Here's a good one....
A client is thinking of moving from Crestron to a new control system. They don't want to make the big jump yet, but would like to have 2 systems running side by side to get an idea and also have a backup if 1 fails. The new system would probably be a simple Bitwise/iRule solution or maybe Savant (low end).

We have no problem with IP or IR control. However, the setup has some existing contact closure devices (shades, TV lifts, etc.).

The big question is: Can we wire these systems in parallel with the Crestron Processors and get control from both systems?

You Can, but why do they want to remove Crestron?

Equipment upgrades and reprogramming costs.

Did someone sell them on Crestron when simpler systems would have done the job? Just how complicated is this system? Should it have been a higher level RTI or something?

You can wire two systems in parallel IF all contact closures are momentary. If one relay closes and stays closed via Crestron, a system in parallel can't open it, so you'll have to go to a state where all relays are open. If there is no such state for the Crestron, you'll have to program it.  $$$$.  Of course, pulling the plug on the Crestron might put it in that state.

However (and this'll get hairy real fast), if a contact closure is not momentary, then to provide control with two systems, that contact closure can be put in series with, say, a Bitwise-controlled relay. The problem now is that BOTH systems have to close their relays to get the desired result, so you'd have to program the Crestron to an "all non-momentary relays closed" state before testing the Bitwise, and you'd have to do the same with the Bitwise.  This test will be costly.

Ernie, Thanks for the reply. Yes, someone sold them a whole bunch of Crestron components 8 years ago (because that was what you did 8 years ago). With all the equipment, it isn't really setup as a big, unified system, which is kinda a waste. They could have just done local processors in certain rooms.

Given that we can't get the Crestron code, the contact closure issues sound like a nightmare either way.

I think what we will do is do a room or two and disconnect Crestron there. If they like it, we can talk to them about pulling the rest of the system.

I ridiculously ASSumed that you did the Crestron and thus had the programming codes. Their situation is way worse than you described. Your client has a bunch of obsolete equipment that you can attempt to use if they want to stick with the expense of a new Crestron system that saves money only where the obsolete equipment is still useful. Two-channel analog amps, for instance, are still useful. Maybe an RS232 switcher is still usable.


Is the Crestron just control, or are you using Crestron audio and video components too? The video, eight years old, would be obsolete; if it's just control, that should not affect the sound or video quality so the issue is how simple you can make operation.

Just make the programming upgrade simple and stay away from science projects. Are you not a Crestron house?

Doesn't much matter. The equipment is 8 years old, so any Crestron video and maybe some Crestron audio equipment is obsolete, and you missed this:

If they're a Crestron dealer you can write new code Ernie!

Audio gear is not obsolete.

Are they upgrading video or video distribution.

No way a new control system programmed to work alongside this one would be less than programming.

We are a Big Blue shop.
No distrib vid.
They want to replace the distrib. audio with Sonos.
They "hate Crestron and will gladly put money into anything BUT new Crestron gear or programming." This isn't just that they had a crappy integrator before. They've seen the alternatives and are willing to give up functionality and cohesion for ease of use and cost.

Do what you must then.

Sounds crazy.

1. do they have mobile control over their Crestron system?
2. Have they seen the TSW panels?
3. Why not just add Sonos as a source?

Absolutely and of course. But they will not be modifying existing code for the price of the differences, they will be writing code from scratch for the price of all of the programming. So it's not a mod, it's a whole new program.


There aren't any obsolete Crestron audio models?