There seems to be some confusion about HOW Wireless C-Bus units can be installed and used, so...
Installation
Wireless wall plate units (in Neo and Saturn styles) are designed for retrofit operation, and are available with 1 or 2 channels of dimming or switching, depending on the cat. number.
If you have an existing mechanical wall switch (1 or 2 gang), just take it off the wall and attach the active and switched active(s) to the terminals, and screw back on.
Typical installation time is about 5 minutes, and often less.
Operating Modes
It is not widely appreciated that Wireless C-Bus units can be used in many different ways. Here are some of the more obvious ones.
Stand-alone
In this mode, the unit:
This is the setting for all new units shipped from the factory.
- Acts as a dimmer or switch
- Makes no use of the wireless capabilities
- Needs no set up
For dimmers, this means that you get the style (looks) with push-button operation.
Simple Remote Controlled
In this mode, the unit:
This is the way to go when all you want is to use the remote to control a wall plate unit or plug adaptor.
- Acts as a dimmer or switch
- C-Bus Wireless Remote Control operates unit from a distance
- Makes no use of the wireless capabilities
- Has easiest set up
Networked
In this mode, the unit:
This mode of operation is the same as wired C-Bus, but without the control wiring. It is suitable for more complex installations.
- Acts as a dimmer or switch
- Allows multiple units to be linked to each other - buttons on one unit control buttons and / or loads on another unit
- Has simple setup
Networked with Remote
In this mode, the unit:
This mode of operation is the same as Networked, but adds the remote, which can control the units which in turn are networked.
- Acts as a dimmer or switch
- Allows multiple units to be linked to each other - buttons on one unit control buttons and / or loads on another unit
- C-Bus Wireless Remote Control operates a unit, or several units, from a distance
- Has most complex and most flexible setup
Networked and Gateway to wired C-Bus
In this mode, the unit:
This mode of operation allows inter-operation of wired and wireless networks.
- Acts as a dimmer or switch
- Allows multiple units to be linked to each other - buttons on one unit control buttons and / or loads on another unit
- Has simple setup
- Adding a Gateway will allow control of a wired C-Bus network, AND allow control by a wired C-Bus network.
Others
It is apparent that there are other variations - for example:
- Networked + Gateway to wired C-Bus + Remote
- Networked + Gateway to wired C-Bus + C-Gate
- Networked + Gateway to wired C-Bus + HomeGate / SchedulePlus
- Networked + Gateway to wired C-Bus + Premise Gateway for Internet Control and Monitoring
I hope these modes of setting up the units will better explain the possibilities and open up new sales avenues!