A Technical Overview

December 21, 2023

Automating Shutter Controls with Centronic USB Stick V2: A Technical Overview

Are you tired of manually operating your shutters every day? Say goodbye to the hassle of manual control and welcome the era of automation with the Centronic USB Stick V2. In this article, we will explore the features and functionalities of this innovative device, the installation process, programming instructions, troubleshooting tips, and real-world use cases. Let’s dive in!

Features and Functionality

The Centronic USB Stick V2 is specifically designed to automate “Becker Antriebe” shutters, also known as CC31/CC51. With this USB stick, you can send command codes to CC11/CC51 compatible receivers, allowing you to control your shutters effortlessly. Whether you want to move the shutters up, down, halt them, or set intermediate positions like sun protection, the Centronic USB Stick V2 enables seamless control with just a few simple commands.

The key features of this automation solution include:

Support for UP, UP2, DOWN, DOWN2, HALT, DOWN:, UP:, CLEARPOS, TRAIN, and REMOVE commands
Compatibility with up to 5 units and 7 channels
Database for storing codes, increments, and configuration details
Flexible channel selection for multi-channel configurations
Troubleshooting tools for manual adjustment of settings

Installation

Getting started with the Centronic USB Stick V2 is easy. Simply run the provided install.sh script, and it will handle the installation of all necessary dependencies. The installer also configures sudo to allow FHEM (a popular home automation platform) to execute the centronic-stick.py script.

For those who are familiar with the installation routine, here are the steps required:

Install Python3 pip.
Install the Python3 module pyserial using pip.
Add the “fhem” user to the sudoers file to allow the execution of centronic-stick.py from the FHEM website.

Programming Receivers

To make the receivers listen to the Centronic USB Stick, you need to program them using the “master sender.” The master sender can be either a wall-mounted transmitter or a remote. Here’s how you can program additional senders:

Press and hold the programming button on the MASTER SENDER for approximately 3 seconds. The receiver should confirm with a single “Klack” noise.
Run the following command to TRAIN the receiver:

./centronic-stick.py --send TRAIN --channel 1

Repeat these steps for all the receivers, using different channels (e.g., --channel 2, --channel 3, and so on).

Congratulations! You have successfully paired the Centronic Stick with your shutters.

Real-World Use Cases

The Centronic USB Stick V2 offers a wide range of applications in various scenarios. Let’s explore some real-world use cases to understand its versatility:

Smart Homes: With the Centronic USB Stick V2, you can integrate your shutters into a smart home system, enabling seamless control through voice commands, schedules, or remote access via mobile apps.
Energy Efficiency: Automating your shutters allows you to optimize energy consumption by adjusting the position based on sunlight, temperature, or occupancy. This helps in reducing heating and cooling costs.
Home Security: By automating your shutters, you can give an impression of an occupied house even when you are away, enhancing the security of your home against potential break-ins.
Comfort and Convenience: Control your shutters with a single command, adjust them to your preferred positions, and create personalized settings for different rooms to enhance your comfort and convenience.

Troubleshooting and Database Output

In case you encounter any issues or need to manually adjust settings, the Centronic USB Stick V2 provides troubleshooting tools and a database file called centronic-stick.db. The database stores incremental numbers for configured units. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Use the --mod "<unit>:<increment>:<configured>" argument carefully to set the unit properties manually.
Refer to the TECHNICAL.md document for further technical details and advanced troubleshooting guidance.

Below is an example output of the sqlite3 database showing the code, increment, and last run details:

code increment configured last run 1737b 825 1 2020-04-01 17:26 1737c 0 0 (unknown) 1737d 0 0 (unknown) 1737e 0 0 (unknown) 1737f 0 0 (unknown)

Conclusion and Future Developments

The Centronic USB Stick V2 empowers you to automate and control your shutters with ease. Its user-friendly interface, extensive functionality, and compatibility with popular home automation platforms make it a valuable addition to any smart home setup. The Centronic team is constantly working on improving the product and adding new features.

In the near future, you can expect:

Extended compatibility with other home automation technologies and platforms.
Enhanced security features to protect against unauthorized access.
Integration with voice assistants for seamless voice control.

Customer Feedback

Here’s what customers are saying about the Centronic USB Stick V2:

“The Centronic USB Stick V2 has transformed the way I control my shutters. It’s so convenient!”
“I have automated my entire home using the Centronic USB Stick V2, and it’s been a game-changer.”
“The troubleshooting tools provided with the stick made it easy for me to fine-tune the settings.”

In conclusion, the Centronic USB Stick V2 is a versatile, user-friendly, and reliable solution for automating “Becker Antriebe” shutters. Whether you want to optimize energy consumption, enhance home security, or simply make your life more comfortable, this technology has got you covered. So why wait? Upgrade your home with the Centronic USB Stick V2 and experience the future of shutter automation!

Image source: None

Group Sum