Control4 HC-800 Controller Installation Guide

Supported Model

C4-HC800-BL - HC-800 Controller, Black

Introduction

The Control4® HC-800 Controller (HC-800) provides a versatile platform for controlling lights, home theaters, whole-home music and video systems, and other devices via IP, infrared (IR), Serial, Contact, or Relay connections. It features a fast processor, built-in WiFi, HDMI for audio and video, and an improved ZigBee radio. The HC-800 excels at extensive media management for audio and video content, including CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and digital media stored on connected devices. It supports external storage via USB, NAS, or eSATA, and offers multi-zone audio capabilities. The device can be stacked with other AV equipment or rack-mounted using optional rack ears. After installation and configuration with Composer Pro software, users can control their system through the On-Screen Navigator, the MyHome app, System Remote Controls, Touch Screens, or other Control4-supported interface devices (sold separately).

Box Contents

The HC-800 box includes:

• HC-800 Controller
• AC to DC power adapter with power cord
• IR emitters (6)
• Antennas (3): ZigBee (1) and dipole antennas (2) for wireless (WiFi).
• Pluggable Contact/Relay connectors (2)
• Warranty Card

Accessories for Purchase

• Rack Ear Kit (C4-1UREK-B)
• 10' Antenna Kit (C4-AK-3M)

Warnings

For general product information, visit http://www.control4.com.

Requirements and Specifications

Prior to installation, ensure Ethernet network wiring is in place. For WiFi usage, consult "Antenna Considerations" for ZigBee Access Points (ZAPs).

HC-800 Specifications

Front View

The front panel features several LED indicators:

• WiFi LED: Blinks Orange then Blue during the boot process. When the operating system starts, the WiFi driver changes the LED color based on signal strength: Orange=Fair to Good, Blue=Excellent, No Light=No connection or not enabled, Red=Poor signal strength.
• Data LED: Blue indicates streaming audio reception.
• Link LED: Blue indicates the Controller has been identified into a project.
• Power LED: Blue indicates AC power is present; blinks during the boot process.
• IR Window/IR Blaster: For learning IR codes.

Back View

The back panel includes numerous ports and connectors:

• 1. ZigBee Antenna: For the ZigBee radio. Use the external antenna if running ZigBee.
• 2. Power Plug Port: AC to DC power adapter connection.
• 3. Factory Restore Button: Recessed button to restore factory defaults.
• 4. Identification Button: Used to identify the device in Composer Pro.
• 5. RS-232 Serial: Two DB9 connectors for serial devices (e.g., receivers, disc changers).
• 6. IR Out: Six 3.5mm jacks for IR output transmitters.
• 7. HDMI Out (Audio/Video): HDMI port for display output. Note: HDMI and Component can be connected simultaneously, but only one is active.
• 8. Video Out (Component): Component jack for display output.
• 9. WiFi 1: Reverse SMA connector for attaching a WiFi antenna (supports 802.11 b/g/n). WiFi is for Secondary Controllers only.
• 10. Digital Audio Out: Digital audio output jack.
• 11. Audio Out: RCA jacks for stereo line output.
• 12. Audio In: RCA jacks for stereo line input.
• 13. eSATA: External serial ATA port for connecting hard drives.
• 14. Ethernet: RJ-45 jack for 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet connection.
• 15. USB: Port for external storage devices.
• 16. Relays: Pluggable terminal block for four switchable connections (Normally Opened (NO), Normally Closed (NC), and Common (COM)).
• 17. Power: Troubleshooting pinhole for powering on the unit.
• 18. Contacts: Pluggable terminal block for four switchable connections (provides 12V, Signal (SIG), and Ground (GND)).
• 19. WiFi 2: Reverse SMA Connector for a second WiFi antenna.

Notes on WiFi: WiFi cannot be used for Primary Controllers; use it for Secondary Controllers only. For best results, use 802.11 n.

Installation Instructions

1. Ensure your home network is in place. The HC-800 requires a network connection (wired or WiFi) for all features.
2. Mount Options: The HC-800 can be stacked with AV equipment or rack-mounted using optional rack ears (sold separately).
3. Connect to Network: Plug the Ethernet cable into the Controller's RJ-45 port and the network switch.
4. Power Up: Plug the HC-800 power cord into the unit and an electrical outlet. Allow several minutes for bootup. The Power LED blinks Orange then Blue during this process.
5. Connect System Devices: Follow instructions in "Connect the Devices."
6. Set Up External Storage: Follow instructions in "Setting up External Storage Devices."

Connect the Devices

Use Composer Pro to manage the connection process. The following sections detail connection options.

Pluggable Terminal Block Connectors

The HC-800 uses pluggable terminal block connectors for Contact and Relay ports. To connect a device:

1. Insert a wire into the appropriate opening in the Pluggable Terminal Block.
2. Wire Insertion:
   • For solid core wire, push into the hole below the slotted retention tab.
   • For stranded wire, push the slotted retention tab with a small flat-blade screwdriver, insert the wire, then release the tab.
3. Repeat for all wires.

Example: For a motion sensor, connect wires to +12V (Power input), SIG (Output signal), and GND (Ground connector).

Note: For dry contact closure devices (e.g., doorbells), connect the switch between +12V (Power) and SIG (Signal).

Connect to the Contact Port

The HC-800 provides four (4) contact ports. These are used for various sensors:

• Voltage Source (e.g., Motion Sensor): Connects to sensors requiring external power.
• Dry Contact (e.g., Door Contact Sensor): Connects to devices where a switch closes the circuit.
• Self-Powered Voltage Source Device: Connects to sensors that provide their own power.

Connect to the Relay Port

The HC-800 provides four (4) relay ports. Typically, one wire connects to the common terminal and another to the Normally Opened (NO) terminal. The relay switches close when activated. The HC-800 also supports Normally Closed (NC) contacts.

Connect the Serial Ports

The HC-800 has two (2) DB9-style serial ports for connecting devices like receivers or disc changers. Align pins and tighten screws.

Set Up IR Emitters or IR Blaster

Control third-party devices via IR commands:

• IR Emitters: Plug the 3.5mm connector of an emitter into an IR Out port. Position the emitter over the device's IR receiver.
• IR Blaster: Located on the front panel, it can be used instead of emitters. Connect the Front IR Blaster Out to the device's IR In in Composer. Ensure proper positioning for the blaster to reach the device.

Note: All IR ports deliver the same amount of power.

Antenna Considerations

Consider antenna placement based on the HC-800's location and network setup.

• Not Using WiFi: A standard Ethernet cable is sufficient for rack-mounted units.
• Using as a ZigBee Access Point (ZAP): Attach one antenna to the 'ZigBee' RSMA connector. Use an optional 10' Antenna Kit for metal racks.
• Using with a WiFi Connection: Connect wirelessly for systems without Ethernet. This is not recommended for rack-mounted units or for Primary Controllers. Use the WiFi antenna when you don't have Ethernet and are using the HC-800 as a Secondary Controller. For best results, use 802.11 n.

Install in a Rack (Optional)

1. Turn the Controller over and remove the four screws securing the feet.
2. Remove the rubber feet.
3. Use the same screws to attach rack ears (sold separately).
4. Attach the Controller to the rack.

Setting Up External Storage Devices

Media can be stored and accessed from external devices (NAS, eSATA, USB). Plug the USB drive into the USB port and configure/scan in Composer Pro. Refer to the eSATA Installation Guide for details.

Note: eSATA or USB storage devices on an HC-800 are limited to one partition with a 2TB maximum size.

Composer Information

• Driver: Choose the Home Controller HC-800 driver in Composer (OS 2.2 and later) and add it to your project.
• Properties: Configure video resolution in the Connections view (HDMI or Component). The default is 720p @ 60 Hz. HDMI also uses auto configuration. After selection, click Set Resolution. The Controller may reboot, which is normal. Refer to the Composer Pro User Guide for details.

Troubleshooting

Factory Restore Button

CAUTION: The Factory Restore process will remove the Composer project.

To restore factory defaults:

1. Insert a paper clip into the 'Factory Restore' hole on the back of the HC-800.
2. Hold the button until the WiFi Status LED blinks Orange (approx. 5-7 seconds), then release. The Status LED will blink Orange during the restore.

Identification Button

• Identify: Press to identify the device in the system.
• Network and Password Resets: Hold the ID button and apply power. Wait for Power, Link, and Data LEDs to turn solid. Release the button to reset network and password defaults.
• Boots/Reboots: Press and hold the Identification button for 5 seconds to reboot. The LEDs will sequence: Power (blinks then solid Blue), Link (blinks then off), Data (blinks once then off), WiFi (blinks Orange, then Blue, then off). The WiFi LED also reports status (Red=Bad, Orange=OK, Blue=Good) if configured for WiFi.

Regulatory/Safety Information

Review regulatory information for Control4 products at http://www.control4.com/regulatory/.

Warranty

A limited 2-year warranty is provided. Details are available at http://www.control4.com/warranty.

About This Document

Part number: 200-00241, Rev. D, 11/13/2012