CommStar-IP
CommStar-IP is a powerful integrated automation system that centralizes control of lighting, security, heating/cooling, home theater, audio/video, pool/spa, irrigation, and much more while maintaining the ability to control these systems manually.
It can be operated in a variety of ways including: Touch Screen, Smartphone, Pocket PC/PDA, LCD Keypad, LED Keypad, IR remote, X-10 controller, computer, ascii, digital inputs, time/event schedule and by voice (using a computer with voice recognition software).
CommStar-IP adds comfort, convenience, security and saves time and energy throughout a home or business.
HOMERUNNER
The Ultimate User Interface
HomeRunner is a powerful user interface program designed to control CommStar-IP from a touch screen pc (such as the i440T) and/or any computer on the network.
Creating with HomeRunner is so fast and easy, you'll be up and running in minutes! A right click of the mouse gives you access to all editing functions for adding or changing backgrounds, defining button attributes and sizing control spots. Use the included graphics, photos, imported images from the internet or create your own. Any picture can be easily turned into an interactive user interface. Let your imagination go wild. You'll even dare to call the whole process fun!
WIRELESS POCKET PC TOUCH SCREEN CONTROL
Pocket WebX is an optional graphic user interface program designed specifically for controlling CommStar-IP from a Wi-Fi enabled PDA (Pocket PC). It operates comfortably without a stylus by simply touching any of the defined button images with your fingertip. You can even use it at airports, on cruise ships, and other public places with Wi-Fi "hot spots" for control of your home or business while traveling!
Pocket WebX can also be used on notebooks, laptops, web pads and desktop computers for similar control from anywhere on the network or via the internet! It can be placed on your pc desktop next to your workspace for convenient control of your TV, music, thermostat, etc. while working or surfing the internet. Multiple pages can be spread across your desktop for instant access to various system functions on a single screen (lighting, A/V, thermostats, security, etc.).
MULTI-MENU LCD KEYPAD
The LCD-96M Multi-Menu LCD Keypad provides menu-driven control of the entire CommStar-IP system. From any keypad you can select modes (home/away/vacation), adjust lighting scenes, open/close the garage, arm/disarm the alarm system, adjust thermostats, control the home theater, audio and video components, run the sprinklers, set wake-up times, send messages, schedule reminders, monitor system activity and much more.
Each keypad stores up to 96 user-defined menus which can be individually customized with text and graphics for easy operation, plus predefined menus for thermostats, security, variables and time-labels. The LCD-96M also has 3 LED's which can be used as signals or status indicators. Up to 16 each LCD-96M keypads can be connected to CommStar-IP's RS-485 network using catagory-5 cable.
LED KEYPAD
For areas that only require several control functions, the LED-7B Keypad provides 7 programmable push-buttons, each with an LED indicator and label, that can be individually programmed to control any system function such as lighting scenes, motorized blinds, garage doors, audio/video, etc. Up to 16 each LED-7B keypads can be connected to CommStar-IP's RS-485 network using catagory-5 cable.
Each of the 7 buttons can be defined to control a light (X-1o/UPB/ALC) or a specific Then Macro. When defined as a light control button, the associated LED will indicate the status of that lighting address, regardless of the origin of the command. When defined as a 'Then Macro', the associated LED can be controlled independently by the schedule to turn on, off or blink.
The faceplate can be easily removed to give access to the designation labels. Labels can be customized for any application and printed on any printer. Different colors and/or graphics can be used to easily identify specific buttons.
LIGHTING
CommStar-IP supports all X-10 compatible and UPB dimmers, switches and modules with 32 dim levels, allowing elaborate lighting scenes and scheduled routines to be implemented without special wiring. Complete systems with up to 256 different lighting loads can be retrofitted into existing homes or businesses at a fraction of the cost of comparable wired systems.
For wired lighting control, CommStar-IP also supports ALC dimmers and switches from OnQ via its ALC port and Lutron HomeWorks lighting systems via RS-232, allowing it to trigger any Lutron scene and respond to Lutron keypads.
HOME THEATER, AUDIO & VIDEO
CommStar-IP's optional InfraRed Xpander integrates control of TVs, stereos, home theater and other infrared-operated components. Custom routines can be programmed to turn on power, select sources (am/fm, tv, vcr, cd, etc.), switch channels, set volume levels, and even close the drapes and dim the lights - all at the touch of a button or at preset times!
In addition to issuing IR commands, CommStar-IP can respond to learned IR commands, allowing any IR remote to be used as a controller. For instance, pressing the "power" button on your tv remote can also dim the lights and close the drapes. Unused remote control buttons can be assigned specific CommStar-IP functions. IR wrist watches (Casio, etc.) can even be used as convenient inputs to CommStar-IP.
The InfraRed Xpander connects to CommStar-IP auxiliary expansion port. It stores up to 500 IR commands which can be issued to any of its four zoned emitter outputs. Each output can directly control a component or feed an amplified connecting block to control an entire system or room full of components. Optional Power Status Sensors can be connected to sense on/off status of TV's, VCR's, receivers, etc. and keep the audio/video system in sync with CommStar, regardless of how the components are controlled. They can also be used to trigger events such as monitoring TV usage. A unique IR sequence feature allows events to be triggered based on a sequence of received IR commands.
For example, pressing the TV mute button 3 times within 5 seconds can dim the lights.
HEATING & COOLING
CommStar-IP has built-in support for RCS communicating thermostats to allow management of heating and cooling systems. RCS thermostats connect to CommStar-IP's RS-485 network.
Up to 32 thermostat zones can be managed automatically by CommStar-IP or controlled manually via computer touch screens, PDAs, IR remotes, over the internet or via modem. Up to 16 thermostat zones can be monitored and controlled from any LCD-96M keypad. Temperature and humidity sensors can also be incorporated to monitor additional zones and their readings displayed on any LCD-96M keypad.
SECURITY
CommStar-IP directly supports the GE-Caddx NX series alarm panels (NX-4, NX-6, NX-8 and NX-8E) via a single RS-232 serial connection. CommStar-IP can also be interfaced with virtually any other wired alarm panel (via relays and digital inputs) to allow remote arming and disarming, energy management and automation based on room activity and occupancy.
When at home, with the alarm system disarmed, indoor motion sensors can be used to signal CommStar-IP to turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Outdoor motion sensors can detect visitors and switch TVs to the corresponding camera channel. Opening specific doors or windows can turn off heating/cooling in the area to prevent wasted energy.
When away or on vacation, with the alarm system armed, CommStar-IP can set back thermostats, turn on audio components and cycle specified lights on and off at random times to make a home appear occupied. Visitors (or would-be burglars) can be recorded on a standard VCR for several minutes as they approach the house. When you return home and open the garage or front door, CommStar-IP can adjust lights and thermostats to their appropriate settings based on time of day. As you enter your security code on a keypad or touch screen to disarm the alarm system, it can rewind the video tape for you to review.
ADVANCED TWO-WAY POWER LINE CONTROL
In addition to sending X-10 and UPB commands, CommStar-IP monitors and identifies X-10 and UPB activity on the power line, allowing intelligent "If-Then" control based on received commands and/or other input conditions. Programmed routines and complex macros can be set or triggered at the touch of a button from any X-10 or UPB controller (desk top, wireless remote, wall-mounted, etc.). CommStar-IP also supports X-10 Status Request commands and Preset Dim and Micro-Dim/Bright commands available with PCS brand dimmer modules.
EASY "POINT & CLICK" PROGRAMMING
The intuitive Event Manager software makes programming easy and offers many advanced control features that can be customized to suit any residential or commercial application. Time and event-based schedules are easily programmed by selecting from simple "pop-down" menus. No language to learn or program code to write - the Windows-based Event Manager software writes it for you! Intelligent "If-Then" routines can be triggered by time, date, sunrise/sunset, received X-10 or UPB commands, received IR commands, analog & digital inputs, ASCII text, timers, flags, variables and other input conditions.
Once programmed, CommStar-IP can be disconnected from the computer or used together for monitoring, manual control and a host of multi-media functions. CommStar-IP's internal clock/calendar tracks sunrise & sunset and automatically adjusts for daylight savings and leap year!
8R5PR RELAY XPANDER
The optional 8R5PR 8-Channel Relay Xpander provides 8 relay outputs (S.P.D.T., 5A@30V) on a single chassis with screw terminal connections. Up to 16 Relay Xpanders can be connected to CommStar's RS-485 port or 8AH485 distribution hubs to provide up to 128 additional relays.
ASCII INPUT & OUTPUT
CommStar-IP can be programmed to respond to ASCII text data (up to 32 character in length) to trigger any programmed action. It can also send ASCII text data to trigger other computer programs or control an external modem or other peripherals.
MULTIPLE SERIAL PORTS
Three RS-232 serial com ports support simultaneous connection to a pc, security system and other peripherals. Com Port 2 and Com Port 3 have adjustable baud rates (300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200). An RJ11 to DB9 adapter and data cable is included to connect CommStar-IP's Com Port 1 to your PC.
DOWNLOADABLE FIRMWARE
CommStar-IP's firmware code is stored in flash memory allowing upgrades to be downloaded from our website then loaded into your CommStar-IP without having to replace eproms or power down the system.
MODEM ACCESS
With an external modem connected, CommStar-IP can be programmed, monitored and controlled from any computer. Keypads can also be reconfigured remotely, allowing additions and changes to scheduled routines, keypad menus and button functions without a visit to the customer.
INTERNET & LOCAL NETWORK ACCESS
The included Web-Xpander gives CommStar-IP network accessibility allowing monitoring and control from any computer connected to your local network and remotely via the internet.
With the optional NetSerial third-party software utility, you can make changes to schedules, keypad menus and button functions via your network and remotely over the internet.
RS-485 NETWORK
CommStar-IP's RS-485 hub (9600 baud, half-duplex) supports a network of keypads (LCD-96M, LED-7B), RCS thermostats (TR16 or TR40), temperature sensors (RS-20/21), Relay Xpanders (8R5PR) and other input/output devices. Connected devices can be daisy-chained with category-5 cable or "home run" to optional 8AH485 RS-485 hubs with structured wiring.
Up to 8 devices can be directly connected. Additional hubs can be added to accomodate more RS-485 devices.
EXPANSION PORT
CommStar-IP AUX Expansion Port supports the IR-XP2 InfraRed Xpander for adding two-way IR control to your system.
CommStar SYSTEM MONITORING & CONTROL
The multi-purpose "MegaController" allows total system monitoring and manual control in a single, on-screen interactive workspace!
MegaController features include:
- Interactive Status Display
- Displays on/off status of all 256 X-10 addresses and allows manual control of the entire system.
- Activity Log
- Logs and displays date, time, origin, and letter/number/function code of all X-10, IR & I/O commands as they occur.
- History button
- Recalls system activity (previous 200 commands) for review, file or print out. (An invaluable tool for monitoring or troubleshooting any X-10 system.)
- I/O Access
- Displays status of digital inputs and relay outputs and allows direct control of relays via mouse or keyboard.
- Analog Access
- Reads and displays status of analog inputs.
- IR Access
- Allows manual control of all learned IR commands.
- HVAC Access
- Allows direct access to HVAC functions.
SPECIFICATIONS |
|
| Power | 12VdC @ 1A |
| Connections | RS232: (3) RJ45, RS485: (8) Screw Terminals |
| Compatibility | IBM or compatible w/ asynchronous serial port |
| Required Operating System | Windows 95, 98, 2000 or XP |
| Required Available Disk Space | 3 MB |
| Transmission Rate | 9600 bps asynchronous |
| Data Format | 8 Data Bits, No Parity, One Stop Bit |
| Delay Timers | Unlimited |
| Defined Timers | 32 |
| Variables | 256 |
| Flags | 256 |
| Time Labels | 16 |
| ASCII | 32 characters/line |
| Max. Lines of Code | Approx. 9,000 |
| History Log | Last 200 commands |
| Message Log | 12,000 characters |
| Dimensions | 9" x 12" x 2" |
| Weight | 3 lbs. |
