System and Installation Requirements
Check what you need to correctly install and run your boneIO controller, including wiring topology and recommended components.
Before you proceed with the installation, please review the list of requirements below. This will ensure a smooth setup process for your boneIO controller and allow you to use all of its features. Most importantly, remember that your controller works immediately after connecting the power, even without a network connection!
1. Electrical Requirements
This is the most critical section, essential for the safety and proper operation of the device.
- Power Supply: A stabilized DC voltage of 12V (Dimmer only) or 24V DC (check the exact value in your model's specification). The power supply should have sufficient current capacity.
- Mounting Location: A dry space, protected from moisture, most commonly a DIN rail within an electrical cabinet (distribution board).
Wiring Topology
A correct wiring layout is the foundation of a stable system.
- Power Installation (230V/110V): The power circuits for loads (e.g., lighting, controlled outlets) must be laid out in a star topology. This means each circuit is run as a separate cable directly from the electrical cabinet to the endpoint.
- Input Installation (Switches/Sensors): The signal cables for the inputs must also be laid out in a star topology. Each switch or sensor should be connected with a separate cable back to the electrical cabinet.
- Recommended Cable for Inputs: We recommend using twisted-pair cable (e.g., Cat 5e or Cat 6) to connect your switches and sensors. The controller's inputs operate on safe, low voltage.
- Modbus RTU Installation: If you plan to connect devices via Modbus, the wiring for this connection must be laid out in a bus topology (daisy-chain).
- Separation from Power Cables (Avoiding Interference): To ensure error-free communication and system stability, strictly avoid running signal wires (Modbus, buttons, sensors) parallel to 230V power cables.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 30 cm when running them in parallel.
- If the cable paths must cross, do so only at a right angle (90°).
Recommended Switches (Push-Buttons)
For controlling lights and other functions, we strongly recommend using momentary (monostable or bell-press) switches.
Why? Only this type of switch allows you to take full advantage of the boneIO software's capabilities and enables multi-click functionality. The controller can then differentiate between various types of presses, which opens the door to advanced automations:
- Single-click: Standard on/off for a light.
- Double-click: Trigger a lighting scene, e.g., "movie mode" (30% brightness).
- Long-press: Smoothly dim the light up or down (for Dimmer modules) or trigger any other custom automation.
Using traditional bistable (latching ON/OFF) switches is technically possible, but it limits control to the basic on/off function and makes multi-click actions completely impossible.
IMPORTANT: PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION REQUIRED
In accordance with applicable regulations and to ensure complete safety, all activities related to the electrical installation must be performed exclusively by a qualified electrician holding the appropriate certifications.