Control4Savant

On 12/6/2020 at 7:31 PM, yoho said:

Giving someone tips on how to join the dealer program isn’t against contact... Especially when you have experience with these types of products and even if I didn’t, advice isn’t against any code. I definitely know I won’t be taking advice from C4 Trolls online

Have 5-10 years of professional AV and custom integration experience, start a business and apply for a dealership like any brand. There is a lot more to being a C4 dealer besides understanding Composer. 

2 hours ago, sofakng said:

@Dueport I'm still talking to the distributor to find out more information but I'll let you know when I find out.

I'm a member of the Control4 Partner Program (ie. driver developer) and it sounds like the distributor wants to work with an authorized dealer.  If anybody is interested in working with me and the distributor please let me know.

Regardless, when I find out how other dealers can purchase the units I will definitely post the information.

I'll message you. 

Don't expect and IP solution. Have them use an IR driver or buy a Sonos bar and enjoy better sound as well. 

13 hours ago, C4 User said:

I usually stay out of these threads but not tonight. I often wonder who would get into a C4 system and not understand the user limitations and dealer support needs - I wont say the name I put on such individuals. Now if you bought an existing C4 house, maybe. And in that case you got a heck of a deal on your C4 install. Stop being a cheap pita and engage a remote dealer for all of 10 minutes.

Yikes. Most C4 systems are sold, not sought after. Dealers across all brands as a whole do an awful job of explaining the limitations of these systems compared to some basic features IoT devices have at factions of the cost. Most also talk a strong game about service and support only to disappear after taking the major part the project is complete. I don't charge my existing clients when doing simple driver and programming additions, thats part of the service with using a professional integrator. 

2 hours ago, yoho said:

A: Yes I'm aware its for pros, but I want to get access to it

B: As far as I can tell you I think they went out of business

You can also assign a new dealer of record inside your own control4 account so in theory if you do locate a new dealer, they could do some remote service/programming without much effort. 

7 minutes ago, Minch said:

This is why I am focusing more on the HC-300. I have come across suggestions on this forum that it may be the power supply and to get a Phihong PSA15LN3-050-R but I can't seem to find one anywhere. I was wondering if anyone else thought it might be this too.

What is a managed network?

 

Do you have special networking devices from your dealer or are you just using your Internet providers networking equipment? 

3 minutes ago, yoho said:

A: Yes I'm aware its for pros, but I want to get access to it

B: As far as I can tell you I think they went out of business

B: Well that's good.... hope that was planned. Being involved for a long time, it takes a lot to get "dropped". 

A: As Liam Neeson would tell you, Good Luck. That's just not something a lot of integrators are interested in doing for a variety of reasons. IMO only being made available to clients with longer standing relationships or larger committed projects. 

8 minutes ago, yoho said:

My dealer was terminated and I need to get into Composer Express. Can somebody (dealers) by any chance let me know if there is a way to get in to the app without a login or how I can make an account (with a direct link for signup)? Thanks in advance! Composer Express 320.24.0.1

Nope. Do you have a new dealer? You can create a new account on your own but you can not re-register your system. You would also not have access to CP Express, thats a pro only app which i'm sure you are aware of. Perhaps this is why he was terminated? 

17 hours ago, wnpublic said:

Agree on the camera price- but the overall package including the software features in the NVR - pretty slick 

Yep. I think I sell more box that say "Ubiquity" on the side than any AV brand and I just cant get away from LUMA. The OvrC and standard baller support Snap offers makes it hard to beat for me..even tho it pains me being HiK rebranded and busy/dated app/web interfaces. I would like to use UDM pros and make a combo package which I still might try next year, but I usually use Edge for my routing and L3 hub switching.

14 minutes ago, Minch said:

Our system randomly stopped working. We may or may not have had a split second power surge (it was stormy but no clocks reset) but our system is on a power surge protector. We have a HC-1000, HC-300, and HC-200 along with a Denon receiver and 2 Control 4 Amplifiers and an Xfinity cable box. Everything has power, I have done a few power cycles hoping for better results each time but nothing. Remote says it cannot connect, App says system is offline, wall screens look like they running the system but nothing happens- no lights or the TV will turn on, etc. Each HC component has a blue power light and a flashing green with a solid orange light near the ethernet cable. The HC-1000 and HC-200 both have a solid blue Link light but the HC-300 does not. Running Smart Home OS 2.9.1. Any thoughts?

Your components should have a solid blue power light and a solid blue link light. Do you have any app or non wireless zigbee control? All of the C4 gear needs to talk to the main CPU, all of the zigbee will have to talk to the server which could be any of the listed controllers. Make sure all your network equipment is back online. Did you have a managed network? 

A half second brown out is enough to knock all types of electronics offline. They aren't rated for lesser power and kinda just half go to sleep.  Having a surge protector will not save you from split second brown outs and power loss are still at risk to damage your electronics over time as well. Even those with a backup generator need least a minor backup battery to keep power on in between the kick. The battery isn't about using your TV/music for another 15 minutes but for continued system uptime.

13 hours ago, johnpg said:

So does anyone have a recommendation for an alternative professional solution that works on the Mac, has great Control4 integration, is a true NVR and not cloud-based and can be displayed and controlled on a TV via HDMI? I didn't pay that much for my Luma system compared to everything else in my house, so I'd be willing to replace it to get something meaningfully better. But typically the only alternatives I see are Hikvision, which is basically what I already have since Luma is a Hik re-brand. 

 

1 hour ago, wnpublic said:

Pretty sure there is a paid driver for Unifi Protect - that will get all the cams and notifications into C4.  The NVR software itself is quite good.  One issue is that it's a closed system requiring purchase of their cameras, which are not cheap, and then you're locked in.

Lilin... just pray your NVR doesnt fail. Also no options for integrated POE switches so theres no plug-and-play camera isolation. 

Ubiquity cams are unfortunately overpriced for their performance. 

1 hour ago, Dueport said:

Update 3: digging in more and it appears the acquisition isn’t new it actually happened in 2018. I was completely unaware of this when I went with this solution in August and have been prepping the migration since then. Was pointed out on the other forum that since C4 integration is direct via telnet and the Vera firmware has to be automatically updated then maybe the Control4 integration will last as long as you don’t updated the Vera firmware. Again I worry it will be EOLed and something will be pulled that breaks the integration.  So I would not rely on this going forward. I’ll stick with it for my C4 install tomorrow and then I’ll slowly replace all my switches and dimmers with C4 to avoid this in the future. 

Slowly switch all your dimmers to Lutron so you have a pro lighting system that is supported my many systems incase your expense with Control4 or your dealer ends up less than stellar. 

20 hours ago, zaphod said:

FYI - other than OSD the HC-800 is more capable than the EA-1 in running a C4 system due to a better CPU.  It also has WAY more IO, especially audio outputs. But the video outputs are now pretty much useless.

1.2 GHz dual-core X86 versus single core 1.8GHz

8gb memory vs 4gb 

2gb RAM vs 1gb 

I also used to use my 250/260 to adjust lights on normal basis. 

2 hours ago, ejn1 said:

Hi all,

I'm still very impressed with my wireless switch to Ruckus in my primary home (5000 sq ft,  2x R650's, 1x R720).   I thought I would share a bit on my test in my second home, a 1650 sqft 1 story condo with metal frame construction and concrete floors/ceiling and exterior walls.    I have a Unifi setup here with a centrally located in wall unit cabinet with a UDM Dream Machine with built in wifi, no other AP's installed.   Its a 400Mbps download ISP WAN connection.   On the 5G Unifi, i pretty much get full 4 bar connection in every part of the house with areas getting over 300Mbps download on Iphone11 AC band with max around 350Mbps.   2G is around 50-80Mbps depending location.    I bought a used R610 and flashed to Unleashed and latest 200.9 firmware and max POE spec for the AP.   I'm honestly getting about 10% less on max speed for 5G and maybe 10% more than the UDM on 2G.    I'm actually quite impressed at how well this UDM internal 4x4 wifi built into the Router base unit is performing.   it is basically on par within margin of error and sometimes better on the 5G band than a R610 Ruckus.   Doesn't change how much I like the Ruckus but in my second home I will not be keeping it installed as the Unifi provides an easier solution with cleaner IOS app integration and control.   I will probably bring the R610 back and put in my garage or keep as a backup.   Note:  With a 1 AP setup, I couldnt test handoffs versus the two setups but I'm assuming the Ruckus would have an edge.

I know networks are important to everyone on this forum so thought I would share.

 

UDM pretty much has a FlexHD AP in it... all of their "HD" AP are designed for high performance 5G and lesser about 2.4 networks. You would get about 300Mbps with a second meshed AP..  I'm not a big fan of the UDM but it does have awesome hardware for an all in one unit. 

2 hours ago, BraydonH said:

The UDM is a beast of a unit.

The value it provides for its price point is incredible. I have such a hard time even looking at pak or araknis when this outperforms them for the most part for like 1/4 of the cost.

I think Ruckus is a complete and total waste of money but at least the performance and capabilities are 100% there. I have also used Luxul in a lot of projects because their routers and switches great, APs not so much. I really find zero reason to justify ether SnapAV network brand unless the client wants heavy OVRC options. 

This might be it. 

reboot_driver.c4i

1 minute ago, ILoveControl said:

Thank you once again. I haven't hard reset it but thinking of doing it now tbh

They are no longer plug and play once they are reset. I would not reset it unless you are prepared to go through the steps in the internal 2N config to get it to talk to Control4 again.

What do you mean it works if you delete the driver? 

6 hours ago, lippavisual said:

And for those wondering, Savant's partnership is with the Ring X line, not the existing products you have now.  Also, will require a Savant license.

No. Savant sells RingX directly which does includes the Ring lic. free... they also support a list of previously installed pro, elite and camera options. The purchase of the lic is no different than a purchased C4 driver. 

26 minutes ago, jfh said:

Fair.  But we’re on a C4 forum, so I presume most are pretty committed to Control4.

Probably 50/50... we know how that conversation goes.

"I'd like to buy a smart home system..."

 Ok.

"I have some inexpensive Ring devices already, can that be included in the big expensive system?"

No. You have to replace it with something the exact same. 

"Oh, ok maybe we skip that feature."

4 minutes ago, jfh said:

The Chime wireless version would replace a standard 2wire doorbell as well, so that’s only a Ring advantage for a few weeks.

Agreed...but to do that one would already have to be committed to a Control4 system before hand. 

Just now, jfh said:

I have both the Ring Elite and C4 Chime, both connected by PoE.  The image on the Chime is noticeably crisper/cleaner and the camera has a wider field.  Sound quality (especially live conversation) on the Chime is so much better than the Ring.  (Good to very good vs. poor to unintelligible)

Are you saying that Amazon now has an API that Savant uses to allow local video integration?   If so, that’s a change in direction for them.  They had previously made it clear to developers any access was going to be very limited.

 

I do agree with you that C4 has been slow with integration of video doorbells (ditto garage door openers) that are key components in home automation for many.

I understand your opinion of the Elite. However the general point of the Ring integration would be for standard 2wire doorbell solutions which is how they become popular to begin with. Doorbird would be a more appropriate POE solution IMO if you are designing and not retrofitting. 

Yes, Savant now can use a Ring doorbell to integrate directly into the Savant app and ecosystem, they have also been able to use Doorbird directly for a while. 

The Garage door issue is a problem across the board. With how much Liftmaster/Chamberlin are used... everyone should be planning for hard wired contacts and soldered control. 

1 hour ago, jfh said:

@anon2828your wishes will never happen.
 

C4 Chime history is a lot easier to access than Ring history (and faster).

If you want Echo devices to act as your doorbell Ring is a better choice than Chime.  In every other category Chime is better if you have a C4 system.  And this is coming from someone who is/was a huge Ring fan.

If you do not have a video doorbell today, have C4 and are deciding between a Ring and a Chime, a Chime is the way to go.  Better camera, better integration, local recording and (when you factor in Ring driver cost), less expensive.

You can swipe directly from a live image to categorized recordings with Ring so thats about as easy as it gets. 

The cam quality is not better if you compare the images.

The Pro X is the same price as the Chime, the other Ring doorbells are less expensive. 

C4 does not integrate so obviously if thats important/necessary the Chime is the solution. Same goes with NVR recording. 

Both Savant and C4 use the 2N as its main door station and for most...  purchasing an $1100+ video doorbell when compared to consumer options is laughable so having the Chime as an option now at the $399 price is awesome.

To say that that will never Ring would never happen isn't quite the case. Instead of trying to compete with the consumer priced market the Savant app now fully integrates with Ring doorbell just as the 2N functions. This trend will continue. Control4 has so much versatily with 3rd party devices, it's a shame video doorbell integration in general has been slow when it's one of the standard smart home devices.  

13 minutes ago, jfh said:

Thanks.  The light is in a combo fan/light fixture.  The fan still works.  The C4 switch on the light  is a SW120277 not a dimmer.  I think it’s halogen bulb  but not sure.  If it’s a short in the wire from wall to fixture I’ll have to call an electrician.  My first thing to try is to replace the C4 switch with a dumb switch to see if the bulb actually works, if not change the bulb, then a replacement C4 switch.  I just don’t want to put in a new C4 switch and then have it blow again.

 

So wait.. its a ceiling fan with built in light any nothing else? If the C4 switch still operates the fan the switch is fine. 

Yes they do just go bad sometimes but it could also have been from a short in the wire, fixture or bulb so you might need to test a few things and it will likely involve you at least pulling the switch out of the wall. What is the light that it is controlling? It is indeed a switch and not a dimmer? 

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-use-a-multimeter/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90d6f3ffa5

If you are not decently knowledgable about basic high voltage you might want to talk to your dealer or an electrician. 

39 minutes ago, jfh said:

I have a bathroom fixture that has a C4 switch controlling the light and one controlling the fan.  They each have an LED indicating on and off.

 

I just turned on the light and saw a quick flash of light at the top (on) position of the switch, heard a small pop and noticed the fixture light did not go on.  The on/off LEDs on the switch still illuminate and C4 senses when the switch is on or off so I presume the switch is ok and the ceiling light just burnt out (don’t remember it it is halogen, incandescent or LED).  What concerns me was the quick bright flash.  Can anyone tell me what that could have been and if there is an easy way to tell if the C4 switch is damaged?

Swap out the bulb or get a meter.  I would guess the switch is bad. It's common if they go bad for the load control to no longer function but the intelligence is still there.