Crestron SIMPL Windows User Manual
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Crestron SIMPL Windows User Manual

Crestron SIMPL Windows User Manual

Crestron simpl windows software: user guide
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Crestron SIMPL Windows
Primer

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  • Page 1 Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Crestron SIMPL Windows Contents CRESTRON SIMPL WINDOWS... 1 Overview...1 About this Primer...1 Crestron Development Software ...2 SIMPL Windows ...2 Crestron VisionTools® Pro-e ...2 DEAL™ for Windows...2 Media Manager™ System Builder™...3 D3 Pro™...3 Databases ...3 Product Catalog CD...3 Crestron Control Systems ...5 Why Program Control Systems?...5...
  • Page 4 Programming with User Interfaces...20 Button Presses...20 Button Feedback ...21 Subpages (touchpanels only) ...22 Analog displays (touchpanels only)...23 Indirect text (touchpanels only) ...23 Building a Program with SIMPL Windows ...24 Programming Process ...24 Basic Programming Rules ...24 Build a System...24 Control Systems...26 Network Hardware...27 Plug-in Control Cards ...28...
  • Page 5 Crestron SIMPL Windows Time-based Logic...52 One Shot Family ...52 One Shot ...52 Multiple One Shot...53 Retriggerable One Shot...53 Delay Symbol ...54 Oscillator Symbol ...55 Analog Logic ...57 Analog Ramp Symbol...57 Analog Initialize ...58 Analog Preset Symbol ...60 Serial/Analog One-Shot...61 Modules ...63 Communication Settings...63...

  • Page 7: Crestron Simpl Windows

    SIMPL Windows provides a wide variety of symbols that are constantly being expanded to support virtually every possible application. As you become proficient at using SIMPL Windows it will become obvious that there are many ways to solve the same control problem. This allows for programming creativity and independent flexibility.

  • Page 8: Crestron Development Software

    SIMPL+™, a development tool that allows advanced programmers to create and compile custom control modules using a procedural language similar to C. You can add SIMPL+ modules to your SIMPL Windows program or user module much like a logic symbol, to extend functionality or solve a specific control problem.

  • Page 9: Media Manager™ System Builder

    These are just some of the software tools that Crestron has created to help you accomplish your programming tasks more easily and efficiently. You can download all Crestron software for free from the Software Updates area of the Crestron Web site (requires registration).
  • Page 10 The Crestron Product Catalog and Technical Reference CD is another valuable tool that you can use in conjunction with the Crestron Web site, or any time you're not connected to the Internet. The CD is a comprehensive library of Crestron brochures, catalogs, product specification sheets, CAD drawings and user manuals.

  • Page 11: Crestron Control Systems

    Crestron hardware devices, or to correct a problem found in a previous version. You can download control system updates from the Crestron Web site. Operating system files on this site have file names such as c2.v3080.cuz, with different extensions depending on the type of processor. Before...

  • Page 12: Network Control Modules

    Of course, control cards are limited to the number of expansion slots in the control processor. User Interfaces User interfaces are the controls that the user will use to request an action. Crestron manufacturers a large variety of user interfaces, ranging from simple and inexpensive handheld remotes and keypads to top-of-the-line touchpanels.

  • Page 13: User Devices

    When working with and programming Crestron control systems, it is important to have a good understanding of how devices can be controlled. In general, any device that has an electrical interface of some sort can be controlled by a Crestron control system. The most common control methods are listed below:...

  • Page 14: Serial Communications

    40kHz, though some can go as high as 1MHz. In the Crestron world there are two applications of IR control. Crestron wireless user interfaces may use IR for communication with the control system. In this case the IR is transmitted/received by Crestron equipment is in a proprietary format.
  • Page 15 IR remote controls. Therefore in order to generate the proper signal out of the Crestron IR card, the remote must be learned through the use of a special device called an IR Learner. The device, when attached to a PC and used in conjunction with Crestron’s IR learning software (DEAL for Windows), will generate a driver...

  • Page 16: Custom Serial

    Software Crestron Database As described earlier, the Crestron Database contains hundreds of pre-coded IR driver files for programmers to utilize. This database covers most of the IR controlled devices on the market today. In fact, the database supports all current control formats, including relay control, analog voltages, and TCP/IP.

  • Page 17: Midi (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)

    The differences between RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 are physical in nature, and do not affect the programmer, except that they must make sure that the Crestron product being used to send the data supports the format, and has been configured properly.

  • Page 18: Analog Voltages

    User Guide for each module. Cresnet The Crestron network, or Cresnet, refers to the network topology that is used by Crestron. The RS-485 bus is used to connect the control system to Crestron ‘network’ devices such as a CNECI-4A (electric control interface for AC powered devices) or a CNSC-1A (slide projector interface).
  • Page 19 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. Ground shield at control system end only. Model CNTBLOCK network terminal block is recommended for testing purposes and convenience of wiring. Software Crestron SIMPL Windows • 13...

  • Page 21: Simpl Windows Programming

    Device Symbols Device symbols represent Crestron network control devices that can be included in a program. They can be placed into or deleted from the program in the Configuration Manager section of SIMPL Windows only. The Program Manager allows device Primer –...

  • Page 22: Logic Symbols

    The exact function of a parameter depends solely on the symbol type itself. 16 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer – DOC. 6253...

  • Page 23: Signal Types

    16384. (-16384 = 49152d). Thus a parameter of -25% is the same as 49152d. Refer to the SIMPL Windows help file for further information on valid parameter values. NOTE: Parameters are constants whose value must be known at compile time. The value of the parameter cannot be changed while the program is running (e.g.

  • Page 24: Digital Signals

    For example, a DVD player can be controlled by a touchpanel as well as by a remote control transmitter. In SIMPL Windows, digital signals are represented by a blue line. Analog Signals Analog signals are represented with 16-bit numbers, and thus can have values...

  • Page 25: Special Signals '0' And '1

    Ambiguous signals should be resolved before the program is finalized; otherwise a compiler error will be generated. In SIMPL Windows, ambiguous signals are represented by a green line. Once they are resolved, the line color changes to blue (digital), red (analog) or black (serial).

  • Page 26: Programming With User Interfaces

    Crestron control systems offer an impressive array of user interface options, from the top-of-the-line Isys TPS touchpanels, to cost-effective and simple wired button panels.

  • Page 27: Button Feedback

    Momentary feedback can be achieved simply by connecting the button press signal name to the feedback signal for the same button, as shown in the diagram below. Volume Momentary Feedback Primer – DOC. 6253 Software Crestron SIMPL Windows • 21...

  • Page 28: Subpages (Touchpanels Only)

    Instead, a subpage often defines a small area with buttons serving a specific function, such as VCR control buttons. A given subpage can then be designed to 22 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer – DOC. 6253...

  • Page 29: Analog Displays (Touchpanels Only)

    “Power ON”, and when touched again it might read “Power OFF”. In SIMPL Windows, touchpanel definitions have built-in serial feedback signals for defined for indirect text fields. These text fields accept serial data signals directly.

  • Page 30: Building A Program With Simpl Windows

    Program the system in SIMPL Windows After the system is built by adding all the necessary Crestron hardware, begin programming the system by working in the Programming Manager. Program each button function from touchpanels and other user interfaces. Begin by naming the output signals from the user interface.
  • Page 31 Crestron control systems, Cresnet and Ethernet control modules, plug-in control cards, touchpanels, and user devices. You can view hardware by opening and closing the folders in the tree. As you select devices the SIMPL Windows status bar will display a description of the device.

  • Page 32: Control Systems

    Software Control Systems The first step in building a system with SIMPL Windows is to select the control processor. The Device Library includes all current Cresnet and Ethernet control systems, including 2-Series, QM, and X-Series models. You can quickly add a control system by double-clicking the empty folder that is displayed in the lower System View and selecting the control system from the list.

  • Page 33: Network Hardware

    The quickest and most efficient way to add Crestron hardware is to double-click the card slot or Network ID in the tree view. This will open a selection list of Crestron devices that are compatible with that slot. For example, if you want to add a Cresnet device you can double-click the Net Device slot.

  • Page 34: Plug-In Control Cards

    Software If you add a Crestron device to a control card slot, SIMPL Windows will auto-assign the network address, first by the default factory ID and then sequentially. To add a Crestron device to a specific network address expand the slot and double- click the network address.

  • Page 35: Serial Devices

    Instead, the data format, or protocol, that the device is expecting will be provided by the manufacturer in the unit's documentation. Most Crestron control systems provide built-in COM cards and IR cards that enable 1-way and 2-way serial control. In addition, Crestron manufactures a variety of plug- in COM cards, plug-in IR cards, and standalone network devices that enable serial control.

  • Page 36: Network Ids

    CNIRGW, provide up to 254 IR IDs (01 to FF). The Network ID you assign to a device in SIMPL Windows must be the same as the device's hardware ID, which is the internal ID set at the factory. You generally have to change the hardware IDs of Crestron devices so that they match the IDs assigned in the software.
  • Page 37 This information will be included in SIMPL Windows reports such as the Connection Sheet, Devices by Location, or any User Report that you generate. Primer – DOC. 6253 Software Crestron SIMPL Windows • 31...

  • Page 38: Ethernet Devices

    If the device or remote processor is enabled for DHCP or else has been assigned a host name by the system administrator, then click Use Host Name and enter the fully qualified domain name. 32 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer – DOC. 6253...

  • Page 39: Serial Devices

    Touchpanels UI Project: Each touchpanel in a SIMPL Windows program has an associated VisionTools Pro-e project that defines join numbers for every digital, analog, and serial signal that the touchpanel sends to the control system or receives as feedback.

  • Page 40: Connecting Signals

    Connecting Signals After you build the system by adding all the necessary Crestron hardware in Configuration Manager, begin programming the system by working in the Programming Manager. Program each button function from the system touchpanels or other user interface devices.
  • Page 41 NOTE: Signals whose symbol label appears in [brackets] are optional and are not necessary for the symbol to operate. You can enter the signal name when the signal is highlighted. Primer – DOC. 6253 Software Crestron SIMPL Windows • 35...

  • Page 42: Using Logic Symbols

    Library and dragging them into Program View. Note that if you drop a symbol directly into Detail View, it will not be placed in the Logic folder. SIMPL Windows allows you to create Subsystems, which are subfolders within the Logic folder. In this way you can organize symbols according to logic functions. To create a subsystem, select the Logic folder and choose Insert Subsystem from the right mouse menu.

  • Page 43: Programming With Logic Symbols

    Device Interface – Mouse and keyboard simulators. e-Control Software – Symbols that are used by Crestron e-mail power applications. Memory – Symbols that write and read to NVRAM. That is, they retain data in memory even if power is shut off.

  • Page 44: Basic Logic

    The rest of this section will show examples incorporating the most commonly used symbols. After reading this section, you can refer to the SIMPL Windows help file, which includes individual help topics for every logic symbol available in the SIMPL language.

  • Page 45: Not Symbol Example: Automatic Camera Control

    OR symbol like the one shown. Note that additional logic is needed to finish this example, and this will be covered in a later section. Primer – DOC. 6253 Signal_In 1 Signal_In 2 Signal_Out High High High High High High High Software Crestron SIMPL Windows • 39...

  • Page 46: And Symbol

    For example, assume that we want discreet power on and off control of an IR- controlled VCR that only provides a toggling power function (on/off). Through the 40 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Signal_In 1 Signal_In 2 Signal_Out...

  • Page 47: Buffer Symbol

    Opening and closing the ‘gate’ is handled by the enable input terminal. When the signal connected to this terminal is high, the Buffer is enabled (the gate is open), and when this signal is low, the symbol is disabled (the gate is closed). Primer – DOC. 6253 Software Crestron SIMPL Windows • 41...

  • Page 48: Buffer Example: Multi-Device Control

    In the following chapter we will see how to generate these signals, but for now, we will simply assume that we have them. See the sample program. 42 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer – DOC. 6253...

  • Page 49: Buffer Example: Triggering Multiple Events

    This will be covered later in this chapter. Buffer Example: triggering multiple events The power of a custom-programmed control system such as the Crestron is that you can provide users with automated functionality to meet their exact needs. A well- designed control system will allow the user to do what they need with as little user- interaction as possible.
  • Page 50 ‘Power_On’ command on the projector’s IR driver, and to a string literal on the RS- 232 driver for the lighting system. Without any logic programming we have accomplished our goal. This is the program shown. Single Button Press Example 44 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer – DOC. 6253...
  • Page 51 This is made easier by the ‘Show Routings’ command in SIMPL Windows. The second drawback is more serious: what if you wanted to provide individual control of the screen, the projector power, and the lighting presets? With the example shown above, these three functions are tied together and can never be controlled independently.

  • Page 52: State Logic

    In some cases, however, inputs can be negative edge-triggered, and thus a transition from high to low will affect the outputs. Symbols discussed in the last section are 46 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Buffer enable...

  • Page 53: Set/Reset Latch Symbol

    The ‘set’ and ‘reset’ inputs are still provided to serve as overrides to force the symbol to a specific state. Primer – DOC. 6253 Set/Reset Power_On Power_Off reset out* Software Relay Card Power_relay Crestron SIMPL Windows • 47...

  • Page 54: Toggle Example: Volume Mute

    IR command would be sent continuously to the device. Instead, we could add additional logic to create a short pulse from the Toggle outputs. This will be covered later on in this manual. 48 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Toggle...

  • Page 55: Interlock Symbol

    Shown below is an Interlock symbol that is implemented to provide feedback to the user by showing which source is currently selected. Primer – DOC. 6253 Toggle Power_On Power_Off reset Power_On/Off clock Software COM Port "PWR ON\r" out* "PWR OFF\r" Crestron SIMPL Windows • 49...
  • Page 56 Interlock has gone high, it will not provide a positive-edge unless it is first turned off (by selecting another input) and then turned back on again. 50 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Select_VCR_fb...
  • Page 57 IR Driver out1 PLAY out2 STOP out3 FFWD out4 IR Driver out1 PLAY out2 STOP out3 FFWD out4 IR Driver out1 PLAY out2 STOP out3 FFWD out4 IR Driver out1 PLAY out2 STOP out3 FFWD out4 Crestron SIMPL Windows • 51...

  • Page 58: Time-Based Logic

    IR remotes for a lengthy period before the projector turns on. This is to prevent you from switching it on (or off) accidentally while handling the remote. In a 52 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows One Shot...

  • Page 59: Multiple One Shot

    ‘Out’ will not go low until the full duration specified by the double precision ‘time’ parameter has elapsed since the last trigger. Primer – DOC. 6253 Multiple One Shots Screen_Up Screen_Down Drapes_Open Drapes_Close pulse_time 0.5s Software Relay Card Screen_Up_rly Screen_Down_rly Drapes_Open_rly Drapes_Close_rly Crestron SIMPL Windows • 53...

  • Page 60: Delay Symbol

    The figure shown above is a program to do just this. Recall from the SIMPL Windows Programming chapter that time parameters can be expressed in the HH.MM.SS.XXs format, where: HH = hours, MM = minutes, SS = seconds, and XX = hundredths of a second.

  • Page 61: Oscillator Symbol

    Primer – DOC. 6253 Delay trig reset delay1 delay2 delay3 Delay trig reset delay1 Software Buffer enable out1 Screen_down out2 Vproj_On out3 Vproj_Source_1_Sel out4 DVD_Play out5 Lights_Scene_2 Buffer enable out1 Lights_Scene_1 out2 DVD_Stop out3 Vproj_Off out4 Screen_Up Crestron SIMPL Windows • 55...
  • Page 62 One Shot trig reset pulse_time Screen_down_fb 56 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Screen_up_fb Set/Reset Latch reset out* hi_time lo_time In order to indicate to the user that a certain event is processing, you can use an Oscillator to cause a button’s feedback to blink. For example, when the user presses the ‘Screen down’...

  • Page 63: Analog Logic

    3. As shown in the following example, channels A and B of the CNXVTC-3 are being driven by the first Ramp, providing stereo volume control, and the second Ramp controls channel C. Primer – DOC. 6253 Software Crestron SIMPL Windows • 57...

  • Page 64: Analog Initialize

    This is especially useful when dealing with an IR- controlled device that expects individual keypad commands, as we are assuming in this example. For more information on the Decade symbol, please consult the SIMPL Windows help file. 58 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Analog Ramp...
  • Page 65 In addition, this form of the Analog Initialize is often used to initialize a number of analog signals that never need to change as the program runs. This is useful when Primer – DOC. 6253 Analog Initialize Preset_channel 301d 500d Crestron SIMPL Windows • 59 Software Decade units0 enable units1 units2...

  • Page 66: Analog Preset Symbol

    During that time the analog outputs will fade linearly. The following example shows how you can use the Analog Preset symbol to create lighting scenes. 60 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer – DOC. 6253...

  • Page 67: Serial/Analog One-Shot

    Analog RAM and Analog Variable Preset symbols, which are not discussed in this primer. Please see the SIMPL Windows help file for more information on these two symbols.
  • Page 68 Enable_Temp_Rpt Temp_Format Backlite_On PlayingSound Temp_x10 Sound20 IndicatorIntensity BackliteIntensity AudioVol 62 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Source_6_select_fb Source_5_select_fb Source_4_select_fb Source_3_select_fb Source_2_select_fb Source_1_select_fb Interlock clear set_all Source_1_select out1 out2 Source_2_select out3 Source_3_select out4 Source_4_select...

  • Page 69: Modules

    Crestron SIMPL Windows Modules SIMPL Windows provides programmers with a number of Crestron modules as well as a predefined directory to store user created modules. Crestron modules are prepackaged logic programs. A Crestron module is a set of pre-written and debugged logic used for controlling a particular device or performing a function.
  • Page 70 Then use the following settings to make the COM port settings of the PC match those of the control system: Communication settings for a 2-Series processor 64 • Crestron SIMPL Windows • Port = COM 1. Select the correct COM port on the PC (COM 1 through COM 8).

  • Page 71: Compiling And Uploading Programs

    Now that you have configured the control system's IP settings, you can connect to the control system via Ethernet. Click Communications on the SIMPL Windows Edit menu and select TCP/IP as the connection type. Enter the IP address or host name of the control system.
  • Page 72 For further information about compiler errors, refer to the SIMPL Windows help file. The Compile dialog box will display information about the program, including the number of symbols, signals, memory usage, and compile time.

  • Page 73: Software License Agreement

    This Agreement may only be modified by a writing signed by an authorized officer of Crestron. Updates may be licensed to You by Crestron with additional or different terms. This is the entire agreement between Crestron and You relating to the Software and it supersedes any prior representations, discussions, undertakings, communications or advertising relating to the Software.
  • Page 74 “applets” incorporated into the Software), the accompanying media and printed materials, and any copies of the Software are owned by Crestron or its suppliers. The Software is protected by copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Therefore, you must treat the Software like any other copyrighted material, subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

  • Page 75: Return And Warranty Policies

    CRESTRON shall not be liable to honor the terms of this warranty if the product has been used in any application other than that for which it was intended, or if it has been subjected to misuse, accidental damage, modification, or improper installation procedures.
  • Page 76 Crestron Electronics, Inc. Primer – DOC. 6253 15 Volvo Drive Rockleigh, NJ 07647 11.03 Tel: 888.CRESTRON Fax: 201.767.7576 Specifications subject to www.crestron.com change without notice.

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