What is a network?

Discussion in 'C-Bus Toolkit and C-Gate Software' started by piggiez, Jan 8, 2009.

  1. piggiez

    piggiez

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    Hi, I am really new to CBus. When I started to use the C-Bus Toolkit I noticed that I can create many networks, like one in the kitchen, living room etc. Why do I need many networks? Can't I just use one network and put the different applications into group via grouping? Or rather how does C Bus define a network?

    Pardon me for asking stupid question, and please enlighten me.

    Thank you very much.
     
    piggiez, Jan 8, 2009
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  2. piggiez

    NickD Moderator

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    A network is a collection of C-Bus units that are physically connected to the same two wires (well.. actually there are 4 but we don't need to go into that)... ie they share the same power supply(s).

    There is a limitation of the number of units that you can connect on one network, so when you exceed this, you need to break the installation down into multiple networks, which are joined together for communications by network bridges. Networks can also be of different types, for example a C-Bus Wired network and a C-Bus Wireless network... these can be joined by a C-Bus Wireless Gateway.

    For a small installation you don't *need* more than one network, although it is common, for example if you have a combination of C-Bus Wireless and C-bus Wired equipment.

    Nick
     
    NickD, Jan 8, 2009
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  3. piggiez

    piggiez

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    Nick, thank you very much. So what is the max. number of devices I can add to a network?
     
    piggiez, Jan 8, 2009
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  4. piggiez

    NickD Moderator

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    There are a number of limitations, which are dependent on the types of units connected.

    This sort of stuff is covered in the C-Bus Training courses... the training manuals for these are available here.
     
    NickD, Jan 8, 2009
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  5. piggiez

    piggiez

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    oh.. thank you very much that's what I need. Do you think I can control LEDs with CBus? And if I want 2 wall switches to function exactly the same do I have to repeat the things that I've set in Toolkit again? Is there a shortcut?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 8, 2009
    piggiez, Jan 8, 2009
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  6. piggiez

    inpowers

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    Yes on a relay unit no a dimmer unit.
    The led will flicker on a dimmer unit.
    Not sure with the latest release LEDs
     
    inpowers, Jan 8, 2009
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  7. piggiez

    piggiez

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    hmm.. what if I wish to dim the LEDs or change the colour?
     
    piggiez, Jan 8, 2009
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  8. piggiez

    ______.

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    What you need to dim or change colours will depend on what fitting/ballest/transformers you have.
    Some LED fittings use DALI or 0-10v for dimming, and some colour changes may just use relays to switch between a set of colours.

    You'll need to look at what the fitting needs, what ever the case C-Bus will have a product that will do it.
     
    ______., Jan 8, 2009
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  9. piggiez

    piggiez

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    Hi, I am really noob to this thingy..

    Would it be easier to change ballast? In that case what kind should I get?
     
    piggiez, Jan 8, 2009
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  10. piggiez

    piggiez

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    And if I want to allow a wireless network to communicate with another wireless network, can it be done? Do I need any extra gateways?
     
    piggiez, Jan 9, 2009
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  11. piggiez

    ICS-GS

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    why would you want 2 wireless networks within the same premesis?

    Keeping it simple and on the same network would be the best thing.

    Cheers

    Grant
     
    ICS-GS, Jan 9, 2009
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  12. piggiez

    piggiez

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    ohh.. I see, I heard there will be a limit to the number of devices we can add to one network. what if I have reached the limit and required to start another?
     
    piggiez, Jan 9, 2009
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  13. piggiez

    inpowers

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    The best thing for you to do is to do the Basic C Bus coarse it will explain all the basic that you are asking and more max cable, dimmers, relays, switches, etc.
    If you do the $1000.00 dollar coarse you will get a dimmer unit 2 neos & the interface.
     
    inpowers, Jan 9, 2009
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  14. piggiez

    ICS-GS

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    You are correct, but i think that limit is 100 devices.

    Keep in mind that the equipment is of the 'wired' c-bus variety

    Cheers

    Grant
     
    ICS-GS, Jan 10, 2009
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  15. piggiez

    piggiez

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    oh.. ic.. hey I have a friend, he is selling away come of his iColor stuff. Is it possible to teach me how to wire it up with Clipsal? He knows nuts about wiring. Anyone has experience?
     
    piggiez, Jan 12, 2009
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