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This section looks at the answers to common technical questions, and considers some of the decisions that were made when designing the PMBACS Control System. Contents
Distributed Control:
Why is distributed control better than centralised control? Distributed control takes all of the smaller operations or functions and spreads them around in lots of little self contained control modules. Centralised control puts all that work into one big box which is usually placed at the center of the building in an attempt to minimise wiring. People who work with big systems like computer networks servers and mainframes generally promote centralised control systems, while people familiar with embedded and dedicated control systems lean towards the distributed system. There are many arguments for and against each structure. Centralised - for: Centralised - against: Distributed - for: Distributed - against:
Lower Cost Starter Option:
How can we do it for such a low price? It's quite simple. We are installing the full wiring system but installing low cost control equipment. This allows for progressive upgrades towards the full-blown system to be installed as resources and time permit. In the mean-time it provides all the function of a traditional electrical installation and even some advanced features that are only possible with much more costly control systems. We have designed the PMBASC Control System in such a way that we can connect very simple and low cost devices to the data wiring to provide the same operation as the traditional electrical installation being offered by most electricians. Note; we are not putting 230V mains power on the data wiring. We're installing a low cost version of the control system. All the wiring is included, but a minimum of control equipment is being installed. Much of the cost of the full system is in the equipment, installation and configuration, all of which we are minimising or eliminating. We are offering this option because: Typically, for a new home, this option costing $12,000 to $15,000 will provide the same or more initially than a traditional electrical installation cosing $10,000 to $14,000.
Wiring Structure:
What's wrong with power line and radio based systems, aren't they cheaper and easier to install? The PMBACS is a hard-wired system. This means that communications between various parts of the system is over dedicated installed wiring. The disadvantage is that the wiring costs money and must be installed inside the walls etc of the building. The other options were Power-Line-Carrier (PLC) and Radio (RF). These were both considered very carefully before being discounted due mainly to their susseptibility to outside interference. PLC and RF based systems are easier to install in an existing home, and can be in a home under construction. PLC and RF systems are not really cheaper because they contain more complex technology in an attempt to improve reliability. PLC is the system used by X10, mainly in the USA. The problem with PLC is that the mains is a very noisy environment over which to communicate. It can be compared to trying to have a conversation in a crowded railway station at rush hour with the other person standing 20 feet away. As we add more technology to our homes that plugs into the mains we are making the situation even worse. So, PLC is out. RF is similar to PLC in that the environment is rapidly becomming more crowded and noisy. We're adding toys and gadgets that use radio controls, and some that just make a lot of radio interference. Some people will remenber how the garage door opener used to work from the end of the street, and now it sometimes works from one car length away from the door. This is mostly caused by an increased level of RF interference. A common argument is that the equipment is getting better, so is able to cope with and overcome the noise. My answer is that the noise is growing at the same rate or faster than that at which the equipment is improving. The net result is still a loss. So, RF is out. This leaves hard wired as the most reliable and cost effective for the function provided. RF is still used for non critical remote control functions such as alarm set/unset and garage door control. How does the wiring differ from traditional wiring structures? Traditional wiring consists mostly of mains wiring, with a few telephone and TV cables. The PMBACS wiring structure divides the building into areas. Each area has a Distribution Control-Hub. Each control-hub manages and distributes power within its area. Considering a light circuit: The advantages of the PMBACS system are that: Control-Hubs are generally placed at the center of each area. This can vary due to the design and layout of the building. They can be placed in cupboards, wardrobes or in ceiling spaces. When located in cupboards etc. they are flush mounted. All control data wiring as well as phone, computer network and entertainment wiring runs from a central Master Distribution Point. This is normally located in the center of the building with the distribution board. Often in a large cupboard or a store-room.
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