Extron electronic manual About the MLC 52 Series, Features and Options, Standard features

Introduction

About the MLC 52 Series

The Extron MediaLink™ Controller 52 (MLC 52) Series provide RS-232 and/or infrared (IR) remote control of a projector or other display device. They are economical, compact (one-gang or two-gang size), easy-to-use controllers for use with audiovisual equipment in sites such as elementary or high school classrooms, or small conference rooms. The MLC 52 acts as a universal remote control panel, providing control for a display device’s power, input selection, volume, and more. The MLC 52 can be configured using three different methods:

•Infrared (IR) learning

•IR data transfer (“beaming”) from another MLC 52

•Using Extron device control drivers with the Windows®-based configuration software program

Features and Options

The MLC 52 is available in the following models:

MLC 52 IR — 1-gang size; controls the display device by IR.

MLC 52 RS — 1-gang size; controls the display device by either IR or RS-232.

MLC 52 IR VC — 2-gang size; controls the display device via IR. This model has a volume control knob to control an amplifier such as the Extron MPA Mini Power Amplifier (purchased separately).

MLC 52 RS VC — 2-gang size; controls the display device by either IR or RS-232. This model has a volume control knob to control an amplifier such as the Extron MPA Mini Power Amplifier (purchased separately).

The terms “MLC,” “MLC 52,” and “controller” are used interchangeably in this manual to refer to all four models of the MediaLink controller unit, regardless of which faceplate is attached to it. The cabling, operation, and setup are identical for all models; the models differ only in how they are controlled.

Standard features

IR and RS-232 ports for universal display device control — The MLC 52 has a dedicated port for communicating with virtually any projector or display via infrared (IR) signal. The MLC 52 RS models also have ports for unidirectional RS-232 wired serial control. Projector control drivers can be downloaded from the Extron Web site or created using the Windows-based configuration program.

Discrete On and Off display device power controls — These controls simplify system operations and eliminate the need for a device’s handheld remote control.

Configurable, backlit buttons — The configurable buttons can be set up to control display device power, volume, input selection, or any other IR or RS-232 command function supported by the device. The buttons are backlit and can be custom labeled, offering easy operation for presenters in low-light environments.

Macro and toggle button modes — Each button on the MLC can be programmed to send out up to four IR or serial commands. You can set each button either to issue all its commands with one press (macro mode) or to issue one of its commands at a time, in sequence, with each button press (toggle mode).

1-2 MLC 52 Series MediaLink Controllers • Introduction