Crestron MC2E 2-Series Professional Media Controller
Network Analyzer To assist with troubleshooting, this unit contains the Crestron patent-pending
network analyzer to continuously monitor the integrity of the Cresnet network for
wiring faults and marginal system performance or other network errors. For more
information on how to use the network analyzer, refer to the SIMPL Windows help
file and use the index to search for "Network Analyzer".
Battery Replacement A Lithium battery is used to power the system clock within the MC2E. Under normal
conditions, it lasts for approximately 10 years. In the event that the clock fails, only
an authorized technician should replace it. Refer to the following caution statement.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used
batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Passthrough Mode Passthrough Mode enables Viewport access to any serially controlled device on the
network. That is, it allows direct communication between the PC and a network
device (effectively "passing through" the MC2E). While Passthrough mode is
running, the program currently in memory is suspended and will not execute. When
Passthrough mode is exited, the program resumes operation. The TX and RX LEDs
(if present) for the given port illuminate when in Passthrough mode.
Entering Passthrough mode for one of the internal COM ports reinitializes it, which
clears the data for that port.
To establish communication, click Functions | Enter Passthrough Mode. Then
select the connection type that exists between the MC2E and the device. The choices
are Slot (for devices connected to the control system via one of the card slots on the
back panel), Cresnet, or Ethernet. If the connection is through a card slot then select
the slot number from the Slot drop-down list. For Cresnet, select the Cresnet ID of
the device; for Ethernet, select the IP ID.
NOTE: The IP ID and associated IP address of the Ethernet device must be listed in
the IP Table.
NOTE: Slot locations vary from processor to processor. For example, on a PRO2,
the COM slot location is number 4 while on the MC2E, the COM slot location is
number 6.
Specify the port (Port A or Port B) that the device is connected to, if applicable.
Next, specify the serial protocol that the device expects. The parameters include the
baud rate, parity, the number of data bits and stop bits, the protocol (RS-232, RS-422
or RS-485), and the settings for software or hardware handshaking. This information
is provided by the manufacturer’s documentation.
Operations Guide – DOC. 6142 2-Series Professional Media Controller: MC2E • 37