Smartlaunch Forum / Smartlaunch Support / General Support / Best way to manage consoles / Latest Posts

RE: Best way to manage consoles

edgar.byo — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:07:25 GMT

I think that replying to this comment with this info, will be really helpfull to everyone interested in knowing all to control a console (ps3, xbox, wii) with smart launch.

You are going to need everything that is listed on the comment I am replying to, you dont need to buy it from that link exclusively. Instead, you can get the part #'s and look for them online. You are going to find out lots of different places.

One of the best ways to understand how this will physically work is here:
http://smartlaunch.helpserve.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/106/8/how-to-control-console-systems-automatically

This will explain you how to make it interact:
http://forum.smartlaunch.net/Topic20206-13-2.aspx?Highlight=Console

Make sure you read the whole thing... and see the pics in Nightmare_GT comment.
FTW!!

RE: Best way to manage consoles

edgar.byo — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:18:06 GMT

Please post a complete guide or video.... from scratch, this topic haves a lot views. Statiscally this tells you something important, people is interested, yeah you guys have provide an answer, and after reading the while thing i have a vague idea that it can work. But if you guys add a complete guide of hoe to set this up, will be a lot of help.

TNX:hehe:

RE: Best way to manage consoles

khanna — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:50:24 GMT

is it possible to use z-wave home automation system like Z-Wave Appliance Module and Z-Wave USB stick. if yeh how to go about it. also let me know how it can be used.

Thanks

Khanna Kalyan Kumar
Coir Floor Furnsihing Co

RE: Best way to manage consoles

ignite — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:26:46 GMT

It looks like you are using x10 devices instead of INSTEON devices. The smarthome timer software is backwards compatible with the x10 devices, however, SL is not. Notice when you control the device from the smarthome timer software the command that is sent is sendx10. The command that SL sends to smarthome devices is setOnLevelText which is probably incompatible with the x10 devices you are using.

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Nightwish_GT — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:03:03 GMT

[quote][b]ignite (22-07-2010)[/b][hr]Smartlaunch is compatible with the PowerLinc 2414u usb controller. Which can be found here: http://www.smarthome.com/2414U/PowerLinc-INSTEON-Controller-USB-Based-Home-Automation-Device/p.aspx. The software you need for the 2414u can be found here: http://www.smarthome.com/files/2814ub.zip. You need to install the software on the same computer that has 2414u plugged in through usb. You should add the Smarthome Timer Software to windows startup because Smartlaunch communicates to the controller through this software (through HTTP actually, but the Smarthome Timer Software accepts commands over HTTP which it forwards to the 2414u as raw commands). In SL, you just need to give the IP address of the computer running the Smarthome timer software. That's pretty much it for the controller.

As for the screens / tv's you want to control, any Insteon compatible device will work. For example, this one: http://www.smarthome.com/2456S3/ApplianceLinc-Relay-INSTEON-Plug-in-Appliance-Control-Module-3-pin/p.aspx.

Hope that helps.[/quote]

Hello, we were able to connect the controller to the SDM program, through the Smarthome Timer, but we were not able to connect them with Smartlaunch. Tell my what do we do? Since the ID controller we indicated correctly, but when you open a program Smartlaunch Administrator in our error output enable (disable) controllers.
Through the program Smarthome Timer are switched on and off.
Send you screenshots:

RE: Best way to manage consoles

infidel [GIZMO] — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:51:29 GMT

General note for the above product. This is 110 volt only for US (and japan I think?) Anyway, not suitable for Europe.

RE: Best way to manage consoles

ignite — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:47:26 GMT

Smartlaunch is compatible with the PowerLinc 2414u usb controller. Which can be found here: http://www.smarthome.com/2414U/PowerLinc-INSTEON-Controller-USB-Based-Home-Automation-Device/p.aspx. The software you need for the 2414u can be found here: http://www.smarthome.com/files/2814ub.zip. You need to install the software on the same computer that has 2414u plugged in through usb. You should add the Smarthome Timer Software to windows startup because Smartlaunch communicates to the controller through this software (through HTTP actually, but the Smarthome Timer Software accepts commands over HTTP which it forwards to the 2414u as raw commands). In SL, you just need to give the IP address of the computer running the Smarthome timer software. That's pretty much it for the controller.

As for the screens / tv's you want to control, any Insteon compatible device will work. For example, this one: http://www.smarthome.com/2456S3/ApplianceLinc-Relay-INSTEON-Plug-in-Appliance-Control-Module-3-pin/p.aspx.

Hope that helps.

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Treasure I-LAN — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:24:04 GMT

Perhaps a question asked in the thread? I don't see where you asked a question, and there are quite a few owners/operators who have done their own thing that may have been able to help. Personally, SL is the most professional looking solution currently which is why we've been with them for years. The answers are out there.

RE: Best way to manage consoles

jpaul1985 — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:41:40 GMT

not to be rude . . .but the support for this software really sux balls, some people want to know how the hell to setup the console control insteon 2414USB thing, and for some reason, the higher authority fails to give exact details, all he does is send links of the hardware you need, but dont even tell what software to use, where to download it, etc, THE SUPPORT FOR THIS SMART LAUNCH SUX!!!!, I mean if you really want more popel using your software, how bout the admins of the forums make a video explaining how set up the the 2414U, I may be wrong but im quite sure majority of the people in here are "men", and "men" are visual creatures, some one please make a god damn video on how to install the 2414U outlets, but other than that this is why i wandered off and looked at other internet cafe timing softwares, ive come across 8 of them and came down to a conclusion that 2 of them are useable, affordable, and very easy to operate, i think ill be using those 2 instead until smart launch decides to step their game up on providing customers witht the information they need instead of just "shooting a link to you" which shows where to get things but not go into depth or detail on how to install and operate 2414U's, but until then ill be on the other cafe softwares, not only that but they also provide a phone number to call if you have any questions, they speak to their customers . . . . .. screw this smart launch thing, its a good proffesional software but like i said. . . they really have no interest in bettering their guides to making things work . . .i really hope they do get up on showing people how to do things in these forums, i mean we are all computer savvy in here im sure but come on . ..make a god damn video tut on working with 2414U's please . . . . . jesus fucking christ . .. .

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Sujoy — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:24:20 GMT

Turning off power to the TV isn't the best solution. In my gaming centres in the UK I set up a system that can switch between a store video feed and the console.

When no-one is at the console the screen shows our central video feed, containing upcoming game trailers and promotions, with space for text messages to let customers know the store pricing and any current promotions.

When a customer logs in (through smartlaunch administrator) the screen switches from the video feed to the console so that they can start playing. If they log out or run out of time the screen switches back to the video feed.

I find this much better because a row of blank screens doesn't give the right impression when customers walk in - you want to show them a buzzing atmosphere. Also the screens are one of the best ways to promote new games and events when they're not in use. Much easier than having to print off posters all the time.

To do this you need to have a server controlled relay array, hooked up to a unit that switches between two HDMI signals. Since we generally have a row of screens this actually works out to be cost effective since one relay array can control up to 16 screens.

I've also set this up as a PC/console combined seat. You log in to the PC with your own Smartlaunch username and password. If you want to play on the console there is an application called "Play Xbox 360" which switches the screen to show the console instead. Once you're done you hit the space bar to go back to the PC screen.

I thought I'd share this info as I spent many months agonising over the best way to set up consoles in our LAN environment. I genuinely think this is the best way to do it, and look professional to the customers.

Sujoy Roy
Gamerbase

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Iain09 — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:56:51 GMT

Like I said before Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 has a default program to allow you to turn off your consoles at a customizable timer to automatically turn it off. Even if you do get a smartlaunch plug that allows you to remotely control your systems through smarthlaunch, you will still have to get up of you butt, walk up to the kid, tell him your time is up, and grab the control from him, (Repetitively). So quit being so lazy and if I was your boss I would fire you for being lazy and complaining that this job is to hard. The only couple of things that is difficult is being the Manager and a Technician specialist.\

~Gamemania of Katy~
Tech Spcs. Iain Jarvis

RE: Best way to manage consoles

infidel [GIZMO] — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:11:18 GMT

For 240v (europe) try this. It does not have a smartlaunch plugin but it works ok and is easy to setup.

http://forum.smartlaunch.net/Topic18174-13-1.aspx

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Iain09 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:09:12 GMT

[quote][b]Cirkut101 (06-02-2009)[/b][hr]Hello everyone,

Im about three months off from starting a LAN lounge and Ive been doing a lot of research on SmartLaunch. Seems to be a pretty good software minus a few quirks Ive read about here in the forums.

My problem is managing consoles in an efficient way. SmartLaunch NO LONGER carries the devices used to cut power to the consoles so now I have no idea how I am supposed to track everyones time on the consoles. I dont want to have to go walk over to customers all the time and ask them for the controller back when there time is up.

How do you guys without these nifty console power swithces that no longer can be bought manage users and consoles??[/quote]It is impossible to have a Computer control a console with any computer program like smartlaunch. It requires modding the ps3 and x-box 360. There is already programs in both the Ps3 and X-box 360 that allows you to set your play time to shut down for either an hour (Average Range of 1 hr to 5 hrs, X-box 360 is Customizable) But what you can do is have a long enough cables to have X-box 360 or Ps3 to be behind you.
These are the steps need to set up the ps3:
Be on the main screen and go to the left to Settings then go down to Power Save Settings from there select System Auto-off then select your time ranging from 1 hour to 5 hours a new box will open select the turn-off even on special condition (which is gameplay or Video). Then in that same menu for Power Save Settings select and turn on Controller Auto-off, which will Automatically turn off the controller when the Ps3 is turned off.

Now for the X-box:
Go to the Dashboard, slide down to My Xbox, slide to the right to System Settings, go to Family Settings, then Console Controls, go to Family Timer, select daily and then edit the Family Timer Function to either 30 mins or an hour or any other time. Once time is up it will shut off even doing gameplay and turn off your controller.

RE: Best way to manage consoles

daviebeer — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:36:03 GMT

Um yeah this is the worst support ever. The guide you provide regarding installation of the insteon devices is about as generic, non-descriptive, and vague as you can get...

I have everything wired like the diagram shows, but meanwhile this SDM (which, by the way, stands for smarthome device manager, but they wouldn't explain that in the PDF... and PLC means programmable logic controller... thought I should clear that up since the acronyms are used all over the place in instructions but nobody bothers to define)

Anyway the SDM program doesn't have any options in it other than "Find PLC" which I GUESS looks for the USB power module that controls the remote power modules. Hence I gotta figure that program doesn't allow you to actually DO anything.

I went to SL Server under Additional Features>Console Control and I entered the IP of the computer that has the USB power controller plugged into it (which happens to be the same PC I run SL Server on). I entered the IP, it has port 9020 by default, but damned if I know if thats right or not...

Meanwhile I'm supposed to be able to ADD CONTROLER IDS somehow, magically... there's no ADD button nor is there any data anywhere on this site or the whole internet even slightly explaining how to do this...

Any help would certainly frustrate me much less...

RE: Best way to manage consoles

PETROZZINO 01 — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:03:40 GMT

Adam hi i am so interested on buying the samrtplugs in order to control consoles but I read i also need a SDM program or some software that make the interface between smartlaunch and the plugs is that right, do you still have this software cna you send it to me?

Thanks and best regards.

RE: Best way to manage consoles

CyberBUNKER — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:21:52 GMT

We have consoles running via x10 on 240V in Australia. This isn't a perfect guide but it gives you a fair idea how it works, we ended up going for a CM11 instead of a CM15 for the control unit.

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Pixel MenaCE — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:47:57 GMT

Unless I am mistaken, those devices recommended will only work with 120V, I am opening a Cyber Cafe in Fiji and our standard power rating is 240Volts...

Are there any recommendations for an alternative device....

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Cirkut101 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:15:44 GMT

Thanks!

Im not sure if using this hardware is the route im going to take as Im afraid of damaging the projectors they would be hooked up to but I will keep these links for future reference! Thanks agai nand I look forward to usign your software very soon!

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Adam [SL] — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:01:37 GMT

Hi again,

The units you need is:

http://www.smarthome.com/2414U/PowerLinc-INSTEON-Controller-USB-Based-Home-Automation-Device/p.aspx

http://www.smarthome.com/2456S3/ApplianceLinc-Relay-INSTEON-Plug-in-Appliance-Control-Module-3-pin/p.aspx

You may need a wireless connector, which can connect two electrical wirings not connected (for instance two floors or houses which arent connected directly through the electrical wiring):

http://www.smarthome-products.com/p-952-insteon-2443p-2-signallinc-rf-2-pack.aspx

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Adam [SL] — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Currently there is no workarround for the scenario you describe. The console hardware which is supported by Smartlaunch can only turn off one unit like the TV (which is the unit we recommend turning on/off instead of the console itself)

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Cirkut101 — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:22:58 GMT

Thank you that wouldbe great!

Here is my main question with that software.

Say customer #1 comes in and buys an hour on the PS3, the timer is set and the hardware is ready to go

10 minutes later customer #2 comes in and buys an hour on the PS3

Now there are two players, Customer #1 has 50 minutes left, customer #2 has 60 minutes left.

I cant turn the projector off with the hardware until customer #2's time is done.

So I still have to manually walk up and tell customer #1 to give back the controller their time is up.

Is there a workaround for this??? Maybe a way to turn the controller off at my admin workstation or other hardware device??

Thanks everyone!

RE: Best way to manage consoles

Adam [SL] — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:19:31 GMT

Hello,

Actually Smartlaunch still supports the console hardware, we just do not resell them anymore due to some communication problems.
It is the Insteon devices from Smarthome.com.

I'm not at the office right now, but I can give you the model numbers on Monday.

Best way to manage consoles

Cirkut101 — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:35:33 GMT

Hello everyone,

Im about three months off from starting a LAN lounge and Ive been doing a lot of research on SmartLaunch. Seems to be a pretty good software minus a few quirks Ive read about here in the forums.

My problem is managing consoles in an efficient way. SmartLaunch NO LONGER carries the devices used to cut power to the consoles so now I have no idea how I am supposed to track everyones time on the consoles. I dont want to have to go walk over to customers all the time and ask them for the controller back when there time is up.

How do you guys without these nifty console power swithces that no longer can be bought manage users and consoles??