Remote control in landscape projects

Which is the best way to remote control a c-bus system in a landscape project?

According to specifications, I have to control 92 channels through a central point via a touch screen.
However, the project is for the landscape lighting of a wedding ceremony place and I believe that they will need for sure a remote access to the lighting system.
I am thinking to offer a PDA running Homegate. Is this the best way to get remote access in a landscape project?

 

Daniel,
I want to propose him a good solution in a fair price.
If I suggest a RF remote control I will have to put also a PACA to get serial control. However, the range is 20-30 meters max and I haven't done it before. So I am not sure how difficult this is to program. Which remote control are you using?
As far as your second suggestion I am afraid that I don't understand you. Please clarify.
The third solution is a bit more expensive, but the range is doubled (60-80 meters) and I am familiar with Homegate.
An other thought was to get C-bus cable in a central external point, plug a wireless gateway, a plug adaptor and use Clipsal's RF remote control.

 

Depending on the size of the area to be covered, if it is a large area, and if you need the remote to work throughout the entire space, then I would go for the PDA or Wireless Tablet approach, as then you would be able to use a Wi-Fi access point, with a High-Gain antenna, (most likely of the "panel" type), and this would enable you to control the entire system from the Tablet or PDA via HomeGate or ServerX with no problems.

However the other ideas that you have proposed sound fine as well.

Also, do you have water-proof enclosures available that would allow you to mount something like a Neo or Saturn somewhere outdoors? I'm just thinking that maybe you could run a single pink C-Bus cable out to this waterproof enclosure, and then activate the scenes stored in your touchscreen inside the building from this remote Neo or other input unit? I have a degree in Hospitality Management, and have worked in many venues, and where there is Automation in wedding venues, quite often having a keypad or other simple, clearly labelled input unit, mounted in an easy-to-access location, but that is also in a position where the guests won't "play" with it, that is able to then control the "main" control system (in this case a touchscreen), is more than sufficient for most purposes.

I'm not suggesting that you don't investigate and offer more advanced solutions than this, and having a wireless remote, PDA, or touch-screen tablet to control the system definately has the "wow" factor, but quite often in hospitality you have staff who are not trained, who are hired in for the event, and dont have any knowledge of the system in place at the venue, or who simply do not "think" when operating these kinds of systems, and usually it really does need to be kept simple, and things like wireless devices quite often get broken through rough handling, are stolen, or simply do not get used because staff don't understand them, or find it easier to just operate the touch-screen or switches on the wall inside the venue in a staff area. I think that having one or two Neo or other input units in a waterproof enclosure (a lockable one would be best) out in the appropriate areas, whether mounted on a wall, a post holding up a gazebo, or other suitable place, will most likely enable the remote-control you are looking for, while also remaining sturdy, hard to steal, hard to break, and if clearly labelled, easy to use by staff, and even guests if required.

So best of luck 2SC, and I hope that I have given you some things to consider, and that I have been helpful to you

Darpa

 

Totally agree with Drapa.

We have done a few small scale PDA control projects. Programming PDA to communicate with Server running C-gate may be difficult because there may be a few ways of doing it, but many programmers may get it done after spending some time. There will be bugs so it take time and money...but that's not the main point.

The main point is, like selling software, teaching the client to use the tools. There are too many hardware knowledge required to get things running, and they probably get scared when you tell them they need to know everything about wireless lan and PC...etc. If they don't know, they will have trouble one day when things doesn't work. Porbably re-set a router may solve it but it is a big step for users who want to turn on a light.

If it is a place for wedding, you shouldn't try wireless solution because there is not a nice situation if the network doesn't work suddently....

Maybe using Pronto with RF adapter (to control a NEO switch storing 8 scene) is an option you may try. But again, the wireless performance depends on the product, so you need to try...

 

With keeping it simple.

You could use a aux input module inside and run some cables out to a panel outside and use some pretty easy to find IP56 min buttons. This will give you some flexability to make a half decent looking weatherproof unit that is very suitable for long term use outdoors.

There is no software to maintain, next to no training required, no wireless comms to worry about. I think you get the drift.

Mick

 

Good idea Mick,
Just run a low voltage power supply and the Aux Input Module inside, and run a simple multi-core cable out to the control panel (even normal blue Cat5 would do it), and then simply manufacture a nice, simple weatherproof (IP56) outdoor panel, engrave the scene names onto each button (or next to each button), and use that to control the C-Touch.
It's safe (Low Voltage)
Simple (Any idiot who can read labels will be able to use it)
and cheap (No need for re-programming or replacement C-Bus input units in case of user damage or weather damage)

And here I was thinking you were just a pretty face Mick

 

Glad I can finally help with something.....

Mick