EIB / Gira Information Needed

[Bugga <big_bugga9@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings,

This is my first post in this group, I'll try to be as brief as
possible.

We are AV integrators here in Ca... we have come accross a few whole-
house EIB systems being installed by a startup company run by a couple
guys from Germany. They use Gira products exclusively and focus mainly
on lighting control.

This is our situation...

Our installations consist of mainly high-end Crestron systems. The
challenge we are facing is integrating the lighting control with the
Crestron processor, essentially marrying the two platforms so the
Client can enjoy whole-house control from installed interfaces and
remotes.

We have sat in on numeous meetings with these guys installing the Gira
equipment, I have repeatedly asked for clarification on how to control
their gear. All we get is empty hype with no real content-- these guys
I believe do not actually know the answers. They bring a programmer in
from Germany to set up their installations. We have talked with the
programmer but the cultural and language barriers make it difficult to
absorb anything useful.

I know we can use RS232, IR and ethernet protocols to communicate with
the EIB stuff, however what we need is the code and code/logic
structure, basically some sort of tutorial to get us moving in the
right direction. I would like to find a download (English) of the
programming software to at least familliarize myself with the
programming logic.

We aren't looking to mess with the Gira guys, simply to help our
Clients. Virtually ALL of the Clients that have contracted with these
Gira guys have been left with long punchlists of problems and systems
nobody can program except. One Client has a new 9000 sq ft home
utilizing Gira lighting/HVAC/cameras/intercoms/bio-entry/etc. and
nothing but the lighting works. We installed the AV system but cannot
help him with the Gira stuff because we cannot get answers. His is
preparing a lawsuit as a result of this disaster.

My questions here are,

Where can we find a good tutorial to help us understand the EIB
platform?

where do we start as far as getting information on the workings of
this Gira equipment?

Where can we get the programming info we need to control it with
Crestron (or PC)?

Where can we download an English Gira catalog for product
descriptions?

All this I would say is vital for us (and our Clients) at this point.
Any help here would be fantastic. We would certainly reciprocate in
any way we can.

Thanks,

Rick