alanchow

2 hours ago, Rob21 said:

That makes sense. Thank you!

 

@alanchow do you have any inout here? Any thoughts on being able to have the driveway turn on a set number of hours before snow? Thanks

The best you can do is 24 hours before due to the data returned.  That's a long time to have your hearing element on for in my opinion.

3 hours ago, neil12011 said:

Maybe a dumb question, but is the driver affected by internet outages, since it's being hosted from Drivers Central?

No.  That is only licencing.  Licencing is designed to persist the last state if it cannot contact the licencing server.  This is important for jobs where there are sporadic or no internet connections (eg yacht or government facilities).

9 hours ago, neil12011 said:

Just hooked my Ratgdo (Such a weird name) up today.  Works like a champ!  Gives full state of the door and exposes the door motor light, obstruction sensor, and Motion from Keypad to the Control4 UI via Alan's driver.  

Definitely a good solution and great driver @alanchow!!

Glad you enjoy it.  The nice thing about it is that it is local control and as such internet or MyQ service disruptions do not effect it.

I have some ideas on how to improve the driver that I will add in coming weeks.

9 hours ago, zaphod said:

How are these systems different from the Air Conditioning systems used in North America?  Is this the single room type of system rather than a whole house system?

Systems in the United states are usually seperate systems that are controlled in a pretty dumb way with a smart thermostat.  The logic to turn on and off these systems are within the thermostat itself.

Systems outside of the United States have essentially a user interface device that controls the HVAC system and also provides the HVAC system with a local room temperature.  As such wiring is usually proprietary to that manufacturer.

In terms of the actual HVAC system operation it can be a mix of gas and electricity though in Victoria, Australia new builds must be electricity only.  As such new systems tend to be inverter based.

Could go on more but to be honest I'm not a HVAC guy.  We just do lots of HVAC integration.

Hope that helps.

4 hours ago, blaz24 said:

The building company only uses either My Air or Air Touch as the controllers. Will these work? 

Yup both will work.  Links below

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-advantage-air

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-polyaire-airtouch4

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-polyaire-airtouch5

Looks like you are in Australia.  Would recommend you install a Fujitsu AnywAir controller (it is a touchscreen on the wall). Once AnywAir is setup then it is Control4 compatible with the following driver.

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-fujitsu-anywair

52 minutes ago, blaz24 said:

We are about to commence a new home build and I am just trying to work out if there is any pre wiring that I need to do so that my Fujitsu air conditioning system can easily integrate with Control4.

I won’t be installing Control 4 during the initial build but plan on getting it in the future.

Is there anything I need to do or anything I need to install so that when I Finally start my C4 journey integration will be easy.

 

Thanks.

Depends on the Fujitsu system.

2 hours ago, neil12011 said:

Hey Alan, reviving this antiquated thread.

 

I have two systems (same owner) with this driver.  Whenever the IP address field is modified (even re-entering) the same IP, the available relay connections in the connections tab all disappear.  I submitted a ticket with DC, but curious if you've ever seen anything like this.

 

Apologies for the necro post.

One of my guys is the developer so i'm not the right person to assist.

The only thing i can suggest is to make sure you're on the latest driver.

If you still have issues reach out to our support desk via methods linked below.

https://chowmain.software/for-integrators/technical-support

4 hours ago, DanITman said:

Konnected is dropping a version of RATGDO that is powered by the opener.  I have a pre-order in.

https://konnected.io/products/smart-garage-door-opener-blaq-myq-alternative

We're working with konnected on the driver.  From my understanding though it is powered by its own power supply.

Overview

Chowmain releases FREE manufacturer sponsored Blustream PLA88CS driver for Control4. The PLA88CS is a 4K HDMI 2.0 8x8 Matrix, distributing HDMI, ARC, LAN, Bi-directional IR / RS-232 and PoC up to lengths of 150m (1080p) over a single CAT cable. Advanced optional features include dual HDMI and HDBaseT™ outputs featuring CSC for support of 4K resolutions including 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 colour space, and HDR, with independent down-scaling of 4K video to allow those displays only capable of supporting lower video resolutions to receive 4K video while still showing maximum original UHD resolution on the higher-definition displays.

The PLA88CS includes independent audio routing, Audio Return Channel (ARC), Optical (S/PDIF) audio delay for lip sync correction, bi-directional IR and RS-232 pass-through, and a web-GUI for control and configuration.

The Matrix also provides advanced features including independent Dolby Audio (Atmos) & DTS Audio down mixing on HDMI and audio outputs allowing a mixture of different audio output formats for use with different audio capable displays and AV amplifiers.

On top of routing of audio and video signals Control4 integration also provides dedicated source and display drivers for CEC based control.

Driver Features

• Sponsored driver so it is FREE.
• Bi-directional control and feedback
• Matrix Routing
• CEC based control (via Source driver and Display driver)
• Default CEC commands mapped to proxy commands / buttons which can be overridded by custom CEC commands through driver properties.
• Embed Audio: Replaces Audio stream from specific output with Audio from specified Input
• Output Audio Delay: Adjusts Audio Delay for specified output
• Output Scaling: Enables or Disables Output Scaling for specified output
• Power Off HDBT Receiver: Powers Off HDBT Receiver
• Power Off HDBT Transmitter: Powers Off HDBT Transmitter
• Power Off Matrix: Power off the Matrix Switch
• Power On Matrix: Power on the Matrix Switch
• Power On HDBT Receiver: Powers On HDBT Receiver
• Power On HDBT Transmitter: Powers On HDBT Transmitter
• Preset Apply: Applies a prestored Preset #
• Preset Clear: Clears/Deletes a prestored Preset #
• Preset Save: Saves Settings as a Preset #

FAQ

Why is this product so exciting?

This product allows for CEC control over sources and displays connected to the matrix via dedicated drivers.

Where can i find out more information about the hardware?

You can find out more about PLA88CS via the Blustream website.

I want to try this driver out before buying it?

This is a manufacturer sponsored driver and as such is free of charge

How do I find out more information about the driver?

Please see the links below for more information about the driver.

Driver Link

Overview

Chowmain releases FREE manufacturer sponsored SurgeX Vertical Series+ smart Power Distribution Unit (PDU) driver for Control4. The Vertical Series+ smart PDU is a solution designed with cutting edge features to elevate power management capabilities. The remote power management capabilities and analytical software includes tools such as remote on and off, power cycling, advanced sequencing and scheduling, triggered alerts, and seamless integration with third-party control systems including Control4.

The SurgeX Vertical Series+ smart PDU offers comprehensive features, flexible sizing options, and optimized power distribution, making it the smart solution to save rack space and seamlessly manage power while embracing intelligent power solutions.

“The Vertical Series+ is the latest innovation to join the SurgeX CONNECT product line. The smart PDU allows integrators to efficiently save valuable rack space and to have the flexibility to remotely monitor and manage power from any location, saving time and money”

-Justin Peyton, AMETEK SurgeX Manager Regional Sales – EMEA.

Embrace the power of innovation with the Vertical Series+ smart PDU. SurgeX is dedicated to engineering efficient, reliable, and cutting-edge solutions for the AV industry. 

Driver Features

• Sponsored driver so it is FREE.
• Bi-directional control and feedback
• Dynamically created bindings for all available outlets on the device
• Automatically adds and renames a Control4 Single Relay driver for each outlet and makes the binding to the driver
• Provides Variables for the following
  • Current (Float)
  • Temperature (Float)
  • Energy Usage (Float)
  • Device Running (Boolean)
  • Voltage Rating (Float)
  • Voltage NG (Float)
  • Voltage LN (Float)
  • Device Shutdown (Boolean)
  • Frequency (Float)
• Programming for the following Events
  • Device Running
  • Device Shutdown

FAQ

Why is this product so exciting?

The Vertical Series+ is the latest innovation to join the SurgeX CONNECT product line. The smart PDU allows integrators to efficiently save valuable rack space and to have the flexibility to remotely monitor and manage power from any location, saving time and money.

How is the PDU controlled?

The PDU is controlled via IP

Where can i find out more information about the hardware?

You can find out more about SurgeX's Vertical Series+ Smart PDUs via the SurgeX Website

I want to try this driver out before buying it?

This is a manufacturer sponsored driver and as such is free of charge

How do I find out more information about the driver?

Please see the links below for more information about the driver.

Driver Link

36 minutes ago, Versafel Systems said:

@alanchow is this no longer available? I had a quandary in my head that i have been wanting to try for a while on my own system and was very intrigued about an Arduino as the solution.

We discontinued this driver a while ago as people kept reaching out for support even though it did not come with support.

4 hours ago, markc said:

Hi Alan, thanks very much for getting back to me so quickly and for the information.

I do have the driver working with the SIP calls and acting as an intercom so all good there. It was the events which I was struggling with so that explains it.

Do you happen to know an ETA for the new firmware?

Thanks! 

The firmware is in active development.

8 hours ago, markc said:

Good Afternoon,

I'm currently trying to integrate a Hikvision DS-KV8113 door station into C4 using the Chowmain driver.

In the documentation it mentions about using custom firmware, however I can't seem to find the custom firmware on either of the links in the documentation. I have also tried having a google around to find it but am struggling.

Does anyone happen to have a link to the firmware or a copy of it which they could share please?

@alanchow, if you might be able to assist with this please that would be great!

 

Thanks!

Hikvision changed chipsets due to chip shortages.  The new revision hardware is not fully compatible with the driver.  A new firmware will be available shortly.  At the moment though the default firmware will work for SIP calls however it is not execute any events (eg doorbell sounds, motion events and more).

international wattboxes have 220v via IEC

There are also several other smart socket devices that we have drivers for.

• Lightwave RF - https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-lightwave-link-plus
• Shelly - https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-shelly-generic
• Sonoff - https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-sonoff
• Switchbot - https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-switchbot
• TP-Link Kasa (not Tapo) - https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-tplink
• Wiz - https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-wiz

Alternatively there are several PDUs as well.  Full list of our drivers linked below.

https://chowmain.software/drivers/brand:control4

36 minutes ago, Eddie said:

I originally bought this driver, or well possibly an earlier version from Recluse Av.

 

I recently had my controller swapped, just wondering if there is any way to to update the MAC address so it still works?

 

Thanks, 

 

This driver is not the Recluse AV driver.  I haven't worked at Recluse AV for more than 10 years now so i can't really assist.  You will need to reach out to Recluse AV to see if they can provide you with a new licence.

Conrol4 Driver is now available.

Thanks to Paul Wieland for supplying hardware and the support he gave me to get everything going.

Overview

Chowmain is excited to announce that ratgdo is now Control4 compatible! ratgdo is a WiFi control board for your Chamberlain or Liftmaster garage door opener that works over your local network.

It connects to your door opener with three simple wires and works with virtually any residential Chamberlain or Liftmaster manufactured garage door opener.

It can control the door and report back the actual status of the door (closed, opening, open, closing). For Security + 2.0 door openers, the obstruction sensors, light, wireless lockout and even motion sensing are also integrated.

Driver Features

• IP Control
• Light Proxy for Garage Door Light
• Auto install / Binding of official Control4 proxies for Garage Door, Motion Sensor, IR Beam and Lock drivers.
• Control Garage Door Open, Garage Door Close, Garage Door Stop, Light On, Light Off, Light Toggle, Wireless Remote Lock, Wireless Remote Unlock, Wireless Remote Toggle
• Feedback - Garage Door Open, Garage Door Opening, Garage Door Close, Garage Door Closing, Motion Sensing (if wall control panel has motion detector built in), Obstruction (if Obstruction Detector IR/PE Beams installed)
• Light State, Wireless Remote Lock State
• Button Bindings - Garage Door Toggle, Garage Door Open, Garage Door Close, Garage Light Toggle, Garage Light On, Garage Light Off, Remote Control Lock Toggle, Remote Control Lock, Remote Control Unlock

FAQ

Why is this product so exciting?

ratgdo is a WiFi control board for your garage door opener that works over your local network. It connects to your door opener with three simple wires.

It works with virtually any residential Chamberlain or Liftmaster manufactured garage door opener and also offers basic support for other brands which use dry contacts to control the door.

It can control the door and report back the actual status of the door (closed, opening, open, closing). For Security + 2.0 door openers, the obstruction sensors, light, wireless lockout and even motion sensing are also integrated.

What garage doors will this work on?

Any residential door opener made in the last 25+ years by Chamberlain/Liftmaster should work. If your opener is mounted over head and has a yellow learn button, it is supported by ratgdo hardware v2.0 or greater. If your opener is a wall mounted jackshaft opener or has a red, purple or orange learn button, it is supported by ratgdo hardware v2.5 or greater.

Door openers manufactured by the Chamberlain Group have a learn button on them. The color of the learn button can (mostly) tell you which control protocol the opener uses.

• Residential overhead mounted openers
  • with a yellow learn button are Security + 2.0
  • with a red, purple or orange learn button are Security + “1.0”
• Residential wall mounted jackshaft openers
  • With model 8500W or RJ070 are Security + 2.0
  • All others are Security + 1.0
• Security + 2.0 door openers require ratgdo v2.0 control board or later
• Security + 1.0 & Dry Contact door openers require v2.5 control board or later

Many non Chamberlain openers can be controlled with dry contacts, but also require the connection of limit switches to ratgdo in order for it to interpret the door positions (Closed, Opening, Open, Closing)

A matrix of known / tested compatible garage doors can be found via link below.

ratgdo wiki

How does the motion sensors and obstruction sensors work?

• Motion detection requires a wall control panel with a built in motion detector such as the 889LM.
• Obstruction Status requires Obstruction Detection Beams be installed. This can be purchased from the garage door manufacturer.
• The ratgdo driver will automatically install the motion sensor portion and obstruction portions. If these are not available on your product configuration then please delete the motion sensor driver or irbeam driver from your project.

What is the remote control lock?

This feature allows you to disable the RF remote control from controlling the garage door. This is useful if the car is parked outdoors or if it is loaned out to someone whom the homeowner does not want to give access to the garage to.

Help i cannot use my garage door RF remote anymore.

You have locked the remote control. Unlock it via the driver or via the ratgdo web server.

How do i install ratgdo hardware?

Please see link below instructions. Take note that you need to pre-install the ESPHome firmware as per instructions below.

• ratgdo ESPHome firmware
• ratgdo Wiring Instructions

How does the Control4 driver talk to ratgdo?

The driver will communicate to ratgdo via IP. Please ensure that the ratgdo is put on a static or reserved ip address.

Where can i purchase ratgdo?

This driver is designed to work with ratgdo with the ESPHome firmware installed. You can order the hardware from the following website

• ratgdo website
• ratgdo ESPHome firmware

Do you offer any other cool drivers?

Control4 is a major part of our business. We develop new drivers all the time. You can see all of our drivers on our website (http://www.chowmainsoft.com). Sign up to our newsletter to get notified when new drivers out.

I want to try this driver out before buying it?

All Chowmain drivers for Control4 come with a 90 day trial.

Where can i find out more?

You can find out more about the driver from the following link.

Driver Product Page

1 hour ago, Shoe said:

Great to know that switches are working.

Do developers have the ability to add z-wave drivers?

The Control4 SDK does not provide access to Control4's own Z-Wave dongles.  The only way is via 3rd party hubs / gateways.

9 minutes ago, jimbones said:

@alanchow possible to update the driver to include the new image processing setting (fast/fine) as found on the LS12000?

Do you have updated API documentation for it?

On 11/14/2023 at 5:06 AM, justmecj86 said:

Hello all, 

I am having a very strange issue with the android tv driver from Chowmian. 

The Android box is a Hotwire Fision 4k by Technicolor model UIW4054HWC. 

I have gone through all the steps for set up. I have full control. The issue is that after installing the Zank app and you lunch the Hotwire TV app the Voice guidance is stuck on. I have rebooted the box, I found the settings under accessibility and its turned off.  So I thought  it was the box. I tried a deferent box, same issue. I can not get it to stop. 

I uninstalled the zank app and then it stopped. 

Anyone eles having this issue? Any help will be greatly appreciated 

I have heard of this happening to several people using obscure Android Boxes.  I have a feeling it has something to do with not having a standard Android TV OS.  This is something that the Zank Remote developer will need to assist with.  I won't provide his email address here due as i don't want it to get picked up by spam bots but if you reach out via our support desk i can provide it to you there.  Otherwise it is listed in the Google Play store app listing. 

7 hours ago, KAMOLUSUS said:

I am not satisfied with the performance of this driver (Chowmain Android tv driver). It is not a reliable software. Several times a week it requires accepting RSA key fingerprint. This must be done with the original remote control for the box to restore control4 operation. It does not help to reboot, reconfigure zank, reinstall simply can not rely on it

The recent Android OS updates force this to expire after a period of time. The latest Zank Remote automatically does accepts this programatically.  If you have not updated please do so.

If you are still experiencing issues please reach out to the Zank Remote developer and he can provide assistance.  I won't provide his email address here due as i don't want it to get picked up by spam bots but if you reach out via our support desk i can provide it to you there.  Otherwise it is listed in the Google Play store app listing.

On 12/14/2023 at 10:44 AM, C4 User said:

@alanchow any chance for you guys to write this driver for the Rinnai tankless water heater? The app that goes with the Rinnai wifi module allows on/off programming of the recirculation pump and setting the system to Vacation mode. Would love to be able to do this via Control4. Considering you have worked with Rinnai in the past for other drivers, any chance you would be interested in developing this driver. I would be happy to purchase the driver and it looks like @Firehawk335 may be willing to purchase as well. Thank you for your consideration.

Our roadmap is dictated by demand. You can suggest a driver via the link below to suggest a driver.

https://chowmain.software/suggest-a-driver

7 hours ago, ERDrPC said:

Hi @alanchow does the current driver auto update to this new driver. Is it for both the NVR and IP cameras?

No the driver is written from the ground up.  It requires a fresh install.  Works for cameras connect through NVR or direct.

On 11/26/2023 at 4:53 AM, djheijs said:

Does the driver work with Hikvision DS-KD-TDM too?

The driver communicates to the KD8003.  It will work with keypad and card reader type addons (regardless of model) however programming is limited to programming against valid and invalid code entries if a keypad is connected.  Note that configuration of the KD8003 to call a specific residence in the phone book will operate correctly.  Having said that the setup procedure of this is similar to other MDU type installations for Control4 where you need a communications server to act at the SIP server to route to residences.

Control4 provide a training course on how to do MDU installations.  This is the place to start if you wish to utilise Hikvision for MDU based installations (note replace DS2 with the Hikvision KD8003).