© ELAN Home Systems 2007 • All rights reserved. Page 3
E L A N H O M E S Y S T E M S VIA!4.0-EM/VIA!7.0-EM/VIA!10.0-EM
2. System Design & Applications
Planning
Before installing a VIA! Touch Panel, it is essential to have a detailed and
accurate system design. Talk with the homeowner to make sure all expecta-
tions and design goals are explored. The first step to a good design is to
map the system. It is advisable to mark up a copy of the house floor plan
with speaker, keypad, touch panel, volume control, and equipment locations,
etc. Make sure that all locations are decided upon before pre-wiring com-
mences so that all necessary wiring and installation hardware is in place.
It is essential that ALL system components are accounted for prior to the
pre-wire stage. After establishing design goals with the homeowner, make a
detailed list of all components. Include source equipment, keypads, touch
panels, volume controls, amplifiers, communications gear, etc. Gather up
any IR remote controls that may be necessary for final programming, or
ensure that the IR codes for all equipment to be installed are available in the
VIA!TOOLS IR Library.
When planning specific in-wall installation locations for LCD
touch panels, please keep the following tips in mind:
• When properly installed, nothing should be applying contact pressure
to the touch panel except for the operator’s finger. If something is
touching the touch screen window, a false signal can be generated,
causing the touch panel to respond incorrectly.
• Avoid installation in direct sunlight or strong ultraviolet light (such as
grow lamps for plants). This can degrade and discolor polyester film.
• Avoid installation over heat generating devices and/or in moist areas
where condensation can form on the polyester film. Both heat and
condensed moisture can affect touch screen performance.
• Avoid installation next to thermostats. The touch screen generates
heat that can affect thermostat control and readings.
• Avoid applying any foreign objects, such as adhesive labels, glue, etc.
to the touch screen’s polyester film. This can release chemicals that
can discolor the clear film.
• The touch panel/LCD assembly should not be mounted near electron-
ics that emit radio frequencies or electromagnetic interference (such
as CRT monitors, light dimmers, and some power supplies).
• Do not mount VIA! Touch Panels outdoors or in areas exceeding
the operating temperature range of -10° to +115°F (-23° to +46°C). If
the LCD display is over-heated, or its temperature reduced below the
recommended minimum, the liquid crystal polymer can be damaged
and the display image may not recover.
