Building a very basic system from scratch

Over Worked Logic on YouTube is quite good. Crestron also publishes a programming guide that may be useful if you have any technical questions.

https://www.youtube.com/c/OverWorkedLogic

It you have access to code written by someone else, I'd actually start with that. Open it up, look for a touchpanel symbol (in the top folder), pick a signal on the right side of the symbol (these are your button presses), press F2 to see how it ties to other stuff. If you can't figure out what a symbol does, press F1 for the help file.

As far as sending basic strings out a serial port, look up the SIO symbol (Serial In/Out).

I'd say first do the Crestron training for toolbox so you would know your way around debugging. And after that as someone pointed out - OverworkedLogic from YouTube and F1 every last symbol you see.

Dude, I was in the same boat as you a couple years ago.

Couple pieces of advice: serial control is cool, but it's complicated. Start simple and use IR.

Remember there are three (really four with Master Installer) applications from Crestron that you need to have: Toolbox, SIMPL, (processor) and VTPro (for the touch panel file).

Programming requires making a plan for what you want to do and choices about how to achieve that.

I made a simple home theatre system controlling a display, home theatre receiver, an Apple TV and my XBox. The controls you need to focus on are power on/off for the system and sources, volume control, and source selection.

I recommend using IR to control things because it's dirt simple. You can step up to serial and network control later. Sometimes it's good to just make it work and then iterate from there.

Start by thinking about your applications (what you want it to DO). This will inform your design. From there, build your UI. Then, start your program.

As you go, keep testing and iterating. Remember your application. If possible, have someone else try out your UI (without prompting) and give you feedback.

Without any real world experience in Crestron programming and basic knowledge you’re going to have an impossible time programming it. Only authorized users have access to the programming software and related tools. If your employer has a Crestron account you might want to see if they will allow you to have access. And if you’re not a programmer, Crestron is going to be v hard to learn.