GoGo Delicious

Quote

5 minutes ago, ziocan said:

The funny thing is, I have seen many 3rd party drivers building http servers in the LUA code to serve HTML and/or images.

WHY???

The answer is that most dealers and programmers do not have the necessary programming skills. I am sure quite a few do not even know how to write a "hello world" cgi script.

Let alone write a

Quote

8 minutes ago, ziocan said:

A 5 line long cgi bash script

 

Again, congrats!

As an owner of a custom integration company I am VERY impressed at what you have done without any C4 programming experience or software. Not just the fact that you got it to work, but your determination to making it work despite others telling you you're wasting your time.

Great job!

21 hours ago, ziocan said:

Correct, it's about challenges

I like his attitude. This is a fun thread. I want to see you succeed.

Good Luck!

On 3/9/2016 at 8:31 AM, Marshal said:

Hello everyone,

Am a new member of this forum and want to join the automation business.

My questions is why? Why do you want to join the automation business?

The codeman has said it best

Quote

The best advice I can give you? Learn the ropes about AV, automation, and networking before opening a shop and charging money to do it for other people.

If you are serious about getting into the automation business I STRONGLY suggest the following.

1) Have more than an understanding of networking. The back bone of every automation system is the network. You need to start with at least one network engineer, with proper certification, on staff.   Just because someone can connect a cable modem to a router does not make them eligible. 

2) Licensing and/or Certification - Does your state/city require you to have a LV contractors license? What certification from the AM/Automation industry do you have, CEDIA (Residential) or Infocomm (Commercial)? Why should I, as a client, hire you when there are others who are more qualified, not just because they're certified but because they have been in business longer, done more jobs and have strong recommendations/reviews?

2) What's your target market? Is there a demand for automation in your area? If there is demand in your area, do those who reside in your area have the financial resources to pay not only for a system, but design, installation, wiring, programming, maintenance, upgrades, on going support, etc?

If you do not live in an area where you can sustain an automation business what are you going to do? 95% of our clients are out of state with another 3% in other countries. We go to where the jobs are. How do you plan on acquiring clients/jobs? Do you plan on working with home owners directly or are you "to the trade only". Note, for understanding, my company is "to the trade only" meaning our clients are Architects, Interior Designers and Builders. We never work with the home owner directly.

3) What do you have to offer that other dealers don't. Again why should I, as a client, use your service for automation? C4 is a commodity, meaning I can by a box from you, Best Buy, or Joe dealer and that box is the same. In addition to selling me a box, what do you offer that other dealers do not? What makes your company stand out? Why should I give you my $200k+? 

The above maybe a little harsh or sound sarcastic but I am really trying to help you and open your eyes a little. I have seen way to many people/business get into automation and fail because they were not realistic. They thought, since they were already builders, electrical contractors/engineers, network engineers, programmers, etc., that they can jump right in. I have yet to see any succeed and that's unfortunate.

As thecodeman has stated 

Quote

If you can, work with/for another company who does it in some form or fashion even if they don't do Control4, you'll learn a lot and your future clients will appreciate it.

If you do this for a year then you will understand what I am talking about.

I sincerely wish you luck and if you need any advice I will be more than happy to assist. I have had numerous C4 dealers call me (I wont mention who they are. If they want to volunteer that's up to them) and ask for my advice on everything from networking and fiber to expanding out of state and beyond and I have been more than happy to help.