Control4 EA-3 Controller Installation Guide

Supported Models

• C4-EA3
• C4-EA3-V2

Introduction

The versatile Control4 EA-3 Entertainment and Automation Controller is the perfect fusion of multi-room, high-resolution audio and smart home automation for small to mid-size homes. Powered by a next-generation multi-core processor, the EA-3 delivers a new level of speed and performance for instantaneous, interactive on-screen access to all the systems in the home. A built-in music server with three audio outputs delivers high-resolution audio throughout the home from your local music library, popular streaming music services, and AirPlay-enabled devices using native Control4 ShairBridge technology. The EA-3 includes a variety of I/O to automate audio and video, lighting, climate control, door locks, and other devices controlled by IP, infrared (IR), serial, and ZigBee. With PoE+ for power, a port for Ethernet out, and an optional mounting bracket, the compact form factor of the EA-3 makes it easy to install behind any TV or projector.

Box Contents

• EA-3 controller
• AC power cord
• IR emitters (6)
• External antennas (1 EA-3 V2, 2 EA-3 V1)
• Terminal block for contacts and relays

Accessories Sold Separately

• Control4 3.5 mm-to-DB9 Serial Cable (C4-CBL3.5-DB9B)
• 1U Rack-Mount Kit, Single EA-3 Controller (C4-EA3RMK1-BL)
• 1U Rack-Mount Kit, Dual EA-3 Controllers (C4-EA3RMK2-BL)
• EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket (C4-WMEA3)
• Dual-Band WiFi USB Adapter (C4-USBWIFI or C4-USBWIFI-1)

Warnings

Caution! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

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.

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.

Note: The EA-3 V2 requires OS 2.10.2 or higher. The EA-3 V1 requires OS 2.8.1 or higher.

Composer Pro is required to configure this device. See the Composer Pro User Guide (ctrl4.co/cpro-ug) for details.

Specifications

Additional Resources

• 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

The front panel features several indicators and ports:

• A Data LED: Indicates that the controller is streaming audio.
• B IR window: Houses the IR blaster and IR receiver for learning IR codes.
• C Caution LED: Shows solid red during boot, then blinks blue. Flashes orange during factory restore.
• D Link LED: Blue LED indicating the controller is identified in a Control4 Composer project and communicating with Director.
• E Power LED: Blue LED indicating AC power is connected and the controller is on.

Back View

The back panel provides various connection ports:

• A WIFI: Reverse SMA connector for WiFi antenna (EA-3 V1 only).
• B Power plug port: AC power receptacle for an IEC 60320-C5 power cord.
• C Contact/Relay port: Terminal block for connecting one relay device and one contact sensor. Relay connections: COM, NC (normally closed), NO (normally open). Contact sensor connections: +12V, SIG (signal), GND (ground).
• D Serial and IR OUT: 3.5 mm jacks for up to six IR emitters or a combination of IR emitters and serial devices (Ports 1, 2, 3 can be configured for serial or IR).
• E DIGITAL COAX IN: For sharing audio 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). For sharing audio or outputting audio from other devices.
• G DIGITAL COAX OUT: Outputs audio shared from other Control4 devices or digital audio sources.
• H HDMI OUT: HDMI port for displaying navigation menus and as an audio output.
• I ID button: Button to identify the device in Composer Pro. On EA-3 V2, also an LED for feedback.
• J FACTORY RESTORE: Button to restore the controller to factory defaults.
• K USB: One port for an external USB drive or the optional Dual-Band WiFi USB Adapter (EA-3 V2).
• L Ethernet: Ethernet port that can act as a network switch for another local Ethernet device.
• M Ethernet/POE: RJ-45 jack for 10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet connection. Use as the 'uplink port'. Required for PoE+ power.
• N ZIGBEE: Reverse SMA connector for ZigBee antenna.

Installing the Controller

1. Ensure the home network is in place before system setup. The controller requires a network connection (Ethernet recommended, or WiFi) for full functionality.
2. Mount the controller behind a TV, on a wall, in a rack, or on a shelf. Refer to the EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket Installation Guide for details if mounting on a wall or behind a TV.
3. Attach antennas to the WIFI and ZIGBEE connectors. For EA-3 V2, connect the optional WiFi USB Adapter to the USB port if WiFi is needed.
4. Connect the controller to the network:
   • Ethernet: Plug a data cable from the network connection into the controller's "ETHERNET/POE" port and the network port on the wall or switch. An additional Ethernet device can connect to the "Ethernet Out" port. Note: If using PoE+, make all connections before powering the injector/switch.
   • WiFi: Connect via Ethernet first, then use Composer Pro System Manager to reconfigure for WiFi.
5. Important: Do not install your EA controller on a 172.18.xxx.xxx subnet.
6. Connect system devices such as IR and serial devices as described in "Connect the IR ports/serial ports" and "Set up IR emitters."
7. Set up any external storage devices as described in "Setting up external storage devices."
8. Connect the power cord to the controller's power port and then into an electrical outlet, or for PoE, power on the PoE+-enabled network switch or injector.

Mounting the Controller Behind a TV or on the Wall

Using the optional Wall-Mount Bracket (C4-WMEA3), the EA-3 can be mounted behind a TV, on a wall using a 1- or 2-gang wall box, or directly on the wall. Refer to the EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket Installation Guide (ctrl4.co/ea-wmb) for details.

Pluggable Terminal Block Connectors

The EA-3 uses removable terminal block connectors for contact and relay ports. To connect a device:

1. Insert one wire required for your device into the appropriate opening in the terminal block.
2. Insert the wire into the terminal connection and use a small, flat-blade screwdriver to tighten the screw and secure the wire.

Example for Motion Sensor:

• Power input to +12V
• Output signal to SIG
• Ground connector to GND

Tip: For a dry contact closure device (e.g., doorbell button), connect wires to +12V (Power) and SIG (Signal).

Connecting the Contact Port

The EA-3 provides one contact port on the pluggable terminal block (+12, SIG, GRD). Examples:

To a sensor that also needs power (Motion sensor):

Connect sensor's +12V to +12, sensor's OV to COM, sensor's NO to NO.

To a dry contact sensor (Door contact sensor):

Connect sensor's COM to COM, sensor's NC to NC.

To an externally powered sensor (Driveway sensor):

Connect sensor's +12V to +12, sensor's GND to GND, sensor's output to SIG.

Connecting the Relay Port

The EA-3 provides one relay port on the pluggable terminal block. Examples:

To a single-relay device, normally open (Fireplace):

Connect fireplace's power to COM, fireplace's controlled device to NO.

To a dual-relay device (Blinds):

Connect blind's UP control to Relay 1 NO, blind's DOWN control to Relay 2 NO. Connect common power to COM for both relays.

With power from the contact, normally closed (Amplifier trigger):

Connect amplifier trigger's input to COM, amplifier trigger's output to NC.

Connecting the IR Ports/Serial Ports (Optional)

The controller has six IR ports. Ports 1, 2, and 3 can be reconfigured for serial communication. If not used for serial, they function as IR ports. Connect serial devices using the Control4 3.5 mm-to-DB9 Serial Cable (C4-CBL3.5-DB9B, sold separately).

• Serial ports support baud rates from 1200 to 115200 with odd/even parity. Hardware flow control is not supported.
• Refer to Knowledgebase article #268 (dealer.control4.com/dealer/knowledgebase/article/268) for pinout diagrams.
• Configure ports for serial or IR in Composer Pro. See the Composer Pro User Guide for details.

Note: Serial ports can be configured as straight-through or null in Composer Pro. By default, they are straight-through.

Setting Up IR Emitters

To control third-party products via IR:

1. Connect an included IR emitter to an IR OUT port on the controller.
2. Place the emitter end onto the IR receiver of the target device (e.g., TV, Blu-ray player).

Setting Up External Storage Devices (Optional)

Connect a network hard drive or USB memory device to the USB port to store and access media. Configure or scan media in Composer Pro.

Note: Only externally powered USB drives or solid-state USB sticks are supported. Self-powered USB drives are not supported.

Note: For EA-3 controllers, only one partition with a 2 TB maximum size is supported for USB storage.

Composer Pro Driver Information

Use Auto Discovery and SDDP to add the driver to your Composer project. Refer to the Composer Pro User Guide for details.

Troubleshooting

Reset to Factory Settings

Caution! The factory restore process will remove the Composer project. Back up your project with Composer Pro before starting.

1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the FACTORY RESTORE hole on the back of the controller.
2. Press and hold the FACTORY RESTORE button. The controller resets, and the Caution LED turns solid red.
3. Hold until the Caution LED flashes double orange (approx. 5-7 seconds). The LED flashes orange during restore.
4. When complete, the Caution LED turns off, and the device power cycles to finish.

Note: On EA-3 V2, the ID button also functions as an LED for feedback during factory restore.

Power Cycle the Controller

1. Press and hold the ID button for five seconds to turn the controller off and then on.

Reset the Network Settings

1. Disconnect power to the controller.
2. While pressing and holding the ID button on the back, reconnect power.
3. Hold the ID button until the Caution LED (rear ID LED) appears solid orange and the Link and Power LEDs are solid blue, then release immediately.

Note: In OS 2.10.1 and lower, the Caution LED appears solid blue during network reset. In OS 2.10.2 and higher, it appears orange.

LED Status Information

Regulatory/Safety Information

To review regulatory information for your Control4 products, visit ctrl4.co/reg.

For warranty details, visit ctrl4.co/warranty.

For more help and the latest document version, visit ctrl4.co/ea3-ig or ctrl4.co/ea.

Important Safety Information

Read the following safety instructions before using this product:

• Read and keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Do not use near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block ventilation openings. Install according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near heat sources.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of polarized or grounding plugs. Consult an electrician if your outlet is incompatible.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Only use manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
• Use only with specified carts, stands, etc. Use caution when moving combinations to avoid tip-over.
• Unplug during lightning storms or long periods of non-use.
• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• This equipment uses AC power susceptible to surges; warranty does not cover surge/lightning damage. Consider installing a surge arrestor.
• To disconnect power, remove the power cord or turn off the circuit breaker. Ensure the circuit breaker is readily accessible.
• This product relies on building installation for short-circuit protection; ensure the protective device is rated not greater than 20A.
• Battery Caution: Risk of explosion or injury if battery is replaced incorrectly. Dispose of used batteries according to manufacturer and environmental guidelines. Do not open, puncture, incinerate, or expose batteries to extreme heat or moisture.
• Never push objects into cabinet slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or cause fire/shock.
• This product may interfere with other electrical equipment (tape recorders, TVs, radios, computers, microwaves) if placed in close proximity.

Warning Symbols:

• Lightning flash with arrow: Alerts to dangerous voltage inside the product.
• Exclamation point in triangle: Alerts to important instructions accompanying the product.

Warning!: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Compliance Information

USA & Canada Compliance (FCC Part 15, Subpart B): This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits for residential installations. It may cause interference; users should reorient antennas, increase separation, or use different circuits to correct it. Consult dealer or technician if interference persists.

FCC Part 15, Subpart C / RSS-247: This device complies with FCC rules and Industry Canada's licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received. Changes not expressly approved by the responsible party may void user authority.

RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC/IC radiation exposure limits for portable transmitting devices. Use only at locations with at least 20cm separation from antennas and persons. Do not co-locate with other antennas or transmitters.

Europe Compliance: The CE mark indicates conformity with EU directives. Declarations of Conformity are available, detailing compliance with EMC (2014/30/EU), Safety (2014/35/EC LVD), Radio (2014/53/EU RED), ErP (2009/125/EC), and RoHS (2011/65/EU) directives.

Recycling & WEEE Compliance: Control4 is committed to environmental standards and meets WEEE directive requirements for product disposal and recycling.

About this Document

Copyright © 2018 Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4 trademarks are registered in the US and other countries. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Part Number: 200-00XXX Rev A, 7/31/2018