[Bob]

Most Crestron systems are much more than a big remote.

A typical Crestron system is used for AV systems and possibly lighting automation. Of course we all know how quickly AV systems advance. Those willing to move with AV system technology update their Crestron systems at the same time or replace them.. So, what’s the big deal with coach based Crestron systems?

Many coach based systems are controlling systems never intended to be controlled by Crestron. In some, maybe even most cases, that forced the converters to have custom Crestrom communication nodes developed that could talk to the Crestron controller while controlling those things not natively controlled by off the shelf Crestron systems.

That may explain why converters hold programming code close to their vest. Even with the code, it would take a Crestron certified technician some time to fully understand what is happening with those non Crestron nodes sitting on and being controlled by the Crestron network. They could at least make changes to TVs, DVDs, Sat Systems and other AV systems. Regardless of their rationale, it would tick me off. Keep in mind there is no trade secrets they would be disclosing by releasing the code they used.

As Ron discovered, you can’t in many cases, replace your Crestron with a single solution. To me that’s fine. An AV automation system needs to only control the AV system. The lighting Control system and other simple switch systems can be another system. If you want both systems to provide a single interface, like an iPad, then let that system sit on top of the 2 sub systems.

There was a push before the economy tanked to establish a common communcations protocol for the RV world, much like the marine world did. It was developed and is referred to as RV-C and although not widely advertised, many systems today use RV-C. A big proponent of this was Silver Leaf and if you look at the mass of sub systems they can communicate with, you might be surprised. Walk into a new Foretravel and look at the Silver Leaf display and you’ll get a sense of what a common communications protocol could lead to.

Personally, I would have a dedicated AV automation system. I would have configurable low voltage switch panels controlling latching relays and dimemrs for 12V control of systems like lights, blinds, pumps. For that I’d pick Spyder Controls which is really a commercial version of what Country Coach installed in my coach. For everything else, like inverters, air conditioning, tank sensors and the like, I would have dedicated remote displays or integrate them through Silver Leaf’s total coach management system.

As for converters protecting their data in fear someone will reverse engineer their work, there may have been a time when that could help an up and coming converter. Today, I can’t imagine they have anything worth the time of reverse engineering. I’m pretty sure most engineers could start with a clean slate and come up with a well designed conversion without digging into someone else’s effort. I’m not really sure how many converters actually use staff engineers anyway. Yet another reason not to spend much time looking for a competitive advantage a converter might have.

How about air operated doors? Could your wife get your six year grandchild out of the bathroom the grandchild locked themself into? You might want to know the answer. Yet another piece of needless automatic as I see it.

[Archived]

For what it’s worth Gil, I asked that very pocket door question while at Marathon. The tech closed the door and then just pushed it back with two hands, very easy to override. Each one also has the emergency switch to release the air. These are my first air pocket doors, they work really well, but I know the problems will be coming.

Fred – This is my first Tech Link and I like it. Now I’m depressed after your comments, thanks.:)

[AL]

Tom,

I have had my 07 Marathon for about a year and half… 5 of us living in it for the last year… I have been very happy with both the crestron and the techlink in our coach. Given how long ago this system was designed and engineered and the technology available at that time… I feel it was/is very well thought out and both systems have been very reliable for us. Not disputing Fred’s feelings about both… but don’t go getting depressed just yet… make up your own mind after you get some additional time in your new coach. Not sure about how your system is setup up but our coach has hard switches for just about everything on the bus except for the av and the OEM remotes for those parts are in the bays and haven’t been out. Inside the galley cabinet are hard switches for all the blinds, all lights, TV lift, HVAC etc all have hard switches… airdoors are not on the crestron.

For us after about a year we pretty much just use it to control the blinds and the AV… Lighting and AV is just easier to control from the hard switches… The only thing we have done AV wise is to add a Digitial tuner so we can receive and control digitial cable and off air signals… marathon added the tuner, updated the programing… changed some things in the kids bunk crestrons so they could change channels on the cable as well for around $800. I agree with Jon on why the converters are protective of the programming…. I just toured a 2015 and the level of automation and technology in the current coaches is off the charts compared to my 2007…. 5 ipads control just about everything in the coach… they double as TVs in the kids bunks on the new coaches… digital picture frames with a photo server… Marathon sales rep also indicated that going foward most of all the AV and control equipment is going to be moved outside to a climate controlled bay outside to free up more space inside the bus…. not sure I like that idea but wasn’t able to see it.. the X3 we looked at had it in the master closet…

Bill

[Michael]

I still have the Phillips Pronto remote in our coach, and although it is a dinosaur, it’s still working. Two years ago I bought an additional one with charger on eBay and changed out two of the AV components. When I visited marathon a few weeks later they charged me a whopping $45 to program the additional remote and add the new devices. I have no complaints other than the envy I have of more modern coaches.

Regarding the Techlink, I love it. That said my coach went without power for a few days two winters ago and ran the batteries completely down. As everything else came back on line the old Microsoft computer that runs their proprietary system had died. $600 later marathon sent me a new unit and helped me reprogram it over the phone. This was a royal PITA but I give their tech support an A+ for helping me from 3,000 miles away.