Aspire RFTCP User manual

BR20W VGF20W CS120W
2125-0002-12
Installing the RFTCP

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Important (Read First)!
This installation guide provides an overview of getting the RFTCP up and running
and is meant to be used as reference material by trained installers familiar with
Home Automation and Cooper Wiring Devices’ Aspire RF™ system. IT IS NOT
MEANT TO BE AN ALL-INCLUSIVE PRODUCT MANUAL. For comprehensive product
detail, please visit www.cooperwiringdevices.com to locate an authorized installer.
You may occasionally need to access the RFTCP Windows interface when installing new device
drivers or related software. To assist with this, RFTCP units are configured with RealVNC
software (freeware edition) to facilitate desktop access remotely from another computer.
However, since the password for accessing RealVNC is printed in this manual, it is
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you change this password ASAP upon receiving the unit,
to reduce the possibility of a security breach.
Please refer to the section of this manual entitled “Using RealVNC for Remote Access” and
connect to the unit using RealVNC. Once you’ve connected,right-click on the RealVNC
system tray icon (lower right hand portion of the RealVNC screen) and select “options” to
access the RealVNC server properties screen. Select the “Authentication” tab and click the
“Configure” button to change the RealVNC Password Authentication. Enter your new
password and then save your changes.

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................... 5
What’s Included........................................................................................5
Key Features............................................................................................6
Control Unit Specifications .........................................................................8
Installation .......................................................................................... 9
Mounting the RFTCP ..................................................................................9
Port Layout ..............................................................................................9
Perform a System Test ............................................................................ 10
Accessing the RFTCP ............................................................................... 10
RFTCP Operating System Protection (HSProtect ™ ) ...................................... 12
Setting the Time Zone ............................................................................. 12
Using RealVNC for Remote Access ............................................................. 13
Adding and Configuring Devices ......................................................... 13
About Devices ........................................................................................ 13
Supported Technologies and Manufacturers ................................................ 13
Configuring Devices ................................................................................ 15
Aspire RF™ and Other Z-Wave Devices...................................................... 16
Creating Devices..................................................................................... 17
Controlling Devices with Events ......................................................... 20
Elements of an Event............................................................................... 20
Creating an Event ................................................................................... 21
Voice Recognition............................................................................... 22
The Speaker Client Application.................................................................. 22
Voice Recognition Events ......................................................................... 24
Command Syntax ................................................................................... 25
HomeSeer Phone................................................................................ 27
Connecting the Telephone Voice Interface .................................................. 28
Enabling the Phone Feature...................................................................... 28
Running Events by Phone......................................................................... 28
The Address Book ................................................................................... 28

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Receiving Phone Messages ....................................................................... 29
Caller Announcements............................................................................. 29
Customizing the RFTCP....................................................................... 29
ASCII Scripting....................................................................................... 29
Scripting................................................................................................ 29
Digital I/O.............................................................................................. 29
Advanced Programming ........................................................................... 30
Operating System Restrictions ........................................................... 30
Technical Support .............................................................................. 30
Information........................................................................................ 30
FCC/CE Regulations ................................................................................ 30

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Introduction
The RFTCP units are hardware-based home automation controllers designed to incorporate all
the power and flexibility of Aspire RF™ Software, powered by HomeSeer, into a very
compact, rugged, and easy-to-install unit. The RFTCP is designed to control lighting,
appliances, security, HVAC, and infrared (IR) devices, such as home theater equipment.
Since the RFTCP is an open standards system, the system can be integrated with more than
just Cooper Wiring Devices’ Aspire RF products. Door locks, IR controllers and audio/video
equipment are a few examples of additional supported devices. An open Application Program
Interface (API) is included for programmers to add support for just about any custom or
proprietary systems that may be required.
This system uses HSProtect™technology to protect the operating system on the hard
disk. You must read and understand how HSProtect works in order to operate the
system properly. See the section on HSProtect for more information.
What’s Included
The RFTCP is shipped with the following parts:
RFTCP Automation Controller Gateway Unit
Aspire RF USB Z-Wave Interface
Power Supply Unit
Power Cord
USB System Recovery Drive
The following HomeSeer (brand) software add-ons (“plug-ins”) are available separately
for use with the RFTCP. Plug-ins may be installed from within the RFTCP “updater”. Some
plug-ins are included at no cost; others must be purchased at homeseer.com.
Plug-ins to support the following:
HomeSeer HSTouch Touch Screen design system
Global Cache IR Controller
HomeVision Plug-in
HouseLinc Plug-in
Insteon Basic Plug-in
IRLinc 1623PC Plug-in
Is Speaking Plug-in
iTunes® Media Player
JDS IR XPander Plug-in
JDS Stargate Plug-in
Lightolier Compose Plug-in
Lutron Radio RA
Marrick LynX10-PLC X10 Plug-in
Windows Media Center (MCE) 2005
Windows Media Player 9/10
MR26A Plug-in
Napco Gemini
Ocelot Plug-in
On-Q Panel Plug-in
PowerLinc USB Plug-in
RCS Serial Thermostat Plug-In

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RCS X-10 Thermostat Plug-In
Shopping list script
Slinke Plug-in
TempLinc Plug-in
TI103 X10 Plug-in
TouchPad Interface
UPB (Universal Powerline Bus)
WebCam Plug-in
Weather script
Z-Wave USB Drivers
And More
3rd Party plug-ins are also available for use with the RFTCP. For a complete listing of these
plug-ins, visit homeseer.com or use the RFTCP updater.
Additional Software:
RealVNC (Remote Access Tool)
MS Internet Explorer
MS Outlook Express
MS Windows Media Player
HSProtect system tray monitor
NOTE:RFTCP is NOT designed to run MS-Office.
Key Features
Reliability
The RFTCP was designed to be very reliable. The embedded operating system is locked
(write-protected) to prevent unwanted changes and to guard against file corruption from
virus, spyware and malware attacks.
Web-Based Management
The system may be managed via any web browser. This allows for easy unit management
and configuration on- or off-site. Easily add/change schedules or troubleshoot issues from
anywhere.
Mechanical Design
The RFTCP has a very small footprint (7”wide x 5”deep x 1.75”h i g h ) and c an be installed
vertically or horizontally.
Software Features
The RFTCP offers many features not found in other stand-alone automation controllers such
as:
HSProtect™
This protects the operating system from unwanted writes during normal operation.
With HSProtect, it is virtually impossible to corrupt any files on the C drive. The
system is monitored using a system tray application. Current status of your system
may be checked by hovering your mouse over the HSProtect system tray icon.

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HSSentry™
This is a hardware watchdog that is reset from within the software scheduler. If the
scheduler stops running for any reason, HSSentry™ will reset the unit. This results
in virtually 100% uptime for the unit.
Remote access
The entire system can be monitored and controlled from the web, allowing users
to keep tabs on their home(s) while away. This is an excellent solution for
vacation and/or 2nd homes.
Text-To-Speech Processing
The included text-to-speech engine allows for system reminders, alerts and
announcements using synthesized or (optionally) concatenated human speech
models. This feature can be used for announcing incoming phone calls, motion at
the front door, news, weather, medicine schedule, appointments and many other
items. Announcements can also be sent to any computer on the home network
(LAN) or on the internet (WAN). The unit includes one of the best sounding voices
available, which is very natural and easy to understand.
Voice Recognition / Voice Control
Any computer on the home network (LAN) or on the internet (WAN) can be used
to control your RFTCP system with voice commands. Voice commands may also
be issued by telephone using HomeSeer Phone software (optional). Voice may
also be used to create automation events!
Powerful event mechanism
Trigger event actions based on any of the following:
Conditions (many)
Status change of any device
Absolute time
Sunrise/sunset (with offset)
By email received
Security panel events
By matched infrared
Recurring at regular second/minute intervals
I/O events from controllers
Events from plug-ins
Event Actions
In response to event triggers, these actions (and more) may be performed:
Send lighting control signals (operate devices)
Play sounds or speak using text-to-speech
Send email
Run a script
Trigger another event
Dial a network connection
Media Player functions
Plug-in functions
Web Camera functions
Phone functions such as dialing a phone number or extension phone

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Customizable Software
RFTCP is designed for easy installation and configuration by any authorized Aspire RF dealer
or DIY homeowner. The unit features an easy-to-use, menu-driven interface for setup
and configuration.
For those who wish to venture a bit further, the system software is totally customizable! The
user interface is web-based and may be changed using cascading style sheet (CSS)
commands. The included software API allows for the creation of custom software “plug-
ins”using the .NET development environment. These plug-ins are used to provide additional
support for custom hardware and software. The system also includes a powerful scripting
interface that supports popular scripting languages such as VBScript, VB.NET, JavaScript,
Python and Perl. Scripts provide a quick way to add custom functionality using complex if-
then-else logic, or for sending binary or ASCII text to a serial port. The user interface and
custom interfaces are built or modified using simple web (HTML) technologies.
Add-Ons
Software add-ons are referred to as “plug-ins”. They enhance the operation of the RFTCP by
adding functionality such as integration with a security panel, infrared controller, or media
player application like MS Windows® Media Player or Apple’s iTunes® media player. To see
the latest list of plug-ins available, click on the Updater button and follow the prompts. Some
plug-ins are free, some are not.
Control Unit Specifications
Size:
Storage:
7”W, 1.75”H, 5”D
4 GB Flash (standard)
Processor:
Fans:
500 MHz VIA
fanless
Memory:
USP Ports:
Network (1 port):
1 GB DDR2
2
10/100 Ethernet
OS:
Video Out:
Audio:
Embedded Windows XP (XPe)
VGA
Mic In / Line Out
PS/2 Keyboard: 1 Power Supply: 100-240v –50/60 Hz
PS/2 Mouse: 1 Certifications: UL, FCC, RoHS, CE

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Installation
Mounting the RFTCP
The RFTCP can be set on a shelf and may be mounted horizontally or vertically. While the
unit can be located just about anywhere, these simple installation tips should be observed:
Allow for adequate airflow around the unit.
If possible, install an uninterruptible power supply or surge suppressor to protect the
unit from power outages or line voltages fluctuations.
Locate near other home automation equipment for easier connectivity.
Port Layout
A description of each port is included below.
Figure 1: Rear Panel of RFTCP
1. USB 2.0 –Allows the RFTCP to monitor and control the Aspire RF USB interface in
addition to other USB interfaces.2 ports are provided. Use one port with the Aspire
RF Z-Wave USB interface (provided).
2. Audio Out –Connect this jack to any audio system for broadcast of text-to-speech
alerts, announcements and reminders. May also be used with Windows Media Player
or iTunes for broadcast of music (software plug-ins are required).
3. Microphone In –Connect a microphone to this port for voice control of the RFTCP.
4. Power Switch –Turns the unit on or off.
5. VGA Monitor –To configure the unit directly, plug a VGA monitor into this port.
Alternately, the unit may be configured remotely from another computer on the LAN or

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WAN (internet).
6. LAN –Use this jack to connect the RFTCP to your router. This allows the unit to be
accessed over the LAN or WAN.
7. Mouse –To control the unit directly, plug in a PS/2 mouse into this port.
Alternately, the unit may be configured remotely from another computer on the LAN
or WAN (internet).
8. Keyboard –To control the unit directly, plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
Alternately, the unit may be configured remotely from another computer on the LAN
or WAN (internet).
9. Power Supply –Connect this port to the power supply included with the
RFTCP.
NOTE: Although no serial ports are included, RFTCP does support serial devices. Simply
add a USB to serial, WiFi to serial or Ethernet to serial converter for this purpose.
Perform a System Test
Once the RFTCP is mounted and automation devices have been attached, follow the steps
below to perform a system test:
1. Turn on the unit. The blue LED on the front should be on.
2. If connected to a monitor and keyboard, the startup screen will appear and the unit
will automatically log in. The default login is “administrator”for user and “hsthst”for
the password.
If connecting remotely from another computer, launch the web browser and enter
the URL of the box using its IP address. The IP address can be set manually or a
dynamic (DHCP) address can be used.
3. The Start page will appear. This page gives you quick access to the most commonly
used areas of the system.
4. Follow the steps below to test the built-in audio function of the RFTCP:
a. Attach speakers or headphones to the appropriate “audio out” jack(s).
b. From the RFTCP web interface, click the “Control” button to open the Control
Panel.
c. In the “Immediate Script Execution” box, type: [hs.speak "RFTCP test"] without
the brackets.
d. Click the “Execute Command” button. The RFTCP should now speak “RFTCP
test”.
Accessing the RFTCP
There are several graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for controlling the RFTCP. Some
interfaces, however, are only available in certain situations, as explained below.

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Web Browser
The RFTCP can be configured using a web browser on the RFTCP unit itself, or from any other
web browser anywhere in the world. The built-in web server is enabled by default. To
configure it, navigate to the Setup area and click on the Web Server tab. Options in this
screen determine the port the web browser will use to access the RFTCP and whether or not
guests can view events. The features accessible through the web browser depend on options
set in the Web Server Setup screen and access rights of the user as set in the Web Users
Setup screen.
The RFTCP web page can be accessed using one of the following methods:
On the computer running the RFTCP, launch Internet Explorer and type
http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1 in the Address bar and press Enter or click Go.
On a computer on the same network as the RFTCP (home network), type
http://hostname where “hostname” is the name of the RFTCP (RFTCP) alternately,
type http://192.168.0.n, where “n” is the last number of the IP address of the RFTCP
on the home network. This IP address is typically assigned by your home network
router.
On a computer other than the one running the RFTCP, launch Internet Explorer and
type http:// followed by the IP address of the RFTCP.
Touchscreens, Smart Phones and Tablets
The RFTCP unit is compatible with the Aspire RF iOS and Android application. Please see the
appropriate app store for details.
Figure 2: RFTCP Web Browser
NOTE: Which buttons appear at the top of the web page depends on which options are enabled in the
Web Site Setup screen. This Installation Guide assumes that all available buttons have been enabled.

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RFTCP Operating System Protection (HSProtect ™ )
The operating system (OS) of the RFTCP is stored on drive C on the internal Hard Disk. The
system will allow you to write to any file on the disk, but some directories are protected from
saving the information. The windows system folder is protected in this manner. Any writes to
the system folder are temporary. To commit any changes, use the HSProtect system tray
icon. Right click on this icon and select the “Save Files” icon. This will commit any changes
that you made. Note that under normal operation you do not have to save. For example, the
program files folder and desktop are not protected and any changes are saved immediately.
HSProtect on the RFTCP is different from earlier versions of the RFTCP. Earlier versions
used a version of HSProtect that protected an entire volume; the current version can
protect files at the file and directory level.
Committing data to the C drive
This only needs to be done if you make any changes that affect the Windows folder or the
Windows registry. Right click on the HSProtect system tray icon and select “Save Files”.
This will immediately save any files that you have changed. The program files folder and
desktop are not protected and do not need to be saved in this manner.
Deleting Files
Files can only be deleted if HSProtect is disabled. To do so, right-click the HSProtect icon
and click “Disable”. The RFTCP will need to be restarted for the changes to be fully applied.
Now delete the files you wish to remove. When finished, enable protection and again and
reboot once more.
Advanced Settings
If you want to completely disable the file protection for some length of time, you can do so
with the command line tool “fbwfmgr”. To run this tool, bring up a command prompt and
type one of the following commands:
To completely disable the protection: fbwfmgr /disable
To re-enable the protection: fbwfmgr /enable
NOTE: You must reboot the system before any of these commands will take effect.
Any changes to system settings from the Windows control panel must be committed through
HSProtect. Changes from within HomeSeer do not need to be committed. HomeSeer is
installed in the program files folder, which is not protected. Any changes from within
HomeSeer are typically saved to the HomeSeer folder. The ensuing list will help you determine
when changes must be committed.
Setting the Time Zone
The RFTCP is pre-configured for the correct date and time for Eastern Standard Time
(US). To change the time zone for your unit, follow these steps:
1) Double Click on the clock in the lower right hand corner of the screen. Set the time
zone from the Time Zone tab.
2) Since this change is a change to the operating system, you need to commit the
change to disk. Right click on the HSProtect system tray icon and select “Save
Changes to Drive C”. Now restart the unit to commit the changes.

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Using RealVNC for Remote Access
RealVNC is a freeware software tool that will allow you to access the Windows® interface of
the RFTCP from any remote computer via home network (LAN) or the internet (WAN). The
RFTCP is shipped with RealVNC pre-installed for remote access.
Access the RFTCP From Any Computer in Your Home Network
1. Open any Java-compatible browser,and,in the address bar, enter the LAN
IP address for your RFTCP for port 5800. Example:
http://192.168.0.100:5800
2. If a security message appears, click “Run”.
3. A dialog box titled “VNC Viewer: Connection Details” will appear. Click “OK”.
4. Another dialog box titled “VNC Authentication” will appear. Use the password “hsthst”,
and press “Enter”. The Windows interface for the RFTCP will appear.
Access the RFTCP From Any Computer on the Internet
1. Open any Java-compatible browser,and,in the address bar, enter
http://[IP Address]:5800 (where [IP Address] represents the physical or virtual
internet IP Address for your RFTCP). Example: http://77.324.445.103:5800 or
http://mydomain.com:5800
2. If a security message appears, click “Run”.
3. A dialog box titled “VNC Viewer: Connection Details”will appear. Click “OK”.
4. Another dialog box titled “VNC Authentication” will appear. Use the password
“hsthst”,and press “Enter”. The Windows interface for the RFTCP will appear.
Adding and Configuring Devices
About Devices
Devices are objects that hold information. Often these objects are tied to a real, physical
device in your home, such as a light switch, garage door, or television. The information the
device object holds is the status of that real device, i.e. that light switch. A device can also
hold information such as a weather forecast or the winning lottery numbers that were
downloaded from the Internet. Various types of devices can be used with the RFTCP, such as
lights, appliances, security system, HVAC, and infrared.
Supported Technologies and Manufacturers
Hardware support is accomplished through the use of software plug-ins or scripts. This allows
easy upgrades in the future. A software API (Application Programming Interface) is available
for developers to create their own plug-ins.
NOTE: If your internet connection is protected by a firewall or router, you will need to open port 5800
to allow internet access to your RFTCP. Check with your firewall or router manufacturer for details on
how to do this.

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The following technologies and manufacturers are supported. For further questions, please
refer to www.cooperwiringdevices.com or contact technical assistance.
Technologies
Security
HVAC
Infrared
RF ID
A/V
C ompose
Infrared
In st eon
Radio RA
RF ID
Tex t- to -
S p eech
UPB
Vo i ce
Reco g n iti on
X- 10
Z- Wave
DSC
El k
Napco
HAI
On -Q
GE/C addx
A prilai re
E ne rz one
HAI
H omePro
RC S
A ppli e d
Di gital
Global C aché
H ome
El e ct ron i cs
IR Trans
JDS Inc.
Nirvis Inc.
Smart H ome
UI RT
iAutomate.com
A ppl e
iTunes ®
Wi n d o w s
Media C en t er
2005
Wi n d o w s
Media Pl ayer
9/10
Ru ssoun d
Figure 3: Supported Hardware
List

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Configuring Devices
Specifying Device Types
Before adding devices to the RFTCP, you must first specify the types of devices that will be
used. The Interfaces Setup screen is where you enable and configure plug-in programs that
can be used with the RFTCP. Plug-ins are designed to integrate the RFTCP with other
hardware and software and to add additional functionality to the RFTCP.
To get to this screen, launch the web interface, click the Setup button beneath the time and
date bar, and then click the Interfaces tab.
Buttons appear under the columns for the type of hardware or software the particular plug-in
supports. By default, the button will be labeled Disabled, which indicates that the plug-in is
not enabled or not active. Click the button and select “Aspire RF USB Controller” to enable the
Aspire RF Interface.
By default, this screen will be empty. Select the Install More Interfaces link at the bottom, or
click on the Updater button to get a list of available interfaces that you can add to the
system.
Click the SAVE button to save the changes.
Figure 4: Interface Setup

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Aspire RF™ and Other Z-Wave Devices
Refer to documentation included with your Z-Wave PC interface.
Once the Aspire RF USB interface has been properly selected and set up, the Interfaces screen
will display important information such as Home ID, number of Nodes and status of the USB
interface.
To manage Aspire RF Z-Wave devices, click on the “Manage” button as shown in Figure 5
(above) to display the main Z-Wave Management screen.
Figure 5: Interfaces Screen

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From the Z-Wave Management screen, Aspire RF devices can be added and removed. This
screen also allows for scene management, association set-up and controller transfer. To add a
Z-Wave node, simply click the “Add Device” button and follow the procedure for adding the
specific device to the network.
Creating Devices
The Add Device screen is where you create devices in the RFTCP. Once a device has been
added, it can be used in events and controlled by voice. For the Z-Wave system, devices are
automatically added to the RFTCP through the Interfaces tab. You cannot manually add Z-
Wave devices through this screen. You can modify some properties of a Z-Wave device
that has already been created. Add Insteon and UPB devices using the Config button from the
Interfaces page.
To get to this screen, launch the web interface to get to the Status screen (see page 10 for a
screenshot), then click the Add Device button. The appearance of the screen and the fields
available will vary depending on the type of device selected.
Lighting
In the Add Device screen (see above), select from the Device Type field the type of lighting
device you are creating, such as “Lamp Module”, “PCS Light Switch”, “LM465”, etc. Give the
device a name, such as “Living Room Light”; specify its Super location (Second Floor, Outside,
East Wing, etc.) and then specify its Sub location (Timmy’s Bedroom, Garage, Den, etc.); and
select its House Code and Unit Code from the drop-down menus. Select any other options you
would like to enable for this device by checking the appropriate check box in the Options field.
Click the SAVE button to finish creating the device.
The Device Type normally only pertains to X10 type devices and thermostats. Most other
lighting systems will create devices automatically. See the Climate section for more
information about thermostat devices. To create devices for other lighting systems, make sure
Figure 6: Z-Wave Management Screen

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that system is enabled on the Interfaces tab in Setup. Once enabled, devices for that system
will be automatically added, or click on the Config button for the appropriate system to create
devices. For example, if a UPB lighting system is used the UPB Configuration will ask for the
location of your UPStart configuration file. Once this file is given, all your UPB devices will be
created automatically after reading the UPStart file.
Infrared/Home Theater
In the Add Device screen (see page 15), select Infrared Device from the Device Type field.
Give the device a name, such as “Family Room TV”, and specify its location (living room,
bedroom, etc.). Select any other options you would like to enable for this device by
checking the appropriate check box in the Options field. In the Infrared Keys area, select
an infrared button that was previously created in the Infrared Signal Configuration screen
from the drop-down menu, then click the ADD button. Click the SAVE button to finish
creating the device. Note that Infrared devices cannot be configured until an Infrared
controller is selected on the Interfaces page in Setup.
Security
In the Add Device screen (see page 15), select from the Device Type field the type of security
device you’re creating, such as “Motion Sensor”. Give the device a name, such as “Porch
Sensor”; specify its location (front porch, sidewalk, etc.); and select its House Code and Unit
Code from the drop-down menus, if the security device is an X-10 device. Select any other
options you would like to enable for this device by checking the appropriate check box in the
Options field. Click the SAVE button to finish creating the device. If a security panel is being
used such as an HAI or NAPCO Gemini panel, make sure the appropriate plug-in is enable for
Figure 7: Add Device Page
NOTE: Before creating infrared devices, you must first enable an infrared device in the Interfaces Setup
Screen and create infrared buttons (signals) in the Infrared Signal Configuration screen.

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the panel you are using. Select the panel from the Interfaces tab in Setup and enable the
plug-in. The RFTCP communicates with most panels through the serial interface. Once the
interface is enabled, devices that represent the panel’s zones will automatically be created.
You can view and control these devices from the Status page.
Climate
In the Add Device screen (see page 15), select from the Device Type field the type of
thermostat device you are creating, such as “RCS TR15 Thermostat”. Give the device a name,
such as “Guest Room Thermostat”; specify its location (first floor, guest room, etc.); and
select its House Code and Unit Code from the drop-down menus. Select any other options you
would like to enable for this device by checking the appropriate check box in the Options field.
If the thermostat is connected to a COM Port on the RFTCP, then specify the port number in
the Thermostat COM Port field. Click the SAVE button to finish creating the device.
Thermostats are supported in 2 ways. The most basic support is through a script file. This file
may be modified by you if required. Once a thermostat device is created, one device appears
on the status page and displays the current status of the thermostat. Buttons are also
provided for setting the mode and temperature setback.
Some thermostats may also be controlled though a special software plug-in. Thermostat plug-
ins provide more control over the thermostat and also provide feedback to the RFTCP. This
allows events to be triggered on changes made to the thermostat externally, such as a set
point change. Click on the Updater button to get a list of available thermostat plug-ins. Plug-
ins are available for RCS and HAI thermostats.
Virtual Devices
Virtual devices do not have a corresponding physical device, but hold values and states.
For instance, a virtual device could be created to hold the status of a motion sensor flag.
An event could then be created that increments the value of the flag when the
corresponding motion sensor detects motion. The number of visitors that approached the
house could then be determined by viewing the value of the virtual flag device.
To create a virtual device, go to the Add Device screen (see page 15) and select Virtual from
the Device Type field. Give the device a name, such as “Front Sidewalk Motion Flag”; specify
its location (sidewalk, driveway, etc.); and select its House Code and Unit Code from the
drop-down menus. Select any other options you would like to enable for this device by
checking the appropriate check box in the Options field. Click the SAVE button to finish
creating the device. This device cannot be used in events. The most likely use is when
applying a condition to an event. The condition can look at the state of a virtual device and
control whether or not the event triggers. One example is a Home/Away device. Setting this
device can alter events based on whether the home owner is home or away.

C o o p e r W i r i n g D e v i c e s P a g e | 20
Controlling Devices with Events
Events are one or more actions that are carried out in response to specific trigger, such as
an absolute time, Dawn or Dusk, push of a button, change in status of a device (something
turned on or off), voice command or receipt of an email. Events are sometimes referred to
as “macros” by other programs.
Each event is triggered in some manner (see Triggers below). Each event can carry out one
or more actions (see Event Actions below). Event triggers and actions are set in the Events
screen.
Elements of an Event
Triggers
A trigger is used to tell the event to perform some action. Triggers are selected from the Event
Trigger screen.
Conditions
Conditions give more flexibility in determining when an event should trigger. You can set as
many conditions as you want on a trigger. The event will trigger only when all of the
conditions are true. One or more conditions can be added to each event. Multiple conditions
can be set up so that they are all required to be true (conditions separated by AND) or only
one condition is required to be true (conditions separated by OR). Conditions can be added
to events when the Apply conditions field is enabled in the Trigger screen for that event.
Event Actions
There are several types of actions that can be carried out in an event and events can
contain one or more actions. Actions are added to events from the Event Actions screen.
Event Groups
Each event may be assigned to a specific group. The group is simply a name and has no
other significance. This allows you to put all related events into the same group. For
example, you may have a bunch of events that control all of the lights on the first floor.
You could put them all in your downstairs lights group. There is no limit to the number of
groups you can create.
Events are assigned to groups in the Event Properties screen.
You can view the events in a specific group by selecting the group name from the drop-
down Groups box at the top of the Events screen. Selecting All Groups from the drop down
list will display all of your events.