FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Can I operate more than one control simultaneously?
- A. The Velbus domotics system only accepts a command when a pushbutton is being pressed or released. Example: The bus is empty when a lighting point is being dimmed so simultaneous commands will not pose any problem.
- Q. Can I use my installation through the Internet?
- A. Install the HomeCenter touch software onto a PC that is connected to your home network and you will be able to control your Velbus system through the Internet.
- Q. Can I use the Velbus domotics system if I want to use conditional statements (IF/THEN)?
- A. The Velbus domotics system being a modular system without master controller, all intelligence lies in the modules resulting in a limited use of conditional statements. However, the new relay modules (due by end of 2010) will feature special functions like locked mode, forced mode, inhibition mode, etc.
- Q. How to use a pushbutton so as to switch the reading light left and right of the bed on and off?
- A. Designation:
L1 = lighting point 1 in the bedroom, connected to a relay module.
L2 = lighting point 2 in the bedroom, connected to a relay module.
Virt = virtual channel of a VMB4RYLD (of -NO)
Buttondoor = pushbutton located at the bedroom door with which both lighting points can be switched on and off.
(L1 and L2 feature a toggle function via their own pushbutton left and right of the bed.)
Programming:
L1 and L2 are configured as ON (2) with initiator Buttondoor
Virt is configured as a restartable timer (15) with initiator Buttondoor (short = nothing / long = 1 sec)
L1 and L2 are configured as OFF (6) with initiator Virt
Thus, a short press on the pushbutton will switch off the lighting (even if only one is switched on); a long press will switch both lighting points on.
- Q. I have a domotics system with impulse relays. Does Velbus offer an affordable controlling solution with weekly programs?
- A. If the system is equipped with 8 impulse relays, following devices are needed:
- 2x VMB4RY (4-channel relay module as a substitute for the impulse relays)
- 1x VMB4PD (LCD panel with 8 pushbuttons and weekly programs)
- 12V-18V power supply
You only need 3 Velbus modules (if a power supply is already on hand) for a total price of only € 499.00, VAT incl.!
- Q. I performed a scan using VelbusLink8 and synchronized but all modules seemed to be empty.
- A. Velbuslink8 has some major differences compared to Velbuslink7 as it is now possible to work offline. This offers a number of advantages but some precaution is needed.
After connecting and performing a scan all modules appear. These modules are added to the current project but will still be empty in your project file!
• When connecting the first time (new project) there is no problem as all modules in your installation are also empty.
• When connecting to an older installation where modules already contain programmed settings it is necessary to read the modules (synchronize -> read)!
• When you start off with a project file that contains all correct programming there is also no problem. The configuration of your project will be the same as in your modules.
It is important that the configuration in your project file and in your modules is identical to avoid problems during synchronization (synchronize -> write).
When a change was made it is possible to indicate which modules should be synchronized (write). This is also possible for a single module, e.g. to save time or after replacing a failing module.
To facilitate making changes afterwards, it is a good idea to assign a name to the channels first.
• Relay channels (light living room central, living room spots, bedroom …)
• pushbutton channels (kitchen top, kitchen bottom left, kitchen bottom right, front door left….)
When this is done it is possible to create all links offline (not connected to the Velbus system) and synchronize everything afterwards.
An easy way to name your pushbutton channels:
• connect your installation to the Velbuslink8
• go to search mode (binoculars)
• select the EVENT tab
• Under OPTIONS only check the VMB8PB so no other modules are shown
• click START
No you can start walking around the house and press all desired pushbuttons. These will appear in the same order in the dialog window. You can now immediately changes both the names of the modules and corresponding channels.
A good naming convention of the channels ensures easy modifications afterwards, both offline and online.
It also makes the configuration print-out (usually about 30 pages) more clearly.
On top you also notice a little magic wand. This is used to quickly create an ALL ON or ALL OFF function. One must only remove all channels that aren't supposed to be in it. - Q. I recently mounted the blue feedback LEDs (VMBLDB). However, sometimes I do get false commands as if someone controls the pushbutton. What am I doing wrong?
- A. It is important to respect the polarity (white = common) when connecting these feedback LEDs. These LEDs will light dimly when deactivated and light brightly when activated. Connected wrongly, the LEDs will periodically react falsely as if the pushbutton has been depressed.
- Q. Where can I view a demo of the Velbus system?
- A. We are currently putting up a distribution network for our Velbus demo. In the future we will also use the Bostoen demo homes.
- Q. Which cable type do I use with my Velbus installation?
- A. A UTP cable will be more than suitable for a regular home automation. Extensive installations (covering large distances >100m) will need EIB cables. This cable type has a larger wire gauge so the loss over larger distances will be negligible. We also recommend using a power voltage of minimum 14V, which is perfectly feasible when using a Velbus power supply.
- Q. With the Home Center licence, will I be able to control my Velbus domotics system from 5 different places or do I need extra licences?
- A. You only need one licence update to simultaneously control your Velbus domotics system from 5 different places. Click here to download more detailed info.
