Connected controller

Description

The connected controller is the central module of every Niko Home Control installation. It covers all basic functions on which a Niko Home Control installation is built. The basic functions include:

• The intelligence directing the Niko Home Control installation. Through the programming software, the logic is saved locally on the controller.
• The power supply module providing an input voltage of 26 V to the bus, the cabinet modules and the controls. Depending on the size of the installation, separate power supply modules can be added. For more information on the required number of power supplies, see Additional power supply unit .
• The connection to Niko Home Control IP devices such as touchscreens and/or external video units. A built-in router allows the user to connect up to three devices directly to the controller. With an extra switch, this number can be increased.
• The connection to the home network and the internet. This enables the user to control the installation both indoors and outdoors (via mobile networks such as 3G, 4G, GPRS or WiFi hotspot) using mobile devices (smartphones and tablets with iOS or Android). It also ensures that you can use the Niko Home Control User settings software on PC/Mac and on the eponymous app on mobile devices.

Overview 

Operation

The module includes a TEST button to verify the proper functioning and status of all other modules. Using the PROG button you can carry out temporary basic programming, without a computer.The SERVICE button allows you to perform waiting upgrades.

After registration on the registration page https://mynikohomecontrol.niko.eu, your installation is "connected", enabling remote control, and you can enjoy the Niko services for upgrade or diagnosis of the installation.

Installation

Wiring diagram

Mounting  instructions

Each installation must consist of one connected controller. Follow the steps below to mount the connected controller:

    • Ensure that the installation is disconnected from the mains.

1    Click the controller onto the DIN-rail, ideally at the bottom left in the Niko Home Control part of the electrical cabinet.

2    Mount the other modules onto the rail, from left to right. Do not place any dimming modules close next to, above or below the controller. When there is no room left on the rail or the maximum number of 12 devices per rail has been reached, you simply continue on the rail above. Each following rail must start at the left with a rail coupler or an extra power supply if required (see Additional power supply unit ).

3    Connect the connected controller with the module, placed next to it by sliding the sliding contact of the controller to the right until it clicks. This will ensure that the bus and the power supply voltage are connected.

4    Connect the network cable to the WAN port of the connected controller and connect it with the internet modem or router of the resident. Use a shielded network cable, preferably a STP network cable, and keep it separate from 230 V cables to avoid crosstalk. Run the network cable alongside the SELV cables, for instance. The resident must ensure that the network is secure.

5    Connect the Niko Home Control IP devices of the installation such as the touchscreens and/or external video units to the other three ports. If you have to connect more than three IP devices, you can use an Ethernet switch (no router!).

6    Connect the L phase wire and the N neutral wire to the L and N screw terminals respectively and switch on the mains supply.

Remember to give the resident the information listed on the sticker or to place the sticker in a clearly visible location on the connected controller or inside the electrical cabinet. The sticker includes the MAC address and serial number (SN) of the connected controller. The resident needs this information to register the installation via https://mynikohomecontrol.niko.eu.

Power  supply dimensioning

Depending on the size and the structure of the installation, up to two extra power supplies can be installed to complement the built-in power supply in the connected controller. As a general rule to determine whether an extra power supply is necessary, the following quick check can be used: the power supply built into the controller can handle up to 24 cabinet modules and 70 operating elements (of which 20 with indication LED). For larger installations, consult the point calculation, see Additional power supply unit . Each control and module consumes a specific amount of energy. This consumption is expressed in points. An extra power supply is necessary as of 800 points

Check the status of the installation

Using the indication LEDs on the controller

If the Niko Home Control installation functions normally, only the SERVER LED is illuminated on the connected controller. The remaining LEDs are not lit, to help save energy.

If an error occurs, simply switch the installation to TEST mode to check the status of the modules. First press the TEST button on the controller to switch the installation to TEST mode. The STATUS LEDS indicate the status of each module and each output. The TEST mode remains active for two minutes.

On the controller are three LEDS providing more information on the controller and the installation:

Using the diagnostics page

Compared to installations with a conventional controller of 2U, the advantage of installations with a connected controller is that they can be monitored in detail with the diagnostics page. You can consult it via the programming software.

The diagnostics page is a valuable tool for the installer to detect errors. After all, it allows to quickly analyse the proper functioning and the set-up of the installation. For example, you can monitor the bus communication live and check which controls and/or modules have not yet been configured on the bus.

Programming the installation manually

A number of basic functions can be temporarily programmed manually. It can be useful to test the installation or to test or control the lighting and the roller blinds while the home is still under construction. After programming with the computer, it is no longer possible to manually program the installation as it might delete or overwrite the saved programming.

Follow the steps below to manually program the installation:

1    Connect the installation to the mains power supply.

2    Press the TEST button and verify that the STATUS LED of each module lights up.

3    Press the PROG button briefly.

The PROG LED lights up and the controller is in manual PROGRAM mode.

Manual programming is only possible if no programming was saved to the controller. If this is the case, nothing will happen and the PROGRAM LED will not light up.

4    Press on the button of the contact on the module you want to assign to an action button (e.g. a push button or thermostat). For example, press button one or button two on the dimming module.

5    Press the action button to which you will assign this contact.

This only applies to Niko Home Control action buttons. A potential-free push button connected via the push- button interface cannot be programmed manually.

6    Press the PROG button briefly.

The PROG LED is no longer lit and the controller exits the manual PROGRAM mode.

7    Repeat steps 3 to 6 for each function you wish to program.

• The manually programmed outputs will be overwritten once you start programming the installation via computer.
• As soon as the installation has been programmed via computer, you can no longer program the installation manually.
• If you manually operate outputs via the buttons on the modules, the controller may modify your input at any time.

Programming the installation

Program the installation with the most recent version of the programming software (available on www.niko.eu). Only once the programming has been completed, it can be loaded to the connected controller. If the installation is expanded and additional modules are added, you will need to reprogram the installation.

Follow the steps below to program the installation:

1    Connect the installation to the mains power supply.

2    Press the TEST button and verify that the STATUS LED of each module lights up. This way you are ensured that all sliding controls between the modules were slid closed properly.

3    Connect the computer to the installation:

• If a router is already present for the home network, you can:
  • connect the computer with a free port to the router.
  • if it is a WiFi router, connect the computer with the installation wirelessly. This gives the advantage that you can walk around the home during the addressing of the inputs. To upload the programming to the installation, we recommend using a wired connection with a free port on the router as such a connection is more reliable than a WiFi connection.
• If a router is not yet present, you can connect your computer directly to the WAN gateway of the connected controller. As an IP address is assigned automatically with this connection, it can take up to 2 minutes before the connection with the connected controller is realized.

4    Start up the programming software and open your installation project.

5    Select "Realisation" from the menu bar and follow the on-screen instructions until all the steps of the programming process are completed.

6    Disconnect the computer from the installation.

      All programmed outputs are now stored in the controller. At any time this programming can be read on the controller. Create a back-up on your computer and provide the resident with a copy.

Remove  programming

Use this function only if you wish to remove the programming completely from the controller (e.g. for training purposes or to debug a defective controller). After deletion, the controller can be manually programmed again.

To remove the saved programming:

1    Press the PROG button for 4 seconds.

While holding down, the PROGRAM LED will remain off for the first 2 seconds, then flash 2 seconds and then switch off again once the deletion has completed.

2    Release the PROG button.

Internet connection specifications

The connected controller is connected to the resident’s home network via the WAN port. An IP address will be assigned to the connected controller by the network router. Via this connection, the controller communicates with Niko Home Control software, such as the user settings software or the energy software (to consult consumption or production data).

    This port is a DHCP client and will therefore not assign IP addresses to other IP devices.

The router settings needed to establish this connection, correspond with the standard settings of new WiFi router:

• for DNS access outgoing port 53 must be opened
• for data traffic outgoing ports 80, 443 and 22 must be opened
• for (S)NTP outgoing port 123 must be opened.

Register the installation

Have the MAC address and serial number (SN) of the connected controller ready (this data is printed on the controller and can also be found on the included sticker). Surf to https://mynikohomecontrol.niko.eu and register your installation using this MAC address and serial number. Enter the data of the customer or ask him to fill it out.

If you have chosen this on the registration page, the installation can now be controlled remotely (with exception of access control) and is now also accessible for upgrades and interventions of Niko customer service.

Technical data

• equipped with a permanent memory for storage of the programming
• the saved programming can be read at any time
• dimensions: DIN 6U
• sliding contact to connect the module to the following module on the DIN rail
• input voltage: 230 Vac ± 10%, 50 Hz
• output voltage: 26 Vdc, 400 mA (SELV, safety extra-low voltage)
• 1 RJ45 port for connection to the home network and/or internet
• 3 RJ45 ports for the Niko Home Control network (connection IP devices such as touchscreens, external video units or Ethernet switch which groups them)
• 4 plug-in terminals at the top to connect the module with the rail coupler on the next DIN rail
• 4 plug-in terminals to provide the module with 230Vac power supply voltage; daisy-chained if necessary
• CE marked
• ambient temperature: 0 - 45°C
• protected against short-circuit, overvoltage and overheating