5500AC2 / NAC2 - Firmware v2.0.0 - Homekit App

For those running the new v2.0.0 firmware, its now possible to install ipk app files.

I've been experimenting with these and have a modified logicmachine homekit app for use with the AC2 / NAC2, with limited functionality, only have light brightness working at the moment as a proof of concept but hey siri voice commands work great once the app is running and added to homekit to set things on and off.

I take no credit for this, all credit goes to the great team at the logicmachine forums and the brilliant community, innovation, and support they provide on the forums. The origional logicmachine homekit app forum link is below:

https://forum.logicmachine.net/showthread.php?tid=4722

If anyone would like to give it a try i have a temp link to the file here: https://we.tl/t-Ngu38f3jJE

To install navigate to https://ControllerIP/apps/ and click configure apps in the top right corner ( the shopping cart icon). Then install the file manually by clicking the top left icon ( three lines ) and select install from file.

choose the file, and check install without signature.

go back to https://ControllerIP/apps/ and the homekit icon should be showing. From there follow the instructions from the logicmachine forums-> open the app, add a new device, type light brightness, select an object from the dropdown and same object for the status.
then add the bridge to homekit using the qr code by clicking the qr code button and enjoy.

With a bit of luck something may be released officially in time ( i have no insite to this but can only hope ) but this is a peak into what is possible with the new app support.

 

This it brilliant, how difficult is it to make the modifications?

 

It's not too dificult, its mostly getting the c-bus groups / applications to conform to the homekit data type standards. If i find some more free time from work and the kids i'll take another look and convert a few more types.

The Logicmachine has a great library of free apps, im currently trialing the MQTT server and MQTT client apps on a Logicmachine to see if they could replace my Rpi setup. Many of these will run on the AC2 with the new firmware aswell however some need the same conversion treatment to support the C-Bus groups / application types.

Not sure on schneiders plans with the app space, but id hope they follow the logicmachine model and make them freely availabe and port them across.

 

Exciting times! I'm hopeful I can finally retire my RPi functions with this. It's a shame the LogicMachine app store apps aren't available - would love to get the Sonos Controller installed.

 

I’d love to see HomeKit / Sonos / and MQTT client & server. Also a scene esitor so clients can adjust the levels of scenes in a similar format to the schedule editor.

and the bacnet app for commercial projects would also be welcome.

 

+1 for HomeKit.

I currently have HomeBridge running on RPi with a CGate Driver and an instance of CGate running on the RPi connecting to an old CNI from an original Wiser...

 

MQTT is a popular protocol for interfacing many 3rd party devices or data, there are a few threads already on these forums with some users use cases, as well as the logic machine forums. I currently have 3 MHI splits talking via MQTT with a GUI set up on the 5500AC2 and buttons on EDLT's to adjust temp, fan speed and mode. Currently using an Rpi and a script from the logic machine forums in the AC2. However they have just relased an app version which looks to make the whole process a lot easier for those with KNX logic machines and also negats the need for the Rpi.

https://forum.logicmachine.net/showthread.php?tid=5609

As for bacnet i was thinking more so an app for the client side, this would be more for commercial use, again similar to that available on the knx logicmachine, allowing the ability to scan for bacnet servers and map to objects for interfacing with 3r party systems, as bacnet is a popular protocol in the commercial space. Mostly as an option for interfacing with HVAC or Security or other lighitng systems.

would also love an easier way to stream video streams from camera systems. The old method of url's with userassword has been long blocked in browsers, you can keep the camera url, but ive found it constantly requests the user and password for the stream each time the user logs in. My current workaround is using a reverse proxy on an Rpi that prefills the auth and pipes the stream, if possible an app solution to store the password or another suggestion/solution would be welcome.

 

I'm curious about where Schneider envisions the C-Bus 5500NAC2's position in the market.

Is it intended to be a central controller for smart home systems, or more of a companion controller that works alongside other central systems like Control4, Savant, etc? Is it targeted more to the residential market, or commercial applications?

If the target market is residential and the 5500NAC2 is intended as the central smart home controller, it would be beneficial to provide app support for integration with a range of commonly used devices in this space, particularly the luxary home market. This could include security alarms and access control systems (e.g., Inner Range), camera systems (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua, not only video streams, but support for all events such as facial and number palate recognition ), blinds (e.g., Somfy; while there is already a script, an app could offer more convenience), and HVAC systems (e.g., Intesis, Big Ass Fans, CoolMaster; similarly, an app may offer easier integration even if a script exists for CoolMaster). Support for AV equipment, including TVs (e.g., Samsung, Sony via Ethernet control), Hi-Fi (e.g., Denon amps), and systems like Sonos, would also be valuable. Additionally, compatibility with smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa would significantly enhance its appeal as a central home controller.

On the other hand, if the focus is on commercial installations, it might be worth considering extended support for C-Bus over Ethernet, or features like NAC device and tag discovery. Commercial environments often involve multiple C-Bus networks (the last one I worked on had over 70 networks), and the ability to provide native discovery, mapping, and communication between 5500NAC2 units across different networks via Ethernet would greatly simplify managing large C-Bus installations with centralized command and control. This would be used for central events such as time scheudles, scene setting and status.

I’d love to hear Schneider's perspective on this and understand where they see the 5500NAC2 making the most impact.

 

Briefly revisited this over the break, added a conversion for on/off types such as " switch" and "simple light" essentially a value from c-bus greater than 1 equates to ON, sending ON from homekit equates to a c-bus value of 255.

Also added a quick conversion for "window coverings" (blinds) this is just a % translation. i havent tested this with a shutter relay yet, will likely need to tweak it to operate with the special c-bus blind controller values ( 1%, 2% (stop), 98%, 99%) etc.

temp link for a download is here if interested: https://we.tl/t-tQMdZaDp6g

 

updated temp link https://we.tl/t-ulFQFKMUkh

 

Thanks, Diggerz - that's awesome. I've just now:

• Installed the package to my AC2
• Added the Bridge to HomeKit
• Added a CBus Group as a "Simple Light"
• Added a CBus Group as a "Light On/Off Brightness"

Both work, and I can control them from HomeKit on my iPhone and MacBook. Awesome!!!

I have a lot (80 - 100) of CBus Groups to add to HomeKit, so I'm wondering how stable the configuration will be going forward.

Should I wait a while before adding all my Groups to give you more time to work on the package and maybe make breaking changes, or do you think the config will be quite stable, and I shouldn't hesitate to add all my CBus Groups as HomeKit Accessories?

I can control all my CBus Groups from HomeKit already using HomeBridge + Cbus Plugin + local CGate, all running on the same RPi 4. It works.
However, I'm slowly preparing the house for sale and need to replace all my DIY add-ons with commercial, off-the-shelf products...

Regards
Alex Shepherd

 

I’m not consistently working on the app, just dabbling when i have free time, so it may be a while or sporadic before I update or modify anything further. Currently the changes don’t interfere with the bridge or setup code, so it’s likely you can just install over the existing app if another version comes along.


I'd say go for it but keep the Pi4 SD image on standby, the apps quite stable but I’m not sure what impact future 5500AC2 firmware updates will have as its not officially supported. Schneider may in future release their own version specifically for the 5500AC2 which may not be compatible or require a re-configure, or they may release a new firmware which may break the current operation. Something to keep in mind.


As for stability, I’ve been playing with the package for a while, well before the V2 firmware was released and it’s been running fine for well over 7 months. Homekit isn’t our primary control, i still have a GUI on the 5500AC2 that’s displayed on an iPad ( and obviously local c-bus switches / sensors too!). For us it’s just a way to leverage voice commands, so if it breaks its no big deal.

 

Ok, thanks for the reply and insights