uControl Remote Changelog

Ver 1.02 (05/25)

WiFi Version: 6.0.20250512
Filesystem Version: 2.2.12
BLE Version: 2.0.20

-Updated internal WiFi reconnection processes
-Added onscreen message when WiFi disconnected and IP command attempted
-Menus can be scrolled by holding UP/Down keys
-Battery performance improvements
-Added support for Samsung Frame TV off via IR
-Bug fixes and improements

Ver 1.01 (04/25)

WiFi Version: 6.0.202500414
Filesystem Version: 2.2.11
BLE Version: 2.0.19

-Removed password requirement when provisioning remote
-Updates Battery Icon to better show current level
-Bug fixes and improvements

Ver 1.00 (01/25) Release Version

WiFi Version: 6.0.202500204
Filesystem Version: 2.2.8
BLE Version: 2.0.15

-Added HI, LO and FULL to battery icon
-Updated remote data transfer process from uOS
-Bug fixes and improvements

Controlling Loxone from uOS

This guide will show you how to trigger events in a Loxone system using a ‘Virtual Text Input’. This allows us to send a command that can trigger switching, lighting actions, shading and more.

Before you begin, you will need:

  • The Loxone Miniserver IP address
  • A fully-commissioned Loxone system with the Miniserver on the same network as the HDA system
  • A fully-commissioned HDA or uControl system with the latest version of uOS (MHUB-OS does not support IP integrations) on the same network as the Loxone system.
  • A laptop running the Loxone config software
  • Access to uOS using any of the most popular browsers (or an iPhone with the uControl app, at the very least) on the same network as the HDA system


Step 2:Build an IP Connection in uOS



Examples of the most popular Loxone commands – Loxone Command Examples

Controlling Rako scenes and lights from uOS (v2)

This guide will show you how to trigger Scenes or even individual Lights and Blinds using the Rako API

  • For Rako Hub API click Here
  • For Rako Bridge API click Here

Rako Hub API


Before you begin, you will need:

  • The Rako Hub IP address
  • A fully-commissioned Rako system with a Rako Hub on the same network as the HDA system
  • A fully-commissioned HDA or uControl system with the latest version of uOS (MHUB-OS does not support IP integrations) on the same network as the Rako system.
  • A tablet or laptop using any of the most popular browsers (or an iPhone with the uControl app, at the very least) on the same network as the HDA system.

Step 1:Get data about the Rako system

You need to know:

  • Room ID
  • Channel ID
  • Scene ID

Use your browser: type http://[Rako Hub IP]/rako.xml (e.g.http://192.168.1.13/rako.xml)

The Example below shows Room ID 17, Channel ID 1 and Scene ID 1


<Room id="17"> -Room ID
<Type>Lights</Type>
<Title>Office</Title>
<Channel id="1"> -Channel ID
<type>Default</type>
<Name>Office Spotlights</Name>
<Levels>FFBF7F3F000000000000000000000000</Levels>
</Channel>
<Scene id="1"> -Scene ID
<Name>White</Name>
</Scene>
</Channel>

If no scenes are listed, default scenes are set as -

Scene 1 – All on 100%
Scene 2 – All on 75%
Scene 3 – All on 50%
Scene 4 – All on 25%
Scene 0 – All Off

Based off this we can build the command

SUB,BASIC,V4,uControl
SEND,17,1,SCENE,1


Step 2:Build an IP Connection in uOS



Examples of the most popular Rako commands – Rako Command Examples

Rako Bridge API


Before you begin, you will need:

  • A fully-commissioned Rako system with a Rako Hub on the same network as the HDA system
  • A fully-commissioned HDA or uControl system with the latest version of uOS (MHUB-OS does not support IP integrations) on the same network as the Rako system.
  • A tablet or laptop using any of the most popular browsers (or an iPhone with the uControl app, at the very least) on the same network as the HDA system.

Step 1:Get data about the Rako system

You need to know:

  • Room ID
  • Channel ID
  • Scene ID

– Use Rasoft Pro if you set up the Rako yourself or have been given the Project File.
– Use your browser: type http://[Rako Hub IP]/rako.xml (e.g.http://192.168.1.13/rako.xml)

Example of Rako XML data


Step 2:Build an IP Connection and Function in uOS


Step 3:Build Functions to control individual Channels or trigger Scenes



Examples of the most popular Rako commands – Rako Command Examples

Replacing the uControl Remote’s battery (Step-by-step instructions)

Required tools

Make sure you have a T5 Torx Screwdriver to remove the screws on the uControl Remote.


Flip your uControl Remote over and look to the bottom of the device, you will notice two screws, remove them with your T5 screwdriver.


The screws will release the battery hatch and use your fingers to extract it from the main case.


Gently tip the uControl Remote to remove the battery, it should slide out with little resistance.


Insert the new battery with the connector on the right-hand side, ensuring the connectors face inward. Once inserted, the connectors should be hidden. If you can see them, the battery is in the wrong way.

Ensure that you can not see the battery connector once inserted.

Before closing the battery hatch, make sure that the rubber stopper is correctly seated as indicated by the yellow outline.

Update your system to uOS 11

Update to uOS 11

Please read this first before updating your system:

This guide will assist you with updating your MHUB, MZMA or Zone Processor to uControl OS (uOS) 11.

The update will enable support for both the new uControl App and the uControl Remote which can be configured after completing the steps in this support post.

It is strongly recommended that you read this guide carefully before you start the update process.

15 minutes (approximately). Difficulty: Easy.

What this guide will cover:

Before you start the update, check that:

  • Your HDA controller is currently running uOS (10.XX)
  • You have uControl 2016 app installed
  • Your HDA controller and uControl 2016 app have access to the Internet
  • All HDA devices and uControl 2016 app are visible on your network.
  • A note of all HDA device IPs on your network, or the ability to scan for them using an app like Fing.
  • IMPORTANT:Once your system has updated, uOS will need some additional configuration applied before the new uControl app or uControl Remote will start to work.

STACKED SYSTEMS:
It is recommended that every device in your stacked system is updated to uOS 11. Start by updating your master controller, followed by each MHUB or MZMA in your stack. If parts of your stacked system feature older MHUB’s or MHUB Audio systems running MHUB-OS then you will not need to update these.


1. Load uControl 2016 app to start the update process.

Load the uControl 2016 app and follow the instructions in this guide to update your system(s). Ensure that you complete this process for all HDA devices which can be upgraded to uOS 11 (see checklist above). Please note that any MHUB operating on MHUB-OS (black background colour) can not be updated to uOS 11.

GUIDE: How to update your MHUB or HDA Device

2. Check that your HDA system has updated to uOS 11.

After the update completes, check uOS to confirm that it is running uOS 11 which can be done by visiting the IP address of your HDA device. Repeat this step for each HDA device on your network if you are operating a stacked system.

uOS Setup Page

Figure 1: Visit uOS and navigate to the “Setup” page to find your uOS version.
Check if uOS has updated to version 11

Figure 2: The software version will appear in the top 1/3 of the page under “uOS version”. The current version can also be seen on the footer of the page.

If you are using a control system (Crestron, Control4, Savant, URC etc) then you’re complete at this stage. If you plan to use a HDA interface like uControl Remote or uControl app to control your system then continue to Step 3 below.

3. You’re almost there! Prepare uOS for uControl app and uControl Remote.

You need to make two small changes in uOS to make ensure that the new uControl app or uControl Remote will work when you are ready to configure them.

Return back to the uOS “Setup” page and scroll down until you see the “Manage Zones” button, then select it.

uOS Setup Page

Figure 3: Go to uOS “Setup” page and scroll down the page until you see the “Manage Zones” option.

A page will load with a table that lists all the Zones you have defined in uOS. Select the Zone that you wish to edit by tapping on the edit button (pencil icon)

uOS Setup Page

Figure 4: Tap on the Zone that you wish to update.

You will now see all information pertaining to that particular zone, you will need to make two small changes for every zone in your system..

uOS Setup Page

Figure 5: The newly updated Manage Zones interface which summarises all zone information in one place.

Change #1: Choose your video & audio source visibility.

uOS 11 gives you the ability to show or hide any input that is connected to your HDA system. You can choose to show all inputs or filter them so that only AV inputs you select are visible in that zone. If you’re unsure or in a rush you can choose “Select All” and edit this option later.

uOS Setup Page

Figure 6:Choose to show all inputs in that zone or filter them so only the ones you want are visiable in uControl app and uControl Remote.

If you select “Filter” a list of all inputs that your HDA system is controlling will appear with a green coloured switch, here you can choose to turn that input on or off inside that zone.

uOS Setup Page

Figure 7:If you have chosen to filter inputs in your desired zone then you can specify what inputs are available and what are not. This change will apply throughout the system.

Change #2: Set the default volume for every zone.

New to uOS 11 is a declaration of what device is controlling the volume. This is a new setting and will ensure that both uControl app and uControl Remote’s default volume keys are mapped to the device you choose here.

uOS Setup Page

Figure 8:Click on the “+” icon to select the device controlling the volume in your zone.
uOS Setup Page

Figure 9:uOS will display all available devices that are capable of controlling volume in your zone..

IMPORTANT:
You must repeat this step for every zone in your system if you wish to use the new uControl App or uControl Remote. If you fail to do this step uControl App will not work correctly and you may experience problems when configuring uControl Remote.

Your HDA system is now ready to use!

Congratulations, your HDA system is now updated and ready to work with the new uControl app and uControl Remote.

Configuring the uControl Remote for use

Before you begin:

To ensure a smooth setup process for your uControl Remote, please make sure you have the following in place before you start:

uOS 11 or above: The uControl Remote will work correctly with uOS 11 or above. Ensure that you have checked for updates beforehand.

Powered On: Press and hold the HDA Key (top left circular button) and the Power Key (top right circular button) simultaneously for 5 seconds.

Sufficient Power: Ensure the Remote is charging using the provided USB-C cable or a wireless charger.

Setup tested on uControl app: uControl Remote should be the last device setup in uOS. It is recommended that all uControl packs have been downloaded, all Smart Automations have been created and tested inside uControl app before transfering any configuration to .

20 minutes (approximately) to work through.

Contents:


In a hurry? Refer to the quick start guide in your packaging

The fastest way to connect your uControl Remote to your WiFi network is to refer to the quick start guide found inside your packaging.


Connect your uControl Remote to your WiFi network by following the instructions the quick start guide inside your packaging.

If you need more help then a detailed version of this process is described below.

Getting uControl Remote on your WiFi network (full description)

1. Ensure that the uControl Remote is charging before you start


Ensure the uControl Remote is fully charged before setup. Place it on a charging pad or connect it to a power source using the provided USB-C cable and a standard 5V USB charger.

2. Turn the uControl Remote ON


Start by peeling off the screen protector and turn on the uControl Remote by press and holding both the HDA and Power keys for 5 seconds until the device turns on. The uControl Remote will boot up and display “DISCOVERY MODE” showing an abbreviated WiFi network name (SSID). The last 4 characters of the SSID will always be unique.

3.Connect directly to uControl Remote’s WiFi


Connect directly to uControl Remote on a PC, tablet, or smartphone. Go to your WiFi settings and search for the uControl Remote’s WiFi network name ensuring that you connect to the correct SSID (always starting with SL-HDA-UCRMT…) look particularly for those 4 unique characters in your WiFi list.

To connect to uControl Remote’s WiFi use password hdanywhere.

4. Access the uControl Remote’s Network Page.


Open a browser and go to: http://192.168.10.1 Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the uControl Remote to your local WiFi network.

At this stage, uControl Remote will scan all available WiFi networks within range. uControl Remote only supports 2.4GHz WiFi and WPA/WPA2/WEP security standards.

5. Wait for connection


The uControl Remote will attempt to connect to your WiFi. If the uControl Remote screen has turned off then press any button to wake the remote up. The screen will update you with its progress. If it fails, double-check your WiFi credentials and try again. Once the connection is successful, the uControl Remote will display a confirmation message along with its new IP address. Write this down—you’ll need it later for configuring.

Once the uControl Remote has joined your WiFi network, it will be given a new IP address, take a note of this IP address as you will need it when you configure your uControl Remote for use.

Starting uControl Remote basic configuration.

Make sure your uControl Remote is on the same network as you controller and that the Remote is charging.

Visit uOS and navigate to the “Remote” page.


Visit the IP address of uOS and open the menu in the top left corner to reveal the menu. Select the “Remotes” option and you will see a page similar to this one. Select the option “ADD NEW REMOTE” to start the configuration process.

Make sure that all uControl Packs, Smart Automations & Zone Settings have been completed before proceeding.


The first question asks if all the necessary prerequisites have been completed before starting the uControl Remote configuration process. This is an important check because editing a configured remote, repeatedly, is slower (and more error prone) than making sure the system is working first using our app and transfering that config in one go instead.

Enter your uControl Remote’s IP address.


Enter the IP address of the uControl Remote into the box to connect uOS to it. If you are unsure what your uControl Remote’s IP address is, you can find it by pressing on the HDA key (top right corner) then navigating to Network > WiFi Info > IP Address to reveal it on the Remote’s OLED display.

Add your uControl Remote to your Zone or Room.


uOS will display all Zones that are available on the system. If you do not see any options here, ensure that you have created your Zone properly and can see it inside the uControl app.

Optional step: rename your devices so they are easier to read on uControl Remote’s screen.


The uControl Remote’s screen has a maximum width of 15 characters. You can shorten any long names to make their appearance better on your Remote.

Select what will be doing the volume control in your Zone or Room.


uOS will automatically detect all devices that are capable of volume control in the Zone you have selected and will present them as an option for you. Once selected, this option will become the default volume control in that Zone when using uControl Remote.

More about volume: uOS will automatically select devices you’ve installed that offer volume control and will present them in this list based on how they are categorised by HDA. This includes TVs, Projectors, audio streamers/amplifiers (Wiim, Sonos), AVRs and HDA hardware like MHUB or MZMA.

If you have multiple devices that are all volume controllable (eg TV + AVR) then you will still need to nominate which device is default but uOS will transfer all options to the remote. This means you can switch away from the default option by pressing and holding the “AUDIO” key on the Remote. If you power down the remote or it is restarted, uControl Remote will revert to it’s default setting.

Basic setup is complete.


The basic setup is now complete and you are now able to customise how the uControl Remote works down to individual keys.

Controlling GUDE power switching from uOS

This guide explains how to control your GUDE PDU from uOS, uControl App and uControl Remote. Here is a full overview of GUDE’s API.

Gude power switching in uOS

What this guide will cover:

  1. Understanding switching outputs, batches, ports and their status.
  2. How to create a GUDE API so that you can control power in the property.
  3. How to add that API into uOS.

Important: you must have the IP for GUDE first

You can get the IP address of your GUDE by:

  • Using a network scanner application like Fing on your mobile phone to scan your network.
  • Log into your wireless router and look up Gude in the DHCP table.

For the purposes of this guide we are going to pretend that your GUDE PDU is on IP address 192.168.1.15 and your uOS device (MHUB, MZMA or Zone Processor) is on 192.168.1.196. We will use this to illustrate all examples moving forward.

GUDEs ports are simple, port 1 is equal to 1 (p=1) and port 2 is equal to 2 (p=2) and so on. When typing your commands, make sure to follow this logic.

What a typical GUDE API looks like

http://user:secret@192.168.1.15/ov.html?cmd=1&p=1&s=1

The command above switches an output on or off (cmd=1). More specifically it switches/powers output 1 (p=1) on (s=1).

http://user:secret@192.168.1.15/ov.html?
user:secret will only change if updated by the user, otherwise it will always be user:secret, the IP address will most likely be different to the above example.

Understanding what those numbers in the API above mean:

cmd=1, 2, 5, 12
This is the command which decides what kind of switch occurs:

  • cmd=1 switches the output.
  • cmd=2 cancels a batch switch.
  • cmd=5 starts a batch switch.
  • cmd=12 performs a reset.

p=1, 2 …, N
This is the number of the output which is being switched.

s=1
This is the state of the switch. 0 being off and 1 being on.

“&”
This sign allows you to add parameters to your command, every command must be linked by it.

How to Batch Switch using GUDE

Batch switching allows for multiple power outputs to be switched on or off simultaneously with a delay in between each switch if wanted. Below is an example of a batch switch, let’s break it down:

http://user:secret@192.168.1.15/ov.html?cmd=5&p=1&a1=0&a2=1&s=5

  • cmd is equal to 5 signifying a batch switch.
  • p is 1 so port number 1 will be switched.
  • a1 means action followed by a sequential number which increases with each additional action.
  • s in a batch switch is different to a normal switch. s is the delay in seconds between each action. As a defines whether an output is on or off a replaces s.

Testing your APIs

We recommend that you test every API before you enter them into uOS. All IP based APIs have different requirements when it comes to testing but the GUDE API is great because it is super simple.

To test your API, open a web browser and enter the full API in the URL window and hit enter.

Screenshot-2023-05-12-121405

Testing your GUDE API is as easy as entering it into your favourite browser and hitting enter. If the GUDE device does what you expected it to then you’re good to enter it into uOS.

If the GUDE device responds as you expected then your API is working and you can proceed adding it into uOS.

If it doesn’t work then try the following:

  • Make sure the IP address is correct.
  • Make sure that you do not have any typos.
  • Ensure that your IDs are correct and that you’re observing the correct PDU switch.
  • Make sure that the structure of the API matches our example no spaces, no special characters, data is in the correct case (often lowercase).

How to add your APIs into uControl

Need more help with the API? Get in touch.

All HDA staff are able to help with any API questions you might have including any advanced features. Get in touch for help or assistance.

Controlling Rako scenes and lights from uOS

This guide explains how to pull data from Rako’s API so you can control it directly from uOS, uControl App and uControl Remote.

Rako Lighting in uOS

What this guide will cover:

  1. How to find room, channel, scene and level IDs in Rako’s API.
  2. How to create a Rako API so that you can control any light or scene in the property.
  3. How to add that API into uOS.

Important: you must setup Rako first

For the purposes of this guide we are going to assume that your Rako controller is on IP address 192.168.1.15 and your uOS device (MHUB, MZMA or Zone Processor) is on 192.168.1.196. We will use this to illustrate all examples moving forward.

Important: To get an overview of your project, which for this example is on IP address 192.168.1.15, type 192.168.1.15/rako.xml into a web browsers search engine and enter.

What a typical Rako API looks like

192.168.1.15/rako.cgi?room=5&ch=4&sc=0

In most cases you will either want to turn a light on/off or change the scene in any particular room. To do this you will need to send an API which looks like the example above.

In the example above we are going to send a command to the Rako controller (at 192.168.1.15) to execute a Scene 0 in Room 5 on Light 4.

Understanding what those numbers in the API above mean:

room=5
This is the ID of the room which your Rako devices are installed in.

ch=4
This is the channel which is how Rako refers to individual lights or RGB values.

sc=3
This is the scene ID.

“&”
This is a separator which is used to separate room, channel and scene values or IDs.

HELPFUL: Commonly used Scene IDs in Rako

  • Scene 0 = Off.
  • Scene 1-16 = Custom Scenes which you have made in Rako (lights at 10%, RGB value etc).

Testing your APIs

We recommend that you test every API before you enter them into uOS. All IP based APIs all have different requirements when it comes to testing but the Rako API is great because it is super simple.

To test your API, open a web browser and enter the full API in the URL window and hit enter.

Screenshot 2023-05-11 at 11.55.56

Testing your Rako API is as easy as entering it into your favourite browser and hitting enter. If the Rako device does what you expected it to then you’re good to enter it into uOS.

If the Rako device responds as you expected then your API is working and you can proceed adding it into uOS.

If it doesn’t work then try the following:

  • Make sure the IP address is correct.
  • Make sure that you do not have any typos.
  • Ensure that your IDs are correct and that you’re observing a light in the correct room and location.
  • Make sure that the structure of the API matches our example (no spaces, no special characters, data is in the correct case (often lowercase).

How to add your APIs into uControl

Need more help with the API? Get in touch.

All HDA staff are able to help with any API questions you might have including any advanced features. Get in touch for help or assistance.

Resetting your system

DO NOT RESET YOUR SYSTEM IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOUR HDA DEVICE DOES:
Your HDA hardware is an integrated system and very similar to a central heating boiler.
It maybe controlling your AV sources, displays, speakers, lights etc. If you reset your system and you do not know how to restore it yourself then it could render your AV unusable.

Is your system managed by a HDA Pro Installer?

If your system has been built and serviced by a HDA Pro Installer then please contact them first before resetting your device. This is especially important if they are servicing your system. If you proceed with a system reset then your HDA Pro can reserve the right to charge a call out fee to restore your system to a working state.

Resetting your system

If you are already connected to a HDA system:
uControl menu (top left menu icon) > Settings Cog (bottom left) > Utilities > Reset

1-2-con

If you are not connected to any system:
uControl Splash Screen > Advanced > Utilities > Reset

1-2-ncon

Tapping on reset will not work. You will need to tap the reset button 10 times in order to unlock the reset process. Follow instructions inside the app to continue with the system reset.

Using Flirc with Amazon devices for use with uControl

Some devices no longer have built in IR receivers. To enable them to be used with the uControl app you can add a third party device called FLIRC. This connects to a source device via USB and turns IR codes into control commands the source device recognises.

There are two Flirc devices that we are compatible with, the first part of this guide is for the older model which can be found here. The second part of this guide is for the Flirc device that is specifically for the Amazon Fire TV and can be found here.

Regular Flirc

If you are using the older model of Flirc you will need an OTG cable like this -


    update-mos

Install the Flirc software on your computer and install this profile onto your laptop/PC – Fire TV

Load up the Flirc software and in the top left click File, and then Load Configuration and choose the Fire TV profile you have just downloaded.

Remove your Flirc from the laptop/PC and connect it to the female USB port on the OTG cable. Then taking the male micro USB section of the cable plug it into the Firestick. Lastly plug your power into the female micro USB port.

Next place the IR transmitter from you HDANYWHERE device on or near to the Flirc. You may need to move it around to test which positioning works best, but we recommend taping it to the top of the Flirc.


    update-mos

Once this is done you can install the FireTV(FLIRC) IR pack and control your Amazon device with uControl.

Amazon Fire TV Flirc

If you are using the Fire TV specific Flirc you will not need the OTG cable, but will need to install the Flirc software on your computer and install this profile onto your laptop/PC – Fire TV

Load up the Flirc software and in the top left click File, and then Load Configuration and choose the Fire TV profile you have just downloaded.

Remove the Flirc from your laptop/PC and connect the power lead to the micro female USB port on the Flirc. Plug the other side of the Flirc (male USB) into the side of the Firestick, and then plug the Firestick into your desired input.

Lastly place the IR transmitter from you HDANYWHERE device on or near to the Flirc. You may need to move it around to test which positioning works best, but we recommend taping it to the side, adjacent to the Flirc.


    update-mos

Once this is done you can install the FireTV(FLIRC) IR pack and control your Amazon device with uControl.

Voice control with Amazon Alexa* using the “MHUB AV” Skill

HDANYWHERE (HDA) Amazon Alexa App Skill

*Before you activate the Alexa Voice Service with your MHUB, make sure Amazon support your territory and version. We cannot guarantee voice services or offer support to those territories not officially supported by Amazon. Check here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202207000

What you need to get your MHUB to respond to voice commands:

  1. You have completed the first-boot procedure within MHUB-OS
  2. You have MHUB-OS version 8.10 or higher installed on your MHUB
  3. You have an active HDA Cloud account
  4. You have downloaded uControl packs for all displays and source devices you want to control
  5. You have completed input mapping in MHUB-OS
  6. You have an active Amazon account
  7. You have an Amazon Alexa enabled device, such as Amazon Dot/Echo/Show

Setting up AV Skill

Configure voice commands to do exactly what you want

Let’s take the command “Alexa, Turn on football” as an example.

It might appear like a very simple command but there are a number of things that need to happen in order to watch football! First the TV might need to turn on, but in which room? The volume might need to be set to a desired limit. The correct source input might need to be selected on MHUB and finally that source will need to navigate to the channel hosting the football.

You can configure all those actions in what we call a “Sequence”.

Taking the example above:
Alexa (this wakes up your Amazon Dot/Echo/Show)
Turn on… (this invokes the smarthome skill)
football (this is your custom name for the Sequence, it can be anything you want)

Inside MHUB-OS we can configure exactly what “football” does.

  • You can select if you want MHUB to turn your TV on and adjust the volume
  • You can tell MHUB to switch to the source device with has the football on it
  • You can instruct MHUB to change the channel on that source device

Read more about Sequences and Scheduling.

Troubleshooting

  • When searching for devices, nothing is found
    1. Check you cloud account details were entered correctly
    2. Ensure only 1 system is linked with the cloud account being used
    3. Ensure you have backed up the system to cloud after configuring the Alexa Skill on MHUB-OS
  • When you try to control a zone Alexa says the command isnt supported
    1. Ensure there are no other devices linked to the Alexa that have the same name as the zone.

Here’s a table of all the commands you can tell your MHUB to do…

Now you’re ready to go. Take a look at a full list of commands that you can say to your Echo.

What is the difference between a HDA Cloud & a HDA Pro account?

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1. HDA Cloud

The HDA Cloud acts as our global data storage and service delivery platform offering an interface for MHUB owners, HDA Pro’s and 3rd party devices to talk to one another.

There are two types of cloud account that can be associated with an MHUB system.
account-types

2. HDA Cloud Account

The HDANYWHERE (HDA) Cloud account is the account that belongs to the Homeowner and/or End-User. The owner of the MHUB has to have a verified HDA Cloud account before any communication between MHUB systems and the HDA Cloud can take place.

Registering the MHUB system provides numerous benefits including:

  • Extending the warranty period on the system by 1 year (must be registered within 30 days of purchase, Warranty is non-transferable)
  • Enables advanced functions for things like voice control, uControl, integration with other IoT devices and Sequences
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting information to your HDA Pro installer and HDA
  • Provide your HDA Pro installer permission to remotely manage your system, they can then modify your system for you without physically being there

3. HDA Pro Account

The HDA Pro account can not be added to a unit unless a HDA Cloud account (outlined above) is present first. This account authorises the installer to monitor the MHUB on their customer’s (the homeowner) behalf. This account sits alongside the Cloud account and gives a 3rd party access to the MHUB’s data and the ability to control it. HDA Pro’s can register Here

The following Settings can be managed remotely:

  • Source Routing (and switching)
  • Edid management
  • uControl sequence configuration
  • uControl IR pack configuration
  • Power management
  • You can also monitor the following:

  • IP configuration
  • Temperature
  • Firmware (MHUB-OS, and MHUB)
  • IMPORTANT: a HDA Pro Account has to be created first Here and authorised by HDA staff before the installer can use their account details to enable monitoring on the MHUB.

4. MHUB-OS

MHUB’s operating system which acts as the bridge between using MHUB and managing it. From MHUB-OS it is possible to connect to HDA Cloud, integrate devices like Amazon Alexa, manage network settings and update software to add new features.

5. uControl

uControl is our remote control app for MHUB 4K PRO systems. It pulls all the information it needs to work directly from MHUB-OS and requires no setup or configuration. Just download it and let it find your MHUB and you’re ready to go.

Voice control with Amazon Echo using the “MHUB 4K PRO Control / MHUB 4K PRO Smarthome” Skill

Setting up the MHUB 4K PRO Control / MHUB 4K PRO Smarthome Skill on the Alexa app

HDANYWHERE (HDA) Amazon Alexa App Skill

We are assuming that you have already downloaded the Amazon Alexa app and have a functioning Amazon account.

Skill types:
There are two types of skill which you can enable on the Alexa app.

  • Custom Skill
    With a Custom Skill we have full control over the voice interaction (a voice interaction is the communication you have with an ECHO device when speaking a command and also includes the response given by the ECHO) between you and your Echo device, this allows for a greater range of voice commands including playhead, change channel, switch sources, increase/decrease volume.Click here to view a the full range of voice commands.
  • Smarthome Skill
    The Smarthome skill differs from the custom skill in a couple of ways. Firstly, invoking a smarthome skill is fixed and defined by Amazon, this also applies to the voice interaction. We currently support on/off commands, allowing you to perform actions quickly by uttering “Alexa, turn on TV” or a custom label like “Alexa, turn on movies”.
  • You can of course, use both. They are FREE!

What you need to get your MHUB to respond to voice commands:

  1. You have completed the first-boot procedure within MHUB-OS
  2. You have MHUB-OS version 7.0 or higher installed on your MHUB
  3. You have an active HDA Cloud account
  4. You have downloaded uControl packs for all displays and source devices you want to control
  5. You have an active Amazon account
  6. You have an Amazon Alexa enabled device, such as Amazon Dot/Echo/Show

Linking the custom skill “MHUB 4K PRO Control”

  1. Go to the Skills section on the Alexa app and search for “MHUB 4K PRO Control”
  2. Click on the skill and select “Enable”
  3. Click “Link Account” – when you do this, you will be redirected to HDA Cloud’s secure login page. Enter your username and password in to the fields.

To enable the MHUB 4K PRO Control Skill you will need to add the skill first by pressing the "Enable" button in your Amazon Alexa app. Once enabled you will be forwarded to HDA Cloud to link your account with Amazon Alexa. Enter your HDA Cloud username and password and your MHUB will be connected to Alexa!

Linking the smarthome skill “MHUB 4K PRO Smarthome”

  1. Go to the Skills section on the Alexa app and search for “MHUB 4K PRO Control”
  2. Click on the skill and select “Enable”
  3. Click “Link Account” – when you do this, you will be redirected to HDA Cloud’s secure login page. Enter your username and password into the fields.
  4. After the account has been linked, visit the “Smart Home” screen then navigate to the ‘Manage devices in Smart Home’ then Devices. Next click ‘Discover’.
  5. This action will communicate with MHUB and pull any devices making them ready to use.

Configure voice commands to do exactly what you want

Let’s take the command “Alexa, tell my TV to watch football” as an example.

It might appear like a very simple command but there are a number of things that need to happen in order to watch football! First the TV might need to turn on, but in which room? The volume might need to be set to a desired limit. The correct source input might need to be selected on MHUB and finally that source will need to navigate to the channel hosting the football.

You can configure all those actions in what we call a “Sequence”.

Taking the example above:
Alexa (this wakes up your Amazon Dot/Echo/Show)
tell my TV to… (this invokes HDA’s custom skill)
watch (this is a special function which tells MHUB to start a Sequence)
football (this is your custom name for the Sequence, it can be anything you want)

Inside MHUB-OS we can configure exactly what “football” does.

  • You can select if you want MHUB to turn your TV on and adjust the volume
  • You can tell MHUB to switch to the source device with has the football on it
  • You can instruct MHUB to change the channel on that source device

Read more about Sequences and Scheduling.

Here’s a table of all the commands you can tell your MHUB to do…

Now you’re ready to go. Take a look at a full list of commands that you can say to your Echo.

Creating and Editing Sequences

Sequences allow your MHUB to make more complex things happen. For example, a single command could be setup to Turn on a TV, switch to your Satellite box and enter the number keys for a movie channel. These sequences can be triggered in a number of ways to provide a better user experience for MHUB owners.

Sequences are setup within MHUB-OS via the ‘Sequences and Scheduling’ page. They can also be setup remotely via the HDA Cloud (Currently only available for HDA PRO’s, coming soon to end users)

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Within this page you can see and edit your current sequences. You can also test all your sequences to make sure they are functioning correctly.

To create a new sequence click the ‘Create New Sequence’ button.

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The first part of the Sequence Creation page contains several naming fields which serve different purposes. They are:

Sequence name – This is the name that will be displayed within MHUB-OS
Description – Provide a short description of the sequence so you can see what it does at a short glance
uControl label – This is how the sequence will be labelled within the uControl app
Voice label – This is where voice control (such as Alexa) reads the title of the sequence so it can be triggered. You may find if you are struggling to trigger a particular sequence by voice that you can improve the function by changing the title that your voice control device is listening for.

The next section contains the tools to build your sequence using the available parameters

Command Type

Switch – Execute a simple switching command, first define the input and then the output you would like it switched to
Source – Deliver a command to a source device via the IR engine. This can be something simple like a ‘play’ command or something more complex like a ‘Go to channel command’ (a ‘Go to channel command’ delivers sequential number inputs so you can direct a TV receiver to a specific channel)
Display- Deliver a command to a connected display (or projector) such as ‘Power on’ or ‘Volume up’
Audio – Will integrate with “MHUB Audio”
Delay – Add a delay between one command and the next (Time in milliseconds to wait, eg. 500ms = 0.5 sec)

You can either choose to save the command or add ‘another command’ to create a more complex scenario. For instance, in the following example, we have first a “source switch” followed by a “Go to channel command” with a 500ms Delay.

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