FAQ's MAXinBOX 66

Can I connect different electrical phases in the actuator outputs?

Yes, different electrical phases can be connected to any output of any block indifferently, taking in mind the next exceptions of the following actuators:

- ACTinBOX MAX 6 -> Different phases can be connected in the outputs as long as one of them is connected into the A or B channels and the other one into channel C.

- ACTinBOX QUATRO -> Different phases can be connected in the outputs as long as one of them is connected into the A channel and the other one into channel B.

- ACTinBOX CLASSIC -> No different phases can be connected in this case, as the device has an only clamp for channels A & B.

- MAXinBOX16 -> Different phases can be connected in the outputs as long as they are connected to different terminal block.

- inBOX 20/24 -> The outputs are internally connected, thus, only one phase can be connected

What are the devices that can be controlled by the actuators?

Any electronic device needing the opening/closing of a relay for its control, i.e: light points, shutters, clima, .....

When controlling the same light from more than one switch, the status indicator is not updated in all the switches. What is wrong?

To switch on/off  properly a light form several points it is important to notice that the outputs and the inputs statuses must be linked together, by doing that, the inputs that have not make the control are updated with the output status. 

Which shutter motors are the suitable ones to be used with Zennio actuators?

Zennio shutter controllers are designed to work with 3 wire motors: neutral, rising movement and lowering movement.

It is possible to control continuous current shutters (12VDC/24VDC) with polarity inversion using the shutter adaptors Shutter Coupler 1CH and 2CH together with the usual shutter actuator.

Is it possible to connect several blinds to one output channel of an actuator?

Connect more than one blind engine per channel, though possible, is not recommended at all.
The motor windings generate induced currents that can cause a erratic behavior of the motors.

What actuators outputs are suitable for capacitive loads: low-energy lamps, LED, fluorescent lights?

Capacitive loads can be connected to all our actuators, excepting the following devices:

• 1 and 2 outputs of ACTinBOX CLASSIC-HYBRID from serial number 09AAD001. Previously this serial number, this device couldn't stand Capacitive loads
• Never connect capacitive loads to the outputs of a ACTinBOX MAX6.

Fluorescent lights, LED and energy saving lamps usually use capacitive electronic transformers. In these cases, you should follow the recommendations described above.

I have an actuator and the outputs do not work or they behave strange

Check that you have downlaoded the last version of the application program available at our website. If so, contact our Technical Support.

How can I test the outputs withouth programming it with ETS?

ACTinBOX CLASSIC-HYBRID, QUATRO and MAX6 allow controlling their outputs with IR remote controller (Not included; Ref. ZN1IRZ38) when they are in programming mode (red programming LED lighting). WARNING: Do not activate two relays of a shutter channel at the same time or the shutter motor could be damaged.

The rest of Zennio actuators allow manual control of their outputs with the push buttons on their enclosure. If the programming button is pressed during 3 seconds, the device will enter test On mode (green LED lights) and it will not send status communication objects to bus (it will also ignore KNX orders).

Which Zennio devices include binary inputs?

You can check which Zennio devices have binary (digital) inputs in the following table

Differences between Push button and Switch/Sensor inputs

A push button connected to an input consists of a device, which allows, or not, the current flow while this is being pushed; in normal conditions, push buttons contacts are always open (NO) or closed (NC). This event is a pulsation and the time it lasts, threshold time. Depending on the “Threshold Time” it can be distinguished two different actions:

• Short press
• Long press

A Switch/Sensor connected to an input, consists of an electrical mechanism which may have its contacts open or closed under normal conditions. These mechanisms don’t recover their normal position automatically as with the push button. A transition of a digital signal from low/high/low is called "Edge".

• Falling edge: Closed contact to Open Contact.
• Rising edge: Open contact to Closed Contact.

What type of contacts can be connected on the binary inputs?

Binary inputs of Zennio devices are voltage free contacts. They can be individually configured and each of them can be connected to a push buttons and/or a switch/sensors.

Can I connect several push buttons in parallel in the same input?

Yes, inputs are voltage free, so there is no problem in connecting several push buttons in parallel.

Why do I have to press twice over an input for the output to react?

It happens when one output is commuted by two or more different inputs and the output status object isn't used to synchronize these inputs. 

What is the maximum length allowed for the wiring of the digital inputs?

The wiring of the digital inputs can be extended up to 30 meters using a cable with a section between 0.15 mm2 and 1 mm2.

What is the difference between motion detectors P (ZN1IO-DETEC-P) and X (ZN1IO-DETEC-X)?

The only difference is that the motion detector P has a built-in luminosity sensor and it allows to constraint the detection based on the luminosity level detected in the room. The motion detector X has no luminosity sensor.

Can I connect a motion sensor different from DETECT-P/X to an device  input configured as motion sensor?

Zennio devices with inputs configurable as sensor motion have been designed to work together with the motion sensor DETEC-P and DETEC-X

We can’t guarantee the proper working of a different motion sensor connected to a Zennio device input configured as motion sensor, thus, when using a different motion sensor, the input must be configured as binary switch, and the sensor motion must send the detection using a free potential contact.

To which Zennio devices can I connect a motion detector?

Motion detectors can be connected to Zennio devices with analog-digital inputs.

If you do not know if your Zennio device allows the motion detector connection, just look into the following table. For further information, consult the product datasheet.

If the device allows the connection of a motion sensor,  at its website tools section you will find the motion sensor manual.

How can I know the position where the micro switch must be placed (Type A/B)?

Depending on the device where the motion sensor is connected, the micro switch must be placed at the position A or B. To know which position corresponds to your device, it is necessary to check the device datasheet to which the motion sensor will be connected.

 How many sensors can I connect into the same input?

Up to two different sensors can be connected in parallel to the same motion sensor input, as long as at least one of them has the luminosity sensor switch in the OFF position. This is achieved using the micro-switch located on the back of the device. For further information please refer to the motion sensor datasheet.

 Do I need an external power supply for the sensor?

No, you just need to connect it to the inputs of the devices allowing its control

 What is the detection area covered by a Zennio motion sensor?

This feature depends critically on the location of the device. In particular, for a detector located in the ceiling of a room, the detection area can be doubled if you double the height at which it is placed. For further information, consult the motion sensor datasheet.

 How should I install the motion sensor to get the most of its functionality?

In the Motion Sensor area, you can download the Installation Note that includes installation tips to find the most suitable place to be placed.

 How is the luminosity level measured by the sensor sent to the bus? (Only ZN1IO-DETEC-P)

The sensor sends a luminosity level in the range [1.....100] through a 1 byte Communication Objet. In any case this is a a 2 bytes object with the value measured in LUXES.

 Can we cancel the LED blinking everytime there is a detection?

Yes, using the micro switch at the rear of the device.

What is the maximum length allowed for the wiring of the analogue inputs?

The wiring of the analogue inputs can be extended up to 30 meters using a cable with a section between 0.15 mm2 and 1 mm2.

The luminosity sensor does not measure correctly. (Only ZN1IO-DETEC-P)

Check if the microswitch number 2 is placed in the correct position. You can find this information in the data sheet of the device to which it is connected.

To which Zennio devices can I connect a temperature probe?

Temperature probes can be connected to Zennio devices with analog-digital inputs. To know if a device has analog-digital inputs, look into its datasheet.

In the following table you can check all Zennio devices with analog-digital inputs

What is the max cable length of the temperature probes?

The probe cable length provided by Zennio is 1.5 meters, however, this can be enlarged by means of a cable with similar characteristics up to a maximum of 30 meters.

What is the resistance value of the temperature probe at 25°?

The resistance value at 25°C is 6,8 kΩ

What are the valid measurement ranges for the temperature probes?

The following ranges are valid for the probes:

• Epoxi probe: [-30ºC........+90ºC]
• Steel probe: [-30ºC........+125ºC]

What is the appropriate probe in my installation?

It depends on the desired temperature range and the place where the probe will be placed.
As described in the previous question, steel probes have a broader range of measurement and are ready to work in more extreme environments than epoxy probes.

What is the temperature probe precision when it is used in QUAD?

Can I use temperature probes different from the supplied by Zennio?

Zennio devices were designed to operate according to the characteristics of our temperature probes. We can only guarantee the proper working of the device with Zennio probes.

Exceptionally, other NTC temperature probes can be used with RailQUAD and QUAD Plus (from version 1.1 of both devices) since it is possible to configure the parameters of the characteristic curve of a NTC probe in this application program

How can I install a temperature probe into a narrow plastic pipe?

Use a T-shaped piece, take advantage of the new outlet to install a thermowell and now you will be able to place inside our steel temperature probe ZN1AC-NTC68S.

How can I hide the ambient temperature probe on the wall?

Install a conventional mounting box and uses a cable outlet cap. Place the temperature probe so that only its measuring end is seen. In this case we recommend using our epoxy resin probes ZN1AC-NTC68E and ZN1AC-NTC68F.

Moreover, SQ-AmbienT has been designed to meeting this need, a temperature probe installed in a Square family panel that provide an minimalistic aesthetic to the installation

What kind of thermostatic control does Building Thermostat allow?

In Building Thermostats, the following types of thermostatic control can be configured:

• PI Continuous
• PI PWM
• 2 Points with Hysteresis

What kind of thermostatic control can I use with my climate system?

In a radiators system, thermostat acts over the valves of radiators, which control the hot water circulation through the radiator. If the valves are closed, the hot water from the boiler does not circulate through radiators and after a time they stop radiating heat to ambient. The valves can be:

• Two-points valve (open/close), which can be controlled with 2 Points with Hysteresis or PI-PWM thermostat.
• Motorized valve (percentage), which can be controlled with PI-Continuous thermostat

In radiant floor systems, the thermostat control acts over the valves in the collector return, in the same way that it is done in radiators system. Thus, the same kinds of thermostatic control can be used for radiant floor valves.

In a Fan Coil system, there are two elements to control: valves that allow the water flow through the pipes of the Fan Coil and the fan speed. If a thermostatic control over the valves is carried out, 2 Points with Hysteresis or PI-PWM controls can be used. If the thermostatic control should be applied over fan speed, PI-Continuous control will be the most suitable one.

In zoning systems, a 2 Points with Hysteresis or PI-PWM control acts over the grilles of the different rooms and lets the air of the pump duct get into these rooms until the real temperature in each room reaches its corresponding setpoint.

The PI thermostat demands heat/cool when the real temperature has already reached the setpoint or it does not demand heat/cool when setpoint has not been reached.

When the thermostat performs a PI thermostatic control, the objective is making the real temperature achieve the setpoint temperature, established by user. The PI thermostat calculates the difference between current real temperature and setpoint temperature (proportional part) and also the variation of real temperature during the time that thermostat is activated (integral part). For a correct functioning of the thermostat with a certain climate system, the following characteristics should be bear in mind:

•  K and T parameters should be configured according to the climate system that the thermostat is controlling. This way, the thermostat will have into account the thermal inertia of the climate system when calculating the control value.
• Cycle Time for PI control should be selected regarding the thermal inertia of the climate system. The higher the thermal inertia of the climate system is, the longer Cycle Time for PI the thermostat should have.

If these parameters (K, T and Cycle Time) are not correctly selected, the climate system is not responding to thermostat control as expected.

• The climate system should be correctly dimensioned and there should not be an external source of heat/cool different that the climate system. Otherwise, the climate system response to thermostat heat/cool demand could not be the expected and, thus, the thermostat control can be influenced.

For example: a heating system that is under-dimensioned (or it is well dimensioned but the window is open) will not heat as much as the thermostat expects regarding the K and T parameters. The thermostat will calculate a heat demand that the climate system cannot provide. Since the variation of the real temperature is lower than expected, the thermostat will increase the integral part and it will demand more heat. The result is that the climate system takes too long to reach the setpoint temperature and the real temperature will rise several degrees above the setpoint instead of maintaining this temperature.

What is the range of Setpoint Temperature in Building Thermostat?

Zennio Home Thermostat admits Setpoint Temperatures between -20ºC and 95ºC.

Can the thermostat use the temperatures collected from two different temperature probes as reference temperature?

Yes, indeed, when a room is large enough, the temperature can vary in the different sides and it is desirable to collect the temperature from two sources and combine them in one of the following proportions:

- Proportion [75%(1) - 25%(2)] 
- Proportion [50%(1) - 50%(2)] 
- Proportion [25%(1) - 75%(2)] 

Where (1) is the temperature collected from the temperature source 1 and (2) the temperature collected from the temperature source 2.

The KNX controller in installation sends relative Setpoint Temperatures, can I use Zennio Thermostat?

Zennio Building Thermostat allows relative setpoint temperatures, which sets a variation in the setpoint temperature of the active Special Mode, with an Offset. An absolute value of Offset (ºC) can be established with object [Tx]Setpoint Offset or Offset can be incremented or decremented 0.5ºC with [Tx]Setpoint Step.

This way:

Setpoint Temperature = Basic Setpoint + Special Mode Offset + Setpoint Offset (variable)

How can I make the thermostat work in Freezing protection mode?

Once the setpoint temperature of the Protection Special Mode is set for Heating Mode in ETS parameters, it works automatically. Whenever the real temperature (reference temperature ot the thermostat) is below the Protection setpoint temperature for Heating Mode, the Heating Control Variable is activated, regardless the thermostat is ON or OFF.

For example: when the Protection setpoint temperature in Heating Mode is 10ºC, the thermostat will send 1 if thermostat is type 2 points with hysteresis or PI-PWM, or 100% if thermostat is PI-Continuous, through the object Heating Control Variable, regardless the thermostat is ON or OFF, whenever the real temperature is below 10ºC.

How can I make the thermostat work in Overheating protection mode?

Once the setpoint temperature of the Protection Special Mode is set for Cooling Mode in ETS parameters, it works automatically. Whenever the real temperature (reference temperature ot the thermostat) is above the Protection setpoint temperature for Cooling Mode, the Cooling Control Variable is activated, regardless the thermostat is ON or OFF.

For example: when the Protection Setpoint for Cooling Mode is 35ºC, the thermostat will send 1 if thermostat is type 2 points with hysteresis or PI-PWM, or 100% if thermostat is PI-Continuous, through the object Cooling Control Variable, regardless the thermostat is ON or OFF, whenever the real temperature is above 35ºC.

What are the special modes?

In Zennio Building Thermostat, the Special Modes are Thermostat Statuses, so that the setpoint for the corresponding Special Mode is established as setpoint in thermostat, but this thermostat setpoint can be changed to fit the user needs.

When the thermostat is OFF, depending on parameter “Automatic ON when a new special mode arrives” in thermostat configuration, it will behave as follows:

• If it is enabled, the thermostat will turn on when a Special Mode is triggered.
• If it is disabled, the thermostat will remain OFF even if a Special Mode is triggered.

How could I know which Special Mode is active?

In Building Thermostat, the active Special Mode can be known through a 1byte object of status [Tx] Special Mode Status.

What is the effect of a setpoint change when a Special Mode is active?

In Building Thermostat, there is always one active special mode:

• Absolute Setpoints: the special mode is maintained if the new setpoint is in the temperature band limited by other special modes setpoints. In case the new setpoint is above or below other special mode setpoint, this special mode is activated.

• Relative Setpoints: the thermostat setpoint is modified but the same Special Mode is maintained. If the setpoint change is due to a change in Basic Setpoint, all the setpoints of Special Modes will be modified. If the change is due to a change in Offset, it will affect to all the Special Modes only if the parameter “Permanently apply change to basic setpoint shift” is enabled. Otherwise, it will only affect to the currently active Special Mode.

Could the setpoint temperatures of the Special Modes be sent to KNX Bus?

When a Special Mode is set, the thermostat setpoint temperature will be updated with the corresponding setpoint of the Special Mode and the thermostat setpoint status will be sent to KNX bus. However, there are not communication objects associated to the setpoints of the Special Modes, so they cannot be read. 

How can I select the default values of the setpoint of the Special Modes?

In Building Thermostat, the setpoint temperatures of the Special Modes by default can be selected in the thermostat parameters, with the absolute setpoint of Comfort Mode as a reference and the Offset of the rest of Special Modes.

How can I change the setpoint of a Special Mode?

In Building Thermostat with absolute setpoint, the setpoint of the Special Modes can only be modified if “Permanently apply change to special mode setpoint” is enabled. In this case, before activating the new Special Mode, the current thermostat setpoint is stored as setpoint of the current Special Mode. The setpoint of the special modes can be reset to initial parameterized values, through the Setpoint Reset object. It is also important that the setpoints for Comfort mode cannot be stored if they are below the default setpoint for Comfort in Cooling mode or above the default setpoint for Comfort in Heating mode.

In case “Permanently apply change to special mode setpoint”  is disabled, a change in thermostat setpoint is kept until a change of Special mode, but it will not be stored.

In Building Thermostat with relative Setpoints: the setpoints of Special Modes are established with an Offset of Special Mode with Basic Setpoint as reference. If this Basic Setpoint is modified, the setpoints of all the Special Modes will be altered in the same way. The setpoint temperature when a Special Mode is activated will be the default setpoint of the Special Mode in ETS configuration plus the variable Offset value, which is set through the communication object. This variable Offset will affect all the Special Modes if the parameter “Permanently apply change to basic setpoint shift” is enabled. Otherwise, it will only affect to the currently active Special Mode and it will reset (Offset=0) with the Special Mode change.

Offset variation has two important characteristics that should be taken into account:

• The Offset value that can be added to default setpoint will be limited by upper and lower limits, defined in ETS parameterization.
• The Offset change affect to setpoint temperature of the Special Mode in the opposite working mode (Heating or Cooling), so that the automatic change of mode is carried out properly. 

How can I synchronize the setpoint temperatures of a Special Mode in different thermostats? 

In Building Thermostat with relative setpoints, all the thermostat should have the same parmeters for the offset of Special Modes.

In case “Permanently apply change to basic setpoint shift” is enabled, the setpoint temperatures of the Special Modes can be synchronized with a central control of Basic Setpoint (with objects [Tx]Basic Setpoint) and Offset (with objects [Tx]Setpoint Offset). Otherwise, a central control of Reset (with objects [Tx] Offset Reset) would be needed to set the default Offsets.

In Building Thermostat with absolute setpoints, all the thermostat should have the same parmeters for the setpoints of Special Modes. This way they can be synchronized to default values with objects [Tx]Setpoint Reset, that set de default setpoints.

My thermostat changes between Cooling and Heating mode when I activate a Special Mode

In Building Thermostat, values of setpoints of special modes have a limitation: Comfort, Standby and Economy setpoints should be established according to bands. In addition, the automatic change of mode is caused by variation of real temperature compared with setpoint temperatures of the current Special Mode in Heating and Cooling mode. This avoids undesired automatic changes of mode when a special mode or setpoint temperature changes.

My thermostat always uses 25 ºC as the reference temperature.

The Building thermostat module is independent of the device and it does not use the value measured by the internal temperature probe as the reference temperature by default. It is necessary to create one group address to link the “Temperature Source” object of the thermostat to the sending object of the internal temperature probe or other KNX probe.

Which Zennio products have logical functions?

• Actuators (all): MAXinBOX SHUTTER 8CH, MAXinBOX SHUTTER 4CH, MAXinBOX 16 Plus, MAXinBOX 16, MAXinBOX 8 Plus, MAXinBOX 8, MAXinBOX 66, MINiBOX 45, MINiBOX 25, MINiBOX Quatro, MINiBOX 20, inBOX 24, inBOX 20, ACTinBOX MAX 6, ACTinBOX QUATRO, ACTinBOX Classic Hybrid.
• Lighting: DIMinBOX DX2, DIMinBOX 2CH, Luzen Plus, Luzen One
• Clima: MAXinBOX Hospitality, MAXinBOX FANCOIL 4CH2P, MAXinBOX FANCOIL 2CH2P, MAXinBOX FC 0-10V FAN, MAXinBOX FC 0-10V VALVE, HeatingBOX 230V 8X, HeatingBOX 230V 4X, KLIC-DD, KLIC-DI Sky, ACTinBOX MAX 6 Fan Coil y ACTinBOX QUATRO Fan Coil.
• KNX Energy Saver: KES, KCI.

Can I use the same Logical Function variables in different operations?

Yes, this is possible; just have on mind that the value stored in the variable changes when executing any operation in which it is involved, and this inevitably will affect the rest of operations using this same variable.

Is the value of an internal variable retained between different calls to the logical function?

Yes, it is. The value is retained even after a power failure, and it can also be used in different logical functions.

Is it possible to enchain several logical functions to solve complex issues?

Yes, it is. If the same object is used to call several functions, they will be executed in order, and it is also possible to pass values from one function to another using the internal variables.

All my Group Address associations with the Logical Function Communication objects disappeared. What happened?

This happens in the modules of 5 logical functions, where you need to input the number of Total Data Entry objects of each type in parameters. If you need to increase those parameters of Total Data entry objects onces you have made all the Logical Function Group Address associations, you will lose those associations.

WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND to define some more additional objects than the strictly necessary in the Logical Functions, as a later redefinition involves the deletion of the possible Group Address associations already made, with the consequent loss of time when having to associate them again.

In the modules of 10 logical functions, each Data Entry is enabled independently, avoiding the lose of associations when you need a different number of Data Entry objects.

Actuators comparative table

1. Ref: ZN1IO-DETEC-P/X
2. Ref: ZN1AC-NTC (S/E/F)
3. Ref: ZN1IRZ38

For further information see the datasheet and the manual of the device.

What does safe mode mean?

When a device is running in safe mode the programming LED blinks in red, meaning that the application program is halted.

How to set a device in safe mode?

To activate the safe mode, keep the programming button pressed while connecting the device into the KNX bus. This process is described in the datasheet of the device.

How to exit from safe mode?

To exit from safe mode, simply plug the KNX bus into the device but do not press the programming button this time. This way the programming LED does not blink, meaning that the application program is running (safe mode is not active).

How do a download in safe mode?

When an incidence is caused during the download, it is recommended to do a safe mode download, to ensure that the previous corrupted download doesn’t affect to this new download: 

To do a download in safe mode, you should follow the next steps:

1. Disconnect the device from KNX bus.
2. Connect the device to KNX bus while holding down the programming button. The programming LED will start blinking indicating that the device is in safe mode.
3. Once in safe mode, download the application program completely to the device.
4. When the download is finished, disconnect and reconnect the device from the bus.

Inputs number and type of each Zennio device.

Zennio devices have two input types :

-       Binary inputs: to connect push buttons/switches.

-       Analog-digital inputs: to connect motion sensors or temperature probes. Also configurable as binary inputs.

*Inputs not available for luminosity sensor functionality.