Automation, its what we do!
Home automation or “Smart home technology” is the residential extension of building automation and involves the control and automation of audio, video, lighting, heating (HVAC), security, (and more) as well as home appliances that use WiFi for remote monitoring. Early control of these devices included interfaces such as keypads, tablets, smart phones and touch screens. Modern systems incorporate the latest technologies including voice control, VR and cloud-based innovations. As with any automation project it starts with the processor, (the brain or gateway). This is what issues commands to every device through several protocols such as Dry contact, Ethernet, IR, RF, RS-232 / 485, Bluetooth, ZigBee and Z-Wave. Newer technologies are also being introduced such as Thread & Matter. Thread is a low power secure & reliable wireless networking protocol designed specifically for connected devices. Matter is an open source, royalty free connectivity standard for smart home devices. This is now being adopted by players such as tech giants like Apple, Google, Amazon & others. Together they have the potential to enable a robust & seamless experience for home automation.
With more homes & devices incorporating wireless and collaborrative technologies, a smart home automation system now becomes more important than ever. A platform where all things are connected & controlled & therefore provide the most efficient use & control of each device. Combined, clients can maximize efficiencies, simplify control & realize substantial energy savings.
automation platforms & products
Control4 is our brand of choice as we feel that it has the greatest range of products that have been tested and proven to be compatible with that platform. Although Control4 is suited for any size project, there are other less expensive options such as Clare Controls when setting up smaller & simpler automation projects.
When we design your system, we make product recommendations based on the overall size of the property, scope of the project, number of users as well as the “tech savviness” of those users. This way we ensure that the interface(s) are easy to use, intuitive & ANYONE in the home can effectively use the system. Once we have determined the best automation platform, we need to consider all of the devices & components that will be part of the system & which are best suited for the task that it is intended for. We also need to consider if the client will be reusing any existing equipment to ensure that everything works together without issue.
Given the range of residential & commercial projects that we work on, it is important to have a wide range of suppliers, solutions and price points. As no two projects are alike, the range of these suppliers & brands that we use is always in flux as each project can require specific components in order to make everything work seamlessly together. The Control4 brand includes its own high end audio & video matrix switching, a complete line of panelized & standard lighting controls as well as a number of remote & touch screen options. They also provide many of the third party devices that we use such as Luma & Lilin cameras, Espisode & Triad amps & speakers & a plethora of other devices that are essential to most every successful project. We can also incorporate other brand name devices into the project that are “open platform” *such as Amazon Alexa, Nest, RadioRa, & Sonos just to name a few. We will even incorporate some of your existing equipment into a project as long as it is compatible and consistent with the overall scope of the project.
lighting
As a retrofit, Control4 dimmers and keypads are interchangeable with standard light switches so most installations can be completed without the need to pull any additional wiring. If you are renovating or working on a new build, you may want to consider panelized lighting systems to reduce the number of switches required as well as to save on overall wiring costs.
Programmable keypads can also be incorporated with either setup above which means that you can incorporate lighting scenes within the project. These multi-button devices can be custom programmed with groups of lighting fixtures (zones) where thresholds are preset to maximize task lighting or create the optimal mood for entertaining or just hanging out at home. Lighting levels can then be increased for each zone individually or as the group. Keypads can also be programmed to include window coverings, audio, video and temperatures an example. The possibilities are essentially endless!
Touch screens and smart phones can also be used to control individual lights, separate rooms, specific levels or entire homes with the press of a button. Scenes like “ALL OFF” & “VACATION” can be executed when the alarm is set on your way out & even if there is an alarmed incident such as forced entry.
Voice commands can then be set up to control all of these devices and scenes for the ULTIMATE in control! “Alexa, turn on party scene”
security
There are a variety of monitored and unmonitored systems available that are designed to protect your property and what’s inside. In some instances, only a sensor may be required to send you a text when a door is opened. Other installations require more sophisticated designs that incorporate monitored security systems, cameras, recording devices, alarms, gate controls as well as motion and contact sensors. No matter what the requirement, design and planning is key to ensure that you, your family and your possessions are kept safe.
Surveillance cameras provide an additional level of protection where night vision or PTZ motion tracking can be useful to stop intruders in their tracks. NVRs, cloud storage or SD cards can also be added to provide back history of an event.
In combination with these systems, security shutters can be incorporated to provide an exceptional level of security. These can protect the occupants inside as well as valuables should a break-in ever be attempted. Not all windows & entry points need to be covered, just typically those at ground level and in low visibility areas. Ideal for cabin & cottages where infrequent visits are the norm.
climate control
Both Control4 & Clare Controls are advanced home automation systems that allow for seamless integration of various devices including thermostats other in-floor / zone heating controls.
A thermostat is an easy retrofit as long as the wiring is of today’s standard. Temperature sensors can also be used to eliminate the need for visible T-stats in a home. We believe however that it doesn’t stop there! Typically, we look at the energy triangle in order to maintain a comfortable living environment. This includes shading, lighting, thermostats and sometimes the use of motion sensors. If they can all work together, case studies show that a considerable amount of energy and therefore dollars can be saved. If the sun is out, the shades can be lowered before the room heats up, if cloudy, shades should be raised to reduce the need for artificial light. In the winter months, shading should also be open to bring natural light and heat into the room. If no one is home, the system should be able to function on its own to reduce the energy footprint and keep a comfortable temperature in the room for when you do get home. This type of setup can also increase security by moving window treatments and changing lighting conditions. Also when travelling it is convenient to change temperature settings from vacation to home by remote access.
Audio / Video & home theater
People who love audio & video are often deeply passionate about the high quality visual & sound. For these individuals, music isn’t just a movie or background noise – its a way of life, a source of enjoyment, & often an obsession with achieving the best possible video & sound reproduction.
When designing an audio system, considerations must be taken with respect to room size & shape, acoustics, budget & overall quality desired. Video is pretty much the same, however viewing distance, viewing angles & lighting levels become the main focus.
When designing distributed audio / video systems we need to consider the number of zones, the sources for each zone as well as how we get communication to each zone. There are a number of solutions that can be considered but we believe that if you can pull wire, a hardwired system is preferable. In the old days, each zone had its own stereo and cable box. Today systems are designed with efficiency in mind where all of the equipment is located in one central location and wiring runs are fed from there to each zone. This serves to reduce the amount of equipment that is required as cable boxes can now be shared within a space and audio is available from every conceivable device including streaming from your smart phone or that precious LP collection that you have been saving to set up in the right space. an audio system
For Home theater is no longer a luxury but part of most modern-day homes. “Viewing” rooms are designed with best acoustics, viewing angles, acoustical properties & in some instances, convertible for other uses when space is a premium. Receivers are incorporated with the use of sound bars and surround speakers for the ultimate setup. Under sofa sub-woofers can be used to create the ultimate base without taking up premium space in the room.
GiCor has the team, experience, products & resources to plan, install, program & commission the most amazing home theaters! Not only can you see the difference, but you will also hear it to!!
planning & design
The best time to start is at the beginning. Sounds strange but too many clients call us after the drywall has been installed, taped & painted. Once you have found the builder that you want to work with, it is recommended that you bring us in to discuss your automation project so that we can incorporate the necessary details into your drawings including wiring and power requirements, backing locations as well as any product specifications to ensure that ALL items are properly accounted for in the final installation. Details such as lighting, ventilation & acoustics cannot be overlooked! Window coverings should also be part of this discussion as they are most often incorporated into the project. And keep in mind, “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”. Try to keep things simple, easy to use and intuitive for house guests. Once the project is complete, it needs to pass the “babysitter test”. Only then will we consider the project a success!
GiCor travels so if you would like us to stop into your architecture, design or construction firm, we are happy to present one of our many customized automation workshops to your team.
A compilation of GiCor window covering & automation / Audio Video projects
GiCor installation for DIRTT at Calgary’s main showroom. Automation, window coverings, audio & video
GiCor installation for Ric’s Grill restaurant in Calgary, Alberta. The whole Shabang!
A GiCor installation of window coverings, automation, audio, video, conferencing & paging system for PCL construction at their mod yard in Nisku, Alberta
GiCor installation for Radisson airport in Calgary Alberta. Included security, distributed audio & video, paging & internal communications
The 2014 Calgary home & garden show. When the automation side of our business really kicked into high gear!
A Medley of GiCor motorized window covering & automation projects – circa 2016.
Brands We Carry
