HC-800 Controller Installation Guide

Supported Models

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

Box Contents

• 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

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

WARNING: This CLASS I apparatus must be connected to an AC mains socket outlet that has a protective earthing connection (e.g., third-prong ground conductor). DO NOT DEFEAT THE PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONNECTION!

Requirements and Specifications

Ensure Ethernet network wiring is in place before installation. For WiFi usage, refer to "Antenna Considerations" for ZigBee Access Points (ZAPs).

Additional Resources

• Control4 Knowledgebase or Forums
• Control4 Technical Support
• Control4 website: http://www.control4.com
• Composer documentation available via online help or PDF on the Dealer portal (http://dealer.control4.com/)

Front View

1 WiFi LED: Blinks Orange then Blue during boot. Changes color based on WiFi signal strength: Orange (Fair to Good), Blue (Excellent), No Light (No connection/disabled), Red (Poor signal).

2 Data LED: Blue LED indicates streaming audio reception.

3 Link LED: Blue LED indicates the Controller has been identified in a project.

4 Power LED: Blue LED indicates AC power is present; blinks during boot.

5 IR Window/IR Blaster: Used for learning IR codes.

Back View

1 ZigBee Antenna: Connects to the ZigBee radio. Use the external antenna if the HC-800 is in a metal rack.

2 Power Plug Port: Connects the AC to DC power adapter.

3 Factory Restore Button: Recessed button to reset the Controller to factory defaults.

4 Identification Button: Used to identify the device in Composer Pro or reset network/password defaults.

5 RS-232 Serial (x2): DB9 connectors for connecting serial devices like receivers or disc changers.

6 IR Out (x6): 3.5 mm jacks for IR output transmitters.

7 HDMI Out (Audio/Video): HDMI 1.4 port for displaying menus on a monitor or TV. Can be connected with Component, but only one is active.

8 Video Out (Component): Component jack for displaying menus on a monitor or TV.

9 WiFi 1: Reverse SMA connector for WiFi antenna (802.11 b/g/n). Not for Primary Controllers.

10 Digital Audio Out: Digital stereo line output for amplifiers or audio switches.

11 Audio Out: RCA jacks for stereo channel line output.

12 Audio In: RCA jacks for stereo channel input (line level).

13 eSATA: External serial ATA port for connecting hard drives for media storage.

14 Ethernet: RJ-45 jack for 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet connection.

15 USB: Port for external storage devices with USB support.

16 Relays (x4): Pluggable terminal block connector for switchable connections (e.g., blinds, fireplace). Supports Normally Opened (NO), Normally Closed (NC), and Common (COM).

17 Power: Troubleshooting port. Insert a paper clip to power on if the unit does not power on after plugging in.

18 Contacts (x4): Pluggable terminal block connector for switchable connections. Provides 12V power, signal input (SIG), and ground (GND).

19 WiFi 2: Reverse SMA Connector for WiFi antenna (802.11 b/g/n). Not for Primary Controllers.

Installation Instructions

1. Ensure your home network is established. The HC-800 requires a network connection (wired or WiFi) for full functionality, enabling connection to IP devices, media databases, and system updates. Refer to Knowledgebase article #3 for recommended networking hardware.
2. Mounting: The HC-800 can be stacked with AV equipment or rack-mounted using the optional Rack Ear Kit (C4-1UREK-B, sold separately).
3. Network Connection: Connect an Ethernet cable from your home network to the Controller's RJ-45 "Ethernet" port.
4. Power Up: Plug the provided power cord into the Controller's power port and an electrical outlet. Use only the included power supply. Allow several minutes for the Controller to boot up; the WiFi LED will blink Orange then Blue during this process.
5. Connect Devices: Attach system devices as described in the "Connect the Devices" section.
6. External Storage: Set up any external storage devices as detailed in the "Setting up External Storage Devices" section.

Connect the Devices

Pluggable Terminal Block Connectors

The HC-800 uses pluggable terminal block connectors for Contact and Relay ports. These are removable plastic parts for securing individual wires.

To connect a device:

1. Insert a wire into the appropriate opening in the terminal block.
2. Secure the wire: For solid core wire, push into the hole below the 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 necessary wires.

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 features four (4) contact ports. These ports are used for connecting various sensors and switches.

Connection Examples:

• Voltage Source (e.g., Motion Sensor): Connect Power to +12V, Signal to SIG, and Ground to GND.
• Dry Contact (e.g., Door Contact Sensor): Connect the switch between +12V (Power) and SIG (Signal).
• Self-Powered Voltage Source Device: Connect as appropriate for the device.

Connect to the Relay Port

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

Connect the Serial Ports

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

Serial Communication Values:

Set Up IR Emitters or IR Blaster

Control devices with IR commands using either IR emitters or the built-in IR blaster. All IR ports provide the same power output.

IR Emitters

1. Plug a 3.5 mm connector of an IR emitter into an IR Out port on the HC-800.

2. Position the emitter over the target device's IR receiver.

IR Blaster

The HC-800 has an IR blaster located near the front LEDs.

1. In Composer, connect the Front IR Blaster Out to the target device's IR In.

2. Ensure the HC-800 is positioned so the blaster can reach the device.

Antenna Considerations

Antenna selection depends on your network setup and HC-800 placement.

Not Using WiFi

If using only Ethernet, no WiFi antenna is needed.

Using as a ZigBee Access Point (ZAP)

Attach one antenna to the "ZigBee" RSMA connector. For metal racks, use the optional 10' Antenna Kit (C4-AK3M).

Using with a WiFi Connection

Use this option for wireless connectivity when an Ethernet connection is unavailable and the HC-800 is a Secondary Controller. Not recommended for rack-mounted units. For optimal performance, use 802.11 n.

Install in a Rack (Optional)

To rack-mount the Controller:

1. Turn the unit over and remove the four screws securing the feet.
2. Remove the rubber feet.
3. Use the same screws to attach the rack ears (C4-1UREK-B, sold separately) to the unit.
4. Attach the Controller to the rack.

Setting Up External Storage Devices

Connect external storage devices (NAS, eSATA, USB) to the HC-800 to store and access media. Plug USB drives into the USB port. Configure and scan media in Composer Pro. Refer to the eSATA Installation Guide in the Knowledgebase for details.

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

Composer Information

Driver: Select the "Home Controller HC-800" driver in Composer (OS 2.2+) and add it to your project. Consult Composer Pro Getting Started for more information.

Properties: Configure video resolution in the Connections view (HDMI or Component). The default is 720p @ 60 Hz. HDMI supports auto-configuration for optimal display resolution. Changes may require a Controller reboot. Refer to the Composer Pro User Guide for detailed configuration.

Troubleshooting

Factory Restore Button

Caution: This process removes the Composer project.

To restore factory defaults: Insert a paper clip into the recessed "Factory Restore" button on the back. Hold for 5-7 seconds until the WiFi Status LED blinks Orange, then release. The LED will blink Orange during the restore.

Identification Button

• Identify: Press to identify the device within the system.
• Network and Password Resets: Hold the ID button while applying power. Release when Power, Link, and Data LEDs turn solid simultaneously to reset network and password defaults.
• Boots/Reboots: Press and hold the ID button for 5 seconds to reboot. LED sequence: Power (blinks then solid Blue), Link (blinks then off), Data (blinks once then off), WiFi (blinks Orange, then Blue, then off). WiFi LED indicates connection status (Red=Bad, Orange=OK, Blue=Good).

Regulatory/Safety Information

For regulatory information, visit the Control4 website: http://www.control4.com/regulatory/.

Warranty

Limited 2-year Warranty. For details, visit: http://www.control4.com/warranty.

About This Document

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