Crestron SW-SIMPL User Manual
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows®
Software
Installation & 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.
©2002 Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Contents
Introduction 1
The Intent of this SIMPL™ Windowsâ Manual ...................................................1
SIMPL Windows New Features ..........................................................................1
SIMPL™ Windowsâ Review and Programming Preparation.............................. 3
SIMPL™ Windowsâ ...............................................................................3
System Design & Programming Process............................................... 3
Crestron’s Programming Design Kit ...................................................... 4
VisionTools™ Pro-e ...............................................................................4
Programming Process ...........................................................................4
Contact Crestron Electronics, Inc. ......................................................................6
Trademark Information........................................................................................ 6
Installing SIMPL™ Windows® 7
System Requirements......................................................................................... 7
Crestron Database Requirements ......................................................................7
Installing from the Crestron Web Site .................................................................7
Installing from the Crestron ControlCD............................................................... 8
Uninstall SIMPL™ Windows®.............................................................................8
DOS Workshop 11
Migration to SIMPL Windows............................................................................ 11
Changes from Workshop .................................................................................. 11
Symbol CrossReference ...................................................................... 11
SpeedKey.............................................................................................12
KeyCombo Shortcut Table................................................................... 12
Feature Comparison .........................................................................................14
Importing Workshop Programs .........................................................................15
SIMPL™ Windows®– Getting Started 17
SIMPL Windows Applications ...........................................................................17
Opening SIMPL Windows ................................................................................. 18
Set Directory Paths ...........................................................................................18
Create A New Program.....................................................................................19
Program Header ..................................................................................19
Configuration Manager 21
Accessing Configuration Manager.................................................................... 21
Configuration Manager Navigation ...................................................................22
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • i
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Device Library ......................................................................................22
Network System View ..........................................................................24
Detail System View ..............................................................................24
System Device Tree............................................................................. 24
Configuration Manager Button Bar ...................................................................25
Configuring the System..................................................................................... 26
Selecting Hardware..............................................................................26
Replacing Devices ...............................................................................28
Configure System Control Devices...................................................... 28
Configure User Devices .......................................................................34
Deleting Devices ..................................................................................39
Automatically Configure Devices .........................................................39
Importing VisionTools™ for Windowsâ and VisionTools™ Pro-e Projects.......40
Default Logic from Crestron Database .............................................................42
Program Manager 43
Accessing Program Manager............................................................................43
Screen Navigation............................................................................................. 44
Symbol Library .....................................................................................44
Program View.......................................................................................45
Detail View ...........................................................................................47
Bookmark ............................................................................................. 47
World View........................................................................................... 48
Signal Tray........................................................................................... 49
Program Manager Button Bar........................................................................... 50
Programming in SIMPL Windows .....................................................................51
Symbols & Signals ............................................................................................52
Symbol Properties................................................................................ 52
Symbol Categories............................................................................... 54
Symbol Title Bar................................................................................... 54
Programming a System ....................................................................................55
Define Signals from User Interface...................................................... 55
Using Logic Symbols ...........................................................................57
Naming Signals.................................................................................... 59
Subsystems..........................................................................................60
Programming with User Interfaces....................................................................61
Feedback .............................................................................................61
Indirect Text .........................................................................................63
Imported UI Projects ............................................................................63
Using Macros ....................................................................................................64
Crestron Macros ..................................................................................65
User Macros......................................................................................... 66
Device Programming Information 71
Serial Driver Programming Information ............................................................71
[TX$].....................................................................................................71
[RX$] ....................................................................................................71
[BREAK] ............................................................................................... 71
[RTS] .................................................................................................... 72
[CTS] .................................................................................................... 72
Other Lines...........................................................................................72
[enable] ................................................................................................72
ii • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Programming Features 73
Signal Colors..................................................................................................... 73
Signal Operations .............................................................................................74
Navigating Symbol Inputs and Outputs ...............................................74
Create New Signals .............................................................................74
Selecting Signals .................................................................................75
Edit Signal Name .................................................................................75
Rename Signal Globally ......................................................................76
Disconnect a Signal .............................................................................76
Replacing a Signal ............................................................................... 77
Connect Signals................................................................................... 77
Naming a Parameter............................................................................78
Automatically Increase Inputs, Outputs, or Parameters ......................78
Decrease Inputs, Outputs, or Input/Output Pairs.................................80
Automatically Assign Unique Signal Name(s) .....................................80
Signal Routing...................................................................................... 81
Auto-Increment the First Number.........................................................82
Auto-Increment the Last Number......................................................... 83
Auto-Increment the Last Number in a Signal Name ............................83
Copying Signal Names ........................................................................84
Append a Signal Suffix.........................................................................85
SIMPL Windows ExampleBase ........................................................................86
How to Re-Synch Your Programs..................................................................... 86
Compile Programs 87
Compiler Settings.............................................................................................. 87
Compiling the Program .....................................................................................88
Consider Commented Out Symbols and Devices ............................................90
Sharing Programs 91
Copy Program................................................................................................... 91
Import Archived Program ..................................................................................92
Test Manager 93
Test Manager Overview....................................................................................93
Accessing Test Manager ..................................................................................93
Screen Navigation............................................................................................. 94
Trace Window ......................................................................................94
Status Window .....................................................................................94
Incoming Data...................................................................................... 95
Testing a Program ............................................................................................95
SIMPL Procedures Before Testing ......................................................95
Begin Testing with Test Manager ........................................................98
ViewPort 101
Viewport Overview ......................................................................................... 101
Communication Settings................................................................................ 101
Hardware Configuration .................................................................................102
Viewport: File Menu ....................................................................................... 103
Viewport: Edit Menu....................................................................................... 103
Viewport: Setup Menu.................................................................................... 103
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • iii
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Viewport: Diagnostics Menu .......................................................................... 107
Viewport: Functions Menu ............................................................................. 110
CNX/CN Series .............................................................................................. 110
General .......................................................................................................... 113
Viewport: File Transfer Menu......................................................................... 117
Viewport: Remote Menu ................................................................................ 124
Viewport Shortcut Keys.................................................................................. 127
Network Analyzer 129
Overview .........................................................................................................129
Using Network Analyzer..................................................................................129
Starting Network Analyzer .................................................................130
Communication Settings.................................................................... 130
Opening Existing Files .......................................................................131
Acquiring New Data ...........................................................................132
Network Analyzer Analysis .............................................................................133
"Delta Y on transmit is too small"....................................................... 133
"Delta Z on transmit is too small"....................................................... 133
"Y and Z lines are not symmetrical on transmit"................................ 134
"Delta Y and Delta Z are not within 25% on transmit" .......................134
"Y voltage is too high on transmit" .....................................................134
"Z voltage is too high on transmit" .....................................................135
"Y voltage is too low on transmit".......................................................135
"Z voltage is too low on transmit".......................................................135
"Y and Z voltages do not overlap on transmit"...................................135
"Delta Y on receive is too small"........................................................ 136
"Delta Z on receive is too small" ........................................................136
"Y and Z lines are not symmetrical on receive" .................................136
"Delta Y and Delta Z are not within 25% on receive".........................136
"Y voltalge is too high on receive"......................................................137
"Z voltage is too high on receive".......................................................137
"Y voltage is too low on receive"........................................................137
"Z voltage is too low on receive" ........................................................ 138
"Minimum Y voltage is too high on receive".......................................138
"Minimum Z voltage is too high on receive".......................................138
"Y and Z voltages do not overlap on receive"....................................138
Crestron e-Control™ 139
Ethernet Communications...............................................................................139
Network Requirements/Preparation................................................................ 139
Hardware Preparation – CNMSX-AV and Pro ................................................ 140
Hardware Preparation – CEN-IO ....................................................................141
Control System Diagnostics via Ethernet .......................................................141
Programming the System to Communicate with Ethernet Devices ................ 141
Adding Ethernet Devices to a SIMPL Windows Program..................141
Changing IP Addresses without Changing the Program ...................143
System-to-System Communication ...................................................144
Crestron e-control SDK......................................................................146
Ethernet Connection Information ....................................................................146
Recommended Connection ...............................................................146
Isolated Network Connection............................................................. 146
iv • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Front Panel Editor 147
Front Panel Overview .....................................................................................147
Accessing Front Panel Editor..........................................................................147
Screen Navigation........................................................................................... 147
Front Panel Editor Buttons..............................................................................148
Page Buttons .....................................................................................148
Front Panel Editor Programming ....................................................................150
Adding Pages..................................................................................... 151
Adding Objects to Pages ...................................................................151
Active/Inactive Text and Join Numbers .............................................155
SIMPL™ Windows® Menu Definitions 159
Configuration & Program Manager .................................................................159
Program Manager Right Mouse Click Menus.................................... 163
Front Panel Editor ...........................................................................................164
Test Manager.................................................................................................. 165
ViewPort..........................................................................................................167
Network Analyzer Menu Definitions................................................................171
SIMPL+ Menus ...............................................................................................172
SIMPL+ Right Mouse Click Menus ....................................................173
SIMPL+™ 175
SIMPL+ Overview ...........................................................................................175
Accessing SIMPL+..........................................................................................176
SIMPL+ Programming Text Colors .................................................................177
Saving and Compiling SIMPL+ Files ..............................................................177
SIMPL+ New File Template ............................................................................178
Symbol Card File 179
SIMPL Windows Errors 181
SIMPL Windows Errors Defined .....................................................................181
Device Library Error ...........................................................................181
Symbol Library Error ..........................................................................181
Error Importing SmarTouch System ..................................................181
Program Data Integrity Checks.......................................................... 181
Program Load/Save Error .................................................................. 182
Swapping Devices Error ....................................................................182
Error in Moving a Device....................................................................182
AutoFill Error ......................................................................................182
File Open Error ..................................................................................183
Parameter Format Error.....................................................................183
Versions of Libraries/Databases........................................................ 183
Crestron/User Database Dialog Error................................................184
User Interface Dialog Error ................................................................184
Connection Sheet Dialog Error ..........................................................184
Communication Dialog Error.............................................................. 184
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • v
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
DSG Not Found Error ........................................................................184
Compiler Errors Defined .................................................................................185
ERROR (CMCVT101)........................................................................185
WARNING (CMCVT102) ...................................................................185
NOTICE (CMCVT103) .......................................................................185
NOTICE (CMCVT104) .......................................................................185
NOTICE (CMCVT105) .......................................................................185
NOTICE (CMCVT106) .......................................................................186
NOTICE (CMCVT107) .......................................................................186
NOTICE (CMCVT108) .......................................................................187
WARNING (CMCVT109) ...................................................................187
WARNING (CMCVT110) ...................................................................187
FAILURE (CMCVT111)......................................................................187
NOTICE (CMCVT112) .......................................................................188
NOTICE (CMCVT113) .......................................................................188
NOTICE (CMCVT114) .......................................................................188
NOTICE (CMCVT115) .......................................................................188
WARNING (CMCVT116) ...................................................................188
NOTICE (CMCVT117) .......................................................................188
FAILURE (CMCVT118)......................................................................189
WARNING (CMCVT119) ...................................................................189
WARNING (CMCVT120) ...................................................................189
FAILURE (CMCVT121)......................................................................189
FAILURE (CMCVT122)......................................................................189
FAILURE (CMCVT123)......................................................................189
WARNING (CMCVT124) ...................................................................189
WARNING (CMCVT125) ...................................................................190
NOTICE (CMCVT126) .......................................................................190
NOTICE (CMCVT127) .......................................................................190
FAILURE (CMCVT128)......................................................................190
NOTICE (CMCVT129) .......................................................................190
ERROR (CMCVT130)........................................................................190
ERROR (CMCVT131)........................................................................191
ERROR (CMCVT132)........................................................................191
ERROR (CMCVT133)........................................................................191
NOTICE (CMCVT134) .......................................................................191
FAILURE (CMCVT135)......................................................................191
NOTICE (CMCVT136) .......................................................................192
NOTICE (CMCVT137) .......................................................................192
NOTICE (CMCVT138) .......................................................................192
NOTICE (CMCVT139) .......................................................................192
FAILURE (CMCVT140)......................................................................192
NOTICE (CMCVT141) .......................................................................193
NOTICE (CMCVT142) .......................................................................193
NOTICE (CMCVT143) .......................................................................193
FAILURE (CMCVT144)......................................................................193
WARNING (CMCVT145) ...................................................................193
NOTICE (CMCVT146) .......................................................................193
NOTICE (CMCVT147) .......................................................................194
NOTICE (CMCVT150) .......................................................................194
FATAL (CMCVT152)..........................................................................194
FATAL (CMCVT153)..........................................................................194
WARNING (CMCVT154) ...................................................................194
FATAL (CMCVT155)..........................................................................194
WARNING (CMCVT157) ...................................................................194
WARNING (CMCVT158) ...................................................................195
vi • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
WARNING (CMCVT159) ...................................................................195
WARNING (CMCVT160) ...................................................................195
Symbol Cross Reference: Workshop – SIMPL Windows 197
Symbol Cross Reference Table...................................................................... 197
Symbols A-C ......................................................................................197
Symbols D-M......................................................................................198
Symbols N-Q...................................................................................... 199
Symbols R-Sm ...................................................................................200
Symbols Sm-Z ...................................................................................201
Tables 203
ASCII Conversion ...........................................................................................203
Dec/Hex/Binary Conversion............................................................................205
Glossary of Terms 207
Index 215
Software License Agreement 217
Return and Warranty Policies 219
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • vii
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
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viii • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Introduction
The Intent of this SIMPL™ Windows
This intent of this SIMPL™ Windows® Help manual is to assist SIMPL Windows
users to become familiar with SIMPL windows functionality and environment. This
exciting program does much more than replace the DOS Workshop; it offers ease-of-
use and design flexibility never before available to Crestron programmers. For the
first time, Crestron control systems offer Crestron e-control, Crestron's Ethernet-
enabled products. This new frontier offers endless possibilities for system design
and control.
SIMPL Windows New Features
This list highlights some of the new features and improvements in this release. For a
comprehensive list, refer to the Release Notes.
Crestron e-control Enabled
This release of SIMPL Windows is fully compatible with the Crestron’s CNX
hardware, Crestron’s new Crestron e-control Enabled control systems. These
systems include the CNMSX-PRO, CNMSX-AV, CNRACKX, and the
CNRACKX-DP.
Direct Processor Access (DPA)
Crestron’s exclusive DPA port on all CNX systems provides high-speed access
directly to the processor, maintaining high bandwidth network connections. SIMPL
Windows now has DPA (10Base-T) card symbols and can program with IP
addresses.
Manual
Front Panel Editor
The CNMSX-PRO, CNRACKX, and the CNRACKX-DP control systems have a
two-line, 40-character LCD display/control center with six programmable buttons
and multi-function LED’s. SIMPL Windows has a symbol for assigning signal
names and a Front Panel Editor for programming this panel.
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 1
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Right Mouse Click Menus
Many right mouse click menus have been added to SIMPL Windows to increase
programming speed and usability. These include multiple device selection and
others.
Bookmarks
The bookmark feature allows programmers to bookmark a particular Detail View
setup. This can be very helpful and save time when working on larger programs.
The bookmark command will always bring you to the Detail View you bookmarked.
SIMPL+
SIMPL+ is a procedural programming language extension of SIMPL Windows. If
programmers have familiarity with procedural languages like C or BASIC, they will
be comfortable with SIMPL+.
Multiple Device Selection
SIMPL Windows now has the ability to allow programmers to specify the number of
devices with one drag and drop function (right click menu). Multiple Device
Selection is a great time saving feature when a design calls for 30 touchpanels!
ViewPort - Full Ethernet Support
ViewPort has many new features; the most notable is its full Ethernet support for
programming and diagnostics. All functions that can be performed with the
Viewport through a serial connection can now be performed with the Viewport
through Ethernet connection, with the exception of updating the TCP/IP stack.
Virtual Workspace
Virtual Workspace contains a small control pad that allows easy manipulation of the
viewable screen area. This control pad is called WorldView and shows you the
whole "program" and what part of it you are currently looking at. With a click of the
mouse you can change the view to see any other part of the program.
More Speed!
Crestron software designers are continually working to optimize SIMPL Windows
for the most speed possible.
Network Analyzer
Network Analyzer can function over the TCP/IP connection. Simply set your
communications to TCP/IP using the ViewPort or directly edit comminations from
SIMPL Windows. An automated analysis feature has also been added to the Network
Analyzer.
Improved HELP
SIMPL Windows help has been completely rewritten with the end user in mind. It is
logically written and methodically laid out with hundreds of index entries for easy
location of topics.
2 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Passthrough Feature
ViewPort now has the Passthrough mode. This mode allows remote access (via
modem) to a systems RS-232 devices. This is extremely helpful and time saving for
diagnosing logic and mechanical problems. The Passthrough mode is fully
functional with Crestron’s CNX control systems.
System-to-System Communication over Ethernet
System-to-system communication over Ethernet is possible using a "Virtual
Communication Port" instead of a physical comm port. In the SIMPL Windows
Configuration Manager, you can find this device in the Device Library under
"Ethernet Control Modules".
Improved "Copy Program"
Improved "Copy Program" tool now has checkboxes for selecting components to
copy, and allows automatic generation of compressed "zip" files.
SIMPL™ Windows
Preparation
Review and Programming
SIMPL™ Windows
SIMPL Windows is Crestron Electronics development environment for
programming Crestron control systems. It provides the link between Crestron
system hardware and the whole world of equipment to be controlled
SIMPL (Symbol Intensive Master Programming Language) is an easy-to-use
programming language that is completely integrated and compatible with all
Crestron system hardware. SIMPL Windows offers drag and drop functionality in a
familiar Windows® environment.
System Design & Programming Process
Understanding the basics of Crestron system design and the steps involved in the
programming process will allow programmers to use all of the powerful features of
SIMPL Windows.
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 3
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Basic System Design Process
Crestron’s Programming Design Kit
Crestron recommends starting a control system design by taking advantage of the
equipment lists and touchpanel layout pages in the Programming Design Kit DOC.
5277.
This kit provides the necessary tools to help develop a carefully designed system by
identifying what equipment is going to be controlled and in what manner. Design
sheets allow a programmer to list all equipment and control devices. Pages for
developing sample touchscreens are also included.
The Programming Design Kit will document the equipment to be controlled, the
control protocol, and the touch screen layout. Everything the programmer needs to
start the project is listed in the Design Kit.
VisionTools™ Pro-e
VT Pro-e allows programmers to create custom designed projects for touchpanels or
web browsers. By supplying SIMPL Windows with the VT Pro-e project name,
touchpanel designs can be brought into SIMPL Windows automatically. Each
button’s join number and text will be retained. This is a great time saving feature.
NOTE: Projects created with Crestron's older product, VisionTools™ for
Windows, are also supported.
Programming Process
Once the basic system is designed on paper using the Programming Design Kit and
the touchscreens have been created in VT Pro-e, the system programmer should
review the following process.
4 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Identify the equipment that is going to be controlled.
Programmers should refer to the Device Identification List in the Programming
Design Kit, Job Design Specification, or other documentation that lists equipment
that is to be controlled.
Determine how the equipment is going to be controlled.
Knowing how the various pieces of equipment are going to be controlled is very
important. This will let the programmer know what control devices (Network
Module, Control Card, or other) will be necessary to control the equipment.
For example: IR control devices require a CNXIR –8 plug-in card.
Configure the system in SIMPL Windows
Configure the system by building it in the Configuration Manager. Locate the
control system in the Device Library. Drag and drop the system into the System
Views window. Complete the system configuration by adding interface devices,
network modules, control cards, and other devices. All the necessary Crestron
hardware should be included in your configuration.
Program the system in SIMPL Windows
After the system is built by adding all the necessary Crestron hardware, begin
programming the system by working in the Programming Manager. Program each
button function from the system touchpanels or other user interface devices. Begin
by naming the output signals from the user interface. Select the symbol(s) needed for
the program in the Symbol Library. Drag and drop the symbols into the Program
View window. Assign signal names to symbol inputs and outputs in the Detail View
window.
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 5
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Contact Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Telephone Numbers
If you cannot locate specific information or have questions, please take advantage of
Crestron's award winning technical support team by calling:
• In the US and Canada, call Crestron’s corporate headquarters at
1.888.CRESTRON [1.888.273.7876].
• In Europe, call Crestron International at +32.15.50.99.50.
• In Asia, call Crestron Asia at +852.2341.2016.
• In Latin America, call Crestron Latin America at +5255.5093.2160.
• In Australia and New Zealand, call Crestron at +613.9480.2999.
Email Technical Support
Use the following addresses for Crestron Email technical support:
North America
• Support U.S. East – supporteast@crestron.com
• Support U.S. Central – supportcentral@crestron.com
• Support U.S. West and Canada – supportwest@crestron.com
International
• Support Outside North America – supportintl@crestron.com
Crestron on the World Wide Web
• www.crestron.com
Trademark Information
All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the sole property of their
respective owners.
SIMPL, SIMPL+, SmarTouch, and VisionTools, are trademarks of Crestron
Electronics, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows 95/98/Me/XP and Windows NT/2000 are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation
6 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
®
Installing SIMPL™ Windows
System Requirements
The PC where SIMPL™ Windows is to be installed should meet these
minimum system requirements.
• Windows 98/NT/XP Operating System
• 64 MB RAM
• 100 MB hard drive space
• 450 MHz or faster Pentium processor
• 640 x 480 or higher screen resolution
Crestron Database Requirements
Crestron is continually adding the latest equipment to the Crestron Database to
ensure that the latest driver files are available. To take advantage of the latest drivers,
Crestron recommends that SIMPL Windows be used with Crestron Database
v11.7.208 or later.
From the Crestron web site, www.crestron.com
Crestron FTP form and download by following the directions provided. The Crestron
database is typically installed in C:\Crestron\CresDB.
Installing from the Crestron Web Site
From the Crestron web site, www.crestron.com, select Downloads. Complete the
Crestron ftp form and download by following the directions provided. SIMPL
Windows is typically installed in C:\Crestron\Simpl.
, select Downloads. Complete the
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 7
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Installing from the Crestron ControlCD
The Crestron ControlCD is a design tool, packed full of all the latest software
technical information, and program examples. Contact Crestron to obtain a copy.
Crestron ControlCD
Insert the Crestron ControlCD into the PC's CD ROM drive and select Run…from
the Windows start menu. Type the letter for the CD-ROM drive and :\Setup.
Follow the directions provided.
Run…Dialog Box
Uninstall SIMPL™ Windows®
Follow the procedure in this section to remove SIMPL™ Windows from your hard
drive.
Select the Windows
8 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
button and choose Settings | Control Panel.
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Select Add/Remove
Select "Add/Remove Programs". The "Add/Remove Programs Properties" dialog
box is displayed. Select SIMPL Windows and click on the Add/Remove… button.
Add/Remove Programs Dialog Box
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 9
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
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Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
DOS Workshop
Migration to SIMPL Windows
Crestron has been working hard to develop easy-to use Windows-based programs for
our customers. The link between Crestron systems hardware, panels, and controlled
devices is Crestron software. The design and programming tools (VisionTools™
Pro-e and SIMPL™ Windows) are a unified and integrated software package that
works with all Crestron hardware.
Design the touchpanel with the integrated graphics tool, VT Pro-e. VT Pro-e gives
programmers the best of both worlds allowing custom touchpanels and push button
panels to be designed and programmed. Create the “intelligence” of the system with
SIMPL Windows; Crestron’s Windows-based, 32-bit, drag-n-drop software. SIMPL
Windows can integrate your touchpanel designs (created in VT Pro-e), automatically
naming signals to match the button functions.
Crestron Electronics has been hard at work developing and integrating its software.
SIMPL Windows retains the methodology of Cresnet II Workshop and incorporates
many new features. SIMPL Windows is compatible with all our current control
systems. SIMPL Windows is the only programming software for Crestron’s
generation CNX line of control systems.
Changes from Workshop
SIMPL Windows is a Windows®-based program that takes advantage of Windows
easy-to-use functions such as multiple windows and drag and drop functionality
throughout the program.
SIMPL Windows includes several powerful features to help programmers make the
transition from the Cresnet II Workshop. New users will find them helpful, as well.
Symbol CrossReference
Symbol names have been changed to be more descriptive and easier to remember.
Typing the DOS Workshop name in SIMPL Windows will still work too. The
Symbol CrossReference chart will help programmers easily learn the new names for
device and logic symbols. The Symbol CrossReference lists the exact equivalence
between the old Workshop and new SIMPL Windows symbol names.
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 11
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
SpeedKey
Users of the DOS Workshop are familiar with many of the previous symbol names.
This knowledge works to the programmer’s advantage in SIMPL Windows, in the
form of the SpeedKey feature. This option allows you a quick and easy method for
inputting symbols into your program.
Workshop users who are familiar with the names of their most-often-used symbols
can key them very quickly, hence the name SpeedKey. SpeedKey will let
programmers enter Workshop symbol names when building the program; SIMPL
Windows will then insert the new symbol name for you automatically, placing each
symbol or symbol subsystem directly into the Logic folder, as if it was manually
dragged there with the mouse. As each symbol name is typed it appears on the Status
Bar. As long as the Logic folder in Program View is highlighted, you can add old or
new symbol names, with no case sensitivity.
KeyCombo Shortcut Table
The following table provides a convenient list of all keyboard and function-key
shortcuts for the SIMPL Windows Programming Manager. Each entry in the table on
the next page lists a keyboard shortcut, and the result it produces.
12 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
y
Keyboard Combination
F1
F3
SHIFT-F4
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
SHIFT-F8
ALT- PLUS
ALT-MINUS
ENTER
ALT-SHIFT-PLUS
SHIFT-HOME
SHIFT-END
SHIFT-CLICK
DELETE
CONTROL-DELETE
ALT-1
ALT-2
ALT-3
ALT-4
ALT-5
ALT-6
ALT-C
ESCAPE
TAB or Arrow Ke
POWR/sequence
CONTROL-T
CONTROL-N
CONTROL-M
CONTROL-O
CONTROL-S
CONTROL-P
CONTROL-X
CONTROL-C
CONTROL-V
CONTROL-SHIFT-V
CONTROL-Z
CONTROL-F
CONTROL-E
CONTROL-SHIFT-E
CONTROL-F4
ALT-Y
ALT-P
ALT-B
"+"
"-"
twice
"+"
s
Description or Result
Bring Up Context-Sensitive Help.
Find next Symbol
Assign sequential names to highlighted Signals,
based on first Signal
Assign sequential names to highlighted Signals,
based on last Signal
Refresh window
Copy Input Signal to its Output, or vice-versa
Resize a Symbol (Detail View)
Next pane
Previous pane
Adds Inputs and/or Outputs one at a time
Removes Inputs and/or Outputs one at a time
Create new Signal name.
Add Inputs or Outputs in specified multiples
Select Inputs or Outputs in an upward direction,
from present cursor position to first Input or
Output.
Select Inputs or Outputs in a downward
direction, from present cursor position to last
Input or Output.
Select a variable range of Inputs or Outputs
Delete a Signal or Symbol
Delete a Signal, and highlight the Input or
Output below it
Add theSignalSuffix set in Prefs
Add theSignalSuffix set in Prefs
Add theSignalSuffix set in Prefs
Add theSignalSuffix set in Prefs
Add theSignalSuffix set in Prefs
Add a SignalSuffix when prompted
Communications
Cancels Edit Mode
Moves cursor between Inputs and Outputs
Result depends on particular combination of
keyboard shortcuts used.
Start
Create a new program
Create a new macro
Open a program or macro
Save a program or macro
Print
Cut
Copy
Paste
Paste Special
Undo
Find Symbol
Expand current node
Collapse current node
Close Detail View
Symbol Library
Program View
Toggle Both Views
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 13
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
g
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Feature Comparison
The Feature Comparison table presents a list and a brief description of the popular
Workshop feature and the corresponding SIMPL Windows function.
Workshop/SIMPL Windows Comparison Table
DOS Workshop SIMPL Windows
Programming Language
SIMPL I SIMPL
Symbol Names
Short, non-descriptive symbol
names
Viewing Symbols
While programming: can only
view one Symbol at a time
ram Testing
Pro
Test program by exiting DOS
Workshop and opening debugger
Enterin
Text, variables, and other
information was entered
character by character into fields
isionTools for Windows
DOS Workshop and VisionTools
for Windows completely separate
programs
Modem Database
Adequate modem database Extensive modem database in
Pro
N/A Symbols can now be clustered
Si
Less consistent approach to
signal inputs/outputs
Si
N/A Signals color coded: Digital=Blue;
Information
ram Subsystems
nal Representation
nal Type Identifie
New self explanatory symbol
names
While programming: can view
multiple symbols
Test Manager is now called from
the program; no longer have to
leave the development tool to test
and debug
Windows drag and drop style &
copy/paste shortcuts
SIMPL Windows integrates with
VisionTools for Windows and
imports VTW projects
ViewPort: can set strings, etc.
and grouped for easy location
and manipulation
Signal inputs on left, Outputs on
right
Analog=Red; Other=Black
Test Environment
SAM - Monitors digital signal
activity
Indirect Text
Programming handled using
separate SDPM S
nal Name Length
Si
Signal name table would fill up,
names had to be shortened to fit
Communicatin
N/A Pass Thru Mode in ViewPort
14 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
mbol.
with User Devices
Test Manager - Monitors digital,
analog, and serial signal activity
Easy to program, handled as part
of the TouchPanel
No limit to signal name length.
allows communication with User
Devices
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Importing Workshop Programs
Workshop programs can be imported to SIMPL Windows by turning them into a
macro, importing, and converting back into a program. This requires removing all
devices before turning the program into macro. In SIMPL Windows, import the
macro and replace the devices that were removed.
1. Make a backup copy of the Workshop program.
2. In Workshop, remove all the net devices, convert to a CNRACK, and delete all
the plug-in cards.
NOTE: If the original Workshop program contained macros, SIMPL Windows will
remove any indication of the macros and install all of the code that used to be within
the macros directly into the program. This can become a very tedious when
importing large programs. To preserve macros, import them separately into SIMPL
Windows by following steps 3-5 for each macro.
3. Install a GENERIC symbol in the Workshop program. In the comment section
type “PLACEHOLD”. This symbol will act as a placeholder for the macros
signal names.
4. Comment out the Workshop macro so it does not convert by selecting Alt+F1.
5. Transfer the signal names of the macro to the PLACEHOLD symbol. List the
signal names in the following format:
Output_1,
Output_2,
Output_3;
Input_1,
Input_2;
(Signal names are followed by a coma. The last signal either
output or input, is followed by a semicolon)
6. Install a DEFARGS symbol to make the program into a macro, then convert the
program, a ".imc" file will be produced. Workshop will remind user’s that there
are incomplete symbols and commented out symbols. This is acceptable, click
Yes.
7. Start SIMPL Windows, choose File | Import a Workshop Macro.
8. Choose File | Convert To Program to complete the transfer.
9. Save the program by selecting File | Save. Replace the net devices and connect
the necessary signals.
10. In SIMPL Windows select File | Import a Workshop Macro. Import the
Workshop macro that was previously commented out. Save the macro as a User
Macro in SIMPL Windows.
11. Select the new User Macro from the SIMPL Windows Symbol Library and drag
it into the imported program.
12. In the imported program copy the signal names from PLACEHOLD symbol to
the new User Macro.
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 15
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
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16 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
SIMPL™ Windows®– Getting Started
SIMPL Windows Applications
SIMPL™ Windows is an all-encompassing application. It is comprised of several
individual applications that interact to help users design, build, and program control
systems.
SIMPL Windows's main applications are Configuration Manager, Program Manager,
Test Manager and ViewPort. SIMPL Windows also integrates with Crestron’s user
interface design software, VisionTools™ Pro-e.
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 17
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Opening SIMPL Windows
Each time SIMPL Windows is opened the “Quick Access Window” appears and
prompts users to select the first task.
Quick Access Window
The window asks you: "What do you want to do?" and presents four options:
1. Run SIMPL Windows Tutorial
2. Create a New Program
3. Open an Existing Program
4. Exit SIMPL Windows
Removing the QuickAccess Window
To remove the QuickAccess window, select the Don’t show this at startup box at the bottom
of the window and close the window.
Call Up the QuickAccess Window
QuickAccess Icon
Users can call up the QuickAccess window at any time during your program by clicking the
Lightning Bolt icon on the SIMPL Windows button bar, or selecting File | Start.
Set Directory Paths
The install process sets the directory paths, but it is important to make sure the paths
are correct after SIMPL Windows is loaded into your PC.
18 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
Crestron SIMPL™ Windows Software
Select Edit | Preferences…
This will display the “SIMPL Windows Preferences" window. Select the Directories
tab and make sure the directory paths are correct.
SIMPL Windows Preferences Dialog Box
Click OK when all paths are correct. The system will pause for approximately thirty
seconds while information is reloaded.
Create A New Program
New programs can be started in a variety of ways including:
Selecting Create a New Program from the QuickAccess Window.
Selecting New Program from the button bar.
Selecting File | New Program.
Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C Crestron SIMPL Windows • 19
Software Crestron SIMPL™ Windows
Program Header
When a new program is started the "Program Header Information" window appears.
It is important to complete all the information, as it will be printed out on the
connection sheet.
"Program Header Information" Window
NOTE: Information entered into the Dealer Name and Programmer fields of the
"Program Header Information" dialog box are recalled from program to program
until SIMPL Windows is reloaded or upgraded.
After the "Program Header Information" dialog box is complete, click OK. SIMPL
Windows will ask if you want to configure the hardware for the system.
Configure? Window
Click Yes to display the Configuration Manager.
20 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Installation & Operations Guide – DOC. 5728C
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