HomeSeer HomeTroller Series 4 User manual

HomeTroller Getting Started Guide – rev 4.1 08/10/2012
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HomeTroller™
Series 4
Getting Started Guide
HomeSeer Technologies
35 Constitution Drive, Suite C
Bedford, NH 03110
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.homeseer.com
Copyright ©2012 HomeSeer Technologies
All Rights Reserved

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Important (Read First)!
Important (READ FIRST)!
You may occasionally need to access the HomeTroller Windows interface when installing new
device drivers or related software. To assist with this, HomeTroller 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......................................................................................................... 4
What’s Included ............................................................................................................4
Key Features ................................................................................................................5
Control Unit Specifications..............................................................................................7
Installation .......................................................................................................... 8
Mounting the HomeTroller ..............................................................................................8
Rear Panel Layout .........................................................................................................8
Perform a System Test...................................................................................................9
Accessing the HomeTroller............................................................................................10
HomeTroller Operating System Protection (HSProtect) .....................................................11
Setting the Time Zone .................................................................................................12
Using RealVNC for Remote Access .................................................................................12
Adding and Configuring Devices ........................................................................ 13
About Devices.............................................................................................................13
Supported Technologies and Manufacturers ....................................................................13
Configuring Devices.....................................................................................................14
Creating Devices .........................................................................................................15
Controlling Devices with Events......................................................................... 17
Elements of an Event...................................................................................................17
Creating an Event........................................................................................................18
Voice Recognition .............................................................................................. 19
The Speaker Client Application......................................................................................19
Voice Recognition Events..............................................................................................21
Command Syntax........................................................................................................21
HomeSeer Phone ............................................................................................... 24
Connecting the Telephone Voice Interface ......................................................................24
Enabling the Phone Feature ..........................................................................................25
Running Events by Phone.............................................................................................25
The Address Book........................................................................................................25
Receiving Phone Messages............................................................................................25
Caller Announcements .................................................................................................26
Customizing the HomeTroller............................................................................. 26
ASCII Scripting ...........................................................................................................26
Scripting ....................................................................................................................26
Digital I/O ..................................................................................................................26
Advanced Programming ...............................................................................................27
Operating System Restrictions........................................................................... 27
Technical Support .............................................................................................. 27
Information ....................................................................................................... 27
FCC/CE Regulations .....................................................................................................27
Warranty Information ..................................................................................................28

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Introduction
The HomeTroller™ is a hardware-based home automation controller designed to incorporate all
the power and flexibility of HomeSeer HS2 software into a very compact, rugged, and easy-to-
install unit. The HomeTroller is designed to control lighting, appliances, security, HVAC, and
infrared (IR) devices, such as home theatre equipment. Since the HomeTroller is an open
standards system, the system can be integrated with numerous technologies from scores of
industry leaders, such as Zensys, Lutron, Leviton, Intermatic, Lightolier®, HAI, Global Caché
and many more.
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 HomeTroller is shipped with the following parts:
•One HomeTroller Home Automation Controller Unit
•One Power Supply Unit
•One Power Cord
•One HomeTroller Getting Started Manual
The following HomeSeer (brand) software add-ons (“plug-ins”) are available
separately for use with the HomeTroller. Plug-ins may be installed from within the
HomeTroller “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
•HAI Thermostat Plug-In
•HAI Omni Panel
•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 RadioRA
•Marrick LynX10-PLC X10 Plug-in
•Windows Media Center (MCE) 2005
•Windows Media Player 9/10
•MR26A Plug-in
•Napco Gemini

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•Ocelot Plug-in
•OnQ Panel Plug-in
•PowerLinc USB Plug-in
•RCS Serial Thermostat Plug-In
•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 HomeTroller. For a complete
listing of these plug-ins, visit homeseer.com or use the HomeTroller updater.
Additional Software:
•RealVNC (Remote Access Tool)
•MS Internet Explorer
•MS Outlook Express
•MS Windows Media Player
•HSProtect system tray monitor
NOTE: HomeTroller is NOT designed to run MS-Office.
Key Features
Reliability
The HomeTroller 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 HomeTroller has a very small footprint (9.25” wide x 7” deep x 2” high) and can installed
vertically or horizontally.
Software Features
The HomeTroller 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’s virtually impossible to corrupt any files on the C drive. The

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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.
•HSSentry™
This is a software watchdog. If the webserver 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 itmes.
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 HomeTroller 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
HomeTroller is designed for easy installation and configuration by any 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 stylesheet (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 HomeTroller
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: 9.25” W, 2” H, 7” D Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel ATOM Processor
Storage 32 GB (SSD- standard) Fans: fanless
Memory: 1 GB DDR2 OS: Embedded Windows XP (XPe)
Serial Ports: 4 Video Out: SVGA,DVI
USB Ports: 5 (4 rear, 1 front) Audio: Mic In / Line Out
Network (2 port):10/100/1000 Ethernet PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse ports
Power Supply: 100-240v – 50/60 Hz
Certifications: UL, FCC, RoHS, CE

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Installation
Mounting the HomeTroller
The HomeTroller 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.
•Mounting brackets are available for wall mounting, see homeseer.com for details.
Port Layout
A description of each port is included below.
Figure 1: Front / Rear Panel of HomeTroller
1. Power Connector: Connect the included power supply cable to this jack.
2. Monitor: To monitor the unit directly, plug a VGA (or DVI) monitor into this port. This is
not necessary for home network (LAN) or internet (WAN) control.
3. Keyboard: To control the unit directly, plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port. This is not
necessary for home network (LAN) or internet (WAN) control.
Mouse: To control the unit directly, plug in a PS/2 mouse into this port. This is not

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necessary for home network (LAN) or internet (WAN) control.
4. Serial Ports: Thermostats, controllers, security systems and other technology interfaces
can communicate with the HomeTroller through these RS-232 serial ports. Four ports
are provided. Additional ports may be added by using USB-to-serial port converters.
5. USB 2.0: Allows the HomeTroller to monitor and control USB-style home automation
interfaces and peripherals. 3 ports are provided, 2 on the rear and 1 in the front.
6. LAN: Connect a standard 10/100/1000 network cable into either jack for home network
(LAN) and internet (WAN) operation.
7. Audio In – Microphone: Connect a microphone to this port for voice control of the
HomeTroller.
8. Audio Out : Connect this to the audio out connection on your audio receiver or whole
house audio system for text-to-speech announcements or music.
9. Power Switch : Use to turn the unit on.
10.LED Indicators : Green – Power status; Blue – read/write activity; Amber – network
activity.
Perform a System Test
Once the HomeTroller is mounted and home automation devices have been attached, follow the
steps below to perform a system test.
1. Turn on the unit. The green LED on the front should be on. The blue LED will show disk
(DOM) activity. The yellow LED shows network activity.
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 name or IP address. The default name set for the unit is
HomeTroller (http://HomeTroller). 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 HomeTroller
a. Attached speakers or headphones to the appropriate “audio out” jack(s)
b. From the HomeTroller web interface, click the “Control” button to open the Control
Panel.
c. In the “Immediate Script Execution” box, type: [hs.speak "HomeTroller test"]
without the brackets.
d. Click the “Execute Command” button. The HomeTroller should now speak
“HomeTroller test”.

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Accessing the HomeTroller
There are several graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for controlling the HomeTroller. Some
interfaces, however, are only available in certain situations, as explained below.
Web Browser
The HomeTroller can be controlled using a web browser on the HomeTroller 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 HomeTroller 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.
Figure 2: HomeTroller Web Browser
The HomeTroller web page can be accessed using one of the following methods:
•On the computer running the HomeTroller, 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 HomeTroller (home network), type
http://hostname where “hostname” is the name of the HomeTroller (HomeTroller)
Alternatively, type http://192.168.0.n, where “n” is the last number of the IP address
of the HomeTroller on the home network. This IP address is typically assigned by your
home network router.
•On a computer other than the one running the HomeTroller, launch Internet Explorer and
type http:// followed by the IP address of the HomeTroller.
Which buttons appear at the top of the web page depends on which options are enabled in the Web
Site Setup screen. This Getting Started Guide assumes that all available buttons have been enabled.