Toolbox Basics

Overview

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

Basic Tool Usage

Connecting to Devices

Text Console

Device Discovery Tool

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