5500CN Ethernet LED flashing even without Ethernet cable plugged in

I recently moved into a new house that has a CBUS system installed. I'm the third owner, and I have no idea what the previous two owners did with the setup.

I’m trying to integrate the CBUS system with the internet so I can control it through Home Assistant or similar platforms. Fortunately, the system already includes a 5500CN module. But it looks like they didn't use it because the other end of the Ethernet cable isn't plugged into anything.

And the Ethernet LED on the 5500CN was flashing. I tested further and found that even after unplugging the Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port of 5500CN, the Ethernet LED continues to flash. Restarting the 5500CN didn't change this behavior either.

After I plugged the cable into the router, I used the ip utility and Lantronix device installer to scan for it, but they didn't find anything.

I have a few questions:

1. Could this indicate that my 5500CN is faulty?
2. Is it a straightforward process to replace the 5500CN with a 5500CN2?
3. Assuming it works, once I connect the 5500CN2 to a router, can I configure it to work with Home Assistant without needing additional hardware?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

 

When you say the Ethernet LED is Flashing what colour flashing is it?
I notice that the C-Bus LED appears not to be ON that needs investigating as it indicates C-Bus is not connected even though it looks like the Pink C-Bus cables are connected.
Search and download a copy of the installation manual for what the LED's show.

If as you indicate the CNI looks to be not working I would first consider investigating the Power supply.
They have been known to fail, don't purely look at the voltage, it could have become noisy, capacitors fail, try another PSU of correct size.

Have a look at this post in the forum I have used this method often to get Lantronix based CNI's working
06-032-01 CNI Programming | C-Bus Forums

With regard to Home assistant or similar, provided you have a computer running and the skills then yes, you can configure it to work with Home Assistant without needing additional hardware
Look in the Voice control section of the forum for some guidance.
Home assistant is very adaptable but takes a lot of learning
Homebridge/Hoobs is easier, it all depends on what it is you wish to achieve.
Node red is a great add on to, I use it to link Tuya devices with C-Bus, and to send push notifications

 

Hey Wonkey,
Thank you for your detailed reply!

As shown in the photo, the Ethernet LED flashes green. According to the manual, this indicates "Link good and session active," which is weird because no Ethernet cable is connected.

Regarding the C-BUS LED, you’re right; it should be ON according to the manual, and that’s another issue.

I don’t believe there is any problem with the PSU since the Ethernet LED flashes after powering on, and there is no noise from the PSU. Unfortunately, I don’t have another PSU to test with. I've attached the photo of the PSU below.

I’ll investigate further. I still suspect the 5500CN might be faulty.

 

I have a C touch console that's 17 years old, and I'm worried it might die in the future. Can I just upgrade to a new console that supports wireless control? If I do, I won't have to worry about the 5500CN anymore.

 

I went digging through my old stuff and found a 5500CN connected it to 12 V and the ethernet led was red as it should be without any ethernet connection.
Good active connection should flash Orange/Green. good connection no traffic just orange
Then I dug out a 7.5 v PSU and connected that to it Now the ethernet led was green.
Go dig out a 12v supply, or take the CNI out of the enclosure and connect it to your car battery and see if the ethernet light changes colour to red.
Note CNI 9 to 12v input is ac or dc hence polarity is of no concern
Let us know how thing go.
Colin

 

Hi syw,
JEA Technologies still provides a repair service for all versions of the color touch screens, ctc1,ctc2 and ctc3, we also have refurbished units when available, for resale.
We used to share a building with the original manufacturer (Arbor Australia) until they closed down, we took over and continued the same service they had on offer.

Regards
Trevor Callaghan
JEA Technologies
Unit 3 36 Koornang Road
Scoresby Victoria 3179

 

Hey Colin,
Your suggestion to check the power supply turned out to be spot on. I tested it again and, sure enough, the power supply was the issue. When I measured the voltage, it fluctuated between 0.1V and 0.5V. I then found a 12V power supply, modified the connector, and connected it. Everything worked perfectly after that. The CBUS light turned orange, and the Ethernet light switched to red when the Ethernet cable was unplugged, then back to orange when it was connected.

I truly appreciate your advice, Colin, and your persistence in pointing out that the power supply might be the problem. Thank you so much for your help!

 

Thank you, Trevor. Good to know this service is available. I'm in Sydney but appreciate the info!

 

You should also get someone to sort out that appalling and dangerous installation. Ignoring the mess, a 5500CN should never be installed inside a switchboard as ethernet cables are not rated for switchboard use (the cbus cable is). Also, I can see a WiFi extender pushed up against a cbus unit. This is not a safe installation.

 

Thanks for your opinion! I'll sort them out once the testing is complete.

 

Cheers syw,
We do service the NSW area... in fact we repair the color touch screens for anyware on the planet, including new Zeeland and Tasmania.