RCI Automation, LLC

Home Automation Controllers

We specialize in JDS Technologies and CommStar (RCS) home automation controllers.  JDS Technologies is well known for its innovative, high quality products, and outstanding customer support.   We have extensive "hands on" experience with Stargate, Stargate Lite, CommStar controllers, TimeCommander, and Infrared Xpander because we not only sell JDS and RCS equipment, we install the equipment as well.  We know what equipment works well together, how to configure the equipment, and have extensive experience in writing program code that will integrate the operation of the equipment.

Why buy JDS Technologies and RCS products from RCI Automation?

Home Automation Controller Accessories

The home automation controller is the most important piece of your home automation system.  However, the accessories that you use are also important because they must be fully compatible to work properly.  We offer a large selection of Stargate accessories that we have tested for compatibility.

Sample Programming Code (Now included with the purchase of a Stargate Lite or CommStar!)

RCI Automation offers comprehensive sample programming code (i.e. Schedule with Events) that will help a Stargate customer to get started more quickly.   While the Stargate is an excellent home automation controller, it needs carefully written program code to do the things you want it to do.  We have developed a sample schedule over the past several years from our installation of Stargate systems.  It contains over 1300 lines of programming code and contains detailed descriptions of what the code was written to accomplish.  See Stargate software screenshot for programming and controlling Stargate via a PC serial port.

We have found that some customers find it difficult to get started with such a powerful home automation controller.  They have read all about what the product is capable of doing, but after purchasing the product now must write the program code.  This can be a daunting task for someone not familiar with the Stargate programming language.  We believe that using our sample code as a guide makes it easier to begin writing your own customized code.

The customer can open our Schedule using WinEVM software (supplied with Stargate) and see sample Events with detailed explanations of what the Events do.  Some of these Events very complex, and some are simple.  One of the more complex Stargate Events (actually is is a series of interrelated events) will forward a live caller to another number (e.g., cellular phone, office, etc.) if the caller selects a particular Stargate voice mail box (Stargate has built-in voice mail features).   The caller is asked to say his name after the tone,  Stargate places the caller on hold, calls your cellular phone (via 3-Way Calling service), Stargate announces to you who the call is from (or verbally announces the caller's Caller ID). Then you decide if you want to take the call by pressing the appropriate keys on your phone.   If you don't want to take the call, simply hang up your cellular phone and Stargate takes the call back and routes it to Stargate voice mail.

We have found that customers have an easier time beginning to write their own Events after spending some time reviewing the sample Schedule we offer.  If you purchase the sample programming code from us, we also offer free technical support for the implementation of the code in your environment.  Just call us or e-mail us if you have any questions about it and we will help you implement it in your system.

System Keypads

Three types of RS-485 system keypads are available.  Stargate and CommStar will support up to 16 of these powerful keypads via one twisted wire pair (plus 12 volt DC).  The keypads are available in a LCD color touchscreen, a LCD back lit soft-key version, or a less expensive button version.

Network/Internet Adapter

JDS Technologies newest product (Web Xpander) is a network adapter that will allow access to Stargate from remote PCs with a Java enabled browser.   The network card is IP addressable so other computers can "find" Stargate on your network.   The add-on board is simple to install and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and patch cables.  This product can also be used with newer versions of the TimeCommander controller.  The Web Xpander will can also send e-mail when you create events in your schedule for this purpose.  For example, you might want Stargate to e-mail you a message if the temperature in your home is more or less than a preset limit.   Access to Stargate via the Web Xpander is password protected to prevent unauthorized access.  Works with CommStar too.

Alarm System Integration

For the home automation enthusiast, we recommend that a separate alarm panel be used with a Stargate home automation controller, rather than purchasing a combined alarm system/home automation controller.  Combined controllers don't offer as much flexibility or expansion capabilities, with respect to home automation, compared to a Stargate home automation controller.  However, when using a separate alarm system and home automation controller it is important that they communicate well with each other.   We offer an alarm system that provides excellent performance as an alarm system, but also allows a robust two-way communication link with a Stargate home automation controller.  The two-way link is established with a single serial (RS-232) connection.  Stargate has 2 unused serial ports available for this type of task (it really has 3 serial ports but one is used to connect with a PC for programming).  The serial link allows Stargate access to just about every alarm system function that can be accomplished using the alarm system keypad.  Also, the alarm system will report alarm status and zone status to Stargate.  This in effect allows Stargate and the alarm system to share alarm system components like motion sensors and door contacts.  For example, when the front door alarm system magnetic contacts open (i.e. door is opened), the alarm system informs Stargate.   Stargate can then react how you wish.   You might have Stargate turn on specific lighting if it is dark, or you might instruct Stargate to announce "Welcome", or you might have Stargate call your cell phone or page you.  

The alarm system we offer is expandable to 48 zones, has a several types of alarm keypads available, and has wireless expansion capabilities.  See pricing information in the table below for some of the alarm system components that we offer.  If you are interested in other configurations and components, please send us an e-mail or call us with your requirements.  When determining how many keypads you would like, remember that you can use the JDS LCD keypads to control both Stargate and the alarm system (you need at least one keypad with the alarm system for alarm system programming).  When you purchase the alarm system from us, we supply you with the Stargate firmware necessary to communicate with the alarm system.   The Stargate and CommStar firmware makes it simple to create conditional Events based on the state or status of the alarm system, as well as creating events to control the alarm system with Stargate. 

RS-485 8 Channel Relay Controller

This product provides 8 independent SPDT relays that can be controlled via ASCII commands on the Stargate or CommStar RS-485 bus.  If you use this product with a Stargate, you will be pleased to know that the Stargate firmware (version 3.0 or later) supports this product allowing you to control it via Stargate without having to deal with ASCII statements.  All the relays can be set to either latched, pulsed, or momentary operation. You can also poll the relays for their status, simultaneously send an ON and a delayed OFF command (great for irrigation control because you could simultaneously send the relay ON command and the command to turn OFF the relay 10 minutes later), and you can send latched, pulsed, or momentary commands to each relay independently.  This product can be placed anywhere on your Stargate's RS-485 network.

Each relay is rated for 1 AMP at 30 VDC, or .5 AMP at 125VAC and provides common, normally open, and normally closed screw terminals.  Up to 31 of these relay controllers can be placed on a Stargate's RS-485 bus. Each relay channel has a LED to indicate the ON/OFF status of the relay.  Operates on 12VDV with the supplied power transformer.

To download Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files about JDS home automation controllers click here.

All of the products on this page are special order items.

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Home Automation Peripheral Equipment

We carry many types and brands of home automation peripheral equipment and we can help you select the right equipment for your application.  Home automation peripheral equipment generally falls into the following categories:

We carry many brands of the latest home automation equipment in the above categories.   Even though we don't list all the products offered by each of these vendors on our web site, we offer the vendor's complete product line.  A partial list of brands that we carry are:

If you are looking for a particular brand and product, we mostly likely can get it for you.  Just give us a call or send us an e-mail and let us know what you are looking for.

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