Crestron electronic C2N-SPWS300 Uploading and Upgrading

Operations Guide – DOC. 8190 System Power Supply: C2N-SPWS300 • 19

Uploading and Upgrading

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

software allows the programmer to upload programs to the system after their

development. However, there are times when the files for the program 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 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-SPWS300. 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 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 following figure for a typical connection diagram

when uploading files

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