HomeSeer Technologies HomeTroller II Getting Started Manual

™

HomeTroller

Series II

Getting Started Guide

HomeSeer Technologies

35 Constitution Drive, Suite C

Bedford, NH 03110

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.homeseer.com

Copyright ©2008 HomeSeer Technologies

All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................... 2

What’s Included.......................................................................................................... 2

Key Features .............................................................................................................. 3

Control Unit Specifications............................................................................................5

Installation .......................................................................................................... 6

Mounting the HomeTroller ............................................................................................ 6

Rear Panel Layout .......................................................................................................6

Perform a System Test................................................................................................. 7

Accessing the HomeTroller............................................................................................ 7

HomeTroller Operating System Protection (HSProtect)...................................................... 9

Setting the Time Zone ............................................................................................... 10

Using RealVNC for Remote Access ............................................................................... 10

Adding and Configuring Devices ........................................................................ 12

About Devices........................................................................................................... 12

Supported Technologies and Manufacturers................................................................... 12

Configuring Devices................................................................................................... 13

Creating Devices....................................................................................................... 14

Controlling Devices with Events......................................................................... 16

Elements of an Event................................................................................................. 16

Creating an Event ..................................................................................................... 17

Voice Recognition ..............................................................................................18

The Speaker Client Application.................................................................................... 18

Voice Recognition Events............................................................................................ 20

Command Syntax...................................................................................................... 20

HomeSeer Phone ............................................................................................... 23

Connecting the Telephone Voice Interface..................................................................... 23

Enabling the Phone Feature ........................................................................................ 24

Running Events by Phone........................................................................................... 24

The Address Book ..................................................................................................... 24

Receiving Phone Messages ......................................................................................... 24

Caller Announcements ............................................................................................... 25

Customizing the HomeTroller............................................................................. 25

ASCII Scripting......................................................................................................... 25

Scripting.................................................................................................................. 25

Digital I/O................................................................................................................ 25

Advanced Programming ............................................................................................. 26

Operating System Restrictions........................................................................... 26

Technical Support .............................................................................................. 26

Information ....................................................................................................... 27

FCC/CE Regulations................................................................................................... 27

Warranty Information ................................................................................................ 27

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 1

Introduction

The HomeTroller™ is a hardware-based home automation controller designed to incorporate all
the power and flexibility of HomeSeer HS2 software into a very compact, rugged, and easy-to­install unit. The HomeTroller is designed to control lighting, appliances, security, HVAC, and
infrared (IR) devices, such as home theatre equipment. Since the HomeTroller is an open
standards system, the system can be integrated with numerous technologies from scores of
industry leaders, such as Lutron, Leviton, Intermatic, Lightolier®, HAI, JDS, Global Caché and
many more.

An open Application Program Interface (API) is included for programmers to add support for just
about any custom or proprietary systems that may be required.

This system uses HSProtect™ technology to protect the operating system on the hard disk.
You must read and understand how HSProtect works in order to operate the system
properly. See the section on HSProtect for more information.

What’s Included

The HomeTroller is shipped with the following parts:

• One HomeTroller Home Automation Controller Unit

• One Power Supply Unit

• One Power Cord

• One HomeTroller Getting Started Manual

The following HomeSeer (brand) software add-ons (“plug-ins”) are available
separately for use with the HomeTroller. Plug-ins may be installed from within the
HomeTroller “updater”. Some plug-ins are included at no cost. Others must be
purchased at homeseer.com:

Plug-ins to support the following:

• Global Cache IR Controller

• HAI Thermostat Plug-In

• HAI Omni Panel

• HomeVision Plug-in

• HouseLinc Plug-in

• Insteon Basic Plug-in

• IRLinc 1623PC Plug-in

• Is Speaking Plug-in

• iTunes® Media Player

• JDS IR XPander Plug-in

• JDS Stargate Plug-in

• Lightolier Compose Plug-in

• Lutron RadioRA

• Marrick LynX10-PLC X10 Plug-in

• Windows Media Center (MCE) 2005

• Windows Media Player 9/10

• MR26A Plug-in

• Napco Gemini

• NEOSpeech Dictionary Editor

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 2

• Ocelot Plug-in

• OnQ Panel Plug-in

• PowerLinc USB Plug-in

• RCS Serial Thermostat Plug-In

• RCS X-10 Thermostat Plug-In

• Shopping list script

• Slinke Plug-in

• TempLinc Plug-in

• TI103 X10 Plug-in

• TouchPad Interface

• UPB (Universal Powerline Bus)

• WebCam Plug-in

• Weather script

• Z-Wave USB Drivers

rd

Party plug-ins are also available for use with the HomeTroller. For a complete

3
listing of these plug-ins, visit homeseer.com or use the HomeTroller updater.

Additional Software:

• RealVNC (Remote Access Tool)

• MS Internet Explorer

• MS Outlook Express

• MS Windows Media Player

• HSProtect system tray monitor

NOTE: HomeTroller is NOT designed to run MS-Office.

Key Features

Reliability

The HomeTroller was designed to be very reliable. The embedded operating system is locked
(write-protected) to prevent unwanted changes and to guard against file corruption from virus,
spyware and malware attacks.

Web-Based Management

The system may be managed Via any web browser. This allows for easy unit management and
configuration on- or off-site. Easily add/change schedules or troubleshoot issues from anywhere.

Mechanical Design

The HomeTroller has a very small footprint (9.25” wide x 7” deep x 2” high) and can installed
vertically or horizontally.

Software Features

The HomeTroller offers many features not found in other stand-alone automati on control l e rs
such as:

• HSProtect™
This protects the operating system from unwanted writes during normal operation.
With HSProtect, it’s virtually impossible t o corrupt any files on the C drive. The
system is monitored using a system tray application. Current status of your system

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 3

may be checked by hovering your mouse over the HSProtect system tray icon.

• HSSentry™
This is a hardware watchdog that is reset from within the HomeSeer scheduler. If the
scheduler stops running for any reason, HSSentry™ will reset the unit . This results in
virtually 100% uptime for the unit.

• Remote access
The entire system can be monitored and controlled from the web, allowing users to
keep tabs on their home(s) while away. This is an excellent solution for vacation
and/or 2

nd

homes.

• Text-To-Speech Processing
The included text-to-speech engine allows for system reminders, alerts and
announcements using synthesized or (optionally) concatenated human speech
models. This feature can be used for announcing incoming phone calls, motion at the
front door, news, weather, medicine schedule, appointments and many other itmes.
Announcements can also be sent to any computer on the home network (LAN) or on
the internet (WAN). The unit includes one of the best sounding voices available,
which is very natural and easy to understand.

• Voice Recognition / Voice Control
Any computer on the home network (LAN) or on the internet (WAN) can be used to
control your HomeTroller system with voice commands. Voice commands may also
be issued by telephone using HomeSeer Phone software (optional). Voice may also
be used to create automation events!

• Powerful event mechanism
Trigger event actions based on any of the following:

 Conditions (many)
 Status change of any device
 Absolute time
 Sunrise/sunset (with offset)
 By email received
 Security panel events
 By matched infrared
 Recurring at regular second/minute intervals
 I/O events from controllers
 Events from plug-ins

• Event Actions
In response to event triggers, these actions (and more) may be performed:

 Send lighting control signals (operate devices)
 Play sounds or speak using text-to-speech
 Send email
 Run a script
 Trigger another event
 Dial a network connection
 Media Player functions
 Plug-in functions
 Web Camera functions
 Phone functions such as dialing a phone number or extension phone

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 4

Customizable Software

HomeTroller is designed for easy installation and configuration by any homeowner. The unit
features an easy-to-use, menu-driven interface for setup and configuration.

For those who wish to venture a bit further, the system software is totally customizable! The
user interface is web-based and may be changed using cascading stylesheet (CSS) commands.
The included software API allows for the creation of custom software “plug-ins” using the .NET
development environment. These plug-ins are used to provide additional support for custom
hardware and software. The system also includes a powerful scripting interface that supports
popular scripting languages such as VBScript, VB.NET, JavaScript, Python and Perl. Scripts
provide a quick way to add custom functionality using complex if-then-else logic, or for sending
binary or ASCII text to a serial port. The user interface and custom interfaces are built or
modified using simple web (HTML) technologies.

Add-Ons

Software add-ons are referred to as “plug-ins”. They enhance the operation of the HomeTroller
by adding functionality such as integration with a security panel, infrared controller, or media
player application like MS Windows® Media Player or Apple’s iTunes® media player. To see the
latest list of plug-ins available, click on the Updater button and follow the prompts. Some plug­ins are free, some are not.

Control Unit Specifications

Size: 9.25” W, 2” H, 7” D Processor: 1.0 GHz VIA C7
Storage 4 GB DOM Fans: fanless
Memory: 1 GB DDR2 OS: Embedded Windows XP (XPe)
Serial Ports: 4 Video Out: SVGA
USB Ports: 3 (2 rear, 1 front) Audio: Mic In / Line Out
Network (1 port):10/100 Ethernet PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse ports

Power Supply: 100-240v – 50/60 Hz
Certifications: UL, FCC, RoHS, CE

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 5

Installation

Mounting the HomeTroller

The HomeTroller can be set on a shelf and may be mounted horizontally or vertically. While the
unit can be located just about anywhere, these simple installation tips should be observed:

• Allow for adequate airflow around the unit.

• If possible, install an uninterruptible power supply or surge suppressor to protect the unit

from power outages or line voltages fluctuations.

• Locate near other home automation equipment for easier connectivity.

Port Layout

A description of each port is included below.

1. Power: Connect the included power supply cable to this jack.

2. Monitor: To monitor the unit directly, plug a VGA monitor into this port. This is not

necessary for home network (LAN) or internet (WAN) control.

3. Keyboard: To control the unit directly, plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port. This is not

necessary for home network (LAN) or internet (WAN) control.
Mouse: To control the unit directly, plug in a PS/2 mouse into this port. Th is is not

Figure 1: Front / Rear Panel of HomeTroller

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 6

necessary for home network (LAN) or internet (WAN) control.

4. Serial Ports: Thermostats, controllers, security systems and other technology interfaces
can communicate with the HomeTroller through these RS-232 serial ports. Four ports
are provided. Additional ports may be added by using USB-to-serial port converters.

5. USB 2.0: Allows the HomeTroller to monitor and control USB-style home automation
interfaces and peripherals. 3 ports are provided, 2 on the rear and 1 in the front.

6. LAN: Connect a standard 10/100 network cable into this jack for home network (LAN)
and internet (WAN) operation.

7. Audio In – Microphone: Connect a microphone to this port for voice control of the
HomeTroller .

8. Audio Out : Connect this to the audio out connection on your audio receiver or whole
house audio system for text-to-speech announcements or music.

9. Parallel Port: (unused).

Perform a System Test

Once the HomeTroller is mounted and home automation devices have been attached, follow the
steps below to perform a system test.

1. Turn on the unit. The green LED on the front should be on. The blue LED will show disk
(DOM) activity. The yellow LED shows network activity.

2. If connected to a monitor and keyboard, the startup screen will appear and the unit will
automatically log in. The default login is administrator for user and admin for the
password.

If connecting remotely from another computer, launch the web browser and enter the
URL of the box using its name or IP address. The default name set for the unit is
HomeTroller (http://HomeTroller). The IP address can be set manually or a dynamic
(DHCP) address can be used.

3. The Start page will appear. This page gives you quick access to the most commonly us ed
areas of the system.

4. Follow the steps below to test the built-in audio function of the HomeTroller

a. Attached speakers or headphones to the appropriate “audio out” jack(s)
b. From the HomeTroller web interface, click the “Control” button to open the Control

Panel.

c. In the “Immediate Script Execution” box, type: [hs.speak "HomeTroller test"]

without the brackets.

d. Click the “Execute Command” button. The HomeTroller should now speak

“HomeTroller test”.

Accessing the HomeTroller

There are several graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for controlling the HomeTroller. Some
interfaces, however, are only available in certain situations, as explained below.

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 7

Web Browser

The HomeTroller can be controlled using a web browser on the HomeTroller unit itself, or from
any other web browser anywhere in the world. The built-in web server is enabled by default. To
configure it, navigate to the Setup area and click on the Web Server tab. Options in this screen
determine the port the web browser will use to access the HomeTroller and whether or not
guests can view events. The features accessible through the web browser depend on options set
in the Web Server Setup screen and access rights of the user as set in the Web Users Setup
screen.

Figure 2: HomeTroller Web Browser

The HomeTroller web page can be accessed using one of the following methods:

• On the computer running the HomeTroller, launch Internet Explorer and type
http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1 in the Address bar and press Enter or click Go.

• On a computer on the same network as the HomeTroller (home network), type
http://hostname where “hostname” is the name of the HomeTroller (HomeTroller)
Alternatively, type http://192.168.0.n, where “n” is the last number of the IP address
of the HomeTroller on the home network. This IP address is typically assigned by your
home network router.

• On a computer other than the one running the HomeTroller, launch Internet Explorer and
type http:// followed by the IP address of the HomeTroller.

Which buttons appear at the top of the web page depends on which options are enabled in the Web
Site Setup screen. This Getting Started Guide assumes that all available buttons have been en abled.

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 2.0 Page 8