Control4 EA-3 Controller Installation Guide

Supported Model

C4-EA3

Introduction

The Control4 EA-3 Entertainment and Automation Controller is a versatile device designed for multi-room, high-resolution audio and smart home automation in small to mid-size homes. It features a next-generation multi-core processor for speed and performance, a built-in music server with three audio outputs, and extensive I/O for automating various home systems (audio, video, lighting, climate, security) via IP, IR, serial, and ZigBee. Its compact design includes PoE+ for power and an Ethernet out port, making it easy to install.

Box Contents

• Control4 EA-3 Controller (C4-EA3)
• EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket (C4-WMEA3)
• AC power cord
• IR emitters (6)
• Dual-band antennas (2)
• Single-position terminal block for contact/relay
• Warranty card

Accessories Sold Separately

• Control4 3.5 mm-to-DB9 Serial Cable (C4-CBL3.5-DB9B)
• Rack Mount Kit (C4-EA3RMK1-BL, C4-EA3RMK2-BL)

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 case of over-current on USB or contact output, the software disables the output. If an attached USB device or contact sensor does not power on, remove the device from the controller.

Avertissement: Dans une condition de surintensité sur USB ou sortie de contact, le logiciel désactive la sortie. Si le périphérique USB ou le capteur de contact connecté ne semble pas s'allumer, retirez le périphérique du contrôleur.

For more information, visit the Products pages at www.control4.com.

Requirements and Specifications

Note: Ethernet is recommended over WiFi for the best network connectivity.

Note: The Ethernet or WiFi network must be installed before installing the EA-3 Controller.

Composer Pro is required for configuration. Refer to the Composer Pro User Guide (ctrl4.co/cpro-ug) for details.

Specifications

Additional Resources

• Control4 Knowledgebase: kb.control4.com
• Dealer Forums: forums.control4.com
• Control4 Technical Support
• Control4 Website: www.control4.com
• Composer Pro documentation: Available on the Dealer Portal under Support (ctrl4.co/docs)

Front View

The front panel features several indicators and interfaces:

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

Back View

The back panel provides various connection ports:

• A WiFi: Reverse SMA connector for the WiFi antenna.
• 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: +12, 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, and 3 can be configured for serial or IR control.
• E DIGITAL COAX IN: Allows audio sharing over the local network to other Control4 devices.
• F AUDIO IN and OUT: Stereo audio input and output ports (3.5 mm jack). AUDIO IN allows audio sharing to other Control4 devices. AUDIO OUT outputs shared audio or digital audio sources.
• G DIGITAL COAX OUT: Outputs shared audio or digital audio sources.
• H HDMI OUT: HDMI port for displaying navigation menus and audio output.
• I ID Button: Button to identify the device in Composer Pro.
• J FACTORY RESTORE: Button to restore the controller to its factory defaults.
• K USB: One port for an external USB drive.
• L Ethernet: Ethernet port usable as a network switch for another local Ethernet device.
• M Ethernet/POE: RJ-45 jack for 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet connection. Use as the 'uplink port'. Required for PoE+ power.
• N ZIGBEE: Reverse SMA connector for the ZigBee antenna.

Installing the Controller

1. Ensure the home network is set up. The controller requires a network connection (Ethernet recommended or WiFi) for full functionality, including web-based media databases, IP device communication, and system updates.
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 wall mounting details.
3. Connect the controller to the network:
   • Ethernet: Connect a data cable from the home network to the controller's RJ-45 port (ETHERNET/POE) and the wall/switch network port. If using PoE+, ensure all connections are made before powering the PoE injector/switch.
   • WiFi: Connect via Ethernet first, then reconfigure for WiFi using Composer Pro System Manager.

   Important: Do not install the EA controller on a 172.18.xxx.xxx subnet.

4. Connect system devices, such as IR and serial devices, as described in "Connect the IR ports/serial ports" and "Set up IR emitters."
5. Set up external storage devices as described in "Setting up external storage devices."
6. Power up the controller by plugging the power cord into the controller and then into an electrical outlet.

Mounting the Controller Behind a TV or on the Wall

The included Wall-Mount Bracket (C4-WMEA3) allows mounting behind a TV, on a 1- or 2-gang wall box, or directly on the wall. Consult the EA-3 Wall-Mount Bracket Installation Guide for specific instructions.

Pluggable Terminal Block Connectors

The EA-3 uses a pluggable terminal block connector for contact and relay ports. This is a removable plastic part for securing individual wires.

Connecting a Device to the Pluggable Terminal Block:

1. Insert one of the device's wires into the appropriate opening in the terminal block.
2. Insert the wire:
   • Solid-core wire: Insert into the hole below the slotted retention tab and ensure it is tightly secured.
   • Stranded wire: Press the slotted retention tab with a small flat-blade screwdriver, insert the wire below the tab, and release the tab to secure it.

Example: For a motion sensor (see Figure 5), connect wires as follows:

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

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

Connecting the Contact Port

The EA-3 has one contact port for the pluggable terminal block. Figures 3-5 illustrate connections for different device types:

• Figure 3: Contact Port for Voltage Source (Motion Sensor) - Shows connections to COM, NC, NO, +12, SIG, GND.
• Figure 4: Contact for Dry Contact (Door Contact Sensor) - Shows connections to COM, NC, NO, +12, SIG, GND.
• Figure 5: Contact for Self-Powered Voltage Source Device - Shows connections to COM, NC, NO, +12, SIG, GND.

Connecting the Relay Port

The EA-3 has one relay port for the pluggable terminal block. For most applications, connect one wire to COM and the other to NO. The relay switch closes when activated.

• Figure 7: Relay Port, Normally Open - Shows connections to COM, NC, NO, +12, SIG, GND.
• Figure 8: Relay Port, Normally Closed - Shows connections to COM, NC, NO, +12, SIG, GND.

Connecting the IR Ports/Serial Ports (Optional)

The controller has six IR ports. Ports 1, 2, and 3 can be reconfigured for serial communication or used for IR. 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 (odd/even parity) and do not support hardware flow control.
• Refer to Knowledgebase article #268 (https://dealer.control4.com/dealer/knowledgebase/article/268) for pinout diagrams.
• Configure ports for serial or IR in Composer Pro. Consult the Composer Pro User Guide for details.
• Serial ports can be configured as straight-through or null in Composer Pro. The default is straight-through; enable "Null-Modem Serial Port (1/2/3)" to change.

Set Up IR Emitters

Third-party devices controlled by IR commands can be managed using the included IR emitters. These emitters send commands from the controller to the IR receiver on the target device.

1. Connect an IR emitter to an IR OUT port on the controller.
2. Remove the adhesive backing from the emitter's round end and affix it over the IR receiver of the device to be controlled.

Set Up External Storage Devices

Media can be stored and accessed from external storage devices (e.g., USB drives) by connecting them to the USB port and configuring them in Composer Pro. NAS drives are also supported; refer to the Composer Pro User Guide for details.

• Note: Only externally powered USB drives or solid-state USB drives (thumb drives) are supported. USB hard drives without separate power supplies are not supported.
• Note: For USB or eSATA storage on an EA-5 Controller, a single primary partition formatted FAT32 is recommended. (This note is for EA-5, but included in the document).

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 instructions.

Troubleshooting

Reset to Factory Settings

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

To restore the controller to factory defaults:

1. Insert a straightened paper clip into the small hole labeled FACTORY RESTORE on the back of the controller.
2. Press and hold the FACTORY RESTORE button. The controller will reset, and the Caution LED will turn solid red.
3. Continue holding the button for approximately five to seven seconds until the Caution LED blinks twice yellow. Release the button to begin the factory restore process.
4. The Caution LED will blink orange during the restore. It will turn off when the process is complete and the device resets.

Power Cycle the Controller

Press and hold the ID button for five seconds to reset the controller.

Reset Network Settings

To reset network settings to default:

1. Disconnect power from the controller.
2. While holding the ID button on the back, reconnect power.
3. Hold the ID button until the Data, Link, and Power LEDs are solid blue, then release immediately.
4. If the Caution LED remains orange during boot, press and hold the ID button until it blinks blue, then release.

LED Status Information

LED Indicators:

Regulatory/Safety Information

For regulatory information, visit the Control4 website at ctrl4.co/reg.

Warranty

Visit ctrl4.co/warranty for details.

More Help

For the latest version of this document and additional materials, visit:

ctrl4.co/ea3-ig

For more information on EA Controllers:

ctrl4.co/ea

Control4 Website: control4.com | Support: 888.400.4070

Copyright ©2016, Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo, the 4-ball logo, 4Store, 4Sight, Control4 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.

Document Version: 200-00381-A, 2015-07-06 DH