Extron Electronics Matrix 12800 Series User Guide - Manual (Page 37)

Virtualization/Control Software, cont’d
Matrix 12800 Switchers • Virtualization/Control Software 3-4
PRELIMINAR
Y
Virtualization/Control Program
The Extron-supplied Matrix 12800/6400/3200 Virtualization/Control software
runs in a Windows-type computer and communicates with the matrix switcher
via the primary or secondary RS-232/RS-422 ports or the Ethernet port on BME 0.
The software provides an easy way for you to virtualize the matrix switcher and
to establish rooming presets. Virtualization is required before system operation
to map the virtual inputs and outputs to the physical inputs and outputs and
download the map to the memory of the Matrix 12800.
N If your Matrix 12800 switcher was previously set up for RS-232, and your
computer comm port uses RS-422, you must change an internal DIP switch.
See chapter 6, “
Upgrades and Maintenance ”, for details.
The Virtualization/Control program also provides an an interactive graphical
interface that allows you to perform all of the functions available at the optional
Front Panel Controller (FPC). The control portion of the software can be used for
full control of the system or for initial programming of the system. Settings to the
matrix switcher are stored in the memory of the switcher, so once the system is
virtualized, there is no requirement to ever run the Virtualization/Control program
again.
The control portion of the Virtualization/Control Program operates in four
programming methods:
• Remote control and programming in real time via either RS-232 port or the
Ethernet port.
• Saving system settings for later restoration to the same system (backup) or
copying to (programming) another system. Multiple configurations (programs)
can be saved to a disk. Any of the configurations can be quickly reloaded later,
providing an unlimited number of possible setups.
• Creating program byte-strings for application to a matrix switcher through a
control system.
• Emulation (off-line) programming of the system settings for copying to the
system at a later time or in another location. Emulation mode allows you to
create programs and configurations for possible matrix hardware configurations
without being connected to such a system.
The Virtualization/Control program is compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Updates to this
program can be downloaded from the Extron Web site ( www.extron.com ).
To load a demonstration set of ties, presets, and rooms to your matrix (or to emulate
one) restore the configuration from the DEMO12800.mtx file that was installed with
the software. Use the NEW.ini file to clear all settings in a unit.