C-Bus 101 for newbie

Hi,

Been reading in your forums but cant find too much for a newbie. I have downloaded some stuff from clipsal but its too over the top at the moment. I have found some info on the drawings circut so that will help.

Can someone in laymans terms tell me the basics of the system, eg an RJ plug I believe thats like a telephone plug, whats an ethernet one called? the heart of the system is a PLC what are they called also? How about the type of cable used to join the parts?

Is C-bus the best way to wire up a home theatre system for tru Blueray/ DTS MA via some sort of controller? is Sonos system part of the integration or does c-bus have their own?

What sort of $ does one expect to pay for a basic system? PLC wires to start by running a HTC? I know a PC will play a part somewhere but struggling to understand as it has its limitations with the best format exchange without purposly buying a PVR, blue ray and run it through a sonos controller.

The beauty of c-bus it allows the integration of security, lighting etc hopefully I can integrate the home brew too !

I hope that c-bus has more to offer.

 

Hi Barney,

Your questions are very broad so I'll keep the answers brief and simple.

Have a look at this brochure - it will give you some idea of some of the things that C-Bus can do http://www.clipsal.com/consumer/__data/page/81/C180.pdf

A basic C-Bus system would contain (for example) some C-Bus switches (push buttons), a dimmer unit that would allow eight lights to be dimmed up and down and a relay unit that would allow twelve other lights to be switched on and off. It would also be handy to have a PC Interface unit to allow you to connect a PC to the C-Bus System - this would allow you to program the system. Basic programming can also be carried out without a PC.

Approx. listed trade prices (+GST) are :-
basic 4 button switch $98
Relay Unit $950
Dimmer Unit $820
PC Interface $340

The equipment listed above is cabled together using a CAT 5 cable. Clipsal recommend their own cable which is a distinctive pink colour and has a sheath rated at 240 V. ($176 for 305 metres)

There is a massive range of options that can be added to a basic system. These include Colour Touch Screens, Light Sensors, Remote Controls, Thermostats, Switches with dynamic LCD screens, Automation Controllers, Multi Room Audio Systems etc, etc, etc.

I would strongly recommend you don't attempt to carry out any C-Bus work (the low voltage part of the system) unless you have attended one or more Clipsal training courses. All 240V work on a C-Bus System MUST be carried out by an licensed electrical contractor.

A list of Approved Installers can be found here:-
http://www3.clipsal.com/cis/portal/index.php?s=installer

 

C-bus and home theatre/audio

Thanks Leigh,

I have been on the website and downloaded some info. I really am looking at how this stuff integrates with the home theatre/music senario. I notice a lot of high end applications mention c-bus.

Am I right that the c-bus system is one option of controlling electronic devices usually by a single remote but does this also allow the transfer of video/sound too through its network at the high quality eg 1080p and DTS-HD MA?

What I understand is you can buy a Audio matrix switcher which you input your equipment (not sure if accepts HDMI, i think its optical) this is connected via cat 5 cable to an audio amplifier which I expect delivers to zones in the house to speakers.

"C-Bus Audio Distributor
The Audio Distribution unit is used to distribute a single stereo audio source to C-Bus Audio Amplifiers via a digitised signal over Cat-5 cable. This unit does not require any C-Bus programming. It features one stereo analogue audio source input, one digital audio output (cascadable to multiple zones), Cat-5 cable connection between Distributor and amplifiers, provides limited power for amplifiers (with dc power pack connected) and the output can be looped between C-Bus Audio Amplifiers. "

 

RJ stands for "Registered Jack".. there's many different types of RJ's.. check out the Wikipedia article that lays out its history and links to most of the different Registered Jack types:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_jack

 

Hi Barney,

I don't have any experience with C-Bus controlled audio systems, so others might like to add more comments. My understanding is that Clipsal only make a Multi-Room Audio System that can be controlled via C-Bus. There is no provision for video in this system. The Multi-Room Audio System is controlled via the C-Bus system (the pink ethernet cable). The audio path is via other cables. There are comprehensive details and diagrams available in the following Clipsal publication (see pages 24 to 31).
http://www2.clipsal.com/cis/__data/page/434/CIS New Products 2006.pdf

There may be some third party products available that can handle the video component. Maybe some forum experts can help you with that one.