The IPL 500 is an Ethernet control processor designed to support larger TouchLink® configurable control systems that require a wide range of control ports and support for multiple TouchLink touchpanels. The IPL 500 provides powerful AV system control capabilities through bidirectional serial ports, configurable unidirectional IR/serial ports, Ethernet driver ports, Flex I/O ports, and relays for interfacing with displays, switchers, sources, screen control, lighting systems, and other devices.
The IPL 500 is configured using Extron’s free, easy-to-use Global Configurator software. Combined with our extensive library of ready-to-use device drivers, Global Configurator’s intuitive step-by-step menus allow non-programmers to configure all functions of the control system as well as create sophisticated monitoring conditions and schedules.
The IPL 500 integrates seamlessly with Extron’s award-winning GlobalViewer® Enterprise software and Free GlobalViewer® Web application for complete AV resource monitoring, management, and control over a computer network.
Serial Ports
The IPL 500 features eight bidirectional RS-232 ports. When configured for pass-through mode, the IPL 500 can pass through commands from an existing control system without losing the ability to communicate with the AV device.
IR/Serial Capability
The IPL 500 includes eight configurable, unidirectional IR/serial ports for one-way control of external devices. Each port can output IR signals with or without the carrier signal using a wired IR emitter or through an IR broadcaster. IR control data can be collected and stored in two ways: IR data file download and IR learning. Extron maintains a vast library of IR driver files that can be downloaded from our Web site for storage in the IPL 500. Having unidirectional IR or serial control allows more control options.
Flex I/O Ports
Four Flex I/O ports allow the IPL 500 to accept an input voltage and then send out a serial command or trigger another event. These ports can support TTL and analog signals from 0 to 24 volts, allowing a wide variety of devices to be controlled and monitored. The Flex I/O ports can be configured in three ways: analog in, digital in, or digital out.
Flex I/O ports can be configured to receive analog voltages for use with photo sensors, level feedback, strain gauges, thermocouples, variable potentiometers and other devices. Incoming analog voltages from 0 to 24 volts are sampled with 12-bit precision. For example, a thermal sensor installed in an equipment rack can be connected to one of the Flex I/O inputs then the IPL 500 can be configured to send an e-mail message, turn on auxiliary cooling fans, and turn off equipment if the rack temperature exceeds a specified temperature value.
Configured as digital inputs, the Flex I/O ports can connect to switches, motion sensors, moisture sensors and tally feedback. This provides the ability to receive status from a variety of devices including projector lifts, motorized projection screens, room partition switches, and push buttons.
When configured as digital outputs, the Flex I/O ports can drive LEDs, 24 volt incandescent lamps with an additional external power supply, or other devices that accept a TTL input signal.
E-mail Capabilities for Proactive Service
Extron GlobalViewer, the Web-based AV resource management and remote control applications for institutional AV environments, supports e-mail notification, where technical support staff can receive failure and service messages through an e-mail enabled cell phone, PDA, pager, or Internet e-mail account. For secure installations that do not allow Internet access, online monitoring can still be performed proactively. Within an existing secure infrastructure, e-mail notification of failures and repairs is possible without compromising the security of the AV systems or facility.