====== Installation Guidelines ======

Recommended stages for a Wonder Controlz escape room installation.

===== Planning =====

  * Define room layout, puzzle flow, and prop list
  * Map sensors and effectors to I/O module outputs/inputs
  * Determine how many I/O modules, media PCs, and lighting controllers are needed
  * Plan CAN bus cable routing and power supply placement

===== Infrastructure =====

  * Install one or more 24V industrial power supplies (see [[design_principles#safety_24v_selv_recommended|24V SELV guidelines]])
  * Route the CAN bus cable (4 wires: 24V + GND + CAN_H + CAN_L) through the room
  * Install 120 Ω termination resistors at both ends of the CAN bus
  * Set up the local network (Ethernet) for media and lighting devices
  * Minimum wire cross-section for all power and output wiring: **1 mm²**

===== I/O Modules =====

  * Mount I/O modules inside or next to props — keep sensor and effector cables short
  * Connect sensors (reed switches, buttons, PIR, etc.) to digital inputs
  * Connect effectors (locks, LEDs, motors, etc.) to PWM or servo outputs
  * Set unique CAN addresses on each module using the front panel buttons

===== Media & Lighting Devices =====

  * Deploy the [[glossary#main_pc|Main PC]] — hosts Node-RED and optionally [[products:er-audio|er-audio]]
  * Deploy dedicated mini-PCs where needed for video ([[products:mpv-control|mpv-control]]) or additional audio
  * Deploy [[products:er-lights|er-lights]] hardware controllers for LED strips and DMX fixtures
  * Connect all devices to the local network

===== Commissioning =====

All devices are delivered with software pre-installed and pre-configured. During commissioning:

  * Verify network connectivity between the Main PC and all media/lighting devices
  * Test CAN bus communication with all I/O modules
  * Confirm audio outputs, video displays, and lighting controllers respond correctly

===== Game Programming =====

  * Build the game scenario in Node-RED on the Main PC
  * Node-RED uses visual, flow-based programming — connect nodes to define game logic
  * Use the custom Wonder Controlz node palette for direct control of all devices

===== Testing & Tuning =====

  * Run the room end-to-end
  * Adjust timing, volumes, light effects, and difficulty
  * Test edge cases: what happens when players skip a step, act out of order, or run out of time

===== Handover =====

  * Establish the VPN connection for remote support
  * Export the Node-RED flow as a backup
  * Document any room-specific configuration (CAN addresses, media file locations, special wiring)