We are proud to be a certified dealer for Control4 home automation. The Control4 home automation system is a control system that manages all the electronic systems in a home under one easy-to-use interface. That interface can be seen on the screen of a television or through different in-wall touch screens or Apple iPads, iPhones and iTouch’s.
System Building Blocks
A Control4 system operates over two communication platforms. The backbone of a properly designed system is a clean and reliable IP (internet protocol) network. The main controller for the system creates the other network called Zigbee Pro. This is a wireless mesh network that is generated by the Control4 main system controller and manages communication with ancillary parts of the home automation system such as HVAC, lighting dimmers, door locks and various sensors.
The IP network is used to communicate with devices that carry media and other more complex command functions such as video cameras, media players and network storage devices.
Controllers also have on-board contact/relay sensors and communication ports (RS232) used for alarm panel and some audio/video equipment.
Main system controllers start as low as $599. Every system must have at least one controller. However, most systems have more than one controller.
Advanced Temperature Control
The Control4 system offers climate control via thermostats and fireplace switches. The Control4 thermostats are standard thermostats manufactured by Aprilaire. They use the zigbee communication protocol and can be programmed and controlled over the Control4 interface both locally and remotely.
Fireplace switches look like light switches and are controlled in the same fashion as the thermostats. The fireplace switch can only control the on/off function of a fireplace (not fans or special functions). Control4 thermostats are $249 each (1 needed per zone) and fireplace switches are $129 each.
Safety and Security Systems
There are two sides to the security equation: Intrusion systems and video surveillance. An intrusion system is what most people would consider a standard alarm system. An intrusion alarm system senses entry to the property and entry into the home. These systems can sense motion, heat, glass breakage and the openings of doors and windows. We install GE concord alarm systems. These are Control4 compatible that can be controlled by the Control4 system via a communication port.
Not only can it act as a security system, we can use the sensors on the alarm system to activate lighting scenes and audio video events. The Control4 interface also can be programmed to flash lights (which can help emergency vehicles find your home) or send emails to your iPhone/Blackberry when an intrusion has been detected.
Video surveillance refers to a camera system. Control4 operates camera images over the IP network. There are two options for equipment: Panasonic Netcams or Axis Video servers. Panasonic netcams are compact network cameras that easily interface with the system. Axis makes video servers that will let standard and extreme low-light cameras integrate into the C4 system by creating an IP address for an analog signal. Control4 has a sub-program called 4Sight that allows images and control to be seen over the internet. Panasonic netcams range from $200 to $1300 each (a standard outdoor model is $750 each). The Axis 4-camera video server is $900 and would work with a standard security DVR system with camera loop output as an input.
Control4 has recently partnered with Black & Decker for zigbee controlled door locks. Not only can you lock and unlock remotely, you can program a users code to activate lighting scenes, send you an email message or any other controllable function can occur unique to that code.
Audio/Video Systems
The Control4 system can control almost all quality audio/video components on the market. The requirements are that such components have discrete IR (infra-red), RS232 or IP control. There are also some design considerations for how the logic of the software operates.
Control4 manufactures multi-channel amplifiers, iPod docking stations, media players and several other audio/video related products. There are several manufacturers (i.e.: Yamaha, Pioneer, Denon) that are going to effort of having drivers (software that communicates with their equipment) certified by Control4 for compatibility.
Since every audio/video distribution system is different, a prospective client should really sit down and go over their plans with one of our system designers. We can create a unique solution to fit your home or business.
Smart Lighting and Shade Control
Control4 lighting products allow the homeowner to create custom, ambient lighting throughout the home and also helps save energy. The dimmers and switches are very affordable ($129 each) and all communicate over the zigbee network. The on-screen and keypad interfaces for lighting control are fantastic. Lighting systems can be more than just light fixture control, the system will also interface and control window shades and fireplaces.
Having a lighting control system allows the homeowner to set lighting scenes that can vary by time of day, position of the sun (astronomic clock) or can be activated through a single button push or remotely over the internet. Here are some examples of lighting tasks beyond the standard All On, All Off functions:
Lighting Scene Name Tasks
Goodnight Mode Turn off all the interior lights, leave hallways and baths at 10%.
Lock all entry doors
Shut off all fireplaces after 30 minutes
Check the Garage doors and close them if they are open
Turn off exterior lights at Midnight
Away Mode Use random timer setting to change lights throughout evening
Perform All Off mode randomly +/- 30 minutes centered at 11PM
(this way it appears not to be on a fixed timer)
Entertain Mode Turn on landscape lighting and carriage lights off Garage
Set Entry Porch and Chandelier to 80%
Set Dining Chandelier to 70%
Turn on Rope lights in coffered ceilings
Activate art lighting
Set Living Room can lighting to 40%
Set Living Room Lamps to 60%
Turn on Deck and Dock lighting
Set music to play favorite play list at a low volume
Activate TV’s to randomly play screen saver pictures of family & friends
Turn on Living Room fireplace
Summary
All of these modes can be activated by a single button. As you can see, when we have control over all the sub-systems in the house, we can program almost any input trigger (button push or sensor) to activate or change the state of anything we have control over. Our goal is to work with the client and come up with the solutions that make automation work for them and enhance their lives.