C-BUS with 5500PACA: can I connect to Home Assistant ?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by plugh99, Mar 25, 2022.

  1. plugh99

    plugh99

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    Hi --

    I have a 20-year old C-Bus system running my house.

    The PACA came later, when the original Home Minder was destroyed by lightning.

    Now retired (after 40 years in IT) , I am starting to fiddle with the like of ESP32's etc. and was wondering if it is possible to connect to Home Assistant (or similar) without the need to purchase another ultra-expensive 5500 interface ?

    Go well
     
    plugh99, Mar 25, 2022
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  2. plugh99

    Ashley

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    You can use the PACA as a serial interface but while in this mode all logic operations are disabled, This is fine for use with toolkit but not much use for a continuous connection like Home Assistant.

    Keep an eye on Ebay for second hand serial interfaces. You will pick one up for around $100 if you are patient
     
    Ashley, Mar 25, 2022
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  3. plugh99

    plugh99

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    Many thanks for the quick reply.

    When you say "serial interfaces" will any such do ?

    Following your suggestion I visited eBay and found a new 5500PCU that appears might do the job.

    Alternatively,can you recommend some model numbers that I should be looking for ?
     
    plugh99, Mar 26, 2022
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  4. plugh99

    Ashley

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    You can use a 5500PCU (via USB) a 5500PCI (via RS232), a 5500CNI(2) via ethernet.
    Also the Wiser2 and SHAC have dual cbus interfaces so they can be used as a serial interface concurrent with their normal operation.

    The 5500PCI and 5500PCU are generally the cheaper options on ebay. I've never paid more that $100 for one, but I'm very patient :)
     
    Ashley, Mar 26, 2022
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  5. plugh99

    plugh99

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    Many thanks once again.

    I tend also to be patient. And, given that this is in the nature of any experiment, I am in no particular hurry, i.e. I will be very patient :)
     
    plugh99, Mar 26, 2022
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  6. plugh99

    plugh99

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    Currently being offered new (bankrupt stock) 5500PCU for Au$175 / GBP !00. What do you think ?
     
    plugh99, Apr 27, 2022
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