FAQ

In the FAQ section, you will find answers to your questions about eQ-3, our products and technologies.

  • General questions [5]

    Technology [4]

    • I do not have any free wall sockets. Can I use a plug adapter in a multiple socket strip?

      No, this is not permitted due to the risk of overheating of the adapter units.

      Please note the user manual of the corresponding devices for this: “Do not connect multiple plug adapters into one another.”

      In accordance with VDE 0620-2-1 Section 8.9,

      • portable multiple socket strips (for example standard x-number socket strips) and
      • plug adapters (devices with integrated plug and sockets) amongst other products,

      must bear the “do not connect multiple plug adapters into one another” notice.

    • Are my eQ-3 smart home devices and app compatible with Apple HomeKit?

      Apple HomeKit is currently supported by only a few smart home devices and is still in the initial state of its development.

      We are principally interested in Appe HomeKit but, however, at its current state the system does not imply all required application functions that are necessary for a high-performance wireless radiator thermostat. This is why we have decided to provide our own native Android and iOS app that enable all functionalities of our radiator thermostats.

    • Sometimes, it is not possible to use the system/devices - what does duty cycle mean?

      The duty cycle is a legally regulated limit of the transmission time of devices in the 868 MHz range. The aim of this regulation is to safeguard the operation of all devices working in the 868 MHz range.

      In the 868 MHz frequency range we use, the maximum transmission time of any device is 1% of an hour (i.e. 36 seconds in an hour). Devices must cease transmission when they reach the 1% limit until this time restriction comes to an end.

      During normal operation, the duty cycle is not usually reached. However, repeated and wireless-intensive teach-in processes mean that it can be in isolated instances during start-up or initial installation of a system. This can happen for example when setting and testing the detection range of taught-in motion sensors. If the duty cycle limit is exceeded, the device may stop working for a brief period.

      This is due to the fact that permanent transmission is not permitted in the 868 MHz range (maximum transmission time: 36 seconds per hour). Therefore, when this limit is reached, further transmission by the devices must be prevented. Perform a short function check on the device (e.g. by removing and reinserting the batteries). If the check does not restore the device to readiness for operation, it has exceeded the duty cycle and will be ready for operation again in an hour's time.

    • Is it possible to use the eQ-3 devices with rechargeable batteries instead of standard batteries?

      Generally, this is possible. But, however, the degree of self-discharge is considerably higher for rechargeable batteries (especially cheap batteries) than for standard batteries. While standard batteries hold their charge for several years (depending on manufacturer and type), rechargeable batteries are discharged within few weeks or months, even without using. This reduces the benefits of rechargeable batteries that much, that most of our clients prefer using standard batteries.

    Mounting/installation [1]

  • HomeMatic [32]

    General information [7]

    • What are the Auto/Manu/Holiday function operating modes?

      You can choose between the operating modes auto, manu and holiday.

      These general modes have the following effects:

      Auto
      In “Auto” mode, the weekly programs set by you run in the respective rooms. The temperature is automatically controlled in accordance with the saved weekly program. The setpoint temperature is configured at the desired value for the respective periods, which the controller then runs.

      Manu
      In “Manual operation“ mode, the weekly programs are disabled. The temperature that you set is permanently maintained.

      Holiday function
      The holiday function is used to set a manually selected temperature until a fixed time. At this set time, the system then changes the system back to auto mode with the added weekly program.

    • What can Homematic products offer users?
      • Living comfort: tedious repetitive operations in the home (opening/closing canopies, closing shutters, opening garage doors, etc.) are automated. Various different applications can be combined. For example, garden lighting can be switched on when you close the shutters in your home office or – if you leave the house – the heating can be turned down when you activate the alarm system.
      • Pleasant climate control: Room temperature and air quality can be controlled using Homematic products. Bedrooms can be ventilated automatically for a few minutes each morning at a convenient time, or blinds and shutters can be programmed to open and close when the sun rises and sets. As a result, rooms will never feel too hot or too cold.
      • Energy conservation: if you choose to automate your building engineering with Homematic products, actions which would otherwise be isolated will be automatically matched in the overall system. Whilst a room is being aired, the heating appliances in it will be turned down. On hot days, the system will start by closing the shutters rather than activating the air conditioning straight away. Room-specific temperature control can also be implemented (heating appliances will not be switched on in rooms which are not in use). As you can see, comfort in the home and energy conservation go hand in hand.
      • Security: Homematic products provide increased protection against break-ins by closing all doors and windows from a central location, activating the alarm system and switching lighting on and off at random for presence simulation. The “Feedback” function localises and also reports errors and problems affecting the home automation system immediately as they occur.
    • What has to be considered with regard to interferences when installing the CCU or Homematic IP Access Point?

      Every electronic device or any current-carrying conductor builds up an electromagnetic field. These fields occur in a wide variety of strengths and frequency ranges.

      This applies in particular to objects that emit radio waves:

      • WiFi routers
      • DECT stations
      • TVs
      • Computers
      • Radio speakers and radio headsets
      • Audio and video systems
      • Alarm systems
      • Mobile phones and cordless phones
      • Microwave ovens
      • Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
      • Audio baby-monitors
      • etc.

      These interferences can be substantially reduced by keeping a distance as large as possible between the radio components and those potential sources of interference.

      We recommend a free installation site for the Central Control Unit or Access Point without the above-mentioned sources of interference in direct vicinity (ideally at least 1 m distance), in order to achieve an optimal wireless coverage.

    • How can I control Homematic with Google Assistant?

      The Homematic system has been designed flexibly and open for expansion. Therefore, we provide individual partner solutions for the Homematic Central Control Unit. We are always looking for new partner solutions in order to supplement the system. Currently, we can unfortunately not refer to a partner that offers a solution for the integration of Google Assistant.

    • How can I control Homematic with Amazon Alexa?

      The Homematic system has been designed flexibly and open for expansion. Therefore, we provide individual partner solutions for the Homematic Central Control Unit. For the integration of Amazon Alexa, for example our partner CloudMatic offers a solution. More information can be found at the following: https://alexa.cloudmatic.de

    • How many Homematic devices can I use in my installation?

      It should be considered that the Homematic system has been specified and developed for a “normal” family house. For installations in larger buildings, we recommend e.g. a cooperation with our partner Contronics.

      The system limits per Homematic Central Control Unit CCU2 are specified as follows:

      • 400 radio channels and
      • 127 wired devices in addition.

      Please observe the following:
      The number of wireless devices depends on the number of channels of all used devices!

      Example:

      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 1 channel has one channel at 400 devices
      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 4 channels has four channels at 100 devices  

      Usually, different devices are used within one installation. From our experience, the maximum number of wireless devices that can be operated trouble-free by the CCU2 within one installation is therefore between 100 and 120 devices.

    • Is a Central Control Unit (CCU) absolutely essential?

      Although the system does not need a Central Control Unit for configuration and operation, it can be added at any time. The Central Control Unit will expand the functional scope of the system still further. However, all fundamental functions can run without a Central Control Unit.

    Technology [12]

    • What has to be considered with regard to interferences when installing the CCU or Homematic IP Access Point?

      Every electronic device or any current-carrying conductor builds up an electromagnetic field. These fields occur in a wide variety of strengths and frequency ranges.

      This applies in particular to objects that emit radio waves:

      • WiFi routers
      • DECT stations
      • TVs
      • Computers
      • Radio speakers and radio headsets
      • Audio and video systems
      • Alarm systems
      • Mobile phones and cordless phones
      • Microwave ovens
      • Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
      • Audio baby-monitors
      • etc.

      These interferences can be substantially reduced by keeping a distance as large as possible between the radio components and those potential sources of interference.

      We recommend a free installation site for the Central Control Unit or Access Point without the above-mentioned sources of interference in direct vicinity (ideally at least 1 m distance), in order to achieve an optimal wireless coverage.

    • How can I control Homematic with Google Assistant?

      The Homematic system has been designed flexibly and open for expansion. Therefore, we provide individual partner solutions for the Homematic Central Control Unit. We are always looking for new partner solutions in order to supplement the system. Currently, we can unfortunately not refer to a partner that offers a solution for the integration of Google Assistant.

    • How can I control Homematic with Amazon Alexa?

      The Homematic system has been designed flexibly and open for expansion. Therefore, we provide individual partner solutions for the Homematic Central Control Unit. For the integration of Amazon Alexa, for example our partner CloudMatic offers a solution. More information can be found at the following: https://alexa.cloudmatic.de

    • Which protocol does Homematic use?

      The Homematic protocol has been developed by eQ-3 exclusively for applications in smart homes and buildings. The development is based on more than 20 years of experience. Technically, the Homematic protocol is a bidirectional radio protocol. That means, that every receiver is able to confirm a command to the transmitter.

    • My Homematic Smoke Alarm devices trigger alarms with no reason. What can I do?

      The Homematic Smoke Alarms comply with the VdS classification and are characterised by a high sensitivity level.

      The triggering threshold can be reduced during the operating time of the device due to deposits such as dust or insects in the smoke chamber. Additional dust swirls e.g. caused by draught can trigger false alarms.

      This is why Homematic Smoke Alarms are equipped with an internal sensitivity alignment. This makes sure that deposits are allowed within a certain permitted range. The calibration is performed during the function test and should be executed ideally once a week, but at least once a month for your own security. To do this, press and hold down the test button of the smoke alarm for longer than 2 seconds. Please refer to the user manual of the Homematic Smoke Alarm in sec. 9.2 “Periodic checking and indication of errors” for further information on evaluation of the function test.

    • How many Homematic devices can I use in my installation?

      It should be considered that the Homematic system has been specified and developed for a “normal” family house. For installations in larger buildings, we recommend e.g. a cooperation with our partner Contronics.

      The system limits per Homematic Central Control Unit CCU2 are specified as follows:

      • 400 radio channels and
      • 127 wired devices in addition.

      Please observe the following:
      The number of wireless devices depends on the number of channels of all used devices!

      Example:

      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 1 channel has one channel at 400 devices
      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 4 channels has four channels at 100 devices  

      Usually, different devices are used within one installation. From our experience, the maximum number of wireless devices that can be operated trouble-free by the CCU2 within one installation is therefore between 100 and 120 devices.

    • Is a Central Control Unit (CCU) absolutely essential?

      Although the system does not need a Central Control Unit for configuration and operation, it can be added at any time. The Central Control Unit will expand the functional scope of the system still further. However, all fundamental functions can run without a Central Control Unit.

    • How can a set system security key be removed?

      If you have already set a system security key for your Homematic system and the corresponding devices are still connected to your Homematic Central Control Unit, you can remove the system security key from your devices as follows:

      In the WebUI, select “Settings” and “Devices”. In the configuration adapter software, please select “Devices”.

      Here, you receive an overview of all connected Homematic devices that you can now remove one by one using the button “Delete” in the drop-down menu “Restore factory settings of the device”. In this way, the factory settings are restored. Confirm your selection with the button “Delete”.

      Please note, that for some devices the teaching mode has to be activated manually (e.g. remote controls, wall-mount transmitters, flush-mounted interfaces, etc.). This will also be indicated by the corresponding service message. If no service message appears, the disconnection and reset have been successfully completed.

      After you have deleted all devices in this way and restored the factory settings they do not have a system security key any more.

      If you are using the Homematic Configuration Adapter, the software has to be deleted from your PC after you have disconnected the devices. In addition, the following folder has to be deleted manually if it has not been done automatically be the system.

      Installation folder e.g.: C:\ProgrammData\Bidcos-Service

       

    • What do I need to consider when using the Homematic security key?

      You can use the Homematic Central Control Unit or a Homematic Configuration Adapter to transfer a system security key to your Homematic devices. By setting the system security key the devices are secured from manual reset at the device itself. Furthermore, they cannot be connected to a Homematic Central Control Unit without entering the system security key.

      You can use the system security key for example if you want to use Homematic devices in public places such as schools, hotels or holiday homes. If you are using the Homematic devices for private purposes we do not recommend to set the Homematic security key as there is no possibility to reset the key in case it might get lost. Please observe the following:

      Make note of your system security key, and store this information at a secure place! For security reasons, it is not possible to reset or bypass the system security key. Setting the system security key affects all connected Homematic components in the Homematic system.

    • What can I do if I do not remember my system security key and the Homematic devices are not connected to the Homematic Central Control Unit anymore?

      It is not possible to directly restore the factory settings of the device as described in the corresponding user manual.

      For security reasons, there is no “master key” that can be used for resetting the device.

      Some of our partners offer a special service for such cases. Please directly contact your supplier for finding an appropriate solution.

    • During the software update of my CCU2 the power supply has been interrupted. I cannot establish a connection to my CCU2 via the WebUI. What can I do?

      The recovery system is only required if the software of the Central Control Unit has been damaged. This can happen, for example, if the power supply is interrupted during a software update.

      If the Central Control Unit signals via the device LEDs that the normal operating system can no longer be started (e.g. the Power, Internet, and Info LEDs light up continuously), a software update must be carried out via the recovery system.

    • The WebUI of my CCU2 is not loaded when the URL http://homematic-ccu2 is entered. What can I do?

      If you are not transferred to the WebUI user interface when you enter http://homematic-ccu2 in your web browser, there are different solutions for rectifying the problem.

      1. Enter the IP address of your Central Control Unit
      2. Connection via USB cable

    Hardware [4]

    • What is a temperature offset?

      If the radiator is installed at a disadvantageous place (e.g. behind a curtain or cupboard), the temperature measured by the sensor may be different to the room’s actual ambient temperature. If the thermostat is unable to compensate the difference, a general adjustment using the temperature offset has to be made. The temperature offset can be set individually for all thermostats of each room in a range between +/- 3.5 °C.

    • My Homematic Smoke Alarm devices trigger alarms with no reason. What can I do?

      The Homematic Smoke Alarms comply with the VdS classification and are characterised by a high sensitivity level.

      The triggering threshold can be reduced during the operating time of the device due to deposits such as dust or insects in the smoke chamber. Additional dust swirls e.g. caused by draught can trigger false alarms.

      This is why Homematic Smoke Alarms are equipped with an internal sensitivity alignment. This makes sure that deposits are allowed within a certain permitted range. The calibration is performed during the function test and should be executed ideally once a week, but at least once a month for your own security. To do this, press and hold down the test button of the smoke alarm for longer than 2 seconds. Please refer to the user manual of the Homematic Smoke Alarm in sec. 9.2 “Periodic checking and indication of errors” for further information on evaluation of the function test.

    • How many Homematic devices can I use in my installation?

      It should be considered that the Homematic system has been specified and developed for a “normal” family house. For installations in larger buildings, we recommend e.g. a cooperation with our partner Contronics.

      The system limits per Homematic Central Control Unit CCU2 are specified as follows:

      • 400 radio channels and
      • 127 wired devices in addition.

      Please observe the following:
      The number of wireless devices depends on the number of channels of all used devices!

      Example:

      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 1 channel has one channel at 400 devices
      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 4 channels has four channels at 100 devices  

      Usually, different devices are used within one installation. From our experience, the maximum number of wireless devices that can be operated trouble-free by the CCU2 within one installation is therefore between 100 and 120 devices.

    • Is a Central Control Unit (CCU) absolutely essential?

      Although the system does not need a Central Control Unit for configuration and operation, it can be added at any time. The Central Control Unit will expand the functional scope of the system still further. However, all fundamental functions can run without a Central Control Unit.

    Mounting/installation [6]

    • I would like to perform an update of the CCU with my MAC. After uploading, I receive an error message indicating that the uploaded file does not contain any valid software.

      In a Safari browser on a MAC, the downloaded file may be automatically opened and therefore unzipped. Since the CCU expects this file and cannot find it, an error message will be displayed.

      An operating manual with information on deactivating automatic opening of downloaded files is available for download in PDF format:

    • The available firmware update cannot be installed on my Homematic Radiator Thermostat. What can I do?

      If the update has not been performed successfully, proceed as follows:

      • Remove the batteries from the radiator thermostat and keep the left and right button pressed when inserting the batteries.
      • Then click on the Update button in the WebUI as quickly as possible (Settings - Devices - Radiator Thermostat: Set). This process may take several minutes.
      • "FUP" is shown on the radiator thermostat display.
      • The "Firmware update successful" message is displayed in the WebUI.
      • The radiator thermostat is restarted and behaves in the same way as after a change of battery.
    • What has to be considered with regard to interferences when installing the CCU or Homematic IP Access Point?

      Every electronic device or any current-carrying conductor builds up an electromagnetic field. These fields occur in a wide variety of strengths and frequency ranges.

      This applies in particular to objects that emit radio waves:

      • WiFi routers
      • DECT stations
      • TVs
      • Computers
      • Radio speakers and radio headsets
      • Audio and video systems
      • Alarm systems
      • Mobile phones and cordless phones
      • Microwave ovens
      • Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
      • Audio baby-monitors
      • etc.

      These interferences can be substantially reduced by keeping a distance as large as possible between the radio components and those potential sources of interference.

      We recommend a free installation site for the Central Control Unit or Access Point without the above-mentioned sources of interference in direct vicinity (ideally at least 1 m distance), in order to achieve an optimal wireless coverage.

    • How many Homematic devices can I use in my installation?

      It should be considered that the Homematic system has been specified and developed for a “normal” family house. For installations in larger buildings, we recommend e.g. a cooperation with our partner Contronics.

      The system limits per Homematic Central Control Unit CCU2 are specified as follows:

      • 400 radio channels and
      • 127 wired devices in addition.

      Please observe the following:
      The number of wireless devices depends on the number of channels of all used devices!

      Example:

      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 1 channel has one channel at 400 devices
      • Homematic Wireless Switch Actuator 4 channels has four channels at 100 devices  

      Usually, different devices are used within one installation. From our experience, the maximum number of wireless devices that can be operated trouble-free by the CCU2 within one installation is therefore between 100 and 120 devices.

    • During the software update of my CCU2 the power supply has been interrupted. I cannot establish a connection to my CCU2 via the WebUI. What can I do?

      The recovery system is only required if the software of the Central Control Unit has been damaged. This can happen, for example, if the power supply is interrupted during a software update.

      If the Central Control Unit signals via the device LEDs that the normal operating system can no longer be started (e.g. the Power, Internet, and Info LEDs light up continuously), a software update must be carried out via the recovery system.

    • The WebUI of my CCU2 is not loaded when the URL http://homematic-ccu2 is entered. What can I do?

      If you are not transferred to the WebUI user interface when you enter http://homematic-ccu2 in your web browser, there are different solutions for rectifying the problem.

      1. Enter the IP address of your Central Control Unit
      2. Connection via USB cable

    Software [3]

  • Radiator Thermostats [2]

    Mounting/installation [2]