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FHZ1x000pc versus CUL+CUNO

Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 3:42 pm
by jrkalf
I've had a few e-mails with forumsmember Kroonen about the use of FHZ1000pc or FHZ1300pc versus the CUL device. And I'd like to share some of the insights he shared with me and some additional information (links) so you can make a proper device selection when you decide to implement a PC connection into your FS20 home automation.

FHZ1000pc / FHZ1300pc
The FHZ1000pc and FHZ1300pc are both products made by the german company ELV.
Both devices are ment to be interfaces to connect your computer to your FS20 based home automation devices.
There are two distinct differences between the devices.

FHZ1000pc
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The FHZ1000pc has a USB connection and must be connected to the computer to gain it's power. It does not have any stored memory and is in simple speaking terms just a receiver and transmitter (a modem).
It can be used to control FS20 devices, FHT 80b devices and HMS100 devices.

FHZ1300pc
The FHZ1300pc comes in 2 variants:
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1. FHZ1300pc, sold by Conrad. This is basicallly the FHZ1000pc rebranded to Conrad with updated hardware on the inside.
2. FHZ1300pc+WLAN, sold by both Conrad and ELV. This is a FHZ device with a CF-slot to fit a wlan module. You can buy this device in 2 options, both fitted or not fitted with the wlan module. This can be easy as the device can be externally powered and stored somewhere in your home and it does not have to be directly attached to your PC.

The difference between the FHZ1000pc and FHZ1300pc(+WLAN) is the documented option of the fhz1300pc(+WLAN) to use KS-series devices. KS-300 or KS-555 (Weather station devices).

CUL
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The CUL device is a product created by www.busware.de. This is a flexible transmitting and receiving device for the 868MHz or 433MHz band. This device can be programmed by uploading a firmware into it, and therefor allowing it to talk different protocols on the transceiving range.

Its sending and receiving ranges can be altered by attaching a different type of antenna. By default it comes supplied with a simple wire, but it can be replaced by a 1/4 (868MHz datasheet) or 1/2 (868Mhz datasheet) wave antenna. Note: They are also available in 433MHz variants.

The CUL device can do everything the FHZ1x00pc series can. And has some extra abilities as well. The device is capable of handling EM1000 series sensors as well. It seems to support ESA2000 protocols as well, but it's current state is unstable according to the writer of FHEM. FHEM is a linux based program for controling your home from a pc.

Forumsmember Kroonen also pointed me out that he was able to get s555th (datasheet) devices working on his CUL. In his case he used FHEM as Home Automation software on his server. This is a nice thing to know as these little s555th devices only cost € 7,99 per unit at Conrad.

CUNO
This device is basically the same as the CUL device, except for 3 major changes and a minor one.
minor change: The device comes with a different atmel chip, bigger and more powerful
Major changes:
  • It has the option for an onboard microSD slot
  • It has a network interface card so you can hook it up somewhere in your network. Not directly attached to your server.
  • It has an Onewire interface and the firmware has basic onewire support
Images: (click for very high-res imagery)
- Showing the MicroSD slot on the back fo the device (this isn't shown on the Busware.de site)
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- Showing the CUNO with a 1/4 antenna, a HF shield on the shipset, RJ45 connector, Mini USB and the Onewire connector in black.
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- Showing the CUNO partially assembled in it's gray cover. Top cover can be seen on the far left.
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A size comparison between the FHZ1000pc, CUNO and a SD card for size reference.
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Compatibility matrix
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Notes:

FS20, HMS, FHT, KS, WS, EM, ESA; What are you talking about?
These are different protocols and different device series. Some more information about the device specifics, including pictures and datasheets will follow in a separate forums posting.

Re: FHZ1x000pc versus CUL

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 10:02 am
by KidE
That CUL Looks definately nice and will give us more options for less money.

I looked around on http://www.busware.de and my eye fell on the CUR interface
This will be superseeded by CUNO shortly http://www.busware.de/tiki-index.php?page=CUNO

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As i understand is the CUNO the same as CUL only with an extra Ethernet + RS323 interface right?

Re: FHZ1x000pc versus CUL

Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 11:19 am
by wwolkers
the CUNO is a CUL, but not over USB but IP.
Also, it has 1-wire support

There is no serial on the CUNO

Re: FHZ1x000pc versus CUL

Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 12:31 am
by jrkalf
Made the topic sticky. Thanks for the added information about the CUNO.
As far as I've been able to gather information on the device it's indeed the same as a CUL. It doesn't have a individual brain, it has to be controlled by a pc in order to send / receive information. It's just the added bonus of locating it a bit further from the controlling pc by having a network interface.

It's not like you can upload a set of commands to the CUNO and then being able to shut down your pc. It's not a small home control computer, it's just an interface.

FS20 SU Micro Module

Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 3:25 pm
by jrkalf
My FHZ1000pc doesn't have an external antenna, and I can tell you it's pretty crappy. Although repositioning does help.

in your case, I'd contact Herr Rudolf Koenig about the CUL. I know the guys at www.busware.de do nothing on the firmware development part. The firmware I'm talking about is written by the same developer that develops FHEM. You can find information about the CUL/CUNO firmware over here: http://www.koeniglich.de/culfw/culfw.html
One thing he doesn't note in the support options (but it's noted in a google groups discussion) is that the firmware also supports ESA2000 productrange support for CUL devices of the 3.0 or higher productrange.

CUNO = a CUL with a (N)ic and (O)ne-wire support. hence CUNO :)

FS20 SU Micro Module

Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 3:52 pm
by richard naninck
Sounds nice. I really need the output to be the same. The FHZ protocol is hard to understand. Not talking about the hex data produced by it, but the buffering in time etc especially on the FHT part. If that is different on the CUL, I have to start over again and I wouldn't be surprised if it is going to be different. Anyways, now you can provide the necessary data on ranges between CUL and FHZ1000PC and I really like to hear if there are any differences.

Re: FHZ1x000pc versus CUL+CUNO

Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:56 am
by Kroonen
The CUL receives the same data as the FHZ1X00. the CUL supports as more extra devices, like the em1010 devices, HMS devices, RM100 (smokedetectors) etc.

Defautl the cheapest cul with wire antenna, is the range about the same as the FHZ1X00

Re: FHZ1x000pc versus CUL+CUNO

Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:02 am
by jrkalf
Thanks. Points me to my todo list: FHZ / CUL / CUNO support for devices table.

--- EDIT ---
List updated. Please fill me in on any changes that need to be made after having verified it your self.

Re: FHZ1x000pc versus CUL+CUNO

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:52 pm
by jrkalf
Added Cuno Section. with clickable images.