Often described as a 'Swiss Army knife' type of IP product, the Global Caché GC-100 Network Adapter will adapt virtually anything to anything in AV and computer
equipment.
The Global Cache GC-100 Network Adapter connects a TCP/IP network to infrared (IR), serial (RS232), and contact closure (relay) devices. This allows them to
be automated, controlled, and monitored over the network by third party software like airremote (Air Remote), HomeLogic,
HomeSeer and so on. The Global Cache GC-100 is used in
wireless and wired environments and can be accessed over the Internet. An embedded web server allows easy configuration from any browser.
Software can control and automate entertainment centres, security, lighting, irrigation, blinds or curtains and many other appliances and devices throughout the home and
workplace. Control and automation is all about saving money, time, and making life easier. Unfortunately, most devices such as TVs, stereos, and security alarms can't communicate
over networks. Top-to-bottom proprietary systems can control these devices, but are extremely expensive and require specialised dealer training for installation.
Recently, more affordable control and automation software, based on open systems and standards has become available, these principally rely on the Apple iPod Touch or
iPhone.
Utilizing Global Cache's GC-100 Network Adapter the most commonly used devices can be easily managed and accessed via network-based software. The unique modular
mix-and-match design allows integrators and installers to control diverse systems such as entertainment, security, lighting, and irrigation in a cost effective manner.
This low cost software for using on your iPod Touch or iPhone is from cremote. Download it via the iTunes App store.
Bobby is an IR only software allowing you to control any IR device. It is easy to set up and ideal as a control software to release the potential of your iPhone or
iPod. Note that it does not permit you to output RS232 control or contact closure, so the smaller Global Cache GC100-06 is an ideal interface for it.
Cremote are building up their database of IR codes from which you can select and load for controlling your own equipment, although they tend to be oriented towards
American brands. Currently they include amongst other - Lutron, Marantz AV receivers
, SkyHD, Panasonic plasma screens and Panasonic Blu-ray BD30. You can of course 'learn' your own equipment IR codes into the software by using the GC-IRL IR learner or GC-IRE IR extender
to capture the IR signals from your existing remote controls onto your iPod Touch or iPhone.
CommandFusion & CF iViewer - the professionals' choice
This combination of programmes gives you fully customisable remote control graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on your iPhone or iPod Touch, which when using Global
Cache GC100 units, allow you to control equipment using routed IR control, RS232 two-way control, and contact closure outputs.
The CF iViewer is a free app that can be downloaded onto your iPhone or iPod Tuch in the usual manner from iTunes. This is the 'working part' of the system, equivalent
to the actual remote control screen on most standard programmable remote controls.
The CommandFusion guiDesigner is the programming software that sits on your computer (PC) and which you use to design the remote control screens that you want to
appear on your iPhone/iPod Touch. Screens can be linked, macros built up and so on to completely customise your remote control. The CommandFusion guiDesigner can
be downloaded onto your PC to see how it works but of the screens you design only the first page can be loaded onto the iPhone or iPod Touch without a licence.
Each licence is specific to a
particular single Apple device; if you have three iPod Touches or iPhones then you will need three licences.
AirRemote
AirRemote launch has been delayed until later in 2009
The airremote software runs on your iPod Touch or iPhone and allows you to use it to control any IR controlled device through the GC-100 network adaptor,
when connected via a WiFi network.
Because the GC-100 can output RS232 and contact closure, with airremote you can also use the iPod Touch or iPhone to control things such as curtains, blinds, etc.
Airremote software is downloadable to your iPod Touch or iPhone from the iTunes web site. For more information about airremote,
click here for the airremote web site.
There are three products in the Global Cache GC-100 product line-up: GC100-06, GC100-12, and GC100-18R (the notation referring to the actual length of each
unit in inches).
Global Cache GC-100-06 Specification
- Power input
- Network connection - RJ45 10Base-T network port
- Serial port - Male DB9, RS232 up to 19.2Kbaud bidirectional hardware flow control
- Three independent user selectable IR outputs or sensor inputs - 3.5mm mono jack
- Network Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP
- Management: embedded web server
- LEDs: Link, network activity, power, IR and sensor activity
- Dimensions: 152mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)
Global Cache GC-100-12 Specification
- Power input
- Network connection RJ45 10Base-T network port
- Two serial ports - Male DB9, RS232 up to 19.2Kbaud bidirectional hardware flow control
- Three relays - screw terminal plug, 24V AC/DC @ 0.5A, normally open contact with transient voltage suppression
- Six independent user selectable IR outputs or sensor inputs - 3.5mm mono jack
- Network Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP
- Management: embedded web server
- LEDs: Link, network activity, power, IR and sensor activity
- Dimensions: 305mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)
Global Cache GC-100-18R Specification
- Same configuration as GC-100-12 but to suit rack mount (rack mount kit not shown in photo)
- Dimensions: 445mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)
Accessory items for GC-100
The uploading of IR remote control commands is performed with the Global Caché GC-IRL IR Learner, which automatically captures the IR codes to a PC.
The Global Cache GC-IRE IR Extender is used for digitising IR input, and sensors and receivers for sending and receiving IR, video or contact information over a network.
There are also special converter cables to suit Xantech IR products.
For a datasheet on the Global Cache GC-100 Network Adapter click here.
01603 660901
