HAI Home Automation & Whole-House Audio Solutions

Learning Center: Home Automation

A home automation system starts with the home controller. This is the device that is responsible for integrating the various subsystems (lighting, audio, climate control, etc). It also holds all of our advanced programming and configuration.

When you press "Good Night" on your touch screen, it's the main panel that tells the lights and audio system to slowly turn off, thermostats to adjust, and security system to arm.

Automation Controllers


The automation controller is the backbone of our system. It provides the central connection point for the security, climate control, and lighting systems. It also supports integration with Nuvo audio systems. Lastly, it stores and executes all of our advanced programming.

Garage Door Control


Our garage door interface allows the home automation system to open and close the garage door. For example: when you press "Good Night," the security system will arm, lights and music turn off, and the garage doors will close if they have been left open.

Irrigation/Sprinkler Control


Our irrigation system controls 4 zones of sprinklers but it's easily expanded. You will be able to turn on sprinkler zones just like a light switch. The irrigation schedule and programming is all stored on the main Omni controller.

Real-World Applications:

Pet Safety - Our two dogs love their home but given the chance, they'd much rather be out exploring the neighborhood. From time to time we would be working in the garage with the overhead door open. After going inside for a drink, we would forget the door was open and our dogs would race into the garage and on to freedom. Luckily, we were able to chase them down before they were harmed or lost, but we knew our luck would not last forever.

With the automation system, our garage door is on a 10-minute timer. If we arrive home and forget to close the door, it will automatically close for us. If we are working in the garage and go inside, it will instantly close. This simple application ensures the safety of our dogs, the safety of the things we store in our garage and our piece of mind.

A Greener Lawn with Less Water - A standard irrigation system runs several times a week for specific durations of time. This is fine until the weather changes...

Before automating our sprinkler system, we were constantly frustrated hearing the sprinklers kick on at 6am after it had rained for most of the night. Or, we would look out the window at our evening watering cycle only to see the wind blowing 80% of the water onto the sidewalk.

Our automated irrigation system knows when it rained last and what the current wind speed is. If the lawn got enough water from the rain the night before, it can skip a cycle. If the wind is fiercly blowing, the cycle is delayed until the conditions are calmer and the watering will be more effective. This not only cuts down on your water usage, it ensures your lawn is properly watered.

Receiving Packages While Away - This happens to all of us; we're expecting an important delivery but can't spend the day waiting at home for it.

I now simply leave a note on the door asking the delivery person to call me on my cell phone when he arrives. When I receive the call, I remotely open the garage door, watch him put the package inside, and then close the door when he exits. My package is safe and I didn't have to spend the day waiting at home for it.

What controls the system? Is it a computer?

Either the Omni Pro II or the Omni IIe controls the entire home automation system. No computer is required to control the home. Many automation systems run off a central computer and since they have moving parts, they often need to be replaced after 5-10 years. Our automation controllers are built to last for life.

Can the touch screen arm/disarm the security system?

Yes, the touch screen is able to control all aspects of the home automation system.

What happens if the power goes out?

The system includes a battery backup that will power the system for 1-6 hours depending on the number of devices connected to the system. After that, the system will shut off. When power is restored, the system will instantly come back online. The only information that is lost is the current time. All other configuration is stored in its memory.

Where is the panel installed?

The Automation Controller is typically installed in a basement or closet. It can either mount inside a structured wiring panel or we'll ship it out in its own enclosure.

Can this system integrate with my current security system (ADT, Brinks, etc)?

Our automation panels have a full security system built into them. Because of this, we can't integrate with your current alarm panel. However, we can use all of the same security contacts; all you need to do is move the wires from your current panel to our automation panel.

What are the monthly fees?

$0. Out of the box, our system is self-monitored which means the system can call you in case of a fire or break in. If you prefer to have your security system professionally monitored, we have packages starting at $22/mo.

Can I control my home while on vacation?

Yes, our systems can be controlled by either a phone or Windows-based computer.