Apple homekit integration!

The work Anthony, Simon and others have done on this project is very impressive.

If anyone is interested to try Homebridge-CBus and CGate on a raspberrypi but thinks it might be too hard.
I'd like to implement what I have learned and help set it up at some more homes at no cost for a few people.

I think Homebridge CBus is complementary to existing CBus installations.
I wouldn't choose it for automation, scenes or schedules over existing CBus options especially the upcoming new Wiser.

Instead I think the highlight of Homebridge CBus is voice control for iOS devices.
The mobile interface is also pretty good.
Especially if you don't have anything else already set up.

You will need to have a CNI with fixed IP address.
Raspberry pi 3 connected to the network.
Just lighting applications.
A single CBus network.
Not more the 99 CBus group addresses to be controlled.
Be able to provide your CBus project XML and CNI address.
Willing to allow remote access if you want me to troubleshoot.
(Teamviewer session or something like that, I don't want access to your network)

Then I will mail a micro SD at no cost.
For two homeowners or even resellers who are willing to give some feedback.

If anyone is interested send me a PM.

 

Thanks Daryl for the delivery of the SD card.

The micro SD worked like a charm. Picked up all my Cbus controlled items without a problem.

I been setting up all the rooms and its has been working flawlessly.

Thanks again

Mick.

 

I'm as surprised as you to see it all just worked and that I was able to deliver the SD card working at first boot without you even having to log into the pi.

I'm very happy with how it all works and it's a real credit to the folks who created the programming which makes it all run.

 

I am really impressed by this level of collaboration.

Tell me if this is a good idea, is there a specific "setup" I should use where I can make my LAN compliant with the SD image ?

For example, what is the preferred IP range ?

I am thinking that we can setup a "standard" and "non-standard" image perhaps. I am quite happy to renumber all of my static IP to fit in with your image so long as you are willing to publish an IP address which almost never gets used. (like xxx.xxx.xxx.240)

Would something like that work ?

If I use the standard image I must use "these" IP numbers and it will be plug and play.

 

Hi tobex
I just needed his project xml and CNI ip address which is actually also in project xml.

I added a config.json file with a couple of his group addresses (not sure I even needed to do that).
Then when Homebridge started it created a text file with all the project group addresses magically pulled from the project in a suitable format.

Then I edited that text to create a new config.json with all the group addresses.

It all went very smoothly and it will be interesting to see how reliable it is for Mick01.
I really haven't had any problems at all.

 

Hi Daryl,

So far so good. No problem whatsoever.

Siri works quite well also.

Just need time to get familiar with how it all works..

Thanks

 

Hi Mick01

You have so many group addresses compared to what I have used.
I'd be interested to see if you can whip the names out and how you go with voice control.
In a brief test at a larger home I just got completely tongue tied trying to think of the name of the thing I was trying to turn on.

SIRI seems be aware of the room names once you put all the accessories into rooms within the app.
That should help.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on.

 

Siri responses when I make a request.

Ok, there you go
You got it
Anything for you
Your wish is my command

 

Hi Mick01
I think Siri has decided I have no sense of humour so she does not make replies like that any more.

Hope it is all still running well.
Once you get used to voice control it's annoying when you haven't got it.
I'm making more and more use of it for every task I can think of.

 

Cni or 5500 rs232

Hi all great work enjoy controlling my home with siri have it running on a mac mini and using a cni network controller have ordered a raspberry pi to setup for my brothers home have a spare 5500 rs232 has anyone got it going on a pi or do i have to buy another Cni network controller
Thanks
Twistz

 

Since he already has RS232 interface I'd look at using an ethernet device server.
Probably better than the Clipsal CNI in my opinion.
I think these are a great product https://www.moxa.com/product/NPort_5100A.htm
Just a few settings to get it up and running.

 

Moxa

Thanks i will go with that option
Regards
Twistz

 

Send a PM if you want any info the set up the Moxa unit.
Make sure you order correct version I you go with that brand.
Some can do RS232, some have RS-422/485 and some have RS-232/422/485.
Order a power supply and make sure you have a serial cable lying about too.

Aside from general network and serial settings the only other thing is to set operating mode to TCP server.

I do believe early CBus RS232 interfaces are different to the later RS232 interfaces.
Maybe someone can elaborate.

My RS232 interface is Dec 2005 and according to Toolkit firmware 4.4.00.
Diagnostic utility does mention something about it not being the latest PCI when I run diagnostic utility but still works.
Otherwise no troubles at all to run with serial device server and use for Toolkit and Homebridge.

I had a CNI and the ethernet connected RS232 interface both on my network at one stage.
It was useful because I was using an app called Touchsoft as a mobile interface.
The CNI was newer but failed years ago (maybe lightning).

My current projects involve Homebridge and CGate on raspberry pi 3.
Since CGate is running on the pi I can't think of a reason for me to have multiple CBus interfaces anymore.

Lots of people have Homebridge running one way or another.
If you haven't already seen it I posted a start to finish instruction spreadsheet for Homebridge-CBus and CGate on raspberry pi3 and a 40 minute step by step video you can probably find on YouTube.
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AminzOc-NC4UgZkT2UPvhaDRGwe_3w

 

I have a wiser 1 and a cni 5500 on my install homebridge connected to cni 5500 and using wiser for the wiserhd app . So far have Sonos cbus and a few Phillps hue lights connected to homebridge have been trying to get my denon amp going but no luck yet need to get the json.config running with all devices add. Just need all the parts to arrived to setup for my brothers home thanks DarylMc watched your YouTube video should be ok with the information you provided

 

Raspberry Pi3 runs about 1% CPU for me.
It will be interesting to hear how it goes for you with all that going on.

I have some Hue bulbs but not plugged in.
Can you see some good use for them with maybe CBus relays turning them on?
Maybe then map the CBus dimming level to the bulbs with Homebridge?

 

hue lights

I bought a couple hue dimmable globes to try out they work ok but only uses them in a couple of bedside lamps mix into a scene on homekit with cbus connected lights don't really need them control by cbus the only thing you have to use homekit to control

Regards Twistz

 

Bedside lamps is a good application for the Hue bulbs.
Effectively doing away with a CBus wireless switch/dimmer product.
If it could be controlled by CBus key inputs I think it would be great.

 

hue

Yes thats why i went that way it was a cheaper option to get a couple of lamps connected instead of cbus wireless dimmers also fitted a hue led strip behind tv on a wall for some colour effects in living room.

Regards
Twistz

 

Thanks all

Thanks darylmc got the moxa sever going and the pi with you guide just need to make time go over my brothers to install

regards
Twistz

 

You got it all going?
That's great.