Control4 C4EA5 User Manual
Control4 EA-5 Controller
Installation Guide
Supported model
• C4-EA5 Entertainment and Automation Controller, 5 Zone
Introduction
The EA-5 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,
ZigBee radio, and expansion module. The EA-5 is perfect for
large homes and multi-room projects.
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.
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-5 Controller (C4-EA5)
• AC power cord
• IR emitters (6)
• Warranty card
• Rack ears (2)
• Dual-band antenna (3)
• Four-position terminal block for contacts and relays
Accessories sold separately
• Rack Mount Kit (C4-XXXX)
• Control4 3.5 mm-to-DB9 Serial Cable (C4-CBL3.5-DB9B)
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-5 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
Built-in Ethernet switch
Wireless
Wireless security
Wireless antenna
ZigBee Pro
ZigBee antenna
eSATA port
USB port
IR OUT
IR capture
SERIAL OUT
Contact
Relay
Power requirements
Power consumption
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Fan dB level
Dimensions (H x W x D)
Weight
Shipping weight
ctrl4.co/cpro-ug
Inputs / Outputs
) for details.
C4-EA5
1 video out—1 HDMI
HDMI 1.4 output; HD 720p/1080p, 50-60 Hz
5 audio out—1 HDMI, 2 stereo analog, 2
digital coax
4 audio in—2 stereo analog, 2 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).
1 Ethernet in + 4 gigabit Ethernet switch
ports
Dual-Band Wireless-N (2.4GHz, 5GHz,
802.11n/g/b)
WEP, WPA, and WPA2
2 external reverse SMA connectors
802.15.4
External reverse SMA connector
1 eSATA port
1 USB 2.0 port, 500mA minimum, 600mA
maximum
Control
8 IR out, 5V 27mA max output
1 IR blaster, front
1 IR receiver, front; 0-60 KHz
4 Serial out (2 DB9 ports and 2 shared with
IR out 1-2)
4 contact sensors—36V DC maximum
operation. The available current for 12V
contact output is 1.25A maximum.
4 relays—AC: 36V, 2A; DC: 24V, 2A maximum
operation.
Power
100-240 VAC, 60/50Hz
Max: 40W, 136 BTUs/hour
Idle: XXW, XX BTUs/hour
Other
32˚ - 104˚ F (0˚ - 40˚ C)
4˚ - 158˚ F (-20˚ - 70˚ C)
Max: 35 dB
17.5" (444 mm) x 10.125" (258 mm) x 1.875"
(49 mm) w/feet
6.85 lbs (3.10 kg)
9.30 lbs (4.20 kg)
Additional resources
Installing the controller
The following resources are available for more support.
• Control4 Knowledgebase: kb.control4.com and Dealer Forums:
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
Front view
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 in a rack or stacked on a shelf. Always allow
plenty of ventilation. See “Mounting the controller in a rack” in this
document.
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 RJ-45 port (labeled “ETHERNET IN”) and the
network port on the wall or at the network 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 “Connecting the IR ports/serial ports” and “Setting 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 in a rack
Using the included rack-mount ears, the EA-5 can easily be mounted in
a rack for convenient installation and flexible rack placement.
To attach the rack ears to the controller:
A B C D E F G H I J K L
M
N O
A Power plug port—AC power receptacle for an IEC 60320-C13 power
cord.
B WIFI 1—Antenna 1 for the WiFi radio.
C Contact/Relay port—Connect up to four relay devices and four
contact sensor devices 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 GIGABIT SWITCH—Four port gigabit-ethernet switch to connect
other local devices to the network.
E ETHERNET IN—RJ-45 jack for a 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet
1 Remove the three screws in each of the rubber feet on the bottom
of the controller.
2 Remove the rubber feet and place the rack ears. The rack ears can
be positioned for front or rear rack mounting.
3 Use two of the screws from the rubber feet to secure the rack ears
to the controller.
Pluggable terminal block connectors
For the contact and relay ports, the EA-5 makes use of a pluggable
terminal block connector which is a removable plastic part that locks in
individual wires (included).
connection.
F USB—One port for an external USB drive (e.g., FAT32-formatted
devices). See “Set up external storage devices” in this document.
G E-SATA—One port for an external eSATA drive. See “Set up external
storage devices” in this document.
H WIFI 2—Antenna 2 for the WiFi radio.
I SERIAL—Two serial ports for RS-232 control. See “Connecting the
serial ports” in this document.
J ID and FACTORY RESET—ID button to identify the device in
Composer Pro. FACTORY RESET button to restore the controller to
factory defaults. Can also reboot the controller.
K HDMI OUT—An HDMI port to display system menus. Also an audio
out over HDMI.
L IR / SERIAL—Eight 0.5 mm jacks for up to eight IR emitters or for a
combination of IR emitters and serial devices. Ports 1 and 2 can be
configured independently for serial control, or for IR control. See
“Setting up IR emitters” in this document for more information.
M DIGITAL AUDIO—Two digital coax audio input and two output ports.
Allows audio to be shared (IN 1 or 2) over the local network to other
Control4 devices. Outputs audio (OUT 1 or 2) shared from other
Control4 devices or from digital audio sources (local media or digital
streaming services such as TuneIn.)
N ANALOG AUDIO—Two stereo audio input and two output ports.
Allows audio to be shared (IN 1 or 2) over the local network to other
Control4 devices. Outputs audio (OUT 1 or 2) shared from other
Control4 devices or from digital audio sources (local media or digital
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.
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: To add a motion sensor (see Figure 3), connect its
wires to the following contact openings:
• Power input to +12V
• Output signal to SIG
• Ground connector to GND
Note: To connect dry contact closure devices, such as
doorbells, connect the switch between +12V (Power) and SIG
(Signal).
streaming services such as TuneIn.)
O ZIGBEE—Antenna for the ZigBee radio.
Connecting the contact ports
The EA-5 provides four contact ports for the included pluggable
terminal block. See Figures 3 through 5 to learn how to connect devices
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 ports
The EA-5 provides four relay ports 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.
See Figures 6 and 7 to learn how to connect a device to the relay port.
Figure 6. Relay Port, Normally Open
Connecting the serial ports
The EA-5 controller provides four serial ports. SERIAL 1 and SERIAL 2
can connect to a standard DB9 serial cable. IR ports 1 and 2 (serial 3
and 4) 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 (C4CBL3.5-DB9B, sold separately).
1 The serial ports support many dierent baud rates (acceptable
range: 1200 to 115200 baud for odd and even parity). Serial ports 3
and 4 (IR 1 and 2) do not support hardware flow control.
2 See Knowledgebase article #268 (kb.control4.com/questions/268)
for pinout diagrams.
3 To configure a port’s serial settings, make the appropriate
connections in your project using Composer Pro. Connecting the
port to the driver will apply the serial settings contained in the
driver file to the serial port. See the Composer Pro User Guide for
details.
Note: Serial ports 3 and 4 can be configured as straightthrough 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 (3/4).
Setting up IR emitters
The EA-5 controller provides 8 IR ports. Your system may contain thirdparty 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.
Setting up external storage devices
You can store and access media from an external storage device, for
example, a USB drive or eSata 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 solidstate USB drives (USB thumb drives). USB hard drives that do
not have a separate power supply are not supported.
Note: When using USB or eSATA storage devices on an EA-5
Controller, you can use only one partition with a 2TB maximum
size. USB and eSATA storage devices should be formatted
FAT32. This limitation also applies to USB storage on all other
controllers.
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 Control4 products, see the
information located on the Control4 website at
regulatory/
.
www.control4.com/
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/ea5-ig
for details.
MORE INFO ON EA CONTROLLERS
ctrl4.co/
ea
Figure 7. Relay Port, Normally Closed
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.
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.
200-00382-A
2015-07-21 DH
A
Regulatory Compliance & Safety Information for Control4 Model C4-EA5
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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