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Global Cache iTach

The Global Caché iTach is a family of products designed to connect almost any electrical device to a network in a matter of minutes. Based on open systems and industry standards, the ultra-compact device fits almost anywhere (even the palm of your hand) and includes a choice of wireless WiFi or wired TCP/IP connectivity to infrared (IR), serial (RS232), and contact closure (relay) equipment.

The Global Cache iTach is based on the Global Cache GC-100 range of network adaptors, but in a cut down format and size. This means that the Global Cache iTach can be used to extend an existing GC-100 system to include devices not near to your existing GC-100 network adaptor, or it can be used on its own as a single device for control of just one or a few devices. Use multiple iTach devices to create a comprehensive control system for multiple pieces of equipment but without a central control point.

The innovative design of the Global Caché iTach allows for easy and flexible integration into any networked control solution. The iTach is a simple wired or wireless conduit between you and your device over a network or the Internet. Where you already have a wireless adaptor use the wired version for lower cost. Where you need WiFi connectivity opt for the wireless version. This is instant network-enabling at its best.

The Global Cache iTach connects a TCP/IP network to infrared (IR), serial (RS232), and contact closure (relay) devices. This allows them to be automated, controlled, and monitored (RS232 only) over the network by third party software like CommandFusion & CF iViewer , HomeSeer and so on.

The Global Cache iTach is used in wireless and wired environments and can be accessed over the Internet. An embedded web server allows easy configuration from any browser.

iTach or GC100?

The key differences are:

• The iTach is a modular unit whilst the GC100 network controller has multiple types of output
• iTach can handle multiple iPod inputs simultaneously. The GC100 can become confused if you have more than one iPod/iPad/iPhone trying to send control signals to it simultaneously
• The IR versions of iTach have a built-in IR learner
• The WiFi iTach units require no supporting WiFi network and can be sent the control signals by WiFi directly

Software

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.

Utilising Global Cache iTach 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.

Third Party iPhone Software examples

DemoPad - DemoControlHD and DemoDesign software

The DemoPad system is two part system. DemoControlHD is the iOS app downloadable from iTunes for £27.99. This gives you the access code to download the DemoDesign software for your computer, to program the screens. The DemoDesign PC software allows you to completely configure your home automation user interface. Using the supplied graphics files, or DemoPad imported files, you can create a layout that works for you. Multiple pages, complex conditional logic - based macros & object linking are some of the advanced features available in the software.

Roomie Remote

The Roomie Remote system is much easier to set up than the others, with a good database of equipment codes and preconfigured screens. This does mean that it is less flexible than the other options but you are up and running sooner. Unlike the others all set-up work is done on the iPad or iPod itself, not on a computer. The Roomie Remote does still have IR, RS232, and IP compatability (with auto discovery). You purchase the system in parts, the basic app, an IR module, then other components according to your requirements.

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 Touch 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.

When you buy a Global Cache GC100 network adaptor from CyberSelect we will also send you the CyberSelect Global Caché and Command Fusion Programming and Design Guide. NB. This is not available to purchase and will only be supplied with your purchase.

iRule

The iRule software runs on your iPod Touch or iPhone or iPad and allows you to control any Infra Red (IR), RS232 or Ethernet enabled audio video device through the GC-100 network adaptor when connected via a WiFi network or Global Cache iTach. Because the GC-100 can output RS232 and contact closure, with iRule you can also use the iPod Touch or iPhone to control things such as curtains, blinds, etc.

Like CommandFusion, iRule is a two part system. The iRule Builder runs on your computer and is the editor that allows you to create the remote interface. The iRule Builder is both simple to use and powerful. You do not need to be an installer to create a remote interface using the iRule Builder, simply drag and drop elements to create your interface. Since the iRule Builder is an online application, you can access your remote from any location without the need to install a resource intensive application on your PC or Mac.

The iRule App software is downloadable to your iPod Touch or iPhone from the iTunes web site. For more information about iRule, click here for the iRule web site.

The iTach product range

There are SIX principle products in the Global Cache iTach product line-up depending on the output required and the connection to your IP network.

• Infra Red output, wireless (WiFi) or wired network connection (with or without Power over Ethernet)
• RS232 serial output, wireless (WiFi) or wired network connection (with or without Power over Ethernet)
• Contact closure output, wireless (WiFi) or wired network connection (with or without Power over Ethernet)

Set-up tutorial

For a training video on how to set up your Global Cache iTach click here and register for the training session.

Global Cache iTach WiFi to IR - Specification (code no. WF2IR)

• Power input - 12VDC 500mA plug-top power supply
• Network connection - 802.11b (compatible with 802.11b/g) with 64mm antenna
• Three independent user selectable IR outputs or sensor inputs - 3.5mm mono jack
• Third IR port supports GC-BL2 IR Blaster
• Full spectrum IR learner built in
• Kit includes two IR emitters (not three as stated in GC literature) and one IR blaster
• Management: embedded web server
• Dimensions: 75mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)

Global Cache iTach Wired to IR - Specification (code no. IP2IR)

• Power input - 12VDC 500mA plug-top power supply
• Network connection RJ45 10Base-T network port
• Three independent user selectable IR outputs or sensor inputs - 3.5mm mono jack
• Third IR port supports GC-BL2 IR Blaster
• Full spectrum IR learner built in
• Kit includes three IR emitters and one IR blaster
• Management: embedded web server
• Dimensions: 75mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)

Global Cache iTach WiFi to RS232 - Specification (code no. WF2SL)

• Power input - 12VDC 500mA plug-top power supply
• Network connection - 802.11b (compatible with 802.11b/g) with 64mm antenna
• Serial port - Male DB9, RS232 from 1200 baud to 115 Kbaud data rates supported, bidirectional hardware flow control
• Management: embedded web server
• Dimensions: 75mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)

Global Cache iTach Wired to RS232 - Specification (code no. IP2SL)

• Power input - 12VDC 500mA plug-top power supply
• Network connection RJ45 10Base-T network port
• Serial port - Male DB9, RS232 from 1200 baud to 115 Kbaud data rates supported, bidirectional hardware flow control
• Management: embedded web server
• Dimensions: 75mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)

Global Cache iTach WiFi to contact closure - Specification (code no. WF2CC)

• Power input - 12VDC 500mA plug-top power supply
• Network connection - 802.11b (compatible with 802.11b/g) with 64mm antenna
• Three relays - screw terminal plug, 24V AC/DC @ 0.5A, normally open contact with transient voltage suppression
• Management: embedded web server
• Dimensions: 75mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)

Global Cache iTach Wired to contact closure - Specification (code no. IP2CC)

• Power input - 12VDC 500mA plug-top power supply
• Network connection RJ45 10Base-T network port
• Three relays - screw terminal plug, 24V AC/DC @ 0.5A, normally open contact with transient voltage suppression
• Management: embedded web server
• Dimensions: 75mm x 76mm x 33mm (WxDxH)

There are also special converter cables to suit Xantech IR products.

If you cannot connect the iTach power supply near to the iTach, we can also supply each of the IP versions with Power Over Ethernet functionality, see the list below.

For a datasheet on the Global Cache iTach range click here. (PDF 243KB)

For links to user manuals and tutorials click here.

For a video training tutorial on how to set up a WiFi iTach click here here.

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