Composer Pro Getting Started Control4 Disclaimer Control4® makes no representations or warranties with respect to this publication, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Control4 reserves the right to make changes to any and all parts of this publication at any time, without any obligation to notify any person or entity of such changes.
Composer Pro Getting Started Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 6 1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 6 1.2 Related Documents and Resources .................................................................................... 6 1.3 Composer Pro Overview ...............
Composer Pro Getting Started 6.2 Introduction to Designing a Control4 System ..................................................................... 90 6.2.1 Purpose of Device Drivers ............................................................................................. 92 6.2.2 Adding Items to the Project Tree ................................................................................... 92 6.2.3 Building a Project in System Design ..................................................
Composer Pro Getting Started 11.5 Example: Using System Design to Add a DVD to the Theater Room............................... 121 11.5.1 Procedure ................................................................................................................ 121 12. Glossary .............................................................................................................................. 123 13. Index ..............................................................................
Composer Pro Getting Started 1. Introduction ® Use the Control4 Composer Professional Edition (Composer Pro) application to design and create projects for the Control4 system. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this document is to give Dealers and Installers instructions, tips, and examples about how to use the Composer Pro application. 1.2 Related Documents and Resources Document file name 1.
Composer Pro Getting Started Composer Professional Edition (Composer Pro) is the software application that Control4 ® Dealers and/or Installers use to design and set up a Control4 system project for home automation in a consumer's home. The software runs on either a Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows Vista computer, and provides a powerful graphical user interface UI (user interface) for object-based programming.
Composer Pro Getting Started automated in the Home-Automation System (site > building > floors > rooms > devices) and the devices that reside in each room. x Create a plan. Creating a plan prior to creating your project in Composer Pro will help make your design go much more smoothly. x Choose the design method to use. Composer Pro provides two (2) methods for building and editing a project.
Composer Pro Getting Started x Mouse x 1 to 2 Ethernet (Category 5 or CAT5) cables x TCP/IP-based (Ethernet) home network. This usually includes a network gateway, router or switch. Note: A Control4 Controller is set by default as a DHCP client. If the home network has a DHCP server in place (such as a router that provides DHCP services), then the Controller automatically receives a valid IP address. 2. x A broadband Internet connection.
Composer Pro Getting Started Follow these guidelines to get started: 1. Create a system specification, and refer to it so you can answer these questions. Tip: You can use the Control4 Installation Planning Worksheet we've prepared for you to assist you with your configuration planning. After you log in to the Dealer portal, you can find the worksheet in Support > Product Information at the bottom of the ‘Accessories’ list. a.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x Use the RJ-45 jack labeled Ethernet on the back of the Controller to connect it to the home network. If successful, the amber LED turns on and the green LED blinks. Read the Installation Guide for your particular Controller to learn about how the LEDs work. Use either a wireless access point (WAP) or Ethernet cable to connect the PC to the home network. 5. Confirm that the Control4 devices are getting network addresses from the gateway, router, or switch.
Composer Pro Getting Started Follow these general steps for existing systems: x For Dealer licenses, purchase, install and activate the licenses. The computer running Composer Pro must be connected to the Internet and the Installer must have a my.control4.com account with a license to run Composer Pro. Activation is required every 30 days. See Managing Dealer Accounts on My.Control4.Com on the Control4 web site for details. x x Install Composer Pro. Register the system and the Controller.
Composer Pro Getting Started Note: If you installed the latest version of Composer on a PC with an older version of Composer, after the update, right-click the My Driver tab and choose Restore Default List. The My Driver list updates. 5. The following screen appears and asks for your Dealer Registration login and password. This assumes that you've already registered on my.control4.com and that you have a 4Sight account.
Composer Pro Getting Started The Composer Pro interface contains menus, panes, a project tree, tabs, and objects. All of these components are explained in this document. 3.1 Composer Pro Startup Options 3.1.1 Start Composer You can start the Control4® Composer Pro application two (2) ways: x Double-click the Composer icon on your desktop (easiest way). x Click Start > All Programs > Control4 > Composer 2.x.x > Composer 2.x.x.
Composer Pro Getting Started The startup screen presents these Director connection options. Click one of the options to access the Composer project and project tree. x x x Virtual Director—Click this option to work on the project if you are disconnected from the network. If you do not have access to the Controller hardware, you can still set up a system using a “Virtual” Director on your PC, and upload the changes later to the Controller.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x x Connect. Lets you connect to the Director that resides on the Controller attached to the local network. Cancel. Cancels and closes the Directors dialog box. Add. Lets you add the Director’s address of the Controller to which you are trying to connect. Refresh. Lets you update the Directors list to display recently-added Directors. 3.1.2 Exit Composer You can exit Composer two (2) ways: x From the startup window (where you start Director), click Exit Composer.
Composer Pro Getting Started Main menu: Composer views: x System Design—Lets you build the project tree and identify the devices to the Control4 system. x Connections—Lets you identify all connections (Room, Control, AV, Network). x x Media—Lets you add and scan stored or broadcast media. Agents—Lets you set up an agent for use in the system and in programming. Agent types: Lighting Scenes, Wakeup, Scheduler, Variables, etc. Agents are explained in the Composer Pro User Guide.
Composer Pro Getting Started This view lets you set up the project tree by defining x x The location of the devices to set up in the project (building). The device you want to include in the project (device objects). x The location of each device by room (room). To access the System Design view, start Composer. Notice the three (3) panes in the screen below: x x System Design (left pane)—Contains the project tree where you build or update the project configuration with locations and device objects.
Composer Pro Getting Started x 3.2.1.1.1 Items (right pane)—Contains the items (or objects) you use to build your project, such as locations (sites, buildings, floors, rooms) and devices (Controller hardware, DVDs, TVs, Receivers, lights, contacts, relays, etc.). If a device is not available in the My Drivers tab of this pane, use the Search tab to search for that device (see the Composer Pro User Guide for information about drivers).
Composer Pro Getting Started Use the project tree to: x Add Locations—Lets you add locations (sites, buildings, and floors) to the project tree. Double-click to select a location item from the Items pane > Locations tab to move location items to the project tree in the System Design pane. If you do not manually add the locations, Composer automatically adds generic locations. x Add Devices—Lets you add devices (lights, VCRs, TVs, Controllers, etc.) and their device driver to the project tree.
Composer Pro Getting Started This window lets you change the configuration parameters (temporarily) and control a device. Later, you can set the parameters permanently in the Properties pane or Programming view. Example: Adjust and test the ramp rate of a Dimmer to determine the desired ramp rate to set during programming. 3.2.1.1.3 Properties Pane In the Control4® Composer Pro System Design view, click the project name (top level name) in the project tree to view the project’s Properties.
Composer Pro Getting Started The project’s Properties appear when you first start Composer Pro, or any time the project name (or root node) is selected in the project tree and the System Design view. This option lets you enter project-specific information, such as the project name, location, zip code, etc. Composer automatically enters the latitude/longitude and date/time information when you provide the location and zip code.
Composer Pro Getting Started Properties Pane Project Properties Category Control4 system. By changing the time here and refreshing Navigators (File > Refresh Navigators), you reset the time on the entire system. However, Control4 systems with access to the Internet automatically synchronize the system clock using Network Time Protocol (NTP). Boxes or Buttons time zone causes the Controller to reboot.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.1.4 Room Properties The Control4® Composer Room Properties (System Design > Room > Properties) are visible when a room is selected in the System Design project tree. The Room Properties pane lets you view room-specific device and media information, and helps you troubleshoot any incorrect room connections. Here, you select Audio or Video Information.
Composer Pro Getting Started Properties Pane — Room Properties Category Box or Button Audio End Point—Lets you see the device in the room that outputs the audio (i.e., in the room). Tip: What is the device that outputs audio in the room? Audio Video Devices tab— Provides information that lets you view all audio devices, control, and network connections in a selected room. Audio Volume—Lets you see the device in the room to control audio volume in that room.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.1.5 Device Properties The Control4® Composer device properties (System Design > device > Properties) are visible when a device is selected in the project tree. This option lets you modify the available user options on the selected device. Properties Pane — Device Properties Category Properties—Lets you modify options (if available) that are common to all devices of that type.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.1.6.1 Procedure To access the List View pane: 1. Start Composer. 2. In the project tree, click any object. 3. In the Properties pane, click the List View tab. 4. You can double-click a device in the List View pane to display its properties. 5. To change the properties of a device, see “Device Properties.” 3.2.1.1.
Composer Pro Getting Started Lists all the devices in a given room, the current state of contact inputs or other devices. You can monitor and control the devices in the selected location of the project tree. Properties Pane — List View When selecting the site, building, floor, room, all of the devices associated in Tab that area are visible. If a device is selected in the project tree, this view shows all devices that are in the same room. 3.2.1.1.
Composer Pro Getting Started The Locations tab displays the list of available objects by their physical location in the home (site, building, floor, or room) that you can add to a project. Use the items in the Locations tab to organize the project tree by area. Example: The Sites object shows which sites (Home, Work, Corporate, etc.) you can add to your project tree as you build your design. 4. Click the My Drivers tab. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started The My Drivers tab displays a list of device drivers you can add to the project tree. This is a list of common Control4 and third-party device drivers. If you can't find the driver you want, go to Step 5. 5. To locate a driver that is not in the common list, click the Search tab. If you can't find the driver you want here, you may need to create your own driver. See the Composer Pro User Guide for details to learn how to use the Search function. See “Search Tab.
Composer Pro Getting Started The Search tab lets you search for drivers that don't appear in the My Drivers tab. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.1.9 My Drivers Tab Use the Control4® Composer My Drivers tab to add Control4 and popular third-party device drivers to the project tree. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.1.9.1 Procedure To access the My Drivers tab: 1. Start Composer. 2. In the project tree, click any object. 3. In the Items pane (right side), click the My Drivers tab. An expandable list of devices for these categories appears: x Controllers x x x x Lighting User Interface Audio/Video Motorization x x Sensors HVAC x x Security IP Cameras x Pool and Spa x Storage 4. Click to expand a category. 5.
Composer Pro Getting Started Local Database (default)—The Local Database radio button lets you view device drivers stored on your local computer. 1. 2. 3. 4. To get the device driver, from the project tree select the room where the device resides. In the Search tab, select the Device Type from the drop-down menu. Select the Manufacturer or All Manufacturers from the drop-down menu. Drag-and-drop or double-click the device driver to add it the project tree. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x x x Online Database—The Online Database radio button lets you view and download devices from the On-Line Database. Follow the same instructions to get this driver as listed above (Local Database). Device Type (required)—Lets you select the device type, such as AV Switch (includes audio switches), Blinds, CD, Disc Changer (includes DVD and CD Changers), DVD, Light, Receiver, Satellite (includes DVRs), Cable TV, Television, Thermostat, Tuner, VCR and more.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x x Sites—Define the project site type. Defines the main location, and identifies the type of system you are designing, such as a residence, commercial, or corporate. Buildings—Place the buildings on the site (House, Building, Office, etc.). Defines the buildings located on the site. For example, a residence might have a separate Garage, Workshop, Shed, or Pool house. A Campus might have a building for each college.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.1.12 Info Pane Use the Control4® Composer Info pane in System Design to view information about the System Owner and Control4 Dealer. Tip: Some of the information you enter here will be added to the Touch Screens or On-Screen Navigators (More > Settings > About) in Release 2.0 and later. For example, the longitude and latitude is used to display the outside temperature on a Touch Screen or On-Screen Navigator. 3.2.1.1.12.1 Procedure To access the List View pane: 1.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x x x Email address Primary Contact Lead Installer Original Install Date x Date of Last Update Installation Notes. Use the Notes box to add any relevant details about this particular installation. 3.2.1.2 Connections View Use the Control4® Composer Connections view to define to the Control4 system the physical connections and addresses of each device added to the Control4 system via the project tree. The connections are added automatically when you add the device. 3.2.
Composer Pro Getting Started x Categories: x x Control Inputs x Room Control Columns: x Name—The name of the device's connection. x Type—The device type, for example, Control Input or Room Control. x Connection—This type varies. x Input/Output—Determines whether the device is for input or output. x Connected To—Shows the actual connection. The bottom pane has several columns: x Device—The name of the device. x x x 3.2.1.2.2 Name—The same name used in the pane above under Name. Location—The room name.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.2.2.1 Procedure To access the Control/AV tab: 1. Start Composer. 2. Click Connections at the bottom of the left pane. 3. In the Connections pane, click the Control/AV tab. 4. The Control/AV tab contains two (2) panes. x The left pane displays the project tree. x The right pane lists the actual device connections. 5.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x Control Outputs—Shows the available output control connection. Room Control—Lists the available room control connections. If the connections you need do not appear, you can edit the driver to create the needed connections. From the Driver menu (in the Composer menu bar), select Edit Existing Driver to open the Driver Wizard, DriverWorks. Note: Editing drivers is an advanced task and is out of the scope for this Composer Pro Getting Started document.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.2.3.1 Procedure To access the Network tab: 1. Start Composer. 2. Click Connections at the bottom of the System Design pane. 3. In the Connections pane, click the Network tab. The Network tab displays the network type, for example, IP Network, along with: x IP Network Connections pane x Available Devices pane The IP Network Connections pane lists all devices for the selected network type.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.3 Media View Use the Control4® Composer Media view to view and select the stored or broadcast media on the Navigators: the Touch Screens, On-Screen, Mini Touch Screen, and System Remote Control. The Media view lets you add media selections to the Control4 system: stored music and media collections from a network-attach storage device (NAS) or other devices such as a Dock for iPod, DVD Player or Disc Changer, broadcasts, channels, and stations.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.3.1 Procedure To access the Media view: 1. Start Composer. 2. Click Media at the bottom of the System Design pane. 3. In the Media pane, view the media devices. In the Media view, the left-side selections change the right-side views.
Composer Pro Getting Started Right-Click Options: x Right-clicking on a device in Stored media or Broadcast media brings up a number of options: x Clear Media List—Use Clear Media List with caution because it clears all media from the device, and for a Controller, you will have to start over by adding each album again. x Export Media List and Export Playlist—Lets you save an XML file of your lists so that if you ever clear your project, you won't have to rebuild the lists.
Composer Pro Getting Started Possible Buttons: One or more of these buttons may appear in the middle pane depending on which category you select: x Edit—Lets you edit the information for an existing album or movie. x New—A dialog box opens. You can add information for a new album or movie, etc. x Delete—Lets you remove an existing item from the list. x x x Add—Lets you add media to your system, for example, MP3, FLAC, or AAC files. Scan—Lets you scan my.control4.com for music.
Composer Pro Getting Started Available agents include: x x x x Announcements Macros Media Scenes Email Notification x Screen Saver x x Timer Video Wall x x Variables Custom Buttons x Lighting Scenes x x x Scheduler Wakeup Custom Buttons Example: The Scheduler agent lets you program using dates and times. See “Programming the System” or “Programming with Agents” in the Composer Pro User Guide for definitions and examples.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.5 Programming View Use the Control4® Composer Programming view to have the Control4 system control devices by identifying to the system any device behavior or configuration options that you want to occur automatically. The Programming view lets you create a program script using the drag-and-drop method. Note: Programming is an advanced function of Composer Pro. Detailed information about programming in this view is explained in the Composer Pro User Guide.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.5.1.1 Procedure To access the Programming view: 1. Start Composer. 2. Click Programming at the bottom of the System Design pane. 3. In the Programming pane, view the list of Device Events (see below) and events for the object selected. The Programming view consists of several panes: x Device Events—Displays all devices that have associated events in the project tree.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x 3.2.1.5.2.1 Go—Use this menu to access the various Composer Pro views, including System Design (Ctrl+1), Connections (Ctrl+2), Media (Ctrl+3), Agents (Ctrl+4), and Programming (Ctrl+5). Tools—Use this menu to view Network Tools, System Manager, System Diagnostics, Account Manager, and Update Manager. Help—Use this menu to view Composer Pro help and version information. File Menu Access the Control4® Composer File menu from the menu bar on any Composer Pro screen.
Composer Pro Getting Started The following options are available: x Clear Project—Removes any project configuration from the hard drive on the Controller. Composer prompts for a backup before erasing the project configuration information to present a blank project. Use this option with caution. x Load Project—Loads a selected project into the currently-connected Controller.
Composer Pro Getting Started The media has been scanned or manually added to the Media Database. After you add an item to the Media Database, the Cover Art and information about the media can be viewed and selected from any of the Navigators (Touch Screens, list and On-Screen Navigators, etc.). x x x x x The following options are available: Clear Media List—Clears the media list of the selected device from the Media Database.
Composer Pro Getting Started the same model, you can modify the driver for the model you need. See “Create, Copy and Edit Driver Wizards.” x Edit Existing Driver—Launches the Driver Wizard and lets you modify an existing driver. This is mostly for testing purposes. After you create a driver, you can test the driver by adding it to the Control4 system to see if it functions correctly. The Edit feature allows you to make modifications when necessary. See “Create, Copy and Edit Driver Wizards.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x x Delete—Lets you delete a driver from the Local Driver Database. My Drivers—Lets you add the selected driver to the My Drivers list. In the Manage Drivers dialog, you select a device or use the Shift (to add multiple drivers) or Ctrl keys (to add multiple drivers all in a row). Notes—Lets you add notes about your drivers. Exit—Lets you exit the Manage Drivers dialog.
Composer Pro Getting Started From the Go menu, you can access the various Composer Pro views: System Design (Ctrl+1), Connections (Ctrl+2), Media (Ctrl+3), Agents (Ctrl+4), and Programming (Ctrl+5). The following options are available: x System Design—Lets you build the project tree and identify the devices in the Control4 system. Access this view with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+1. x Connections—Lets you identify all connections (Room, Control, AV, Network).
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x 3.2.1.5.5 System Diagnostics—Assists you in gathering system information to help you determine if any issues encountered are configuration problems, performance issues, or potential defects. The System Diagnostics tool is valuable also for logging information and sending email to Control4 Technical Support. See “System Diagnostics.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x Green—Indicates that an address is identified and the device is online. For example, a Dimmer is identified and communicating to the Control4 system. Yellow—Indicates that an address is identified and the device is offline. For example, if the System Remote Control goes to sleep, the status turns Yellow. This indicates that the System Remote Control has been identified, but it is offline. Activate the device so it can communicate to the Control4 system.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.5.5.2 ZigBee Network Tab You can view the ZigBee network items three (3) ways using these radio buttons: x Room Tree—Takes the devices that are in the project and lists them. x Routing Tree—Takes the devices from the ZigBee server. A device may display several times; there may be many ways that ZigBee communicates with a device and all of those are listed. If you select the Routing Tree view and nothing appears, the ZigBee devices are not communicating.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.5.5.3 EmberNet Upgrade Tab (Release 1.8.0 and later) This shows the EmberNet Upgrade Controller which is used when you upgrade from Release 1.7.4 to 1.8.2. 3.2.1.5.6 System Manager Dialog From the Control4® Composer Tools menu view network addresses and system status. Select the System Manager dialog to access the following tabs: x Network—Shows the status under Active Interface, IP Address, and DNS Servers.
Composer Pro Getting Started x 3.2.1.5.7 Status—Shows the Server Name and Status which shows whether the device is enabled. The Disable and Enable buttons let you select a device to disable or enable. System Diagnostics From the Control4® Composer Tools menu, access the System Diagnostics screens. Use these screens to help you diagnose system problems and activity. x Controller Performance Tab—Lets you view Controller performance information, including CPU and memory usage.
Composer Pro Getting Started Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started x Controller Networking Tab—Lets you view Controller networking information, including network type, connection status, MAC address, IP address, Subnet mask, Gateway, DHCP status, and DNS server information. x Test Internet Connection Button—Lets you test the current Internet connection. After viewing, click Close to exit the dialog box. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started x System Info Tab—Lets you view system information in a tree view. Click Save To File to save this information. x Logging Tab—Lets you log system problems. x Click Start Logging to log information. You can check the items to log and click Start. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x x 3.2.1.5.8 Click Stop Logging when you no longer want to log information. Click Open Controller Log to view the log file. Click Auto Scroll Output to scroll through the log entries. Account Services From the Control4® Composer Tools menu, select Account Services to set up a my.control4.com account and register a Controller, remove a Controller from registration, or check in for a service connection. 3.2.1.5.8.1 Procedure To register a Controller: 1.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3. (Optional) To remove a Controller from registration, click Unregister. Click Close. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started You can also check the current account status, and establish a service connection. x x x x 3.2.1.5.9 Controller Registration. Current Status. Enable or disable Remote Access. Service Connection. Click Check In to establish a connection for service. Update Manager To continue to improve our products, periodically the Control4® team needs to develop updated versions of Composer and Director and provide those updates to you. Use Update Manager to update your Composer software.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.5.9.1 Procedures To update Director: 1. From the Tools menu, select Update Manager. 2. Click Update. 3. Click Begin Update. To update the system software: 1. Click Update to update the system. After you begin the updates, you cannot modify your project. Do not remove any power cords or Ethernet cables until the updates are completed. You can have an email message sent to you when the update completes to notify you when you can modify the project again.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. Click Cancel Pending to cancel the device downloads. This action cancels a download from the device. Note: You cannot cancel an update after the update has begun. 3.2.1.5.10 Help Menu From the Control4® Composer Pro Help menu, you can x Access the online Help topics, Index, and Search function for Composer Pro Getting Started. x Access the online Web Help topics for Composer Pro User Guide.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.7 Accessing Properties from the Project Tree You can use the Control4® Composer Pro Properties pane to view: 3.2.1.7.1 x x x x Devices Connections Status information Project or customer information x Configuration information for devices and rooms Procedure To access Properties from the project tree: 1. After adding the device and making the connections, select the device from the project tree in the System Design view. 2.
Composer Pro Getting Started The project’s Properties appear when you first start Composer Pro, or any time the project name (or root node) is selected in the project tree and the System Design view. This option lets you enter project-specific information, such as the project name, location, zip code, etc. Composer automatically enters the latitude/longitude and date/time information when you provide the location and zip code. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started Properties Pane Project Properties Category Project Name—Lets you enter/edit the name of the project. Location—Lets you look up a location’s latitude and longitude based on city, state, country, etc. Boxes or Buttons N/A Latitude/Longitude—Lets the system calculate from the entered zip code, the local latitude and longitude coordinate information. Knowing location information lets the system calculate local sunrise and sunset times.
Composer Pro Getting Started Properties Pane Project Properties Category Boxes or Buttons Navigator. Ensure that the user knows the system password in case this ever happens. If the Navigator knows about the password, the password prompt doesn't appear. Note 2: All Navigators that support the older graphical UI will not be required to connect through the secure connection. Localization—Lets you set the locale and character set for countries outside the Unites States.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.11 Removing Items from the Project Tree Use the Control4® Composer Pro project tree in System Design to remove devices, rooms, buildings, etc. 3.2.1.11.1 Procedure To remove items from the project tree or other lists in a Composer project: 1. Right-click the item to remove in the project tree, and select Delete. 2. Click Yes to confirm. 3.2.1.12 Renaming Items in the Project Tree Use the Control4® Composer Pro project tree in System Design to rename items. 3.2.1.12.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.13.1 Procedure To clear out a project: From the File menu, select Clear Project to erase the project configuration information. 3.2.1.14 Exiting Composer Use the Exit command to close Control4® Composer Pro. 3.2.1.14.1 Procedure To exit Composer: 1. From the File menu, select Exit. 2. Composer asks you if you want to back up your configuration information. Note: Control4 recommends that you always save a backup copy of your configuration. 3.2.1.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.16 Loading a Project’s Configuration from a Computer to a Controller Use the Control4® Composer Pro software Connect to Director to load configuration information. 3.2.1.16.1 Procedure To load the project configuration from a computer to the Controller hardware: 1. Verify that your PC and the Controller are connected to the same network. 2. From the Startup screen, click Director on Local Network, or from menu bar, click File > Connect to Director (see below).
Composer Pro Getting Started 3. From the File menu, select Load Project. 4. Click Yes when prompted to back up the project. Browse and select the project file. Example: SmithProject.c4p 5. When you see the new project displayed in the System Design view, the project is loaded to the Controller, and you are connected. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.17 Backing Up a Composer Pro Project Use the Control4® Composer Pro File menu to back up your project. The File menu in the Composer screens provides the following options for backups: x Backup—Backs up the current project to your PC. The first time you back up, it prompts you for a filename. It also prompts you to back up any media information. If you choose this option, the current project becomes an option in the File > Load Project list.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3.2.1.19 Backing Up a Project's Configuration and Media Use Control4® Composer Pro to back up project information. When connected to the Controller, changes are immediate. 3.2.1.19.1 Procedure To save a project configuration to your computer, and then use the Backup and Backup As options: 1. From the File menu, select Backup. 2. Type a filename to back up the project, or use the same name if you prefer. 3.2.1.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. Connecting to a Director Each Control4® Controller (for example, a Home Controller HC-500) ships with pre-installed Director software. The Director communicates with Control4 and third-party products to enable Home Automation so devices can communicate with each other and Director. To configure or update a Control4 system, start Composer Pro and connect to a Director.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3. Remote Director—A remote live connection to the Controller over the Internet (the PC is outside the network firewall). Changes to the system are effective immediately. Choose this option to use an Internet connection to the home network. Note: You can do everything as if you were hooked up to the Local Network using this method. Choose a connection option, and then refer to following sections for specific instructions about how to connect. 4.
Composer Pro Getting Started The System Design view appears by default. 4.2 Connecting to a Director on a Local Network When you connect to a Control4® Composer Pro Local Director, you are making 'live' changes on the Controller. Every time you connect to that Director, you see your project configuration. Tip: You also have the option to make a backup of the project on your computer by using the Backup As or Backup option from the File menu to save the project file.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4.2.1 Procedure To connect to a Director locally: 1. From the desktop, double-click the Composer x.x.x icon. 2. At the Composer startup screen, click Director on Local Network. Local Director connects you to the home network while working in Composer Pro. 3. From the Director dialog box, choose the Director’s network address for the Controller you are setting up, and then click Connect. 4. Make a note of the network’s IP address.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4.3 Setting Up Remote Access Use a Control4 Navigator to set up Remote Access. This feature lets you access your Control4 system for updates using the Internet from a remote location. Note: You can also set up Remote Access when you create an account at my.control4.com. 4.3.1 Prerequisites 1. Register the system at my.control4.com. 2. Control4 recommends that a 4Sight subscription be set up for remote access (subscription sold separately). 3.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4.4 Connecting to a Director Using Remote Access If you connect to a Control4® Composer Remote Director, you are making “live” changes to a remote system Controller, where changes are communicated over an Internet connection rather than a local network connection. This type of connection is not available, however, until the initial configuration and registration are completed.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3. From the Director dialog, choose the Director’s network address of the Controller hardware you are setting up, and click Connect. Choosing the Local Director is essential to Remote Access setup, as it defines to the system the Controller you want to use to log into the Remote Access service. Perform this step at the same physical location as the Controller to give you Remote Access to that system. If necessary, click Add to add the address manually. 4.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x Activate a 4Sight Internet Services subscription for a continuous connection. Establish a temporary connection using the Check In option. For detailed instructions about configuring Remote Access, see “Registering the Control4 System” and “Setting Up a 4Sight Subscription.” 6. From the File menu, click Exit to exit Composer. 4.4.3 Connecting Using Remote Access To connect to Remote Director: 1.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. When the Select Remote Account dialog box appears, select the account you want to access, and click Connect. If the account name doesn't appear under MyControl4 Account Name, click Add to add the account name, and click OK in the dialog box that appears. This is the Account Name you created during registration at my.control4.com. After you do this, repeat Step 4. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started 5. When the Connect to dialog box appears, enter the User Email Address and Password, and then click Connect. The next screen shows that your account, the User Email Address, and the Password are being verified. This may take several minutes to complete as it is accesses a remote connection. When authenticated and connected through the MyControl4 Remote Access Service, a list of Directors available for connection appears. 6.
Composer Pro Getting Started 5. Ensuring that Director and Composer Are Compatible Verify that the Control4® Controller software (called Director) and the Composer software are on the same version before beginning to design a project, or any time you use Composer to ensure the best communication between the two. In the Composer menu bar, click Help > About Composer. From the dialog that appears, compare the Composer and Director version numbers.
Composer Pro Getting Started 6. Designing the Control4 System Become familiar with the Control4® Composer design options before you start to build your first project and project tree. The project tree represents the hierarchy of locations (sites, buildings, floors, and rooms) AND devices in each room. You will add all types of controllable devices to the Control4 system, including audio/video, multi-room audio, lighting, motorization, sensors, relays, and other devices.
Composer Pro Getting Started x Customize the behavior of the devices in Composer and on the Navigators. To customize the devices for specific functions, you program events and actions, Lighting Scenes, agents, and so on for your customers' needs. Many custom functions can be performed on the Touch Screens and On-Screen Navigators. See the Control4 System User Guide and Control4 Quick Start Guide (OS 2.0) for more information.
Composer Pro Getting Started x Customize the Navigators. You complete the registration process and enable Remote Access. You can work with your customers also to set up screen savers and other custom functions on their Navigators. 6.2.1 Purpose of Device Drivers Every device in the Control4® system needs a corresponding device driver so the device can be controlled by the Control4 system.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x Zip Code/Postal Code: In Lookup, enter the homeowner’s zip code. Latitude and Longitude: Populated automatically when you enter a zip code or postal code. x Date: Update as needed. x Time: Update as needed. 3. Click to select the project tree. 4. Add the locations to the project tree, including sites, buildings, floors, and rooms. Composer requires this location hierarchy: Site > Building > Floor > Room. The devices will be added to the rooms later.
Composer Pro Getting Started 5. Click the room and add the devices. For example, add the Controller in a room of the project tree. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the devices you select have exact and meaningful titles; for example, “Wireless Dimmer” could be renamed to East Wall Wireless Dimmer for easy recognition later. If you have several devices, such as Wireless Dimmers, in the same room give them a unique name.
Composer Pro Getting Started 6. Add the Control4 lighting devices and Navigators to the selected room if they reside there. Example: Add the following devices to the Theater room a. Double-click Wireless Dimmer, then rename it to Dimmer. b. Double-click Wireless Switch, then rename it to Light Switch. c. Double-click Wireless Outlet Switch, then rename it to TV Outlet Switch. (This will be used to control the power on a TV that uses an On/Off toggle switch.) d. Double-click System Remote Control. e.
Composer Pro Getting Started 7. Add all applicable audio and video devices to the selected room. Here are three examples to follow. Example: Add a Receiver to the Theater room a. Select the Theater room in the project tree. b. Double-click Receiver in the Audio/Video section of the My Drivers tab. A dialog box displays with Local Database selected, and the Receiver drivers that are currently available in the Local Database. c. Choose the Receiver’s manufacturer and model.
Composer Pro Getting Started Example: Add a TV to the Theater room a. Select the Theater room in the project tree. b. Double-click Television in the Audio/Video section of the My Drivers tab. A dialog box displays with Local Database selected, and the TV drivers currently available in the Local Database. c. In the dialog box, choose Online Database, choose the manufacturer Samsung, and then double-click TX-P1430[IR].
Composer Pro Getting Started c. In the My Drivers tab under Sensors (scroll down), double-click Door Contact Sensor. 9. Add an HVAC, if available, to the selected room. x Add a Security Panel, if available, to the selected room. x Add an IP Camera, if available, to the selected room. x x x Add a Pool and Spa Controller, if available, to the selected room. Add Network File Storage, if available, to the selected room. Repeat Steps 6–8 as needed for each room. 10.
Composer Pro Getting Started Here are some suggestions: 1. If you haven't done so yet, take the 'Tech 1 Training' class provided by Control4. Go to training@control4.com for information. 2. Sign up for the Control4 Online Training sessions. 3. Check out the Control4 Troubleshooting Guides, Best Practices and other materials at http://www.control4.com/training/dealer/Samples.zip. 4. Check the Control4 Knowledgebase and Dealer Forums. 5.
Composer Pro Getting Started x x Connect and identify the devices to the network. In the Composer project, you identify all physical connections to the system, including control, AV (audio, video), network, and other connections. You can use Interviewer to complete this task, or go to the Connections view in Composer. Register the system at my.control4.com. Control4 recommends that you register each system you install at my.control4.com so you can maintain the system software using the online downloads.
Composer Pro Getting Started 6.2.4.4 Using the Interviewer Wizard to Build a Project The Control4® Interviewer wizard in Composer is the easiest way to guide you through the setup of a project for a Control4 system. The Interviewer wizard is helpful if it is your first time setting up a Control4 system, or if you want to ensure that you set up your project using all of the available options.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3. Follow the on-screen instructions in Interviewer, and respond to the questions as the wizard builds and configures your Control4 system. 4. Be prepared to provide the following system information: x Devices in each room that need to be added x Device model numbers x Types of connections (cabling) between devices 6.2.4.
Composer Pro Getting Started 6.2.4.5.1 Procedure To use Composer Views: 1. Start Composer and connect to a Director. 2. The System Design view appears by default. Notice that the System Design, Properties and Items panes appear in the screen. Each view has its own set of panes. 3. If you're unfamiliar with views, review the following sections to learn about each of the views, and then see “Examples Using System Design.” 7. Making and Testing the Connections 7.
Composer Pro Getting Started 7.2 Testing the Device Connections When you test a Control4® device connection, you are ensuring that the connection is successful so you don't encounter any problems with devices not functioning later on. You must perform this action for customer satisfaction. For information about identifying devices and device connections, see the Composer Pro User Guide.
Composer Pro Getting Started 8.1 Register the System at my.control4.com Control4 recommends that you register each Control4 system you install at my.control4.com to maintain the system software easily through online downloads. Only registered systems can use all of the media services available. You must register the Controller, and then register online at my.control4.com. Note: The online registration process completes both of these requirements. System registration, which includes setting up a my.
Composer Pro Getting Started 3. Complete the Create New Account form for the user according to the instructions on the page, and then record the Account Name, Email Address and Password for the user’s future reference. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. Click Create Account to create an account for this Control4 system. 5. On the Complete Registration page, click Yes. Note: If you click No, you cannot scan media in the system, and you must complete the registration at a later time. 6. On the Controller Registration Confirmation page, copy the 10-digit registration code displayed in the Account Services page in Composer (see next step). This code is time-sensitive and must be used within 10 minutes.
Composer Pro Getting Started 8.1.2 Register the System Through a Touch Screen or On-Screen Navigator 8.1.2.1 Procedure IMPORTANT: To complete the registration through a Navigator, the Navigator must be installed, connected to a Controller, and identified in the system. To use a Navigator to set up a my.Control4.com account and register this system: 1. Go to my.control4.com. 2. Click Create Account. 3.
Composer Pro Getting Started 11. (Optional) While you are here, you may want to enable Remote Access. Select Remote Access > Enable. This allows Control4 access for system updates and is a required step in enabling user remote access (which also requires a 4Sight subscription, sold separately). If you do not have a 4Sight subscription, you can enable remote access when you do. 8.2 Setting Up a 4Sight Subscription Use the Internet to set up a 4Sight subscription.
Composer Pro Getting Started 8.3.1 Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Composer Pro must be installed or updated to OS 2.0, and a 4Sight subscription must be set up. A valid Dealer account must be set up. Valid Dealer sub-accounts that the Dealer account manages. Access to my.control4.com. You can find comprehensive information about this subject in the Control4 Knowledgebase. Search for TechDoc00024 Managing Dealer Accounts in my.control4.com. 9. What’s New in Release 2.
Composer Pro Getting Started x 9.2 Certified drivers list. When browsing the Online or Local Database in Composer, the Installer can now distinguish which drivers have been certified by Control4. New or Updated Sections x The Composer and Composer-related documents have been updated and restructured for the Control4 OS 2.0 to make it easier for you to get to the information you need more quickly. Most sections are now available in Web Help or PDF on the Control4 web site as listed below.
Composer Pro Getting Started x Pool Controller. The Flash-based Navigator UI for pool control is not completed in OS 2.0, although the drivers and proxies remain in place in Composer. If this is important, keep at least one of the older Navigators in your new system for this purpose. x USB Restore or USB Install. Because an Internet connection is required, these USB utilities are not supported in OS 2.0. Use the 1.7.x or 1.8.2 versions of these utilities. After a restore, you can update to OS 2.
Composer Pro Getting Started The advanced sections give you specific details about: x x Setting Up Media Creating Device Drivers x Making Connections x x x Verifying Connections Configuring Devices Configuring Properties x x x x x Basic Programming Advanced Programming Customizing Navigators Installing Devices Troubleshooting the System x Sample Projects 10.
Composer Pro Getting Started 11.2.1 Procedure To use the Composer System Design view: 1. Start Composer and connect to a Director. 2. Click System Design. To add the devices: 3. Add the Controller to the Theater room in the project tree. When setting up a system, first add the Controller to the list. You must attach a Controller to every television you want added to the Control4 system. In the project tree, choose the room (Theater) where you want the devices with the Controller to reside.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. Add Lighting and User Interface devices to the Theater. Example: Select Theater in the project tree. In the My Drivers tab, do the following: a. In Lighting > Light, double-click Wireless Dimmer, and then rename to Dimmer. b. In Lighting > Light, double-click Wireless Switch, and then rename to Light Switch. c. In Lighting > Light, double-click Wireless Outlet Switch, and then rename to Television Outlet Switch. d. In User Interface, double-click System Remote Control. e.
Composer Pro Getting Started 6. Add a Television to the Theater. a. In Motorization, double-click Motorized Screen. b. In Sensors, double-click Door Contact Sensor. Example: Add the Television to the Theater room. To add, select Theater in the project tree. From the My Drivers tab, do the following: a. In Audio/Video, double-click Television. b. In the dialog box that appears, choose Online Database, choose the manufacturer Samsung, and then double-click TX-P1430[IR].
Composer Pro Getting Started Example: From the My Drivers tab, add a Motorized screen and a Door Contact Sensor to the Theater room from the Online Database. To add, select Theater in the project tree. In the My Drivers tab, do the following: a. In Motorization, double-click Motorized Screen. b. In Sensors, double-click Door Contact Sensor. 11.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. Add a Receiver to the Theater. To add, select Theater in the project tree. From the My Drivers tab, do the following: a. In Audio/Video, double-click Receiver. b. In the dialog box that appears, choose Online Database, choose the manufacturer Harmon Kardon, and then double-click AVR230[IR]. Notice that the driver is added to the project tree. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started 11.4 Example: Using System Design to Add a TV to the Theater Room The following sample project steps you through the creation of a Control4® project using the Composer Pro System Design view. This example assumes that you've already started creating a project that includes a Theater room. 11.4.1 Procedure To use the Composer System Design view: 1. Start Composer and connect to a Director. 2. Click System Design. To add the devices: 3.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. Add a Television to the Theater. a. In the Items pane > MyDrivers tab under Motorization, double-click Motorized Screen. b. In Sensors, double-click Door Contact Sensor. c. In Audio/Video, double-click Television. d. In the dialog box that appears, choose Online Database, choose the manufacturer Samsung, and then double-click TX-P1430[IR]. Notice that the driver is added to the project tree.
Composer Pro Getting Started 11.5 Example: Using System Design to Add a DVD to the Theater Room The following sample project steps you through the creation of a Control4® project using the Composer Pro System Design view. This example assumes that you've already started creating a project that includes a Theater room. 11.5.1 Procedure To use the Composer System Design view: 1. Start Composer and connect to a Director. 2. Click System Design. To add the devices: 3.
Composer Pro Getting Started 4. Add more audio/video devices to the Theater. To add, select Theater in the project tree. From the My Drivers tab, do the following: a. In Audio/Video, double-click DVD. b. In the dialog box that appears, choose Online Database, choose the manufacturer Samsung, and then double-click DVD HD841[IR]. Notice that the driver appears in the project tree. Copyright © 2010 Control4. All Rights Reserved.
Composer Pro Getting Started 12. Glossary 4 4Sight: An Internet service that provides a connection to the Home-Automation System any time and from any place worldwide. A AAC: Advanced Audio Coding. A successor to the MP3 format. A standard, lossy compression and encoding scheme for digital audio. Touts better sound quality. action: An activity that occurs when an event prompts it to do so.
Composer Pro Getting Started DHCP: DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A protocol used between a network client and a DHCP server (usually a router or access point) that dynamically assigns IP addresses from a predefined list to clients on a network. Director: Each Control4 Controller (such as a Home Controller HC-500) ships with pre-installed Director software (Linux based) embedded in the device.
Composer Pro Getting Started Linux: An operating system used by several Control4 devices. List Navigator: A System Remote Control device uses a Navigator that lists the options. Live Connection: A term used in Composer Pro to indicate an actual connection to the network.
Composer Pro Getting Started serial-controlled device: Serial-controlled devices with an RS-232 interface and control protocol often have a higher level of controllability than IR-controlled devices. Examples of serial-controlled devices are projectors, multi-disc DVD changers, etc. switch: An extension of a router that adds more Ethernet ports to support additional devices or clients on the local network.
Composer Pro Getting Started Z ZigBee: A wireless network that uses bi-directional wireless mesh network technology to transfer messages from one device to another. Unlike a star network topology where devices can only send messages to each other by sending them first to a single central device (which then delivers the message to the recipient device), a mesh network topology allows the devices to forward messages from one device to another, thereby extending the effective range of the network.
Composer Pro Getting Started 13.
Composer Pro Getting Started Controller, 7 Controller registration, 8 Controller, Digital Audio, 44 Controller, playlists, 44 Controller, remove from registration, 66 Copy Existing Driver option, 53 Copyright, 2 Create New Driver option, 53 Create plan, 99 Create variables and agents system design, 93 Customize Navigators system design, 93 Dealer information, 37 Delete Playlist, 52 Design project connect devices, 92 programming, 92 Design system, 91 Device Actions pane, 49 Device connection status, Tools m
Composer Pro Getting Started Green icon, Network Tools dialog, 58 Hard disk space, 9 Hardware not supported, 112 Hardware, connect, 104 Hardware, install, 9 Help menu, 50 Help options, 69 Home network requirements, 9 Import DVD List from File, 52 Import Media List, 45, 52 Import Playlist, 45 Import Playlists, 52 Info pane, 37 Install hardware, 9 Installation guidelines, 10 Installation Notes, 38 Installation, Composer Pro, 12 Installation, software, 11 Internet connection, 9 Interviewer, 101 Interviewer wi
Composer Pro Getting Started Program events and actions, 101 system design, 92 Programming view, 17, 48 Programming view, from Go menu, 56 Programming, actions and events, 48 Project configuration information, 50 Project configuration, back up, 79 Project design methods, 8 Project information, Properties pane, 70 Project properties, 22 Project Properties, 69, 72 Project Settings, 23 Project tree, 8 add items to, 93 Project, back up, 78 Project, clear, 74 Properties pane, 18, 21, 70, 101 Properties pane, ca
Composer Pro Getting Started TCP/IP, 7, 9 Technical Support, contact, 114 Test connection, 105 Third-party devices, install, 10 Timezone, 22 Tools menu, 12, 50, 56 UHF/VHF, 44, 98, 121 Update Manager, 12, 67 Update Manager option, Tools menu, 57 Update system, 68 Upgrade Composer Pro, 11 USB drive, 44 User interface, 7 Variables, 101 Video End Point, 25 Video resolution, 9 Virtual Director, 15, 80 WAP, 9 Windows 7, 7 Windows Media Player, 43 Windows Vista, 7 Windows XP, 7 Wireless Access Protocol, 9 XM, 4
