Control4 C4EA3 User Manual
Control4 EA-3 Controller
Installation Guide
Supported model
• C4-EA3 Entertainment and Automation Controller, 3 Zone
Introduction
The low-cost EA-3 Controller in the Entertainment and
Automation line of controllers lets you control lights, home
theaters, audio and video, and other devices controlled by
infrared (IR), IP, or serial connections. The controller has a
fast processor, dual-spectrum built-in WiFi, HDMI output for
Control4 On-Screen Navigator, and ZigBee radio. The EA-3 is
perfect for single rooms or smaller homes.
The controller also includes extensive media management for
audio and video content: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs; digital
media stored on connected devices and streaming audio
services, such as Rhapsody, TuneIn, and others. Use an external
storage device, such as an external USB drive or NAS (networkattached storage), to store music and photos. The EA-3
Controller mounts easily on a wall behind the TV.
After you install and configure the controller with other Control4
devices, your customers can control their system using popular
Control4 interfaces (sold separately).
Box contents
The following items are included in the box:
• Control4 EA-3 Controller (C4-EA3)
• EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket (C4-WMEA3)
• AC power cord
• IR emitters (6)
• Dual-band antennas (2)
• Single-position terminal block for contact/relay
• Warranty card
Accessories sold separately
• Control4 3.5 mm-to-DB9 Serial Cable (C4-CBL3.5-DB9B)
• Rack Mount Kit (C4-XXXX)
• EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket (C4-WMEA3)
Warnings
Caution! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Avertissement ! Pour réduire le risque de choc électrique,
n’exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
Caution! In an over-current condition on USB or contact
output the software disables the output. If the attached USB
device or contact sensor does not appear to power on, remove
the device from the controller.
Avertissement ! Dans une condition de surintensité sur USB
ou sortie de contact le logiciel désactive sortie.
(additional
translation needed)
For more information, visit the Products pages at
www.control4.com
Requirements and specifications
Note: We recommend using Ethernet instead of WiFi for the
best network connectivity.
Note: The Ethernet or WiFi network should be installed before
you install the EA-3 Controller.
Composer Pro is required to configure this device. See the Composer
Pro User Guide (
Specifications
Model number
Video out
Video
Audio out
Audio in
Audio playback formats
Ethernet
Power over Ethernet
Built-in Ethernet switch
Wireless
Wireless security
Wireless antenna
ZigBee Pro
ZigBee antenna
USB port
IR OUT
IR capture
SERIAL OUT
Contact
Relay
Power requirements
Power consumption
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
ctrl4.co/cpro-ug
Inputs / Outputs
) for details.
C4-EA3
1 video out—1 HDMI
HDMI 1.4 output; HD 720p/1080p, 50-60 Hz
3 audio out—1 HDMI, 1 stereo analog (3.5
mm), 1 digital coax
2 audio in—1 stereo analog (3.5 mm), 1 digital
coax
MP3: 32 kbps to 320 kbps, iTunes Plus, WMA,
WMA lossless, Apple lossless, CBR, VBR,
AAC, FLAC, and uncompressed WAV and
AIFF.
Network
10/100/1000BaseT compatible (required for
controller setup). PoE+ supported.
802.3af / 12.95W
1 Ethernet/PoE in + 1 Ethernet switch port
Dual-Band Wireless-N (2.4GHz, 5GHz,
802.11n/g/b)
WEP, WPA, and WPA2
External reverse SMA connector
802.15.4
External reverse SMA connector
1 USB 2.0 port, 500mA minimum, 600mA
maximum
Control
6 IR out, 5V 27mA max output
1 IR blaster, front
1 IR receiver, front; 0-60 KHz
3 Serial out (shared with IR out 1-3)
1 contact sensor—36V DC maximum
operation. The available current for 12V
contact output is 1.25A maximum.
1 relay—AC: 36V, 2A; DC: 24V, 2A maximum
operation.
Power
100-240 VAC, 60/50Hz or PoE+
Max: 18W, 61 BTUs/hour
Idle: 9W, 30 BTUs/hour
Other
32˚ - 104˚ F (0˚ - 40˚ C)
4˚ - 158˚ F (-20˚ - 70˚ C)
Fan dB level
Dimensions (H x W x D)
Weight
Shipping weight
Max: 35 dB
8.75" (221 mm) x 5.875" (149 mm) x 1.25"
(31 mm)
1.60 lbs (0.74 kg)
2.75 lbs (1.26 kg)
Additional resources
The following resources are available for more support.
• Control4 Knowledgebase:
forums.control4.com
• Control4 Technical Support
• Control4 website: www.control4.com
.
• Composer Pro documentation in online help or PDF format available
on the Dealer Portal under Support: ctrl4.co/docs
kb.control4.com and Dealer Forums:
M Ethernet/POE—RJ-45 jack for a 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet
connection. Use this port as the ‘uplink port’ to your local network. If
using PoE+ to power the controller, this port must be used.
N ZIGBEE—Reverse SMA connector for ZigBee antenna.
Installing the controller
To install the controller:
1 Ensure that the home network is in place before starting system
setup. The controller requires a network connection, Ethernet
(recommended) or WiFi, to use all of the features as designed.
When connected, the controller can access web-based media
databases, communicate with other IP devices in the home, and
access Control4 system updates.
2 Mount the controller behind a TV, on a wall, placed in a rack, or
stacked on a shelf. See “Wall mount options” below if mounting the
controller on a wall or behind a TV.
Front view
3 Connect the controller to the network.
• Ethernet—To connect using an Ethernet connection, plug the data
cable from the home network connection into the controller’s RJ45 port (labeled “ETHERNET/POE”) and the network port on the
wall or at the network switch.
Note: If using PoE+ to power the controller, make all
connections prior to plugging in the PoE injector or switch.
A B C D E
A Data LED—The LED indicates that the controller is streaming audio.
B IR window—IR blaster and IR receiver for learning IR codes.
C Caution LED—This LED shows solid red, then blinks blue during the
boot process.
Note: The Caution LED flashes yellow during the factory
restore process. See “Factory Restore” in this document.
D Link LED—The blue LED indicates that the controller has been
identified in a Control4 Composer project and is communicating with
Director.
E Power LED—The blue LED indicates that AC power is connected. The
controller turns on immediately after power is applied to it.
Back view
• WiFi—To connect using WiFi, first connect the controller to
Ethernet, and then use Composer Pro System Manager to
reconfigure the controller for WiFi.
Important: Do not install your EA controller on a
172.18.xxx.xxx subnet.
4 Connect system devices. Attach IR and serial devices as described
in “Connect the IR ports/serial ports” and “Set up IR emitters.”
5 Set up any external storage devices as described in “Setting up
external storage devices” in this document.
6 Power up the controller. Plug the power cord into the controller’s
power plug port and then into an electrical outlet.
Mounting the controller behind a TV or on the wall
Using the included Wall-Mount Bracket (C4-WMEA3), the EA-3 can
easily be mounted behind a TV, on the wall using a 1- or 2-gang wall
box, or mounted directly on the wall. See the EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket
Installation Guide for details.
Pluggable terminal block connectors
A B C D E F G H I KJ L N
M
A WIFI—Reverse SMA connector for WiFi antenna.
B Power plug port—AC power receptacle for an IEC 60320-C5 power
cord.
C Contact/Relay port—Connect one relay device and one contact
sensor device to the terminal block connector. Relay connections are
COM, NC (normally closed), and NO (normally open). Contact sensor
connections are +12, SIG (signal), and GND (ground).
D Serial and IR OUT—3.5 mm jacks for up to six IR emitters or for a
combination of IR emitters and serial devices. Ports 1, 2, and 3 can
be configured independently for serial control or for IR control. See
“Connect IR/serial ports” in this document for more information.
E DIGITAL COAX IN—Allows audio to be shared over the local network
to other Control4 devices.
F AUDIO IN and OUT—Stereo audio input and output ports (3.5 mm
stereo audio jack). Allows audio to be shared (AUDIO IN) over the
local network to other Control4 devices. Outputs audio (AUDIO
OUT) shared from other Control4 devices or from digital audio
sources (local media or digital streaming services such as TuneIn).
G DIGITAL COAX OUT—Outputs audio (AUDIO OUT) shared from
other Control4 devices or from digital audio sources (local media or
digital streaming services such as TuneIn).
H HDMI OUT—An HDMI port to display navigation menus. Also an
audio out over HDMI.
I ID button—Button to identify the device in Composer Pro.
J FACTORY RESTORE—Restores the controller to its factory defaults.
This also reboots the controller.
K USB—One port for an external USB drive. See “Set up external
storage devices” in this document.
L Ethernet—Ethernet port that can be used as a network switch to
connect another local Ethernet device to the network.
For the contact and relay ports, the EA-3 makes use of a pluggable
terminal block connector which is a removable plastic part that locks in
individual wires (included).
To connect a device to the pluggable terminal block:
1 Insert one of the wires required for your device into the appropriate
opening in the pluggable terminal block you reserved for that
device (see Figure 3).
2 Insert the wire:
• If using solid-core wire, insert the wire into the hole below the
slotted retention tab, and ensure that the wire is tightly secured.
• If using stranded wire, press the slotted retention tab in using a
small, flat-blade screwdriver. Insert the wire into the hole below
the tab, and then release the tab to secure the wire.
Example: If you add a motion sensor (see Figure 5),
connect its wires to the following contact openings:
• Power input to +12V
• Output signal to SIG
• Ground connector to GND
Note: If you connect dry contact closure devices, such as
doorbells, connect the switch between +12V (Power) and
SIG (Signal).
Connecting the contact port
The EA-3 provides one contact port for the included pluggable terminal
block.
See Figures 3 through 5 to learn how to connect the device to the
contact port.
Figure 3. Contact Port for Voltage Source ( Motion Sensor)
Figure 4. Contact for Dry Contact ( Door Contact Sensor)
Figure 5. Contact for Self-Powered Voltage Source Device
Connecting the relay port
The EA-3 provides one relay port for the included pluggable terminal
block. With most applications, attach one wire to the COM terminal and
the other to the NO terminal. The relay switch closes when the relay is
activated.
Figure 7. Relay Port, Normally Open
Connecting the IR ports/serial ports (optional)
The controller provides six IR ports. Ports 1, 2, and 3 can be
reconfigured independently for serial communication. If not used for
serial, they can be used for IR. Connect a serial device to the controller
using the Control4 3.5 mm-to-DB9 Serial Cable (C4-CBL3.5-DB9B, sold
separately).
1 The serial ports support many dierent baud rates (acceptable
range: 1200 to 115200 baud for odd and even parity). The serial
ports do not support hardware flow control.
2 See Knowledgebase article #268 (kb.control4.com/questions/268)
for pinout diagrams.
3 To configure a port for serial or IR, make the appropriate
connections in your project using Composer Pro. See the Composer
Pro User Guide for details.
Note: The serial ports can be configured as straight-through or
null with Composer Pro. Serial ports by default are configured
straight-through and can be changed in Composer by
selecting the option Enable Null-Modem Serial Port (1/2/3).
Set up IR emitters
Your system may contain third-party products that are controlled
through IR commands. The included IR emitters can send commands
from the controller to any IR-controlled device.
1 Connect one of the included IR emitters into an IR OUT port on the
controller.
2 Remove the adhesive backing from the emitter (round) end of the
IR emitter and ax it to the device to be controlled over the IR
receiver on the device.
Set up external storage devices
You can store and access media from an external storage device, for
example, a USB drive, by connecting the USB drive to the USB port and
configuring or scanning the media in Composer Pro. A NAS drive can
also be used as an external storage device, see the Composer Pro User
Guide (ctrl4.co/cpro-ug) for more details.
Note: We support only externally powered USB drives or solid-
state USB drives (USB thumb drives). USB hard drives that do
not have a separate power supply are not supported.
Note: When using USB storage devices on an EA-3 Controller,
you can use only one partition with a 2TB maximum size. USB
storage devices should be formatted FAT32. This limitation
also applies to USB storage on all other controllers.
Composer Pro driver information
Use Auto Discovery and SDDP to add the driver to the Composer
project. See the Composer Pro User Guide for details.
Power cycle the controller
Press and hold the ID button for five seconds. The controller will reset.
Reset the network settings
To reset the controller network settings to the default:
1 Disconnect power to the controller.
2 While pressing and holding the ID button on the back of the
controller, reconnect power to the controller.
3 Hold the ID button until the data, link and power LEDs are solid
blue, then immediately release the button.
4 If the caution LED stays orange during the boot sequence, press
and hold the ID button until the caution LED blinks blue, and then
release it.
Regulatory/Safety information
To review regulatory information for your particular Control4 products,
see the information located on the Control4 website at
com/regulatory/
.
www.control4.
Warranty
Visit
www.control4.com/warranty
More help
For the latest version of this document and to view additional materials,
open the URL below or scan the QR code on a device that can view
PDFs.
MOST RECENT VERSION
ctrl4.co/ea3-ig
for details.
MORE INFO ON EA CONTROLLERS
ctrl4.co/
ea
Figure 8. Relay Port, Normally Closed
Troubleshooting
Reset to factory settings
Caution! The factory restore process will remove the
Composer project. Back up the project with Composer Pro
before you start the factory restore process
To restore the controller to the factory default image:
1 Insert a straightened paper clip into the small hole on the back of
the controller labeled FACTORY RESTORE.
2 Press and continue to hold the FACTORY RESTORE button, the
controller will reset and the caution LED will turn solid red.
3 Continue to hold the button for about five to seven seconds until
the caution LED blinks twice yellow. After the caution LED blinks
twice yellow, release the button and the factory restore process will
begin.
The caution LED will blink orange while the factory restore is
running. When complete, the caution LED turn os and the device
will reset.
control4.com | 888.400.4070
Copyright ©2015, Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo,
the 4-ball logo, 4Store, 4Sight, Control My Home, Everyday Easy, and Mockupancy are
registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation in the United States and/
or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their
respective owners. All specifications subject to change without notice.
200-00381-A
2015-07-06 DH
A
Regulatory Compliance & Safety Information for Control4 Model C4-EA3
Electrical Safety Advisory
Sécurité électrique consultatif
Important Safety Information
Informations de sécurité importantes
Read the safety instructions before using this product.
Lisez les consignes de sécurité avant d'utiliser ce produit.
1. Read these instructions.
1. Lisez ces instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
2. Conservez ces instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
3. Respectez tous les avertissements.
4. Follow all instructions.
4. Suivez toutes les instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
5. Ne pas utiliser cet appareil près de l'eau.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
6. Nettoyez-le uniquement avec un chiffon sec.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
7. Ne pas bloquer les ouvertures de ventilation. Installer conformément aux instructions du
fabricant.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8. Ne pas installer près de sources de chaleur telles que des radiateurs, registres de
chaleur, poêles, ou autres appareils (incluant les amplificateurs) qui produisent de la
chaleur.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
9. Ne pas contourner le dispositif de sécurité de la fiche polarisée ou de mise à la terre. Une
fiche polarisée possède deux lames dont une plus large que l'autre. Une fiche de terre a
deux lames et une troisième broche de terre. La lame large ou la troisième broche est
fournie pour votre sécurité. Si la fiche fournie ne s'adapte pas à votre prise, consultez un
électricien pour le remplacement de la prise obsolète.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10. Protégez le cordon d'alimentation ne soit piétiné ou pincé, en particulier au niveau des
fiches, des prises et au point où il sort de l'appareil.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11. Utilisez uniquement des fixations / accessoires spécifiés par le fabricant.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
12. Utilisez uniquement avec le chariot, le socle, le trépied, le support ou la table spécifiés
par le fabricant ou vendu avec l'appareil. Lorsque vous utilisez un chariot, soyez prudent
lorsque vous déplacez l'ensemble chariot / appareil pour éviter des blessures dues au
renversement.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
This equipment uses AC power which can be subjected to electrical surges, typically
lightning transients which are very destructive to customer terminal equipment connected
to AC power sources. The warranty for this equipment does not cover damage caused
by electrical surge or lightning transients. To reduce the risk of this equipment becoming
damaged it is suggested that the customer consider installing a surge arrestor.
13. Débranchez cet appareil pendant les orages ou lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé pendant de
longues périodes de temps. Cet équipement utilise la puissance AC qui peuvent être
soumis à des surtensions électriques, la foudre généralement transitoires qui sont très
destructives envers les équipements terminaux connectés à des sources d'alimentation
CA. La garantie de cet appareil ne couvre pas les dommages causés par les surtensions
électriques ou transitoires de foudre. Pour réduire le risque de cet équipement devient
endommagé, il est suggéré que le client envisager l'installation d'un limiteur de
surtension.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14. Confiez toutes les réparations à un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire
lorsque l'appareil a été endommagé de quelque façon que ce soit le cordon
d'alimentation ou la fiche est endommagé, du liquide a été renversé ou si des objets sont
tombés dans l'appareil, l'appareil a été exposé à la pluie ou à l'humidité, ne fonctionne
pas normalement , ou s'il est tombé.
15. Use the circuit breaker to disconnect the apparatus from the AC mains. The circuit
breaker shall remain readily accessible.
15. Utiliser le disjoncteur pour déconnecter l'appareil de l'alimentation secteur. Le disjoncteur
doit rester facilement accessible.
16. To completely disconnect unit power from the AC mains, turn off the circuit breaker. To
reconnect power, turn on the circuit breaker following all safety instructions and
guidelines.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No
The exclamation point within the triangle is a warning sign alerting you of
signale des instructions importantes accompagnant le produit.
Voir le marquage sur les bas / dos du produit
16. Pour couper entièrement l'alimentation appareil de l'alimentation secteur, éteignez le
disjoncteur. Pour rétablir le courant, mettez le disjoncteur après les consignes de sécurité
et des lignes directrices.
17. This product relies on the buildings installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection.
Ensure that the protective device is rated not greater than: 20A.
17. Ce produit repose sur l'installation des bâtiments pour les courts-circuits (surintensité) de
protection. Assurez-vous que le dispositif de protection est assignée ne dépassant pas:
20A.
18. CAUTION: As with all batteries, there is a risk of explosion or personal injury if the
battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used battery according to the
instructions of the battery manufacturer and applicable environmental guidelines. Do not
open, puncture or incinerate the battery, or expose it to conducting materials, moisture,
liquid, fire or heat above 54° C or 130° F.
18. ATTENTION: Comme avec toutes les batteries, il ya un risque d'explosion ou de blessure
si la batterie est remplacée par un type incorrect. Éliminez les batteries usagées selon
les instructions du fabricant de la batterie et applicables des directives
environnementales. Ne pas ouvrir, percer ou incinérer la batterie, ou de l'exposer à des
matériaux conducteurs, de l'humidité, du liquide, un incendie ou une température
supérieure à 54 ° C ou 130 ° F.
19. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in fire or electric shock.
19. N'introduisez jamais d'objets d'aucune sorte dans ce produit à travers les fentes du
boîtier car ils pourraient toucher des points de tension dangereux ou court-circuiter des
pièces qui pourraient entraîner un incendie ou un choc électrique.
20. This product can interfere with electrical equipment such as tape recorders, TV sets,
radios, computers and microwave ovens if placed in close proximity.
20. Ce produit peut interférer avec des appareils électriques tels que les magnétophones,
téléviseurs,
radios, ordinateurs et fours à micro-ondes si placés à proximité.
The lightning flash and arrow head within the triangle is a warning sign alerting
you of dangerous voltage inside the product
L'éclair et la flèche dans le triangle est un signe d'alerte pour vous avertir d'une
tension dangereuse à l'intérieur du produit
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Attention: Pour réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas retirer le couvercle
(ou l'arrière). Aucune pièce réparable par l'utilisateur. Confiez l'entretien à un
personnel qualifié.
important instructions accompanying the product.
Le point d'exclamation dans un triangle est un signe d'avertissement vous
See marking on bottom / back of product
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