AWE intros URC Total Control home automation system

AWE Europe has launched a proprietary home automation system which it says offers custom installers an affordable, scalable alternative to some of the more established names in the field.

The URC Total Control range includes an expandable system controller, switches, multi-zone audio amplifiers, streaming network players, security cameras and keypads. Integrators can budget projects depending on which components are required, with the knowledge that other elements can be added at a latter date as required. 

To date URC has been best known to residential installers as a remote control brand, but this new range of LAN-based home automation kit takes the company's offering to a whole new level, with options for audio, video, lighting, security and HVAC. With the URC proposition, up to 32 different zones within a property can be controlled, with multiple options available per room. 

To drive the system, URC has launched the Total Control Mobile app for iOS. This provides complete system access, with support for third party modules. To use the app, a device license is required; a sales demo is available from iTunes as a free download.

At the heart of the system lies the MRX-10 Advanced Network controller. Able to handle all commands and functionality, only one is required per project. Rack-mountable, the MRX-10 stores and issues commands and macros to eight IR ports, four RS-232 devices, four sensor devices, two relays and all IP controlled devices in a system. It can be expanded with additional MRX sub-base stations, and can be programmed remotely once online.

Total Control DMS amplifiers facilitate audio streaming throughout a home. Promising uncompressed CD-quality sound and perfect synchronisation between adjoining rooms, two models are available. The eight-zone DMS-1200 offers 50 watts per channel for zones 1 through to 6, and pre-amp outputs for zones 7 and 8.  Expandable up to 32 zones, the DMS amplifier has four analogue to digital inputs that stream to other DMS amps. Also available is the DMS-100, a single zone amp which can be deployed on a per room basis. Both offer full two-way metadata support.

For in-wall touch screen access, URC has the TKP-2000 Network keypad. With a 3.5-inch touch screen, it supports metadata feedback for all compatible products, as well as IP and RS-232 control. The pad also includes programmable backlit buttons that turn on and off with power. The TKP-2000 requires a single Cat5 cable for installation. The device sits on a LAN and can also be programmed off the premises via the internet. Rather neatly, this allows installers to offer a remote update service, should an owner require camera or IP thermostat modules at a later date. Additional pre-built modules are in development. 

AWE is supporting the launch of the URC Total Control system with in-depth training, which can be carried out remotely via the URC University, or done hands-on at the company's training centre in Epsom.

For more on URC Total Control visit www.awe-europe.com.
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