It has been a while since I have gotten into a new control systems and I have a few people interested in some very simple systems and was wonder about installer feedback on such systems. Basically I'm very interested in system that can cover the full gamut of simple control ( IP, IR and RS-232) . Systems that aren't too complex to program, I am very fluent with C4 and Universal Remotes, so something similar to those. Something that has a fairly extensive remote database ( discrete codes and a good variety manufactures). Perhaps a simple system that can be added to to become a more complex system. One of the things that would be very nice would be the ability to control the system with iPhone/iPad/Android apps.
Some of the systems I have seen that I am curious about are RTI, OnControls, Neets, SP Controls or any other system like these. Any information or suggestions you'll could give would be very helpful.

I wouldn't spend time or money on a company that hasn't been around for a long time.

Every other day some new "control" company comes out. Those companies are fine for DIY's, but not for a integrator that has to support their installations for as long as they are in business.

Of those you named i would only look at RTI. They pretty much cover the full gamut, have been around 20 years and you can start small and build up.

If you know URC, just stick with that. Does everything you need.

I agree.

You've got to remember that remote systems with great capability cannot be simple. Simple means not great capability. Brain researchers don't understand the brain, and wish it were simpler so they could understand it... but then their brains would be too simple to understand anything.

We moved our touchpanel business to On Controls and iDocx from URC. Most of the stuff that On Controls is doing, nobody else is doing. Or if they are RTI, does one, URC does another etc. We are using URC for hard button remotes and On Controls for everything else. It programs very easy.

Things On Controls is doing that no one else does:

Universal Delays. You can set your delays to say .5 seconds. Then everytime you build a macro it adds a .5 second delay between each command.

Cloud Sync'd. The clients file is saved on the cloud. If the client get a new iPad/iPhone or Android, they just download the app, and sync to the cloud. No file to worry about backing up. It's always there.

Remote Access. YOu can modifly a clients programming remotely.

Web App. There is no need for software to program On Controls. You go to mycontrolbuilder.com and design your template. This allows you to use a Mac, PC, or Linix. You can also use the clients computer or a hotel lobby computer if you are in a pinch.

Android, Apple, and Amazon. Their App works on Apple and Android.

Replace Devices. You have a ability to very easily change your programming. For example, when the codes for each device are entered into the Database, they try to keep them similar to each of the competing device. For example, if you client is changing from a Denon to Integra receiver, click replace devices, and it puts the integra commands in the exact same location as the denon commands. Macros and all. This allows you to cut and paste to make a multi-zone system in minutes. Sometimes you have to do a little tweaking to make sure the commands are right, but it works very well, and saves me a ton of time.

Modular control modules. All of their control boxes are modular. For example, if you need 6 IR ports, and one RS232, you just buy one IR box and one RS232 box. You dont have to buy a box that has all kinds of ports just to get RS232. Also IP control is native to the network.

Gestures. You can assign commands to gestures. for example, when we set a system up, while holding the ipad landscape, you have all of your normal GUI buttons. When you rotate the iPad to portrait, you then activate gestures. This allows you to swipe right to fast forward, then double tap to play. this makes operating the DVR and going to through commercials very easy. This is very usable, and any of my clients that had a touchpanel previously love this feature. I had a guy who took his elan panel to the exercise room, and the FF button was so small, he could never hit it while running on his elliptical. Now he takes his iPad, and swipes the screen to FF...he freaking loves it.

I have been using On Controls along side RTI, URC, and C4 with dual plug emitters.

They are going to be having a new GUI coming out soon too, and they are always adding new features.

If you guys have any questions in regards to On Controls, let me know. I have about 30 systems under my belt.

Mike

Everything you describe here sounds like you should look into BitWise controls.
BW is relatively inexpensive, extremely reliable, on the simple side to program, and uses idevices.(the ipad-mini has a great form factor) BW is expandable from single to multizone applications. I would recommend an above average knowledge of networking IQ and being familiar with writing 232 drivers would help too.

what is wrong with C4? I think you have everything covered. If you need more than that the natural step is Crestron or AMX.


RTI is awesome for many things but I think it overlaps most of what you have.

+1

Just finished one of these and I am very impressed with it!!

[Link: keydigital.com]

Well, all right!

Were you able to lay out screens the way you wanted to, or is this limited to wizard-type prefab screens?

When the phone rings, how many operations are necessary to go from picking up the device to silence?

Is there anything about the way the software works that shortens the battery life compared to normal tablet use?

(I expect those last two things to be at odds with one another.)

If the iDevice was left on a page that contained the mute command before it went to sleep, when the phone rings you'd press the iDevice home button, then slide to unlock...so, 3 steps all said and done including pressing Mute; more step(s) if they navigated away from the control app. If the iDevice is locked to the control app in 'kiosk' mode or if guided access is enabled a lot of those steps are taken away.

Double post

A control system is only as good as the person controlling it. Assuming a perfect world RTI is great because it can be made to do and look exactly like you want. To me that is what makes it truly powerful and worth programming even though it may take longer than C4 and some of the others.

Remember, most of the time, the simpler the system is for the user to use, the harder it is for the programmer to program. :)

We are a Control4 dealer, and I have to say they have come a long way from their humble beginnings. As in integration product for a residential project, there isn't much you can't do. And name a lighting control product that does everything Control4 does that costs as little as it does. I even love my little in-car FOB that I've programmed to toggle my front door light, turn all the lights on or off, and a little welcome home scene that has some lights on, and turns on one of my favorite DirecTv music stations.