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Velbus is a Modular Bus System

Velbus is a modular system which does not need any expensive central unit. The absence of a central unit omits any possibility of the entire installation being paralyzed in case of a faulty central unit. If, in the future, you desire to expand the automation of your blinds, lighting points, dimmers, etc., you will only to buy those necessary modules: relay modules (lighting points or mains sockets), dimmers (halogen, LED…), blind control modules, etc.
Velbus is a bus system. System control is done through a single 4-core bus cable (2 for power supply, 2 for data transfer). The Velbus bus system is based on the extremely stable and reliable CAN bus used in the automotive sector. The CAN bus allows data transfer over several hundreds of meters!

Quality and Stability

Velbus is modular system in which one faulty module will never paralyze the entire installation. Each module is fully independent, features its own processor, scans the bus continuously and executes the command when necessary. The bus is based onto the stable CAN type which is used in the automotive sector. By decreasing the speed on the bus cable, you will be able to transfer data over very long distances (> 1 km). As the bus is operated by pulses, the bus cable presents almost no signal during dimming or activation of the “All off” function. The advantages of this system are huge: contrary to classic systems, multiple commands (on/off, dimming, ambiance lighting…) can be executed simultaneously, data feedback through LEDs is very quick, no energy is wasted, etc. The bus cable can be wired in a loop structure so interruptions won’t be noticed. Bus voltage is allowed to vary between 12 V and 18 V. All of our modules are developed by Velleman in Gavere, Belgium as is the compatible software. Along with their 40-year experience, in-house development allows Velleman to offer high-quality products only.

References

One of our major references is Bostoen. Bostoen builds between 200 and 300 ready-to-move-in homes every year and incorporates Velbus domotics in each of their constructions. Velbus automation is also used in several amusement parks such as Plopsaland or in one of the “Homes of the Future” in France, and exported to many countries such as the UK, Portugal, Italy or Russia. The reference however is Velleman, where Velbus domotics have been functioning flawlessly in all their buildings (> 100.000 m³).

Cost

Velbus offers the most advantageous solution for every small (home) or large (company) automation project. The complete absence of a costly central unit or master controller - often up to a 1,000 Euros - in the Velbus installation is an important money-saver from the start and eliminates the risk if the entire system being paralyzed due to a faulty unit! In fact, you will only need to buy those modules necessary to the completion of your Velbus system: relay modules according to the number of lighting points, dimmers, blind control modules, interface modules for switches… The total cost of the Velbus modules is the lowest on the market. Moreover, the configuration software is free! We invite you to make a comparative study of the Velbus and competing systems… You will be pleasantly amazed.

Cabling

The necessary cabling features all electric cabling connected directly from lighting point (or mains socket) to distribution box. In order to control each lighting point separately, they will have to be connected each to their own relay or dimmer module. The used cable is generally the FLEX 3G1.5 (or 3G2.5 for mains sockets). There is NO need to connect each lighting point to a switch as is the case in a classic installation. This feature alone allows you to save money and facilitates the wiring.
On the other hand, the installation needs a bus cable which must start from to distribution box and be connected to each and every room where control or temperature measuring is needed. Suitable cable types are UTP and EIB (green domotics cable), the EIB type being the more robust. Some circumstances require the use of the untwisted SVV cable. Although no reports are known of problems with use of this type, we do not recommend it. The Velbus system is very forgiving when it comes to installing the bus cable: branches, loops, parallel connections, tree structures or a combination of the previous… Any means is allowed to get the bus cable installed.

The Necessary Modules

How to determine which modules are needed for your Velbus installation? Easy. Generally, you will be needing one power supply (VMBSMPS) or more for larger installations. Calculate the maximum consumption on our website (Installers > Consumption).
Next, you will be needing one 4-channel relay module for every 4 lighting points (or mains sockets):
VMB4RY: manual configuration or through PC / 9 modes / mechanical addressing / no-voltage 16 A contacts
or VMB4RYNO: configuration through PC / 40 modes / electronic addressing / no-voltage 16 A contacts
or VMB4RYLD: configuration through PC / 40 modes / electronic addressing / no-voltage 16 A contacts (230 V in - 4 x 230 V out).
All dimming functions will need a VMBDME (200 W resistive-capacitive) or a VMBDMI (400 W resistive-inductive) module depending on the load and the control interface.
You may also combine a VMB4DC (4-channel 0-10 V control module) with a VMB1DMDC (500 W resistive-inductive) or a VMBRGBDC (RGB LED dimmer) or a 0-10V dimmer from a manufacturer of your choice.
A VMB2BL module for every 2 blinds.
A VMB1LED module for every LED strip (mono) 12-24 V / 5 A.
A VMB1TS (sensor/thermostat) module in every room where temperature control is desired and a VMB1TC module in every room for verification and programming purposes. Do not forget to connect a relay contact for every valve (heating system) or mains socket (convector).
Please refer to 'Controlling the Velbus Installation' regarding the controlling modules.

Controlling the Velbus Installation

Your Velbus installation can be controlled in different ways. Pushbuttons can be installed anywhere onto the bus cable. Every Velbus VMB8PB interface module accepts up to EIGHT pushbuttons from a manufacturer of your choice. These can give feedback in order to notify you if lighting is lit or not. Some manufacturer offer pushbuttons with LED feedback for which Velbus has an adapted interface module. Your installation is also controllable through our VMB4PD LCD panel. This panel features 8 pushbuttons with feedback (2 pages with 4 functions each), an internal week program, an IR receiver compatible with Logitech Harmony® remotes, and an LCD screen giving you all necessary information. The VMB8IR module allows you to simulate 40 pushbuttons controlled through a Logitech Harmony® remote. The distribution box may contain a VMB6IN module which allows you to connect sensors (e.g. a motion sensor installed outside). A random contact (switch, sensor...) connected to the bus will let you control every possible output modules (lighting point, dimmer, blind, heating...). A pushbutton can be programmed with a delay so as to avoid accidental engaging of, for instance, the “All off” function (you will have to press the pushbutton for 3 seconds). The Homecenter software allows you to easily control your Velbus installation.

Velbus as Replacement of My Existing Teleruptor Installation

Your teleruptor installation is ready to be transformed into a Velbus system. The Velbus products range offers the 4-channel VMB4RY relay module which can be controlled directly or through the bus. Install one VMB4RY module for every 4 teleruptors and connect the pushbuttons directly to the corresponding inputs. The retail price of relay module equals that of 4 high-quality teleruptors. But there is more! Every channel features 9 modes (on, off, progressive switch-off, staircase automation, timers, etc.). The bus inside the module will be active which allows you to use each connected pushbutton to control other channels. Pushbuttons directly connected to channel 4 may also be programmed as an “All off” function for the remaining channels. A teleruptor installation is easily adaptable to a Velbus system without the hassle of more cabling. Combining the Velbus system with the Homecenter pack (www.homecenter.be) and a Wi-Fi network allows you to control your entire home through an iPod®, iPhone® or iPad®.

Temperature Control

Temperature control in a Velbus system needs following components:

VMB1TS (sensor)

Function: temperature measurement en valve control (trough a relay contact).
Select the desired mode (antifreeze/night/day/comfort) through the on-board pushbutton (which can be disabled).
Check the selected mode and heating status (valve open or closed).

VMB1TC (controller)

Function: temperature check in the different rooms and setting of a week program.
Group the desired rooms selected in the same mode.
Check and modify the temperature of each room.
Select the “All rooms” function for all rooms in your home.

Normal Use:

A sensor and controller are installed in the desired rooms. A timer starts after every manual mode modification (not through a program step). This timer can be deactivated directly through the sensor or the controller. Maybe you will forget to switch off the heating. The mode can be selected through the controller for every room but also by pressing the pushbutton connected to the Velbus. Example: select the comfort mode in the bathroom by pressing one single pushbutton in your bedroom. You may even do this through a remote and the VMB4PD LCD panel. A nice feature when leaving for a holiday: select the night mode for your entire home and at your return, the heating will have been switched on! The 4-module housings from Bticino® allow you to install the sensor and controller modules together. The controller module also features a “Wake up” and “Go to bed” function which is used to set the week programs or to control the relay contacts. All VMB1TS sensors feature a “Disable” contact which can be programmed with a delay so as to, for example, not activate the heating in a room as long as the window isn’t shut.

Kris Daelman
Velbus Sales Engineer