Crestron RACK2 User Manual
Crestron RACK2
2-Series Card Cage System
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.
©2003 Crestron Electronics, Inc
Crestron RACK2 2-Series Card Cage System
Contents
2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 1
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
Features and Functions................................................................................................ 1
Physical Description.................................................................................................... 4
On-Board Memory ....................................................................................................16
Expandable Memory (Compact Flash)...................................................................... 17
Industry Compliance .................................................................................................18
Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Rack Mounting .......................................................................................................... 18
Network Wiring......................................................................................................... 19
Hardware Hookup .....................................................................................................20
Establishing Communication with the RACK2.........................................................21
Troubleshooting Communications ............................................................................23
Compiling and Uploading a Program to the Control System .................................... 25
Uploading Web Pages to the RACK2 .......................................................................26
Uploading Touchpanel Projects via the RACK2....................................................... 27
Updating the Operating System.................................................................................27
Running Programs From Compact Flash ..................................................................28
Other Compact-Flash-Related Functions ..................................................................28
Advanced Console Commands..................................................................................28
Programming ...........................................................................................................................29
Programming with the Crestron AppBuilder.............................................................30
Programming with SIMPL Windows........................................................................ 30
Programming the LCD Screen .................................................................................. 34
Problem Solving ......................................................................................................................39
Possible Problems with the Control System.............................................................. 39
Serial Communication Difficulties with Other Devices Connected to the Control
System .......................................................................................................................41
Further Inquiries........................................................................................................ 44
Firmware Upgrades ...................................................................................................44
Future Updates ..........................................................................................................44
Software License Agreement................................................................................................... 45
Return and Warranty Policies.................................................................................................. 47
Merchandise Returns / Repair Service ......................................................................47
CRESTRON Limited Warranty.................................................................................47
Operation Guide – DOC. 5958 Contents • i
Crestron RACK2 2-Series Card Cage System
2-Series Card Cage System:
RACK2
Introduction
Features and Functions
The RACK2 is an integral part of the Crestron® 2-Series generation of control
system technology featuring the newest series of Ethernet/LAN compatible control
systems. The RACK2 is a modular “card cage” control system that includes the
CPU2 (central processing unit) and the NET2 (Cresnet
RACK2 offers the ultimate in flexibility and customization. Sixteen expansion cards
may be added to the RACK2. The variety of available 2-Series and X-Generation
expansion cards provides a very high degree of functionality; therefore making this
type of system suitable for relatively large systems. The RACK2 requires an external
power supply (CNPWS-75 not included).
Functional Summary
• Powered by 2-Series control engine.
• 36 MB of internal memory.
• 4 GB expansion slot for Type II compact flash and IBM Microdrive
disk drive.
• A multifunction LCD screen (which can be programmed as a local panel
interface) displays front panel diagnostics, system errors, and monitors
expansion slots.
• RS-232 computer connection (with front and rear ports) for processor
communication.
• One Cresnet port on CPU2 (supplies power to the RACK2).
®
communications hub). The
®
hard
• Built-in Cresnet Hub Expander, eight connectors – 100% compatible with
all existing network devices and touchpanels.
• Supports SIMPL
• Four Z-Bus expansion slots and twelve Y-Bus expansion slots.
• Rack mountable, ears included.
Operation Guide – DOC. 5958 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 • 1
Windows & SIMPL+® program applications.
2-Series Card Cage System Crestron RACK2
The RACK2 is a completely new solution-driven control technology that is also a
network information control system. With its exclusive solutions card frame and
built-in Cresnet expander hub (NET2), it's the highly configurable solution for even
the most sophisticated A/V applications like media help desks, command and control
centers, distance learning, and head ends. At the heart of the RACK2 is the
breakthrough 2-Series Control Engine, based on the hot new 257 MIPS, 32-bit
Motorola ColdFire
expansion slot that supports off-the-shelf Type II compact flash memory and the
IBM Microdrive
files, room and equipment profiles, upgrades, databases and schedules.
Crestron's unique dual bus system, with its high-speed I/O bus architecture, provides
blazing fast throughput, system wide. This dual bus architecture allows the ultimate
in control card custom configuration, and also allows you to upgrade to new, higher
performance expansion cards while still using your existing cards and software
programs. The 40Mb/s Y-Bus supports up to 12, X-Generation and 2-Series control
cards in its solutions card frame and serves as the pipeline for IR, serial
communications and relays.
NOTE: The X-Generation CNXCOM-2 card is not supported.
The 300Mb/s Z-Bus is designed to support up to four super high-speed expansion
cards. Optional Z-Bus cards include: C2ENET-1: Single Port 10/100 BaseT
Ethernet, or C2ENET-2: Dual Port WAN-LAN-10/100 BaseT Ethernet. Future
support will include: USB, USBII, FireWire, or disc drive array. The dual port
Ethernet card has a built-in firewall, which delivers the ultimate in security with onboard Network Address Translator (NAT) and router functions. It supports dynamic
and static IP addressing and full duplex TCP/IP and UDP/IP, and offers a WAN port
for Internet and corporate-wide communications and a LAN port for room and A/V
private network use. The built-in web server provides the ultimate in help desk
functions, and uses memory storage on a compact flash card for remote access and
control.
®
processor. Onboard 34MB memory is enhanced with a 4GB
®
hard disk drive, for on-board storage of program and touchpanel
The built-in eight-port Cresnet expander hub (NET2) serves as a repeater, splitter
and wiring block. It allows the connection of hundreds of additional controlled
devices and extended network cabling runs.
The 2-Series real-time operating system is vastly upgraded, yet compatible with
existing Crestron software and programming. A key feature is the new Crestron
Compiler, which allows any existing Crestron SIMPL Windows control program to
be easily recompiled for the 2-Series. The real-time, preemptive multi-tasking/multithreaded operating system offers a FAT32 file system with long file names for easy
and open file management. And the enhanced SIMPL+
®
instruction set is also fully
compatible with existing Crestron SIMPL Windows and SIMPL+ programs.
With its blinding speed, massive memory and revolutionary Dual Bus architecture,
the RACK2 is built from the ground up for high performance, secure Internet
communications and dynamic expansion capabilities. Designed for reliability and
reinforced by Crestron's True Blue Customer Support, it is part of the complete
Crestron line of advanced solutions for audio/video/Internet distribution and control.
2 • 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 Operations Guide – DOC. 5958
Crestron RACK2 2-Series Card Cage System
Specifications
The following table provides a summary of RACK2 specifications.
Specifications of the RACK2
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
CPU (CPU2 card included) 32-Bit Motorola ColdFire® Processor
Processor Speed 257 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1 Benchmark)
Onboard Memory 36MB (4MB flash, 32MB DRAM, 256KB NVRAM)1
Expandable Memory Compact Flash Slot (up to 4GB) accepts standard
Expansion Slots (16 Slots)
Z-BUS
Y-BUS 12 Expansion Card Slots
Ports/Connectors
NET (CPU2)
COMPUTER (CPU2 and RACK2) 2 – DB9F PC interface (front and rear panel access)
Hub (NET2 card included) 8 – Net connectors A through H
PWR (NET2) 2 – Power connectors for hub
Power Requirements 24 VDC supplied from an external power supply (not
Reset Buttons HWR - Initiates system hardware reset
LCD Screen Reverse mode (yellow on black) LCD backlight;
Environmental Temperature 41° to 113°F (5° to 45°C)
Environmental Humidity 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Dimensions & Weight Height: 7.0 in (17.78 cm)
1 Refer to “On-Board Memory” on page 16.
2 NOTE: The total load factor of the RACK2 depends on the components of the control system. Add
the power requirements of the RACK2 (which includes the CPU2 and NET2) plus the combined
requirements of all expansion cards. Do not exceed 75 watts for total load factor of a single RACK2.
3 Listed weight is for RACK2 with CPU2 and NET2 (no other expansion cards installed).
Type II Compact Flash or IBM Microdrive®
1 Ethernet Expansion Card Slot
(plus 3 future Ethernet expansion slots)
1 – Cresnet 4-wire interface (Expandable via Cresnet
Poll Accelerator)
included). Total load factor for the RACK2 with CPU
and NET2 is 12 watts
Requires CNPWS-75 (not included)
SWR – Program Restart / Program Bypass
2 lines, up to 40 characters per line
Width: 19.0 in (48.26 cm) – with ears
17.03 in (43.24 cm) – without ears
Depth: 8.50 in (21.60 cm)
Weight: 9.50 lb (4.32 kg)3
2
NOTE: RACK2 requires the NET2 and CPU2 cards to always be present.
Operation Guide – DOC. 5958 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 • 3
2-Series Card Cage System Crestron RACK2
Physical Description
The RACK2 is housed in a black enclosure with silk-screened labels on the front
panel. On the front panel are:
• A single RS-232 computer port (in parallel with the port on the rear panel)
• Standard LEDs: PWR, NET and ERR
• Local Area Network LEDs: LAN A and B LNK and ACT
• Interface Control Card Slot LEDs: 1 through 16
• Two reset buttons
• A reverse (green characters on a black background) LCD screen with menu
function and selection buttons
RACK2 Front View
4 • 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 Operations Guide – DOC. 5958
Crestron RACK2 2-Series Card Cage System
The rear panel provides 16 open expansion card slots and contains the CPU2
processor and the NET2 Cresnet Hub interface.
• One Cresnet connector (on CPU2).
• A single RS-232 computer port (in parallel with the port on the front panel).
• Memory expansion slot (on CPU2).
• Two banks of four Cresnet network mini connectors (A through H) with
LED activity indicators (on NET2).
• Two mini power supply connectors with LED power indicators (on NET2).
RACK2 Rear View (Shown with optional Z-Bus and Y-Bus cards installed)
Operation Guide – DOC. 5958 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 • 5
2-Series Card Cage System Crestron RACK2
RACK2 Physical View – Front
6.97 in.
(17.70 cm)
17.28 in.
(43.89 cm)
RACK2 Physical View – Side
8.50 in.
(21.59 cm)
6 • 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 Operations Guide – DOC. 5958
Crestron RACK2 2-Series Card Cage System
RACK2 Physical View – Rear
Memory Expansion Slot
MEMORY
EXPANSION
Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Z Bus
Y Bus
65 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Four rubber feet (supplied) can be affixed to the bottom of the RACK2 to provide
stability and to prevent slippage when mounted on a flat surface. The unit may also
be rack mounted by attaching metal flanges, known as ears (supplied), to each end.
Expansion Slots
The 16 open card cage slots accept 2-Series and most X-Generation expansion cards.
Slots 1 through 4 accept Ethernet Z-Bus cards, either the C2ENET-1 or C2ENET-2.
These are network interface cards that connect the 2-Series control system to the
Ethernet network. Each of the following cards provides 254 IP IDs for Ethernet
devices.
NOTE: Even though four slots are available, only ONE C2ENET card may be
installed in slot 1. The remaining three slots (2, 3, and 4) are for future expansion.
• The C2ENET-1 card provides one LAN port with an RJ-45 connector for
connecting to the Ethernet network.
• The C2ENET-2 card provides two LAN ports and a network address
translator. This allows a private sub-network to be created within a larger
LAN. Here the LAN A side of the C2ENET-2 card has one public IP
address that is visible to the larger network, while the LAN B side consists
of private IP addresses not visible to the larger network. In this way, the
sub-network of controlled Ethernet devices can be configured without need
to obtain multiple IP addresses from a network administrator or ISP.
Slots 5 through 16 accept X-Generation and 2-Series Y-Bus cards.
NOTE: The X-Generation CNXCOM-2 card is not supported.
Operation Guide – DOC. 5958 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 • 7
2-Series Card Cage System Crestron RACK2
RACK2 Ports
There is only one port on the front panel of RACK2, labeled COMPUTER. All of the
other ports are on the rear side.
C
O
M
P
U
T
E
R
FRONT PANEL
COMPUTER
REAR PANEL
COMPUTER
These 9-pin DB9 female connectors (one on the front panel and one on the rear panel
in the CPU2 section) are used when programming the RACK2 with a PC. A standard
DB9 female (PC end) to DB9 male (RACK2 end) straight-through serial cable (not
supplied) is used to communicate with either COMPUTER port. The ports are
electrically connected and are modem compatible. The modem cable is not included.
NOTE: For RS-232, pins 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are wired straight through. Data Set
Ready (DSR) and Data Terminal Ready (DTR) are not supported.
Standard DB9 Pin Assignments
PIN # ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION
1 DCD
2 RD Receive Data
3 TD Transmit Data
4 DTR
5 SG Signal Ground
6 DSR Data Set Ready
7 RTS Request To Send
8 CTS Clear To Send
9 Ring Ring Indicator
Data Carrier
Detect
Data Terminal
Ready
Male DB9 Connector
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
Female DB9 Connector
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
NET
NET
GY24 Z
The master Cresnet port on the back of CPU2 is a 4-wire male connector (typical
Crestron network port labeled 24 Y Z G), and is used for expansion to Cresnet
peripherals and to supply Cresnet (power and control) to the NET2 Cresnet
communications hub.
Refer to the NET2 explanation that follows.
Refer to “Network Wiring” on page 19 for additional Cresnet wiring details.
8 • 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 Operations Guide – DOC. 5958
Crestron RACK2 2-Series Card Cage System
NET2
The NET2 eight 4-pin mini-Cresnet ports, arranged in two rows of four, comprise
the Cresnet hub. The Y and Z data lines of all eight ports are wired in parallel to a
common packet switching device on the NET2 card. Each group of four connectors
(A through D and E through H) is powered by their respective 3-pin mini power
connector (PWR) located to the right of each row of connectors.
A
24 Y Z G 24 Y Z G 24 Y Z G 24 Y Z G
EF
24 Y Z G 24 Y Z G 24 Y Z G 24 Y Z G
BC
G
D
H
G
INT
EXT
P
W
R
NOTE: Do not operate RACK2 when NET2 is not installed.
The RACK2 system offers a great deal of data and power connection flexibility.
Control Connections
You may choose to control the NET2 hub using the CPU2 or you may use an
external control system. Twisted pair wire is recommended for hookup.
NET
24 Y Z G
NET
24 Y Z G
CPU
CPU
A
24 Y Z G
EF
24 Y Z G
B
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
C
24 Y Z G
G
24 Y Z G
2
D
24 Y Z G
H
24 Y Z G
G
INT
EXT
P
W
R
NET
2
External Y and Z Connection (G is common)
for Hub Control by CPU2
A
24 Y Z G
EF
24 Y Z G
B
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
C
24 Y Z G
G
24 Y Z G
2
D
24 Y Z G
H
24 Y Z G
G
INT
EXT
P
W
R
NET
2
External Y, Z and G Connection for
Hub Control by Another Controller
NET
24 Y Z G
Operation Guide – DOC. 5958 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 • 9
2-Series Card Cage System Crestron RACK2
Power Connections
Power from the 24 VDC pin of the NET connector on the CPU2 is internally wired
to the INT terminal (24 VDC) of each PWR mini connector.
The G (ground) terminal of the CPU2 NET terminal is internally common to all hub
connectors and the CPU2.
The EXT terminal of the PWR mini connector on the NET2 hub is internally wired
to the 24 VDC terminals of the mini-Cresnet connectors in each group of four hub
ports.
To supply power to the NET2 hub using a CNPWS-75 power supply connected to
the NET terminal on CPU2, a jumper is required (supplied) from the INT terminal to
the EXT terminal.
Power Connection for the Hub using a CNPWS-75 Connected to CPU2
D
24 Y Z G
H
24 Y Z G
Jumper Required from INT to EXT
to Apply 24 VDC to each group of
G
INT
EXT
P
W
R
NET
four hub connectors
2
NET
24 Y Z G
GND
24 VDC
From Cresnet
Power Supply
CNPWS-75
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
CPU
2
All Grounds are Common
A
EF
B
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
C
G
If the power needed for a hub segment exceeds the power available from the power
supply (75 watts, max.) connected to the CPU2, remove the jumper from the 3-pin
mini connector to disconnect the internal power supply, then connect the (Crestron
24 VDC - regulated power supply) 24 VDC to the EXT terminal and ground to the G
terminal.
NOTE: If a device or a Cresnet network connected to a hub segment has its own
power source, do not make any connection to the applicable POWER port. Although
equipment damage is unlikely, Crestron does not recommend applying two power
sources to the same circuit.
Depending on the power requirements, you can connect additional power supplies in
the following manner.
• An additional power supply for one group of four hub connectors (using the
CPU2 power for the other group of four hub mini-connectors)
• An additional power supply for each group of hub connectors
(disconnecting the CPU2 power supply from NET2)
Refer to the following diagram.
10 • 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 Operations Guide – DOC. 5958
Crestron RACK2 2-Series Card Cage System
Example of External Power Connections for the NET2 Hub – Using an Additional Power
Supply for a Group of Four Mini Hub Connectors
D
24 Y Z G
H
24 Y Z G
Ground to G
G
INT
EXT
P
W
R
NET
GND
24 VDC
From Cresnet
Power Supply
CNPWS-75
2
NET
24 Y Z G
GND
24 VDC
From Cresnet
Power Supply
CNPWS-75
CPU
2
A
24 Y Z G
EF
24 Y Z G
B
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
Remove Jumper and Connect External
Power Supply 24 VDC to EXT and
24 Y Z G
24 Y Z G
C
G
Reset Buttons
Two reset buttons are provided on the front panel of the RACK2.
HW-R
Pressing this button initiates system hardware reset. (Same effect as disconnecting
and reconnecting power.)
SW-R
Pressing this button in combination with the HW-R button performs a system restart
without loading the program (refer to “Troubleshooting Communications” on page
23). Pressing it alone momentarily while the system is running restarts the program.
RACK2 Indicators
There are 23 LED indicators on the front panel of the RACK2 and 10 LED indicators
on the rear panel.
PWR
This LED illuminates when the RACK2 receives power from the external power
supply (sold separately).
NET
This LED illuminates when the CPU is processing data or communicating with
system hardware. Examples include: a button pressed at the local or a network panel,
data being sent out of either serial port.
ERR
This LED illuminates when one or more error conditions are detected by CPU2. This
may be the result of hardware or software failure, hardware incompatibility with
software definitions, a programming error, or a connectivity problem.
Operation Guide – DOC. 5958 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 • 11
2-Series Card Cage System Crestron RACK2
To display a list (error log) refer to “MSG” on page 13. The LED extinguishes after
the last message has been read.
NOTE: The LAN LEDs are active only if a single port or dual port Ethernet card
(which is field installed) occupies a Z-BUS slot.
LNK A, LNK B (LAN)
These LEDs illuminate when the Ethernet card has established a valid Ethernet
connection.
ACT A, ACT B (LAN)
These LEDs illuminate when there is communication (activity) at the respective port
on the Ethernet card.
INTERFACE CONTROL CARD SLOT (1 – 16)
These LEDs illuminate when an expansion card is present in a respective slot. The
LEDs blink when the card is active.
Hub Indicators
Menu Selection Buttons
The LEDs located to the left of each hub connector indicates activity. The two power
(PWR) connectors also have LEDs to indicate when power is applied from the CPU2
or another source.
RACK2 LCD Screen and Buttons
The front panel of the RACK2 incorporates a reverse mode (yellow on black) LCD
screen, as shown in the following illustration. The screen contains two lines with up
to 40 characters per line; it is used to extend features and gain access to the system
including the SIMPL program. To the right of the screen there are four menu
selection buttons. These buttons permit the user to navigate through the menus and
also to control the backlight brightness of the screen. Below the screen there are six
menu function buttons. These buttons offer extended features of the RACK2. Refer
to “Programming the LCD Screen” on page 34 for details.
Default LCD Screen with Menu Selection and Menu Function Buttons
MENU
This menu selection button functions as a return and will eventually bring the screen
display to the menu default state (Main Menu).
These buttons scroll the listed information UP and DOWN.
12 • 2-Series Card Cage System: RACK2 Operations Guide – DOC. 5958
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