MILESTONE ELECTRONICS
16 Contact Closure to 1 Serial Out
The ML-16CCS converts up to 16 contact closure inputs into RS232 serial output data. Each triggered contact sends a distinct ASCII command over the RS232 interface, enabling direct integration with control systems, automation equipment, and serial-capable devices.
- Supports 16 independent contact closure channels on a single RS232 output
- LED indication for power status and RS232 output activity
- Toggle switch enables dual-function operation per contact closure channel
- RS232 output via standard D9 female connector at the rear panel
- Input wiring via 4-pin captive screw connectors, each serving 2 channels
Max Resolution
1080p Full HD
Audio Input
Stereo Analogue
Output
Single HDMI
- In-house manufactured
- 24hr response
- 2,000+ clients served
Product Overview
What the ML-16CCS delivers
The ML-16CCS is a Contact Closure to RS232 Convertor designed to translate physical contact closure events into structured serial data. When any of the 16 contact closure channels is triggered, the unit sends a corresponding ASCII command through its RS232 output port, allowing serial-controlled devices and control systems to respond to physical switching events directly.
Input connections are made via 4-pin captive screw terminals, with each terminal block handling two channels. This configuration results in 8 screw input blocks for the 16 channels. The RS232 output is available from a D9 female connector on the rear panel, providing a standard interface for connection to control systems, automation hardware, and other RS232-capable equipment.
Communication over the RS232 output uses fixed parameters of 9600 baud, 8-bit data, 1 stop bit, and no parity. Each contact closure channel transmits a unique ASCII code on activation. Channels 1 through 9 transmit the codes 1! through 9! respectively, while channels 10 through 16 transmit a! through f! using a hexadecimal-style character sequence.
A rear-mounted toggle switch enables a dual-function mode per channel. When this switch is set to the ON position, operating a channel for the first time sends the standard single-contact code, and triggering the same channel a second time sends an alternate code. This allows a single physical contact to drive two distinct serial commands without requiring additional hardware.
Contact Closures
Screw Inputs
RS232 Output
Baud Rate
Data Format
Toggle Switch
Mains Input
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Key Features
16-channel contact closure to RS232 conversion
Plug-and-play operation with LED status indication, captive screw inputs, a rear D9 RS232 output, and a toggle switch for dual-function channel control.
16 Independent Contact Closure Channels
The ML-16CCS accepts up to 16 contact closure inputs, each mapped to a distinct RS232 output command. Every channel operates independently, allowing multiple physical switching events to be monitored and transmitted simultaneously over a single serial output.
- Channels 1 to 9 transmit codes 1! through 9!
- Channels 10 to 16 transmit codes a! through f!
- Each channel generates a unique ASCII command on activation
RS232 Output via D9 Female Connector
The serial output is provided through a standard D9 female connector on the rear panel. The Rx signal is available on pin 3 and GND on pin 5, making it directly compatible with a wide range of RS232-capable control systems, processors, and automation devices without requiring adapters.
- D9 female RS232 output on rear panel
- Rx on pin 3, GND on pin 5
- Compatible with standard RS232 control and automation equipment
Toggle Switch for Dual-Function Operation
A rear-mounted toggle switch enables each contact closure channel to send two different commands using a single physical contact. With the toggle switch set to ON, the first activation of a channel sends the standard single-contact code, and the second activation sends an alternate code, effectively doubling the command output from a single input point.
- Toggle ON: first trigger sends standard code, second trigger sends alternate code
- Channel 1 example: first activation sends 1!, second sends A!
- Enables dual-function control from a single contact closure
LED Indication for Power and RS232 Output
The unit includes LED indicators for both power status and RS232 output activity. These indicators allow the operator to confirm the device is powered and verify that serial data is being transmitted when a contact closure is triggered, supporting quick fault diagnosis during installation and operation.
- Separate LEDs for power and RS232 output status
- Visual confirmation of active transmission per trigger event
- Aids commissioning and fault identification in the field
4-Pin Captive Screw Input Terminals
Inputs are wired using 4-pin captive screw connectors, with each connector accommodating two contact closure channels. Eight such connectors handle all 16 channels. This termination method provides a secure, vibration-resistant connection suitable for fixed installations in control panels, equipment racks, and automation cabinets.
- 8 x 4-pin captive screw connectors, 2 channels per connector
- Each connector provides dedicated contact points per channel
- Suitable for fixed rack and panel installations
Plug and Play, Easy to Install
The ML-16CCS is designed for straightforward installation without complex configuration. The unit operates on 230V AC mains power and requires no software setup. Connect the contact closure inputs to the screw terminals and connect the D9 RS232 output to the target device to begin operation.
- No software configuration required
- Operates on standard 230V AC mains supply
- Immediate operation on power-up after wiring
Installation
Wiring inputs and connecting the RS232 output
The ML-16CCS uses captive screw terminals for contact closure inputs and a standard D9 female connector for RS232 output. Two installation configurations apply depending on whether the toggle switch is used.
01
Contact Closure Input Wiring
Each 4-pin captive screw connector carries two channels. For each channel, one pin is the signal contact point and one pin is the common (C). For Channel 1, pins 1 and C are used; for Channel 2, pins 2 and C are used, and so on for all 16 channels across the 8 connectors. Connect the contact closure device wiring to the corresponding numbered pin and its common pin on the screw block.
02
RS232 Output Connection
The RS232 output is available from the D9 female connector located on the rear panel. Connect pin 3 (Rx) and pin 5 (GND) to the RS232 input of the target control system or automation device. Set the receiving device to 9600 baud, 8-bit data, 1 stop bit, and no parity to match the fixed communication parameters of the ML-16CCS.
Where the ML-16CCS performs
Designed for professional environments where physical contact closure events must be converted into RS232 serial commands for integration with control systems, automation platforms, and serial-controlled equipment.
Building Automation and Control Panels
Convert dry contact outputs from switches, sensors, and panel buttons into RS232 commands for building management or automation controllers. The ML-16CCS interfaces directly between physical plant and serial control systems without requiring additional convertor hardware.
Conference Room and Boardroom AV Control
Trigger RS232 commands to AV switchers, displays, or presentation systems using wall panel buttons or touch switches. The toggle function allows a single button to control two separate AV states, such as source selection and display power, from one physical contact.
Digital Signage and Display Triggering
Send RS232 commands to digital signage media players or display controllers based on external contact events such as door sensors, push buttons, or motion detectors. Each of the 16 channels can trigger a distinct command, supporting complex multi-zone content control.
Security and Access Control Integration
Integrate dry contact outputs from access control panels, alarm systems, or security barriers with RS232-based control systems. The ML-16CCS provides a direct interface between physical security events and the serial command infrastructure of a security management system.
Industrial Machine Interfacing
Connect contact outputs from industrial machines, limit switches, or relay outputs to RS232-capable supervisory control equipment. The 16-channel capacity accommodates multiple machine states or process steps, enabling serial-based monitoring and control in production environments.
Broadcast and Studio Environment Control
Trigger RS232 commands to broadcast equipment, video routers, or studio control systems using tally buttons, cue contacts, or production panel inputs. The dual-function toggle mode enables a single contact to switch between two operational states within the same broadcast workflow.
Full specification sheet
- Model Information
- Contact Closure Inputs
- RS232 Output
- Communication Parameters
1
None
- ASCII Command Output
- Indicators and Controls
- Power
- DIP Switch ASCII Code Selection
#
@
%
&
?
=
:
FAQs about the ML-16CCS
What does the ML-16CCS do?
The ML-16CCS is a Contact Closure to RS232 Convertor. It accepts up to 16 contact closure inputs and converts each triggered input into a corresponding ASCII command transmitted over a single RS232 output. This enables physical switch or sensor events to directly control RS232-capable devices and automation systems.
What RS232 commands does the ML-16CCS send for each channel?
Each channel sends a unique ASCII code when triggered. Channels 1 through 9 transmit codes 1! through 9! respectively. Channels 10 through 16 transmit codes a! through f! using a hexadecimal character sequence. When the toggle switch on the rear panel is set to ON, each channel can also send a second alternate code on the next activation, for example channel 1 sends 1! on first trigger and A! on second trigger.
What are the communication parameters for the RS232 output?
The RS232 output of the ML-16CCS operates at a fixed baud rate of 9600, with 8-bit data, 1 stop bit, and no parity. The receiving RS232 device or control system must be configured to these same parameters to correctly interpret the transmitted commands.
How are the contact closure inputs connected to the ML-16CCS?
The 16 contact closure inputs are connected through 8 four-pin captive screw connectors, with each connector handling two channels. For each channel, the contact device wiring connects to the numbered signal pin and the corresponding Common (C) pin on the screw block. This captive screw termination ensures a secure, vibration-resistant connection suitable for permanent installations.
What does the toggle switch on the rear panel do?
The rear-panel toggle switch enables a dual-function mode for each contact closure channel. When the toggle switch is set to ON, activating a channel for the first time sends the standard single-contact ASCII code for that channel. Activating the same channel a second time sends an alternate code, effectively allowing one physical contact to trigger two different RS232 commands in alternating sequence. When the toggle switch is OFF, each activation always sends only the standard single-contact code.
How is the RS232 output connected to a control device?
The RS232 output is provided through a D9 female connector located on the rear panel of the unit. The Rx signal is on pin 3 and GND is on pin 5. Connect these pins to the corresponding RS232 input on the target control system or device. No additional interface hardware is required provided the receiving device accepts standard RS232 signalling at the specified communication parameters.
What is the purpose of the DIP switch setting on the ML-16CCS?
The DIP switch on the ML-16CCS allows the ASCII termination character appended to each channel command to be changed from the default exclamation mark to an alternative character. Eight combinations of the four DIP switches select different termination characters including #, @, %, &, ?, = and : in addition to the default !. This allows the ML-16CCS to match the command format expected by the specific control system or device it is connected to.
Is the ML-16CCS compatible with other models in the CCS range?
Yes. The Contact Closure to RS232 Convertor is available in four models: the ML-4CCS for 4 channels, ML-8CCS for 8 channels, ML-12CCS for 12 channels, and the ML-16CCS for 16 channels. All models share the same operating principle, RS232 output interface, LED indication, and toggle switch functionality. The choice of model depends on the number of contact closure inputs required for a given installation.
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