HomeSeer Technologies HomeTroller SE Edition, HomeTroller-SE-PRO Getting Started Manual

Page 1

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 ©2011 HomeSeer Technologies

All Rights Reserved

HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Page 2

Important (Read First)!

You may occasionally need to access the HomeTroller Windows interface when installing new
device drivers or related software. To assist with this, HomeTroller units are configured with
RealVNC software (freeware edition) to facilitate desktop access remotely from another
computer. However, since the password for accessing RealVNC is printed in this manual, it is

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you change this password ASAP upon receiving the unit, to

reduce the possibility of a security breach.

Please refer to the section of this manual entitled “Using RealVNC for Remote Access” and
connect to the unit using RealVNC. Once you‟ve connected, right-click on the RealVNC system
tray icon (lower right hand portion of the RealVNC screen) and select “options” to access the
RealVNC server properties screen. Select the “Authentication” tab and click the “Configure”

button to change the RealVNC Password Authentication. Enter your new password and then
save your changes.

HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Page 3

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................... 4

What‟s Included ............................................................................................................ 4

Key Features ................................................................................................................ 5

Control Unit Specifications .............................................................................................. 7

Installation .......................................................................................................... 8

Mounting the HomeTroller .............................................................................................. 8

Rear Panel Layout ......................................................................................................... 8

Perform a System Test ................................................................................................... 9

Accessing the HomeTroller .............................................................................................. 9

HomeTroller-SE Operating System Protection (HSProtect) ................................................ 11

Setting the Time Zone ................................................................................................. 12

Using RealVNC for Remote Access ................................................................................. 12

Adding and Configuring Devices ........................................................................ 13

About Devices ............................................................................................................. 13

Supported Technologies and Manufacturers .................................................................... 13

Configuring Devices ..................................................................................................... 14

Creating Devices ......................................................................................................... 15

Controlling Devices with Events ......................................................................... 17

Elements of an Event ................................................................................................... 17

Creating an Event ........................................................................................................ 18

Voice Recognition .............................................................................................. 19

The Speaker Client Application ...................................................................................... 19

Voice Recognition Events .............................................................................................. 21

Command Syntax ........................................................................................................ 21

HomeSeer Phone ............................................................................................... 24

Connecting the Telephone Voice Interface ...................................................................... 24

Enabling the Phone Feature .......................................................................................... 25

Running Events by Phone ............................................................................................. 25

The Address Book ........................................................................................................ 25

Receiving Phone Messages............................................................................................ 25

Caller Announcements ................................................................................................. 26

Customizing the HomeTroller ............................................................................. 26

ASCII Scripting ........................................................................................................... 26

Scripting .................................................................................................................... 26

Digital I/O .................................................................................................................. 26

Advanced Programming ............................................................................................... 27

Operating System Restrictions ........................................................................... 27

Technical Support .............................................................................................. 27

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

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

Warranty Information .................................................................................................. 28

HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Page 4

Introduction

The HomeTroller-SE™ and HomeTroller-SE-PRO units are hardware-based home automation
controllers designed to incorporate all the power and flexibility of HomeSeer HS2 or HSPRO
software into a very compact, rugged, and easy-to-install unit. The HomeTroller-SE is designed
to control lighting, appliances, security, HVAC, and infrared (IR) devices, such as home theatre
equipment. Since the HomeTroller-SE is an open standards system, the system can be
integrated with numerous technologies from scores of industry leaders, such as Zensys, Lutron,
Leviton, Intermatic, Lightolier®, HAI, 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-SE is shipped with the following parts:

 One HomeTroller-SE Home Automation Controller Unit
 One Power Supply Unit
 One Power Cord
 One HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Instruction Sheet

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-SE “updater”. Some plug-ins are included at no cost. Others must be
purchased at homeseer.com:

Plug-ins to support the following:

 HomeSeer HSTouch Touch Screen design system
 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

HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Page 5

 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
 And More

3rd Party plug-ins are also available for use with the HomeTroller-SE. For a complete
listing of these plug-ins, visit homeseer.com or use the HomeTroller-SE updater.

Additional Software:

 RealVNC (Remote Access Tool)
 MS Internet Explorer
 MS Outlook Express
 MS Windows Media Player
 HSProtect system tray monitor

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

Key Features

Reliability

The HomeTroller-SE 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-SE has a very small footprint (7” wide x 5” deep x 1.75” high) and can
installed vertically or horizontally.

Software Features

The HomeTroller-SE offers many features not found in other stand-alone automation controllers
such as:

 HSProtect™

This protects the operating system from unwanted writes during normal operation.
With HSProtect, it‟s virtually impossible to corrupt any files on the C drive. The

HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Page 6

system is monitored using a system tray application. Current status of your system
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 2nd 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 items.
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-SE 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-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Page 7

Customizable Software

HomeTroller-SE is designed for easy installation and configuration by any authorized HomeSeer
dealer or DIY 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 style sheet (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 HomeTroller­SE 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: 7” W, 1.75” H, 5” D Processor: 500 MHz VIA
Storage: 4 GB Flash (standard) Fans: fanless
Memory: 1 GB DDR2 OS: Embedded Windows XP (XPe)
USP Ports: 2 Video Out: VGA
Network (1 port): 10/100 Ethernet Audio: Mic In / Line Out
PS/2 Keyboard: 1 Power Supply: 100-240v – 50/60 Hz
PS/2 Mouse: 1 Certifications: UL, FCC, RoHS, CE

HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Page 8

Installation

Mounting the HomeTroller-SE

The HomeTroller-SE 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. USB 2.0: Allows the HomeTroller-SE to monitor and control USB-style home automation

interfaces and peripherals. 2 ports are provided.

2. Audio Out – Connect this jack to any audio system for broadcast of text-to-speech

alerts, announcements and reminders. May also be used with Windows Media Player or
iTunes for broadcast of music (software plug-ins are required).

3. Microphone: Connect a microphone to this port for voice control of the HomeTroller-SE.

4. Power Switch: Turns the unit on or off.

|

5. VGA Monitor: To configure the unit directly, plug a VGA monitor into this port.

Alternately, the unit may be configured remotely from another computer on the LAN or

HomeTroller-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011

Figure 1: Rear Panel of HomeTroller

Page 9

WAN (internet).

6. LAN: Use this jack to connect the HomeTroller-SE to your router. This allows the unit to

be accessed over the LAN or WAN.

7. Mouse: To control the unit directly, plug in a PS/2 mouse into this port. Alternately, the

unit may be configured remotely from another computer on the LAN or WAN (internet).

8. Keyboard: To control the unit directly, plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port. Alternately,

the unit may be configured remotely from another computer on the LAN or WAN
(internet).

9. Power Connector: Connect this port to the power supplied included with the

HomeTroller-SE.

Note: Although no serial ports are included, HomeTroller-SE does support serial devices.
Simply add a USB to serial, WiFi to serial or Ethernet to serial converter for this purpose.
Recommended converters may be found in the HomeSeer online store.

Perform a System Test

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

1. Turn on the unit. The blue LED on the front should be on.

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 hsthst 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-SE (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 used

areas of the system.

4. Follow the steps below to test the built-in audio function of the HomeTroller-SE
a. Attached speakers or headphones to the appropriate “audio out” jack(s)
b. From the HomeTroller-SE web interface, click the “Control” button to open the

Control Panel.

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

without the brackets.

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

“HomeTroller-SE 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-SE Getting Started Guide – rev 3.0 10/12/2011