Extron Control for iOS App User Guide
The Extron Control for iOS is an AV control system application designed for use on Apple devices such as the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. These devices can serve as the primary control point for rooms, replacing an Extron touchpanel, or as a secondary control point for rooms where an Extron TouchLink touchpanel is already installed.
System Requirements
The following are required to run the app:
- iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch with the minimum required version of iOS software (refer to Extron Control Release Notes, available at www.extron.com).
- Minimum required version of firmware (refer to Extron Control Release Notes).
- Global Configurator® 3.5.0 or later
- GUI Configurator 1.4.0 or later
- Global Configurator Plus and Professional (GCP) version 1.0.0 or later
- GUI Designer version 1.0.0 or later
- ControlScript® Deployment Utility (CSDU) 1.0 or later
Configuration
IP Link Control System
Secondary user interface control
TouchLink
- The "Enable Virtual TouchLink" option in Global Configurator must be selected to use the Extron Control for iOS app (refer to the Global Configurator 3 Help file).
- Enable the "Synchronize TouchLink Panel" option for the Extron Control app to synchronize states with the TouchLink panel when a room loads. If this option is not checked, the app enters the default state and may not sync with the TouchLink panel (refer to the Global Configurator 3 Help file).
- Local actions are not supported by the Extron Control for iOS app. It is recommended that all local actions be removed from GUI Configurator and configured with Global Configurator instead.
MediaLink®
- Secondary control interface is always enabled when a MediaLink controller is configured. No special configuration is required.
IP Link Pro and IP Link Pro xi Control System
Primary user interface control
- Create an Extron Control for iOS layout using GUI Designer and configure that layout using Global Configurator Plus or Professional.
Secondary user interface control
- Secondary control interface is always enabled when a primary user interface is configured. No special configuration is required.
Room Manager Screen
The screen may differ slightly depending on the iOS device used. The figures show an iPad (left) and iPhone (two images on the right).
Diagram: Room Manager Screen (iPad)
The iPad screen displays a list of rooms on the left panel (A - Room list) and detailed room information on the right panel (B - Room information). Buttons for actions include C - Edit button, D - Add Room button, and E - Action button.
Diagram: Rooms (iPhone)
The iPhone screen shows a list of rooms (A - Room list) with a plus icon [+] for adding a room (D) and an action button (E).
Diagram: Room Details (iPhone)
The iPhone room details view shows room information, controller details, and user interface details. It includes a back button, a Rooms button (A), an Edit button (C), and an Action button (E).
A Room list: Shows a list of all room names. Each room has a user interface configured for iOS device control. Tap a room to highlight it. Swipe left and click "Delete" to remove a room.
B Room Information: When a room is highlighted, its properties are displayed in this pane (read only).
C Edit button: Tap to sort or delete rooms. Drag and drop rooms using the reorder icon to change their position. Delete a room by tapping the minus icon [-] and then the delete button.
D Add Room button: Tap the plus icon [+] to add new rooms with user interfaces to the list.
E Action button: Tapping this opens an action sheet with options: Settings, Edit Room, and Demo.
F Control button: Tap to open the control interface for the selected room.
Adding a Room
Follow these steps to add a new room:
- Tap the plus icon [+] to open the Add Room dialog and on-screen keyboard.
- Enter the IP or Hostname in the dialog.
- Tap "Next". The app verifies if the system is online. An error message appears if it's offline; check and re-enter the IP or Hostname.
- Enter the Username and Password if the system is configured with GCP or CSDU. If configured by Global Configurator 3.5, enter the Web Port and the admin or user Password (if required).
- Tap "Next". The app verifies the credentials. An error message appears if they are invalid; check and re-enter them.
- Enter a unique Room Name (up to 64 characters, special characters allowed). If a duplicate name is entered, a number is appended.
- If multiple user interfaces are configured on the controller, select the correct one from the displayed list.
- Tap "Save". The app validates the selected user interface, closes the dialog, and adds the room to the Rooms list.
Editing a Room
The Edit Room dialog allows modification of room properties. Select a room from the list and tap the Action button. The "Edit Room" option is hidden if no room is selected.
a. The Edit Room dialog displays existing properties, similar to the Add Room dialog. Edit values as needed and tap "Next". Invalid information will trigger an error message.
b. Enter the Room Name and select the user interface from the list (refer to Add Room steps 5 and 6).
c. Tap "Save". The app validates the selected user interface and closes the dialog.
Demo
The Demo dialog provides access to preloaded demonstration rooms, allowing users to experience the app's functionality without a network connection.
Control Interface
The Control Interface allows users to interact with the AV system.
UI Elements:
- A Rooms button: Tap to select a room from the menu. The app shows loading and synchronization progress. Once loaded, the user interface opens for control. To switch rooms, tap the Rooms button again and select a new room.
- B Zoom button: Tap the zoom button [+] to hide or show the touchpanel bezel. When hidden, the layout scales to fit the iOS device screen. Note: User interface layouts larger than the iOS screen are automatically scaled down.
- Control interface: Pressing buttons on the iOS device screen provides the same control as pressing buttons on the touchpanel screen.
- D Navigation bar: Use pinch-out [ ] or pinch-in [ ] gestures to show or hide the navigation bar.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Explanation or Action |
|---|---|
| Connection error | The controller at the IP address is offline, the iOS device is not connected to the network, or the iOS device and control system are on different, non-routable networks. |
| Configuration error | The controller or touchpanel at the IP address is not configured to work with the app. |
| Primary touchpanel error | The touchpanel at the IP address is offline. |
| Navigation bar not visible | Use the "pinch in" gesture to reveal the navigation bar. |
| Authentication error | Incorrect password, incorrect username, or both. |
| LinkLicense® error | A LinkLicense is required on the IPCP Pro or IPCP Pro xi control processor for the iOS device to be used as a primary point of control. |
Note: Apple Guided Access can be used to lock the iOS device into this app, disabling certain controls if needed (e.g., the action button). For more information, see https://support.apple.com/kb/HT5509.
For further assistance, consult the TouchLink for iOS FAQ available at www.extron.com or visit the Extron S3 support web page at www.extron.com/company/contactus.aspx?region=usa.
For safety guidelines, regulatory compliances, EMI/EMF compatibility, accessibility, and related topics, refer to the Extron Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide on the Extron website.
Copyright © 2013-2023 Extron. All rights reserved. www.extron.com. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Worldwide Headquarters: Extron USA West, 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92805, 800.633.9876.
