A proprietary exhibit control platform that replaces AMX and Crestron with something museums can actually own, understand, and maintain.
ECS Pilothouse is purpose-built for institutions that don't need a $50,000 show controller to manage their projectors, computers, and lighting. Where AMX, Crestron, and QSys make sense, they have a place. Where they don't, ECS Pilothouse does.
ECS Pilothouse is also the answer for institutions whose existing system has aged out — where the original integrator is gone, the support contract lapsed, or the hardware simply failed. A full replacement at capital-project cost isn't always an option. ECS Pilothouse is.
ECS runs on standard Windows hardware — a $300 mini PC can handle a full museum deployment. The platform is lightweight, maintainable, and transferable without proprietary certification.
Staff access the system through a clean interface on a dedicated touchpanel for front-of-house simplicity. No proprietary hardware requirements. No annual software subscription to maintain basic functionality.
When we hand off an ECS Pilothouse installation, your team actually owns it.
| Capability | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Runs on standard Windows PC — no proprietary processors required |
| Open architecture | No certified programmer required for changes or updates |
| Licensing | No per-port or per-device licensing fees |
| Staff interface | Dedicated touchscreens or authorized front desk terminals. |
| Ease of management | No programmer required for routine changes. Adding a device is as simple as scanning the network, assigning it to your static IP range, and dropping it into an existing schedule — all through the interface. |
| Pro-sumer smart device integration | Native support — cost-effective exhibit power control |
| PDU control | WattBox and RackLink built-in |
| Scheduling | Named schedule system — all device types |
| Support | Optional — not required to maintain basic functionality |
Native protocol support for the hardware museums actually use.
Telnet control with per-outlet switching, status monitoring, and scheduled on/off for individual or grouped outlets.
Binary protocol (RLNK-415R) on TCP port 60000. Full outlet control and status with ECS unified power abstraction.
Where appropriate, ECS supports pro-sumer smart devices — delivering the same scheduling and control capability at a fraction of proprietary hardware costs. Full scheduling support, status monitoring, and remote switching.
Network-based control for a wide range of projectors. On/off, status monitoring, and last-commanded state tracking across your exhibit floor.
DMX-based lighting control for exhibit environments — scene setting, scheduled transitions, and integration with exhibit power management.
Network-based audio system control for exhibit and gallery environments. Volume, routing, and scheduled on/off integrated with the ECS Pilothouse interface.
Wake-on-LAN, remote shutdown, and scheduled power management for exhibit computers across the network.
Inventory existing systems, map device network requirements, design ECS configuration for your specific floor plan and hardware.
Standard mini-PC (Dell, Lenovo, or similar) plus pro-sumer smart plugs and/or PDU units as needed.
On-site deployment includes network configuration, device commissioning, schedule setup, and staff walkthrough.
Full documentation package — user guide, deployment guide, network diagram, and device inventory. Your staff can operate it on day one.