I want to build a system based on the KC868-A16 board. Using the templates, I can program the outputs, but only in on/off mode.
I also want to use a number of dimmers (24Vdc PWM). That's why I thought I would do this via the RS485 bus and control a DMX controller. Unfortunately, I can't find anything about RS485 in the templates.
Is there more information or examples available about this?
if you want control your own DMX controller by RS485. two solutions:
1: you can download KCS firmware, set by IFTTT, send customize command by IFTTT.
2: write your own arduino source code for your requirements.
I think to design a system based on the attached drawing.
The server PI-5 will be used to run Home assistant.
1. Is this design correct ?
2. Can I do this using the Kincony bin-files ? ( I have no experience with esphome)
3. Is it possible that the different board communicate with each other directly over RS485 bus. ( for ex. input on one board can activate an output on another board without passing home assistant)
4. Is there a bin-file available for the KC868-AP board ?
5. Are demos available for these boards ?
The server PI-5 will be used to run Home assistant.
1. it's ok, just all products connect to same router by network cable.
2. sure, you can download KCS firmware.
3. you don't need to add RS485 cable. if all boards integrated to home assistant, they can communication with each other, they manager by home assistant. any controller's INPUT can trigger any controller's OUTPUT.
4. KC868-AP use by KCS v2 firmware, here is download link: https://www.kincony.com/forum/attachment.php?aid=8769
just KCS v3 can integrate to home assistant by mqtt auto discovery. KCS v2 need config mqtt yaml manually. Or you can download firmware by ESPHome yaml.
5. only need to download KCS firmware, then you can directly to use all boards.
As I understand from your answer, the different board can not communicate directly with each other over rs485 bus. They have to do it over the home assistant server.
So when the server is out of service for some reason,there is no connection between the different boards. This is a risk when an input on one board has to activate an output on another board it will not work when the home assistant server is not active.
Do you have demos from the Kincony templates for the different boards ?
if you want controller A's INPUT trigger controller B's OUTPUT, also can set by IFTTT via network, it can work without home assistant , not need to use RS485 bus. if you really want to use RS485, it's also ok. controller support multi protocol.
here is a demo video tour about it: https://youtu.be/UumHtpZiURY
