Installation Guidelines

Recommended stages for a Wonder Controlz escape room installation.

• 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

• Install one or more 24V industrial power supplies (see 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

• 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

• Deploy the Main PC — hosts Node-RED and optionally er-audio
• Deploy dedicated mini-PCs where needed for video (mpv-control) or additional audio
• Deploy er-lights hardware controllers for LED strips and DMX fixtures
• Connect all devices to the local network

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

• 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

• 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

• 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)