Where to buy

PLCBus devices are small pieces of hardware that allow you to connect your lights and appliances to the PLCBus network. Once connected through a PLCBus device, any light or appliance can be monitored and controlled locally (just as you are used to) or remotely, via HomePlanner. PLCBus devices must be bought through your local PLCBus supplier. This site has no relation whatsoever with PLCBus vendors, but a small listing of PLCBus distributors is given below: . European distributor of PLCBus devices and other security, weather monitoring and automation products.   ElekHomica  (http://www.elekhomica.com). This is a European distributor of PLCBus hardware and software, carrying the whole product range for G-type plug countries.   MKTi - Domotica & Iluminação  (http://www.mkti.pt).This is a European distributor of PLCBus hardware and software for Portugal and Spain, with an extensive product line in home automation and electric components. Automation at home (http://x10-hk.com/ ). This is a UK distributor of PLCBus products. X-Tend casas inteligentes (http://www.xtend.com.ar ). This is an Argentinean distributor which covers Latin America, and also performs installation and integration. Future Homes (http://www.futurehomes.com.sg ). A distributor based in Singapore. SmartHome Greece (http://www.smarthome.gr ). A Greek distributor of PLCBus products. Also you may just use Google  to search for PLCBus and find distributors in your area.

Device types

Overall, there are several types of devices you may find in the market. The principles behind them are all the same, therefore they are all compatible with HomePlanner: Dimmer devices . These are used to control only lights. They can not only turn lights on and off, but also change the intensity of the light (they can "dim"). There are single and double versions. In the double versions, you can control two different sets of lights with a single device. Appliance devices . These are devices that can swith anything on and off, including not only lights but also motors, valves, heating systems, cofee machines, fans, etc. Curtain controllers . The name says it all, doesn't it? Scene controllers . These devices allow you to transmit commands (macros, etc.) with the press of a button. You can configure HomePlanner to intercept these commands and perform more complex tasks. Remote controllers . These are generally RF keychain controllers, or TV-like remotes. They can be used to transmit commands to the PLCBus network. HomePlanner can be configured to intercept these commands and perform more complex tasks.

The PC Interface

In order to allow HomePlanner to connect to the PLCBus network, you need to install a PLCBus interface in your PC, such as PLCBus 1141 . This interface plugs to your PC's USB socket, and also to any electrical socket. It will generate a COM port on your PC, which HomePlanner will use to transmit and receive data to the the PLCBus network. Windows certified drivers for the PLCBus 1141 can be found here .

3-phase installations

If you have a 3-phase installation, you will need a phase-coupler (for instance, PLCBus 4825) that bridges the signals from each phase to the others. The installation is quite simple. Also, you need to configure HomePlanner for 3-phase installation, so that it can properly communicate with the coupler.