Crestron C2N-NPA8 User Manual
Crestron C2N-NPA8
Network Poll Accelerator
Operations Guide
This document was prepared and written by the Technical Documentation department at:
Crestron Electronics, Inc.
15 Volvo Drive
Rockleigh, NJ 07647
1-888-CRESTRON
All brand names, product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
©2004 Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Crestron C2N-NPA8 Network Poll Accelerator
Contents
Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 1
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
Features and Functions................................................................................................ 1
Specifications ..............................................................................................................2
Physical Description.................................................................................................... 3
Compatible Control Systems....................................................................................... 6
Industry Compliance ...................................................................................................7
Setup .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Network Wiring........................................................................................................... 7
Mounting Options........................................................................................................8
Hardware Hookup .......................................................................................................9
C2N-NPA8-Control System Communications.......................................................... 13
System Monitoring/Diagnostics with the C2N-NPA8...............................................17
Adding a C2N-NPA8 Without a Program................................................................. 18
Programming Software............................................................................................................19
Earliest Version Software Requirements for the PC .................................................19
Serial Connection Between the Control System and C2N-NPA8 .............................20
Ethernet Connection Between the Control System and C2N-NPA8......................... 21
Uploading and Upgrading........................................................................................................ 22
Communication Settings ...........................................................................................22
Uploading a SIMPL Windows Program.................................................................... 24
Updating the Operating System.................................................................................26
Problem Solving ......................................................................................................................27
Troubleshooting the C2N-NPA8............................................................................... 27
Further Inquiries........................................................................................................ 30
Future Updates ..........................................................................................................30
Software License Agreement................................................................................................... 31
Return and Warranty Policies.................................................................................................. 33
Merchandise Returns / Repair Service ......................................................................33
CRESTRON Limited Warranty.................................................................................33
Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A Contents • i
Crestron C2N-NPA8 Network Poll Accelerator
Network Poll Accelerator:
C2N-NPA8
Introduction
Features and Functions
The Crestron® Network Poll Accelerator (C2N-NPA8) is a device that maintains
high data throughput and low data latency via Cresnet® when a large number of
Cresnet devices communicate with a single 2-Series control system. When connected
to select Crestron 2-Series control systems via a high speed serial or Ethernet
connection, the C2N-NPA8 can provide reliable, high-speed communications
between the control system and up to 252 Cresnet devices.
Functional Summary
• Reliable, high-speed communications between select Crestron 2-Series
control systems and up to 252 Cresnet devices
• Eight segments with four mini-Cresnet connectors per segment
• Independently operated segments provide fault tolerance should an
individual segment fail
• Communicates with select 2-Series control systems via high-speed
serial or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet (refer to “Compatible Control
Systems” on page 6 for a list of compatible control systems)
• Console function to configure device settings and monitor diagnostics
via DB-9 RS-232 connector
• Each Cresnet ID can be viewed with the Network Analyzer
Placing a large amount of Cresnet devices on a control system can slow down
polling time as each Cresnet device is polled sequentially by the control system. By
breaking down the Cresnet system into segments, multiple segments can be polled
simultaneously by the control system, hence improving response time.
Similarly, high-traffic devices such as touchpanels, camera controls, and other
devices require more network bandwidth as they transmit and receive larger amounts
of data. By placing these devices on their own segments, other segments can be used
for low-traffic devices such as wall keypads allowing Cresnet traffic to flow more
efficiently.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 • 1
Network Poll Accelerator Crestron C2N-NPA8
The C2N-NPA8 is typically recommended for networks with 20 or more devices
(not including button panels). Consult with Crestron's True Blue Support to
determine if a C2N-NPA8 would be beneficial to your system.
The C2N-NPA8 is comprised of 32 Cresnet connectors spread over eight segments
(NET A – NET H). These segments, along with the Cresnet port on the control
system allow the connection of up to 252 Cresnet devices.
The C2N-NPA8 is powered by a 24 VDC signal (from a 2-Series control system or
Crestron power supply) applied to the 3-position mini-terminal block connector on
either the NET A or NET B segments. Power is provided to the other segments by
connecting jumper wires to each segment that requires power. Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs) indicate power and communication activity on each segment.
For detailed information on the C2N-NPA8 input and output ports/connectors, refer
to “Physical Description”.
Specifications
Specifications for the C2N-NPA8 are provided below.
C2N-NPA8 Network Poll Accelerator Specifications
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Power Requirements 10 Watts (0.42 Amp @ 24VDC)
Connectors/Ports
PWR
NET
LAN
COMPUTER
COM
Cresnet Devices Supported 2521
Firmware V3105.CUZ or later
Control System Update Files
2-Series Control System
MP2/MP2E/MC2E/MC2W
Environmental Temperature 41° to 113°F (5° to 45°C)
Humidity 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Rack Space 3 Rack Units when used with optional C2N-RMAK
Dimensions & Weight Height: 5.19 in (13.18 cm)
1. A control system can address 252 devices (NET IDs 03 to FE).
2. The latest versions can be obtained from the Downloads | Software Updates section of the Crestron
website (www.crestron.com). Refer to NOTE below.
3. Crestron 2-Series control systems include the AV2, PAC2, PRO2, and RACK2. For a complete list
of compatible control systems, refer to “Compatible Control Systems” on page 6.
2,3
Supplied from control system or Crestron power
supply
8 – 3-position mini-terminal block connector. Provides
24V input (from power supply or powered segment)
and 24V output (to segment on C2N-NPA8). One per
segment.
32 – Cresnet 4-position mini-terminal block
connectors, divided over 8 segments
1 – RJ45 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port
1 – DB9F PC Interface for console functions
1 – DB9F Interface for high-speed serial connection to
control system
Version C2.V3112.CUZ or later
Version MP2.V3112.CUZ or later
Width: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)
Depth: 3.42 in (8.69 cm)
Weight: 1.91 lb (0.87 kg)
NOTE: Crestron software and any files on the website are for Authorized Crestron
dealers and Crestron Authorized Independent Programmers (CAIP) only. New users
may be required to register to obtain access to certain areas of the site (including the
FTP site).
2 • Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A
Crestron C2N-NPA8 Network Poll Accelerator
Physical Description
The C2N-NPA8 Network Poll Accelerator is housed in a black enclosure with
labeling on the front panel. Refer to the following illustrations for a detailed view.
C2N-NPA8 Physical View
C2N-NPA8 Physical Views
12.25 in
(31.12 cm)
5.19 in
4.00 in
12.75 in
(32.39 cm)
13.25 in
(33.66 cm)
3.00 in
(7.62 cm)
(10.16 cm)
(13.18 cm)
3.42 in
(8.69 cm)
Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 • 3
Network Poll Accelerator Crestron C2N-NPA8
Ports/Connectors
The ports/connectors on the top panel of the C2N-NPA8 are described in the
following paragraphs.
NOTE: Interface connectors for the PWR and NET ports are provided with the
C2N-NPA8.
NET A - H
These eight segments provide 32 standard (24 Y Z G) Cresnet connectors (in groups
of four) for Cresnet device connections. Each group of four supports 32 electrical
Cresnet connections.
NOTE: Although there are eight segments with four connectors each, a control
system can only address 252 devices (03 through FE).
POWER
These connectors (quantity eight) are used to supply 24VDC power to each segment
as well as providing a jumping point for powering another segment on the
C2N-NPA8. To power the C2N-NPA8, 24VDC power must be supplied to a Cresnet
connector or the power connector on NET A or NET B. For more details, refer to
“Power Connections” on page 12.
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment. Failure to do
so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron warranty.
LAN
An 8-position RJ45 port is used for an Ethernet connection to a control system with
Ethernet capabilities. Refer to the following table for the Ethernet connector signals
and use an appropriate cable (not supplied). For information on connecting the LAN
port to a control system, refer to “Configuring for TCP/IP Communications” on
page 15.
NOTE: Only one C2N-NPA8 can be connected to a control system.
LAN Connector Specifications
8
To p
Front
1
8
1
TYPE PIN SIGNALS
8-Position
RJ45
1 TD+
2 TD3 RD+
4 Connected to pin 5
5 Connected to pin 4
6 RD7 Connected to pin 8
8 Connected to pin7
NOTE: To determine which is pin 1 on the cable, hold the cable so that the end of
the eight pin modular jack is facing away from you, with the clip down and copper
side up. Pin 1 is on the far left.
4 • Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A
Crestron C2N-NPA8 Network Poll Accelerator
COMPUTER
COMPUTER
This DB9 (female) connector is used for console purposes. The C2N-NPA8’s
Ethernet configuration settings and diagnostics can be accessed through this port. The
port is modem compatible. The modem and/or PC program cable are not included.
Supports baud rate of up to 115 Kb. Use with a standard DB9 straight through cable
(Crestron cable number CNSP-587 or equivalent). Refer to the following table for the
cable pinouts. For information on establishing serial communications with the
C2N-NPA8, refer to “Establish a Serial Connection” on page 14.
Standard DB9 Pin Assignments
PIN # ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION
1 N/A Not Connected
2 RD Receive Data
3 TD Transmit Data
4 N/A Not Connected
5 SG Signal Ground
6 N/A Not Connected
7 RTS Request To Send
8 CTS Clear To Send
9 N/A Not Connected
Male DB9 Connector
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
Female DB9 Connector
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
NOTE: DTR, pin 4 and DSR, pin 6 are not normally used.
COM
This DB9 (female) bi-directional serial port is used for high-speed serial
communication between a control system and the C2N-NPA8. Use with a DB9
straight through cable (Crestron cable number CNSP-587 or equivalent).
NOTE: Crestron has successfully tested 50-foot serial cable runs without loss of
signal quality. Cable runs in excess of 50 feet may be subject to signal degradation
or errors as cable length increases.
NOTE: Only one C2N-NPA8 can be connected to a control system.
Indicators
The C2N-NPA8 indicators are described in the following paragraphs.
NET A - H
The eight NET (A-H) activity LEDs illuminate when a device on the respective
segment transmits and/or receives data.
PWR (Power)
This LED illuminates when a segment is connected to and receives 24 VDC power
from an external power pack or a Crestron control system.
LNK
This LED illuminates when there is a connection to the LAN port.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 • 5
Network Poll Accelerator Crestron C2N-NPA8
ACT
This LED illuminates when there is communication (activity) at the LAN port with
an Ethernet network.
ERR
This LED illuminates when an error condition is detected. This may be the result of
hardware or software failure, or a programming error. To determine the actual error
condition, examine the message available through the Viewport menu
Functions | 2-Series | Error Log | Show Error Log. Refer to the note on page 22
for a definition of Viewport.
Compatible Control Systems
The C2N-NPA8 is compatible with several Crestron 2-series control systems.
However, not all of the 2-series products are compatible with the C2N-NPA8. The
following table lists 2-series control systems (that are currently available as of this
writing) that are compatible with the C2N-NPA8 as well as the communication
methods that can be used.
Processor Compatibility
PROCESSOR SERIAL ETHERNET
AV2 YES1 YES4
C2N-DVP4DI NO YES
CNX-DVP4 NO YES
CP2 YES3 NO
CP2E YES3 YES
MC2E YES3 YES
MC2W YES3 NO
MP2 YES3 NO
MP2E YES3 YES
PAC2 NO YES4
PRO2 YES1 YES4
QM-RMC NO NO
QM-RMCRX NO NO
RACK2 NO YES4
1. COM ports C through F are poll accelerator-ready
2. COM ports A through C are poll accelerator-ready
3. COM ports A and B are poll accelerator-ready
4. Requires installation of C2ENET-1 or C2ENET-2 Ethernet card.
NOTE: Control systems cannot use a plug in serial card (i.e. a C2COM-3) to
communicate with the C2N-NPA8.
6 • Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A
Crestron C2N-NPA8 Network Poll Accelerator
Industry Compliance
As of the date of manufacture, the C2N-NPA8 has been tested and found to comply
with specifications for CE marking and standards per EMC and
Radiocommunications Compliance Labelling (N11785).
NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Setup
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Network Wiring
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment. Failure to
do so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron warranty.
CAUTION: Provide sufficient power to the system. Insufficient power can lead to
unpredictable results or damage to the equipment. Please use the Crestron Power
Calculator (http://www.crestron.com/ dealer-tech_resources/power_calculator.asp) to
help calculate how much power is needed for the system.
CAUTION: Possible equipment damage if miswired.
NOTE: When installing network wiring, refer to the latest revision of the wiring
diagram(s) appropriate to your specific system configuration, available from the
Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 • 7
Network Poll Accelerator Crestron C2N-NPA8
Downloads | Product Manuals | Wiring Diagrams section of the Crestron website
(www.crestron.com).
NOTE: Do not power up system until all wiring is verified. Care should be taken to
ensure data (Y, Z) and power (24, G) connections are not crossed.
NOTE: All network wiring must consist of two twisted-pairs. One twisted pair is
the +24V conductor and the GND conductor and the other twisted pair is the Y
conductor and the Z conductor.
When calculating the wire gauge for a particular network run, the length of the run
and the power factor of each network unit to be connected must be taken into
consideration. If network units are to be daisy-chained on the run, the power factor
of each network unit to be daisy-chained must be added together to determine the
power factor of the entire chain. The length of the run in feet and the power factor of
the run should be used in the following resistance equation to calculate the value on
the right side of the equation.
Resistance Equation
R = Resistance (refer to table below).
R <
40,000
L x PF
Where:
L = Length of run (or chain) in feet .
PF = Power factor of entire run (or chain).
The required wire gauge should be chosen such that the resistance value is less than
the value calculated in the resistance equation. Refer to the following table.
Wire Gauge Values
RESISTANCE (R) WIRE GAUGE
4
6
10
15
13
8.7
16
18
20
22
Doubled CAT5
Tripled CAT5
NOTE: When daisy-chaining Cresnet units, strip the ends of the wires carefully to
avoid nicking the conductors. Twist together the ends of the wires that share a pin on
the network connector, and tin the twisted connection. Apply solder only to the ends
of the twisted wires. Avoid tinning too far up the wires or the end becomes brittle.
Insert the tinned connection into the Cresnet connector and tighten the retaining
screw. Repeat the procedure for the other three conductors.
Mounting Options
Rack Mounting
There is a rack mount kit for the C2N-NPA8 known as C2N-RMAK. For installation
instructions, refer to the latest version of the Installation Guide (Doc. 6131) which is
available from the Crestron website (www.crestron.com).
CAEN Enclosure Mounting
The C2N-NPA8 can also be installed in a Crestron Automation Enclosure (CAEN).
To install the C2N-NPA8 in a CAEN enclosure, the CAEN Mounting Kit (CAEN-
8 • Network Poll Accelerator: C2N-NPA8 Operations Guide – DOC. 6087A
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