Specifications

Software Crestron SIMPL Windows
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. Programmers can
search the database by manufacturer or device type.
Custom Serial
The term custom serial is used here to describe a communications protocol that is
similar to IR, but is carried out over a wire rather than light pulses, and there is no
carrier frequency. It is called custom because currently a number of manufacturers
employ this method, but there is no true standard. Sony Control-S and Marantz RC-5
are examples of custom serial formats in use today.
In terms of usage, this form of serial communications differs from IR only in that a
specially made wired cable must be used in place of an IR probe to connect from the
control system to the controlled device. Because the data format is normally identical
to a corresponding IR remote, serial drivers are created first by learning the remote to
generate an IR driver, then by passing the file through a special filter that removes
the carrier frequency. Just like with IR, custom serial signals are generated using an
IR card such as the C2IR-8.
Crestron Custom Serial Equipment
CNSP-109
The CNS-109 is an Electrahome/Vidikron Cable for use with C2IR-8 or (1) serial
output port.
CNSP-110
The CNSP-110 is a Sony VO 5000, 7000, 9000 serial Umatic cable for use with
C2IR-8 port.
CNSP-112
The CNSP-112 is a Sony Control-S cable for use with (1) C2IR-8 port.
RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485
The terms RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 all refer to physical standards for serial
communication developed by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). The
standards specify the electrical interface between equipment. These standards have
been developed to allow various pieces of equipment to communicate with one
another without concern for special hardware; any device that conforms to one of the
standards above should be able to communicate with any other device conforming to
the same standard. Of the three formats, RS-232 is by far the most popular for use in
control systems. For the remainder of this section, the term RS-232 will be used to
describe any of the three protocols, except where noted.
Unlike the IR or custom serial formats, RS-232 control does not use ready-to-go
driver files. Instead, the data format, or protocol, that a controlled device is
expecting will be described in the unit's manual. This protocol includes the data that
the device expects to receive and transmit, the speed at which it communicates (baud
rate), the error checking (parity), the number of data bits and the number of stop bits.
In addition, a given device may require hardware (RTS/CTS) or software
(XON/XOFF) handshaking, which controls the flow of data between two devices.
All of these elements are adjusted in the control program to match the manufacturer's
specification.
10 • Crestron SIMPL Windows Primer – DOC. 6253