MLC 52 Series MediaLink™ Controllers 68-1079-01 Rev.
Precautions Safety Instructions • English Warning This symbol is intended to alert the user of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature provided with the equipment. Power sources • This equipment should be operated only from the power source indicated on the product. This equipment is intended to be used with a main power system with a grounded (neutral) conductor. The third (grounding) pin is a safety feature, do not attempt to bypass or disable it.
Table of Contents Chapter 1 • Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1-1 About the MLC 52 Series ................................................................................................. 1-2 Features and Options ........................................................................................................ 1-2 Standard features .......................................................................................
Table of Contents, cont’d Powering the Display Device On and Off ............................................................. 3-12 Powering on ..................................................................................................................... 3-12 Powering off .................................................................................................................... 3-13 Selecting Inputs ............................................................................................
Overview of the configuration procedure .............................................................. 5-20 Opening the MLC 52 Configuration Program screen .............................................. 5-20 Displaying the Help program ................................................................................... 5-23 Saving and restoring a configuration ...................................................................... 5-23 Saving a configuration ...................................................
Table of Contents, cont’d Appendix A • Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories .................... A-1 Specifications ....................................................................................................................... A-2 Part Numbers and Accessories ......................................................................................... A-3 Included parts ...................................................................................................................
MLC 52 Series 1 Chapter One Introduction About the MLC 52 Series Features and Options MLC 52 Application Examples
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.
Front panel configuration port — This RS-232 serial port enables advanced configuration, driver downloads, and firmware updates to be performed from the front panel without the need to remove the controller from its mounting. The optional Extron configuration cable (part #70-335-01) can be used to connect the MLC 52 to the PC’s RS-232 port.
Introduction, cont’d MLC 52 Application Examples IR or RS-232 Control DI SP Y LA F OF ON Projector w/ Internal Speakers PC L VO EO VID L VO ML 2 C5 Extron MLC 52 Basic MediaLink Controller PC VGA w/ Audio Cable DVD Composite Audio RCA Application diagram for a standard MLC 52 (1-gang size) PC DVD VGA w/ Audio Cable Extron SPC 62 Extron MPA 122 S-video Audio RCA Ceiling Speakers (in parallel) Mini Power Amplifier 2 12 A MP UTS TP OU hms O 4/8 US C U INP OTE TS REM R L E R VCR
MLC 52 Series 2 Chapter Two Installation Installation Overview UL Requirements Installation Procedures
Installation Installation Overview CAUTION Installation and service must be performed by authorized personnel only. UL listed electrical boxes are recommended. See “UL Requirements,” on the next page. To install and set up the MLC, follow these steps: 1 If applicable, prepare the installation site: cut a hole in the wall, install the electrical box or mounting bracket (“mud ring”), and prepare the cables.
UL Requirements The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements listed below pertain to the installation of the MLC into a wall or furniture. 1. Elevated operating ambient temperature — If the equipment is installed in a closed or multiunit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Therefore, consider installing the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified by the manufacturer.
Installation, cont’d To prepare the site, 1. Choose a location that will allow cable runs without interference. Allow enough depth for both the wall box and the cables. You may need to install the cables into the wall or furniture before installing the controller. If using an electrical box to wall mount the controller, locate a stud to which the box will be attached. 2.
MLC 52 Standoff Faceplate Installing the MLC onto a new faceplate (bottom view) Replacing button labels The button caps are prelabeled for your convenience by default. However, you can change them with the included button labels. The button assembly consists of a clear lens cap, the button label, and a white diffuser. (See the diagram below.) Remove the button assembly from the MLC 52 as follows: 1.
Installation, cont’d 4. Lift out the transparent square label that you want to replace, being careful not to damage the circuits beneath it. You may need to use the small screwdriver to gently pry the label out. 5. Detach one of the preprinted labels or one of the blank labels from the label sheets included with the MLC 52. Remove the label from the backing and, if applicable, peel the protective film from the front of the label.
Wall Stud Installation Cable Cable Clamp Screws or Nails Wall opening flush with edge of box Attaching a wall box to a wall stud • If you are attaching the wall box to wood, use four #8 or #10 screws or 10-penny nails. A minimum of ½ inch (1.3 cm) of screw threads must penetrate the wood. • If you are attaching the wall box to metal studs or furniture, use four #8 or #10 self-tapping sheet metal screws or machine bolts with matching nuts.
Installation, cont’d Rear panel and cable connections The following diagrams show the locations of the connector, switches, LEDs, and IR sensors on the back of the MLC 52 with standard and VC faceplates.
1 IR learner/transmitter — These sensors allow for IR control of the MLC and for IR learning. The two LEDs (one for transmitting, one for receiving) send and receive IR signals, enabling the MLC to learn commands and clone configurations from another MLC. The IR remote control must be pointed directly at these LEDs for best results. The MLC can “learn” IR commands in order to control the display device.
Installation, cont’d Wiring the control connector The display and source control connector allows you to connect cables for IR devices, RS-232 devices (RS models only), and AC power to the MLC. The illustration below shows the pin assignments of the MLC’s control connector that are covered in detail on the following pages.
Wiring for IR control If you intend to control display and/or input devices via infrared (IR) commands from the MLC, you can connect Extron IR emitters or an IR Broadcaster to the IR Out pin of the control connector. Up to two IR emitters can be connected via this connector at one time. Wire the connector as shown in the following illustrations. White striped wire only E D Modulated IR Ground 100 feet (30.5 m) maximum MLC 52 control connector IR Emitter Connect up to 2 IR Emitters (max.) (#70-283-01).
Installation, cont’d Wiring for RS-232 control (RS models only) The MLC 52 RS and the MLC 52 RS VC send out RS-232 commands via the Tx port for controlling a display device. If you have an RS model and want to control the device via RS-232, connect a cable between the device and this 3.5 mm, 6-pole direct insertion captive screw connector. Use the illustration below as a guide to wiring the connector. Wiring varies depending on the device model.
Attach a 3.5 mm, 5-pole captive screw connector to one end of the cable and a 6-pole captive screw connector to the other end. Only three wires are required: 3. • A (MLC) to A (IR Link) • B (MLC) to B (IR Link) • C (MLC) to D (IR Link) Connect the wires as shown in the illustration below. Connectors are included with the IR Link, but the cable must be purchased separately. 4. Plug the 5-pole connector into one of the IR Link’s communications connectors. 5.
Installation, cont’d Wiring an IRL 20 The Extron IRL 20 is a hardwired IR signal receiver that can be used with the MLC 52 and the IR 452 remote control. The IRL 20 receives a signal via its front panel (or an IR sensor) from the IR 452 remote control, and outputs a modulated IR signal via an IR emitter or an IR Broadcaster.
Wiring the power connector The control connector also contains a power connector for the MLC 52. Connect the supplied external 12 VDC power supply to this port to power the MLC as shown in the following diagram. The Extron P/S 100 and other Extron power supplies can be used with the MLC 52. B Ground ( ) A +12 VDC input External Power Supply (12 VDC, 1A max.) MLC 52 Control Connector F E D C B A Ground all devices.
Installation, cont’d Mounting the MLC 52 Once the system has been cabled, configured, and tested, the MLC can be installed in the wall or furniture. Mounting the MLC to an electrical box or mounting bracket You can mount the MLC 52 in an electrical box or a mounting bracket, as follows: 1. If you want to install a different faceplate, attach the MLC to the desired faceplate using the provided screws. (See “Replacing the faceplate,” earlier in this chapter.) 2.
Wall Extron Wall Mounting Bracket AY PL DIS OF F ON PC L VO VID EO L VO 2 C5 ML MLC 52 Mounting the MLC 52 to a mounting bracket (mud ring) Mounting the MLC to a wall or furniture 1. With all cables attached to the MLC and power disconnected at the source, insert the MLC into the wall or furniture. 2. Fasten the MLC and faceplate directly to the furniture or wall using wood screws.
Installation, cont’d 2-18 MLC 52 Series MediaLink Controllers • Installation
MLC 52 Series 3 Chapter Three Operation Display Device Control Front Panel Features and Operation Configuring the MLC 52 Using IR Using the MLC 52 VC Models with the MPA Series Power Amplifiers Powering the Display Device On and Off Selecting Inputs Operating the MLC 52 Using IR Remote Control Resetting Locking the Front Panel (Executive Mode)
Operation Display Device Control The MLC 52 IR models can control a projector or other display device by using infrared (IR) signals. The RS models can control a display device using IR or RS-232. The MLC must be configured for device control by one of the following methods before it will send commands to the display device: • An IR or an RS-232 driver file can be loaded from a disk or the Extron Web site and used to configure the MLC.
• Input mode: Buttons in this mode are grouped together so that only one of them can be active at a time. When one button is pressed and activated, it becomes fully lit, while the other (inactive) button(s) are dimmed to 25% brightness. When you press one of the buttons on the front panel that are in input mode, all other buttons in input mode become inactive. • Volume mode: This mode is available only on the standard (not VC) MLC model, and only for the two buttons that are labeled Vol > and Vol <.
Operation, cont’d 2 Input selection buttons — These buttons are preprogrammed to select input sources. By default, they are in input mode; that is, only one of them may be selected at a time. If you want these buttons to operate independently of each other, use the Windows-based control software to remove the group configuration from them. The input buttons are prelabeled for convenience. You can relabel them using the other labels that are provided.
Configuring the MLC 52 Using IR The MLC 52 can be programmed/configured via IR by the following methods: • IR data transfer from an MLC 52 that has been configured • IR learning from your projector’s remote control Configuring using IR data transfer You can configure your MLC 52 by transferring button configuration data to it from another configured MLC 52 via the two IR LEDs on the back panels of the MLCs.
Operation, cont’d Tx IR OUT 1 GND IR IN GND + 12V Less Than 6” 1 2 3 4 2 3 ON 4 E E 4 3 IR Beaming ON 2 + 12V GND IR IN 1 2 3 4 GND IR OUT Tx 1 ON 1 2 3 4 Transmitting MLC ON 1 2 3 4 Receiving MLC Setting up transmitting and receiving units for wireless data transfer The data transfer begins when the receiving unit detects the transmitting unit, and the process takes 15 to 20 seconds to complete.
After approximately 17% of the data has been transferred, the On button lights and remains lit to maximum brightness. After another 17% has been transferred, the Off button lights to maximum brightness. The buttons continue to light brightly in clockwise order after each increment of 17% of the data has been transferred. When a button becomes permanently lit, the remaining buttons continue to blink in clockwise rotation, until the transfer process is complete and all buttons are remain steadily lit.
Operation, cont’d 3. Press the button on the MLC that will store the IR code that you want the MLC to learn. The following takes place on the MLC: • The front panel button that you pressed begins to blink, indicating that it is ready to be programmed. While the button is blinking (5 seconds), you can program it with the desired command. If no IR command is entered within 5 seconds, the button stops blinking.
7. Press the buttons that you configured to verify that the commands you entered have been learned. If you have an IR Emitter connected on the IR output, it should blink. (See “Wiring for IR control” in chapter 2, “Installation.”) Removing commands from a button If you want to delete a command that has been programmed onto a button, you must remove all the commands programmed to that button, as follows: 1. While the MLC 52 is powered on, set configuration switch #1 to On (up). 2.
Operation, cont’d Configuring a single button for input source selection If you want to use only one button to select your input sources, you must program the button with one command for each source (up to four). Only one button has to learn IR commands; and it has enough memory blocks to learn four input selection commands. To use this programmed button to select an input, you must press it repeatedly to cycle through all the inputs until you reach the desired one.
Using the MLC 52 VC Models with the MPA Series Power Amplifiers The dedicated volume control knob on the MLC 52 IR VC or the MLC 52 RS VC controls the audio output of an Extron MPA 122 or MPA 181T power amplifier, to which speakers for the system are connected. The following diagram shows an example of a system that uses an MLC 52 VC model with an MPA amplifier.
Operation, cont’d Wiring and connections for the MLC 52 VC models Connect the cables to the MLC 52 IR VC or MLC 52 RS VC controller with the MPA Series amplifier as shown in the diagram below and on page 2-15.
Powering off To turn the projector/display off, press the Off button. The button blinks for 4 seconds, then remains steadily lit. (A 2-second hold feature, requiring you to press and hold the Off button for 2 seconds in order to turn off the display device, helps prevent accidental powering off of the projector or display. This feature can be disabled and enabled through the configuration software. See “Entering display device power settings,” in chapter 5, “Serial Communication,” for further information.
Operation, cont’d • If an input selection button is in macro mode, pressing the button once executes all the commands stored on that button, in memory block order (i.e., the command in memory block 1 is performed first, then block 2, etc.). See “Setting up button macros,” earlier in this chapter, for more information.
• The MLC recognizes the command it receives via the IR IN pole, and responds as if its own equivalent button were pressed, issuing the command to the appropriate device. See “Wiring an IR Link” in chapter 2, “Installation,” for information on wiring the IR Link. See “Wiring the IRL 20,” also in chapter 2, for information on connecting the IRL 20 signal receiver. Setup operations cannot be performed from the IR 452 remote control.
Operation, cont’d Resetting In the event that the MLC 52 needs to be reset, you can do so by one of the following methods: Factory firmware reset — Press and hold the bottom right button (the Video button on standard models or the blank button on VC models) while applying power to the MLC. This method resets the MLC firmware to the version with which the unit was delivered from the factory. Any codes that you previously programmed for the buttons remain in effect.
MLC 52 Series 4 Chapter Four Special Applications Application 1: Using Multiple Sources with an MLC 52 Application 2: Controlling Projectors that Require Power Off Confirmation Application 3: Controlling Projectors That Have Multi-coded IR Functionality
Special Applications This chapter describes some special types of applications that represent unique conditions. For the MLC 52 to operate properly in these situations, it is important that the controller be configured correctly. On the following pages, three application examples are described, along with their requirements for the MLC 52. Application 1: Using Multiple Sources with an MLC 52 Following is an example of an application in which the system contains more than two inputs.
Programming buttons for an IR controlled system INPUTS VIDEO S-Video RGB1 RGB2 COMPUTER VIDEO INPUTS RGB1 S-Video VIDEO SET UP RGB2 POWER PRG+ PLAY TIME/ LEVEL– REW UP TIME/ LEVEL+ DLY/CNT/REAR PAUSE FF LEFT RIGHT STOP PRG– – TV INPUT COMPUTER DOWN SKIP/CHAPTER DECK A/B DIR A VIDEO + VIDEO MUTE DIR B AUDIO MUTE A/V MUTE +100 REC/ PAUSE EFFECT ON/OFF SLEEP TV MUTE MENU ENTER INPUT SELECT CD TAPE TUNER 1 2 3 PHONO DVD/LD VCR 4 5 6 8 9 TV/DBS 7 ENT 0 S
Special Applications, cont’d If you are using an MLC 52 IR or an MLC 52 RS (one-gang models) with a type A remote control, program the buttons using the following scheme: INPUTS RGB1 S-Video VIDEO SET UP POWER PRG+ PLAY TIME/ LEVEL– REW UP DLY/CNT/REAR PAUSE FF RIGHT STOP DOWN PRG– OFF – TV INPUT VOL VOL TIME/ LEVEL+ LEFT DISPLAY ON PC VIDEO Command #1: RGB 1 Command #2: RGB 2 Command #1: Video Command #2: S-Video MLC 52 RGB2 SKIP/CHAPTER DECK A/B DIR A + DIR B +100 EFFECT
If you are using an MLC 52 IR VC or an MLC 52 RS VC (two-gang models) with a type A remote control, program the buttons using the following scheme: INPUTS RGB1 S-Video VIDEO SET UP POWER PRG+ PLAY TIME/ LEVEL– REW DISPLAY UP PAUSE FF LEFT RIGHT DOWN PRG– ON TIME/ LEVEL+ DLY/CNT/REAR STOP VOLUME RGB2 – OFF TV INPUT + SKIP/CHAPTER DECK A/B DIR A DIR B +100 Command #1: Video IR command VCR PC Command #1: RGB 1 IR command EFFECT ON/OFF REC/ PAUSE SLEEP TV MUTE INPUT SELECT
Special Applications, cont’d Projector remote control type B (application 1) This remote control has only two input buttons — one for the RGB inputs and one for the S-video and composite video inputs. Each of these buttons contains one command that causes the projector to toggle between inputs. • Program the command from the projector remote control’s Computer or RGB button onto the MLC’s PC button. • Program the command that is on the projector remote control’s Video button onto the MLC’s Video button.
Programming buttons for multiple inputs on an RS-232 controlled system If the MLC 52 RS is to control the projector via RS-232, the projector ’s remote control does not need to be involved. Program the MLC buttons directly via the front panel configuration port using Windows-based configuration software (see chapter 5, “Serial Communication,” for information on using these control methods). 1.
Special Applications, cont’d Configuring the MLC 52 for a power-off confirmation The MLC 52 can be configured so that the projector Power Off button does not need to be pressed twice for confirmation. Using the macro mode feature, you can send two power off commands sequentially from a single press of the MLC’s Off button. To configure the MLC’s Off button to issue both a power off and a power off confirmation command, ON 1. Ensure that power is applied to the MLC 52. 2.
Application 3: Controlling Projectors That Have Multi-coded IR Functionality Certain projectors, such as Philips projectors, have multiple IR codes for the same function. Projectors with multi-coded IR functionality issue two commands for each IR remote control button. Command “A” is initiated by the first press of the button; command “B,” by the second press. Because the buttons on the MLC 52 can store up to four commands, it is ideal for projectors of this type.
Special Applications, cont’d b. 4. 5. 6. Within 5 seconds (while the PC button on the MLC 52 is blinking), press the RGB 2 button on the projector ’s remote control. The MLC has learned command “A” for RGB 2. Program the input selection command “B” from the RGB 1 input selection button on the projector’s remote control into memory block #3 of the MLC 52’s PC button as follows: a. Press the PC button on the MLC front panel. The button blinks, indicating that the MLC is ready to learn the command.
b. 4. 5. Within 5 seconds (while the Video or blank button on the MLC 52 is blinking), press the S-video button on the projector ’s remote control. The MLC has learned command “A” for S-video. Program the input selection command “B” from the Video input selection button on the projector’s remote control into memory block #3 of the MLC 52’s Video button as follows: a. Press the Video button on the MLC front panel. The button blinks, indicating that the MLC is ready to learn the command.
Special Applications, cont’d Issuing input selection commands learned from a type A remote control The MLC now has four commands each on the PC and Video buttons. When you press an MLC input button repeatedly, the following occurs: Using the PC button (RGB): • First press (memory block #1): The MLC 52 issues command “A” for RGB 1 input selection. The projector switches to its RGB 1 input. • Second press (memory block #2): The MLC 52 issues command “A” for RGB 2 input selection.
Projector remote control type B (application 3) This remote control has only two input buttons — one for the RGB inputs and one for the S-video and composite video inputs. Each of these buttons contains two commands (commands “A” and “B”) that cause the button to toggle between inputs. Following these steps, use IR learning to program the input selection commands from the projector ’s type B hand-held remote control onto the MLC’s PC and Video or blank (VC models) buttons.
Special Applications, cont’d Programming video inputs — projector remote control type B 1. Place the rear panel configuration DIP switch #1 in the On (up) position to enable learning mode. (If the MLC is already in learning mode, proceed to step 2.) ON 1 2 3 4 Using IR learning, program command “A” from the Video input selection button on the projector’s remote control into memory block #1 of the MLC 52’s Video or blank (for VC models) button as follows: 2. a.
Issuing input selection commands learned from remote control type B The MLC now has two commands each on the PC and Video buttons. When you press an MLC input button repeatedly, the following commands are issued: Using the PC button (RGB): • First press (memory block #1): The MLC 52 issues command “A” for RGB input selection. • Second press (memory block #2): The MLC 52 issues command “B” for RGB input selection.
Special Applications, cont’d 4-16 MLC 52 Series MediaLink Controllers • Special Applications
MLC 52 Series 5 Chapter Five Serial Communication Using the MLC 52 Configuration Program Using Simple Instruction Set (SIS™) Commands
Serial Communication The MLC 52 can be remotely configured via a host computer connected to the front panel configuration port. Through this port, you can program the MLC’s buttons with commands by using the Windows®-based configuration software (MLC 52/DVCM 50 Configuration Program). You can also issue certain SIS™ (Simple Instruction Set) commands through this port. The optional 9-pin D to 2.5 mm stereo mini TRS RS-232 configuration cable (part #70-335-01) can be used for this connection.
Installing the software To install the MLC 52 configuration software on your computer, 1. Insert the CD ROM Disk A into your CD drive and open it. • If the CD Autorun function is enabled on your PC, the disk starts automatically. • 2. If Autorun is not enabled, a. From your Windows desktop, select My Computer. b. Open the CD-ROM drive. c. Double-click on the Launch icon (Launch.exe) to start the CD.
Serial Communication, cont’d By default the installation creates a directory called “MediaLink” within the Extron folder on the PC hard drive, and places the following icons in it: • MediaLnk52.exe (MediaLink Configuration program) • MLC52wizard.exe (a program to help you get started with the MLC 52) • MediaLnk52.
Loading Extron drivers Extron drivers are control files (libraries) of Extron-created projector or display commands that are specific to a particular display device. There are different sets of drivers for serial (RS-232) and for IR control. Before you can use the configuration software to configure the MLC’s buttons, the IR and/or serial driver packages must be loaded onto your computer.
Serial Communication, cont’d 3. On the Drivers screen, select MLC 52/DVCM 50 Device Drivers. Selecting the MLC 52 / DVCM 50 IR driver package 4. 5-6 On the MLC 52/DVCM 50 Device Drivers screen, a. If desired, select IR from the Select Interface Type drop-down menu to view a list of all the IR drivers in the package. b. Click Install Driver Package Version 7.
IR driver package list 5. Click Run on the next two download screens that appear, to start the Driver Installer. 6. Follow the instructions on the Install Wizard screens to load the IR drivers to your computer. Unless you specify otherwise, the IR drivers are placed at the following location: c:\Program Files\Extron\Driver2 For information on loading an RS-232 or IR driver to the MLC 52, see “Adding a driver” on page 5-30.
Serial Communication, cont’d IR driver information in the Help > Details window Changing the location of the IR drivers When you load the IR driver package from the CD, these drivers are by default placed at c:\Program Files\Extron\Driver2. If you store your IR drivers in a different folder, you must direct the MLC to this new folder to obtain IR drivers when you want to load them. 1. If desired, create a new folder on your computer hard drive for the IR drivers. 2.
Browse For Folder window 5. Click OK on the IR Driver Directory. Key to file names File name Description ________.MLL Extron-supplied display device driver library files. These files contain commands and settings pertinent to a particular projector or display. ________.MLK User-saved MLC/MLC-MLS/MLS configuration files. This includes adjustments/settings and whatever driver (if any) was installed in the MLC at the time the file was saved. ________.
Serial Communication, cont’d To configure the MLC using the Configuration Wizard, 1. On the first Configuration Wizard screen, select the “Configure the product using the Wizard” radio button, and click Next. Initial configuration options screen 2. On the Welcome screen, click Next again. The following screen opens.
3. 4. On the Select Initial Option screen, select the radio button for the type of connection you want to make between the MLC and your computer: • Select the first radio button if your MLC is connected to your computer and you want to create a new configuration. • Select the second radio button if you want to create a configuration, but the MLC is not currently connected to your computer.
Serial Communication, cont’d Select COM Port screen 3. The Detect Device Type screen appears, showing the name and a representation of the MLC 52 that is connected to your computer’s serial port. Click Next to continue. 4. Depending on whether you have an RS or an IR model, one of the following driver selection screens appears.
• For MLC 52 IR and MLC 52 IR VC: Select IR Driver screen for IR models On the driver selection screen, select a device driver for your MLC as follows: a. IR models only: Click the Video Projector or Display button to specify the type of device you have. b. From the list in the Select Device Manufacturer field, select the manufacturer name for the projector or display for which you are configuring the MLC. c. In the Select Device Model field, select the model name of the display device.
Serial Communication, cont’d d. Click the Add Driver button. The selected manufacturer and model names are displayed in the Selected MediaLink [Serial or IR] Driver field. If you change your mind about the driver you selected, click Remove Driver, and repeat steps 4b through 4d to add a different driver. e. 5. Click Next. The Assign Commands To Buttons screen opens, displaying a diagram of the buttons on your MLC 52 and a list of commands that are available with the selected driver.
Assign Commands To Buttons window with PC button selected To add a command to a button, a. Click on the screen button that you want to program. A yellow box appears around it, and its name is displayed in the Selected Button field. In the illustration above, the button labeled “PC” was selected. b. In the Select Driver Command field, click on the command function you want the selected button to execute. In the illustration, RGB1 was selected. c. Click Add Command.
Serial Communication, cont’d 6. When finished programming buttons, click Next. The Upload Configuration screen is displayed. 7. Click the Upload button to begin the process of loading your new configuration to the MLC. a. b. A prompt appears, asking if you want to save the configuration to a file. • If you click Yes, a Save Configuration File window opens, on which you can enter a file name (it must have a .mlk extension) and browse to the folder in which you want to save the configuration file.
When you click Finish with this option selected, a prompt appears, reminding you to save the configuration after editing it using the Windows-based configuration software. Click OK to close the prompt. After a few seconds, the MLC 52 configuration program main screen opens, displaying your most recently uploaded configuration. (See “Configuring using the Windows-based configuration program” on page 5-19, for instructions on editing a configuration.
Serial Communication, cont’d By default, the configuration files are stored at the following location: c: Program Files\Extron\MediaLink. This is where the configuration program looks for these files when you click Next. If the configuration file you want is stored elsewhere, click the Browse button, near the lower-right corner of the screen, and use the Browse For Folder screen to locate the file (it must have a .mlk extension). When you find the file, click on it, then click OK.
Wizard Finish screen 10. On the Finish screen, select either of the radio buttons, then click Finish. • The first radio button closes the wizard and opens the Windowsbased configuration program, enabling you to view and/or edit the configuration you most recently uploaded. When you click Finish with this option selected, a prompt appears, reminding you to save the configuration after editing it using the Windows-based configuration software. Click OK to close the prompt.
Serial Communication, cont’d This section discusses configuring an MLC that is connected to your computer. You can also create and save configurations in emulation mode for an MLC 52, an MLC 52 VC, or a DVCM 50 that is not connected to your computer. (For more information, see “Using emulation mode,” later in this chapter.) Overview of the configuration procedure These are the main steps to configuring the MLC 52 using the MLC main screen.
If you want to create a configuration for an MLC that is not connected to your computer, select the Emulation Mode tab and see “Using emulation mode” on page 5-43. 3. From the “Select a COM port” drop box, select the port through which your computer will communicate with the MLC (information on the communications port to use should be available from your system administrator). Mode selection window, Select a Comm Port tab 4. Click OK. The following screen appears: Model selection screen 5.
Serial Communication, cont’d After a few seconds, the Extron MLC 52 Configuration Program main screen appears, displaying a graphic representation of your selected model and of the IR 452 remote control. The MLC 52 Configuration Program screen (not configured) If you have loaded any configurations to your MLC previously, the most recently saved configuration is displayed, including button switch mode colors and name labels, driver commands, and display device settings.
Displaying the Help program For information on program features, do one of the following to display the MLC 52 Help screens: • From the Help menu on the MLC 52 Configuration program screen, select Contents. • Press the F1 computer key.
Serial Communication, cont’d Save configuration to... window. 5. Click Save. The current configuration is saved as a file with a .mlk extension. Restoring a configuration Restoring a configuration allows the software to quickly program an MLC 52 from an existing configuration. To restore a configuration, 1. From the File menu, select Restore Configuration from... . The following prompt opens, asking if you want to save the current configuration. Save Configuration prompt 2.
Load configuration from... window 3. If necessary, browse to locate the configuration file that you want to restore. (Configuration files are by default stored in the folder at c: \Program Files\ Extron\MediaLink.) 4. Select the desired configuration file. It must have the extension .mlk. 5. Click Open. After a few seconds, the selected configuration is uploaded to the MLC 52.
Serial Communication, cont’d Main screen with a driver added The main screen consists of the following sections: Menu bar The menus on the menu bar at the top of the screen enable you to access certain functions and settings for the MLC, as well as the help file. • • File menu Save Configuration as... — Lets you specify a location and name for the current configuration and save it. (See “Saving a configuration” on page 5-23 for more information.) Restore Configuration from...
Change IR Driver Location — Lets you select a folder where the MLC will look for the IR drivers that you are loading. (See “Changing the location of the IR Drivers” on page 5-8 for more information.) Show Trace Window — Opens the Trace Window, in which you can view a record of all commands that are submitted via the front panel, SIS, or the Windows-based configuration software, as well as the MLC’s responses to the commands.
Serial Communication, cont’d Details... — Displays the Details window, which gives detailed information on the MLC’s current configuration and status. Details window from the Help menu When finished viewing the information, click the X (Close) button in the upper-right corner to close this window. Check for Updates — Checks the Extron Web site to find out if the current version of the Windows-based configuration software on your MLC 52 is the latest.
Button Settings area In this section of the screen, you can enter text to label the MLC screen buttons on the front panel display (you cannot label the IR 452 buttons). You can also select the switch mode (defining the way the buttons are grouped and function together) for a selected button (Input, Volume, Single Switch) and/or whether the button will execute one command (toggle mode) or multiple commands (macro mode) when pressed. (See “Setting up button modes and labels” on page 5-35.
Serial Communication, cont’d Adding a driver To add a serial (RS-232) or IR driver to the MLC, 1. Load the serial and/or IR driver package(s) on your computer hard drive, if you have not already done so. 2. Click Add Driver, in the lower-left corner of the MLC 52 main screen. 3. On the Add Driver window, click Serial or IR for the type of driver to be added. Add Driver window A configuration can contain only one serial driver at a time, although multiple IR drivers are allowed.
Select a serial driver... window Double-click on the driver for the desired device. The driver name appears on the Driver tab. • If you select IR, the Select Your IR Driver window opens. a. From the drop-down menus, select the device type, manufacturer name, and model name. Select Your IR Driver window b. Click OK. If you selected a driver for a DVD, VCR, or DVD/VCR combination, an Auto Fill window opens.
Serial Communication, cont’d c. Click Yes if you want the configuration program to fill the IR 452 buttons with the commands available with this driver. Click No if you want to close the Auto Fill window without autofilling the IR buttons. The IR driver name appears on the Driver tab on the MLC 52 main window. If Auto Fill was performed, the IR 452 buttons for which the driver has commands display red triangles in their upper-left corners, indicating that commands have been added to them.
PC button selected on MLC 52 main screen 2. On the Driver tab in the Button Operations field, click the + sign in front of the driver name to view the commands available with that driver. 3. On the command list below the driver name, click on the name of the first command that you want to program onto the selected button. 4. Click the green left arrow at the right of the Driver tab. The selected command is displayed beside the number 1 (or the next available command slot) in the Current Button field.
Serial Communication, cont’d 5. If you want to assign another command to the same button, select the next command you want to add to the button, then repeat step 4. The command appears beside the next number in the Current Button field. For each MLC and IR 452 button, you can perform this procedure up to four times, or until the button’s four memory blocks are all assigned. For IR commands, you can mix driver functions from different devices on the same button.
User-defined command entered for Video button If you do not want to assign the command to the button, click Clear to remove your entries from both fields on the User Defined tab. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any additional commands you want to define for the button. Removing a function from a button To remove a command from a button, 1. Click on the screen button from which you want to remove a command. A yellow box appears around the button. 2.
Serial Communication, cont’d Volume mode (green): This mode is available only on the standard (not VC) MLC model, and only for the two buttons that are (by default) labeled Vol Up and Vol Dn. When an RS-232 driver that contains a volume table is part of the configuration, pressing a button in volume mode accesses the driver’s volume table. Each press of the button raises or lowers the volume of the display device by the amount specified in the volume table.
Factory defaults When your MLC 52 is delivered from the factory, or after a reset, the buttons are set up as shown in the following figures: Default button configuration — standard MLC 52 Default button configuration — MLC 52 VC 1 The two Display buttons on the MLC are set in the power and macro modes, colored yellow, and labeled On and Off. The Power On and Power Off buttons on the IR 452 are also in power mode and tied to the MLC Display buttons.
Serial Communication, cont’d The Volume knob cannot be configured using the configuration software. 3 The two buttons in the right column, below the Display Off button, are configured as follows: • MLC 52 standard models: These buttons are in input mode, colored blue, and are labeled “PC” and “Video.” • MLC 52 VC models: One button is in input mode (blue) and is labeled “PC”; the other button is in single-switch mode (gray) and is unlabeled.
• Automatically shut off projector power after being inactive for: Click the up and down arrow buttons at the right of this field to adjust the amount of time the MLC will remain inactive before shutting down the display device. You can select periods in increments of 30 minutes. If this field contains a value, the MLC monitors its button presses; when the specified amount of time passes without a button being pressed, the MLC sends an Off command to the display device.
Serial Communication, cont’d Programming the MLC 52 for control by the IR 452 Remote The optional IR 452 Remote Control can issue commands to a projector, DVD, VCR, or other device via the MLC 52, which can be programmed to pass on commands received from the IR 452 via the optional IR Link or IRL 20. After programming the MLC to recognize commands sent from the IR 452, you can control a projector or other display device by pressing the IR 452’s buttons while pointing it at the IR Link or IRL 20.
IR learning readiness prompt 5. When you are ready to start, click OK. The text in the prompt window becomes red and changes to the following message: Prompt to press IR remote control button 6. Hold the device’s remote control 4" to 14" (10 cm to 36 cm) away from and directly facing the MLC’s IR learning LEDs. (You may need to experiment to determine the best IR learning distance for each remote control.
Serial Communication, cont’d If the command is learned successfully, the Current Button field displays “IR Learned” in the selected button’s first available command slot. Current Button field showing that an IR command was learned to the PC button If you do not press the device remote control button within 5 seconds, the following dialog box appears, telling you that the IR learning process has timed out.
Playing an IR command Using emulation mode The MLC 52 configuration program features an emulation mode, which enables you to set up an MLC 52 system before the actual equipment is available on site. You can save the emulated settings as a configuration file on your computer, then load that configuration file to the MLC 52 when the unit is available. To configure an MLC in emulation mode, 1. Start the MLC 52 configuration program. 2. On the Connection window, select the Emulation Mode tab.
Serial Communication, cont’d 3. You can create a new configuration starting from the default settings, or you can base the configuration on an existing setup. • If you are creating a new configuration, select the Start New Configuration radio button, then click OK. • If you want to base your configuration on an existing one, a. Select the “Load Existing Configuration from” radio button. If you have accessed existing configuration(s) previously, their names appear in the dropdown menu.
c. 4. Double-click on the configuration file that you want to use in emulation mode. Its name appears on the Emulation Mode tab. Click OK. If you are starting a new configuration, the following screen appears: Device selection screen for emulation mode 5. In the Please Select a Device area, click on the controller for which you want to create the configuration: DVCM 50, MLC 52 VC, or MLC 52. (For DVCM 50 instructions, see the DVCM 50 User’s Manual.) 6.
Serial Communication, cont’d Click the button for the MLC type that you want to configure in emulation mode: MLC 52 RS or MLC 52 RS VC (loads a serial driver) or MLC 52 IR or MLC 52 IR VC (loads an IR driver). 7. Select your desired settings on the main screen to configure the buttons as described the following sections: “Assigning functions to buttons,” “Setting up buttons,” “Entering display device power settings,” and “Entering display device communications port settings,” earlier in this chapter.
Initial configuration options screen Resetting Using the configuration software, you can reset the MLC 52 to its factory defaults — the original values and settings with which the MLC was delivered. (See “Factory defaults” on page 5-37.) The Total Factory Reset option is not available in emulation mode. To reset to factory defaults, 1. From the File menu, select Total Factory Reset. File menu, Total Factory Reset selected 2.
Serial Communication, cont’d • Click Yes if you want to save the current configuration. A “Save configuration to” window opens, in which you can specify the intended location and the name of the configuration you are saving. • Click No if you do not want to save the current configuration. The MLC is reset to its factory default values.
8. On the Save As window that opens, browse to the folder on your computer where you want to save your firmware file, and click Save. The firmware installation file is placed on your computer disk. Installing the Firmware Loader Before you can update your MLC 52 firmware, you must have the Firmware Loader program installed on your computer. To obtain the Firmware Loader, 1. Load the Extron Software Products Disk A (delivered with your MLC) onto your computer. 2.
Serial Communication, cont’d 4. Locate and select the new firmware file. Firmware files are extracted to the following location: c:\Program Files\Extron\Firmware\MLC 52\ MLC_52_19_1691_50_vx_xx.s19, where vx_xx is the firmware version number. Firmware update files have a .s19 extension; make sure that the “Files of type“ field is set to *.s19. Selecting the firmware on the Choose Firmware File window 5. Click Open.
Using Simple Instruction Set (SIS™) Commands Simple Instruction set (SIS) commands can be entered on your PC to find out more information about the MLC 52. Host-to-MLC communications SIS commands consist of one or more characters per field. No special characters are required to begin or end a command sequence. When the MLC determines that a command is valid, it executes the command and sends a response to the host device.
Serial Communication, cont’d Symbol definitions = CR/LF (carriage return/line feed) (hex 0D 0A). = CR (carriage return only) (hex 0D). • = Space. Esc = Escape key. X1 = Firmware version number (X.XX format) X2 = Display power status (0 through 3). 0 = display power is off. 1 = display power is on. 2 = display is cooling down. 3 = display is warming up. X3 = On/off status. 0 = off/disabled. 1 = on/enabled.
MLC 52 Series MediaLink Controllers • Serial Communication 5-53 Hexadecimal (host to MLC) ASCII Command (host to MLC) N I View part number View model name P Example: zXXX 0X 1X X Esc Upload firmware {number of data bytes} Upload firmware Unlock Lock View front panel lock Upload Front panel lockout (executive mode) Reset switches to factory default Esc P View display power status Reset 1P 0P Turn display power on Turn display power off Display (projector) power on/off Q Query firmwar
Serial Communication, cont’d Command/response table for advanced instructions (for the MLC 52 configuration program) Data downloads and uploads are initiated by sending a series of hexadecimal commands to the configuration port of the MLC. The Windows-based configuration program uses these commands mainly to load and save driver data and system configuration settings.
MLC 52 Series A Appendix A Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories Specifications Part Numbers and Accessories
Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories Specifications Control/remote — MLC controller host ports Serial control port ........................ Baud rate and protocol ............... Serial control pin configurations Program control .......................... 1 front panel 2.
Product weight MLC 52 RS, MLC 52 IR ... 0.2 lb (0.1 kg) MLC 52 RS VC, MLC 52 IR VC 0.3 lb (0.1 kg) Shipping weight ........................... 3 lbs (2 kg) Vibration ....................................... ISTA 1A in carton (International Safe Transit Association) Listings .......................................... UL, CUL Compliances ................................. CE, FCC Class A, VCCI, AS/NZS, ICES MTBF ............................................. 30,000 hours Warranty ................................
Specifications, Part Numbers, and Accessories, cont’d Optional accessories These items can be ordered separately: Mounting hardware Part number One-gang EWB external wall box (black, white) 60-452-02, -03 One-gang junction box, 2.5” deep 980130 One-gang SMB surface mount box (black only) 60-639-02 Two-gang EWB external wall box (black, white) 60-453-02, -03 Two-gang junction box, 2.5” deep 980084 Two-gang junction box, 3.
MLC 52 Series B Appendix B Templates MLC 52 IR and MLC 52 RS Template MLC 52 IR VC and MLC 52 RS VC Template
Templates Use the rough-in templates in this appendix as guides to measure and mark the hole in the wall or furniture through which the MLC 52 will be mounted. The templates provide measurements for installing the controller with either an electrical box or a mounting bracket. (You do not need the templates if you are mounting the panel using an external mounting option.) The templates are not to scale and are provided for reference only. The MLC controller requires a depth of at least 1.25" (3.
MLC 52 IR VC and MLC 52 RS VC Template Cut-Out Template for Extron's MLC 52 VC (Front View) 4.60" (11.68 cm) Top Panel 3.50" (8.90 cm) 4.50" (11.43 cm) 2.91" (7.40 cm) SURFACE CUT-OUT AREA FOR FURNITURE MOUNT Location of MLC 52 To install an MLC 52 VC directly into furniture or wall, cut along this line.
Templates, cont’d B-4 MLC 52 Series MediaLink Controllers • Templates
FCC Class A Notice Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
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