Crestron electronic C2N-DAP8RC Uploading and Upgrading

Operations Guide – DOC. 8187A Digital Audio Processor with Room Control: C2N-DAP8RC • 55

Uploading and Upgrading

Assuming a PC is properly connected to the entire system, Crestron programming

software allows the programmer to upload programs and projects to the system and

touchpanel after their development. However, there are times when the files for the

program and projects are compiled and not uploaded. Instead, compiled files may be

distributed from programmers to installers, from Crestron to dealers, etc. Even

firmware upgrades are available from the Crestron website as new features are

developed after product releases. In those instances, one has the option to upload via

the programming software or to upload and upgrade via the Crestron Viewport.

NOTE: The Crestron Viewport utility accomplishes multiple system tasks, primarily

via an RS-232 or TCP/IP connection between the control system and a PC. It is used

to observe system processes, upload new operating systems and firmware, change

system and network parameters, and communicate with network device consoles and

touchpanels, among many other tasks. Viewport can also function as a terminal

emulator for generic file transfer. All of these functions are accessed through the

commands and options in the Viewport menus. Therefore, for its effectiveness as a

support and diagnostic tool, the Crestron Viewport may be preferred over

development tools when uploading programs and projects.

The following sections define how one would upload a SIMPL Windows program or

upgrade the firmware of the C2N-DAP8RC. However, before attempting to upload

or upgrade, it is necessary to establish communications.

NOTE: For laptops and other PCs without a built-in RS-232 port, Crestron

recommends the use of PCMCIA cards, rather than USB-to-serial adapters. If a

USB-to-serial adapter must be used, Crestron has tested the following devices with

good results:

Belkin (large model) F5U103

I/O Gear GUC232A

Keyspan USA-19QW

Other models, even from the same manufacturer, may not yield the same results.

The procedure in this section provides details for RS-232 communication between

the PC and the 2-Series control system. If TCP/IP communication is preferred,

consult the latest version of the Crestron e-Control Reference Guide (Doc. 6052) or

the respective Operations Guide for the control system. These documents are

available from the Downloads | Product Manuals section of the Crestron website

(www.crestron.com). Refer to the figure on the next page for a typical connection

diagram when uploading files.

NOTE: Use a standard DB9 male to female “straight-through” cable.