Comfort Overview
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What Comfort does for you
Security
systems are entering a new phase in their evolution. Customers
are demanding that their security system work harder for them, providing
more intelligence, convenience,
energy savings
and
control possibilities.
Many homes function around separate systems which work independently
from each other, but these can now be integrated into one system,
where you can have control from a single keypad or telephone button.
The benefits are plenty, now you can be in control and in touch with
many aspects of your home and office environments, because integration
is the key and Comfort is the system which provides you with integration
.......
Nothing
is more important than protecting the ones you love. Now, with
the aid of new technology, there is a powerful new system which helps
keep you and your family safe in ways never before possible.
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Comfort
is one of the most advanced yet simple security systems available today
incorporating many creative ways to help make you and your family feel
safer. You can be alerted when someone is in your garden or driveway.
In the event of a break-in or a fire, Comfort can automatically dial-out
to phones, pagers or even emergency services to alert or bring help. Comfort
has the unique ability of letting the recipient know exactly what has
happened by providing access to interrogate the system so that you can
know exactly where an intruder is within your home before you go looking
for them.
Comfort
provides security, convenience and control like never before!
Comfort
can be controlled by listening to the English Voice Menus which are heard
through your keypad and telephone. This provides simple guidance when
arming the security system or controlling the home, making Comfort very
easy to understand and use. When you enter your code Comfort welcomes
you by name.
Your
house is always comfortable and efficient and secure, because
the thermostats know whether you are at home, asleep or away and
your detection devices can alert you of outside activity even the system
is switched off. Lights can come on when you enter your hallway. Your
outside lights come on at dusk and off or when there is movement during
the night.
Comfort
can be controlled using your keypad or your home telephone or your touch
tone phone from anywhere in the world. Enter your code
and Comfort will start to talk to you, offering you the choice from a
few menu options, such as arming the system or listening to your messages
on the answering machine. Comfort can be set to one of five modes,
with just one or two key-strokes, such as Away Mode when leaving the
house, Night Mode for Bedtime, Day Mode for protecting an area separately
or Vacation Mode when going on Holiday so that your lights and curtains
operate for a deterrent effect (optional). Other short-cut keys take you
to commonly used menus such as setting a reminder message or intercom
mode.
Have
you ever had your doorbell ring when you were in the bathroom? Or missed
a delivery because you were away from the house or in the rear garden?
Comfort's Intelligent Door Station allows you to use a cordless
phone anywhere around the house avoiding those frustrating situations.
If you are away from home and Comfort is armed and the doorphone button
is pressed, Comfort can call to your mobile phone or any other phone
(if instructed to do so), so that you can talk with your visitor from
wherever you are! If no one answers the door phone either from within
the premises or remotely, after a brief time, the doorphone can take
a message from the visitor and will be played to you when you arrive
home. You can even have your doorbell switch-off the vacuum cleaner
or the HIFI so you can hear the doorbell and the phone ringing!
At
the heart of your Comfort system is the messaging centre. This
is like eight answering machines in one giving each person in the
household their own personal voice mail system which is accessible
using their own unique pin-code. An incoming caller would first hear your
greeting message and then be able to choose from a list who they are leaving
their message for. If you wish, Comfort can forward your messages to your
cell phone as they arrive or you can phone in to collect them.
Ever
left home in a hurry and forgot to switch on the answer-machine? Not
so with Comfort because Comfort does it for you whenever you arm or disarm
the system, when you arrive home and disarm the system you will hear your
message. Upon arriving home a steady light on the keypad shows that a
memo has been left, a flashing light shows that an outside caller has
left a message.
Comfort
lets you stay in touch wherever you are. Comfort's in-built voice
dialler can call up to 8 telephone numbers. Comfort can call you if there
is a power-cut or in the event of an alarm. Additionally, you can call
Comfort and interrogate the system for any information, just as if you're
at home! Now you can check that all is well at home from anywhere
in the world, just call-in from your phone and take away the uncertainty.
Comfort's
home control option can allow you to control and operate electrical appliances
within your home, such as the heating, lighting, air conditioning, curtains
or garage doors, in fact almost any appliance. Comfort allows manual
control using the telephone or keypad or automatic responses using built-in
time programs, integrating the system truly within your home or
office.
Special
power modules using the X-10 protocol are used to control your
existing lights to make the house look occupied or to illuminate your
escape route during a fire alarm or to control heating, ventilation and
air-conditioning appliances (HVAC). Installation is simple because
the modules require very little wiring and they receive their instruction
as a code down the existing ring-main circuits. The home control menu
has eleven sub-menus making possible over 100 custom home control operations!
Comfort
may be scheduled to perform certain actions at regular times each day,
such as switch the heating or air conditioning on and off and can schedule
the garden sprinklers to operate whilst on holiday. Comfort can even
know not to water on a day when it is already raining. You could even
have your Comfort system arm itself at 12.00 Midnight and disarm at 6.00am
automatically.
The
power and usefulness of being able to control or interrogate your system
from any phone in the world should not be underestimated. If you wanted
to be certain that no-one was in your property before you enter, you can
do so. You can also use this feature to phone in and switch the lights
or heating on in advance or for convenience even to switch the VCR to
record a programme (you'll need to remember the blank tape).
Whenever
you go out or go on holiday, set Comfort to Vacation Mode. Homes
are often burgled while the property is obviously unnoccupied, so doesn't
it make sense to make your house look like there is someone living there
even when there isn't? Comfort can help by simulating the appearance
of an occupied home by switching lights and closing curtains and even
operating the TV or radio .
Comfort's Vacation Mode does this using random control within a one
hour time window to achieve a realistic effect.
Another
Comfort function is to deter prowlers should they come close to the
property. The system can detect movement in the rear garden or yard
and then switch lights on in a sequence, for example, first the outside
light switches on, then the bedroom, then 5 seconds later, the landing,
then the hall to give the appearance of someone in the house getting
up to investigate. Comfort can also dial-out silently and alert
you.
Comfort
can have up to 8 keypads and intercoms giving you the ability to listen
to sounds within your property from your home phone, cellular phone or
another keypad. You can also make an announcement through your speakers.
Intercoms and keypads can have many uses. To save your legs and your voice,
you can broadcast a message to everyone around the house, what
could be easier? If you are a carer or you have a baby, you can use the
intercoms in 'monitor mode' to listen for sounds in the vacinity of the
keypad, Comfort is always there to keep you in touch.
Reminder
messages may be set at certain times of day to remind you of appointments,
take medicine or when your favourite TV programmes are on. At the
programmed time, a "ringing" tone will be heard on the Keypad and house
phones will ring and the message can be heard when you answer the phone.
Or you could have your reminder messages call your mobile phone to give
you messages wherever you are. Comfort can be used as an alarm clock
to wake you up each morning. You can even program it to not ring at all
at the weekend!
You
can be assured of Comfort's reliability and quality: Comfort is Year 2000
compliant, BABT (UK) approved, CE marked and is capable of installation
to BS4737, ACPO and NACOSS codes of practice even for commercial applications.
In
addition to meeting the tough BABT requirements for the United Kingdom,
Comfort complies with Australian and South African telecommunication requirements.
This means Comfort systems are proven to resist surges, static and radio
interference (RFI).
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Comfort - Getting Started - Design Guide
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The Comfort Intelligent Home System
is a revelation, it is the only system in the world to successfully
integrate security, home control and remote phone communications
seamlessly into a single system and top do it within the reach of
most budgets!
We receive many regular questions where people are trying to understand
what the Comfort system can do and how to do it. Many find it hard
to believe the degree of integration afforded by Comfort and want
reassurance of what it does. So in this very long article, we hope
to get across the methodology which helps you to get the best out
of your Comfort system.
We will work on the basis that there is integration of security,
internal movement detection and external movement detectors which
select from 4 cameras and trigger lights, VCR recording. Internal
and external lighting using X10 or for scenes and mood lighting,
Lutron,
Clipsal C-BUS, Dynalite and even EIB (European Installation Bus).
Telephone dialout for alarms and messages, remote access via telephone
for Home Control, Remote Infrared Control Handset [Pronto]
for control of A/V equipment and also controlling lights, cameras
and Comfort modes. Radio X10 control, Curtains, Garage Door and
Gate Control locally using keypad or Digital (DECT) cordless phone.
Proximity tag for access control or for arming. Additional functions
will be wireless remote functions using Visonic Powercode range
providing Garage Door and Gate Control from a Car and of course
internet control and monitoring of the home using the Homeseer PC
Web Interface providing webcam and home controls.
You can connect conventional hardwired sensors or wireless sensors
by using the visonic wireless module [MCR308], but by hardwiring
your sensors you are less likely to have false alarms, and the sensors
do not have batteries that need replacing.
Control Interfaces
Comfort is a top-quality unit with a list of features so long that
we don't have enough space to list them all. It also a number of
keypad and touchscreen solutions to allow you to control the system.
Comfort speaks to you in user-friendly plain-English, the voice
is real and is not synthesised. The keypads are quite affordable
and can be used in many locations around the home.
Interface Options: [KP01,
KP02, KP04, KT01 Mono Touchscreen and Companion Colour Touchscreens]
Comfort has extensive integration with X10 functionality, to make
use of this, just add an X10 Interface module [XM10E]
and a lead. Comfort can control up to 254 X10 lights and other devices
by time or when triggered by a sensor. For example, you can use
security motion sensors to automatically turn on lights and then
off again after a specified period of inactivity.
KP02 and KP04 Keypads
Comfort's talking keypad now has Infrared 'receive' allowing you
to control up to 128 Comfort Responses from Phillips Pronto. KP01's,
KP02's and KP04's may be mixed on the same system. .
Arm/disarm the system through contact closure (eg Radio Keyfob),
through the keypad or even by phone. You can also use the phone
to check the status of the system, or to control X10 devices. Both
in house and outside phones can be used for this. You can call home
and turn on the system if you forgot to do so when you left, or
check to see if you left any doors or windows open. Using the phone
you can disarm the system and unlock a door (using an optional electric
door strike controlled through a low-voltage output and relay) to
let a maid or tradesman in.
Arming from the keypad is accomplished by entering your security
code and follow the voice menu or by one of the "one-touch "arm
Keys". You then have a programmable delay period during which to
exit. If you do not exit the house, the system automatically returns
to at Security Off Mode.
To disarm the system, you enter the security code and the disarm
button. You can program one or more entryways as a delayed entrance
to give you time to enter and disarm the system. Up to eight control
keypads can be used with the system.
Police Response and Monitored Alarms
However, due to the introduction of the Police policy DD243:2002,
alarm systems requiring Police response must comply with the new
standard and be installed and maintained by an NSI or SSAIB approved
alarm company. Comfort can comply with the new standard providing
you use BT RedCARE or Dual. The system can be used without monitoring
stations. Comfort's voice dialer it can be programmed to dial any
individuals you specify and play a recorded message and/or to dial
a pager number should there be an alarm condition.
When disarmed, you can program the control panel to chime when certain
zones are entered or announce the name of the zone. Panic buttons
allow you to trigger the system . Wiring the sensors is simply a
matter of running two-conductor wire from the system enclosure to
the magnetic sensors (NC), and four-conductor wires to motion sensors
or other detectors including Smoke and Gas (NC or NO). These may
be wired using Double End of Line resistors to provide both zone
and tamper monitoring on just two wires! The power for motion sensors
is provided by the auxilliary output in the system enclosure.
Virtually any accessory sensors available including water, temperature
and light level sensors can be used. Individual zones can be programmed
for these types of sensors and setup to produce many kinds of behaviours.
Comfort's built-in Audio functionality allows you to use intercom
features. You can intercom from keypad to keypad, dial-in and intercom
with the keypads, speak with the doorphone or use it as a baby room
monitor.
The minimum required configuration for this system is the eight-zone
panel with case, a locally connected telephone, a 240 VAC power
supply and a backup battery. Add PIR motion sensors to monitor internal
areas, magnetic contacts to monitors doors and windows. Other sensors
such as glass break detectors, smoke detectors, infrared beam detectors,
temperature sensors, in fact virtually any NC or NO sensor can be
added if desired.
To add additional zones, X10 capability, low voltage outputs, etc.
simply purchase the appropriate modules. The standard metal case
will house relay boards, ringer modules, local expansion module
and light sensors; to add more than 16 zones, you will need to purchase
an SEP01 or SEP02 slave expansion panels. A maximum of 64 zone and
64 outputs may be achieved using Comfort CPU, 4 x LEM01 and 3 SEP02
(230v or 12v versions).
Minimum System Components and Options
A Minumum Comfort system consists of the following:
Security Only
1. Comfort Pro or Ultra CPU Central Processor -
2. Keypad KP01 or KP02 if infrared control is required - KP01 (Max.
8)
3. 7 Amp/h Lead Acid Battery
4. Suitable Detectors and External Bellbox
Optional Extras:
5. Programming Software for PC - UCM01/A/CF or UCM01/IR/CF if you
need to learn Infrared codes into Comfort
6. Zone Expansion - LEM01 (up to 16 z) and SEP02 (for 24 zones and
beyond)
7. LSM01 Light sensor Module
Doorphone
8. DP01 Doorphone or DP02 Metal Version (Max 3), DP02MC or CC includes
Mono(MC) and Colour Camera(CC)
9. Ringer Module RGR01 or RGR03
Home Control (X10 Modules)
10. XM10 Interface and TWlead - required for Comfort to send and
receive X10
11. X10 Receiver Modules, such as LM12, AM12, LW12 or LD11
12. X10 Radio Modules - TM13 Transceiver - works with HR10, SS13,
UR24 and KR22.
13. Philips Pronto Infrared Remote Control - for TV, Hi Fi and Comfort
, add Comfort RIO-01 and IRR01 Direct Comfort and X10 control
For automatic lighting based upon light level and movement, you
will need the LSM01 light Sensor Module and some movement detectors
or use the existing detectors.
Web Interface (Pro and Ultra Only)
12. UCX01/A with Homeseer Software- Allows Comfort to be accessed
via the internet and local PC running CWI Software. House in the
'Unibox'
13. Control VCR using Comforts Infraraed Transmitter IRM01
14. For Cameras to be viewed on the web, you need a Capture Card
for PC - see below for Camera requirements
or
16. Comfort Web Module -CWM01 -Linux Based web server Module - Internet
and LAN control of Comfort without PC
Cameras
17. Cameras - Up to 8 or 12 cameras may be controlled by Comfort,
internal or external and switched by Comfort Outputs.
18. Comfort Relay board can switch up to 4 Cameras - RLY01
HVAC Capabitities coming soon! Want to buy Comfort Now? - [Click
Here]
Comfort Keypad - More than a Keypad!
The Comfort keypad is a true innovation in Security keypads, it
talks in clear English using voice-menus to guide you through the
options. This is a partial list of its capabilities. First, it has
convenient one-touch arming to Away, Night, Day and Holiday Modes.
All the 16 keys are fully programmable for any function, by pressing
the FUNCTION button followed by any key.
Each key can be programmed to perform a macro, or in Comfort terminology,
a Response, which for example, may turn on the heating, set the
temperature or the water sprinklers. Each function key can be individually
protected from access by requiring a sign-in code. Each key can
also be programmed to give a short cut to useful voice menus, for
example, to change users PIN codes, to bypass zones, to do a system
check, to leave a message for family member, to listen to the event
log, and so on. Each keypad can act as an intercom to other keypads
on the premises (up to 8 in a system) also allowing you to speak
visitors at the door via the Comfort Doorphone DP01 and DP02.
Access Control
Comfort Doorphone - A Unique Concept!
The Comfort Doorphone looks pretty innocent, but this doorphone
has hidden powers. When your alarm system is unset, and a visitor
presses the button, many things will happen. First the speaker inside
the property will produce a two-tone sound. This is then followed
by a ringing of the telephones within the property alerting the
attention of the owner. You can then pick-up your 'normal' house
telephone and speak to your visitor. You can open the door or gate
to let the visitor in. The doorphone can record a message from your
visitor (if dialout fails to receive a response within 30 seconds)
and play it back upon your return. The button can even be used to
switch a camera view to the TV, start the VCR recording and even
switch of the vacuum cleaner or mute the HI-FI so you can hear it!
In fact most of these functions are already defaults!
Dial-out Doorphone Now the Comfort Doorphone operation really is
unique, and also useful. If the owner is away from home and a visitor
presses the doorphone button, the usual sound will be heard but
this time the Comfort system will call-up the owner on his/her mobile.The
owner answers the phone and hears a recorded name of his/her house,
this is so they know which one of their doorphone has dialled-out.The
voice menu system now gives the instruction "press 1 for doorphone",
you guessed it, now the owner can speak to the visitor just like
being inside the house and operate the lock release, disarm the
system or open the Garage Door (disarming the detector) to facilitate
a delivery.
DECT Phone Link-up
Now, because the system links to a standard domestic telephone,
it follows that you can use a 'handsfree' DECT type of telephone
around the property, or even when your'e doing the gardening. No
longer will you need to leave notes on your front door saying that
you are 'round the back', and now you can catch that home delivery
and re-direct them to a neighbour using your mobile phone or if
you get a spontaneous visit from a friend.
Lock-Release Integration Comfort provides straight forward ability
to control a lock-release using any of the 12v outputs along with
our relay module [RGR03]. Comfort can be configured to pulse or
hold-on the lock release for a period of 20ms to 18 hours! The Doorphone
Menu offers one- touch control of this relay output via key 7(Doophone
1)and 4(Doorphone 2) while speaking to the visitor using the keypad
intercom or from the local or remote telephone. If required, the
metal version of the Doophone DP02 may be provide access control
when sited at the gate at the end of a driveway. The defaults already
cater for a lock release trigger for the door and gate on output
1 and 2.
What about ISDN or Digital phone Systems and PABX?
Digital phone systems require a very different method of connection
than Analogue and keyphone systems. If you are thinking of Digital
or Analogue, then we prefer Analogue, because Comfort Doorphone
works better on the pure Analogue Systems, this still allows you
to use ADSL lines as long as you are using a micro-filter. Comfort
wires in series on the incoming trunk line and then all extensions
can access Comfort easily. However if, all incoming phone lines
are fully digital and do not allow Comfort to be connected en route
to the system, instead, Comfort must be connected as an analogue
extension and must be configured to 'dialout' in all situations
(actions 88,25 within Response 233) which includes the doorphone
alarm scenarios. Firstly, an Analogue Adaptor must be provided by
the phone company for Comfort to connect into. Secondly, a ringer
module is not required at all. The suggested configuration dialout
is for: Telephone number 3 to be a local extension number with a
'group ring' function, for local Doorphone operation. Telephone
numbers 4 to 8 to be set for external dialout to cellular phones
or landlines often preceeded with a '9' or whatever the system requires,
Cable Requirements: Doorphones should be wired in 8-core
shielded cable (CAT5 STP) each running separately back to the Comfort
Pro CPU or SEP02. Each doorphone is addressable from 1- 3 using
a set of three jumpers. If more than 3 keypads are to be used, a
supplementary power supply should be fitted.
If the DP02/MC or DP02/CC with a camera is used, extra cables (8
core screened is adequate for the camera signal up to 100m) should
be run either to the TV area for direct connection to the TV set
Scart or to the Comfort CPU (Node Zero) where other cameras may
be located centrally and relay boards may be sited to switch more
than one camera signal to the TV or Monitor or both for maximum
flexibility. In such cases, a supplementary power supply should
be fitted.
LEM's connect within the Comfort Pro or SEP01 via ribbon cable.
Each output can deliver 100 mA up to a combined auxilliary current
of 1.35 Amp.
Design Considerations and Applications
Default Configuration and Responses
The default settings are loaded into Comfigurator programming software
as soon as the program is opened via the template default.cst. They
have been constructed to give a good starting point for your security
and automation system. They are also pre-loaded into the NVM (U4)
on the Comfort PCB from factory.
The default responses provide a broad selection of functions, they
may be viewed in table 33 of the Programming Worksheet. X10 commands
have been included. To make best use of these settings it is recommended
that Housecodes A are used for downstairs lights and Housecodes
B are used for upstairs lights. 'L 'has been used for outside lights
and 'H' has been set for heating. This segregation helps to achieve
functions such as flashing all the lights in an alarm condition
or to switch downstairs lights 'off' when Night Mode is selected.
Additionally, macros have been allocated within the default response
to simplify the process of linking many responses together when
for eg. Security Mode is required to cause more than one action
such as switch a light on, draw curtains and switch non-essential
sockets back on. Default also makes use of a light sensor on Zone
13 for lighting sequences. Other macros have been assigned for certain
Alarm Types, Security Modes and the Doorbell action. There are also
some default Home Control functions such as Menu 6 (Alert Menu)
which allows the user to disable the chime and voice announcement
from being triggered by certain programmed zones.
Run Additional Cables
If you think you may require 6-core cable to a part of a building,
run a 12-core instead, you never know what may be needed in the
future! If possible, (although not a requirement) use screened cables
for trouble-free installations
Current Consumption
It is very easy to underestimate the load which can be placed on
a system unintentionally. Before starting to run cables, find-out
the current draw from all the devices to be attached to the system
FIRST. It may be that supplementary power supplies will be needed
sooner than you think. If the standby current is over 850 mA install
a Power Supply Unit (PSU).
Where should I protect?
Think future retrofit
Comfort is one of the most expandable systems around! Installers
can benefit from ongoing upgrades and modifications as there is
so much 'add-on potential'. Selling to an existing customer is always
easier than finding new customers. A customer may wish to connect
to a Central Station or add security lighting. They may require
home control using X-10 or operate the curtains, or they may just
want more detection points, a camera or Keypad, additional intercoms
or even flood detection!. A little forethought during the initial
installation can make upgrading a system in the future so much easier.
Future proof every installation for Comfort!
Zone wiring - DEOL Method
Aim to use 8-core cables thoughout and wire to Comfort using the
'Double End of Line resistor' method (DEOL)for most of the security
detectors. This provide higher security and the extra cores may
be used to site Infrared transmitters and receivers discretely around
the property. We provide 2 resistors for each zone with all Comfort
panels and the zone expansion boards. You only need a pair of conductors
per zone to give both zone information and tamper protection, this
is the most efficient way to wire and releases other cores within
the cable for other zones. The resistors should be fitted into the
detector -see opposite diagram. Some Zones such as Panic, Fire and
Gas do not really need to use this method because by definition,
their zone is always monitored and if the wires are tampered with
or damaged, there will be an alert. Each zone on Comfort CPU, SEP
and LEM has a jumper on it's board to allow you to set if the zone
requirtes resistors in the detector or not.
Node - ZERO
It is recommended that a cupboard or room in the property is made
'Node Zero'. This is the central location where all the intelligence
and resources, control equipment etc. are located. It would also
be where the Fuse Board and Mains distribution, X10 DIN Rail Modules,
Cameras and Alarm Wiring is terminated.
Cables - Allow for extra Capacity
Always allow for extra capacity in the cables. If more zones or
outputs are required, run extra cables to the other end of the building
so you can install Keypads. Customers may have already shown an
interest in these things and plan to add them at a later date. If
you are already taking cables in a certain direction, increase the
capacity. You may need to estimate what a customer might need in
the future. Some companies prefer to install Comfort as a 'basic
system' and take a planned approach to their marketing by sending
special offers throughout the year to stimulate the interest in
time for their annual inspection and do the update at the same time.
Pronto Infrared Control of Comfort, Lights and A/V gear
Usage: The RIO-01 IRR01 receiver should be installed to each room
you wish to use pronto in the room. It will work fine if sited within
a glass fronted HIFI cabinet and when used with Pronto.
Infrared - Distribution and Control
Using Infrared to control Comfort, Lights and Audio Video using:
Philips Pronto Remote
Pronto Intelligent Remote Control Pronto is a universal learning
remote control that combines elegance, flexibility and ease of use.
It features both a large touchscreen display with an intuitive user
interface and direct-access buttons to conveniently provide home
entertainment control. Pronto is as unique as you are! Pronto's
unparalleled design combines the benefits of a dynamic, digital
user interface with direct access buttons. It's easy to add, delete
and label new buttons or menus. This allows maximum customization
according to individual needs and tastes. When used with the IR543
or IR543AH you can control X10 products directly or with the KP02
Comfort keypad or Comfort RIO-01 you can drive up to 128 custom
responses which can include X10, lights, Gates, Curtains and Camera
Switching!. Comfort systems and new IR keypads (KP02) can be mixed
with older keypads. You can also download predefined X10 screens
from the PC using Prontoedit software - screenshot. The Pronto is
supplied with RS232 lead and 4 xAA Batteries.
Pronto does not need to point at the receiver to work effectively,
due to it's power blaster design, it will even bounce IR off curtains!
Prontoedit Configuration Files (now available in the Technical Support
Area - password protected) Apply for access here
Infrared to X10 - IR543AH - All Housecodes Version
Use the Pronto remote to control the full 256 X10 codes and compatible
devices with the IR X10 Command Console. It responds to infrared
signals from Philips Pronto and can transmit X10 codes along the
230V ring main wiring. The modules can be either switched on/off
or in the case of lights, dimmed and brightened. There is also the
facility to switch everything on or off from the built-in buttons.
Comfort can respond to Received X10 codes and allows you to attach
any response to up to 34 codes.
Supplied with 3-PIN UK-Plug and Pronto .ccf file on floppy disk.
110v version available on request.
You can use this unit with all X10 housecodes and units codes. The
IR controller is a real must if you have a Pronto remote control!
See the Technical section for X10 enabled CCF files. Prontoedit
Software
Using X10 - with Comfort
The ideal time to integrate true Home Control functionality is during
the planning and design stages of new properties. This way, the
cabling between wall switches and lamp fittings can be configured
to use AD10 (Socket and appliance control) or LD11, LW10 (lighting
control) DIN rail modules sited in a separate container near to
the Main Comfort Panel and possibly the fuse board. This is where
they work most effectively. Bring the wall-switch cables AND light
fitting cables back to the X10 consumer unit, rather than the usual
convention of running wall-switch cables to the light fitting and
the light fitting to the mains supply. This gives maximum flexibility,
you can still use the wall switch or Comfort to control the light.
This is because the wall switch is actually switching the LD11 module
which in turn switches the mains onto the bulb. This is the best
way to use LD11.
An alternative wall switch LW10U which contains the X-10 receiver
module is also available. This switch is used instead of the LD11
and can replace the normal wall switch by working through the live
cable feed. Be careful, certain loads such as flourescent lamps
(PL type) may not work with this switch because they cannot provide
a neutral return path through the lamp. Always advise customers
of this so that the correct bulbs are used in the future.
Distance and noisy mains supplies can seriously impact the quality
of X-10 signals around a house. Test the house first, using the
UR24 and Radio Transceiver Module TM13U. These two devices can also
be used to provide a wireless interface to perform any of Comfort's
Responses. See 'X-10 received codes' in Table 32 in our program
worksheet.
X-10 address can be categorised by their applications. You may need
to switch OFF all of one particular address at once. You could use
X-10 'G' address' as general switching, 'L' for external lights,
'H' for Heater (i.e. Central Heating) , 'A' for Downstairs Lights
and 'B' for Upstairs Lights, 'C' for Received X10 Commands. In fact
these are our defaults which are pre-programmed into Comfort. Never
use X-10 to control appliances which could create a hazardous situation
if suddenly switched ON or left ON for long periods of time.
Note: There is not an 'All units On' command for safety reasons
but there is an 'All lights On'. If you do need to switch more than
one Appliance Module On, use the 74 action code (Do response) between
each required response to save on response lines.
Comfort - Action Codes
Action codes are Comfort's powerful customisation commands. These
are assembled into Responses (sometimes called "Macros") to produce
multiple operations. They can be found in the programming Worksheet.
Master these and you can make your Comfort system do what no other
system can. Our programming worksheet has a table containing all
the standard default responses within Comfort, the most important
ones are highlighted in bold to identify the ones used by the system
as default. If you are overwriting an existing Response, always
check first that the Response is not already being used by the system.
The list below is a selection of some of more than 100 available
action codes which may used to form Responses. Each response can
consist of one or many lines, there is a total of 255 available
lines. Each line can have 6 codes. Each Response is referred to
by the line number which the response starts from.
Lighting Control Linked to security
When someone enters the property through the front door when the
system is armed, the hall or front lights can be switched on if
the light level, (as determined by a photocell - LSM01) is low.
This is a standard function and is achieved by assigning the response
to the Entry Alert Alarm. In fact any number of functions can ocurr
using Alarm Types as the triggers. Additionally, each zone can have
a response attached to it when the zone goes 'active' (ON Response)
and when the zone settles again (OFF Response). This allows lights
and cameras, curtains and microphones to be switched, in fact anything
you can think of may be switched, provided they have the correct
interface such as an input contact or X10 receptivity.
eg:
Zone Name Zone Type On Response OFF Response
1 Front Door 2 (Entry Zone) 126 (switch lights on for 3 mins X10
- L1) Switch L1 off - ie when you close the door
If an Intruder Alarm occurs, the lighting in the violated area may
be turned on so the owner can quickly identify the area of possible
intrusion, alternatively you may wish to flash all the lights in
the property on and off (default). If a fire is detected, all the
lights or just the lights in the exit routes can be turned ON (default
is A&B ON).
To provide additional deterrent effect, whenever the house is unoccupied,
a lighting sequence designed to imitate an occupant getting up to
investigate can be used. This will depend upon three conditions
being 'true': If it is dark, the system is in Holiday Mode and it
is after 12.00 AM. This could firstly switch the Bedroom Light(B2)
then after 5 seconds switch the Landing light(B3) and then after
another 5 seconds the Hall light(A1). The lights will stay on for
10 minutes before they are all finally switched off.
The same external PIRs can be used to operate both camera switching
and lighting. With any lighting system, taking the light level into
account before switching a light is essential. This may involve
either a 'conditional branch' where the response checks for the
light level from a photocell on a zone before switching the lights
(X-10 address, Response 126) or if your lighting levels are predictable
throughout the year, you could use the time of day as a 'conditional
branch'. Allow about four response lines per camera for this type
of behaviour. Each lighting Response may include one of the 8 timers
to switch Off the lights a few minutes later. You can use the Light
Sensor's zone OFF Response to turn OFF all the lights at 'dawn'.
Monitoring - Outside Movement
During Security Off Mode, Outside PIRs can trigger announcements
of programmed descriptions e.g. "Front Garden", "Garage", "Driveway"
on the Keypads using Response 59. External movement can be programmed
to trigger user-recorded warning messages like "You are tresspassing,
please leave the area at once" In stores, movement in certain aisles
may also trigger more friendly messages. Also the detectors can
also select cameras as the activity is sensed from each PIR and
also can trigger a VCR into record and silently dialout off course
(Perimeter and Alert Alarms). For the silent dialout, we recommend
that this is only used in conjunction with quality PIR's such as
those made by Optex, Pulnix and detection Systems. These are designed
to be stable in all weathers and will provide reliable signalling
and keep your system free from unwanted alarms.
Radio Transmitters
Some installations may require radio control of certain zones such
as panic switches, arming, or maybe even zone shunting. These can
be achieved using stand-alone radio transmitters and boxed receivers
such as the Visonic product range. The resistors for each zone would
normally be fitted across the relays inside the receiver's box.
Radio-transmitters often have 4 switches available and sometimes
customers require their Garage Door or Gate also to be controlled
from a single transmitter. This is quite simple to achieve because
Garage Doors are often manually opened from with the property using
a normally open bell-type push-switch. To provide control using
a spare channel of the transmitter, simply connect the receivers
normally open relay in parallel across the bell-push terminals.
Automatic Gate Control
Automatic Gate Control using Comfort Home Automation System
Comfort Control System can control gates using the outputs and our
12 Volt relay boards (RLY01). Often these are triggered by pulsing
closed a normally open contact for 1 second using action code 130,
the gate will then close after a pre-set time determined by the
gate controller. The relay contact should wire as 'normally open'
across the manual push button which is usually provid within the
house or garage.
Photocells protect the gate from closing onto a car and also initiate
an opening action when the beam is broken. By using another Comfort
output with a normally closed contact in series with the photocell,
the gate can be permanently held ' open' once the pulsed 'open'
command from the other relay has been sent. These responses can
be inserted into the Home Control Menu for manual control as needed.
Another application of the this can be in response to a Fire activation.
Wireless Control Many gate systems come with their own radio remote
controls, however, these do not allow easy integration with other
autonmation requirements such as, switching lights and bypassing
the Garage Movement detector to allow you to open the gate and drive
straight into the Garage just by operating your remote controk keyfob.
So to achieve this, we recommend that you replace your gate remote
with a Visonic Wireless Remote Control such as the MCT104 and the
MCR308 Radio Receiver (433Mhz- long range). This can provide 4 buttons
which can drive special customised Comfort responses.
You are best to site the receiver in the Garage area or at the gate
if it is greater than 100metres away from the house. The same receiver
and tranmitter can be used for Gate and Garage Doors, and could
even provide a panic button and a toggle external lights control.
You should reserve 4 Comfort zones to this function using Zone Type
8 (normally open).
VISONIC MCR308
4 zone Receiver
VISONIC MCT104
4 channel Transmitter
How to program a zone for wireless control of the door, lights and
security zone on one MCT-104 button.
Here is an example custom response using the Comfort Defaults:
eg: Response 250: 75,12,74,79,79,13,12,74,47,194,1,0,120,48 this
would be added as a zone 'response' which the keyfob button is connected
to on the CPU zone via Radio receiver MCR-308.
Where , 75,12 is to bypass Zone 12 - Garage PIR, 79 = Pulse Output
1(opens the door) 79,13 is check light level on Zone 13 is Light
Level Sensor (LSM01) and exit response if light, Response 47 is
Lights X10 L1 ON, 194,1,0,120,48 is start timer 1 for 120 seconds
then switch Response 48 which is X10 L1 OFF. The action of disarming
the system will re-instate the bypassed Zone 12 ready for next time
the system is armed. This may be varied for different zones or X10
addresses as required.
Vehicle Detection opening the Garage Door
If you connect a vehicle sensor to a Comfort zone, you may use this
to opn the garage door automatically and switch the lights on if
dark.
This would have a special response writing which checks if the system
is armed (action 73,0) and then pulses Output 1 and bypasses the
zone again if it is. This assumes that there is an automatic gate
which can ONLY be opened with authorised user permission before
allowing a vehicle into the driveway, otherwise there is a serious
security issue.
Controlling the Gate or Garage Door from Local or Remote Telephone
connected to Comfort
The 'Open Gate'-key 4 or 'Open Door' - key 7, command which is available
on the Doorphone Menu on the Telephones connected to Comfort TEL
OUT whenever the Doorbell is pressed. It can be used to open the
gate or garage door while communicating with a visitor loaclly or
Remotely via your cellphone. This can be used to allow a courier
in and facilitate the leaving of a parcel etc in the Garage (maybe
using the same above response 250). The 'Force Gate Open' response
could be inserted into the Fire 'Alarm Type' Response so that the
gate opens providing access for the fire service.
CCTV - triggered by movement
If you intend to use outputs to switch camera images when the outside
PIRs are triggered, you can use Comfort Relay Boards (RLY01) which
have 4 x 12V on the Outputs and use a response per Camera to say:
*, switch cam 1, 2, 3 & 4 OFF and then switch cam 1 back ON. All
the screen wires are commoned together and the relay common terminals
are connected together and linked to the centre positive signal
and through to the VCR or monitor's input. Each of the camera feed
signals are linked to the normally open side of each relay. Whichever
relay operates will present it's own image to be seen on the monitor.
It is usually better to mount the relay board in a large junction
box with BNC panel mount socket connectors for 4 video IN and 1
video OUT. Use RG59 cable if possible to reduce signal loss. You
will need a separate power supply if using more than one 12v camera.
The rule of thumb is for the response to do the * explanation above
then to start a timer for maybe 20 seconds then do Camera 1 response.
Camera one response could stay indefinitely until another Camera
changes the selection. Make Camera 1 to be a useful view to settle
ON, i.e. a front driveway or courtyard. When the Doorbell is pressed,
the front door camera could be switched through. For CCTV also consider
the lighting situation. You may also wish to start a a time lapse
video machine using a different output (set the VCR record time
to 3 minutes at a time).
TTC361T - 380 TVL 1/3" Monochrome CCD Camera
The TTC361T camera includes built-in PIR having 6m range, wide angle
view 67 degrees, close-range infrared illumination, audio output
and integrated wall bracket suitable for both indoor and outdoor
applications. This unit provides the best of both worlds by combining
a movement detector with the camera, an exact picture relative to
activity can be viewed by the user when used in a multi-camera system.
By using integrated PIR's/Cameras there is also a major cost saving
and practical benefit for cosmetics and wiring requirements.
The Pir's Alarm output can connect direct to a Comfort zone input
programmed as Zone Type 8 (normally open - negative applied - and
will not activate full alarm conditions) and the Video ouput can
connect to direct to your VCR or Video distribution system. By connecting
to Comfort's zone input, special responses may be run, such as switching
lights on if dark (see LSM01), announce the zone name and/or in
multiple camera setups, switch the camera output to the VCR via
the (RLY01) relay module. These same responses may be applied to
other zone contacts so that for instance the external camera may
be switched when the front door is opened.
The TTC361T is wired using the supplied 6-core screened cable or
homerun using 8-core shielded cable. The cameras come with a Hanse
Mini-Din connector soldered to the board, but you can convert it
to terminal block connections by soldering pin strip to the board
(supplied with camera) into the pre-drilled and soldered holes,
then plug-on the terminal block and you can then wire into the terminal
block with your 8-core screened cable.
Tip: Use the spare cores from the 8-core camera cable to remotely
site the LSM01's photocell. Drill a 6mm hole underneath the camera,
apply a blob of hot-melt glue inside the hole and push the photocell
into the glue from the inside allowing a bead type lens to protrude
slightly from the underside of the plastic. Use terminal block strip
to connect the cable back to the LSM01 located at the Comfort Panel
or SEP02 expansion panel.
We have provided some suggestions for video configuration in the
page describing the Video Activator HCR110
Curtain Control
Comfort can be used to operate certain curtain controllers. This
can be achieved using two outputs per curtain controller, one to
'open' and one to 'close'. Usually the output is pulsed for about
1 second to trigger the curtain controller. When you write the response
to open or close for the 'Swish Autoglide' controller, you can use
the 'pulse' action code 130 for 1 second. eg: 130,20,1,255 This
will pulse output 1 for 1 second and can open or close depending
which switch you wire the relay contact to. If you need to bypass
a detector which can see the curtain move add 'bypass zone for say
30 secs' eg: 75,3,130,20,1,194,1,0,30,76,3,255 (Bypass Z3, Pulse
OP1, Run timer 1 for 30 secs, unbypass Z3.)
This response may be used in Time Programs, Holiday Programs, Home
Control Menu or when switching to Security Off in the morning.
It is advisable to consider the position of movement detectors when
operating a curtain while the system is armed as this is capable
of causing a 'false alarm'. To cater for this, you can install the
detector in the corner adjacent to the curtains so that the curtain
movement is not in the detector's 'field of view' or write the curtain
ON and Off Responses to include the shunting of the zone using the
bypass action code(75) then pulse the output to open the curtain
then run a 20 second timer and unbypass the zone (76). To save on
response lines, write the 'unbypass' response for each curtain separately
and use it as the Response which occurs when the timer ends. It
is often best to link a light command with the curtain action for
use within Holiday Programs, this ensures that the curtain closes
before the light switches ON otherwise, onlookers may be able to
see into the room and notice that the room is unoccupied if the
light switches ON before the curtain has closed. Motorised Shutters
may also be controlled using the outputs and relays. For instance,
closing the shutters if someone should approach the building while
the system is set to Away Mode or opening the shutters if the fire
alarm should be activated.
SEP02 (17-64 Zones, 17-64 Outputs)
The Slave Expansion Panel consists of a boxed metal power supply
unit same as the main panel, with space for a 7 A/h battery and
makes use of the same 8-zone / 8-output LEM boards model LEM01 (16-zone
boards model LEM03, cannot be used). It is connected to the main
panel via three cores of the cable: KA, KB, and 0V. Screened cable
MUST be used. If other parts of the building may require keypads
and intercoms, then the Voice and Mic will be required at the SEP.
Simply, use an additional two cores from the CPU run to the SEP
from the Voice and Mic terminals. Each SEP can provide either 8-zone
inputs and 8 outputs, or 16-zone inputs and 16 outputs if the LEM01
is fitted within. If zone expansion is a future requirement, run
the comms cable to convenient expansion positions where the SEP
panel may be mounted during the initial installation.
Comfort Main CPU inc: 8 zone inputs, 8 x 12-Volt outputs
@ 200mA each, 1.5A regulated DC supply, real English voice menu,
speechdialler with 8 tel. nos, digital communicator (Point ID),
250 event log, 16 user codes, 31 alarm types and 31 zone types,
speaker outputs with 20 sounds, space for 7Amp lead acid battery.
Answer machine with 8 mailboxes, full code-protected remote access,
16 time programs, 255 custom responses, X-10 interface with up to
256 addresses, arm to away, night, day and holiday modes, false-alarm
filters, supervision of phone line, remote or RedCARE reset, exit
terminator, abort alarm, daylight savings time adjust, home control
menu - 200 operations, BABT approved, year 2000 compliant. Panel
has termination posts for screened cable and threaded mounting pillars
for modules, knockouts enable easy cable access. Can connect up
to 8 Keypads and 8 Doorphones as intercoms or baby monitors. For
X10 control via Comfort, you will require the fitting of the XM10E
for 240v operation and the TW523 for 110v operation.
Important: Comfort is a 'powerful' yet 'technical' product.
We recommend installation only by 'competent' professional installers
and those comfortable with complex technical manuals and programming
and have the necessary resources and experience. Persons considering
installation themselves will require various skills such as logical
thinking for design and programming and electrical competence for
safety and liability reasons.
See more details. If you are in any doubt about your skills or qualifications,
you should NOT proceed with the installation yourself. We may however,
be able to put you in contact with an installer, please email or
phone us for details. You can find 'UK specific' inspectorate information
at the NSI (N.A.C.O.S.S.org) site or S.S.A.I.B.
Engage a Comfort Installer
If you are considering engaging a Comfort installer, it is best
to allow the installer to supply all the Comfort hardware. It is
also normal to enter a service agreement with the installer. This
is usually a requirement for insurance cover.
Technical Support
If you have a service agreement with an installer, you should contact
them first for Technical Support. If you have purchased direct from
Comfort Home Controls, we provide a UK Technical comfort-technical
egroup for this purpose:
For overseas or electronic support, please post your questions via
the above group. You WILL receive your answers the same day, join
here: comfort-technical egroup |
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Comfort Models Explained
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Comfort controllers are the heart of your security and home automation system. There are three models available, Comfort Entry, Pro and Ultra. These models are designed with a view to overall size of your system. The Comfort 'Entry' model is an eight-zone panel and provides the rudimentary Comfort features enabling dial-in, dial-out, X10 and answering machine functions but aims to keep the costs of installing the system low.
Comfort Entry, may be upgraded by Firmware/NVM replacement to Pro or Ultra, it enables installers & developers to install Comfort at little more than a standard security system but with the options of growing the system as the needs of the customer change.
Comfort Pro offers more features and power to the regular user, including extra zones, responses and interfacing options.
Comfort Ultra. goes even further by providing much more responses and infrared power, this is especially useful when programming systems which include Clipsal CBUS or EIB interfacing.
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