Devices Introduction

A device in the software is an IP destination for commands sent from either the GUI app, or a Centro processor. Devices fall into 1 of 3 categories (Centro Hardware, Generic Devices, 3rd Party Drivers): Each device in the software must have a fixed IP address and port to communicate with.

Centro Hardware

There are 3 types of Centro device available:

Centro-8M Processor

The Centro-8M processor has 3 Infra-Red ports, 1 Infra-Red input port, and an optional RS232 port, which allows communication with non-IP devices, and also has an astronomically-aware timeclock for scheduled events. It is also capable of establishing its own IP connections to other devices to control them independently. You may also use a standard Infra-Red remote to trigger actions within the Centro-8M.

The compact size of the Centro-8M makes it ideal for locating behind a TV, or anywhere space is limited.

For full details, please see http://www.demopad.com/centro8m.php

Centro-8 Processor (discontinued)

The Centro-8 processor is a 19 inch rack mount unit, and has many Infra-Red, RS232 and contact closure ports which allow communication with non-IP devices, and also has an astronomically-aware timeclock for scheduled events. It is also capable of establishing its own IP connections to other devices to control them independently.

Centro-C IP Gateway

The Centro-C IP gateway is a 19 inch rack mount unit, and has many Infra-Red, RS232 and contact closure ports which allow communication with non-IP devices. It has no processor, so is not capable of scheduled tasks etc, instead it receives commands from IP clients (typically our CentroControl app) to emit Infra_red, RS232 or relay commands. It also has 8 volt free inputs which can be used to track the status of PIR sensors, or other contact closure type devices. For full details, please see http://www.demopad.com/centroc.php

Centro-CM IP Gateway

The Centro-CM IP gateway is similar to the Centro-C, but with fewer Infra-Red, RS232 and contact closure ports which allow communication with non-IP devices. Like the Centro-C it has no processor, so is not capable of scheduled tasks etc. It has 8 volt free inputs which can be used to track the status of PIR sensors, or other contact closure type devices. For full details, please see http://www.demopad.com/centrocm.php

Generic IP Devices

These are generic 3rd party devices controlled via IP. They may be amplifiers, hdmi matrices etc, or they may be IP gateways - used to control equipment via Infra-Red, RS232 or contact closure relay.

3rd Party Driver Devices

There are certain 3rd party devices / systems for which we have embedded the commands into the software, so that the installer does not need to understand or have access to the command protocols.