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| Topic: | Total Control series. How does it work, and what's the alternatives? This thread has 17 replies. Displaying posts 16 through 18. |
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| Post 16 made on Wednesday January 16, 2013 at 09:44 |
goldenzrule Loyal Member |
Joined:
Posts: | July 2007
8,474 |
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On January 16, 2013 at 05:16, MrHaugen said...
I'm not sure what you mean. You're saying that the programming tool that no one will part with, is basically a notepad that you program directly with HEX and Serial code and other low level programming. I'm sure there's more to it, but the answer gives me this picture. In case you can only program in this rather low level programming code, I understand that you need help to program them. I think it's pretty weird that you can't use more commonly used high level programming languages and other helpful tools in the program.
If much low level code is indeed needed, this leaves this option pretty much dead in my case. I programmed a simple CPU with binary and hex 12 years ago. And that's it. I know some VB.net, C++ and powershell. I guess this will not help me much.
I can not understand that nobody have created a remote with IR/Wifi/RF, touch and hard buttons and macro abilities, without the need for an intricate setup with control boxes. With a simple and intuitive program activity and button setup, and custom programming options for the needy.
I guess I just have to continue dreaming, and hope for better products in the next few years. Why not create your own remote, own software, own processor? The truth is that Total Control was never the right solution for you. It is NOT available to end users, period. In fact, it is not even available to dealers that purchase through distribution. So unless you are a direct dealer that attended training, you do not have access to the hardware or software. Researching it to program on your own is just wasted time on your part. I am not saying this to be mean, but pointing out that your efforts will be better served searching for a different system if you wish to program on your own.
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| Post 17 made on Wednesday January 16, 2013 at 12:09 |
Lowhz Senior Member |
Joined:
Posts: | April 2012
1,168 |
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On January 16, 2013 at 05:16, MrHaugen said...
I'm not sure what you mean. You're saying that the programming tool that no one will part with, is basically a notepad that you program directly with HEX and Serial code and other low level programming. I'm sure there's more to it, but the answer gives me this picture. In case you can only program in this rather low level programming code, I understand that you need help to program them. I think it's pretty weird that you can't use more commonly used high level programming languages and other helpful tools in the program.
If much low level code is indeed needed, this leaves this option pretty much dead in my case. I programmed a simple CPU with binary and hex 12 years ago. And that's it. I know some VB.net, C++ and powershell. I guess this will not help me much.
I can not understand that nobody have created a remote with IR/Wifi/RF, touch and hard buttons and macro abilities, without the need for an intricate setup with control boxes. With a simple and intuitive program activity and button setup, and custom programming options for the needy.
I guess I just have to continue dreaming, and hope for better products in the next few years. The programming tool that no one will part with is essentially a wizard that you fill in the blanks and it generates generic system macros and user interfaces. The term "code" keeps getting thrown around here and I think you believe it means "#include , void (main){ ;" but that's not the case. "Code" should mean "Command" and they look like 0090 A600 B009 for hex, PWON for serial control. The device drivers are what are populated with the device commands. The Accelerator is a high-level programming environment, there is a SDK which uses TCL for device development, but there is no assembly manipulation.
The system was designed for whole house subsystem integration: Audio, video, climate, security, surveillance, access. It's easily scalable and programmable if you can read and understand the documentation. The most difficult part of the process is in understanding the spec of the job and making sure you have all the resources you need to make the system do what you want to do, whether that is hardware, command sets, macro and UI design. It's not magic, it's not voodoo, it just takes an understanding of the abstract theory of subsystem control.
And end-user could install and program the system if they wanted to, but only as long as they have access to all of the parts necessary and can work through their own programming hang ups. The tech support lines are for resolving bugs that the installer cannot fix on their own. The reason it is not available to the end-user is because URC has cultivated a direct dealer base whom they protect their right to make a living. Same with Control4, same with Crestron, same with AMX, same with Savant, same with ICS.
While you may be able to program it, this is not the system for you. What you are describing is the Logitech Harmony.
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| OP | Post 18 made on Sunday January 27, 2013 at 15:40 |
MrHaugen Long Time Member |
Joined:
Posts: | March 2010
11 |
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What I'm describing does not exist. But yes, you're right that the Logitech Harmony might be the closest thing. Let's hope they upgrade their 900 soon, so it's not such a pain to use with RF.
Thanks for all the feedback guys!
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