Crestron's Toolbox software is vital to being able to startup any Crestron lighting control job. The intent of this article is to familiarize a new lighting control tech with the very basics of the various Tools available within the Crestron Toolbox software.

Initial Toolbox Configuration

When you first open Toolbox, there are several settings and preferences that Chief Integrations recommends making:

• From the list of options at the top, navigate to "File>Preferences..."
  • For "Load Workspace on startup?" select "None"
  • For "Save Workspace on exit?" select "Never"
  • For "Automatically Connect to:" select "Nothing"
• From the list of options at the top, navigate to "Tools>Manage Tools..."
  • We recommend selecting the most commonly used tools and familiarizing yourself with their icons:
    • System Info
    • Text Console
    • SIMPL Debugger
    • Script Manager
    • Package Update Tool
    • Network Device Tree View
    • File Manager
    • Device Discovery Tool
    • DALI Commissioning Tool
    • Network Analyzer
  • Once checked, these icons appear as shortcuts below the "File/View/Tools/etc." menus

Connecting to Devices

In order to connect to any lighting devices, your computer must be physically connected to the lighting device or the lighting network. Typically, this is achieved with either a USB-A to USB-B cable or an Ethernet cable, though some devices use different types of USB or have wireless adapters.

USB Connection

To connect via USB, simply plug the appropriate USB cable into your computer and the device and then open the desired tool. When connected via USB, only the device you are connected to will appear:

Ethernet Connection

Device Discovery Tool and Address Book

Basic Tool Usage

Text Console

Network Device Tree View

Toolbox Quirks

Toolbox has some unique quirks that can sometimes cause issues.

VPT COM Server

Text Console Alternatives

File Management Alternatives

Package Update Tool Alternatives