Replace old dimmer with 5508D1D - WHAT SOFTWARE to use

I have a customer with an old CBUS system with a faulty dimmer
I have a new CBUS 5508D1D to replace the faulty unit.

I have bench tested the new unit using toolkit 1.17.0 and it appeared to accept the program and the addresses, I rigged up a temp switch and could control the channel.

HOWEVER
I'm a little concerned about the crossover of software - we have
- (new) SpaceLogic C-Bus Toolkit Software ( latest version I can see is 1.17.4)
- (old) C-Bus Toolkit Software

So 90% of our customers have existing (old) CBUS systems

Is it OK to use the (new) Spacelogic C-Bus Toolkit Software - IS THIS SOFTWARE FULLY BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE ?

When replacing a single dimmer in an old CBUS system is it still OK to use the (old) toolkit software to commission the new dimmer into the old system ?

I'm hoping that the Spacelogic CBUS toolkit and the CBUS toolkit are one of the same, but I did hear rumors that the Spacelogic was not a simple free issue and only available to registered installers !

 

The latest version of toolkit is v 1.18.1 and available on the schneider website. The best way to find the software download URL is, use the link in the "Welcome to C-Bus" projects home page in Toolkit.
https://www.se.com/ww/en/product-co...uct-range&sourceId=2216#software-and-firmware

Your question has a complex answer, but I'll keep it short.

Yes, you can use the new toolkit software on older systems and continue to do so into the forseeable future.

If you upgrade to Toolkit v1.18.1, you will no longer be able to programme the new dimmers, and relays. You will be forced to use the new Space Logic Comission software package to programme these units. Moving forward, all C-Bus equipment, new and old will be programmed via this software. But, unfortunately (as on March 2025) the software is unfinished and only works with the new dimmers, relays, new space logic switches. So you will have to use both software packages to programme a C-Bus system. Marvellous eh...
There are now tutorials online to use this new software.

The knowlege required to programme a C-Bus system is becoming a steeper learning curve, and there's tons of bugs and undocumented issues to look out for. Clipsal have really dropped the ball and are yet to realise how far behind they are becoming. Major companies are leaving the brand and I doubt will return by the time they have everything sorted.

Whilst this is the case, they are investing a lot of time and money to improve things. I believe in the product and still believe that the final outcome for the client is the best solution.

 

noyzy thanks for such a informative useful reply. The sort of information that you would have thought Schneider would readily provide as a matter of course with both software packages! (Rather than let an installer find out in front of a high end customer on site!)

Classic !

Schneider are a multi-national they are really not interested in supporting any thing out of manufacturers warranty.

I've seen 25 years of this behavior from Schneider and see no sign that anything will ever improve.

Love your enthusiasm though !

 

On a more informative note.... I've added the new dimmer 5508D1D to the project using Toolkit 1.17.0.
It worked fine ...... HOWEVER you are unable to alter any of the dimmer characteristics, only add an address to a channel, consequently although the use of the dimmer with LED fittings is much improved ( no flickering or ghosting in the install I did ) the overall result is very poor as there are no ramp up/down times or min max settings etc etc etc .

 

noyzey
when you say ""new space logic switches"" - - - I'm aware of the KNX space logic switches
BUT can you pint me towards the CBUS space logic switches please?

 

when you say ""new space logic switches"" - - - I'm aware of the KNX space logic switches
BUT can you pint me towards the CBUS space logic switches please?

 

New switches basically new ELDT, and saturn variety I have found will only be programmed in spacelogic suite, I have not recieved any brand new master mechs - but assume with new hardware updates this is going to be the way.