Let
RCI Automation help you automate your home
Home Automation Controllers
We specialize in CommStar (RCS) home
automation controllers and JDS Technologies products.
Both JDS Technologies and RCS are well known for its
innovative, high quality products, and outstanding customer
support. We have extensive "hands on" experience
with CommStar controllers and accessories because we not
only sell RCS equipment, we install the equipment as well.
We know what equipment works well together, how to configure
the equipment, and have extensive experience in writing
program code that will integrate the operation of the
equipment.
Why buy RCS or JDS Technologies
products from RCI Automation?
- Extensive "hands on" experience
installing RCS and JDS Technologies products. We can
help you select the right products to accomplish your
objectives because we know how the products actually
work, and what they are capable of.
- Included post-sales installation
and configuration technical support for all of the
products listed on this page.
- We will write custom program code
for your CommStar contorller based on your objectives
and specifications (See Services
section of our website)
- Competitive pricing.
- Valuable programming code
that is included with your CommStar purchase to help you
get started (see
description below).
- Products are special ordered from
JDS or RCS when you place your order with us. This
ensures that you receive the most current hardware,
firmware, software and technical notes with your
products.
- Products are normally shipped
within 48 hours.
Home Automation Controller
Accessories
The home automation controller is the
most important piece of your home automation system.
However, the accessories that you use are also important
because they must be fully compatible to work properly.
We offer a large selection of CommStar accessories that we
have tested for compatibility.
Sample Programming Code
(Now included with the purchase of a
CommStar!)
RCI Automation offers
comprehensive sample programming code (i.e. Schedule with
Events) that will help a CommStar customer to get started
more quickly. While the CommStar is an excellent
home automation controller, it needs carefully written
program code to do the things you want it to do. We
have developed a sample schedule over the past years from
our installation of CommStar systems. It contains over
1000 lines of programming code and contains detailed
descriptions of what the code was written to accomplish.
We have found that some customers find it difficult to get
started with a home automation controller. They have
read all about what the product is capable of doing, but
after purchasing the product now must write the program
code. This can be a daunting task for someone not
familiar with the controller's specific programming
language. We believe that using our sample code as a
guide makes it easier to begin writing your own customized
code.
The customer can open our Schedule using
the supplied WinEVM software and see sample Events with
detailed explanations of what the Events do. Some of
these Events very complex, and some are simple.
We have found that customers have an
easier time beginning to write their own Events after
spending some time reviewing the sample Schedule we provide
at no charge with the purchase of a controller. If you
purchase the sample programming code from us separately
(i.e. without purchasing a contorller), we also offer free
technical support for the implementation of the code in your
environment. Just call us or e-mail us if you have any
questions about it and we will help you implement it in your
system.
System Keypads and other
Control
Interfaces (click on images below for more details)
System keypads and computer screen
interfaces are available for control of your system from
inside your home, or remotely using the Network/Internet
adapter described below.
Network/Internet Adapter
(Web Xpander)
JDS Technologies Web Xpander is a
network adapter that will allow access to CommStar from
remote PCs with a Java enabled browser. The
network card is IP addressable so other computers can "find"
CommStar on your network. The add-on board is
simple to install and comes with all the necessary mounting
hardware and patch cables. This product can also be
used with the legacy Stargate controllers. The Web
Xpander will can also send e-mail when you create events in
your schedule for this purpose. For example, you might
want CommStar to e-mail you a message if the temperature in
your home is more or less than a preset limit.
Access to CommStar via the Web Xpander is password protected
to prevent unauthorized access.
Alarm System Integration
For the home automation enthusiast, we
recommend that a separate alarm panel be used with a
CommStar home automation controller, rather than purchasing
a combined alarm system/home automation controller.
Combined controllers don't offer as much flexibility or
expansion capabilities, with respect to home automation,
compared to a CommStar home automation controller.
However, when using a separate alarm system and home
automation controller it is important that they communicate
well with each other. We offer an alarm system
that provides excellent performance as an alarm system, but
also allows a robust two-way communication link with a
Stargate home automation controller. The two-way link
is established with a single serial (RS-232) connection.
CommStar has 2 unused serial ports available for this type
of task (it really has 3 serial ports but one is used to
connect with a PC for programming). The serial link
allows Commstar access to just about every alarm system
function that can be accomplished using the alarm system
keypad. Also, the alarm system will report alarm
status and zone status to CommStar. This in effect
allows CommStar and the alarm system to share alarm system
components like motion sensors and door contacts. For
example, when the front door alarm system magnetic contacts
open (i.e. door is opened), the alarm system informs
CommStar. CommStar can then react how you wish.
You might have CommStar turn on specific lighting if it is
dark, or you might instruct CommStar to send an e-mail
message to you when the alarm is disarmed. Call us for
current information on the alarm system that would be best
for your needs.
RS-485 8 Channel Relay Controller
This product provides 8 independent SPDT
relays that can be controlled via ASCII commands on the
CommStar RS-485 bus. All the relays can be set to
either latched, pulsed, or momentary operation. You can also
poll the relays for their status, simultaneously send an ON
and a delayed OFF command (great for irrigation control
because you could simultaneously send the relay ON command
and the command to turn OFF the relay 10 minutes later), and
you can send latched, pulsed, or momentary commands to each
relay independently. This product can be placed
anywhere on your CommStar RS-485 network.
Each relay is rated for 5 AMPs at 30 VDC,
or .5 AMP at 125VAC and provides common, normally open, and
normally closed screw terminals. Up to 31 of these
relay controllers can be placed on a CommStar's RS-485 bus.
Each relay channel has a LED to indicate the ON/OFF status
of the relay. Operates on 12VDV with the supplied
power transformer.
All of the products on this
page are
special order items.
Order Product
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