Frequently Asked Questions and Basic Information

Always use a shielded cable of at least 2 x 1 mm².
The EIB cable is recommended — twist 2 x 2 strands together to meet the required section of 1 mm². Twist the white and black wires together, and the red and yellow wires together.

Maximum bus lengths:

• Closed loop: 400 m (recommended)
• Star or tree structure: 100 m
• Branches from the main line: maximum 30 m

There is no polarity for the bus connections.
The controller has multiple physical bus connections, allowing you to run multiple loops for larger projects. 

Specifications:

• No polarity
• Free topology (star, loop, tree, combination)
• Bidirectional and simultaneous communication
• Power bus principle → high disturbance insensitivity

Requirements:

• Shielded cable 2 x 1 mm²
• Maximum distance between controller and furthest module:
  • Closed loop: 200 m (400 m total loop length)
  • Star or tree structure: 100 m
  • Branch (extension): max. 30 m

In case of poor communication: use an RC circuit.

Each Qbus module or bus participant has a unique serial number on the packaging and on the product itself.
This serial number is necessary for configuration in System Manager III.

Tip: Document all serial numbers of the modules before you start with Qbus programming.
These numbers must be entered into System Manager III during the configuration process.

Provide a separate C6A fuse for the controller.
The CTD is powered by a stabilized power supply of 18VDC / 3A.
Use the power supply CTDPWS/DIN, which comes standard with the CTD.

For the initial configuration, you can connect your PC directly to the controller via a network cable.
The CTD does not support wireless connections.

If you want to operate the controller online or program it via the local network, temporarily or permanently connect it to the project's router or switch.

For more technical information, visit https://www.qbus.be/en/catalog/ctdx#technical-info

All CTD controllers have a built-in annual calendar with the daily sunrise and sunset times. To use this, it is sufficient to assign a bistable output via the setup screen and select the location closest to the installation.

!! After you send the changes via the Red upload arrow, it is important to restart the CTD once to load the current times !!!

If Err.255 appears during the programming or verification of a module, this can have several causes:

First, verify whether the serial number was correctly entered as shown on the sticker on the module or its packaging. A serial number always consists of 6 digits or 10 hexadecimal characters (e.g., 0006B01ADE), with the first 4 determining the module type.

Conduct a test through “Utilities/Communication Check”. Enter the last 6 digits of the serial number here and click on “Start Module Test”. If communication with this module is perfect, you should see a nice flat line at 100%. If you see a flat low line, there is no communication. If the line is pulsed, communication is poor. Check whether the bus voltage (+/- 14V) is still correctly reaching the module or check the wiring. Try communicating with the module directly at the controller with 2 short bus wires (without any other connected module) before returning it via our RMA procedure.

Several modules can transmit their serial number:

• All SWC variants can be searched via “File/Modules/Search for modules”. After clicking “Start search”, all connected switches will blink blue. Pressing any key on the switch will transmit its serial number.
• All modules with a 10-character serial number can be read via “Utilities/Communication Check” if 1 and only 1 module of this new type is connected to the bus, by entering “FFFFFF” as a serial number.

The Ethernet connection depends on many factors. First and foremost, it should be verified whether communication on the local network (LAN) is still functioning perfectly. When the left status LED on the Ethernet connector lights up green, it indicates a good physical connection with a switch or router. The right LED will blink green upon data reception.

When the Ethernet interface is set to "AutoIP", it will only request (from a DHCP server) an IP address at the startup of the controller when the cable is already plugged in. Therefore, in the event of a complete power failure, it might happen that the controller starts up faster than the DHCP server (usually built into the router/modem). As a result, the controller may not have obtained an IP address and will need to be restarted. In the SMIII, the assigned IP address can be looked up via Utilities/Setup/Connection/TCP/IP Settings.

You can also configure the Ethernet interface with a fixed IP address. To establish a connection with the Cloud, a correctly configured Gateway and DNS are necessary. Ensure that the set IP address is chosen in the correct subnet, as connecting the controller to a different subnet may render it inaccessible.

Using the command prompt, you can now verify if the communication is running perfectly. For example: "PING 192.168.0.101 -t". If no timeout occurs after 1 minute, you have a perfect physical connection.

If the above rules are followed and no special firewall is present, the connection to the Cloud should also be in perfect order. If a Firewall is active, it is essential that all TCP communication via Port 80 to the Cloud is allowed.

This is a completely different procedure depending on the type of controller.

• For the CTD controllers this goes as follows:

In the SMIII via "File" or "Utilities / Setup / SD card", click on "Recover QDB from SD".

After confirmation you choose the name and location where the file should be saved. The zipped QDB file is then read from the SD card of the CTD and saved. With a positive answer to the question "Unzip and open restored QDB?", All data will then be immediately available. If the data you were still working on was not sent or saved, you will first receive a notification to do so.

• For a CTL controller follow the following procedure:

Because this controller does not yet have a large memory, only limited data can be recovered. Ao the names are abbreviated to 12 characters and serial numbers are not stored anywhere.

The first step is therefore to type in ALL serial numbers via SMII via "File / Modules". These 6-digit serial numbers can be found on every module (DIN rail, switch, detector, etc.). For the SWC0x switches, an extra option was provided to have them send their serial number via “Search for modules”.

When you then click on the "down arrow", you can read all this limited information.

It is always recommended to use the most recent version. This version supports the newest modules and resolves all known bugs.

If, for example, you enter a serial number and the correct module information does not appear, you are likely not working with the most recent software.

A newer version will always be able to open the older files (.QDB) without data loss.

The latest version of the System Manager software, along with the user manual and version history, can be found in the knowledge center.

With Luqas, you save in various ways:

1. Autoconsumption: Luqas ensures that the generated energy is effectively consumed or stored in the home. Storing can be achieved, for example, by raising the temperature of the warm water tank of the heat pump or the boiler.
2. Peak-shaving: Due to the new electricity bill calculation, you are penalized if you operate too many devices simultaneously, causing peaks in electricity consumption. 1 kWh costs you 45 euros annually excluding VAT. Luqas will avoid your peaks by automatically slowing down the electric car's charging and by reducing the output of the heat pump or boilers when you consume too much. And if that's not enough, Luqas will send you a message* if you're close to exceeding your peak consumption, so you can intervene if desired.
3. Reduced consumption through awareness: by receiving messages on excessive consumption, by limiting your energy consumption via the Energy Slider, by receiving energy insights with personalized tips, and by using smart charging modes, you become aware of your energy consumption and are able to control it more effectively.

*Only with Luqas Control or Luqas Dynamic Control subscription.

The amount you save depends on the major consumers in your home. If you don't have a heat pump or charging station, savings are only based on avoiding peak loads (peak-shaving). If you also have a heat pump and charging station, in addition to peak-shaving, you can save by using self-generated energy (auto-consumption) instead of selling it back to the grid at a price much lower than the price at which you buy energy.

* Calculated at €55/kW (incl. VAT) and a decrease in peak consumption of 5kW (scenario 1), 11kW (scenario 2), and 16kW (scenario 3).​​​​​​​

** Calculated with a 15% increase in self-consumption for a heat pump, 8% for a charging station, and 18% for a heat pump and charging station. The energy price is €0.30/kWh = €0.34/kWh (consumption) - €0.04/kWh (feed-in tariff) (VREG - March 2025).​​​​​​​

*** Calculated with a total cost of €900 for Luqas with installation including VAT.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Thanks to the subscription model Luqas Dynamic Control, you can smartly manage your energy using dynamic rates. Luqas anticipates favorable energy prices and enables optimal energy management by considering predicted consumption behavior, weather forecasts, and future prices, all to find the best balance between cost and comfort.

Yes, after setting up the Luqas wizard, it is possible to make changes to the configuration. The installer has the ability to make remote adjustments via the Luqas wizard. This can be done by:

In the Qbus Control application, clicking on "settings" on the device and then scrolling all the way down.

Under "Configuration," you have two options to provide the installer with access to the Luqas wizard:

• The installer can scan the QR code to gain direct access to the wizard.
• You can forward a link to the installer's email address. This link is valid for 12 hours.

After 12 hours, the link expires and a new link must be sent. Currently, this feature is only available on the Qbus Control app.

Luqas can be installed in any home with a digital meter. After activating the P1 port, the Luqas module can measure all energy flows. 

Activate the P1 port of your digital meter via the following link: https://www.fluvius.be/nl/meters-en-meterstanden/digitale-meter/maak-je-meter-slim

Tip: As an installer, you have the option to activate the P1 port for the customer. You can create a professional account on the Fluvius website and submit a request to activate the customer's port. The customer must then confirm this request.

As an alternative to the digital meter with P1 port, the module can also control based on a Modbus kWh meter.

LAN adapter module required (version BRP069A61)

This list is not exhaustive. Other Smart Grid-ready heat pumps can be found at https://www.waermepumpe.de/normen-technik/sg-ready-datenbank/.

Discover all compatible charging station brands here.

LAN adapter module required (version BRP069A61)

This list is not exhaustive. Other Smart Grid-ready heat pumps can be found at https://www.waermepumpe.de/normen-technik/sg-ready-datenbank/.

Discover all compatible heat pump brands, Smart Grid and single PV contact here.

What is a charging profile?

Create your own personal charging profile for energy-efficient and automatic car charging.

Set your individual preferences and charge your vehicle in an ecological and cost-efficient way, without even needing to open the app. How does it work?

Simply: your vehicle is charged with a preset number of kilometers within a certain timeframe, perfectly tailored to your specific needs. The charged energy is determined as efficiently as possible based on two crucial factors:

• The set energy slider​
• The set rate: single, dual, or dynamic rate​

When you connect your vehicle to the charging station, it automatically selects your unique charging profile and starts charging immediately according to your preferences. You can easily change your charging profile via a notification on your smartphone.

Curious about how to create a charging profile? Watch the video below:

To operate your Luqas module, you can choose from 3 subscription plans. These subscriptions give you more control over your energy management.

- Luqas View

- Luqas Control

- Luqas Dynamic Control

Luqas View

Luqas View is the free subscription included with the purchase of the Luqas module.

Luqas View combines the Luqas module with the View app and offers users the following basic features:

• Real-time visual tracking of energy consumption and usage.
• Monitoring the status of connected devices such as heat pumps, heat pump boilers, and chargers.
• Detailed consumption data over 24 hours, 7 days, and 30 days.
• Consumption settings via the energy slider.
• Automatic control of up to two charging points.

With Luqas View, the user has basic control over their energy. Thanks to the energy slider, you can easily control your large consumers automatically and thus keep your energy consumption under control.

Luqas Control

Luqas Control is a paid subscription that combines the Luqas module with the Qbus Control App. In addition to the basic features, this subscription offers extra advanced features for additional savings such as:

• 3 new charging modes: Auto, Sun Only, and Manual
• Dynamic control of two charging points.
• Manual settings for the heat pump.
• Push notifications on peak consumption or high injection.
• Monthly energy insights with personal tips.
• Forecasting for peak consumption, enabling timely intervention.

Luqas Control enables users to practice extensive control over their energy. This allows you to save more on your energy bill. Automatically control your large consumers and intervene manually. Set up your own day and night schedule. Combined with notifications and personalized energy insights, the user has full control over their energy.

Upon purchasing the Luqas module, a free trial period of Luqas Control for 6 months is included. After this period, you can purchase Luqas Control as a lifetime subscription for €179.99 (incl. VAT) or renew annually for only €29.99 (incl. VAT).

Luqas Dynamic Control

Luqas Dynamic Control is an upgrade of the Luqas Control subscription. In addition to the Luqas Control subscription, you get additional functionalities to meet your personal energy needs:

• Dynamic rate regulation based on your energy consumption.
• Weather forecast for optimized energy management.
• Prediction of your energy consumption for optimal energy management.

The Luqas Dynamic Control subscription is available for €49.99 per year (including VAT), only available in combination with the Luqas Control App subscription.

What intelligent charging modes are available?

Three intelligent charging modes are available:

• Manual
• Sun Only
• Automatic

With these three new charging modes, we offer a personalized and efficient charging process that makes charging the car even more intuitive:

Manual

The end user has full control over the charging power and can determine how much power is charged. Charge the car at a constant rate up to 100% or disconnect it at any time. Choose full comfort!

Sun Only

Charge the car only using solar energy. The charging process starts only when sufficient solar energy is available.

Automatic

The car is charged with a preset number of kilometers within a specific period.

The amount of charged energy is determined as economically as possible, taking into account:

• The settings of the energy slider.
• The set rate: single, dual, or dynamic tariff.

These new charging modes provide a flexible and advanced approach for a personalized and efficient charging process, tailored to diverse needs and situations.

The "Bus" LED on the CTD shows when there is bus activity. A short heartbeat is shown every 5 seconds. When a module 'wakes up' the bus, the LED will be red. But it must turn off after a few seconds. However, if this "Bus" LED is continuously lit, this is probably due to a contradictory configuration or caused by a (broken) module on the bus.

In order to eliminate this last option, simply disconnect all bus wires and check the led...

A possible contradictory configuration can be: An input that is set as "Normally open" or "Normally closed" can not be forced. The same applies to an output that is connected to a detector. Or conflicting logic was used... This continuous bus communication must certainly be remedied.

Normally, the USB driver is automatically installed when installing the Qbus System Manager III SW. However, if this is not the case, your computer will notify you that there is an issue installing the USB device when you connect to the controller. When this occurs, click on that message and choose to install the driver from a list or a specific location (search: C:\Program Files (x86)\Qbus\CTD USB driver if you have installed the program in the default location, otherwise select the location where you installed the program and this specific folder). This should properly connect the system.