Crestron MT-500C User manual

Crestron MT-500C
MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
Operations Guide

This document was prepared and written by the Technical Documentation department at:
Crestron Electronics, Inc.
15 Volvo Drive
Rockleigh, NJ 07647
1-888-CRESTRON
All brand names, product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
©2002 Crestron Electronics, Inc

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
Contents
MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld: MT-500C 1
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
Features and Functions................................................................................................1
Specifications ..............................................................................................................2
Physical Description....................................................................................................2
RS-232 Cable ..............................................................................................................5
Industry Compliance ...................................................................................................5
Setup ..........................................................................................................................................5
Installing the Battery Pack...........................................................................................5
Charging the Battery....................................................................................................6
Activating the MT-500C ............................................................................................. 7
Adjusting System Settings........................................................................................... 9
Maintaining the MT-500C......................................................................................... 10
Establishing Communication with the MT-500C......................................................11
Programming ...........................................................................................................................12
SIMPL Windows....................................................................................................... 12
VT Pro-e.................................................................................................................... 14
Problem Solving ......................................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 18
Further Inquiries ........................................................................................................19
Future Updates .......................................................................................................... 19
Software License Agreement................................................................................................... 20
Return and Warranty Policies ..................................................................................................22
Merchandise Returns / Repair Service ...................................................................... 22
CRESTRON Limited Warranty.................................................................................22
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 Contents •i

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
MiniTouch Color RF Wireless
Handheld: MT-500C
Introduction
Features and Functions
Crestron’s MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld (MT-500C) can be used for
small screen control of large-scale Crestron systems. Its easy-to-use touchscreen
(256 colors) and intuitive interface makes it the perfect remote for every user. With a
wireless range of up to180-feet, the MiniTouch can be used with Crestron’s
CNRFGWA-418 RF Gateway and any Crestron 2-Series control system. Powered by
fast-charging Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) batteries, the unit comes with a docking
station and is programmed using Crestron’s VisionTools™ Pro-e (VT Pro-e)
software.
Functional Summary
• Easy-to-use 256 color (240 x 320 pixels) LCD touchscreen
• 240 x 219 pixel area on LCD screen for user programming
• Up to 999 digital joins available
• 180-foot RF wireless range (line of sight)
• Intuitive interface
• 9 programmable push buttons
• Programming cable included
The user interface includes a Remote icon that you can use to access the unit’s
system settings (refer to page 9 for system setting information).
A Low Battery icon appears on the Remote icon when the battery charge is low
(refer to page 6 for charging information).
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •1

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
Specifications
The following table lists specifications for the MT-500C.
Specifications for the MT-500C
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Battery Power 4.8 VDC (NiMh, 600mAh)
Battery Rating Up to 3 hours of continuous use, up to
1 week of normal use
Docking Station Power
Requirements
12 VDC (400mAh)
RS-232 Baud Rate 115.2K baud
RF Output 418 MHZ, Bandwidth: +/- 100KHz
RF Range (min/max) 2 to 180 ft.
Control S
y
stem U
p
date Files1,2
2-Series Control System Update Version C2-2004.CUZ or later
Memory 8 MB non-volatile flash memory
LCD screen 240 x 3203(3.6" diagonal), 256 color,
passive matrix, backlit
Operation Temperature 0oC to 50oC (32oF to 122oF)
Dimensions Height: 5.60 in (14.23 cm)
Width: 3.70 in (9.40cm)
Depth: 1.30 in (3.31 cm)
Weight: 9 oz (.28 kg)
1. The latest versions can be obtained from the Downloads | Software Updates section of the Crestron
website (www.crestron.com). Refer to NOTE after last footnote.
2. Crestron 2-Series control systems include the AV2, PAC2, PRO2, and RACK2.
3. 240 x 219 user programmable area.
NOTE: Crestron software and any files on the website are for Authorized Crestron
dealers only. New users may be required to register to obtain access to certain areas
of the site (including the FTP site).
Physical Description
The MT-500C (refer to illustrations on next two pages) includes the RF wireless
handheld (with battery, Part No. OEMX-A0012-1-4), a docking station 12VDC
power supply for the docking station and a RS-232 cable (supplied) for loading
project files (refer to page 16). The wireless handheld includes a color LCD touch
screen, hardkeys, contrast and backlight buttons, a serial port, and a docking station
connector. The docking station includes a serial port, adapter connector, connector
for the wireless handheld, and charging LED indicators.
2 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
Physical Views of MT-500C
Physical View of RF Wireless Handheld (Front)
* Pushing the backlight button (refer to graphic on next page) illuminates the right
hardkeys ONLY. To adjust how long the backlight stays on, refer to “Adjusting System
Settings” on page 9.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •3

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
Physical View of RF Wireless Handheld (Back)
Physical View of Docking Station
4 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
RS-232 Cable
RS-232 Cable Pinouts
Pin 5 (Sleeve)
Pin 1
Pin 2 (Tip)
Pin 3 (Ring)
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
Female DB9
Pin 2 - Transmit
Pin 3 - Receive
Sleeve - Ground
Industry Compliance
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
This section contains hardware installation and setup instructions.
Installing the Battery Pack
1. On back of MT-500C, press the latch on the battery cover and remove it
(refer to illustrations below).
Battery Cover Removal
2. Place the battery pack in the battery compartment (refer to illustration on
the next page).
3. Connect the battery pack cable to the battery connector.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •5

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
Battery Pack Installation
4. Replace battery cover.
NOTE: Make sure battery cable does not get pinched between battery cover and
mold.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: The docking station is used in the following procedure.
1. Plug the power adapter in the docking station and the wall outlet.
2. Place the MT-500C in the docking station.
NOTE: Make sure you hold the unit at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees while placing it
in the docking station for proper connection.
6 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
Wireless Handheld Connection
NOTE: Charging starts immediately after the MT-500C is installed in the docking
station. The green charging LEDs on the front of the unit (refer to illustration on
page 4) illuminate to indicate that charging is taking place. When the unit is fully
charged, the LEDs go out. The battery indicator in Setup (refer to page 9) shows full
(while the unit is in the docking station) during the charge cycle.
NOTE: Normal charging time is 2 to 3 hours, depending on the charged state of the
battery pack. The unit can be operated while it is being charged. The battery pack
does not need to be fully discharged before recharging. The unit can be placed in the
docking station at any time. The battery allows the MT-500C to operate for about 3
hours of continuous use and about 1 week of normal use.
NOTE: When the battery pack has a low charge, the Low Battery icon flashes
on the Remote icon . Recharge the battery as soon as possible to ensure
optimal performance.
NOTE: If battery power runs out, the unit still retains all settings with the exception
of the clock. Refer to “Adjusting System Settings” on page 9 for more information
on adjusting clock settings.
Activating the MT-500C
You can activate the MT-500C four ways.
 Tap the screen with your finger or a blunt, soft object (like a pencil eraser).
The display activates.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •7

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
 If the pickup sensor is activated (refer to page 10), activate the unit by
tilting it more than 50 degrees (refer to illustration below). The display and
backlight for the direct-access buttons activate.
 Press the backlight button (refer to page 4). The display and backlight for
the direct-access buttons activate.
 Press and release bottom hardkeys (after they have been programmed to do
page flips).
Tilting MT-500C to Activate Unit
NOTE: If the screen does not illuminate or becomes blank, adjust contrast using the
contrast dial (refer to illustration on page 4).
Power Down Feature
The MT-500C has an automatic power down feature to save power. This feature
powers down the unit after a period of time when it is not being used. You can set
the power down time using the “Adjusting System Settings” section on page 9.
8 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
Adjusting System Settings
To access the MT-500C’s setup panels, hold a finger on the Remote icon until
setup panel 1 appears (refer to graphic below). The symbol 1/3 in the panel refers to
panel 1 of 3. Only setup panels 1 and 2 are used in this section. Tap up or down (at
bottom of display) to toggle between setup screens. Panel 3 allows the user to view
firmware version numbers (tap Show Specs in panel to view numbers).
Setup Panel 1
NOTE: The buttons appear on the bottom of the panel when some of
the options are selected. Tap to return the display to the logo page (exits setup).
Setup Panel 1 Functions/Adjustments
Setting Function Adjustment
Shows battery level. Not applicable.
Turns the clock
display on or off. Lets
you set 12 or 24-hour
display.
Tap button to toggle function.
Sets the clock time. Tap button and use - or +
buttons (adjusts in one minute
increments). Hold + to ramp
up, hold – to ramp down.
Sets the day of the
week.
Tap button and use - or +
buttons.
Sets how long the
touchscreen/backlight
of touchscreen stays
on. Default is 10 sec.
Tap button and use - or +
buttons (adjusts in one second
increments, 1-240). Hold + to
ramp up, hold – to ramp down.
Sets how long the
hardkey’s (only the
buttons to the right of
display) backlight
stays on. Default is 1
sec.
Tap button and use - or +
buttons (adjusts in one second
increments, 1-240). Hold + to
ramp up, hold – to ramp down.
Adjusts brightness of
touchscreen (4 levels,
default is level 2).
Tap button and use - or +
buttons.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •9

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
NOTE: You cannot adjust the Button Light delay to be greater than the LCD delay.
You cannot adjust the LCD delay to be less than the Button Light delay. For
example, if the LCD delay is 10 sec. and the Button Light delay is 4 sec., once you
try and increase the Button Light delay to be greater than the LCD delay, the LCD
delay will automatically increase to match the Button Light delay.
Press the down button to display setup panel 2 (refer to graphic below).
Setup Panel 2
Setup Panel 2 Functions/Adjustments
Setting Function Adjustment
Indicates free memory
available.
Not applicable.
Turns on or off the option
to activate MT-500C by
picking it up.
Tap button to toggle
function.
Adjusts sound level (3
levels, default is level 2) or
turns off touchscreen beep.
Tap button to change
level.
Adjusts sound level (3
levels) or turns off fixed
button beep. Default is off.
Tap button to change
level.
Activates calibration screen. Tap button. Follow
directions on screen.
NOTE: Activating the pickup sensor option can result in reduced battery operating
time. Tap to return the display to the logo page (exits setup).
Maintaining the MT-500C
The following lists important information to help you maintain the MT-500C.
Take care not to scratch the touchscreen. Use your finger to tap the touchscreen or
use plastic-tipped pens intended for use with a touchscreen.
Keep the MT-500C away from heat sources.
Do not expose MT-500C to rain or excessive moisture. If you spill water on the
MT-500C, remove battery pack and allow unit to dry for 48 hours before replacing
battery pack.
Do not drop MT-500C or subject unit to hard impact.
10 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the unit.If the touchscreen is dirty or soiled, clean
it using a soft cloth moistened with a diluted window cleaning solution.
NOTE: Do not use a corrosive detergent or abrasive cleaning pad.
Establishing Communication with the MT-500C
Before uploading a program to the MT-500C, you must connect the control system
to the PC. This connection is through a serial port on the PC and the RS-232 port on
the MT-500C (or the RS-232 port on the docking station with a docked MT-500C).
Serial Connection
Connect the RS-232 port to the MT-500C serial port (or docking station serial port)
and to one of the COM ports (usually COM 1) on the PC using the supplied cable.
Open the Crestron Viewport and click Setup | Communication Settings to display
the “Port Settings” window (refer to graphic below). Then click RS-232 as the
connection type.
The PC communication settings specified below should match the protocol that the
MT-500C expects:
• Port = COM 1 through COM 8. Select the correct COM port on the PC.
• Baud rate = 115200 (Fixed).
• Parity = None.
• Number of data bits = 8.
• Number of stop bits = 1.
• Hardware handshaking (RTS/CTS) not enabled.
• Software handshaking (XON/XOFF) not enabled.
“Port Settings” Window: Settings for RS-232 Communication with the MT-500C
To verify communications, load a project file (refer to “Loading a VT Pro-e
Project”) on page 16.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •11

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
Programming
The MT-500C provides a wireless RF user interface in a Cresnet 2-Series control
system.
You can create a program that allows you to set up the MT-500C to operate a
Crestron control system using the Crestron programming tool SIMPL™ Windows®.
This tool is intended for users with different levels of programming knowledge. The
flexibility of this tool is proportional to the degree of programming expertise (i.e.,
the more flexible, the more a programmer needs to know and account for).
The following are recommended software version requirements for the PC:
• SIMPL Windows version 2.03 or later. Requires SIMPL+ Cross Compiler
version 1.1.
• Crestron Database version 15.8 or later.
• VisionTools Pro-e version 2.5. Used for graphical touchscreen design.
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 describes a sample SIMPL Windows program that includes a MT-500C.
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 (refer to graphic below).
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 (refer to graphic on
next page).
12 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
Expanded PRO2 System Tree
C2Net-Device Slot in Configuration Manager
To incorporate a MT-500C into the system, a gateway device is required. The
C2Net-Device Slot can accept a gateway such as the CNRFGWA-418. Once a
gateway is configured in a C2Net-Device Slot, the slot allows Cresnet
communication between the MT-500C and the control system.
In Configuration Manager, drag the CNRFGWA-418 gateway from the Wireless
Receivers (RF) folder of the Device Library. Also, drag and drop the MT-500C from
the Wireless remotes folder on the CNRFGWA-418.
Expand the system tree in the lower pane and double-click the MT-500C icon to
open the “Device Settings” window for the wireless handheld (refer to graphic
below). Select the RF/IR ID tab to change the handheld’s RF ID, as shown in the
following figure.
NOTE: The hardware and software settings of the RF ID must match. Although the
device setting window in SIMPL Windows allows choices through the range of two-
digit Hexadecimal numbers from 01 through FE, the RF ID setting for the hardware
is limited to numbers in increments of the most significant digit (i.e., 00, 10, 20).
Since 00 is not a valid selection in SIMPL Windows, the RF ID number is limited to
the fifteen numbers 10, 20, 30, 40, . . .F0 (if you need to use multiple units).
“Device Settings” Window
MT-500C Symbol in Programming Manager
Programming Manager is where programmers “program” a Creston control system
by assigning signals to symbols. The following diagram shows the MT-500C symbol
in the SIMPL Windows’ Programming Manager.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •13

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
Detail View of the MT-500C in SIMPL Windows’ Programming Manager
The table below lists and gives functional descriptions for the handheld outputs.
Symbol Output Signal Descriptions
OUTPUT DESCRIPTION
press 1 through press 999 Notifies control system of button press (1 – 999).
High/1 = press On
Low/0 = press Off
VT Pro-e
Unlimited control screen variations incorporating two and three-dimensional
graphics and text are possible and can be created with VT Pro-e, a design and
programming Windows-based software. A set of pages that make up a project can
be designed for each application. Each wireless handheld can be organized with the
ideal, color-oriented control environment with custom control graphics: icons, two
and three-dimensional buttons, and floor plans. The project is uploaded to the
handheld and programmed into the flash memory. The wireless handheld uses the
programmed project until another is uploaded from the PC. The PC may be
disconnected from the control processor except when loading a program.
The latest software version can be obtained from the Downloads | Software Updates
section of the Crestron website (www.crestron.com). For additional software
information, refer to the help file provided with the software.
NOTE: The MT-500C is a one-way RF touchpanel without local logic. Therefore,
analog and serial signals do not exist, i.e. gauges, sliders, indirect text, and multi-
mode are not available for this panel. Subpages also do not exist for this panel.
Converting projects from other panel types to an MT-500C will convert all subpages
into corresponding pages. The transparency option is not available for buttons or
graphics in a project. Animation effects are also not available in a project.
14 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101

Crestron MT-500C MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld
The MT-500C supports the following:
• Three objects: button, border and image
- Objects can have background color, a face, frame, and text colors
• 2D and 3D styles
• 2D shapes
• Standard graphics such as jpg, bmp and pcx
NOTE: If you use a Return button in a project, selecting it will always return the
display to the first page of the project. For more information on new features and
enhancements in VT-Pro-e, refer to the VT Pro-e online help.
NOTE: The RF ID in a project must match the RF ID in the SIMPL Windows
project. Select the RF tab of “Project Properties” to select the correct RF ID.
“Project Properties” Window (RF Tab)
NOTE: You can program the bottom four hard keys on the MT-500C to perform
page flips by using the Hard Keys tab of “Project Properties”. You can also use this
tab to label the four blue buttons (labels) at the bottom of the display that represent
the four hard keys.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6101 MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld •15

MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Crestron MT-500C
“Project Properties” Window (Hard Keys Tab)
The graphic below shows the digital join numbers for each hardkey. Hardkeys 5 – 9
can be programmed in SIMPL Windows to perform, for example, volume up/down or
power on functions for a device, but cannot be programmed in VT Pro-e to do page
flips. For more information on digital joins for the MT500C, refer to the SIMPL
Windows online help.
Digital Joins for Hardkeys
Loading a VT Pro-e Project
Before loading a VT Pro-e project, the serial cable supplied with the MT-500C must
be connected to the unit and the PC’s serial port. The graphics on the next page show
the two ways to plug the serial cable: directly in the MT-500C or in the docking
station that has a MT-500C docked to it.
NOTE: You cannot operate the MT-500C while a file is loading.
NOTE: If you load a file using VT-Pro-e, the software automatically sets the baud
rate to 115200.
16 •MiniTouch Color RF Wireless Handheld Operations Guide – DOC. 6101