Some questions

English
1

Hello all,

I’m looking into using the Velbus system to equip my new house with, however, I have some questions before I take the plunge:

  • Does the USB-module work under Linux? I’m not really interested in a functioning library (although it could be handy if someone already has it :wink: ) since I’m quite capable to program it myself using the protocol description, but does the module use a standard USB to serial converter? I prefer using the USB-module above the RS232.
  • I have no idea how many modules I would use but what is the suggested method to work with the 12V power supply if you have a decentralized setup? I like the idea of using UTP-cable but if you have more then 10 modules it is suggested you use the 4 pairs doubled, which in my mind makes it possible to use 20 modules. If I have for example 3 or 4 distribution cabinets in my house, can I just put a sufficient power supply in each of them and link together the 0V?

And then a bit unrelated to Velbus, but I guess someone here might know:
Does anyone have any experience with dimming LED-lighting? I found this after some googling:
lumotech.com/sys/index.php?id=235&L=1
I think this should work with the dimmer module. Does anyone have other experiences? While I was dreaming a bit I was also thinking about color changing LED’s. Any ideas on how a possible controlling with the Velbus could make this happen?

2

Sorry, we do not have any Linux-experience.
Regarding the power supplies, you are correct, you can have power supplies in each cabinet with GND interconnected.
On our list of future modules, there is a 0-10V module, so led-dimmers that require 0-10V at the input will work with the Velbus.

3

If I choose to only connect only the GND, does the USB module draw power from the USB-bus? Or does it also require a power supply?

Any idea when new modules can be expected? Couple of months, years, …?

4

USB module also requires power, because it is galvanically separated from the bus, for safety reasons.
A timeframe for new modules has not been released yet.

5

That seperation is probably for the best for me :smiley:

Related to the dimmer: can you safely attach different types of lights (eg. halogen and regular bulb) to one dimmer as long as you stay under the power limit?

6

You can mix resistive with inductive or resistive with capacitive, but not inductive with capacitive loads…