Crestron C2N-DB12 How to use

Crestron C2N-DB6/8/12
Decorator Wall Panels
Operations & Installation 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.

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Operations & Installation Guide - DOC. 6154 Contents •i
Contents
Decorator Wall Panels: C2N-DB6/8/12 .............................. 1
Introduction......................................................................................1
Features and Functions ..........................................................1
Specifications.........................................................................3
Physical Description ..............................................................4
Button Replacement ..............................................................6
Industry Compliance..............................................................6
Setup.................................................................................................7
Network Wiring.....................................................................7
Identity Code .........................................................................8
Installation ...........................................................................12
Programming Software ..................................................................13
Programming with Crestron AppBuilder or D3 Pro ...............14
Programming with SIMPL Windows..................................15
Uploading and Upgrading..............................................................20
Communication Settings......................................................20
Uploading a SIMPL Windows Program..............................24
Firmware Upgrade...............................................................25
Serial Number Assignment..................................................27
Problem Solving.............................................................................29
Troubleshooting...................................................................29
Further Inquiries ..................................................................30
Future Updates.....................................................................30
Return and Warranty Policies ........................................................31
Merchandise Returns / Repair Service ................................31
CRESTRON Limited Warranty ..........................................31

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Decorator Wall Panels:
C2N-DB6/8/12
Introduction
Features and Functions
The C2N-DB6/8/12-series Decorator Wall Panels are wall-mounted,
single-gang user interfaces that can be part of a Crestron®solution total
control system. The panels are standard Cresnet®devices, and provide
fingertip control when the control system is properly programmed using
Crestron’s SIMPL Windows, Application Builder, or D3 Pro software.
The number in the product’s name corresponds to the number of buttons
on the panel. Each of these panels is available in three colors: almond,
black, and white. A letter at the end of the product name, ‘A’, ‘B’, or
‘W’, denotes the color; e.g., C2N-DB12B is a black, 12-button unit. For
simplicity within this guide, the letter designating color is omitted. Also,
although the C2N-DB12 is featured in descriptions and illustrations
throughout this guide, the information herein applies to the other panels
as well. Exceptions are noted.
NOTE: Wall panels can also be mounted in multi-gang electrical boxes.
Functional Summary
• Ergonomic buttons are easy to read from any angle
• LED indicators provide visual feedback of commands
• Panels are available in 6-, 8-, or 12-button configurations
• Panels accommodate standard faceplates
• Panels can be mounted singly, or in multi-gang configurations.

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Faceplates are not supplied; the wall panels accept faceplates that can be
obtained in any store selling lighting supplies and accessories, making it
easy for the wall panels to match the appearance of the site’s other switch
and outlet styles.
NOTE: The C2N-DB12 wall panel is supplied with 12 blank
pushbuttons. As an option, custom-engraved keys can be designed and
obtained by using the Crestron Engraver software. Version 2.1.0.1 or
later is available from the Downloads | Software Updates section of the
Crestron website (www.crestron.com).
All buttons on the wall panel are functionally identical and have light
emitting diodes (LEDs) that serve as user feedback indicators. Each
LED’s illumination (on/off) is independently addressable, and is
programmable using SIMPL Windows.
In the program, the intensity level for all the button LEDs can be set from
0 to 100%. Refer to “C2N-DB12 Symbol in Programming Manager” on
page 17 for details.
NOTE: These units do not support audio WAV files.

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Specifications
The following table provides specifications for the wall panels.
Specifications for the Wall Panels
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Power Re
q
uirements 3 Watts
(
0.125 Amp
@
24 VDC
)
Default Network ID 73, 72, or 71
(
for C2N-DB6/8/12
)
LED T
yp
e Red, dimmable via pro
g
ram
Control System Update Files1, 2, 3
2-Series Control System Update Version C2-2.004.CUZ or later
CEN/CN-TVAV Update File Version 5.10.13V.UPZ or later
CNMSX-AV/Pro Update File Version 5.10.11X.UPZ or later
CNRACKX/-DP Update File Version 5.10.11W.UPZ or later
ST-CP Update File Version 4.02.04S.UPZ or later
Environmental Temperature 32°F - 113°F (0°C - 45°C)
Humidity 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Dimensions and Weight Height: 4.16 in (10.57 cm)
Width: 1.79 in (4.55 cm)
Depth: 1.53 in (3.89 cm)4
Weight: 2.60 oz (75 g)
1. The latest software versions can be obtained from the Downloads | Software
Updates section of the Crestron website (www.crestron.com). Refer to the NOTE
following these footnotes.
2. Crestron 2-Series control systems include the AV2, CP2/CP2E, MP2/MP2E,
PAC2, PRO2 and RACK2.
3. Filenames for CNX and ST-CP update files have a UPZ extension. Files on the
website may be .zip or self-extracting .exe files containing the .cuz or .upz file. To
avoid program problems, make sure you are using the update file with the correct
suffix letter (e.g., S, V, W, X).
4. The depth of the wall panel is listed without the Cresnet connector (which would
add approximately 0.45 in. plus clearance for the wiring).
NOTE: Crestron software and any files on the website are for Authorized
Crestron dealers and Crestron Authorized Independent Programmers
(CAIP) only. New users may be required to register to obtain access to
certain areas of the site (including the FTP site).

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Physical Description
Refer to the figures below and on page 5. The number of buttons on a
wall panel can be 6, 8, or 12. They are arranged numerically from left to
right, top to bottom and each has an LED window. (Refer to page 19 for
join number information.)
Each wall panel has a button unit with a membrane switch, and a male
Cresnet network port labeled 24 Y Z G. The port provides for operating
power and for communications to/from the wall panel.
The button unit is supplied with the removable buttons secured in place
by a divider and four screws. Use the two 1-inch pan head screws
provided to mount the button unit in the electrical box.
Wall Panel Physical Views
6-button Model 8-button Model 12-button Model
Refer to the illustration on page 19 for button arrangement details.

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Button Unit Detail View
1.53 in
(3.89 cm)
1.07 in
(2.72 cm)
1.79 in
(4.55 cm)
4.16 in
(10.57 cm)
1.67 in
(4.24 cm)
2.70 in
(6.86 cm)
Rubber
with buttons removed
Front View
Cresnet
port
Back View
with buttons installed
Side View
Membrane
Installation View
6-32 x 1 in. pan head
2-28 x 3/16 in. pan head
Divider
Single gang electrical box shown;
(2.5 in. depth recommended)
Removable buttons
Button unit
LED window
(See CAUTION on
page 6.)
Can also mount in multi-gang boxes

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Button Replacement
Replacing/changing the removable buttons in a Wall Panel is a simple
process. Refer to the illustrations on the previous page and the following
procedures.
1. If the wall panel is installed in an electrical box, remove the two
1-inch securing screws, carefully pull the wall panel from the
electrical box, and disconnect the Cresnet cable.
2. Remove the four screws that attach the divider, and remove the
divider.
CAUTION: The removable buttons fit snugly on the rubber membrane
and must be removed carefully to avoid pulling the membrane from the
unit. Once membrane is detached, you may be unable to reattach it.
3. While holding adjacent buttons in place, carefully pull the
button(s) to be replaced from the rubber membrane.
4. Carefully press the replacement button(s) in place, make sure
LED window(s) orientation is correct, and attach the divider
using the four screws removed in step 2.
5. If applicable, reinstall the wall panel in the electrical box.
Industry Compliance
As of the date of manufacture, the wall panels have 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.

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Setup
Network Wiring
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment.
Failure to do so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron
warranty.
NOTE: When installing network wiring, refer to the latest revision of the
wiring diagram(s) appropriate for your specific system configuration,
available from the Downloads | Product Manuals | Wiring Diagrams
section of the Crestron website (www.crestron.com).
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 Cresnet run, the length
of the run and the power factor of each network unit to be connected
must be taken into consideration. If Cresnet units are to be daisy-chained
on the run, the power factor of each unit to be daisy-chained must be
added together to determine the power factor of the entire chain. If the
unit is a home-run from a Crestron system power supply network port,
the power factor of that unit is the power factor of the entire run. 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
table on the next page.

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Wire Gauge Values
RESISTANCE (R) WIRE GAUGE
416
618
10 20
15 22
13 Doubled CAT5
8.7 Tripled CAT5
NOTE: All Cresnet 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: 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.
Identity Code
Every equipment and user interface within the network requires a unique
identity code (NET ID). These codes are recognized by a two-digit
hexadecimal number from 03 to FE. The NET ID of each unit must
match an ID code specified in the SIMPL Windows program. Refer to
“Setting the Net ID in Device Settings” on page 17 for details of the
SIMPL Windows procedure.
Refer to note
on page 20
f
or a
definition of
Viewport.
The NET ID of the wall panel has been factory set to 71 (72 and 73 for
C2N-DB8 and C2N-DB6, respectively). The NET IDs of multiple wall
panels in the same system must be unique. NET IDs are changed from a
personal computer (PC) via the Crestron Viewport.
NOTE: For detailed information on establishing communication between
the PC and control system, refer to “Communication Settings” on page
20. If communication cannot be established, refer to the

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“Troubleshooting Communications” section in the respective Operations
Guide for the control system.
There are two different methods—Method A or Method B—for setting
the wall panel NET IDs:
Method A (Cresnet address-settable ID), described below, applies to all
wall panels in a Cresnet system. This method requires that a single wall
panel be the only network device connected to the control system.
Method B (Touch Settable IDs), which begins on page 10, applies to
wall panels in a Cresnet system with 2-Series control system upgrade file
(CUZ) version 3.008 or later. These upgrades enable Touch Settable ID
(TSID) functionality, which makes it possible for the control system to
recognize a network device via its serial number, which is stored in the
device’s memory. This method does not require that any devices be
disconnected from the network; NET IDs may be set with the entire
Cresnet system intact.
Use the appropriate method to set the wall panel NET ID.
Method A (Cresnet address-settable ID)
1. Ensure that the wall panel is the only device connected to the
control system.
2. Open the Crestron Viewport.
3. From the Viewport menu, select Functions | Set Network ID.
The software checks the baud rate and then opens the "Set
Network ID" window.
4. In the "Set Network ID" window, select the C2N-DB12 from
the Current Network Devices text window.
5. Select the new NET ID for the wall panel from the Choose the
new network ID for the selected device (Hex): text box.
6. Click Set ID to initiate the change. This will display the "ID
command has been sent" window.
7. In the "Command Complete" window, click OK.
8. In the Current Network Devices text window, verify the new
NET ID code.
9. In the "Set Network ID" window, click Close.

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NOTE: The new NET ID code may also be verified by selecting
Diagnostics | Report Network Devices in the Viewport (alternately,
select F4).
10. Repeat this procedure for each wall panel to be added to the
system.
Method B (Touch Settable IDs)
Before using this method, you should have a list of all current network
devices and their Net IDs, to avoid assigning duplicate IDs.
Set Net ID via D3 Pro
Version 1.0 of this program includes procedures that enable setting the
Net ID by touching any button of a set of wall panels. Refer to the
extensive help information provided with the software file for
instructions. (For a brief description of the D3 Pro program, refer to
“Programming with Crestron AppBuilder or D3 Pro” on page 14.)
Set Net ID by TSID
These procedures are for TSID-enabled network devices during the initial
configuration of a Cresnet system or when such devices are being
added/replaced.
1. Ensure that all wall panels are connected to the control
system.
2. Open the Crestron Viewport version 3.35 or later.
3. From the Viewport menu, select Functions | Assign Cresnet
ID by Serial Number. The “Set Net ID by TSID” window
appears. The window is first displayed with the data fields
empty.
• When you click on the Search for Touch Settable
Devices button, the system searches the network and lists
all TSID-enabled devices found, as shown in the figure on
the next page.
• This information is similar to the report produced by
pressing F4 (Report Network Devices); the first eight
digits of each line constitute the TSID number
(hexadecimal form of the serial number).

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“Set Net ID by TSID” Window
4. As you enter either the serial number or TSID number of the
device that requires a change, the corresponding TSID or
serial number automatically appears in its appropriate field,
and the list scrolls to and highlights the device listing. The
listing should show the device’s current Cresnet ID.
CAUTION: This function does not prevent you from setting duplicate
IDs. Be sure to check current assignments before entering the desired
Cresnet ID number.
5. Enter the Cresnet ID that the device should be set to and click
OK. The number you enter should appear on the list.
Serial Number to TSID Conversion
This utility is useful in a case where there are multiple devices of the
same type on a network, you need to locate a particular one, you know
the TSID but not the serial number, and your site installation list is based
on device serial numbers. In this (or the reverse) situation, do the
following:
1. Open the Crestron Viewport.

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2. From the Viewport menu, select Functions | Serial Number
ÅÆ TSID Conversion Tool. The “Serial Number ÅÆTSID
Conversion Tool” window is displayed.
“Serial Number to TSID Conversion Tool” Window
3. Enter the serial number or TSID number as instructed; press
the appropriate button to obtain the corresponding number.
NOTE: Enter serial numbers, including spaces, exactly as they appear on
the unit label. Alpha characters in serial numbers or TSID numbers may
be entered in upper or lower case.
Installation
The following tools/hardware are required for installation:
• Cresnet network cable (not supplied)
• Phillips screwdriver (not supplied)
• Two 1 in. pan head Phillips screws (supplied)
After the Cresnet network wiring has been installed and verified, use the
following procedure to install the wall panel in a standard electrical box
(refer to illustrations on page 5).
NOTE: Verify that you have sufficient Cresnet power to support your
net devices.
1. Turn Cresnet system power OFF.

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2. Connect the Cresnet cable with supplied mate to the wall
panel’s Cresnet port and the other end to the control system.
CAUTION: Excess wire pinched between the wall panel and electrical
box could short out. Make sure that all excess wire is completely inside
the electrical box and not between the box and the side of the wall panel.
3. Make sure the button unit is oriented as marked with arrow at
top, and place it in the electrical box.
4. Attach the button unit using the supplied 1 in. pan head
screws.
6. Turn Cresnet system power ON.
Programming Software
Have a
comment
about
Crestron
software?
Direct
software
related
suggestions
and/or
complaints to
Crestron via
email
(software@
crestron.com).
Do not forwar
d
any queries to
this address.
I
nstead refer to
“Further
Inquiries” on
p
age 30 for
assistance.
Setup is easy thanks to Crestron’s Windows-based programming
software. The Crestron Application Builder™ (AppBuilder) creates a
complete project, with no special programming required. Crestron
AppBuilder completes all necessary programming for a base system
including all touchpanel screens and the control system program. Once
Crestron AppBuilder creates the project, the system interfaces and
program logic can be customized. It can easily be modified with Crestron
development tools (i.e., SIMPL Windows and Crestron VisionTools®
Pro-e (VT Pro-e) software packages).
The program output of Crestron AppBuilder is a SIMPL Windows
program with much of the functionality encapsulated in macros and
templates. Therefore, extending the capabilities of the system is very
easy. Crestron AppBuilder and SIMPL Windows are intended for users
with different levels of programming knowledge. Crestron AppBuilder is
easier to use for the beginning programmer, and much faster for all
programmers. However, it does not allow the degree of control and
flexibility that SIMPL Windows does. Of course, one can initiate
programming using the easiest method (Crestron AppBuilder) and use
advanced techniques that are available from SIMPL Windows to
customize the job.
Crestron AppBuilder comes with templates for all supported interfaces. If
a user wishes to create a touchpanel project using templates with a

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different look-and-feel, this can be accomplished by making a custom
template. This custom template can then be used by Crestron AppBuilder
to create the final project files to be loaded into the panels. Alternatively,
VT Pro-e can be used to tweak projects created with the Crestron
AppBuilder or develop original touchpanel screen designs.
NOTE: Crestron recommends that you use the latest software to take
advantage of the most recently released features. The latest software is
available from the Downloads | Software Updates section of the Crestron
website (www.crestron.com).
The following are the earliest useable software version requirements for
the PC:
• (Optional) Application Builder version 1.0.17 or later. Requires
SIMPL Windows.
• (Optional) D3 Pro version 1.0 or later.
• SIMPL Windows version 2.04.11 or later, with Library Update
file 227. Requires SIMPL+®Cross Compiler version 1.1.
• Crestron Database version 15.9.8 or later.
• (Optional) Crestron Engraver version 2.1.0.1 or later.
Programming with Crestron AppBuilder or D3 Pro
The easiest
method of
p
rogramming,
but does not
offer as much
f
lexibility
as SIMPL
Windows.
Crestron AppBuilder offers automatic programming for such residential
and commercial applications as audio distribution, home theater, video
conferencing, and lighting. The interface of this tool guides you through
a few basic steps for designating rooms and specifying the control
system, touchpanels, devices, and functionality. Crestron AppBuilder
then programs the system, including all touchpanel projects and control
system logic.
Crestron D3 Pro similarly offers automatic programming for lighting and
HVAC projects.
Both Crestron AppBuilder and D3 Pro integrate fully with Crestron's
suite of software development tools, including SIMPL Windows, VT
Pro-e, and the Crestron Database. Both access these tools behind the
scenes, enabling you to easily create robust systems.

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Programming with SIMPL Windows
NOTE: The following assumes that the reader has knowledge of SIMPL
Windows. If not, refer to the extensive help information provided with
the software.
NOTE: In the following description, the PRO2 control system is used.
SIMPL Windows is Crestron's software for programming Crestron
control systems. It provides a well-designed graphical environment with
a number of workspaces (i.e., windows) in which a programmer can
select, configure, program, test, and monitor a Crestron control system.
SIMPL Windows offers drag and drop functionality in a familiar
Windowsenvironment.
This section explains how to create a SIMPL Windows program that
includes a wall panel.
Configuration Manager is where programmers “build” a Crestron control
system by selecting hardware from the Device Library. In Configuration
Manager, drag the PRO2 from the Control Systems folder of the Device
Library and drop it in the upper pane of the System Views. The PRO2
with its associated communication ports is displayed in the System Views
upper pane.
PRO2 System View
The System Views lower pane displays the PRO2 system tree. This tree
can be expanded to display and configure the communications ports.

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Expanded PRO2 System Tree
C2Net-Device Slot in Configuration Manager
To incorporate a C2N-DB12 into the system, drag the C2N-DB12 from
the Wired Keypad folder of the Device Library and drop it in System
Views. The PRO2 system tree displays the C2N-DB12 in Slot 9, with a
default NET ID of 71 as shown in the illustration on the next page.
NOTE: The first C2N-DB12 in a system is preset with a NET ID of 71
when its symbol is dragged into the upper pane of System Views.
Additional units are assigned different NET ID numbers as they are
added.
C2Net Device, Slot 9