Devices and installation

Q : Where can I buy PLCBus devices for my home?

A : You can buy PLCBus devices from any distributor, since they are all compatible. You may want to check this list  for more information.

Q : How do I install my PLCBus devices?

A : There is no easy answer for this. Our recommendation is that you follow the instructions included with your devices. However, the installation of most devices is similar. We'll include some guidelines in this site in the near future.

Q : I have a 3-phase installation. Does this have any impact?

A : Yes, because you will need a phase-coupler (for instance, PLCBus 4825). The installation is quite simple. Also, you need to configure HomePlanner for 3-phase installation, so that it can properly communicate with the coupler.

Q : How many devices can I install?

B : The PLCBus protocol supports up to 256 devices per house. HomePlanner poses no limitation on this regard.

Security and authentication

Q : Can I secure my HomePlanner installation with a password?

A : Yes, starting from version 3.1.6, HomePlanner allows you to define any number of usernames and passwords to secure your installation. Authentication uses the HTTP Digest Authentication , which never exposes your passwords as plain text, and is a standard described in RFC 2617 .

Q : What's the default username/password for HomePlanner installations?

A : Upon installation, HomePlanner creates a user named "admin" with password "admin". It is strongly recommended that you change this user's password and/or create other users to secure your installation.

Q : I'm tired of being prompted for a username/password. Can I disable authentication?

A : Yes, but this is not recommended, specially if your installation is accessible from the Internet. If you don't want to be prompted every time you log in, choose "Save password" in your browser. You can also disable authentication for "local" (trusted) networks. See next question.

Q : Can I disable authentication for local or trusted networks?

A : Yes, you can specify any number of networks to be considered "local". Connections done from those networks will hve full access without the need for a username or password.

Licensing

Q : Is HomePlanner really free?

A : Yes. You can use it for free on any number of computers, although you have to register your copies so that we can keep track, and keep you up-to date. You don't have to pay, and we don't even accept donations at this time.