Please help, so confused!

Hi. I've finally taken the plunge and ordered some C-Bus kit. Been wanting to do it for years and as the house is being rewired I figured now is probably the time. The only problem is there's hardly any info online, and I am so confused. I hope you can help me with some info on the following.

1) I have ordered 2x 5508D1D SpaceLogic 8 channel dimmers so I can dim LED spotlights. I have also ordered 1x L5512RVF 12 channel relay for other lamps, fans etc.

Will the two systems be compatible or do I need separate software/controllers etc for the two different products?

2) How do I program the system using a PC? The many different software options make no sense at all

3) Once programmed, does the unit store all the programming, or does there need to be a dedicated controller or computer permanently attached?

4) Does the ethernet interface offer different functionality than the plain old serial interface? I want to integrate with Home Assistant so I can use voice control if possible.

Thanks so much for any help you can provide. I'm used to programming PBXs but this is all new to me.

Been reading everything I can for weeks but I am so confused by all of this. Please be gentle

 

I’d highly recommend engaging an experienced programmer to ensure your system is working effectively. Judging by the size of your parts list it wouldn’t cost that much.
I trust you’re using a licensed electrician also.

 

search for Cbus training manuals in particular volume 1 and 2 which explain about C-Bus and programming using C-Bus Toolkit.
At the present moment there are 2 software packages to program products.
Which you will need both, Schneider Electric (SE) who own the Clipsal brand have and are developing new products which require SpaceLogic C-Bus commission (SLCC) software, in your case the dimmer you purchased.
The majority of product use Toolkit, both are free from the SE website search on the forum for links

You have not mentioned what inputs ( switches and sensors) you plan on using.
Don't rely on voice control alone.

If you want to use home assistant internal would consider using a Ethernet interface ideally a Automation Controller 5500AC2, that requires some serious programming have at the voice section of this forum,.

The manuals I suggested will get you started with how it all works and programmingusing Toolkit, the new software SLCC is again different and to be honest is seriously different and confusing compared to toolkit.
As you are rewiring I suggest finding someone who knows the product locally if possible as installing it incorrectly or missing some cable runs could cause you problems later.

 

Thanks for the info. I have some 3-button Saturn Zen switches on order.

I want each button to do multiple things. Eg,

Button 1 will turn all lights in living room on 100%.
Button 2 will dim spotlights to 20%, dim sidelights to 50% and dim a table lamp to 30%.
Button 3 will turn everything off.

Is that kind of thing possible? Been poking around in Toolkit 1.17.8 and it isn't very intuitive at all.

 

Also, been advised to use Toolkit 1.17 as it will support thenew SpaceLogic dimmer and my older relays. However, doing some reading it appears that Toolkit only offers "basic" configuration of the SpaceLogic stuff.

So the question is what am I actually missing out on by sticking with Toolkit instead of the new SpaceLogic commissioning software?

 

Sounds like you need a controller with more functionality than what Toolkit can program into your switches.
There are many to choose from...
SHAC, NAC, Wiser, or a PC running schedule plus connected via a CNI, there are also black and white and color touch screens, Spectrum touchscreen. Some with in built logic scenes and schedule control