Crestron infiNET Gateway C2N-MNETGW User manual

Crestron C2N-MNETGW
infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
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.
©2005 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
Contents
infiNET™ Two-Way RF Transceiver: C2N-MNETGW 1
Introduction......................................................................................1
Functions and Features ..........................................................1
InfiNET Technology..............................................................2
Specifications.........................................................................3
Physical Description ..............................................................4
Industry Compliance..............................................................7
Setup.................................................................................................8
Network Wiring.....................................................................8
Crestron Toolbox...................................................................9
Identity Code .......................................................................10
Configuring the infiNET Network ......................................12
Hardware Hookup................................................................20
Programming Software ..................................................................21
Earliest Version Software Requirements for the PC ...........22
Programming with D3 Pro & SystemBuilder......................22
Programming with SIMPL Windows..................................23
Uploading and Upgrading..............................................................27
Establishing Communications .............................................27
Troubleshooting Communications ......................................30
Uploading a SIMPL Windows Program..............................31
Firmware Upgrade...............................................................33
Problem Solving.............................................................................35
Troubleshooting...................................................................35
Further Inquiries ..................................................................37
Future Updates.....................................................................37
Appendix A: The infiNET Spectrum............................................38
Appendix B: Optimum RF Reception Guidelines ........................39
Minimize Interference .........................................................39
Gateway Placement .............................................................39
Antenna Orientation ............................................................40
Return and Warranty Policies ........................................................42
Merchandise Returns / Repair Service ................................42
CRESTRON Limited Warranty ..........................................42
Operations Guide - DOC. 6317 Contents •i

Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
infiNET™ Two-Way RF
Transceiver: C2N-MNETGW
Introduction
Functions and Features
The C2N-MNETGW is a two-way radio frequency (RF)
gateway/transceiver that utilizes the 2.4 GHz “ISM band” to
communicate with the Crestron®infiNET line of wireless network
devices.
Functional Summary
• Two-way RF transceiver/gateway
− 2.4 GHz infiNET™ mesh network technology
− Range up to 150 feet indoors, or 250 ft outdoors (subject to
site-specific conditions)
− Range may be increased with the use of additional infiNET
devices or C2N-MNETRPT repeaters
• Communicates with up to 30 infiNET devices (including
C2N-MNETRPT repeaters)
• “Wi-Fi” friendly operating frequency selection to avoid interference
The C2N-MNETGW operates according to the IEEE 802.15.4
specification and can be configured to minimize the possibility of
interference with non-Crestron RF equipment including all 802.11
devices.
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
The gateway receives RF signals from one or more infiNET devices such
as the CLW-DIM1/4RF and CLW-DIMS1/4RF line of infiNET dimmers
and the CLW-SW1/4RF and CLW-SWS1/4RF line of infiNET switches,
and relays them to the Crestron control system. It also relays commands
from the control system to devices on the infiNET network. Up to 30
infiNET devices (including C2N-MNETRPT repeaters) can communicate
with one C2N-MNETGW and, if more devices are needed, more
C2N-MNETGW devices may be added to a Cresnet®network.
InfiNET Technology
The C2N-MNETGW is a part of Crestron’s line of network devices using
infiNET network technology. InfiNET technology is “Wi-Fi” friendly
and provides fault tolerance and increased reliability as network devices
are added.
Crestron infiNET devices are compliant with IEEE specification 802.15.4
and are not “Wi-Fi compatible”. infiNET devices do not comply with the
802.11 specifications, nor can they communicate with 802.11 devices
even though they may interact with other 802.11 devices. This interaction
may manifest itself as RF interference. However, the differing protocols
will not allow a link to be established or data to be transferred between
devices using different protocols. infiNET devices are considered “Wi-Fi
friendly” since Wi-Fi and infiNET are “collision based” and attempt to
avoid simultaneous transmission. A communication band (frequency
range) can be selected to avoid interference with 802.11 devices such as
wireless computer networks. The transceiver of every infiNET network
device uses one of sixteen possible bands (11 through 26) for
communication. The bands define specific frequency ranges within the
2.4 GHz spectrum. Each of the bands define narrower ranges, leaving the
rest of the frequency spectrum available for other RF devices, thus
making it possible to avoid interference. The operating band can be
manually selected by the installer or automatically selected by a gateway
device like the C2N-MNETGW. For a detailed description of the
infiNET spectrum, refer to “Appendix A: The infiNET Spectrum” on
page 38. For information on setting the operating band, refer to
“Configuring the infiNET Network” on page 12.
The C2N-MNETGW operates on the 2.4 GHz “ISM band” (2400 MHz to
2483.6 MHz) at 10 mW. The output power of this device allows RF
signals to travel approximately 150 feet indoors and 250 feet outdoors
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Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
(subject to site-specific conditions) without the use of repeaters or other
infiNET devices. The range is dependent on construction of the building,
obstructions, and RF interference from other devices. The location of a
network device and the orientation of its antenna are also important
factors in determining RF performance. For more information on proper
orientation, refer to “Appendix B: Optimum RF Reception Guidelines”
on page 39.
By constantly monitoring the signal quality of the wireless network,
infiNET devices can be set to automatically change “channels” to the
clearest available channel to avoid interfering with other devices such as
cordless phones and Wi-Fi computer networks.
As part of an infiNET network, every infiNET device functions as a
repeater while maintaining its ability to receive and transmit network data
over the wireless network. Adding more infiNET devices or repeaters to
the network effectively increases the range, strength, and reliability of the
network. Multiple gateways can be connected via Cresnet to one 2-Series
control system.
Specifications
The table below is a summary of specifications for the C2N-MNETGW.
Specifications of the C2N-MNETGW
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Cresnet Power Usage 3 Watts (24VDC @ 0.125A)
Default Network ID 0F
Operating Frequency 2400 MHz to 2483.6 MHz
(802.15.4 compliant)
RF Output Power 10 mW
Operating Ranges¹
Typical Distance
Indoors (without
repeater device)
Maximum Distance
Outdoors
150 ft
250 ft
(subject to site-specific conditions)
Available Channels 16 (numbered 11 through 26 per
802.15.4)
(continued on following page)
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
Specifications of the C2N-MNETGW (continued)
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Default RF Channel 26
Antenna (included)
Type
Antenna Connector
Dipole Antenna
Reverse SMA with Female
Connector
2-Series Control
System Update File2,3
Version 3.154 or later
C2N-MNETGW
firmware
C2N-MNETGW.v1.10.075.upg or
later
Dimensions
(without included
antenna)
Width: 2.47 in (6.28 cm)
Height: 1.24 in (3.15 cm)
Depth: 3.88 in (9.85 cm)
Weight 8.3 oz (1.15 kg)
1 The location of the transceiver and the orientation of the antenna are important factors in
the RF performance. With the unit located outside of any metal enclosures, the antenna
can be adjusted to achieve the best range. The range is dependent on its placement and
the building in which it is used. The construction of the building, obstructions, and RF
interference from other devices are factors determining the effective range of the unit. To
prevent unit-to-unit RF interference, multiple transceivers operating at the same
frequencies should not be installed within three to five feet of each other.
2 The latest software versions can be obtained from the Crestron website. Refer to the
NOTE following these footnotes.
3 Crestron 2-Series control systems include the AV2 and PRO2. Consult the latest Crestron
Product Catalog for a complete list of 2-Series control systems.
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).
Physical Description
The C2N-MNETGW, shown in the following diagrams, is housed in a
black enclosure. Six light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the front of the unit
indicate the unit’s operating status. The RF antenna is not shown in the
line drawing for clarity. A 4-position terminal block connector plug is
provided to connect to other Cresnet system devices. A pushbutton for
setting the network ID and a pushbutton for activating the Acquire mode
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Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
are recessed below the front of the enclosure. There are four rubber feet
on the base of the unit for stability and to prevent slippage.
Physical Views of C2N-MNETGW
Ports
The C2N-MNETGW has two ports. Refer to the diagrams and
descriptions that follow.
NET
This 4-position terminal block connector is used to connect the
C2N-MNETGW to the Cresnet network. Data and power for the
C2N-MNETGW are provided via the connection. Refer to “Network
Wiring” on page 8.
ANTENNA
This antenna port is used to connect the included dipole antenna. The
included antenna can be oriented for optimum reception. For information
of obtaining optimum reception, refer to “Appendix B: Optimum RF
Reception Guidelines” on page 39.
NOTE: Only the included antenna should be used.
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
Indicators
The C2N-MNETGW indicators are described in the following
paragraphs.
PWR (Power)
This LED illuminates when 24 VDC is supplied to the C2N-MNETGW
via the NET port.
NET
This LED illuminates when communication between the control system
and the C2N-MNETGW (over Cresnet) is established (the unit is polled
on the network). Illumination indicates that the SIMPL Windows
program currently loaded has a network device defined at the same Net
ID as the C2N-MNETGW.
RXD
This LED illuminates when the C2N-MNETGW is receiving data from
wireless devices on the infiNET network.
TXD
This LED illuminates when the C2N-MNETGW is transmitting data to
wireless devices on the infiNET network.
ACQUIRE LED & Pushbutton
The ACQUIRE pushbutton and its associated LED are used to configure
the wireless network. Refer to “Configuring the infiNET Network” on
page 12.
SETUP LED and Pushbutton
The C2N-MNETGW is TSID ready. The SETUP pushbutton and its
associated LED are used for setting up the unit’s network ID during the
initial configuration of a Cresnet system or when the device is being
added/replaced. Refer to “Identity Code” on page 10 for detailed
information.
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Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
Industry Compliance
As of the date of manufacture, the C2N-MNETGW has been tested and
found to comply with specifications for CE marking and standards per
EMC and Radiocommunications Compliance Labelling.
Contains FCC ID: EROCWD1012
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.
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. This 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 receiver.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
Setup
Network Wiring
CAUTION: In order to ensure optimum performance over the full range
of your installation topology, Crestron Certified Wire, and only Crestron
Certified Wire, may be used. Failure to do so may incur additional
charges if support is required to identify performance deficiencies as a
result of using improper wire.
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment.
Failure to do so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron
warranty.
CAUTION: Provide sufficient power to the system. Insufficient power
can lead to unpredictable results or damage to the equipment. Please use
the Crestron Power Calculator to help calculate how much power is
needed for the system (http://www.crestron.com/calculators).
When calculating the length of wire for a particular Cresnet run, the wire
gauge and the Cresnet power usage of each network unit to be connected
must be taken into consideration. Use Crestron Certified Wire only. If
Cresnet units are to be daisy-chained on the run, the Cresnet power usage
of each network unit to be daisy-chained must be added together to
determine the Cresnet power usage of the entire chain. If the unit is a
home-run from a Crestron system power supply network port, the
Cresnet power usage of that unit is the Cresnet power usage of the entire
run. The wire gauge and the Cresnet power usage of the run should be
used in the following equation to calculate the cable length value on the
equation’s left side.
Cable Length Equation
40,000 Where:
R x P
L <
L = Length of run (or chain) in feet.
R = 6 Ohms (Crestron Certified Wire: 18 AWG (0.75 MM2))
P = Cresnet power usage of entire run (or chain).
Make sure the cable length value is less than the value calculated on the
right side of the equation. For example, a Cresnet run drawing 20 watts
should not have a length of run more than 333 feet.
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Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
NOTE: All Crestron certified 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.
NOTE: For larger networks (i.e., greater than 28 network devices), it
may become necessary to add a Cresnet Hub/Repeater (CNXHUB) to
maintain signal quality throughout the network. Also, for networks with
lengthy cable runs, it may be necessary to add a Hub/Repeater after only
20 devices.
Crestron Toolbox
NOTE: The minimum version of Crestron Toolbox required to operate
with the C2N-MNETGW is version 1.02.06 or later.
The Crestron Toolbox (a replacement for Crestron Viewport) is a broad-
based software package that accomplishes multiple system tasks,
primarily using an RS-232 or TCP/IP connection between a PC and one
or more Crestron control systems.
You can use the Crestron Toolbox to:
• Observe system processes.
• Upload operating systems and firmware.
• Upload programs and touchpanel projects.
• Set or change device Network IDs.
• Change serial numbers.
• Run scripts to automate tasks.
• Perform system diagnostics, and much more.
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
The Crestron Toolbox allows you to perform these functions using
simple graphical views and click and drag methods.
Identity Code
Every network device and user interface within the Cresnet network
requires a unique identity code (Net ID). These codes are two-digit
hexadecimal numbers 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 25 for details of the SIMPL
Windows procedure.
The Net ID of the C2N-MNETGW has been factory set to 0F. The Net
IDs of multiple C2N-MNETGW devices in the same system must be
unique. Net IDs are changed from a personal computer (PC) via the
Crestron Toolbox.
NOTE: For detailed information on establishing communication
between the PC, control system, and the C2N-MNETGW, refer to
“Establishing Communications” on page 27. If communication cannot be
established, refer to the “Troubleshooting Communications” section in
the latest version of the 2-Series Control System Reference Guide
(Doc. 6256), which is available from the Crestron website
(http://www.crestron.com/manuals).
The Crestron Toolbox provides several methods to easily set or change
device Net IDs for any device on the network. The following method
permits you to change the Net ID of any device in the network through
the “Network Device Tree” window.
This method permits you to manually set the Net ID for any device in the
network, set any known Net IDs that may require changing, and may also
be used for non-TSID equipment. This method will not permit you to
choose an ID already in use by another device that is not equipped with
TSID. A warning message will appear if you attempt to use an ID that is
already in use by a device that is equipped with TSID.
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Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
Duplicate Net ID Warning Message
This method does not change the Net ID as assigned in SIMPL Windows.
For information on setting the Net ID in SIMPL Windows, refer to
“Setting the Net ID in Device Settings” on page 25.
NOTE: You may also use D3 Pro or SystemBuilder to perform Network
ID setup. Refer to the respective help file for more information.
1. Ensure that all network devices are connected to the control
system.
2. Open Crestron Toolbox and establish communications (refer to
“Establishing Communications” on page 27).
3. Select the Network Device Tree icon, or select Tools |
Network Device Tree.
4. Expand the Network Device Tree until the Net ID that is to be
changed is visible. Right-click on the Net ID, and when the sub-
menu appears, select Change Network ID.
“Network Device Tree” – Sub-Menu
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
5. Type a new Net ID and press Enter.
Enter New Net ID
Repeat this procedure for each additional network device requiring a Net
ID change.
Configuring the infiNET Network
Rules for an infiNET Network
Each device on the infiNET network must be configured to work with an
infiNET gateway.
Following are some guidelines to observe when setting up an infiNET
network.
• Each infiNET device can be linked with only one gateway.
• Each gateway can be linked with multiple infiNET devices.
• When adding a device, both the device and the gateway must be
in the Acquire mode. Refer to “Acquiring Devices” on page 15
for information.
Setting the Operating Channel
The C2N-MNETGW can operate on a fixed channel that is set by the
installer or it can automatically set itself to the clearest channel.
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Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
For systems with one gateway and minimal interference from other
devices that use similar frequencies, Crestron recommends setting the
C2N-MNETGW to automatically select the operating channel.
For systems using multiple gateways or systems operating in
environments containing other devices that use similar frequencies,
Crestron recommends setting the C2N-MNETGW to operate on a fixed
channel to avoid RF interference with other devices in the vicinity.
Ideally, each gateway should operate on its own channel to avoid
interfering with other gateways operating in the vicinity. The infiNET
signal protocol prevents data intended for one gateway and its devices
from being received by another gateway and its devices. For detailed
information on infiNET channels, refer to “Appendix A: The infiNET
Spectrum” on page 38.
Channel settings are made through Crestron Toolbox as shown in the
following procedure.
1. Ensure that all network devices are connected to the control
system.
2. Open Crestron Toolbox and establish communications with the
control system (refer to “Establishing Communications” on page
27).
3. Select the Network Device Tree icon, or select Tools |
Network Device Tree.
“Network Device Tree” Window
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
4. Right click the Net ID of the gateway whose channel will be
changed and select Functions | MNET Gateway… to open the
“MNET Gateway” window as shown in the following diagram.
“MNET Gateway” Window
5. At the top of the window, select the channel selection mode. There
are two modes to select from.
• Auto: The C2N-MNETGW automatically selects the
clearest of the available 16 channels when interference is
detected. The gateway will scan for a new channel if it
detects a specific level of interference.
• Fixed: The C2N-MNETGW is set to the channel
specified from the adjacent dropdown list.
NOTE: Changes to the channel and channel selection mode are applied
immediately.
6. Click Close to close the “MNET Gateway” window and return to
the Network Device Tree.
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Crestron C2N-MNETGW infiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver
Acquiring Devices
An infiNET device can communicate with a gateway only if it has been
acquired by that gateway (even if the gateway and the device are
operating on the same channel). To add infiNET devices to the network,
the C2N-MNETGW must be in the Acquire mode. The Acquire mode can
be activated from Crestron Toolbox (recommended) or the device. The
Acquire mode can be activated approximately 15 seconds after applying
power to the C2N-MNETGW.
NOTE: In an environment with multiple gateways, only one gateway
should be in the Acquire mode at a time.
Entering the Acquire mode from Crestron Toolbox provides the installer
with a visual account of devices as they are acquired. To enter the
Acquire mode from Crestron Toolbox, do the following:
1. Open the “MNET Gateway” window as described in steps 1
through 4 on page 13.
“MNET Gateway” Window
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InfiNET™ Gateway/Transceiver Crestron C2N-MNETGW
NOTE: If the C2N-MNETGW is already in the Acquire mode, a
message indicating the status will be displayed.
Acquire Mode Message
2. To place the C2N-MNETGW in the Acquire mode, click Start
Acquire.
The default time that the C2N-MNETGW remains in the Acquire
mode (when starting the Acquire mode from Toolbox) is one hour.
Other times can be specified from the drop down button located
next to the Start Acquire button. The Acquire LED on the
C2N-MNETGW will illuminate and the Start Acquire button will
change to read STOP Acquire.
NOTE: The C2N-MNETGW must be placed in the Acquire mode
before an infiNET device is placed in the Acquire mode.
NOTE: While the “MNET Gateway” window is open and the
device is in the Acquire mode, the control system is in passto
mode. The program in the control system is paused and will
resume after leaving the Acquire mode.
3. Place new infiNET devices in the Acquire mode as described in
their respective manuals. Devices will be automatically acquired
by the gateway approximately five minutes after they enter the
Acquire mode.
4. At any time, click STOP Acquire to exit the Acquire mode. The
Acquire LED will turn off. Newly acquired devices will be shown
in addition to any existing devices as shown in the following
diagram.
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