Crestron ML-500 User manual

Crestron ML-500
Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
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 ML-500 Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
Contents
Mini LCD RF Handheld Remote: ML-500 1
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
Features and Functions................................................................................................1
Specifications ..............................................................................................................2
Physical Description....................................................................................................2
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................8
Using the Backlight .....................................................................................................8
Installing/Changing the Batteries ................................................................................8
Adjusting the Display .................................................................................................. 9
Cleaning the Screen..................................................................................................... 9
Problem Solving ......................................................................................................................10
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 10
Further Inquiries ........................................................................................................10
Industry Compliance .................................................................................................11
Operations & Installation Guide - DOC. 6246 Contents •i

Crestron ML-500 Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
Mini LCD RF Handheld Remote:
ML-500
Introduction
Features and Functions
The Crestron®Mini LCD RF Handheld Remote (ML-500) is a universal remote
control that can be used to control a Crestron system. A liquid-crystal display (LCD)
with switchable backlighting provides the user with a listing of available functions
and system commands. With a wireless range of up to 200 feet, the ML-500 can be
used almost anywhere in a home or facility. The remote is powered by four AAA
batteries (included).
Functional Summary
• Easy-to-use preprogrammed functions for your Crestron
system
• 2.1” x 1.4” backlit, LCD screen for function selection
• Ten preprogrammed soft keys which can be used to access
custom command sequences, system functions, and
preferences
• Storage for 50 preprogrammed “favorite” functions and/or
settings
• Up to 200-foot RF wireless range allows system control
from almost anywhere in a building
• Intuitive interface for easy operation
• Five-way thumbpad for navigating on-screen menus found
on A/V devices
• Transport controls for controlling a variety of audio and
video sources
• Volume and channel controls
• Numeric keypad for entry of numeric data
• Switchable backlighting for viewing display and buttons in a
variety of lighting conditions
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Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote Crestron ML-500
Specifications
The following table lists specifications for the ML-500.
Specifications for the ML-500
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Battery Power 6.0 VDC (Four AAA Alkaline batteries supplied)
RF Output 418 MHz
RF Range Up to 200 feet (depending on physical
structures and electronic interference)
Buttons (1) “ON” button
(1) “OFF” button
(10) “Soft” buttons
(3) Menu navigation buttons
(1) Five-way thumbpad
(27) “Hard” buttons including a numeric keypad
and transport controls
LCD Screen 2.10” x 1.40” (5.33 cm x 3.56 cm)
Backlighting Switchable backlighting for buttons and LCD
screen. Automatic shutoff after 15 seconds.
Enclosure High impact, rubberized plastic enclosure
Operating Temperature
and Humidity
50º to 113º F (10º to 45º C),
10 to 90% Relative Humidity (non-condensing)
Dimensions and Weight
(with batteries)
Height: 9.06 in (23.00 cm)
Width: 3.03 in (7.70 cm)
Depth: 1.40 in (3.56 cm)
Weight: 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
Physical Description
The ML-500 (refer to the following illustrations) has a 2.10” x 1.40” (5.33 cm x 3.56
cm) LCD screen. The LCD screen lists the options associated with the 10
preprogrammed soft keys that flank the LCD screen. Three navigation keys are used
to switch between control screens on the remote control. There are 29 buttons plus a
thumbpad that are used for device-specific functions. A button on the right side of
the remote switches the display/keypad backlighting on and off. For information on
the operation of the ML-500, refer to “Menu System” on page 5.
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Crestron ML-500 Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
ML-500, Front View
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Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote Crestron ML-500
Physical Views of the ML-500
9.06 in
(23.00 cm)
2.28 in
(5.80 cm)
3.03 in
(7.70 cm)
1.40 in
(3.56 cm)
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Crestron ML-500 Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
Menu System
The ML-500 uses a menu to access all of the functions the remote is capable of
performing. The menu consists of a main page that lists up to 10 groups of options.
Depending on your remote’s configuration, each option can be a selection of a room,
device, or system function. Each group can contain up to four pages. Each page lists
up to 10 additional options.
There is also a “Favorites” section that can contain up to 50 favorite functions or
settings that are listed on five pages (up to 10 functions or settings per page).
The following diagram illustrates the structure of ML-500’s menus.
ML-500 Menu Structure
All of the available options are shown on the LCD screen and are selected with the
soft keys that flank the LCD. You can scroll through pages in the menu system by
using the navigation keys and operate devices in the system with the hard keys. For
instructions on using the navigation keys, refer to “Navigation Keys” on page 6.
LCD Display & Soft Keys
The LCD screen shows the current location within the menu system as well as the
options that are assigned to each soft key.
The top line of the screen indicates the name of the page or group while the bottom
line shows the page number (if applicable). The illustration to the left shows a sample
MAIN page, which is indicated by the word “MAIN” on the top and bottom lines of
the screen.
NOTE: The MAIN page contains only one page.
Ten soft keys flank the sides of the LCD. A soft key differs from a hard key, as it
does not have a fixed function. The assigned option of each soft key is shown on the
LCD adjacent to a corresponding soft key. The options listed on the LCD change
from page to page. Pressing a soft key will carry out the assigned option.
NOTE: The remote control is transmitting to the system when the indicator is
displayed. The remote will not respond to a new button push while it is transmitting.
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Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote Crestron ML-500
Navigation Keys
PAGE
MAIN
FAV
The three navigation keys located under the LCD are used to view the different
pages in the menu system.
PAGE
After pressing a group’s soft key on the MAIN page, press the PAGE button to view
pages within the selected group. After reaching the final page in a group (either page
2, 3, or 4), pressing PAGE once more returns the display to the first page in the
group. Refer to the following illustration.
Navigating Through a Group Using the PAGE Button
MAIN
Press MAIN at any time to return the LCD to the main page. If MAIN is pressed
while viewing favorites, the display returns to the page that was displayed before
pressing FAV.
FAV
Press FAV to view up to five pages containing up to 50 of your favorite functions
and/or settings.
Scroll forward through the list by pressing FAV. Pressing PAGE scrolls in reverse
as shown in the following diagram.
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Crestron ML-500 Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
Scrolling Through Favorites Using the FAV and PAGE Buttons
Hard Keys
ON OFF
8
7
+10 0
4
1
a
2
5
h
d
MENU INFO
9
ENT
6
3
b
c
EXIT
PREV
CH
+
-
VOL
MUTE
GUIDE
+
CH
-
The hard keys are used to switch power to the devices in your system and control
device-specific functions within the system.
ON/OFF
Use these buttons to switch power to the devices in your system. If the remote’s
batteries are running low, the bottom of the LCD display will flash “LOW
BATTERY”, whenever the ON button is pressed. Refer to “Installing/Changing the
Batteries” on page 8 for instructions on changing batteries.
Device Control
These hard keys consist of buttons for volume and channel control, accessing and
using on-screen menus, operating transport functions, a numeric keypad and a
thumbpad.
The numeric keypad may be used to select a channel when controlling a television,
while the transport controls may be used to control a VCR or DVD player.
The thumbpad moves in four directions and has a center button. It can be used to
navigate on-screen menus found on A/V devices as well as other functions. To select
an on-screen option with the thumbpad, press down on the center of the thumbpad.
LIGHT
L
I
G
H
T
Located on the right side of the remote, the LIGHT button is used to turn the
key/display backlighting on and off. For more information on backlighting, refer to
“Using the Backlight” below.
Programming Port
Located on the left side of the remote, the programming port is used by a Crestron
dealer to program the ML-500 for use with a Crestron system. Do not connect any
devices to this port.
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Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote Crestron ML-500
Miscellaneous
Using the Backlight
If it is difficult to see the display or buttons when viewing the remote, the ML-500
backlight can be used to light up the display and buttons.
Turn on the backlight by pressing the LIGHT button on the right side of the remote
control. The backlighting will stay on, and then automatically turn off after
approximately 15 seconds. If you wish to turn off the backlighting without waiting,
press the LIGHT button again.
NOTE: Battery life is reduced with frequent use of the backlight feature.
Installing/Changing the Batteries
If the batteries are running low, the bottom of the LCD display will flash “LOW
BATTERY” whenever the ON button is pressed. Low batteries may shorten the
operating range of the ML-500. To change the batteries, perform the following:
1. While viewing the back of the ML-500, press the latch on the battery cover
(shown in the following illustration) and remove it.
Battery Cover Removal
LATCH
2. Remove old batteries (if installed) and insert new batteries with the
indicated polarity inside the battery compartment. The remote will run a
diagnostic test.
NOTE: Replace all of the batteries at the same time. Do not mix old and new
batteries.
NOTE: The ML-500 will retain its program even when the batteries are removed
for an extended period.
3. Replace the battery cover.
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Crestron ML-500 Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
Adjusting the Display
The LCD display’s contrast can be adjusted for optimal viewing.
To make the display darker, press the UP thumbpad button while holding the MAIN
button. Refer to the following diagram.
Adjusting Display Contrast
PAGE
MAIN
FAV
MUTE PREV
CH
GUIDE
CH
VOL
+
+
--
INFO EXITMENU
c
d
ahb
Buttons from top to bottom:
MAIN
UP thumbpad
DOWN thumbpad
To make the display lighter, press the DOWN thumbpad button while holding the
MAIN button.
Cleaning the Screen
WARNING: Do not use abrasives or liquid cleaning solutions. Doing so can
scratch the LCD or damage internal electrical components.
Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the screen. Be careful not to use excessive
force. The screen is made of glass and is easily breakable.
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Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote Crestron ML-500
Problem Solving
Troubleshooting
The table below provides corrective action for possible trouble situations. If further
assistance is required, please contact the Crestron dealer that programmed your
system.
ML-500 Troubleshooting
TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE ACTION
Display is too dark. Contrast is set wrong. Adjust contrast setting.
Contrast is set wrong. Adjust contrast setting.Display is too light.
Batteries are running
low.
Replace batteries.
Devices are not
powered up.
Check power to devices.
Check that devices are
on.
Batteries are running
low.
Replace batteries.
System does not
respond to commands
from the ML-500.
RF Gateway not
functioning.
Check power to RF
Gateway.
Further Inquiries
If after reviewing this Operations Guide for the ML-500, you cannot locate specific
information or have questions, please contact your local Crestron dealer.
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Crestron ML-500 Mini LCD RF Wireless Handheld Remote
Industry Compliance
As of the date of manufacture, this unit has been tested and found to comply with
specifications for CE marking.
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.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. The equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and transceiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
transceiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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Crestron Electronics, Inc. Operations Guide – DOC. 6246
15 Volvo Drive Rockleigh, NJ 07647 12.03
Tel: 888.CRESTRON
Fax: [phone] Specifications subject to
www.crestron.com change without notice.