Crestron electronic C2N-VEQ4 Uploading and Upgrading

26 • Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control: C2N-VEQ4 Operations Guide - DOC. 6135A

Uploading and Upgrading

NOTE: Crestron recommends that you use the latest software and that each device

contains the latest firmware to take advantage of the most recently released features.

Please check the Crestron website (http://www.crestron.com/updates) for the latest

versions of software and firmware. New users are required to register to obtain access

to this site.

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

software allows the programmer to upload programs and projects after their

development to the system and network devices. 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 is available as a pull-down command from SIMPL

Windows and VT Pro-e (Tools | Viewport) or as a standalone utility. 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-VEQ4. 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 (discontinued)

Keyspan USA-19QW (discontinued)

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

Crestron website. Refer to the following figure for a typical connection diagram when

uploading files.