Audio

All audio switching and volume control is primarily managed by the Zektor 16×16 Digital Audio matrix. The Zektor accepts all inputs from TVs and sources and controls the switching and volume control for the outputs. Output audio is then passed to the powered amplifiers and speakers. The Zektor has a 16-band equaliser and input gain control to successfully adjust all inputs/outputs to volume matched audio.

Using BluStream audio over CAT extenders, audio is first extracted directly from each TV and returned to the audio matrix. One exception to this is the Media Room, which has a separate AV Receiver. This way the media amplifier and audio matrix have all audio sources available for use. Foxtel audio is available as additional inputs into the audio matrix via optical audio. These audio inputs are then output to powered amplifier channels and distributed throughout the home.

A single device with all audio inputs is the perfect building block for multi-room audio output. As a result, audio-only zones can follow adjacent video zones, regardless of whether a video device is present. As an example, Foxtel is accessible through the kitchen audio zone and users can change channels according to their preferences through the GUI.

Wireless & Networking

The current lifestyle places a high emphasis on wireless connections, and many of the systems run only on Wi-Fi. It was very challenging to obtain strong Wi-Fi signals in this home, as the primary construction of the home consisted of steel and a lot of concrete. We chose the Unifi architecture from Ubiquiti because it provided robust performance and the best value for money. Its central management via cloud integration helped simplify the process of control, programming, and troubleshooting, as it is both powerful and easy to use, either locally or remotely. Bridger Automation conducted a site survey/scan to ensure correct placement and coverage was obtained to deliver a seamless wireless network. For this we used InSSIDer with a WiSpy USB Spectrum analyser.

Lighting & Electrical Control

Bridger Automation was engaged to design the complete 200A 3Phase electrical solution, which spanned across the 2000sqm home. A custom 200A CT panel switchboard was designed and fabricated to deliver the supply to the home. 50mm XLPE mains were then cabled to the basement Chassis DB for a calculated distribution throughout the home.

This installation was executed exclusively by our company (with the exception of the solar and air conditioning systems). As a consequence, the electrical system of the house was designed and cabled from a dirt mound. The knowledge and flexibility that we possess enabled us to include all the relevant controls, such as Lighting, Blinds, Curtains, Blinds, Fans, Fireplaces, and pool pumps.

The clients were particularly worried about ‘black outs’ and protecting their investments of food and wine. We therefore we installed a gas generator backup system with automatic changeover. This ensured selected circuits would remain running in the event of power failure. Protected systems include:

• 12x fridges
• 1x walk in cool room
• 2x Basement sump pumps
• Emergency lighting
• Smoke alarms
• Internet, Wi-Fi, networking
• Security alarm & CCTV
• RTI Processors.

This ensured the house could still remain highly functional as essential services were available.

Shade Control

Shades would be crucial for privacy, protecting furniture and blocking light as the property faces north and waterfront.  The use of exterior motorized blinds allowed the sun to be mitigated while providing a barrier to unwanted bugs/sand flies. Motorized block out and sheer curtains were installed in the lounge, kitchen, master bedroom and sitting room. These were all controlled by the Dynalite switches in each room, RTI GUI or scheduled scenes.

Climate Control

The air conditioning control was not part of our scope of work, but we have installed provisional cables to each unit for future use if the owner decides to proceed.

Security

The security system consisted of the below:

• PIR Sensors in all entry/exit locations/rooms
• B2B Alarm via Sanctuary Cove security

• Touchscreen Keypads (Garage, Entry, Master Bed)
• Smoke Alarm Input to integrate into security system
• Thermal Sensors (Laundry, Garage, Scullery)
• Panic Buttons (Master WC x2, Master Bedhead, Scullery)
• Access Control for the Front Door and Front Gate
• Motor Control for the Garage Roller Door, Garage sliding door, and 4x driveway gate motors
• 2x Wireless Modules with keychain remotes for Arm/Disarm/Panic/Access Control
• Network Module for Smart Phone App Control while away from the home.

CCTV & Intercom

A Hikvision IP Video intercom with keypad at the front gate & eight cameras were installed throughout the property. The CCTV cameras included the latest ‘colour at night technology’ allowing the client a much better experience. This night feature eliminated the old black and white infrared images and is quite an amazing move forward for CCTV technology.

Both intercom and CCTV are accessible via the same native app which helps eliminating one app per system approach. Finally, all video feeds are available on the NVR (by importing the intercom feed as an additional camera) and viewable on any TV in 3×3 display format. The NVR output was also an ‘input’ in to the video distribution to allow the clients to view on any TV in the home with the push of a button.

Fire

We wanted to give the user the ability to operate/ignite the fireplace/fire pit no matter what interface they use. Through the use of a Dynalite relay, you can easily control it from a Smart Phone, tablet or light switch, and it displays the heating status on the interface. This simple ‘add on’ feature provides another ‘wow’ factor for the client when entertaining.

Morning & Evening Lighting Scenes

Our clients – requested a smooth transition between day and night. As a result, it was best to automate morning & evening scenes that are tied to the sunset time clock.

Each evening:

Evening scene 1: Triggered one hour before sunset and turns selected common areas and all exterior lights on. Furthermore, it closes the master bedroom and sitting room curtains to ensure privacy.

Evening scene 2: All lighting circuits are slowly shut off so that only the landscape lights remain on during the night. Exceptions to this are low step wall lights which provide a pathway around the home if required.

Each morning:

Morning scene 1: At sunrise, a scene turns off any remaining external lighting and step lights. The mosquito blinds are closed to reduce the harsh glare that reflects on the water and keep the sand flies away.

Morning scene 2: Three hours after dawn breaks, the motorized external blinds are raised to let sunlight flood the area without the harsh glare of early morning sunlight.

All of these scenes can be ‘enabled’ or ‘disabled’ accordingly by the end user.

Pool Control & Filtration

In order to keep the pool from further maintenance, we connected the pool pumps and chlorinator to Dynalite. Dynalite is programmed to control the pump, filtration system and heater, and run at the correct operating times during the summer and winter seasons. This scheduling makes it easy to operate, but also manually enable from a switch/tablet if needed without heading outdoors to the pool plant.

Schedule Flexibility & Control:

The above scenes are automatically triggered by schedules that the client can modify at any time with the push of a button. With shorter and longer days in winter and summer, a sunset/sunrise clock is used to ensure schedules run consistently throughout the year.

Pool:

As part of the control package, we provided pool light control, and control over the pool and spa filtration systems. In this way, it became possible to set up and modify schedules remotely without having to be present in the pool plant area.