17xxxx DucoBox Focus User Manual
- June 15, 2024
- Duco
Table of Contents
- Translation Of The Original Instructions
- Introduction
- Mounting
- Wiring
- Control Valves
- Additional Control Options
- Electronical Installation
- Flow Rate Calibration
- Maintenance & Service
- Warranty
- Legislation
- Customer Support
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
17xxxx DucoBox Focus
Translation Of The Original Instructions
See www.duco.eu for information regarding warranty,
maintenance, technical data, etc.
Installation, connection, maintenance and repairs are to be carried out by an
accredited installer. The electronic components of this product may be live.
Avoid contact with water.
Introduction
Congratulations on your DucoBox Focus, the smartest box in Europe! The DucoBox
Focus performs two functions in a Duco Demand-Controlled Natural Ventilation
System:
On the one hand it is the extractor fan that exhausts contaminated air with
excessive CO2 content or relative humidity. Thanks to integrated control
valves, air is only exhausted in the zone that requires it.
On the other hand, it is the master or brain of the system. It receives and
interprets signals from slave components (measurements from sensors or manual
input), on the basis of which it controls the ventilation system.
It is inadvisable to connect the DucoBox (via a duct or directly) to an
extractor hood, regardless of type. This usually causes excessive fouling in
the DucoBox, which affects its operation or has a more direct effect on the
flow rate.
Mounting
Positioning
Fixing
Air Duct Connections
Limit the resistance. A non-return flap is required when discharging into a
manifold.
Position it at least 30 cm away from the DucoBox.
Be sure to take note of the ‘10 unmissable tips’ as well when mounting the
DucoBox.
Avoiding excessive use of bends, especially angles sharper than 90° and
adhering to the diameter guidelines for the ductwork will ensure that the
ventilation box is able to do its job satisfactorily. Failure to take account
of this recommendation may result in a highly energy and maintenance intensive
system that gives rise to excessive noise nuisance frequently.
10 UNMISSABLE TIPS
The smooth running of your Duco ventilation system is totally dependent on the choice and the quality of implementation of the duct system!
Has the duct system been optimized? Ask professional advice from your duct supplier. It saves you time, ensures quality and provides energetic advantage for the end user!
DISCLAIMER : no rights can be derived from this document.
All tips are only advisory. All those carrying out the work can, depending on
the project at hand, determine for themselves which tips are feasible and/or
useful.
Wiring
Connections & buttons
Strain relief
It is mandatory to place the power supply cable in the slot provided, as shown
in the drawing, before powering up the DucoBox.
Illustrations and connections may vary depending on the version of the
product. Incorrect connection or failure to follow the instructions may result
in damage to the connected devices.
Wiring diagram
The DucoBox Focus is able to communicate with Duco slave components via a
wireless (RF) or wired link. Both types of communication can be combined in
one system. Communication with non-DUCO components is possible via the switch
sensor.
- Use a screened solid-core cable not exceeding 300 m in length, with 5 cores 0.8 mm each.
RF (wireless communication)
RF components have a maximum free-field range of 350 metres. This
distance will be much less in a building because of obstacles. Therefore, you
will need to take objects such as walls, concrete and metal into account. All
slave components (except those which are battery powered) also act as
repeaters.
Signals from components that are unable to make a (strong) connection with the
master component are forwarded automatically via no more than one other non-
battery-powered component (= hop). Please refer to information sheet RF
communication (L8000018) at www.duco.eu for further
information.
DUCO RF
Power supply| 230 VAC
Wiring| 1,5 mm²
Frequency| 868 Mhz
Maximum distance| 350 m, free field (less through obstacles)
Maximum number of components| Up to 25 wireless components in a
single system
Wired (cabled communication)
Wired components can be daisy-chained (= recommended). This means that a
separate cable will not be required for each component. A single central power
supply can be used.
The cable required is a 5 x 0.75 mm² data cable. We strongly advise using a
shielded cable. This is to prevent any interference that may affect the data
communication. Any Tronic window ventilators will be supplied with a 5 x 0.25
mm² cable which can be connected via a splicing terminal block.
DUCO WIRED
Power supply| 24 VDC
Wiring| 5 x 0,75 mm²
(5 x 0.25 mm² from Tronic window ventilators)
Maximum distance| up to 300 m
Maximum number of components| Up to 99 wired components in a single
system
Control Valves
The control valves, whether or not they are fitted with a sensor for measuring
CO or humidity, can be built into the DucoBox Focus.
Together with the fan, they ensure the correct exhaust airflow rate in the
right room.
A control valve with combined CO2 and RH measurement can only be used with a DucoBox Focus with a software version of 11.2 or higher.
A DucoBox Focus can contain up to a maximum of 7 control valves (= one per supply duct). This can be expanded to a maximum of 11 control valves by using the ‘Control Valve Manifold’ (item 0000-4454).
A control valve must always be provided for each ventilation duct connected!
Mounting the control valves
Slide the control valve into the locations provided in the DucoBox Focus.
Connect the ‘VALVE’ connector on the DucoBox to IN on the control valve. If
applicable, connect OUT on the valve to IN on another control valve to be
added. At least one valve must be connected to the DucoBox at any time.
TIP : Use the letter labels on the DucoBox and the valves (A/B/C/D/E/F/G)
to give these the same letter, so that the valves always remain in the same
position.
Pairing the control valves
The control valves are paired automatically to the DucoBox whenever ‘installer mode’ is activated (see “Pairing components” chapter).
Removing / replacing control valves
Taking control valve out temporarily
Follow these steps to take a control valve out of the unit temporarily, e.g.
to clean it during maintenance. Make sure that the control valve is inserted
back in the same location. Use the letter labels on the DucoBox and the
relevant valve for this.
The DucoBox will retain all its settings when the control valve is
reconnected.
Temporarily removing control valve
- Briefly press the button on the valve to close it for 15 minutes. The LED will go out.
- Disconnect the wiring.
- Slide the valve out of the DucoBox.
Permanently removing or replacing control valve
To remove a control valve permanently from the system or to replace it (e.g. in the event of a fault) it is important that it should be deregistered correctly. The DucoBox will not be able to be calibrated correctly if this is not done.
Permanently removing control valve
-
Briefly press the button on the valve to drive it shut.
-
Activate ‘Installer mode’ by pressing ‘INST’ on the DucoBox. The LEDs on the DucoBox and control valves will flash green rapidly.
-
Long-press the button once on the control valve to be removed in order to remove it from the network.
ATTENTION : any underlying components will also be removed from the network. -
Disconnect the wiring from the control valve to be removed and slide it out of the DucoBox.
-
Deactivate ‘Installer mode’ by pressing ‘INST’ on the DucoBox. All LEDs will stop flashing.
Replacing a control valve
- Briefly press the button on the valve to drive it shut.
- Activate ‘Installer mode’ by pressing ‘INST’ on the DucoBox. The LEDs on the DucoBox and control valves will flash green rapidly.
- Short-press the button twice on the control valve to be replaced in order to remove it from the network.
- Disconnect the wiring from the control valve to be replaced and slide it out of the DucoBox.
- Slide the new control valve into the DucoBox and connect it.
- Short-press the button on the new control valve once. The latter will take on all settings / connections in the network.
- Deactivate ‘Installer mode’ by pressing ‘INST’ on the DucoBox. All LEDs will stop flashing.
LED indications
In normal operation, the LED on the control valves will be white or off,
depending on the control valve position. The brightness of the LED indicates
the flow rate through the valve.
Please refer to “06.B LED indications on page 9 for the meaning of the
remaining LED colours.
-
Valve shut = lowest air flow
-
Valve open = max air flow
Additional Control Options
Duco Connectivity Board
The optional circuit board allows linking towards home automation and building
management systems via REST API (locally or via the cloud) or Modbus TCP
(locally). Both are possible via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
The Duco Connectivity Board also enables the Duco Installation App to be used.
This application supports – and relieves – installers to control and maintain
a ventilation system in a user friendly way.
Connector for DucoBox
Electronical Installation
Installer / User mode
To add, remove or replace components to the network, the system should be put
in ‘Installer mode’. The LED on each component indicates the active mode of
the component (see table in next section).
‘Installer mode’ can be activated by pressing the DucoBox Focus ‘INST’ button
(see drawing in section “03.A Connections &
buttons” . Once the LED on the master unit starts flashing, it means that
‘Installer mode’ is active. Press ‘INST’ again to return to ‘User mode’ (LED
fully on or off). The system reverts automatically to ‘User mode’ after 15
minutes of inactivity
LED indications DucoBox Focus
| RED (blinking slowly)
Not in network| RED (blinking rapidly)
Currently pairing
---|---|---
| GREEN (blinking slowly)
In network| GREEN (blinking rapidly)
In network, waiting for associated components
| YELLOW (blinking slowly)
Transitional phase (please wait)| YELLOW (on)
Initialising (system configuration in progress)
| WHITE or OFF
Normal
| BLUE
Component is displayed if changes are being put through via the master
| ORANGE
The system is not working correctly because the DucoBox has not been
calibrated. Restart the DucoBox. Follow the guidelines in ‘10 essential tips’
if the problem recurs continually.
Pairing components
The DucoBox Focus is an extractor fan for a zonal ventilation system. This means that ventilation will only operate in the zones where it is needed (e.g. only in the bathroom while showering) for the most energy-efficient operation. Thus, in the example below, pressing the button in zone 1 will change the ventilation setting only for this zone. Pressing the button on the master user control will command all zones that are set to ‘AUTO’ at that point in time.
Zonal components
These components only control the zone with which they are paired.
It is important that components are paired with the correct zone for this zonal operation. Components can be paired with the DucoBox Focus itself (controlling all zones) or with a control valve (controlling a single zone). A component will be paired in every case with the component (control valve or DucoBox) that is flashing rapidly. It is possible to pair several user controllers in one zone, but not to link one user controller to multiple control valves or DucoBoxes.
Never pair more than one system with RF components at the same time. If you do so, a component could be paired in the wrong network, (e.g. in the neighbours’ DucoBox) or the component may not want to pair.
With RF components it is recommended to start with the component closest to the DucoBox. This enables this component to be used as a hop for components that are too distant from the DucoBox and unable to make a direct RF connection with the DucoBox.
Pairing components
-
Activate ‘Installer mode’ by tapping ‘INST’ on the DucoBox. The LED will flash green rapidly.
-
Pairing components on the DucoBox:
Use this method for any components that are required to control the entire system (e.g. a master user controller). -
a Tap on the button of the component to be paired once while the LED on the DucoBox is flashing rapidly. The LED on this component will flash red briefly and then start to flash green rapidly.
-
Pairing components with a control valve:
Use this method for components that only control the zone connected to the control valve duct. Repeat these steps for each zone. -
a Tap the control valve once so the LED starts to flash green rapidly. Underlying components can now be added in this zone.
-
b Add control components by tapping once on the component to be paired. The LED will flash red briefly and then start to flash green rapidly.
-
c Add any window ventilators by tapping once on the component to be paired. The LED will flash green slowly.
-
Once all components have been paired, ‘Installer mode’ can be deactivated by tapping ‘INST’ on the DucoBox Focus. The LEDs on all components will stop flashing.
Please refer to the manual with the components for more detailed information.
Removing / replacing components
Removing paired components from the network or replacing is only possible within 30 minutes after the component is paired in or is restarted. Restarting can be done by disconnecting the power for a moment. After a time-span of 30 minutes, remove and replace operations are ignored. This is valid for all components from date of manufacture 170323.
Removing a component
-
Activate ‘Installer mode’ by long-pressing 2 diagonal buttons on a paired control. The LED will flash green or yellow rapidly.
-
Press once and hold a button on the component to be removed in order to remove it from the network.
ATTENTION : any underlying components will also be removed from the network.
-
Deactivate ‘Installer mode’ by pressing the 4 buttons on a paired control simultaneously (or using the palm of your hand on a control featuring touch buttons). The LED will turn white.
Replacing a component
-
Activate ‘Installer mode’ by long-pressing 2 diagonal buttons on a paired control. The LED will flash green or yellow rapidly.
-
Briefly press twice on the button of the component to be replaced.
-
Tap once on the button of the new component. The latter will take on all settings / connections in the network.
-
Deactivate ‘Installer mode’ by pressing the 4 buttons on a paired control simultaneously (or using the palm of your hand on a control featuring touch buttons). The LED will turn white.
Tips
- Removing all components from the network (e.g. in the event of problems): Activate ‘Installer mode’ and long-press ‘INST’ until the LED starts flashing red. The DucoBox will reboot and the LED will stop flashing.
- Restoring factory settings for the DucoBox and all paired components (AS FROM DucoBox version 18xxxx): Long press ‘INST’ and ‘ENTER’ if not in ‘Installer mode’. The network remains in place.
- Use the Duco Installation App or the Duco Network Tool to read out information from components.
Flow Rate Calibration
For the system to work correctly, it needs to be configured. This will ensure its operation is as quiet as possible and energy efficient. For information on determining the ventilation flow rates, see Instruction Sheet Checking Product References and Flow Rates at www.duco.eu.
Air calibration procedure for DucoBox Focus
The air calibration procedure must be carried out on a calm day (no more than wind force 2: leaves rustling, feeling the wind in one’s face).
DucoBox Focus air calibration
- The exhaust vents must be set depending on the situation. Proper pre-setting makes for rapid and correct configuration.
SITUATION 1 : one vent per valve.
Set all vents to the fully open position, regardless of the desired flow rate.
SITUATION 2 : Multiple vents per valve with equal flow rates.
Set all vents to the fully open position, regardless of the desired flow rate.
Set the valve to the sum of the vent flow rates via the display menu or the
Duco Network Tool. Example: 2 vents, 50 m³/h each → set valve to 100 m³/h.
SITUATION 3 : Multiple vents per valve with different flow rates.
Set the exhaust vents so they match the desired flow rate in line with the
table below. Set the valve to the sum of the vent flow rates via the display
menu or the Duco Network Tool. Example: 25 m³/h vent and 75 m³/h vent → set
valve to 100 m³/h.
When using DucoVent Design exhaust vents always leave the outer ring in place for acoustic effect.
-
Before activating air calibration mode:
- Close all windows and doors.
- Ensure that all duct openings in the DucoBox are fully closed and that the DucoBox cover is closed!
- Avoid air leaks in the ventilation ducts.
- Set all window ventilators to the open position. Any Tronic ventilators will open automatically.
-
Pull the plug out of the socket and wait a few seconds
-
Put the plug back into the socket. The DucoBox will be configured automatically on start-up. Calibration takes 30 seconds + 1 minute per connected control valve.
Checking
The steps set out below can be used to check whether flow rates have been set correctly.
Checking configured flow rate
- Open the lid of the DucoBox.
- Press ‘HIGH’ briefly. The DucoBox will remain in configuration mode for 30 minutes (as standard).
- Close the lid.
- Wait at least one minute to allow the ventilation system to stabilise.
- Measure the vents. If a flow rate differs from the desired output, this can be adjusted via the display menu or using the Duco Network Tool.
- If you finish before the standard setting of 30 minutes, re-open the DucoBox lid and press ‘HIGH’ again. Then replace the lid on the DucoBox.
Maintenance & Service
Please refer to the maintenance instructions at www.duco.eu and view the videos on duco.tv for more information.
For service problems as a user:
Please contact your installer. Keep the serial number of your product to hand.
For service problems as an installer:
Please contact your Duco products seller. Keep the serial number of your
product to hand.
Warranty
All warranty conditions concerning the DucoBox and Duco’s ventilation systems
can be found on the DUCO website.
All complaints are to be reported to Duco by the Duco distributor with a clear
description and the order/invoice number under which the products were
delivered. In order to register the complaint, please use the complaint
registration form found on the Duco website and the product’s serial number in
your message to service@duco.eu.
Legislation
Product card, EC declaration of conformity and energy labels can be viewed and downloaded at www.duco.eu.
Customer Support
Video instructions
www.duco.tv
Vero Duco – Handelsstraat 19 – 8630 Veurne – Belgium
tel +32 58 33 00 33 – info@duco.eu –
www.duco.eu
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>