How quickly can you build an automation controller?

We are genuinely interested in how long it takes you to deploy an automation controller.

We are aware that there are libraries like the ones from https://ryelec.com.au/ that give an awesome base.

We are aware of some build scripts from members of the group.

But what do you do and use?

Would you be interested in a solution that takes your Toolkit project, some information about group addresses in rooms, etc and gave you a complete controller project?

Would you be interested if we can do this in under 15 minutes?

We are doing this now - we have recently used our extensive knowledge of the automation controller to deliver many solutions.

Register your interest at https://mycbus.online/home or DM me directly.

 

ok - I will go first!

Most people are probably like us .. start a project with a spreadsheet with group addresses and load names ..

Have a look at the quick PDF I just did on documenting our current process to build an automation controller.

Total turn around under 20 minutes including unpacking the AC2, uploading the project, doing a quick check and putting it back in the box!

We also support builds based on Ryelec’s Abode and Zenith templates using similar processes and timeframes (but far better layouts and graphics, and with support for scenes and schedules!)

All with zero need to build layouts on an actual controller (the backup file is a standard project file, so all pages, etc, are fully editable if you need to customise further, etc).

 

Excellent work MadMal - I think this is the way forward auto UI creation, it means you can have a client up and running onsite almost instantly once the CBus is running. I find excellent at reducing/finding mistakes and also when changes to the project are made , its only one place to change and all the changes filter through without something being missed.

While I still have my code that generates a visualisation on the AC2 using LUA code on the AC2 , I've been working on an new UI generator , that creates an app (ipk) that can then be installed on the AC2, it cant be edited once on the controller but, loads and run really fast and adjust to the size and aspect of the screen. It is still a work in progress so lots more exciting things to add.

 

Im glad there are others in the community still putting forward interesting ideas and concepts.

As many keep pointing out, there is so much untapped potential with c-bus however the execution of software and misunderstanding of ideal workflows is continually letting it down from Schneiders end.

The manager app was supposed to be the answer to quickly creating a user interface for mobile devices and tablets.

Though it too could be considerably more effective if it incorporated a bulk edit feature similar to the HomeKit app.

If I’m not mistaken the manager app essentially makes use of the same structures those are detailing here. A room or location, a load type, a widget and an object assignment.

Given this, and if people feel the manager app is effective. It’s likely possible to create a companion app that can grab and list the objects with editable fields in a similar fashion to the HomeKit bulk to quickly set up or edit the manager apps widgets.

I’ve been meaning to look at this but just haven’t got round to it, mostly as we are seeing more homes adopt KNX, and more commercial projects adopt Dynalite, KNX or Zen, so the personal need to speed up c-bus workflows has been falling.

I have seen that the load type field is part of the object datatable, and it can be changed.

If I’m not mistaken, I believe the intent is for all this to some day be completed in SLCC and pushed to the controller, so no controller UI configuration is required at all for the manager app. It’s all to be completed up front from SLCC.

I like the idea of the web portal, I see similarities to Zen controls cloud portal. I’d be more on board with it and feel more comfortable if Schneider was to take it on and host it opposed to a 3rd party. Too much risk for all of an integrators clients and data to get locked behind a subscription fee and cost hikes that are in control of a 3rd party integrator. If it were hosted by an agnostic party like Schneider I’d feel more comfortable exposing clients data. But that’s just me,

Is anyone making use of the new manager app for their clients?

Would a local companion app on the AC2 be of value to quickly bulk assign objects to widgets within locations / rooms similar to the bulk feature on the HomeKit app?

 

We should catch up on the phone again - this is pretty close to what I was talking about last time we spoke .. we should compare notes again sometime soon.

 

Hey Diggerz,

I personally hate the manager app - it is too much like the Wiser that was a horrid solution, in all its iterations .. and the latest iteration with the cloud IMHO is even worse!

As a corporate policy, we do not support or recommend any of the v2 firmwares and keep all our clients on the v1 branch - if Schneider opened up the market place like its OEM, it might be a different story.

I need to spend some time to deep dive into your app and see it in the real world - Im not really a HomeKit guy (me and Apple departed back in the Mac II days!) - we like OpenHAB a lot more ..

We built the capability 15 years ago for end user control over C-Bus configuration .. allowing clients to go to a simplified web interface to update there scenes/schedules, etc that was directly update on the B/W or colour touch screens - but found most clients never really want or need it

So we have focussed on the speed and accuracy on building a new network, discovering an existing one, or adding advanced features (such as the AC2).

I will try to give you a call next week - this one is dead!

 

Hey Laurence, how do you give remote secure access, out of curiousty - I have made some ipk one to enable zerotier(installs missing piece and some copy paste run once scripts) on the AC2 and another to install tailscale - either will give access via secure tunnes without opening any ports in edge gateway and work behind cgnat. zerotier is already sort of in the shac/nac - reinstalls it missing piece and it appears in the menu to enable it. it gives remote access to the apps menu. I prefer tailscale but it come with a little more resource burden.

 

For my KNX clients using an LM5 I use Zerotier, for my CBus Clients using AC2 - on unifi networks I use Teleport/wireguard.
So I am very interested in using zero tier and or tail scale

 

Ive put a small demo of the CTC Home app (ipk) that I have been working on. Once installed on the AC2 everything runs on the AC2 you just have to either upload an excel file with groups etc. or pull the groups already the on the AC2 and assign the to a building - level - room etc. The theming can be changed , the user can select what appears on the Home Screen, favourites etc. link here to demo on web crowhurst.com.au/ctchome

 

This was the manager app I was referring too, not so much the blocky green UI but more so the iOS and Google palystore apps for phones / tablets.

It does require the blocky green ui to be created first.

Though if you have an iOS device the HomeKit app is likely much easier.