CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA — U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Caleb Brewer was stationed in Afghanistan in December 2016 when his team conducted a large-scale clearing operation and an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath him. As a result of the blast, Brewer suffered from bilateral leg amputations and severe infections, blood clots, and blood loss. Yet despite his injuries, just three months later Brewer was walking on his new prosthetic legs, eventually re-learning to surf, run and rock climb.

When the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) program learned about Brewer’s service, they decided to honor him and his family with a specially adapted smart home from 2GIG and ELAN, and other technology solutions by Nice North America, in Tucson, AZ.

Jon Lunt, Owner of JL Automation and longtime ELAN dealer, designed the home’s technology infrastructure. “For this project, the ultimate goal was simplicity,” Lunt said.  “We put an ELAN control system at the helm so that Brewer can manage, adjust and monitor his home’s audio, lighting, climate, security, and irrigation instantly, either with the swipe of his finger or simply by moving into the room.”

One ELAN gSC10 controller serves as the brain of the system, and is accessible through an Apple iPad installed on a Launchport™ docking station on his wheelchair; three ELAN HR30 remotes; and two ELAN 7” touch panels installed below switch height.

In addition to instant control, JL Automation configured automated scenes to make living even easier for the Brewer family. Vantage Motion Detectors were integrated into the ELAN system and programmed to automatically turn on when Brewer moves through certain areas of the house, eliminating the need to turn on the lights when he enters the room.

Additionally, automated event scenes help eliminate steps. To turn off the lights and lock the doors, Brewer simply sets the “goodbye” scene. To turn on the lights and ramp up the music, he selects the “welcome” scene. “ELAN offers both personalized control and pre-programmed automation,” Lunt explained. “The entire Brewer family is amazed at how convenient the home could be for them with a smart home control system.”

In addition to convenience, home security was paramount for the Brewer family. JL Automation added a 2GIG system, accessible through a GC3 panel, along with two 2GIG keypads, and seven Z-Wave Door Locks. 2GIG integrates directly with ELAN so that security seamlessly ties into the entire smart home infrastructure.

Ten ELAN 4MP Outdoor Bullet Cameras monitor the perimeter of the home, & the footage is instantly accessible through the ELAN app. According to Lunt, “Since ELAN security cameras and NVR can be controlled native in the app, there is no need to jump between systems to re-wind the cameras to review footage.”

Fusing convenient control with a seamless entertainment experience, JL Automation also designed a multi-room audio system with an ELAN S1616A Audio Controller, dozens of SpeakerCraft in-ceiling speakers, and several Sunfire Subwoofers throughout the home. SFC Brewer and his family can instantly fill every room with sound, and change a song directly from the ELAN interface.

Because Brewer relies on all of the technology in the home, JL Automation made sure that it was equipped with a Panamax® M4320-PRO power conditioner with BlueBOLT® remote energy management. “When technology is this important to someone’s everyday life, it’s absolutely necessary to protect it from any power-related issues,” Lunt commented.

According to Scott Schaeperkoetter, Director of Operations for the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, “Everyone went to great lengths to make this house a success. With the support of our donors, we were able to completely transform everyday life for SFC Brewer, making everyday tasks as simple as possible for him. We are proud to honor his service and make all of this possible.”