Crestron equipment/programming advice needed

Whew, it's a little more difficult then you think. These systems are usually sold to clients by realtors like they are just your everyday receiver and tv. Unfortunately and fortunately that is not the case.

1. You will need to have an authorized Crestron installer come in and hook everything back up. Or if you are pretty handy you can go to Crestron's website, pull down the documentation and give it a go yourself, but get ready for some headaches. The equipment you listed is some of the most common equipment they have (save the LC1000's, those are junk now)

2. Code, code, code. You need to MAKE SURE you have the most recent version of the code and touchpanel files from the previous owner or installer. If it is the installer, forewarning, they may charge you for it. And they are allowed to. If you cannot find these files, no changes can be made to your system and it sounds like you would be hard pressed to make anything work at all. If that is the case, you will need to get it re-programmed and I would recommend going with a CAIP (Crestron Authorized Independent Programmer) to make sure it is done right.

3. Upgrades. That is where a consultant should be brought in. You need to figure out exactly what you have/are controlling and what you would like to do. Nothing is impossible, these systems can literally do almost anything. Shooting from the hip at your equipment list, I would say to update the TPMC10 to a TPMC8X for starters. The 10 was discontinued due to wireless problems, weight, and overall unhappiness with the product. The TPMC8X is its successor and has corrected all those problems. The LC1000's need to go to, those are extremely old. They can be replaced with TPS4L's (smaller screen) or TPS6L's (larger screen). The rest of the equipment is good.

Hope this helps.

Only the compiled versions of the files are stored on the devices. They would do you no good if you pulled them out. You need the full uncompiled versions.

Technically if everything was hooked up again it should work. There are variables though such as with the TPMC10. If it does not have the matching ID with the code it will never function and that is something you would need the uncompiled code to reference. You would also need to know which COM ports and IR ports the different systems are hooked up to, again needing to reference the uncompiled code.

I don't know about recommending a CAIP to "make sure it is done right". Just make sure the Crestron programmer you talk to or your dealer uses is a Certified Crestron Programmer and has a good programming portfolio under his or her belt. Any Certified Crestron Programmer will make sure it's done right.

Also, if you end up pursuing the Crestron solution, the Crestron dealer you end up working with will more then likely have a Certified Crestron Programmer on staff or works with one closely who they will work with in programming your system. Ask the dealer you end up working with about programming.

It's up in the air on the re-install. With just the equipment you mentioned it could take half a day to a day. To replace equipment here are the prices:

TPMC8X: $3800
TPS4L: $1250
TPS6L: $2400

Go ahead and give Crestron a call on that one. First thing they will say is to go with a CAIP. Sure a certified programmer can do the job, but I've done plenty of systems where so called "certified programmers" have decimated it. Then there are some who do a fine job, it's a flip of a coin. Fact is any 18 year old working for an A/V company can get certified. Does that mean they know what their doing? Nah ah.

Edit: I'd like to point out that CAIP's are not required as there are PLENTY of install companies with on staff programmers who not only meet but exceed Crestron training standards. But if you are an end user and need programming help, it is usually in your best interest to go with a CAIP and not a fly-by-wire programmer no matter what their credentials. They don't have the backing of a company is more my point. The OP here would be much better suited finding an A/V company with an on staff programmer or a company that outsources to a CAIP for their programming seeing as he needs install help as well.

Argument for another thread though.

A CAIP does NOT have any more specialized training than a Crestron Certified Programmer. In fact they both take exact same classes and tests. The only difference is the a CAIP has to pay for the training, unless they are sponsored by a Crestron Dealer, and apply to become a CAIP once certified. A dealer gets it for free.

Don't get me wrong, I am not against CAIPS at all, but to tell a person, who is new to Crestron and asking questions, that "I would recommend going with a CAIP (Crestron Authorized Independent Programmer) to make sure it is done right." is a bit skewed and not objective.

As far as the statement "I've done plenty of systems where so called "certified programmers" have decimated it." ( You're a "Certified Programmer" am I wrong?) I have had the same experience with CAIPS. Thats why I stated "Just make sure the Crestron programmer you talk to or your dealer uses is a Certified Crestron Programmer and has a good programming portfolio under his or her belt." Because of the issues I had with local CAIPS in the area, I stopped using them and hired a Certified Crestron Programmer full time. I am sure there are plenty of GREAT CAIPs out there and I can think of a few that I wish where located locally. I would use them.

I will repeat, just make sure the Crestron programmer you talk to or your dealer uses is a Certified Crestron Programmer and has a good programming portfolio under his or her belt. Whether they are a CAIP or not.

I agree with the first part

I Disagree with the second part. I have seen some Certified Programmers do a terrible job.

As he said with the first part. Check there programming portfolio. Find out how many projects they've done with the integrator (more jobs that have been done with the integrator will tell you that they have a good relationship and more likely than not work well together) secondly, if possible, get customer referrals and ask those customers about any negatives that they have about the integrator/programmer

In an ideal world, the original installation company will hook up all the equipment, in 2 hours, and everything will work.

I suggest bringing them back in a month or 2, to make changes as needed.

I think that sucks you're stuck with the original installer - he has the code. If you want to use a different company, you'll have to start the programming from $cratch. If it comes to that, you're best off hiring a programmer yourself.

Hopefully, the original installion company's salesman will practice some restraint, and won't milk you for too many new devices. It will be up to you, to some extent, to recognize how perfect you want the system. Do you want good, or do you want awesome.

One issue I see off the bat with re-installing this system is the network. The system programing may have to be updated in order to work with your network.

One example is that the PRO2 may have a static IP address such as 192.168.15.x and if your network is on a 192.168.1.x network then it will not work since they are not on the same network and can not communicate. If this is the case the programming will have to be modified OR you will have to modify your network to work with the Crestron system. Depending on how complex your home network is and if you are able to, it may be easier, and less expensive, to modify your network to match what the Crestron system is on.

Now, if the PRO2 is set for DHCP then chances are it will work and the Pro2 will pick up an IP address from your router.

This also goes for the wireless, WiFi, touch panels.

2 hrs to re-install a system? Ha, ha, ha.

You should be able to persuade a local company to come and quote for reinstalling it all. It may not take that long if it is simply a case of reconnecting everything in the rack area (assuming all cables are still terminated).

I wouldn't expect them to charge you anything for this quote, especially if you mention you are interested in upgrading some items.

P.S. Personally, if budget allows, I would steer clear of iPad control except in secondary zones.

The re-installation time will be depenant on how the de-installation was done.
Snip snip means days. However if it was done with a little thought (Un-plugged), perhaps even marked, it should go fast.
With the front panel of the Pro2, figuring port assignment should be easy.
The stuff on cresnet will sort it's self out. Me, I would just put everything back the way it was, then decide later what needs to be up-graded.

So, the rack is gone, but the Crestron equipment returned?

Where did the rack go?

If you need new equipment, in a new rack, programming will be required. It's not the rack that is the problem, it's the source components that were in the rack.

IMO the 2 hours (more like a full day imo) neurorad estimated is possible if and only if they neatly unplugged everything and everything is labeled. The problem though is that people tend to yank and cut wires. A cut cat5 could cost you an hour trying to figure out where it goes.

You will need to pay 2 guys (at least) to come out for a few days and reverse engineer the system. They need to figure out what products went where. This can be a pita when you have multiple same model touchpanels."what room does it go in".

With your amplifier and pad8.. what zone goes to what room? They wont know it until the get the system connected and start trying things. You need to know what pair of speakers goes to what output on the amp then you have to figure out what output from the pad8 goes to what input on the amp and so on and so forth for the subsystems etc.

First thing to do is contact the original dealer and pray they can make this painless for you. If they cant.. then IMO i would consider having the new company rewrite the program from scratch. This will cost less because they will just connect the system however they want and match that in the program. The money spent on programming will save days in labor and you can negotiate your copy of the code this time and you wont be in this position next time you want to make changes.

The LC-1000's suck but they are ok to use again. I would lose the TPMC-10 and replace it with an iPad. You cant get replacement batteries for the TPMC-10 and it will soon be a boat anchor.

Sonos cant be truly integrated but you can easily add it as a source since you already own it. You could use an iPad to control the crestron system and then switch apps to control sonos. I have customers who do that with apple airports.

If you have different equipment, just start from scratch with the programing.

I just re-read the first post and best I can tell, you just got the "control system" and not the display, screen and source equipment for the theater along with any other controlled devices. If that's the case you will be starting from scratch. I mistakenly thought you had a whole system in place to reconnect. You have your work cut out for you. Add some zero's to the cost.

Damn, no replies. Checking my self for stink.
This thread came to a screeching hault. I hate being the bearer of bad news.
Sounds like he's got a Corvette engine sitting on the garage floor but where's the rest of the car

Before you get to involved in installing everything I think it would be in your best interest to contact them first. Some frown on integrating stuff they did not install. We already know what your Crestron equipment is but perhaps if you list your HT equipment, someone here might be interested in a remote side job. I can't do it for you. I am a hobbiest and to do so would be taking money from those who do it for a living and have been very helpfull to me in the past. Something about crapping where you eat comes to mind.
The comment about the couple of zeros had to do with thinking you had to also buy all the connected HT equipment. Good luck with your project. I don't think it will be all that bad.

Any equipment will work, for the displays and source components.

But some equipment will work MUCH better than others.

Get the programmer involved now, maybe he can also be hired to consult. You also want to buy the equipment now, rather than figure it out over the next 2 years and then have some REALLY outdated Crestron components.

One of the greatest things about hiring a pro is that it GETS DONE NOW.

Been programing installing Crestron for 11 years. I would say ask the original dealer to put the system back together. Once that is done an iPad can always be added in. Also this gives you a chance to see if you like the system, like the original install company. Once they have the system back in it would be much easier for the install company to give you esitmates on adds etc.