System information

Reference Guide Crestron 3-Series Control Systems
30 • 3-Series Control Systems Reference Guide – DOC. 7150A
Master-Slave Mode
Introduction
Master-Slave mode is a network configuration that allows a Crestron 3-Series
processor to access ports on other Crestron control systems over Ethernet. By
attaching a slave control system to a master control system, the master control
system can use ports it may not normally have (I/O, IR, RF, etc.).
In a master-slave environment, the master control system contains the program that
controls all Cresnet and Ethernet devices attached to it. The slave control system
turns off its processing capabilities and behaves exactly like any other Cresnet or
Ethernet device. It obeys the program in the master control system, making its ports
available for control by the master. By using slave systems, only one master program
has to be written to control multiple slave systems.
NOTE: If there is a need for a control system to run its own program but be able to
communicate with other control systems, use the “Intersystem Communications”
symbol for peer-to-peer communications between control systems over Ethernet or
serial communications. For more information on the Intersystem Communications
symbol, refer to the SIMPL Windows help file.
Depending on a control system’s communications capabilities, a control system may
function as a Cresnet master, an Ethernet master, or an Ethernet slave.
NOTE: A 3-Series Control System cannot be slaved to a 2-Series Control System.
Definitions
Cresnet Master
When in the Cresnet master mode (the default mode for most control systems), a
master control system can control Cresnet and Ethernet devices (if equipped with
Ethernet capabilities) as well as control systems operating in the Cresnet slave mode.
Control systems with Cresnet and Ethernet capabilities can function as a Cresnet
master and Ethernet master simultaneously.
Ethernet Master
When operating as an Ethernet master, a master control system can control Ethernet
and Cresnet devices (if equipped with Cresnet capabilities) as well as control
systems operating in the Ethernet slave mode.
Control systems with Ethernet and Cresnet capabilities can function as an Ethernet
master and a Cresnet master simultaneously.
Ethernet Slave
A control system operating in the Ethernet slave mode operates as an Ethernet device
and makes its built-in ports (except for Ethernet) available to a master control
system. While operating in the Ethernet slave mode, any program that is loaded into
the control system does not run.
When operating in the Ethernet slave mode, the control system can address any
installed hardware, but it cannot address Ethernet network devices. Unlike the
2-Series control systems that cannot use the Cresnet port on a 2-Series slave, the
3-Series master and 3-Series slave each have their own independent Cresnet bus.
This allows the 3-Series master to assign Cresnet IDs 03 to FE and the 3-Series slave