Extron IPCP Pro Q xi and xi Series Setup Guide

Introduction

The Extron IPCP Pro Q xi and xi Series IP Link Pro Control Processors integrate Ethernet connectivity into AV systems, enabling remote control, monitoring, and troubleshooting of AV equipment like display devices and switchers. All models feature an embedded web server. Depending on the model, these processors offer multiple bidirectional serial ports, relays, IR/serial ports, digital I/O, flex I/O, switched 12 VDC power output ports, a volume control port, or contact input ports for managing multiple devices in large-scale AV systems.

All models include an Extron eBUS port, allowing connection of various eBUS devices such as button panels and power/signal hubs, which are automatically recognized and can be added or removed at any time. The guide refers to these products as "IPCP," "IPCP Pro Q xi," "IPCP Pro xi," or "control processor." The 'xi' models have LAN ports, while 'Q xi' models feature both LAN and AV LAN ports. AV LAN ports provide a secure, dedicated network for isolating AV devices.

The guide is intended for experienced installers to set up a control processor and create a basic configuration. It recommends using Extron Toolbelt software for discovery and management, Global Configurator® (GC Professional or GC Plus) for configuration, or Global Scripter® (GS) for programming. The IPCP integrates with Extron GlobalViewer® Enterprise (GVE) and Extron Control apps for remote control. These processors support multiple TouchLink® Pro touchpanel interfaces and Network Button Panels (NBPs) over Ethernet. Software is available at www.extron.com.

Setup Checklist: How to Proceed With Installation

Get Ready

Familiarize yourself with the features of the control processor by referencing the Front Panel Features (Models Without AV LAN, page 4; Models With AV LAN, page 5) and Rear Panel Features (Models Without AV LAN, page 6; Models With AV LAN, page 7) sections, as well as any TouchLink Pro touchpanels or button panels in the system.

Software Downloads

Download and install the latest versions of the following software:

• Toolbelt software: For discovering control processors and other control products on the network, managing core settings, and upgrading firmware.
• Global Configurator (GC) software: For configuring the control system.
• Global Scripter software: For programming the control processor (alternative to GC).
• PCS Product Configuration Software (version 4.5 or higher): For setting IP addresses for IPCP Pro Q xi models with AV LAN ports.
• GUI Designer software: For designing layouts for Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanels and third-party touch interfaces.
• IP Link Pro device drivers: For use with GC to control other AV devices.
• IR Learner Pro software: For models with IR receiver ports, to create custom IR drivers using device remotes.

All software is available at www.extron.com (see Locating Software, Firmware, and Driver Files on the Extron Website on page 15).

Network Information

Obtain network information from your network administrator. You will also need the following details for each Extron Pro series Ethernet-enabled device:

• DHCP setting (on or off)
• Subnet mask
• Username
• Device (IPCP Pro, TouchLink Pro, IPL Pro, NBP) LAN IP address
• Gateway IP address
• Passwords
• AV LAN IP address (for models with AV LAN)

? NOTE: If DHCP is enabled, you do not need the IP addresses and subnet mask.

Configuration and Setup Steps

Pre-configuration Tasks

Write down the MAC address for each network interface on every IP Link Pro device. Obtain model names and setup information for devices the IPCP will control. Each control processor includes a factory-installed Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security certificate. For custom SSL certificates, consult your IT department. IEEE 802.1X authentication is also supported.

Mount and Cable All Devices

Mount the unit to a rack or furniture, cable devices to the control processor, connect power cords, and power on all devices.

Set Up for Network Communication

Connect your PC, the control processor's LAN (or AV LAN) port, and any touchpanels or network button panels to the same Ethernet network. For LAN and AV LAN connections, refer to the Control, Bidirectional -- LAN and AV LAN (Ethernet) section (page 9). Use Toolbelt to set the IP address, subnet, gateway, and DHCP status. Refer to the Network Communication Setup flowchart.

Configure or Program Control Processor, Touchpanels, and Network Button Panels

The basic steps are:

• If using TouchLink Pro or third-party touchpanels, use GUI Designer to create the graphical user interface (GUI) layout.
• Use GC to create a new project and configure the control processor and other IP Link Pro devices. This involves defining how ports function, what to monitor, how to control other products, scheduling actions, and specifying notifications.
• Configure ports on the control processor by selecting and linking device drivers and setting parameters (serial protocol, relay behavior, I/O settings).
• Add eBUS devices, ensuring unique hardware addresses, and assign button functions.
• Add Network Button Panels (NBPs) and assign button functions.
• Set up monitors, schedules, macros, and local variables.
• Add touchpanels and import GUI configurations, assigning functions, monitors, or schedules to their buttons.
• Save the GC or GS project.
• Build and upload the system configuration to the control processor and other devices.

Test and Troubleshoot

Test the system and make any necessary adjustments to wiring or configuration.

Network Communication Setup

Network setup is crucial before configuration. The process involves connecting your PC and the control processor's LAN/AV LAN port to the same network, applying power, opening Toolbelt software, starting Device Discovery, locating the processor by MAC address, and using the Set IP feature in Toolbelt to configure network settings like IP address and subnet. ? NOTE: For 802.1X security, consult the Extron 802.1X Technology Reference Guide and Toolbelt Help file.

Mounting

Securely mount the control processor and other devices using wiring diagrams as a guide. Optional 1U rack shelves and furniture mounting bracket kits are available. Refer to www.extron.com for compatible mounting accessories.

Panels and Locations of Features

Front Panel Features -- Models Without AV LAN

This section details the front panel components of Extron IPCP Pro xi Series Rack Mountable Models, including the IPCP Pro 250 xi, IPCP Pro 350 xi, and IPCP Pro 550 xi. It illustrates the location of LEDs (Power, COM, IR, Digital I/O, Relay, Flex I/O, eBUS, LAN/Network) and ports (Reset Button, IR Receiver, eBUS, COM, IR/Serial, I/O, Relays, Flex I/O, LAN). Notes indicate that LED numbers correspond to rear panel ports, and IR learning has a specific angle and distance range (15° angle, 2-12" / 4-30 cm distance).

Front Panel Features -- Models With AV LAN

This section shows the front panel of a representative AV LAN model, the IPCP Pro 360Q xi. It highlights LEDs (Power, eBUS, LINK, LIMIT, BUSY, ERROR, OVER, COM, IR/Serial, Digital I/O, Relay, AV LAN, LAN) and ports (Reset Button, IR Receiver, eBUS, COM, IR/Serial, I/O, Relays, AV LAN, LAN).

Rear Panel Features

Models Without AV LAN

This section illustrates the rear panels of the IPCP Pro xi Series Control Processors (IPCP Pro 250 xi, IPCP Pro 350 xi, IPCP Pro 550 xi). It labels various connectors and ports: A (Power input - external), B (Power input - internal), C (Switched 12 VDC power output), D (3-pole COM ports), E (5-pole COM ports), F (IR/serial output ports), G (Relay ports), H (Flex I/O ports), I (Digital I/O ports), J (eBUS ports), K (Volume control port), L (LAN connectors and LEDs), and M (MAC address label).

Models With AV LAN

This section shows the rear panels of representative AV LAN models (IPCP Pro 255Q xi, IPCP Pro 360Q xi, IPCP Pro 555Q xi). It labels connectors and ports: A (Power input - external), B (Power input - internal), C (Switched 12 VDC power output), D (3-pole COM ports), E (5-pole COM ports), F (IR/serial output ports), G (Relay ports), H (Flex I/O ports), I (Digital I/O ports), J (eBUS ports), K (Volume control port), L (LAN connectors and LEDs), M (MAC address labels), and N (AV LAN connector and LEDs, some with PoE+).

Cabling and Features

Power Input -- External

Diagrams show connecting an external 12 VDC power supply to the IPCP Pro. The front panel Power LED blinks during boot-up and stays lit when powered. ❗ ATTENTION: Always use a power supply supplied or specified by Extron. Unauthorized power supplies void regulatory compliance and may damage the unit. (French translation provided.)

Power Input -- Internal

Diagrams show connecting an internal power supply (100-240 VAC) to the IPCP Pro. The front panel Power LED blinks during boot-up and stays lit when power is received.

Power Output -- Switched 12 VDC Power Output

Describes the switched 12 VDC power output ports, offering a total of 40 watts (max). Corresponding green LEDs on the front panel light when power is available. The unit indicates if total power drawn is 41-46 watts (limit) or exceeds 47 watts (overload), shutting off power until the overload is corrected.

Power Output -- PoE+

The IPCP Pro 360Q xi can output PoE+ on AV LAN ports 2 and 3, providing up to 30 watts per port. The Power LED indicates when power is supplied. PoE+ ports can be monitored for status and consumption, and power output can be scheduled. ❗ ATTENTION: Power over Ethernet (PoE) is for indoor use only and should only connect to networks or circuits not routed outside the building. (French translation provided.)

Control, Bidirectional -- Serial (COM)

Details the 3-pole COM ports (RS-232 only) and 5-pole COM ports (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485). COM port default protocol is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control. The 5-pole ports support hardware and software flow control, while 3-pole ports support software flow control only. Pin configurations for RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 are provided, along with recommendations for using STP 20-2P cable and insulating drain wires. Diagrams illustrate connections to devices like projectors or PCs.

Control, Bidirectional -- LAN and AV LAN (Ethernet)

Explains default IP addresses and connections for LAN and AV LAN ports. For models without AV LAN, default LAN settings include IP address 192.168.254.250, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and DHCP client off. Default login credentials are username 'admin' or 'user' and password 'extron'. ? NOTE: Multiple LAN ports function as unmanaged network switches. The factory password is the device serial number; resetting to defaults sets it to 'extron'.

For Q xi models, diagrams show LAN and AV LAN port configurations. The AV LAN DHCP Server is disabled by default but can be enabled to dynamically assign IP addresses to clients on the AV LAN.

Control, Unidirectional -- IR/Serial

Describes the IR/Serial ports, which support IR output (30 kHz to 300 kHz) or unidirectional RS-232. Diagrams show connections to projectors, displays, or source devices, illustrating IR output signals and unidirectional RS-232 connections. IR/Serial LEDs on the front panel indicate when signals are transmitted.

Control, Unidirectional -- Relays

Details the Relay ports, used for contact control. Each port can handle up to 24 V at 1 A. All relays are normally open. Diagrams show rear panel connections to room control equipment and front panel Relay LEDs that light when relays are activated.

Control, Unidirectional -- Flex I/O or Digital I/O

Explains the Flex I/O and Digital I/O ports. Digital I/O ports can be configured as digital inputs or outputs with or without a +5 VDC pull-up, used for monitoring events or powering devices with TTL signals. Flex I/O ports can be configured as analog inputs or digital inputs/outputs with or without a +5 VDC pull-up. Diagrams show rear panel connections to switches, sensors, LEDs, or relays, and front panel LEDs that indicate port activity.

Control -- eBUS

Describes the eBUS port and accessory port for connecting eBUS devices like button panels. Diagrams show rear panel connections and front panel LEDs (Link, Busy, Error, Limit, Overload, Status) that indicate device status, firmware synchronization, ID conflicts, power limits, and overall system health. ? NOTE: The IPCP Pro can provide power to button panel devices. ❗ ATTENTION: Do not connect the power pin to a device already powered by the IPCP or another supply. (French translation provided.)

The eBUS distribution hub (EBDB MINI) allows connecting up to four eBUS devices. Diagrams show hub connections.

Control -- Volume

Details the Volume Control port (VCG) used to control volume and mute/unmute audio for Extron half-rack width audio amplifiers. It connects to an amplifier's remote input to allow control via touchpanels or macros. The port outputs 0-10 VDC control voltage. ? NOTE: Use shielded cable and keep it short (ideal length is six feet or less) to avoid noise pickup. When audio mute is active, the control processor outputs 0 VDC.

Reset Modes: a Brief Summary

The IP Link Pro control processors offer several reset modes:

• Run Factory Boot Code: Boots the unit using only the factory boot code, useful after failed firmware updates. Requires uploading desired firmware.
• Project Recovery: Recovers the project in case of lost user name/password.
• Run/Stop Program: Restarts stopped programs or stops running programs.
• Toggle DHCP Client: Enables or disables the DHCP client for the LAN port.
• Reset All IP Settings: Resets all network settings to factory defaults without affecting user files, stops running programs, and disables 802.1X.
• Reset to Factory Defaults: Returns the control processor to factory default settings, deleting user files and configurations (except LinkLicense), clearing logs, and deleting digital certificates. User-loaded firmware remains.

For detailed information, refer to the IPCP Pro Q xi and xi Series User Guide at www.extron.com.

Resources

Obtaining Control Drivers

Extron provides a selection of device drivers on its website. Custom IR drivers can be created using IR Learner Pro software.

Obtaining Instructions, Information, and Assistance

Refer to the help files and the IPCP Pro Q xi and xi Series User Guide at www.extron.com for additional information. Contact Extron S3 Sales & Technical Support or Extron S3 Control Systems Support for installation and setup questions.

Locating Software, Firmware, and Driver Files on the Extron Website

Files can be found via links on product pages, the Download page, or search results on www.extron.com. An Extron Insider account is required for some software. IP Link Pro Series RS-232 and Ethernet drivers are specific to the platform and not compatible with previous generation IP Link processors.

Overall Configuration Procedure for the Control Processor

Within Global Configurator (GC Professional or GC Plus mode):

1. Configure IP settings for the control processor, Network Button Panels, and TouchLink Pro touchpanels (refer to Network Communication Setup, page 3).
2. If needed, configure security settings (802.1X, SSL) using Toolbelt or other software, and upload security certificates.
3. Create a new GC project and add the control processor.
4. If using TouchLink Pro or third-party touchpanels, create GUI layouts using GUI Designer or download existing layouts.
5. Configure ports on the control processor, create monitors, schedules, timers, macros, and local variables.
6. Add touchpanels, other interfaces, or button panels to the project, import GUI layouts, and configure them.
7. Save the project.
8. Build and upload the configuration to the control processor.
9. Test the system and finalize the configuration.

For safety guidelines, regulatory compliance, and accessibility information, see the Extron Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide on the Extron website.

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