Extron electronics VCA 100 User Manual
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Extron electronics VCA 100 User Manual

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VCA 100
Virtual Control Appliance
User Guide
Virtual Control Appliance
68-3601-01, Rev. B
03 24

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  • Page 1 VCA 100 Virtual Control Appliance User Guide Virtual Control Appliance 68-3601-01, Rev. B 03 24...
  • Page 2 Safety Instructions Safety Instructions • English Instructions de sécurité • Français AVERTISSEMENT : Ce pictogramme, , lorsqu’il est utilisé sur le WARNING: This symbol, , when used on the product, is intended to produit, signale à l’utilisateur la présence à l’intérieur du boîtier du produit alert the user of the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the d’une tension électrique dangereuse susceptible de provoquer un choc product’s enclosure that may present a risk of electric shock.
  • Page 3 安全说明 • 简体中文 警告： 产品上的这个标志意在警告用户, 该产品机壳内有暴露的危险 电压， 有触电危险。 注意： 产品上的这个标志意在提示用户, 设备随附的用户手册中有重 要的操作和维护(维修)说明。 关于我们产品的安全指南、遵循的规范、EMI/EMF 的兼容性、无障碍使 用的特性等相关内容， www.extron.com 敬请访问 Extron 网站 , ，参见 Extron 安全规范指南，产品编 。 号 68-290-01 安全記事 • 繁體中文 안전 지침 • 한국어 경고: 이 기호 가 제품에 사용될 경우, 제품의 인클로저 내에 있는 警告: 若產品上使用此符號，...
  • Page 4 FCC Class A Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. The Class A limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 5 Conventions Used in this Guide Notifications In this user guide, the following are used: CAUTION: Risk of minor personal injury. ATTENTION : Risque de blessure mineure. ATTENTION: • Risk of property damage. • Risque de dommages matériels. NOTE: A note draws attention to important information. Software Commands NOTE: For commands and examples of computer or device responses mentioned in this guide, the character “0”...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Before You Begin ...............................1 What This Guide Covers ..........................1 Conventions Used in This Guide ........................1 Important Information You Need Before Installation ..................1 About the VCA 100 ............................2 About VCPs ...............................2 VCA 100 Features .............................2 Application Diagram ............................3 About Global Configurator (with GC Professional and GC Plus Modes) ............4 About Global Scripter and ControlScript Deployment Utility ................
  • Page 8 Default Web Pages ..............................16 Accounts ................................16 VCA 100 Default Web Pages ..........................17 Opening the Default Web Pages ........................17 Home Page ..............................18 VCA 100 Home Page ...........................18 About Page ..............................23 Virtual Control Settings Home Page ......................24 VCP Advanced Settings ..........................30 Software-based Configuration and Control ......................31 Configuration and Control: An Overview ......................
  • Page 9 Private Key File Requirements ........................44 SNMP ................................44 Firmware Updates ..............................45 Determining the Firmware Version ........................45 Using Toolbelt Software ..........................45 Using the Browser ............................45 Updating the Firmware ............................46 Locating and Downloading the Firmware .....................46 Installing Firmware ............................47 Extron Warranty ..............................48 VCA 100 • Contents...
  • Page 10 VCA 100 • Contents...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    Processors are also referred to as “VCPs“. The VCA 100 shares a number of properties with the IPCP Pro xi. The IPCP Pro xi is referred to in this guide and may also be referred to as the “IPCP,” “IPCP Pro xi,” or “control processor.”...

  • Page 12: About The Vca 100

    About the VCA 100 The Extron VCA 100 is a virtual control appliance that acts as a host on which Virtual Control Processors (VCPs) can run. The VCA 100 supports multiple VCPs. By default, five are initially available and additional VCPs can be...

  • Page 13: Application Diagram

    HDMI LOOP THRU C T Tx Rx G S G Extron HDMI RS-232 SMD 202 FLAT PANEL Streaming Media Ethernet Player and Decoder Extron TLP Pro 1025T 10" Tabletop TouchLink Pro Touchpanel Figure 1. Application Diagram VCA 100 • Introduction...

  • Page 14: About Global Configurator (With Gc Professional And Gc Plus Modes)

    More information is available at https://www.extron.com/technology/landing/programming/. PC System Requirements To find the minimum hardware and software requirements for the PC you use to configure the VCA 100 or VCPs: • For a complete list of the requirements for running Global Configurator, Global Scripter, ControlScript Deployment Utility, ControlScript Extension for VS Code, Global Viewer Enterprise (GVE), GUI Designer, or Toolbelt, visit the Download page (www.extron.com/download/index.aspx) on the Extron website and...

  • Page 15: Hardware Features And Installation

    • Resetting the Unit — Information about the available reset modes and how to reset the VCA 100. Pay careful attention to the order and types of setup tasks. Follow the setup checklist in this guide or in the setup guide and keep it with you for reference throughout the installation and configuration process.

  • Page 16: Mount And Cable All Devices

    NOTE: If DHCP is on, you do not need the IP addresses and subnet mask. • Write down the MAC address of each network interface on the VCA 100 to be used. The MAC addresses for the VCPs are available on the VCA 100 default web pages.

  • Page 17: Test And Troubleshoot

    Build and upload the system configuration to the control processor and other system devices. Test and Troubleshoot • Troubleshooting Test the system (see on page 37 for an outline of items to check during system troubleshooting). • Make adjustments to wiring or configuration as needed. VCA 100 • Hardware Features and Installation...

  • Page 18: Network Communication Setup

    PWR — The Power LED blinks during boot up and remains lit while the unit is receiving power. • LAN — The LAN LED remains lit when there is a network connection. • SSD — The SSD LED indicates activity on the solid state drive. VCA 100 • Hardware Features and Installation...

  • Page 19: Rear Panel Features

    Mounting Kits • Rack Mounting Desktop Four self-adhesive rubber pads are included. Attach one in each corner on the VCA 100 and place the unit on any suitable flat surface. Mounting Kits See the VCA 100 product page at www.extron.com for a complete list of compatible mounting kits.

  • Page 20: Rack Mounting

    Follow the instructions included with the kit. The UL Rack Mounting Guidelines The following Underwriters Laboratories (UL) guidelines pertain to the installation of the VCA 100 enclosure into a rack: CAUTION: • Elevated operating ambient temperature — If the equipment is installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient.

  • Page 21: Ports, Addressing And Connections

    If you use static IP addresses, configure the settings and IP addresses via Toolbelt. See the Global Configurator Help File or Toolbelt Help File for basic information on configuration. The default network settings for the VCA 100 are: • IP address: 192.168.254.250 •...

  • Page 22: Resetting The Unit

    (see page 13) sets the passwords to extron. Resetting the Unit The VCA 100 RESET button initiates three reset modes. In addition it can be used to toggle between DHCP Client enabled or disabled or to reset the device password: •...

  • Page 23: Reset Network Settings

    Full Factory Reset This mode resets all IP settings for both the VCA 100 and any hosted VCPs that have been licensed. It does not affect any LinkLicenses applied to the VCA 100 or the VCPs. It removes any files loaded by the user to the VCA 100 or the VCPs and allows the user to restart configuration and uploading.

  • Page 24: Toggle Dhcp Client

    All the VCPs that were licensed on the VCA before initiating this reset mode are available after the reset. The VCPs are also reset to factory defaults. Toggle DHCP Client This mode toggles between DHCP enabled and DHCP disabled for the VCA 100. It has no effect on the VCPs hosted on the product. Activation To enable or disable the DHCP client for the LAN port: 1.

  • Page 25: Password Recovery (Admin Password Only)

    Password Recovery (Admin Password Only) This mode allows the user to reset the admin password for the VCA 100. It does not affect the user password and it does not affect passwords for any loaded VCPs. Activation To reset the admin password for the VCA 100: 1.

  • Page 26: Default Web Pages

    • Accounts • VCA 100 Default Web Pages The embedded default web pages (DWP) for the VCA 100, also known as the Admin console, allow the user to view: • The device information and settings for the VCA 100 •...

  • Page 27: Vca 100 Default Web Pages

    To open the default web pages: 1. Connect a control PC to the VCA 100 using the Ethernet port. 2. Open a browser and enter the IP address for the VCA 100 in the address bar. The Login page opens: Figure 5.

  • Page 28: Home Page

    Click on admin or user to see the log out option. The Home page provides either an overview of the VCA 100 (see figure 7) or a list of the currently available VCPs (shown in figure 6).
  • Page 29 Date and Time Allows you to set the Date and Time on the VCA 100 unit. Figure 8. VCA 100 Default Web Pages — Date and Time Click SYNC TO PC. The DWP grabs the current time from the PC and applies it to the processor manually.
  • Page 30 8. If required, change the Timezone by selecting a value from the drop-down list ( 9. Click SAVE ( ) to save the changes or CANCEL ( ) to exit the timepicker without saving changes. VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...
  • Page 31 Network Provides information about the VCA 100 network settings. Click EDIT to change the settings. Figure 13. VCA 100 Default Web Pages — Network The Edit Network Settings page allows you to set DHCP Off or On. • If DHCP is set to Off (see figure 14, right,...
  • Page 32 3. Enter the new password a second time in the Confirm Admin Password text box. 4. Click CREATE to save the changes or CANCEL to exit without saving the changes. For information about Admin and User access on the VCA 100 default web pages, see Accounts on page 16.

  • Page 33: About Page

    Firmware Provides read-only information about the firmware version currently installed on the VCA 100 and the date when it was installed. Figure 18. VCA 100 Default Web Pages — Firmware Firmware Updates For information about updating firmeware, see on page 45.

  • Page 34: Virtual Control Settings Home Page

    2. You are prompted to enter a username and password. The VCP Device Utilities web page for that VCP opens: Figure 21. VCP Device Utilities The VCP Device Utilities page shows Details and Status about the virtual control processor. VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...
  • Page 35 Click the Yes link under GV Host to open Global Viewer. Click LAUNCH EXTRON CONTROL to view all the connected Extron Control devices in the project. In figure 24 page 26, it is a TLP Pro 1725TG. VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...
  • Page 36 2. Click Configure ( The Configure Virtual Controllers page opens with the GENERAL tab (see figure 27, ) selected. Figure 27. Configure Virtual Controllers — General Tab 3. If required, edit the Hostname ( VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...
  • Page 37 2. Enter the tag name in the Edit Tag text box (see figure 28). 3. Click REMOVE TAG. 4. Click APPLY to save all the changes or click X (in the top right corner) to close the dialog without saving the changes. VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...
  • Page 38 This removes the tag at the end of the list. For example it would remove anaheim from the list of tags in figure 29. 3. Click APPLY to save all the changes or click X (in the top right corner) to close the dialog without saving the changes. VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...
  • Page 39 If one or more VCPs have DHCP set to On, those VCPs are not assigned a new value. The next available IP address is assigned to the next VCP that has DHCP set to Off. VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...

  • Page 40: Vcp Advanced Settings

    All user files and settings such as drivers, adjustments, and IP settings are maintained. NOTE: While in this reset mode, any programs running in the VCP are stopped. Programs resume after firmware is loaded to the VCP. VCA 100 • Default Web Pages...

  • Page 41: Software-Based Configuration And Control

    The default web pages embedded within the control processor provide a means to view general hardware information, network settings, and, if configured, project information. You cannot configure the control processor via the embedded web pages. VCA 100 • Software Based Configuration and Control...

  • Page 42: Basic Setup Steps: A Guide To This Section And Other Resources

    Import GUI layouts and con gure the touchpanels or other interfaces. Save the project. Build and upload the con guration to the control processor. Test the system, make adjustments, nalize con guration. Figure 34. Overall Configuration Steps VCA 100 • Software Based Configuration and Control...

  • Page 43: Downloading Software And Getting Started

    For other software there is a link for contacting an Extron support representative who can provide you access to the latest version. For drivers, navigate through the alphabetically arranged list to select and download a driver for a specific device. VCA 100 • Software Based Configuration and Control...

  • Page 44: Obtaining Control Drivers

    Using GCP: Helpful Tips Resources and notes The VCA 100 and VCP Setup Guide is shipped with the unit. It includes a quick reference to the front and rear panel features, and covers basic hardware installation. Front Panel Features...
  • Page 45 Configurator 3 or GUI Configurator. 1. Select the DOWNLOAD tab (see figure 35, 2. Click the Software ( ) option at the bottom of the page. Figure 35. Software Downloads from the Extron Website VCA 100 • Software Based Configuration and Control...
  • Page 46 Ensure you are downloading Global Configurator Plus and Professional. 5. Run the executable file to install the software. By default, your computer creates a new folder at C:\Program Files\Extron or C:\Program Files (x86)\Extron. VCA 100 • Software Based Configuration and Control...

  • Page 47: Using The Software

    • Ensure that all devices are plugged in. • Make sure that each device is receiving power. The VCA 100 front panel power LED lights if the VCA 100 is receiving power. Data Connections 1. Check the cabling connections and make adjustments as needed. The Link LEDs on the VCA 100 and on the touchpanel, network button panel, or PC should be lit green steadily if a network connection is detected.

  • Page 48: Linklicenses

    By default, the VCA 100 ships with five VCPs enabled. As your system expands, you may wish to add additional VCPs to your system. Each additional VCP requires a LinkLicense. All LinkLicenses that can be applied to the VCA 100 and VCP are listed on the VCA 100 product page at www.extron.com.

  • Page 49: Applying A Linklicense

    NOTE: Once the redemption code is used in the Extron website, the LinkLicense is tied (locked) to the specific device serial number entered into the form. This means that the code cannot be transferred to another device after the code has been used. VCA 100 • LinkLicenses...

  • Page 50: Reference Information

    .gdl — This is a GUI Designer layout created for TouchLink Pro a touchpanel or third-party touch interface. .glta — This is a GUI layout template. .gs – This is a Global Scripter project file. VCA 100 • Reference Information...

  • Page 51: Secure Sockets Layer (Ssl) Certificates

    NOTE: ITU-T standard X.509 covers aspects of public key encryption, digital cryptography, certificates, and validation. Contact your IT administrator for more information on what tools and policies are required to obtain or create the SSL certificate and, if necessary, the corresponding passphrase. VCA 100 • Reference Information...

  • Page 52: Ieee 802.1X

    IR/S IPCP PRO 250 eBUS Blu-ray RELAYS LINK 1000 LIMIT IPCP Pro 255 BUSY LINK IR/S eBUS RELAYS 1000 OVER LIMIT LINK OVER TLP Pro 725T IPCP Pro 250 Figure 37. IEEE 802.1X Environment Topology VCA 100 • Reference Information...

  • Page 53: Configuration

    • Multi-auth — the VCA 100 and each VCP need to be authenticated. • Multi-host — the VCA 100 is authenticated. All VCPs gain network access through the VCA 100 authentication. Certificates IEEE 802.1X is a standard that enables port-based network access control via an authentication server. The protocol requires that all devices must be authenticated before gaining privileges to access the secure part of the network.

  • Page 54: Certificate File Requirements

    The text that is specified in these fields is seen by the network community when the unit is queried. Extron control products support the following security levels: • Management Information Base 2 (MIB-II) • SNMPv2c. VCA 100 • Reference Information...

  • Page 55: Firmware Updates

    View the device information in Toolbelt. • View the firmware section of the default webpages. Before using any of those methods, connect the VCA 100 and the PC to the same network. For details see the Hardware Features and Installation on page 5 and the Software-based Configuration and Control page 31.

  • Page 56: Updating The Firmware

    Updating the Firmware Locating and Downloading the Firmware NOTE: The VCA 100 and VCPs use different firmware. Ensure you upload the correct firmware for each product. 1. Open the Extron website and select the DOWNLOAD tab (see figure 38, 2. Click the Firmware ( ) option at the bottom of the page.

  • Page 57: Installing Firmware

    Go to the Downloads folder and click on the file to install the firmware on the PC. By default, it is stored at C:\\ Program Files (x86)\Extron\Firmware\<product name>\<firmware version>. Upload this file to the VCA 100 using Toolbelt. For complete information about using Toolbelt to update the firmware, see the Toolbelt Help File.

  • Page 58: Extron Warranty

    Extron Electronics makes no further warranties either expressed or implied with respect to the product and its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular use. In no event will Extron Electronics be liable for direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from any defect in this product even if Extron Electronics has been advised of such damage.

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