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Re: CBUS in general
...and did you see the xAP Gateway demo ? - any device that can send xAP
BSC messages can control a C-Bus load (group) and likewise any C-Bus
switch can control a xAP endpoint (for example X10). So if you had a
digital input board with say 8 or 16 inputs that spoke xAP each one of
these could be used as a xAP switch controlling a C-Bus load (cabling
issues permitting) . Something like a xAP enabled VIOM maybe ?? Also
there are a number of digital input lines (around 24) provided on the
gateway directly that could be brought into service as switches in this
respect although I haven't implemented this in firmware as there are
again cabling issues. I could look at doing this though. At UKHA again
there were some standard MK style switches directly connected to the
gateway controlling C-Bus lights - some were even talking via Ethernet
from a different stand. That would make the gateway about 1/3 the cost
per input of a C-Bus coupler ;-)
BTW by cabling issues I mean that running long lengths of wire to
remote switches needs some care. Noise, isolation and protection of
sensitive CMOS/TTL inputs would need some thought to be reliable.
Running low voltage wiring adjacent to mains is always discouraged.
Maybe some basic additional circuitry eg a relay or opto isolator would
be suitable.
The C-Bus coupler has a quoted 1m length of wiring it will support per
channel ( it is aimed at one multigang switch rather than to support
two or more separated switches). However many have reported success
using it over much longer run lengths than recommended ;-) me included .
Clipsal also make a DIN rail mounting 4 channel AUX input unit which is
much the same thing as a bus coupler but has a much longer wiring length
spec - in fact it is quoted on ohms at 1K - which is a long length of
wire ! It's also considerably more expensive.
Interestingly - the other way around any lightswitch could be adapted
using a C-Bus coupler to send xAP messages as well as control C-Bus
this way
Dean Barrett wrote:
>Gareth
>
>Did you not look at my display board at UKHA ??
>
>You would have seen, Clipsal switches, and traditional UK Style
switches
>connected to CBus via a Bus coupler !!
>
>
>
>Dean.
>
>
> _____
>
>From: Gareth Cook [mailto:g@xxxxxxx]
>Sent: 02 November 2004 17:17
>To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
>Subject: Fw: [ukha_d] CBUS in general
>
>
>Unbelievable.
>
>Paul, in once fail swoop, you've converted me to CBUS. Did anyone once
>tell me, even at UKHA, about a "bus coupler". All of a sudden
CBUS isnt
>expensive !
>
>I have yet to find an evangelist for this product - do CBUS have a
contact
>to talk about this stuff ?
>
>Back to the coupler - we can plug a momentary switch into it for
control ?
>Is this the level of dumn device we can use ?
>
>G.
>
>Gareth Cook
>SWG EMEA North Account Manager
>IBM SWG - BTE Office - Lotus Park, Staines, TW18 3AG
>Office: +44 (0)1784 445166 - Mobile: +44 (0)7980 445166
>AIM Chat : TheBoyG - MSN Chat : chat@xxxxxxx
>email: g@xxxxxxx
>
>
>----- Forwarded by Gareth Cook/UK/IBM on 02/11/2004 17:11 -----
>
>Discussion
>Main Topic
>
>Paul Watkin <paul_watkin@xxxxxxx>
>Today 16:50
>
>.
>Subject:
>.
>RE: [ukha_d] CBUS in general
>.
>Category:
>
>
>
>
>Hi Jonathan,
>
>In no particular order here are my observations:-
>
>100% reliable, wasn't convinced on X10 reliability,
>see the posts on the list about spurious X10 signals
>turning lights on at all times of day and night.
>
>Speed of response - instantaneous versus X10's delay.
>
>Saturn switches have the kind of look I was searching
>for.
>
>For rooms where you don't necessarily need fancy
>switches, bus couplers are available to provide
>interface to up to 4 Standard light switches. These
>will still allow basic dimming and all on all of type
>control without breaking the bank.After all do the
>kids really need a 100 quid light switch in their
>bedroom??
>
>Integration with Comfort/Minder Pro - I know Comfort
>can control X10 but I didn't see the level of
>integration from other hardwire lighting systems off
>the shelf.
>
>Property is to be rented out for the time being due to
>change in circumstances, wanted a system that is
>commercially available and as a worst case could be
>worked on by a contractor if I am travelling rather
>than being reliant on a bunch of different homebrew
>software and hardware that I have no hope of getting
>somebody else to look at.
>
>If you go on the Clipsal course and find a trade
>supplier who gives you the 25% discount then CBUS
>whilst expensive represents alot better value than
>other systems on the market.Especially if you are
>prepared to fit it yourself.
>
>Also if you are going down the Comfort route and have
>a supplier who gives you the discount on Clipsal kit
>for being an integrator you would do well to have a
>look at Minder (the rebadged version of Comfort
>clipsal sell) as this would probably work out cheaper.
>Not sure if the Clipsal version supports all of the
>comfort functionality though.
>
>I bought Comfort prior to going on the Clipsal course
>and am extremely happy with the functionality I have
>managed to program into it and the CBUS lighting
>system so far!!
>
>Paul
>--- "JT @ Home" <Jonathan@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
>>Chaps,
>>
>>For those of you who have, or are contemplating
>>CBUS, can I ask;
>>
>>Why CBUS over any other system? What are the factors
>>in deciding why you
>>chose cbus?
>>
>>I'd appreciate your thoughts,
>>
>>Jonathan.
>>
>>
>>
>>
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