Hello Everyone,

I just had a new Concord 4 system installed with a new superbus 2000 automation module. I also have a Crestron MC3 control system from which I'd like to communicate with the Concord 4. I have attached both via RS232 cable. However, my MC3 is not communicating with the Concord 4. My programmer insists it is on the Concord 4 side. But before paying for someone to come take a look, I was wondering if anyone has any tips. If I leave the Concord 4 connected to the MC3, after a while the alarm system starts giving me an error message: bus failure unit 6. Unit 6 is the automation module. I have the dealer code to my alarm system and when I go into system programming, everything looks fine. I'm just not getting any feedback from the Concord 4. All lights on the module also are functioning correctly. Any ideas? Please help.

I can't help you with Crestron.

The Concord 4 with the automation module will complain with a failure message until the system sees commands from whatever is attached via RS232.

Has your crestron guy tried both a straight & null cable with the unit. I'm not sure which you would need for your particular combo but I have setup several of the concord 4 systems with the automation module and it has never been a problem.

I used to have Crestron with what is now Interlogix (Concord). What Chris said. You need to make sure that the Crestron and Concord are talking via RS-232 or you're going to get that message.

Crestron has to be on and talking.

My automation system uses straight through setup. No null modem. I know my cable is a straight through cable.

Also, even if I'm sending commands to it from my automation system, it doesn't give me feedback. In other words, if I send the single of pushing the * button to get a status, nothing comes up on the "screen."

Crestron is up and running. All other RS232 devices on the Crestron are working. Program to control the Concord4 has also been uploaded. To be more specific, when I go to SIMPL windows and set watch on the * button signal and also set watch on the "Screen text output signal" and then go to simpl debugger and send the * signal to the Concord4, I don't get any text stating any status of the Concord4 on the "screen text output signal."

These are not DIY solutions. You can't just insert a cable between the Crestron and the Concord. Even if it's the Concord's "fault", your Crestron guy is probably the best person to sort it out.

It doesn't matter if every other device in your automation system is using straight through cables or not. It doesn't matter whether the connector on each device has a male of female plug on it.

The only thing that matters is whether or not each device's port is wired as DCE or DTE. I don't remember the specifics of which combinations use null versus straight cables, but the long story short is the easiest way to test is install a null modem cable and test it if you haven't done so already.

Also, how is it wired?

Where is your automation module? Is it colocated with the Crestron processor or is it where your security panel lives? If the latter, how far is your security panel from the Crestron processor?

Basically, if you are within range of an off the shelf serial cable, you are good to go lengthwise. If there is a cat5/cat6 with DB9 ends on it that runs to another room or the other side of the house, you may be experiencing a length limitation of serial communications.

I mean it can and has worked that way but if there are com issues that the programmer cannot figure out, that would be a good thing to check.
Most programmers will do the straight through/null modem thing right off when they can't talk to or get feedback from a device as well as checking the baud rate, and other settings.

It is dce to DtE. So straight through. Also, module and Crestron are I'm the same room. Connected together by 15 foot rs232 cable

First thing to do is make sure you are plugged into the correct com port on the back of the MC3. Might sound stupid but 95% of these issues are either wrong com port or wrong cable.

Yes I'm plugged into the right port. I even set it up so I can see the led lights on the module when I send AMD receive signals. The signals are definitely being sent and received. But the module is just not accepting my commands as valid.

I know this thread is C4 but it might be the same issue:

[Link: c4forums.com]

If the system isn't setup properly Crestron can't talk to it.

Well, for some reason, there seems to be two model numbers for the same automation module, 59-738-03 and 60-783-02. Mine says 59-738-03. I don't know if that's the issue. With my luck, it probably isn't. I also read that ADT distributes the 59-738-03, and that's where I got mine from. So I ordered a 60-783-02 from an online store and maybe for some reason, that one will work. Does anyone know if there is any difference between a 59-738-03 and a 60-783-02?

I also found an installation guide online that says, The 60-783-03-IS Automation Module (board 59-738-03-IS) allows you to connect compatible, Interactive Services automation devices to the Concord 4 control panel (v4.5 or higher).

So I googled "Interactive Services" and it seems like it's something special to GE, like a GE automation system? Has anyone heard of this? Does this conclude that my model is not meant for control with Crestron but rather this "Interactive Services"?

I would confirm connectivity between the MC3 and Concord 4 before trying to troubleshoot anything further. You can telnet into the MC3 and run "PASSTHRU COM A" (or whichever port it is). If you get the Concord 4 prompt, you know it's not a cabling issue and the installer needs to troubleshoot further. If you don't get the prompt then it could be cabling or port config on either device.