Buy and install a system yourself?

[Continuum]

Hi all, 

Is it possible to buy and install a Control4 based system myself?

The businessmodel seems to be installations through dealers/installers. I see a lot of people here showing off some fun projects that might be of their own making, but I couldn't find if it is even possible to buy and install a system yourself. Maybe that's because it's not possible, but I figured I would ask. Thanks in advance for your reply.
 

[msgreenf]

It is not. 

[C4 User]

Although msgreenf is technically right, and I have a ton of respect for him on this forum, as long time user, I would answer this a little differently. If you know what you are doing, you could theoretically work with a dealer to design your system, then purchase all of the hardware from the dealer, complete the physical installation yourself, and then have your dealer start the equipment up and do the necessary initial hardware device bindings/connections and programming. Not all dealers will support you but I am sure you can find some that will. I’m just not sure if the $ saving is worth it.

Now, do I recommend this. No. In the end, if you mess up the hardware install, it could easily cost you more to have a dealer troubleshoot and fix your install. My recommendation is have your dealer set up your home theater or some meaningful part of your system and from there have your dealer support you remotely as you learn basic programming and do the heavy lifting of adding additional devices to your system.

Finally, don’t be intimidated by the need to work thru a dealer. Once your system is installed and running, you can do most things yourself and for the few things you will need a dealer, you can find a remote dealer to support you.

Good luck.

[msgreenf]

3 minutes ago, C4 User said:

Although msgreenf is technically right, and I have a ton of respect for him on this forum, as long time user, I would answer this a little differently. If you know what you are doing, you could theoretically work with a dealer to design your system, then purchase all of the hardware from the dealer, complete the physical installation yourself, and then have your dealer start the equipment up and do the necessary initial hardware device bindings/connections and programming. Not all dealers will support you but I am sure you can find some that will. I’m just not sure if the $ saving is worth it.

Now, do I recommend this. No. In the end, if you mess up the hardware install, it could easily cost you more to have a dealer troubleshoot and fix your install. My recommendation is have your dealer set up your home theater or some meaningful part of your system and from there have your dealer support you remotely as you learn basic programming and do the heavy lifting of adding additional devices to your system.

Finally, don’t be intimidated by the need to work thru a dealer. Once your system is installed and running, you can do most things yourself and for the few things you will need a dealer, you can find a remote dealer to support you.

Good luck.

That is accurate. I agree.  

[Continuum]

Thank you for your replies. 

Control4 looks like a nice solution for our new appartment, but may not be the right choice for us. The level of 'dependency' on an expert doesn't completely sit well with me, yet. Maybe I need to gain a better understanding of what it is that I will be able to do myself and what I will need the expert for. Will keep browsing the forums.

C4 User: From your reply I understand that the hardware can only be bought through a dealer. And the dealer will also need to 'start up' the system, can't do that myself. Is that correct?

[msgreenf]

2 hours ago, Continuum said:

C4 User: From your reply I understand that the hardware can only be bought through a dealer. And the dealer will also need to 'start up' the system, can't do that myself. Is that correct?

Correct

[C4 User]

Search this forum more. There has been a lot said about what the DIY can and can not do.

[Continuum]

Allright, thanks again both of you.

[gogogadget]

Btw. I worked with a dealer who understood I wanted as much customer control as possible. he understood that and just did the minimum in terms of setup letting me to the most I could with composer HE. 

 

While I cant add new devices that is just a call away and my remote dealer guy adds it. I pay him a nominal fee and its great.