
Connect your computer's COM port using a using the HRN-FAI cable to the serial port on the Force America 5100EX controller.
Open up a Terminal application, select the correct COM port on your computer and set the baud rate to "9600".
Press the green knob (on and off) on the controller to trigger an event change.
Each time the controller sends data you will be able to see it in the Terminal application.