Crestron 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®power
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processor. The 2-Series operating system is vastly upgraded from
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control program to be easily recompiled for the
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E •1

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
Accelerator) via 4-position Cresnet connector
COMPUTER 1 – DB9F PC interface (refer to “Establishing Communication
with the MC2E” page 15)
INFRARED – SERIAL
OUTPUT
4 – Simultaneous one-way IR or serial output via 8-position
mini-connector
IR INPUT 1 – IR input for RC5 codes from CNXRMIRD via 3-position
mini-connector
I/O 4 – Programmable digital/analog inputs & digital outputs via 5-
position mini connector
RELAY OUTPUT 4 – Normally open, isolated relays (MOV suppression) via 8-
position mini-connector
LAN 1 – RJ45 10/100 BaseT Ethernet port
COM (A & B) 2 – DB9 bidirectional serial ports (RS-232, -422, -485) All
Cresnet Poll Accelerator ready
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
(continued on next page)
2 •2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142

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)3
Available Cresnet Power = 14 Watts
Network Power Fuse
Rating
Internal 2A self-resetting fuse4
Environmental
Temperature
41° to 113°F (5° to 45°C)
Environmental Humidity 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Dimensions & Weight Height: 1.7 in (4.32 cm)
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)
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.
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.
MC2E Front Panel
MC2E Rear Panel
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
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E •3

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
17.03 in
(43.24 cm)
1.70 in
(4.32 cm)
8.50 in
(21.59 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.
4 •2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142

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.
IR SERIAL OUT
SG S G SG S G
IR SERIAL OUT
ABC D
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
IR IN
T R S
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Pronto, and many universal remotes) as well as codes from
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:
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
I/O
1 2 3 4 G
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
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.
RELAY OUT
1 2 3 4
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
COM A
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.
6 •2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142

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)
CONNECTOR
RS-485 BUS
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
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
Female DB9 Connector
6 7 8 9
1 2 3 4 5
Male DB9 Connector
NOTE: DTR, pin 4 and DSR, pin 6 are not normally used.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E •7

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 light-
emitting 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
1 TD+
2 TD-
3 RD+
4 Connected to pin 5
5 Connected to pin 4
6 RD-
7 Connected to pin 8
8-Position
RJ45
8 Connected to pin7
18
18
Front
Top
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.
NET
24 Y Z G
NET
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 program-
related information stored in the unit.
Flash
1. SIMPL Program
2. SIMPL+ Modules
3. Operating System (.cuz file)
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E •9

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
Isys®panels to hold display lists
SYS Contains various system
configuration files
SETUP Legacy directory used in Crestron
Isys®panels to hold display lists
HTML Web pages
SIMPL Control system program files
SPLUS SIMPL+ module files
USER Used for user-defined files
MAILBOX Directory contains the user
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.
10 •2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142

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

2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
2. Position a rack ear so that its mounting holes align with the holes
vacated by the screws in step 1.
3. Secure the ear to the unit with three screws from step 1, as shown in the
illustration after this step.
Ear Attachment for Rack Mounting
4. Repeat procedure (steps 1 through 3) to attach the remaining ear to the
opposite side.
Bussing Strip Installation
The 2-Series integrated control system is supplied with a brass bussing strip to
facilitate commoning (linking) of multiple terminal block connections on the relay
port. One strip is supplied for the 8-position terminal block (four relays).
1. To utilize the bussing strip, determine the number of relays to be
commoned for the equipment being installed. If less than four, the strip
can be trimmed to size with a pair of scissors or wire snips.
2. Loosen the terminal block screws and insert the first leg of the bussing
strip into the first common position on the terminal block. The strip
engages the other common positions automatically.
3. Remove approximately 1/8" of the jacket from the common wire and
insert the conductor into one of the terminal block common positions.
Tighten the terminal block screws to lock the wire and bussing strip
into place. Insulate the strip by folding a piece of ¾" wide vinyl
electrical tape (such as Scotch 33+) over the spine and as much of the
individual legs as possible. Excess tape at each end of the strip should
be pressed closed, then trimmed to within approximately 1/16" of the
end of the strip.
4. When wiring the remaining conductors, remove approximately 1/8" of
the jacket and insert the wires into the proper terminal block positions.
To prevent the possibility of electrical shorts, it is essential that these
conductors do not touch any uninsulated portion of the bussing strip.
5. Secure the wires connected to the terminal block with a tie wrap around
the bussing strip to provide strain relief.
12 •2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142

Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
Network Wiring
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment. Failure to do
so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron warranty.
CAUTION: When using the included power pack PW-2410RU, the MC2E’s NET
connector can supply 14 Watts (maximum) to Cresnet devices. Do not connect
devices that will exceed this rating as damage may occur to the power pack. To
power additional devices from the MC2E’s NET connector, use the optional power
pack PW-2420RU that can supply up to 38 Watts from the NET connector to Cresnet
devices.
CAUTION: Exceeding the power output (maximum 38 Watts) of the MC2E with
the optional power pack PW-2420RU may result in system shutdown or a blown
fuse.
CAUTION: Possible equipment damage if miswired.
NOTE: When installing network wiring, refer to the latest revision of the wiring
diagram(s) appropriate to your specific system configuration, available from the
Downloads | Product Manuals | Software and Wiring Diagrams section of the
Crestron website (www.crestron.com).
NOTE: Do not power up system until all wiring is verified. Care should be taken to
ensure data (Y, Z) and power (24, G) connections are not crossed.
NOTE: All network wiring must consist of two twisted-pairs. One twisted pair is the
+24V conductor and the GND conductor and the other twisted pair is the Y
conductor and the Z conductor.
NOTE: For larger networks (i.e., greater than 28 network devices), it may be
necessary to add a Cresnet Hub/Repeater (CNXHUB) to maintain signal quality
throughout the network. Also, for networks with lengthy cable runs or varying types
of network devices, it may be desirable to add a hub/repeater after only 20 network
devices.
When calculating the wire gauge for a particular network run, the length of the run
and the power factor of each network unit to be connected must be taken into
consideration. If network units are to be daisy-chained on the run, the power factor
of each network unit to be daisy-chained must be added together to determine the
power factor of the entire chain. The length of the run in feet and the power factor of
the run should be used in the following resistance equation to calculate the value on
the right side of the equation.
Resistance Equation
R = Resistance (refer to table below).
L = Length of run (or chain) in feet.
PF = Power factor of entire run (or chain).
R < L x PF
40,000 Where:
The required wire gauge should be chosen such that the resistance value is less than
the value calculated in the resistance equation. Refer to the following table.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E •13

2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
Wire Gauge Values
RESISTANCE (R) WIRE GAUGE
416
618
10 20
15 22
13 Doubled CAT5
8.7 Tripled CAT5
NOTE: When daisy-chaining Cresnet units, strip the ends of the wires carefully to
avoid nicking the conductors. Twist together the ends of the wires that share a pin on
the network connector, and tin the twisted connection. Apply solder only to the ends
of the twisted wires. Avoid tinning too far up the wires or the end becomes brittle.
Insert the tinned connection into the Cresnet connector and tighten the retaining
screw. Repeat the procedure for the other three conductors.
Hardware Hookup
Refer to the following hookup diagram and, aside from attaching power last,
complete the connections in any order. Refer to "Network Wiring" on page 13 when
making network connections.
NOTE: To prevent overheating, do not operate this product in an area that exceeds
the environmental temperature range listed in the table of specifications.
Consideration must be given if installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly since
the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than the
room ambient. Contact with thermal insulating materials should be avoided on all
sides of the unit.
NOTE: The maximum continuous current from equipment under any external load
conditions shall not exceed a current limit that is suitable for the minimum wire
gauge used in interconnecting cables. The ratings on the connecting unit's supply
input should be considered to prevent overloading the wiring.
Hookup Connections for the MC2E
14 •2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142
TO CONTROLLABLE
DEVICES
FROM DEVICE
OUTPUTS
- CONTACT CLOSURES
- SOLID STATE CLOSURES
TO
IRP2
OR
SERIAL
DEVICES
TO
CONTROLLABLE
DEVICES
TO PC
SERIAL
PORT
TO ANY
RS-232,
-422, OR
-485 DEVICE
TO ANY
CRESNET
NETWORK
DEVICE
TO AC
POWER
PACK
(24VDC, 2A
OUTPUT)
10/100 BASE-T
ETHERNET
TO LAN
OR WEB
FROM
CNXRMIRD
for RC5
CODE

Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
Power Supply
The unit can be powered through the NET connector, or by the included external
power pack (PW-2410RU) or the optional power pack PW-2420RU. With the PW-
2410RU, the MC2E can provide power to peripheral Cresnet devices (via the NET
connector) up to a total of 14 Watts. The PW-2420RU allows the MC2E to provide
up to 38 Watts to peripheral Cresnet devices (via the NET connector).
If additional power is needed, Crestron recommends the Crestron CNPWS-75 (75
watts) External Power Supply or equivalent.
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment. Failure to do
so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron warranty.
CAUTION: When using the included power pack PW-2410RU, the MC2E’s NET
connector can supply 14 Watts (maximum) to Cresnet devices. Do not connect
devices that will exceed this rating as damage may occur to the power pack. To
power additional devices from the MC2E’s NET connector, use the optional power
pack PW-2420RU that can supply up to 38 Watts from the NET connector to Cresnet
devices.
NOTE: Use care in wiring installations to avoid applying 24 VDC power to Cresnet
wiring from an external power pack as well as from a system device that contains its
own power supply. Although this condition should not cause any damage, Crestron
does not recommend it.
NOTE: In larger system configurations that require more than the 24W supplied by
Cresnet, disconnect the +24VDC wire from the MC2E Cresnet connector and
provide the +24VDC power to the peripheral devices by an alternate source.
Establishing Communication with the MC2E
Before uploading a program to the MC2E or performing diagnostic functions, the
control system must be connected to a PC. The connection can be either serial or
TCP/IP.
Serial Connection
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
Connect the COMPUTER port on the control system to one of the COM ports
(usually COM 1) on the PC. Use a straight-through RS-232 cable with a DB9 male
connector on one end and a DB9 female connector on the other. Most commercially
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E •15

2-Series Professional Media Controller Crestron MC2E
available cables are acceptable; they should have at least five pins for transmit,
receive, ground, and hardware handshaking (pins 2, 3, 5, 7, 8).
NOTE: The Viewport utility performs multiple system tasks, primarily via an RS-
232 or TCP/IP connection between the control system and a PC. It is used to observe
system processes, upload new operating systems and firmware, change system and
network parameters, and communicate with network device consoles and
touchpanels, among many other tasks. Viewport can also function as a terminal
emulator for generic file transfer. All of these functions are accessed through the
commands and options in the Viewport menus. Viewport is available through the
SIMPL Windows and Crestron VisionTools®Pro-e (VT Pro-e) software.
Open the Crestron Viewport and click Setup | Communication Settings to display
the “Port Settings” window. Then click RS-232 as the connection type.
The PC communication settings specified here should match the protocol that the
MC2E ships with. The settings are as follows:
• Port = COM 1 through COM 8. Select the correct COM port on the PC.
• Baud rate = 115200 (You can set the PC and the control system to a
different baud rate, by using the Functions | Set Baud Rate command.
• Parity = None.
• Number of data bits = 8.
• Number of stop bits = 1.
• Hardware handshaking (RTS/CTS) enabled.
• Software handshaking (XON/XOFF) not enabled.
“Port Settings” Window: Default PC Settings for RS-232 Communication with the MC2E
To verify communication, click Diagnostics | Establish Communications (Find
Rack). This should display a window that gives the COM port and baud rate.
16 •2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E Operations Guide - DOC. 6142