Next Gen Wiser

Can you tell us what new features might be on the new generation Wiser?

I have a number of clients wanting to determine if they should wait.

Thanks.

 

I think it's a bad idea to wait for something that hasn't been announced. Can you tell us what you need that the current Wiser doesn't provide?

 

Hi Memphix,

Agree with kjayakumar, you can find yourself waiting for an indefinite time for an unreleased product to become available.

However, in answer to your question about features, there is quite a detailed summary of the new features that the Wiser MkII is currently forecast to have on page 74 of the Clipsal C-Bus Product Overview Catalogue 2013, which you can download from http://www.cleverhome.com.au/Clipsal-C-Bus.shtml. There is also a picture of the Wiser MkII there.

According to the above, the C-Bus Wiser Home Controller MkII will feature:
• Purpose designed C-Bus system controller
• Resides as node on the Home network
• Single Ethernet (LAN) connection
• Wi-Fi client only (not a Wireless Access Point)
• Onboard C-Bus connection
o Dual C-Bus (internal) connections on one single physical C-Bus connection
o Can be used with external CNI if no physical C-Bus connection is available
• User interface on PC (via Web Browser)
• HDMI connection for user interface on a display monitor
o Support for CEC codes through HDMI
• USB sockets and SD card slot
o USB keyboard and mouse
o Digital audio files for C-Bus Ripple
o Storage of surveillance images
• Onboard memory for storage of images, logs etc.
• Scene and scheduling capabilities onboard
• Full Logic Engine capabilities onboard
• Control devices such as lighting, multi-room audio, HVAC, blinds and irrigation
• Allows remote access to re-program Wiser and C-Bus from outside the home/building
• Future integration with many IP based devices
• C-Bus Multi-Room Audio (MRA) support with onboard Ripple server and client
• Support for DHCP (client)
• Supports fixed IP address
• Support for DYNDNS services
• Support for NTP with client definable server locations
• Power Over Ethernet (POE) support
• SAMBA support
• Support for User and Location profiles
• Support for 20 channels of power monitoring and logging
• Comprehensive Wiser diagnostics functionality
• Multiple installation options; on a desktop or with AV equipment, on shelving or in an
equipment rack and also wall mounting (using keyhole points)
• User interface on portable devices such as mobile phones and web tablets (via dedicated
Android and iOS Apps) providing complementary control of native C-Bus on-wall devices

 

2013 Product Overview Catagloge

http://updates.clipsal.com/ClipsalOnline/Files/Brochures/C0000239.pdf

 

We have had clients requesting that the Wiser support floor plans with active status and control regions representing the light level in various rooms and locations, like that supported by C-Bus Touch screen controllers and HomeGate software.

I understand that there are technical challenges associated with supporting this in a Wiser product that produces a user interface for display on a wide range of portable devices with different display sizes and resolutions - but this is something that is in demand from our home automation customers.

 

I can understand the desire for map based control and custom UI. That said, I think this was previously responded to on the forum, if I recall, the response was that is outside the scope of the Wiser product and I would not expect current or near future Wiser products to have that feature.

 

My recommendations (off the top of my head right now) are:

• Multiple site support. EG if someone has a Wiser at their Home and also their Office
• Scene/Schedule Edit options (like the Web GUI) from the App
• 2 x RJ45 connection for Cbus, not the current screw terminals

 

I think Jaya was referring to software features. A little hard to make changes to hardware at this stage. That being said, RJ45 connections for C-Bus on a consumer accessible product that also includes a LAN connection is a bad idea (sorry). Having had experience in the past with homeowners who think 'if the plug fits, then all good', the decision was made to definitely not do this. It's not screw terminals either tho.

 

I definitely understand the reasoning behind that. I've had the "My network doesn't work claim" a few times only to find that the network cable had been moved from the LAN port to the WAN port.

I look forward to seeing the new product. Hopefully the new connection solution isn't as brittle as the screw terminals (or maybe my hands have more strength than i realise).

Any comments on multi-site feature?

 

This is more to do with the app(s) rather than the device itself.

 

Hi Robbo,

Are you aware of the fact that this is supported in the android app?

 

Actually no i'm not. I haven't looked much into the Android app as so far i think i've only had 1 client with an Android phone rather than an iPhone (strange isn't it). cheers

 

In the Wiser Mk2 feature list it mentions POE support, I take it that means Wiser Mk2 can be powered from a POE network switch?

Will a Wiser 1 project transfer over to Wiser Mk2?