FAQ

Can I use Tinkerbus instead of ETS?

For some jobs, yes: inspecting and reporting on a project, bulk editing group addresses, comparing versions, watching the bus, and loading a device whose mask is on the verified list. Not for others: new projects with a password, IP Secure, ETS 4 and 5 projects, or any workflow that needs a project signature ETS accepts. See the comparison.

Will ETS open a project I saved with Tinkerbus?

Maybe. Tinkerbus changes the project content, so the ETS signature in the file no longer matches, and Tinkerbus says so when you save. The result has not been checked in ETS 6 yet. Save replaces the file you opened, after copying its previous version to a backup folder (the last five are kept). Use Save as to work on a copy, and keep a copy of your original file.

Does Tinkerbus need a licence or an ETS installation?

No. It does not use ETS or its files. You need your own project files and, for devices, the manufacturers’ .knxprod product databases.

Where do I get product databases?

From the manufacturer’s website, or from the online catalog if you switch it on. The project file itself also carries the product data of its devices, and the catalog page can import it from there.

What does the online catalog send?

Nothing until you agree. After that it sends the words you search for and the ids of files you install to the service address you set. Nothing about your project is sent. See Online index.

Is it safe to point it at a live installation?

Watching the bus is passive. Everything else is behind a switch or a confirmation, see safety. Writing a device changes it; keep the backup, read the check output, and test on a device you can get back to the factory state first. The software has no release, no warranty and has seen a small number of devices.

Which operating systems?

Developed and tested on Linux. The application framework (Wails) also builds for Windows and macOS. USB support in the library is Linux only, and the application does not use USB yet.

How do I report a problem or contribute?

See Contributing.