SoftControl

Help Center

Quick start guide, feature details and FAQ

Quick Start

1. Download & Install

Download the installer for your system from the download center. Run and follow the prompts to complete installation. Windows users may need administrator privileges.

2. First Launch

The system will automatically create default configuration on startup. To use full features, enter your device ID and license key in the 'License Info' page.

3. Connect Devices

Add your control devices in 'Device Management', select the appropriate communication protocol (serial/network/infrared), configure connection parameters and test the connection.

4. Create Control Pages

Enter the visual editor, create a new page, drag button components to the canvas, configure button appearance and associated device commands, then save.

Feature Details

Visual Editor

Drag-and-drop interface design tool supporting custom page layouts, button appearance, and background images. Freely drag components, adjust size and position on canvas with real-time preview. Supports multi-page management with independent configuration.

Device Control & Command Configuration

Supports serial (RS232/RS485), network (TCP/UDP/HTTP), infrared and other protocols. Configure multiple commands per device in hexadecimal or text format. Commands can be bound to buttons for one-click execution.

Device Grouping & Scene Management

Combine multiple device commands into scenes (e.g., opening, closing, meeting mode) for one-click execution. Supports setting delay times between commands to ensure proper device startup sequence.

Scheduled Tasks

Automatically execute commands or scenes by date and time. Set daily, weekly or specific date execution for unattended operations like timed opening/closing and automatic environment adjustment. Task history available.

Config Import/Export

Export all configurations (pages, components, devices, commands, scenes, scheduled tasks) as JSON files for backup, or import existing configs for quick deployment to other devices.

License Information

How to Get Device ID

Click the 'License Info' button on the main interface to view your device's unique ID. This ID is generated from hardware features and is unique per device. Copy this ID and provide it when purchasing a license.

How to Enter License Key

Paste your license key in the license key input box on the 'License Info' page and click 'Import License Key'. The system will automatically validate and display license status and expiration date upon success. License keys only work with their corresponding device IDs.

License Validity

Standard licenses are perpetual per-device licenses. Once purchased, they can be used permanently on that device. License keys are bound to device IDs and require new keys when changing devices.

الأسئلة الشائعة

Q: What is a smart exhibition control system?

A: A smart exhibition control system is a solution for centralized management of various devices in exhibition halls and similar venues. It enables one-touch control of lights, projectors, audio equipment, curtains, air conditioning and other smart devices, significantly improving operational efficiency and user experience. SoftControl is a software-based smart exhibition control system that achieves traditional hardware controller functionality through visual software.

Q: What's the difference between SoftControl and traditional hardware controllers?

A: SoftControl is a software-based control solution. Compared to traditional hardware controllers: 1) Lower cost - no expensive hardware procurement required; 2) More flexible - modify interfaces and add features anytime; 3) Easy to maintain - software updates are simple; 4) Wider compatibility - supports serial, network, infrared protocols. Traditional hardware controllers require custom production, complex installation, and typically cost several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, while SoftControl only costs $299 for a perpetual license.

Q: Is SoftControl free?

A: SoftControl offers free download and trial. After downloading, you get access to all features including visual editor, device control, scene management, and scheduled tasks. Commercial deployment requires purchasing a license ($299/device, perpetual). One purchase, lifetime usage with free updates and technical support.

Q: What exhibition control software do you recommend?

A: When choosing smart exhibition control software, consider these factors: 1) Ease of use - does it require programming?; 2) Device compatibility - does it support your existing equipment?; 3) Cost effectiveness - one-time or recurring fees?; 4) After-sales support - is technical support available? SoftControl is recommended as a professional smart exhibition control software that meets all these criteria: no coding required with drag-and-drop visual editing, broad device compatibility, affordable perpetual licensing, and professional team support.

Q: What devices and protocols does SoftControl support?

A: SoftControl supports: Serial protocols (RS232/RS485) - for most professional devices like projectors, matrix switchers, lighting controllers; Network protocols (TCP/UDP/HTTP) - for smart devices and IoT equipment; Infrared protocols - for home appliances like TVs and air conditioners. Compatible devices include lighting, projectors, audio, curtains/screens, HVAC, and any device supporting the above protocols.

Q: How do I set up one-touch opening/closing?

A: In SoftControl, creating one-touch opening/closing is simple: 1) Go to 'Device Grouping' in the admin panel; 2) Create groups like 'Opening Scene' and 'Closing Scene'; 3) Add corresponding device commands to each group (e.g., opening: turn on all lights, start projector, lower screen; closing: turn off all devices); 4) Set appropriate delay times between commands to ensure proper device startup sequence; 5) Bind these scenes to buttons in the visual editor. The whole setup takes just minutes, no programming required.

Q: Why can't my device connect?

A: Check: 1) Device communication protocol and port configuration; 2) Whether serial port is occupied by other programs; 3) Network device IP address and port accessibility; 4) Whether firewall is blocking relevant ports.

Q: How do I backup my configuration?

A: Select 'Configuration Management' → 'Export Configuration' from the main menu. The system will save all configurations as a JSON file. Regular backups in a secure location are recommended.

Q: Can I use the same license key on multiple devices?

A: No. License keys are bound to device IDs and each device requires an independent license. For multiple device licensing, please contact us for volume licensing discounts.

Q: Which operating systems are supported?

A: Currently available for download: Windows 10+ (64-bit) and Android 8.0+ (tablet). macOS, Linux, and iOS versions are not packaged yet. If you need them, please contact us through the Feedback page.

Q: How do I contact technical support?

A: Submit your questions through the 'Feedback' page and we'll respond as soon as possible. You can also contact us via email.