Extron Electronics MLC 104 Plus Series - Manual (Page 118)

Special Applications, cont’d
MLC 104 Plus Series • Special Applications 5-14
PRELIMINAR
Y
Working With a Non-MediaLink Extron Switcher
Although the MediaLink Controller’s MLS port can be used as an auxiliary RS-232
port for controlling another type of device, it is usually used to connect an Extron
MediaLink Switcher (MLS) or PoleVault Switcher (PVS). The MLC recognizes and
communicates with MLS and PVS switchers without requiring additional drivers or
configuration, unless you want to remap switcher inputs to the MLC’s buttons.
The MLC can recognize Extron switchers other than MLS and PVS models,
but as a single, generic type of switcher. For example, the MLC considers an
MPS 112 switcher to be the same as an IN1508 or an SW 4AV. The MLC supports
bidirectional communication for input switching and volume control, just as it does
for the MLS and PVS switchers.
You can control an Extron switcher such as an MPS 112, MPS 112 CS, or IN1508 via
the MLS port if all of the following conditions are met.
• The MPS switcher uses firmware version 1.12 or higher.
• The MPS is in single switcher mode. It must be in single switcher mode (not
separate switcher mode) to be controlled by the MLC.
• The MLC uses firmware version 1.05 or higher. This is required in order to
remap inputs greater than 6.
• The IN1508 switcher has firmware version 2.08 or higher.
Also, if the MLC’s input buttons are in input mode, the MLC and MPS buttons track
bidirectionally: an input button press on one device is indicated on the other device.
To set up the MLC to control an Extron switcher, cable the MLC and connect a
switcher to the MLC’s MLS port, then follow these steps:
1. Create a new Global Configurator project that includes an MLC.
2. In the IP Link tree view window, click on the MLC to be configured.
3.
Click on MLS Port. The MLS Port tab displays in the right side of the window.
N If you create a new GC project, this port is labeled as “MLS Port” in the IP Link
tree view. If you open an existing project that was created with an earlier
version of software, the port is labeled “Slave Switcher” instead.
4. The list of available switchers should be active and selectable. If not, click the
Enable MLS support (Disable serial driver support)
radio button.