PACA connection

Discussion in 'C-Bus Wired Hardware' started by emillika, Jan 13, 2011.

  1. emillika

    emillika

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    Can I use my Pascal Automation Controller thru the USB port to connect a ethernet card? I want to be able to send cbus commands to to/thru the PACA from a desktop or phone app. The issue is the PACA is in my basement with all my dimmers and I would like to connect the PACA via ethernet to my network switch. Is this possible?

    If so, what do I need to look for in a usb nic?

    Thanks.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 13, 2011
    emillika, Jan 13, 2011
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  2. emillika

    NickD Moderator

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    I'm not 100% sure what you're trying to do, but I suspect the answer is "No".

    The USB connection on the PAC is for project transfer or using it as a PC Interface only. It is not accessible from Logic.

    If you want an Ethernet connection that is accessible from Logic, you will need to use either the Colour C-Touch or Wiser.

    Nick
     
    NickD, Jan 13, 2011
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  3. emillika

    emillika

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    I want to use something like irule on the ipad or CQC from Charmed Quark via drivers to control the lighting. I don't think I need access to the logic in the Pascal for this.
     
    emillika, Jan 14, 2011
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  4. emillika

    Newman

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    I believe that all CQC needs to talk to C-Bus is a PC Interface, so a serial or USB PC Interface could be used, or a CNI.

    If this is the case then you may be able to use a USB to Ethernet converter for the connection between C-Bus and Ethernet, but you'd need to buy one that could function as a USB host, as the PAC is a USB client device. You still won't know if it's compatible with the PAC though, until you try.

    If you try and use the PAC as the connection point to C-Bus for one of these other systems, the PAC will stop running it's internal logic so that the C-Bus connection can be made available on it's USB port. In this way, the PAC will work/look a lot like a regular USB PC Interface (but not as a PAC at the same time). Even if you're not using the logic capability of a PAC, you'd almost certainly be better off putting your money towards a 5500CN.

    The Wiser is designed to do this sort of thing (iPhone/iPad control of anything connected to C-Bus) straight out of the box. If you're considering purchasing another piece of equipment how about putting that towards a Wiser so that you can use the dedicated app?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 14, 2011
    Newman, Jan 14, 2011
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  5. emillika

    emillika

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    The wiser is where I am headed... I honestly don't use any logic in the PACA.. it is just sitting there. I can sell it to offset part of the wiser!

    Thanks.
     
    emillika, Jan 14, 2011
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  6. emillika

    Newman

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    You can simulate a PAC project from within PICED, so that's a good place to experiment before deciding that the Wiser is the device for you.
     
    Newman, Jan 14, 2011
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  7. emillika

    Newman

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    That should have read:
    "You can simulate a WISER project from within PICED, so that's a good place to experiment before deciding that the Wiser is the device for you."

    Friday-itis :rolleyes:
     
    Newman, Jan 14, 2011
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