Crestron electronic MC2E User Manual
Crestron MC2E
2-Series Professional Media Controller
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 MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
Contents
2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E 1
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
Features and Functions................................................................................................ 1
Specifications ..............................................................................................................2
Physical Description.................................................................................................... 3
Memory .......................................................................................................................9
Industry Compliance .................................................................................................11
Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Rack Mounting .......................................................................................................... 11
Bussing Strip Installation ..........................................................................................12
Network Wiring......................................................................................................... 13
Hardware Hookup .....................................................................................................14
Power Supply ............................................................................................................15
Establishing Communication with the MC2E ........................................................... 15
Troubleshooting Communications ............................................................................18
Compiling and Uploading a Program to the Control System .................................... 19
Uploading Web pages to the MC2E.......................................................................... 20
Uploading Touchpanel Projects via the MC2E .........................................................21
Updating the Operating System.................................................................................22
Advanced Console Commands..................................................................................22
Switching Between Master and Slave Mode............................................................. 23
Programming the MC2E..........................................................................................................24
Programming with the Crestron AppBuilder.............................................................25
Programming with SIMPL Windows........................................................................ 25
Problem Solving ......................................................................................................................35
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 35
Further Inquiries........................................................................................................ 38
Firmware Upgrades ...................................................................................................38
Future Updates ..........................................................................................................39
Software License Agreement................................................................................................... 40
Return and Warranty Policies.................................................................................................. 42
Merchandise Returns / Repair Service ......................................................................42
CRESTRON Limited Warranty.................................................................................42
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 Contents • i
Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
2-Series Professional Media
Controller: MC2E
Introduction
Features and Functions
The Crestron® 2-Series Professional Media Controller (MC2E) is designed for
smaller home and commercial systems. The MC2E provides connectivity for
communication and control of Cresnet, IP and third party devices. It provides LAN
and Web access through its built-in 10/100 BaseT Ethernet port, which supports
static IP addressing and full-duplex TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocols. With speed,
power, and memory, the 2-Series control systems are ideal for enhanced applications
like media help desks, videoconferencing, distance learning, and entertainment
facilities.
Functional Summary
Control:
• 257 MIPS processor
• 36 MB of built-in memory (refer to page 10)
• Four IR/serial ports
• Two RS-232/422/485 communication ports
• Four isolated relay ports
• Four I/O ports
• One IR receiver port for use with CNXRMIRD
• One Cresnet port
Internet:
• 10/100 Ethernet port
• Static IP addressing
• Built-in web server
• POP3 e-mail server for sending e-mail
• Full compatibility with all Crestron e-Control
applications
As with all of the Crestron 2-Series control processors, the 2-Series control engine is
a solutions-driven control technology that is at the very heart of the MC2E. The
breakthrough 2-Series control engine is based on the 257 MIPS, 32-bit Motorola
5407 ColdFire
the Crestron X-generation products, yet compatible with existing Crestron software
and programming. A key feature is the new Crestron Compiler, which allows any
existing Crestron SIMPL Windows
processor. The 2-Series operating system is vastly upgraded from
control program to be easily recompiled for the
®
power
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2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
2-Series. The real-time, preemptive multi-tasking/multi-threaded operating system
offers a file system that supports long file names. The enhanced SIMPL+®
instruction set is also fully compatible with existing Crestron SIMPL Windows and
SIMPL+ programs.
The MC2E has the capability to operate as a standalone 2-Series control system or as
a Cresnet device as part of a 2-Series control system.
Master Mode
In master mode, the MC2E is a standalone 2-Series control system that can control
IR, serial, Cresnet or Ethernet devices.
Slave Mode
In slave mode, the MC2E operates as a Cresnet device as part of a 2-series control
system. For example, the MC2E can be part of a control system that includes IR,
serial, Cresnet and Ethernet devices, with touchpanels that operate the MC2E
through another 2-Series control system.
For more information on slave mode, refer to “Switching Between Master and Slave
Mode” on page 23.
NOTE: The MC2E can only be controlled by a 2-Series control system.
Specifications
Specifications for the MC2E are given in the following table.
MC2E Specifications
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
CPU 32-Bit Motorola 5407 ColdFire® Processor
Processor Speed 257 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1 Benchmark)
Memory 36MB (4MB flash, 32MB SDRAM, 256KB NVRAM)1
Ports/Connectors2
NET 1 – Cresnet 4-wire interface (Expandable via Cresnet Poll
COMPUTER 1 – DB9F PC interface (refer to “Establishing Communication
INFRARED – SERIAL
OUTPUT
IR INPUT 1 – IR input for RC5 codes from CNXRMIRD via 3-position
I/O 4 – Programmable digital/analog inputs & digital outputs via 5-
RELAY OUTPUT 4 – Normally open, isolated relays (MOV suppression) via 8-
LAN 1 – RJ45 10/100 BaseT Ethernet port
COM (A & B) 2 – DB9 bidirectional serial ports (RS-232, -422, -485) All
24VDC 1 –Female receptacle for external power pack.3
Reset Buttons
HW-R Initiates system hardware reset
SW-R System restart with or without program
Accelerator) via 4-position Cresnet connector
with the MC2E” page 15)
4 – Simultaneous one-way IR or serial output via 8-position
mini-connector
mini-connector
position mini connector
position mini-connector
Cresnet Poll Accelerator ready
(continued on next page)
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Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
MC2E Specifications (continued)
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Power Requirements 10 Watts (0.21 Amp @ 24 VDC)
(Power supply PW-2410RU included)
Available Cresnet Power = 14 Watts
Network Power Fuse
Rating
Environmental
Temperature
Environmental Humidity 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Dimensions & Weight Height: 1.7 in (4.32 cm)
1. For more information on system memory usage, refer to “Memory” on page 9.
2. For more information on controls, ports, and indicators, refer to “Physical Description” after these
footnotes.
3. For information on power source, refer to “Power Supply” on page 15.
4. Heat-sensitive device—resets within approximately 30 seconds after powering down and
removing overload condition.
Internal 2A self-resetting fuse4
41° to 113°F (5° to 45°C)
Width: 19.0 in (48.26 cm) – with ears
17.03 in (43.24 cm) – without ears
Depth: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)
Weight: 4.3 lbs (2.0 kg)
3
MC2E Front Panel
MC2E Rear Panel
Physical Description
The MC2E is housed in a black enclosure with labeling on the front and rear panels.
The front panel includes standard LEDs and two reset buttons. All connections to the
unit are made through the rear panel. Refer to the following illustrations.
The rear panel of the MC2E is shown in the following diagram. The MC2E contains
four one-way IR/serial ports, one IR input, four I/O ports, four relay ports, two COM
ports, a single RS-232 computer port, a network connector, an Ethernet port and a
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2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
24VDC male receptacle for power supplied through an external power pack
(included).
The MC2E can be placed in a rack (with included mounting ears) or on a table with
the supplied rubber feet. Refer to “Rack Mounting” on page 11 for more information.
Physical Views of the MC2E Professional Media Controller
8.50 in
(21.59 cm)
17.03 in
(43.24 cm)
1.70 in
(4.32 cm)
Controls and Indicators
The MC2E front panel indicators and controls are described below.
PWR (Power)
This LED illuminates when the unit is connected to and receives 24 VDC power
from an external power pack or the Cresnet NET connector.
NET
This LED illuminates when the central processing unit is processing or
communicating with Cresnet devices (i.e., button pressed at Cresnet panel or data
received from Cresnet panel).
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
18). Pressing it alone while the system is running restarts the program without
rebooting the processor.
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Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
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 Crestron Viewport command
Functions | 2-Series | Error Log.
LNK (LAN)
This LED illuminates when there is a connection to the rear panel LAN port.
ACT (LAN)
This LED illuminates when there is communication (activity) at the rear panel LAN
port with an Ethernet network.
Ports
The MC2E rear panel ports are illustrated and described below.
NOTE: Interface connectors for the NET, Infrared-Serial, I/O, and Relay Output
ports are provided with the MC2E.
B
A
S
C D
G S GSG S G
IR SERIAL OUT
T R S
IR IN
IR SERIAL OUT
This connector provides four ports for IR TTL level or serial interface. Each output is
labeled S (signal) and G (ground). Infrared output is rated up to 1.2 MHz, at data rates
up to 115K. An individual UART on each port allow simultaneous firing of all ports.
Serial protocols include one-way RS-232.
NOTE: Transmission levels on the infrared – serial output connectors are in the 0 to
+5VDC range, which may not be compatible with all RS-232 devices.
NOTE: A port can be used for either IR or RS-232 communication, not both.
IR IN
This connector provides a 3-position mini connector for use with the CNXRMIRD
Infrared (IR) Detector. It is used to receive standard RC5 IR codes (such as those
transmitted by the Philips
certain devices manufactured by Sharp Electronics Corporation.
The RC5 code is a 13-bit code that has a 5-bit group, 7-bit command group and 1
stop-bit. It contains a bit to distinguish between start and repeat codes. The RC5 code
has a uniform duration of all bits. A transition in the middle of the time interval
assigned to each bit encodes the logical value. A '0' is encoded by a high to low
transition and a '1' by a low to high transition. This is also called a 'bi-phase' code.
The CNXRMIRD that ships from Crestron requires some modification before use
with the MC2E. THE CNXRMIRD ships with a mini phone jack that cannot be used
with the 3-position connector on the IR IN port of the MC2E. To modify the
CNXRMIRD to connect to the MC2E:
Pronto, and many universal remotes) as well as codes from
1. Snip the mini phone jack from the CNXRMIRD.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E • 5
2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
2. Using a voltmeter, determine which wire connects to the Tip, Ring, and
Shield of the mini phone jack.
3. Connect the bare wires of the CNXRMIRD to the appropriate pins on the
3-position connector supplied with the MC2E.
For more information on the CNXRMIRD refer to the latest revision of the
CNXRMIRD Infrared Detector Operations Guide (Doc. 8165).
I/O
This connector provides four software programmable analog and digital inputs as well
as digital outputs. Digital outputs offer 250mA sync from maximum 24 VDC; catch
1 2 3 4 G
I/O
diodes for use with "real world" loads. Digital inputs are rated 0 – 24 VDC, 20K ohms
input impedance, logic threshold 1.25 VDC. Analog inputs are rated 0 – 10 VDC,
protected to 24 VDC maximum, 20K ohms input impedance; pin-programmable 2K
ohms pullup resistor to +5V.
NOTE: Digital outputs are TTL values and may not work with devices requiring a
“dry” contact closure (e.g., low voltage motor controllers).
NOTE: Ports can be used for either input or output, but not both. For more
information, refer to “Slot 3: C2I-MC2-IO4” on page 27.
1 2 3 4
RELAY OUT
COM A
RELAY OUT
These connectors provide four normally open, isolated relay contact groups. Each
relay contact closure is rated 1A, 30 VAC/DC; MOV arc suppression is provided
across contacts for use with "real world" loads. For more information, refer to “Slot 4:
C2I-MC2-RY4” on page 29.
COM (A & B)
COM B
These two DB9 (male) software programmable, bi-directional serial ports are
available for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 communication, with hardware and software
handshaking. Speeds are rated up to 115,200 bps. Both ports are Cresnet Network Poll
Accelerator ready.
NOTE: The Cresnet Network Poll Accelerator allows a 2-Series control system to
maintain a fast response time (high-speed communications) between the control
system and a large number of Cresnet devices. For more information, refer to the
latest revision of the Network Poll Accelerator Operations Guide (Doc. 6087).
NOTE: The pinout of each 9-pin port is non-standard (refer to the table after these
notes, titled "Non-Standard COM Pinout"); it contains RS-422 pins in addition to
RS-232. This may result in a conflict with some equipment and therefore all nine
pins should not be used. Only the required pins for each communication type
should be connected. For RS-232 and –422, pins 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are wired straight
through.
NOTE: Data Set Ready (DSR) and Data Terminal Ready (DTR) are not supported.
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Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
NOTE: To support RS-485, tie pin 1 (RXD-) to pin 9 (TXD-) and pin 4 (TXD+) to
pin 6 (RXD+) in the cable. Refer to the table after this note, titled "COM Pinout to
RS-485 Bus".
Non-Standard COM Pinouts
PIN DIRECTION DESCRIPTION
1* To MC2E (RXD-) RS-422 Receive Data (Idles Low)
2 To MC2E (RXD) RS-232 Received Data
3 From MC2E (TXD) RS-232 Transmitted Data
4 From MC2E (TXD+) RS-422 Transmit Data (Idles High)
5 Common RS-232 and RS-422 Signal Common
6 To MC2E (RXD+) RS-422 Receive Data (Idles High)
7 From MC2E (RTS) RS-232 Request To Send
8 To MC2E (CTS) RS-232 Clear To Send
9 From MC2E (TXD-) RS-422 Transmit Data (Idles Low)
Where *= RS-422 transmit and receive are balanced signals requiring two lines plus a ground in
each direction. RXD+ and TXD+ should idle High (going Low at the start of data transmission).
RXD- and TXD- should idle Low (Going High at the start of data transmission). If necessary,
RXD+/RXD- and TXD+/TXD- may be swapped to maintain correct signal values.
COM Pinout to RS-485 Bus
COM (DB9)
RS-485 BUS
CONNECTOR
Tie Pins 1 & 9 -
Tie Pins 4 & 6 +
Pin 5 G
For more information, refer to “Slot 6: C2I-MC2-COM2” on page 30.
COMPUTER
COMPUTER
This DB9F connector is used when programming the unit with a PC. 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.
Standard DB9 Pin Assignments
PIN # ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION
1 DCD Data Carrier Detect
2 RD Receive Data
3 TD Transmit Data
4 DTR Data Terminal Ready
5 SG Signal Ground
6 DSR Data Set Ready
7 RTS Request To Send
8 CTS Clear To Send
9 Ring Ring Indicator
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.
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2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
NOTE: For laptops and other PCs without a built-in RS-232 port, Crestron
recommends the use of PCMCIA cards, rather than USB-to-serial adapters. If a
USB-to-serial adapter must be used, Crestron has tested the following devices with
good results:
Belkin (large model) F5U103
I/O Gear GUC232A
Keyspan USA-19QW
Other models, even from the same manufacturer, may not yield the same results.
LAN
LAN
An 8-position RJ45 port (labeled LAN) is accessible on the connector panel at the
rear of the MC2E. The port is used for connection to the Ethernet, providing local
area network or Web access (cable is not supplied). The port also contains two lightemitting diodes (LEDs). The LED on the left side of the port is a link status LED
and illuminates when the card is connected to a working network. The LED on the
right-side flashes to indicate Ethernet activity. Refer to the following table for the
Ethernet connector signals and use an appropriate cable (not supplied).
LAN Connector Specifications
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
1
To p
8
Front
1
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.
NOTE: Interface connectors for the NET, Infrared-Serial, I/O, and Relay Output
ports are provided with the unit.
8
NET
NET
24 Y Z G
This connector is used for expansion to Cresnet peripherals. This connector can also
serve as a 24V power source to Cresnet devices when the MC2E is powered by the
external power pack, PW-2410RU;. There is a 14 Watt maximum load rating for the
Cresnet power output when used with the included power pack PW-2410RU. Refer
to “Network Wiring” on page 13 for details. If the external power pack is not used,
the MC2E can receive power from a Crestron power supply from this connector.
8 • 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142
Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
NOTE: An optional power pack (PW-2420-RU) provides 38 Watts to Cresnet
devices when connected to the MC2E.
NOTE: In larger system configurations that require more than the 38 Watt load
capacity supplied by Cresnet (when using optional PW-2420RU power pack),
disconnect the +24VDC Cresnet wire from the MC2E and provide the +24VDC
power to the peripheral devices by an alternate source. Refer to page 15 for more
information.
NOTE: Interface connectors for the NET, Infrared-Serial, I/O, and Relay Output
ports are provided with the unit.
24VDC, 2.0A (Power Supply)
24VDC
2.0A
This female connector can be used to supply 24 VDC power to the MC2E from the
included external power pack, (model PW-2410RU) or the optional power pack
(model PW-2420-RU).
When power is supplied to the MC2E through this connector using the included
external power pack, 14 Watts are available to Cresnet devices through the NET
connector. When using the optional PW-2420RU power pack to power the MC2E, 38
Watts are available to Cresnet devices through the NET connector. This is typically
used in small installations.
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment. Failure to do
so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron warranty.
NOTE: When power is supplied through this connector, Crestron recommends
disconnecting the +24 VDC on the Cresnet connector.
NOTE: Use care in wiring installations to avoid applying 24 VDC power to Cresnet
wiring from multiple sources.
Memory
The MC2E has 36MB of built-in memory (non-volatile and volatile). The total of
36MB is specified as follows: 4MB flash (non-volatile), 32MB SDRAM (volatile),
and 256KB NVRAM (battery backed up). Flash memory contains the file system
inside the 2-series control engine. Non-volatile memory contains information that is
retained after the loss of electrical power. Volatile memory is lost after a power
failure. Refer to the lists below for a breakdown of memory usage for programrelated information stored in the unit.
Flash
1. SIMPL Program
2. SIMPL+ Modules
3. Operating System (.cuz file)
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2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
The 4MB flash memory consists of approximately 1.5MB used for firmware (.cuz
file), and approximately 2.5MB available for the SIMPL program and SIMPL+
modules. The files that reside in flash conform to a flat directory structure. The
following table presents the structure of the overall file system.
File System Structure of MC2E
TOP LEVEL SECONDARY LEVEL DESCRIPTION
\ Root of the file system
DISPLAY Legacy directory used in Crestron
SYS Contains various system
SETUP Legacy directory used in Crestron
HTML Web pages
SIMPL Control system program files
SPLUS SIMPL+ module files
USER Used for user-defined files
MAILBOX Directory contains the user
Isys® panels to hold display lists
configuration files
Isys® panels to hold display lists
mailbox file
Although the file system is case insensitive, the case is preserved to maintain file
checksums.
Non-volatile (NVRAM)
1. SIMPL+ Variables (Default if no options are specified, or using
"nonvolatile" qualifier or #DEFAULT_NONVOLATILE)
2. Signals explicitly written to NVRAM (by symbols such as Analog
RAM, Analog RAM from database, Serial RAM, Serial RAM from
database, Analog Non-volatile Ramp, Digital RAM, etc.)
NOTE: If you extract NVRAM values to a file (creating an NVRAM disk via the
Crestron Viewport command, File transfer | Save NVRAM to File), to simplify
restoring them in the event of file corruption or to distribute to identical control
systems, remember that NVRAM values are position sensitive in the program. The
timing of a NVRAM save is crucial to your application, it is recommended to place
all symbols and/or modules that use NVRAM at the beginning of your program.
When NVRAM (.nvr file) is re-installed, all the values should line up with the
program. If the program is modified, and logic is placed before any symbols using
NVRAM, the previously stored values will not line up and your presets will have to
be re-entered
Volatile (SDRAM)
1. Digital, analog and serial signal values
2. SIMPL+ Variables (if "volatile" qualifier is used, or
#DEFAULT_VOLATILE is used)
DRAM is used by the operating system for dynamic storage of variables, signals and
other constructs used at runtime. The actual amount of DRAM used at any given
time depends on the particular program that is running, i.e., usage is variable, or
dynamic, during normal operation.
NOTE: SDRAM is internal to operations and is not available to the programmer.
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Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
Industry Compliance
As of the date of manufacture, the MC2E 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.
Setup
Rack Mounting
NOTE: If rack mounting is not required, rubber feet are provided for shelf placement
or stacking. Apply the feet near the corner edges on the underside of the unit.
WARNING: To prevent bodily injury when mounting or servicing this unit in a
rack, take special precautions to ensure that the system remains stable. The following
guidelines are provided to ensure your safety:
• The unit should be mounted at the bottom of the rack if it is the only unit in the
rack.
• When mounting this unit in a partially filled rack, load the rack from the bottom
to the top with the heaviest component at the bottom of the rack.
• If the rack is provided with stabilizing devices, install the stabilizers before
mounting or servicing the unit in the rack.
NOTE: Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.
Particular attention should be given to supply connections other than direct
connections to the branch circuit. (e.g., use of power strips).
Two “ears” are provided with the MC2E so that the unit can be rack mounted. These
ears must be installed prior to mounting. Complete the following procedure to attach
the ears to the unit. The only tool required is a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
1. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the three screws closest to the
front panel from one side of the unit. Refer to the following diagram for
a detailed view.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E • 11
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