Re: Wired Dimming / Switching

["David Buckley" <db@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Mal Lansell" <mlansell@f...> wrote:
> I'm at the point of replacing my X10 gear upstairs with a
> wired solution ... Would C-Bus be suitable?

Without a shodow of a doubt

> Are there any other (cheaper) solutions?,

Most solutions, espeicially those employing a tad of DIY will be
cheaper.  Thats not to say the CBus kit is a ripoff, its quality
commercial stuff.

> I'll need to replace 4 dimmers and 6 appliance modules

Yers... A four channel 2A per circuit dimmer would do nicely, or if
all loads are less than 1A than you can get an 8 x 1A for about the
same money.

And just to make sure we're all on the same page, you do know you'll
have to rewire...

> ... will need to be controlled from my PC via RS232 or LAN.
>  I use my own software for control, so whatever system I
> choose, it will need to have a documented interface.

It is non-trivial to get hold of the "native CBus protocol
documentation.  However, there is a PC based interface thing called
CGate, with open documentation, which would (assuming you're a
windows user) allow you to integrate CBus to your PC.  I'm sure a
knowledgable CGate user will be along soo to offer advice on that
front.  I dont have one, so I dont know much about it!

However, when you say controlled by your own software, is that your
sole means of control?  If so, you can use other technologies such
as DMX512 or MIDI which for a PC controlled system may well have a
lower cost.  A four channel DMX dimmer is a quarter of the price of
the CBus unit.




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