Setting Up Control Systems Agawam MA

Source: ProAV MAGAZINE
Publication date: May 5, 2009

By Pro AV Staff

Before You Begin

All control systems should start with a design plan that includes button-by-button specifications for the included control panels. It should also spell out the necessary equipment (with address settings), cable and termination types, and mounting methods, plus a system diagram showing all the devices controlling and being controlled, from user interface to lighting fixture, for example.

It's important to engage with the control software programmer to understand how the connected equipment should respond to specific user commands from the control panel. Will one button power on an AV device and activate the source? Will another button also lower shades and adjust lights?

Common Control Signal Types

• Ethernet: It uses an RJ45 connector and can connect devices enterprisewide, especially for remotely monitoring AV systems. Any Wi-Fi access points needed for control will likely connect to networks via Ethernet.
• Infrared (IR): IR can be wireless (up to 40 feet, not usually bidirectional) or wired (up to 250 feet). If you're unsure whether an wireless IR transmitted is actually transmitting, point a camera at it and see if a red light appears in the viewfinder.
• RS-232: This bidirectional signal type is usually terminated using a DB-9 connector. Bidirectional control is preferred over unidirectional control because devices can receive control commands.

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