# Creating a Programmable RS-232 Interface String

The RS-232 programmable interface string consists of the following parts:

- Initialization string, if required by the PBX.

- Reply string, if required by the PBX.

- Any of the applicable indicator-on or indicator-off request strings (pre-DN ON, pre-DN OFF, post-DN ON, post-DN OFF, ending trailer string).

To create a string of ASCII codes for the RS-232 programmable interface:

1. From the navigation tree, click Offline Configuration > Edit Offline Configuration. The Offline Configuration navigation tree opens.

2. When prompted to Duplicate Active Configuration, click Yes.

3. Click External Applications.

4. Select the Serial port (1-2) or IP port (1-4) to program.

5. In the Application list, select Programmable.

6. In the Initialization String field, enter the ASCII string (0-30 characters ) required by the PBX, or a period (.) to delete an existing string. To create the string, consult the PBX operating manual or the PBX vendor for the correct code, and use the ASCII Characters table at the end of this procedure.

7. In the Reply String field, enter the ASCII string (0-30 characters ) sent by the PBX, or a period (.) to delete an existing string. To create the string, consult the PBX operating manual or the PBX vendor for the correct code, and use Table 1 at the end of this procedure.

8. In the Delay Between Requests field, set the delay time between successive message waiting indicators requests in seconds (0-255).

9. In the Pre-DN ON String field, perform the action that corresponds to the following PBX behavior:

   - If the PBX requires the string before the directory number (sometimes called extension number), create an ASCII string (0-30 characters) using the characters in the table at the end of this procedure.

   - If the PBX sends the string after the directory number:

     - enter a period (.) to delete an existing string, if necessary.

     - enter values for the Post-DN ON String and Post-DN OFF String parameters.

10. In the Pre-DN OFF String field, perform the action that corresponds to the following PBX behavior:

    - If the PBX requires the string before the directory number, create an ASCII string (0-30 characters) using the characters in Table 1.

    - If the PBX sends the string after the directory number:

      - enter a period (.) to delete an existing string, if necessary.

      - enter values for the Post-DN ON String and Post-DN OFF String parameters.

11. In the Post-DN ON String field, perform the action that corresponds to the following PBX behavior:

    - If the PBX requires the string before the directory number, create an ASCII string (0-30 characters) using the characters in Table 1.

    - If the PBX sends the string after the directory number:

      - enter a period (.) to delete an existing string, if necessary.

      - enter values for the Post-DN ON String and Post-DN OFF String parameters.

12. In the Post-DN OFF String field, perform the action that corresponds to the following PBX behavior:

    - If the PBX requires the string before the directory number, create an ASCII string (0-30 characters) using the characters in Table 1.

    - If the PBX sends the string after the directory number:

      - enter a period (.) to delete an existing string, if necessary.

      - enter values for the Post-DN ON String and Post-DN OFF String parameters.

13. To use the Department Code as the DN for MWI (i.e. when the directory number differs from the mailbox number ) select the Department Code as DN check box. (Note: If Department Code is not configured, MWI lights on the mailbox number.)

14. To send the number of unplayed messages through the RS-232 interface after the directory number in a message light-on request, select the Unplayed Number Sent check box.

15. To set the time for delays between the post-DN OFF string and ending trailer string, enter the number of seconds (0-255) in the Delay After Post-DN String field.

16. In the Ending Trailing String field, perform the action that corresponds to the following PBX behavior:

    - If the PBX requires this string, create an ASCII string (0-30 characters) using the characters in the table below.

    - If the PBX does not require this string, enter a period (.) to delete an existing string.

17. Click Save.

18. In the navigation tree, select Commit Changes and Exit. Confirm the commit. Your changes are now saved to the duplicate (inactive) configuration. Configuration changes will not take effect until you have activated the inactive configuration.

ASCII Characters

Character | Explanation
--- | ---
\b | Backspace
\f | Form feed
\n | New line
\r | Carriage return
\t | Tab
\\ | Backslash
\" | Double quotes
\? | Question mark

Parent topic: Programming (Web Console)