Crestron modules for Tesira
Since 2013, Crestron control modules for the Tesira platform have been available via the Crestron Application Market. As is to be expected, the module suite matured over time and arrived at v1.7 in 2016. In 2017 the module suite was re-written as v2.x using SIMPL# for additional speed, scalability, and functionality on the Crestron 3 and 4-Series platforms. 2018, 2020 and 2022 offered the opportunity for further enhancements in the form of v3.0, v3.2 and v3.3. The following table is intended to help users in deploying the proper modules with the proper Crestron control system.
| Module Version | Supported Crestron Processors | Connection Options | Supports Tesira System Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1.7 (Deprecated January 2019) | 2-Series or 3-Series | RS-232 or Telnet (TCP/IP) | Not natively |
| 3-Series | RS-232, SSH or Telnet | Yes | |
| v3.0 (superseded by v3.2) | 3 & 4-Series | RS-232, SSH or Telnet | Yes |
| v3.2 | 3 & 4-Series | RS-232, SSH or Telnet | Yes |
| v3.3 | 3 & 4-Series | RS-232, SSH or Telnet | Yes |
*Note that Tesira FW3.1 or later will require Crestron Tesira module v2.2 or later for SSH control.
*Note that Tesira FW3.3.or later will require Crestron Tesira module v2.3 or later if TesiraLUX is part of the Tesira system being controlled.
General details
Contents
When the respective module suite is downloaded from the Crestron Application Market, it will include the following:
- Example Tesira file written for Tesira Server-IO
- Example Tesira file written for TesiraFORTE VT
- Example Tesira file written for TesiraLUX
- Example VTProE touch panel file
- Example SIMPL file utilizing RS-232
- Example SIMPL file utilizing IP
- PDF Help file documentation
Keep in mind that the example SIMPL files were written to exemplify the various control functions provided by the custom module suite. For this reason, the example file is considered a template or reference point for system troubleshooting and design.
Structure
It is important to understand that the module suite was developed with a specific structure in mind. Namely, there will be at least one Biamp Tesira Command Processor module; we'll refer to this simply as the Command Processor to keep things concise. The Command Processor manages external communications between the Crestron controller and the Tesira device(s) acting as a type of communications gateway. The Command Processor also manages internal communication between itself and the associated Function modules within the Crestron SIMPL code. The following is a very basic block diagram of the structure and communications flow:
The Function modules are linked to a Command Processor via named signals or drop down selection. As we would expect, the Function modules perform specific functions for the user. If the user needs to reveal a mute button on the Crestron touch panel, the Biamp Tesira State Control module would be used to control the respective mute in the Tesira file. The following is a list of the available Function modules:
| Module Name v1.7 | Module Name v2.x | Module Name v3.x | Functions - Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Control | State Control | State Control | Allows for control of mute, cross point, and logic states. Also allows monitoring of mute blocks and Logic meters. |
| Level Control | Level Control | Level Control | Allows level control and monitoring of level control blocks, inputs, outputs, and cross point level control. |
| (NA) | (NA) | Basic LevelMute | A single block that allows mute and level control for the common Tesira level control block. |
| Preset Control | Preset Control | Preset Control | Allows preset recall by name or number. |
| VoIP Control | VoIP Control | VoIP Control |
Allows control and monitoring of the VoIP Dialer and VoIP Control Status blocks within a Tesira system. *Note that v3.3 adds support for VoIP-X control. |
| Dialer Control | Dialer Control | Dialer Control | Allows control and monitoring of the TI Dialer and TI Control Status blocks within a Tesira system. |
| Router Control | Router Control | Router Control | Allows control of Source Selector, Router and Room Combiner blocks within a Tesira system. |
| Passthru | (NA) | Passthru | Allows serial strings to be sent to and received from the Tesira system. This module is commonly used in conjunction with the Crestron Serial I/O module and allows the Command Processor to manage the communications. It is sometimes referred to as the 'wildcard' module and it is back in v3.0 by popular demand. |
| (NA) | Generic | Generic |
Much like the Passthru module, the Generic module allows flexibility beyond what is provided with the other Tesira Funciton modules. The Generic module can be configured for digital, serial or analog use. *Note that v3.3 adds selectable TTP subscription update rates. |
| (NA) | AVInput -TesiraLUX | AVInput -TesiraLUX | Allows control and monitoring of the AVInput block within a Tesira and/or TesiraLUX system. |
| (NA) | AVOutput -TesiraLUX | AVOutput - TesiraLUX | Allows control and monitoring of the AVOutput block within a Tesira and/or TesiraLUX system. |