Technical information

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
203
C-Bus Design Guide
Installation Approach
Planning and Design
The most important phase of any C-Bus installation is in the planning and design of
the system. Accurate planning requires a good understanding of the capabilities of the
system, and the requirements of a successful installation (refer to the Design Checklist).
It is also an advantage to fully dene the functional specications for the installation
before design work begins. In this way, designers can realise the full potential of the
C-Bus system, and get maximum performance from it.
The planning phase usually involves mapping the system requirements, and determining
the hardware needs of an installation. Thought should be given as to the placement of
the hardware, and the cabling requirements. Programming & functionality requirements
should also be fully investigated at this stage. Strict adherence to any documentation
procedures is necessary.
Installation
Once the design phase has been completed, installation may begin. Several simple
steps are typically followed:
• Implementation of Programming Requirements of the Design on a Personal
Computer (Build C-Bus Database).
• Unit Initialisation and Programming (One at a Time).
• Cabling and Electrical Installation of the Hardware.
• Finalization and Further Programming of Units on the Network as required.
The details of the design are rst input into a personal computer using the C-Bus
Installation Software. Hardware should then be initialised (on a Unit by Unit basis).
This involves the assignment of a Unit Address to each Unit, one at a time. In this way
Units can be uniquely identied once installed on the Network. It is recommended
that each Unit be clearly labeled for easy identication before nal electrical tting
takes place. Testing and any further programming may be undertaken at this time,
or tackled once all Units have been physically installed.
Commissioning
Subject to compliance with the specication, the system may now be commissioned.
Modications or design review can be undertaken at any time, often requiring
programming changes only. A well designed system should seldom call for the
installation of new hardware, except where revised specications dictate the necessity.
Programming Principles
All C-Bus devices require programming (with the exception of Power Supplies).
This is achieved by dedicated software running on a Personal Computer.
Unit programming is carried out to achieve the following objectives:
• Create/Dene Units on the C-Bus Network
• Identify each Unit using the C-Bus addressing convention
• Create/Dene/Edit control relationships between Inputs and Outputs
• Edit Unit operating parameters
The operating parameters vary from Unit to Unit, depending on it’s type. They include:
• Key Functions
• Timer Functions
• Dimming Functions
• Toggle (On/O) Control
• Preset Levels
• Custom/Other Functions
• Output Switching Logic Assignments
• Power Fail Recovery Status
• Power Up Sequences
• Dimming Rates
• Indicator Options
• Sensor Switching Conditions
• Override Controls (Enable/Disable)
• Error Status Options
2 Methods of System Design