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Global Configurator is a simple-to-use, yet comprehensive software application that allows non-programmers to configure a wide range of Extron IP Link-enabled control products. It provides an integrated environment for defining A/V control system functionality from an easy-to-use graphical user interface. It’s simple enough to use to configure a single room controller, yet powerful enough to facilitate building a Web-based resource management and remote monitoring system for hundreds of A/V devices in multiple locations.

Intuitive, Easy-to-Use Configuration Tool

Global Configurator's intuitive, step-by-step menus walk the user through the process of configuring a device's functions. For large installations with IP-enabled systems, Global Configurator guides the user through adding devices to the system, organizing them in a logical fashion, configuring IP and security settings, and defining monitoring and alert parameters.

TouchLink Control Systems

Global Configurator 3.0 makes setting up TouchLink Control Systems quick and easy. First, add your control processor and TouchLink touchpanel devices to your Global Configurator project. Next, import your GUI Configurator project from disk or download it directly from the TouchLink touchpanel. From the Front Panel tab in Global Configurator, you'll be able to view each of your TouchLink pages and easily configure the button actions.

Ethernet Device Drivers

Global Configurator 3.0's support of Ethernet drivers expands the control capabilities of Extron IPL T S Series, IPL CR 48, and IPL 250 controllers. Historically, RS-232 and IR have been used to control projectors, displays, and A/V source devices. Now, Ethernet device drivers allow control of IP-enabled devices over a network, preserving the other ports for devices without IP control. This capability allows IP Link controllers to support up to six Ethernet devices, in addition to its hardware ports. 

Network-Enable Non-IP Devices

Global Configurator leverages the capabilities of IP Link® Ethernet control processors, MediaLink® controllers with IP Link, as well as the System 5 IP and System 208 D switchers, to provide network management capabilities for products without IP connectivity. The intuitive Global Configurator interface simplifies configuration of their serial, IR, Flex I/O, or relay ports for use with various devices, and defines a wide range of remote management options.

Simplified Change Management and Configuration Replication

Configuration changes may be required when a device is replaced or additional functionality is desired. With Global Configurator, modifying a configuration is fast and easy. The program creates and stores unique configuration files, which can be recalled whenever changes are required. Modifying a configuration is as simple as opening the configuration file, making the necessary changes, and uploading the new Web pages and device drivers. This feature is also useful for replicating “cookie cutter” systems with only a few mouse clicks.

Extensive Library of Extron Certified, Ready-to-Use Device Drivers

Extron has developed an extensive library of IR and serial device drivers to ensure compatibility with Extron configurable control systems and third-party devices. Extron programmers regularly create and test drivers for additional devices and post them online. The complete Extron driver package, as well as individual driver files, can be downloaded from the Extron Web site. With the driver subscription feature in Global Configurator, it's easier than ever to ensure you always have the latest driver.

Enhanced Monitoring and Scheduling

Global Configurator allows users to configure any activity on any IP Link device port or on multiple ports. There's no need for multiple schedules to schedule an entire room full of tasks and responses to monitor triggers. For example, when a room is controlled and monitored by an MLC 226 IP MediaLink® Controller, Global Configurator will allow you to schedule a series of devices to turn on at a given time, with a user configurable time delay between startup tasks. It's also possible to set up a monitor that triggers multiple actions, such as sounding an alarm and simultaneously setting a switcher's front panel lockout mode, when a lectern door is opened during a preset time range.

Key New Features in Global Configurator 3.0

• Support for TouchLink™ configurable touchpanel control systems
• Support for Ethernet drivers
• Support for the IPL 250 Ethernet Control Processor
• Support for the PVS 305SA PoleVault Switcher

Minimum System Requirements

• Intel® Pentium® III 1 GHz processor
• Microsoft® Windows® XP SP2, Windows® Vista, or Windows® 7
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
• 512 MB of RAM
• 50 MB of available hard disk space
• A network connection with a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps recommended

Minimum firmware requirements for compatibility with Global Configurator 3.0:

MLC 104 IP controller- version 1.02 or higher,
MLC 104 IP Plus Series controllers - version 1.03 or higher,
MLC 226 IP Series controllers - version 1.03 or higher,
System 5 IP Series switchers - version 2.00 or higher,
IPL 250 Ethernet Control Processor - version 1.15 or higher,
IPL T Series Ethernet Control Interfaces - version 1.15 or higher

Features

• No programming skills required — Step-by-step menus walk the user through the process of organizing system resources, building a network configuration, and uploading configuration files to the system.

• Configures Extron IP-based control systems, including TouchLink™, MediaLink®, and IP Link® — Enables easy configuration of supported Extron IP Link control processors, MediaLink Controllers, as well as the System 5 IP and System 208 D switchers.

• TouchLink GUI integration — Only a few steps are required to add a TouchLink touchpanel and upload the touchscreen layout project.

• Integrated IP Link device management capabilities — Provides full management and control of IP Link devices within Global Configurator, including setting IP properties, passwords, mail server settings, etc.

• Allows the creation of GlobalViewer Host hierarchical tree views — Each GlobalViewer Host administrator can access only a subset of an organization's IP Link devices, while the global administrator can access all devices.

• Device configuration copy and paste — Enables replication of an existing IP Link device configuration, including schedule and monitor settings, to one or more identical IP Link devices.

• Enhanced front panel button configuration — Colorful device representations and drag-and-drop capability speeds configuration of button actions.

• Extensive library of thousands of Extron certified, ready-to-use serial and IR drivers — Extron pre-engineered, tested, and documented IR and serial device drivers simplify configuration and maintenance of control systems

• Supports Ethernet device drivers — Allows for control of Ethernet-enabled A/V devices such as displays, switchers, and sources

• GlobalViewer system designer — Drag-and-drop tool for organizing equipment in the Global View on up to eight levels according to your specific needs.

• Device driver subscription service — Ensures that the latest driver available is included when the configuration file is uploaded.

• Serial driver replacement maintains configuration settings when a serial driver is replaced — Updating a serial driver does not require re-entering device configuration settings.

• Checks for missing drivers — When opening a project file, Global Configurator checks for any missing serial or IR drivers and provides the user with instructions for downloading them from the Extron web site.

• GlobalViewer Help button — Provides a customizable URL link that appears on every GlobalViewer Web page for quick access to an e-mail form, contact info, or online user guide.

• Project file import and export — Import and export an entire configuration project file, for creation of a new configuration project or to merge into an existing file.

• Matrix switcher driver support — Serial drivers for Extron matrix switchers are fully supported for use with all Extron control systems.

• Backlit button color support — On-screen graphical representations of the buttons on a configured MediaLink controller in GlobalViewer will match the actual real-time color of the controller buttons.

• Scheduling and monitoring wizards — Step users through all of the scheduling and monitoring options available.

• Multiple action scheduling — Schedule multiple simultaneous actions at a specific day and time on a single IP Link device.

• Event reporting — E-mail messages can be used to track device status and usage data for creating reports and making purchase decisions.

• New project wizard — Saves time by allowing administrators to set default values for IP addresses, Telnet and Web ports, timeout values, passwords, and date/time settings that are applied to every device in the organization.

• Intelligent upload manager — Optimizes the upload process by compiling and uploading only the necessary changes. The entire process, including error checking, compiling all files, and uploading GlobalViewer Web pages, graphics, and driver files to the IP Link devices on your system, takes only seconds.

• Aggregate event triggers — Allows multiple events on a single IP Link device to trigger one or more actions within the same device.

• Enhanced labeling options — Provides extensive flexibility in renaming button labels in GlobalViewer Web pages.

• Multiple optional graphical interface skins — Global Configurator includes an assortment of colorful graphical user interfaces that can be selected during the configuration process to enhance the look of the GlobalViewer Web pages. Web page source code is available for user customization.

• View devices by location or IP Link device type — Configured devices can be sorted and displayed by IP Link device or by location.

• Project AutoSave — When the Enable Project AutoSave option in the Application Settings dialog is enabled, Global Configurator automatically saves the current project at a regular interval. The timer is configurable from 1 to 120 minutes. When a project has been changed, Global Configurator saves the project file, if the user has not done so, based on the timer's settings. Additionally, Global Configurator will make a backup copy of the current project when the user performs a manual file save.

• Optional Custom Graphical User Interfaces for PoleVault projects —
  For PoleVault Systems configured with an MLC 104 IP Plus or MLC 226 IP MediaLink Controller Global Configurator 3.0 provides a custom graphical user interface based on the configured Controller buttons and installed drivers. The Custom GUI can be quickly uploaded to the controller using IP Link File Manager software.