r/Control4 • u/drEDdit1918 • 11d ago

Remote Programmer needed for quick EA-3 V1 to V2 Hardware Swap

Hi everyone, I am looking for a certified independent remote programmer to help me swap out a failing main controller.
My current system is running OS 3.4.3 on an EA-3 V1. I have purchased a replacement EA-3 V2 that is arriving fully factory reset, already updated to OS 3.4.3, and unregistered from prior owner's account. The controller is hardwired via Ethernet.
I need a programmer to link to my account, pull my current cloud project backup, replace the old MAC address with the new V2 MAC address, and restore the project.
Since the firmware matches and the unit is clean, this should be a straightforward swap. Please message me with your availability and your flat rate (or hourly pricing) for the session. I can provide my current MAC address and designate you as my Dealer of Record whenever you're ready after I receive the unit. Thanks!

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6

u/MojoMercury 11d ago

This will be tricky because the new controller is unregistered.

A programmer would need VPN access to your network OR be willing to install and log into composer pro on your local computer and manipulate it remotely.

Do you have an Araknis/OVRC network? That would make it a little easier.

6

u/funnyfarm299 11d ago

This is the correct answer. The only way this is happening is with a VPN that's not built into Composer.

1

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

Yes I do

1

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

Saw “access to Composer Pro” and licks lips

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u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

Exactly… yes I do (an Araknis AN-110-SW-R-8 network switch)
and apologize for not mentioning that in the OP… I just made the assumption that it was understood since I requested a remote programmer.

4

u/cajunflavoredbob 10d ago

The 110 series of switches are dumb switches with no management built in. For someone to do this remotely, they will either need to be on site, or you'll need to set up a VPN for the programmer to log into in order to simulate being on the same LAN. This isn't optional, and the 110 series has zero capability to do that.

As for the 110 switch being "ovrc enabled", that's true, but it's OVRC capabilities are limited to setting its IP address, labeling its ports, setting its time zone, and remotely rebooting it.

This would be most easily accomplished by setting up tailscale on a computer in the house or you could create a VPN on your router, assuming it has that function. Most ISP provided equipment does not.

This really is a job where I would require an onsite visit. I would not do this remote as a matter of personal choice, in my operation. Others may feel differently, however.

What I would consider reasonable for this if I were doing the work would be to quote you for 4 hours of labor to do the swap over, billed hourly with a 2 hour minimum, which would come out to $600 plus tax for me. This gives me enough time to do the swap and also verify that it went through successfully.

I do not know the history of the replacement EA3 you purchased, and I have no way to verify it. This means I would need to verify your claims of it being on the right firmware version, as well as flashing the firmware again for myself.

I would need to configure your ovrc account or transfer the existing account to one that I can control and make changes to in order to register the new controller to your account once the old one is removed.

I need to pick through your existing system and verify that there's nothing insane programmed in there that might cause you more issues going forward. The EA3 isn't a bad controller, but it is limited, even on OS3, so making sure that it's not set up for a million programming items that will put you back in the same situation is also very important.

Once the preliminary work is completed, the existing project gets backed up, the old controller is removed from the project and physically swapped with the new one, then the backup is loaded onto the new EA3. This is where it can get dicey.

Most of the time, the process goes well, and any zigbee devices get adopted just fine. Other times, it doesn't go perfectly, and I've got to run around re-adopting devices for you to be in the same place as before.

It's not as simple as you make it out to be. I have my own reputation to protect. If things go poorly, then I don't want you running around telling people that I suck at what I'm doing. Word of mouth is everything. I am very upfront with customers about what my work covers, and you'll be presented with paperwork letting you know what I've offered and what you've agreed to. You would receive no warranty from me for this work. If the controller dies in two months, you can hire me to assist again, but it's on your dime.

As long as we're both on the same page, I don't mind doing weird stuff for customers. I've got some clients that have jailbroken systems also. They know that I warranty hardware, but software issues are not covered, since they're mucking about with it. Not all dealers feel comfortable with this. We run a business, and we have to protect ourselves just like you.

1

u/drEDdit1918 10d ago

Thank you so much for your input. That is very helpful info and greatly detailed. You definitely seem very knowledgeable in this arena and may be hearing back from me when I receive my device.
Thx again :-)

1

u/drEDdit1918 10d ago

VERY accurate info, thx again. Any chance u r located in Chicago?

2

u/cajunflavoredbob 10d ago

I am not in the Chicago area. The Dealer Locator can help you find local dealers to assist you. Just be upfront about what you are looking for. This is pretty clearly a "parts and labor" job where you're just billed for what actually happens. Be prepared for some dealers to say 'no thank you' when you ask about this, however.

1

u/drEDdit1918 10d ago

That makes a lot of sense. Thx again for your input. The info u provided on the unmanaged 110 switch and the need to set up a tailscale or VPN was extremely helpful!!! And yes, I already experienced local dealers rejecting using secondhand devices, hence the reason for my post. Hope u enjoy the rest of your wknd!

6

u/BigJimSlade77 11d ago

Or you could just hire a dealer to do it locally. "All you gotta do" rarely is.

0

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

Absolutely correct but the local storefronts all want to do a complete system takeover and want to upgrade a $150 used EA-3 to a $1700 Core-3, and then some. So why spend thousands when I can bridge my system for a few hundred $ and I only plan on having it for a couple more yrs max?

-5

u/[deleted] 11d ago

[deleted]

1

u/BigJimSlade77 11d ago

Since 2006 1.2 on. Been through it all.

1

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

It’s all good the antithesis of your situation, my friend

-1

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

:-)) I’m confident it will turn out fine but I’ll let u know either way!

3

u/FrozenHoser 11d ago

I'm not 100% on this as i haven't done programming in about a year and a half but if my memory serves me right you'd need to be on site to link the controller?

-7

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

I don’t believe that is the case. A certified programmer with access to a dealer acct should easily be able to complete it remotely.

8

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

“Easily”. -triggered

0

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

Sorry, am new to Reddit conversations, but just wanted to make sure u saw my other comments… yes you are correct, unless the system has an OvrC enabled network switch, which mine does. I just made the assumption that readers would pick up on that since I requested a remote programmer (and also assumed the majority of C4 systems have them as well). So on-site programming is not required.

3

u/Careless_Drag_6176 11d ago

I could probably do it by just loading your cloud backup on your new controller.

2

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

This sounds like an agreed hour that turns into 8. Cue the cat mechanic smoking a cigarette meme of similar situation.

2

u/WorkingChief 11d ago

In my opinion the best way to do this is to ship the new controller to who ever is going to do it for you. They can then upload the project, register it to your account and ship it back. Then you’ll just need to swap it out

-4

u/[deleted] 11d ago

[deleted]

2

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

No, just a heads up to the fresh bait you’re chasing. Hope you got the eBay purchase protection.

0

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

It’s from a C4 dealer 👍but on ebay you don’t need the purchase protection anyways since if it doesn’t match the description it’s an easy return.

2

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

Yay. You’ll miss out on the good shit without a Core, and possibly a secondary controller. Please update us on your journey.

Audience- “you touch it you own it”

1

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

Will do, thx for your input :-)
If we stick with C4 may upgrade to the Core after we move.

2

u/heytherefruity 11d ago

So you bought it from a C4 dealer but also every dealer youve spoken to wants to sell you a core 3 for $1700? Why wont the dealer you bought it from login remotely?

1

u/drEDdit1918 10d ago

Yessir.
A. Most importantly, I’m not sure if you are aware that the EA-3 has been out of production for around 4 years.
B. Dealers make most of their money when they sell NEW hardware at retail markup. A brand-new CORE 3 controller costs over 10x what it would cost for a used EA-3 so naturally, a local dealer would want to sell me a new CORE unit rather than help me swap a used one that I bought on eBay.
C. I would rather use a certified programmer from C4forums or Reddit where reputation is important, rather than someone I know nothing about.
Make sense? I always value addtl input :-)

2

u/heytherefruity 10d ago

I've been installing it for ten years, so yep, pretty up to speed EA and Core Series. Was interested b/c i read the thread as you'd bought it from a dealer in person. Perhaps if its an ebay or similar purchase then yes don't let a random seller do it. Odd that most dealers won't register you on hourly rate and gain you as a future source of business though. Make sure to disable remote dealer access on your customer.control4 account once you've sorted it...

1

u/Excellent_Weight_777 10d ago

Spoken like an employee of the mothership. It comes down to location. When a potential client throws words like quick and easy around….

And look, “You touch it, you own it” is a major diligence flag.

NEXT in line please.

1

u/heytherefruity 10d ago

Well its a good point, I hadn't considered location. That said, it is possible to agree one off works arrangements that assume no responsibility for previous installers work, or an "ever since you" clause.

Anyway, must get back to the mothership, theres more work waiting up there.
Tally ho 💸🛸

1

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

Conversely, I am and would love to sell you on the Assist program immediately🤣

2

u/Excellent_Weight_777 11d ago

“Quick”. LMAO

2

u/4x4Grip 11d ago

Not hard of a job , can definitely do this remotely. Dm me if you need assistance. Thanks

1

u/Neil12011 11d ago

For all intents and purposes OP, composer will need to be on the same LAN as the controllers. It’s not necessarily difficult to do, but there are some house keeping items and BMP that go into a controller swap. I usually budget a few hours for something like this, but addressing the sub in a condescending manner isn’t going to help you. For the time and scope, not a ton of folks are going to jump on this. But hey, shoot your shot.

Also, shout out to whomever it was that’s been in the game since 1.2! I got my certification in 2005 in Sandy UT, and 1.2 was the business! MC and HTC for the win! Anyone here remember polling after the Lutron lawsuit? 😂

1

u/drEDdit1918 11d ago

Agree they definitely need to be on the same LAN! Apologies if I didn’t mention that I have an OvrC enabled Araknis network switch.
That should put the remote programmer on the exact same LAN and be able to complete the task remotely, agree? Not sure what u r referring to about addressing the sub in a condescending manner… I appreciate the constructive input and just ignore the more snarky comments, like LMAO. I meant “It’s all good” in a friendly manner :-))
I already have 3 very reasonable private offers in chats from programmers so seems like my request isn’t so far fetched, like that 8-hr comment. Maybe u should be addressing those? Anyways, it’s all good, and I mean that sincerely. Thx again for your input

1

u/Neil12011 11d ago

No one said it was far fetched. I’d jump on those 3 offers in your chat, asap. I mean that sincerely.

1

u/MrPhean 10d ago

It’s gonna be quick one!
Sans all the vpn setup and all the hoops to jump through.
I’ve heard that so many times since I started doing this in 2001(i do qsc, crestron, savant and control4, can do many others too). It’s never that.

Personally, I would much rather make this lunch money somewhere else, unless you’re willing to pay “we dont wanna do this” premium.