Reviews and experiences with the Fibaro Z-Wave smart home system

You can use a watering can to water the garden. As for your mother-in-law, you can give her a good telling-off – just lower the blinds manually and hang a blanket across the doorway. Why tell someone what to do when it makes no sense? Let him go to the showrooms and judge for himself. There’s a theory known as ‘relativity’. What seems good to you, others will see as bad, and vice versa. You clearly know a lot, but you’re terribly sceptical about these systems.

I haven’t been here for a long time;)

so I’ll try to catch up:)

First of all, let me remind you that I’m involved with Fibaro and work directly in the R&D department.

- Every Fibaro cube (actuator module) acts as a signal repeater, so the more of them there are, the more routes there are to the Home Centre. This is because the modules route signals through one another, and if one is out of range, it queries its neighbours and a new routing path is established. This happens approximately every 8 seconds.
- There are many ways to switch off devices operating in standby mode, e.g. by adding a Fibaro expander operating at 433 MHz with a pre-programmed presence remote control; then, upon leaving (once you are out of the transmitter’s range, approx. 250m) (the remote is, of course, compatible with almost all gate controllers such as Niece, Hörmann, etc.), the entire property can lock up, arm the alarm, switch everything off, etc. The remote is also equipped with two freely configurable buttons which can be ‘assigned’ to scenes or devices.
- As regards heating savings, the most sensible solution is to divide the building into sections, rooms, etc. Control via a single wall-mounted controller and regulation by the boiler will never yield such benefits. When divided into zones (ideally each room), the boiler serves only as a heat source, whilst individual solenoid valves on the heat exchangers (e.g. radiators) ensure the supply is cut off. We showcased such solenoid valves connected to Fibaro at our stand at the CeBIT trade fair in Hanover.
Photos can be found, for example, at this link: (unfortunately in Italian, but it’s the first one I came across online)
http://www.macitynet.it/macity/articolo/CeBIT...hone-e-iPAd-e-anche-a-voce-con-Z-Wave/aA58308
- As for watering, the HC2 has ready-made panels designed for such solutions; you simply need to specify the times at which watering is to take place, and that’s it. In the event of a drought (data retrieved from online weather forecasts), the system will automatically increase watering by, say, 20%
That’s more or less how it works (this is a static page from a few months ago, so please don’t take the content too literally):
http://www.fibaro.com/hc2v2/panelzraszacze.html
- Speaking of alarm panels: http://www.fibaro.com/hc2v2/panelalarm.html
Control via an expander, e.g. Satel
Visualisation, remote access and control are, of course, standard features via the native mobile app.
- There is no official integration with the intercom yet, but we are finalising integration with Helios IP; at present, it is possible to set up a ‘video door entry system’ via the link panel by connecting any IP camera to an electric lock. When the doorbell is pressed, your phone rings; you receive a push notification, and upon tapping it, a window appears showing the live feed and an ‘Open’ button.
- As for scenes, Fibaro probably has the simplest interface of any available solution offering such extensive capabilities. The whole system is based on coloured blocks that are arranged according to the principle: “if this and that, then do this”.
- SMS, push and email notifications come as standard.
- If your phone has no internet connection, you can send an SMS to your home asking for the status or giving a command such as: living-room.light.on. – the service is free of charge.

As for Mr Dendydus’s point, I really wouldn’t want to clutter up the thread with hopeless replies, especially as I’ve already tried unsuccessfully to ignore him on another forum.
I’ll just say that you can’t compare Fibaro to Nexwell or KNX, as these systems cannot be expanded without a dedicated infrastructure..
Let’s leave matters of price and functionality to the customers’ reviews.

I’d love to see a KNX system at a similar price to Fibaro, with voice control, GPS tracking of family members, or even the option to add your own icons to rooms, etc.

Here’s an example (of another system sold in the US) of voice control via Siri:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKR-rHqq6iY

And here’s Fibaro’s solution – LILI (unfortunately, the only video I could find online). I’ll just point out – as it might not be obvious to everyone – that ‘parsing’ the Polish language compared to English is a nightmare.
LiLi, of course, also works in English and will soon support nine other languages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCFrJXXFTSw

As for the relays making clicking noises, I suggest my friend dendytus connects at least one Fibaro module; then he’ll realise that simply pressing a key is much louder than the sound from the miniature relay in the module.

Added after 34 [minutes]:

I hadn’t read zendenman’s post properly,

To be honest, I’ve no idea what all this is about with these installation costs:(

By the way:
- multiroom – that’s a massive topic and I’m not quite sure what exactly the question is about; if we’re talking about integration via peripheral IR controllers or A/V control via RS or Ethernet, I can assure you that a full API will be available very soon, and the current version of HC2 already includes virtual devices that allow basic control of TVs, amplifiers, etc.
- Voice control – the latest app is already available for download from the App Store; you’ll need to sign up for the beta to get early access to new features.
- Connecting a TV to the control centre – I’m not sure what this refers to. For the time being, this isn’t possible and won’t be in the near future. Unless we’re talking about connecting it as a NAS, in which case that’s currently being developed.
- Sensor integration device – this is presumably the famous ‘Pimpus’ The official launch took place at CeBIT; the PCB wafers arrived in Poznań before the trade fair, and it’s currently being produced in a non-battery-powered version. I don’t know when the retailer will release it onto the market, but probably in the next few days.

There was also a post somewhere about the difficult configuration. I think this video completely settles the issue of its complexity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UXKrjTGHig

I had the opportunity to test and configure the Fibaro system on the fly yesterday (it was my first time using this system).
Installing all the smart modules isn’t much of a problem for someone in the service trade, nor is activating the dimmers.
There’s more of a challenge when it comes to setting up scenes. I’ve already got a few grey hairs, so for those who grew up with computers, it should be as simple as any computer game. But this too is surmountable, as the software is in the control unit; we simply access it via the network to configure and assign devices, and set up scenes. It’s a system that allows for continuous expansion, the addition of further dimmer modules, and the creation of new scenes.
There’s no need to lay kilometres of cables or install control cabinets, etc., as with other systems.
There have been concerns about the impact of electromagnetic fields – also a myth – I have a radio station at home and there were no issues whilst my transmitter was broadcasting at 250W.
I’ll post more comments once I’ve gained more experience. You can’t really say much after just one day.
73!!

fidme wrote:

It’s been a while since I’ve been here;)
so I’ll try to catch up:)
First of all, let me remind you that I’m affiliated with Fibaro and work directly in the R&D department.
- a device for integrating sensors – I’m sure you’re referring to the famous ‘pimpus’ The official launch took place at CeBIT; the PCB wafers arrived in Poznań before the trade fair, and it is currently being produced in a non-battery-powered version. I don’t know when the sales team will release it onto the market, but probably in the next few days.

R&D staff member, PCBs are ordered in panels. Wafers are either silicon or vanilla

Hello,

it was a struggle to get to the end....
This topic made me laugh.
For many years I worked for a manufacturer of both wired and wireless security systems, and no one will convince me that wireless is as reliable as wired. Furthermore, their system cannot be jammed, even if it uses Z-Wave technology or any other. Some systems have additional safeguards, such as changing frequency upon detecting jamming, and whilst this helps, it does not prevent jamming entirely. I wouldn’t argue with a Fibaro representative about whether a Mercedes or a Ferrari is better. You simply have to stand there, look in the mirror and tell yourself that you have a Ferrari, and that this car was designed for different purposes and for a different customer than a Mercedes. I don’t know if Fibaro is a Ferrari, but one thing is certain: I won’t be installing this system because the company’s marketing strategy is geared towards teaching customers how to install the system themselves. So why, as an installer, should I do someone else a favour – by loyally selling their product, yet being unable to count on their loyal support in the future.

There’s one thing I can sincerely congratulate them on: no other manufacturer can boast of launching Fibaro products in this way – provided, of course, that the buzz around the system doesn’t die down just as quickly as it first took off.
Moreover, two years (from concept to selling in the thousands) to produce a flawless product would be a stroke of luck comparable to winning the lottery. But then again, it’s possible – after all, someone does win the lottery at least twice a week.

All the same, I wish you every success and even higher sales.

Kind regards,
Piotr

I bought a Fibaro system about a week ago and so far, so good. The dimmers don’t make any distinctive noises when switched off (as someone suggested earlier). I don’t understand why that bloke gets so worked up in every post about Fibaro. If you’re such an expert in IB and ID, and Fibaro is so bad that it’ll break down in six months’ time – and you’re so sure of it – then just sit tight, because all the disappointed customers will come to you later. After all, since you know everything there is to know about it, you’ll be making a fortune fixing people’s installations. Unless, of course, there’s some other reason behind the way you’re behaving.... ?

Personally, I take a neutral stance on the matter (I’ve opted for a completely different smart home solution) and, from my point of view, the arguments put forward by fidme as a representative of Fibaro are embarrassing; I do know a thing or two about wireless networks myself...

Thank goodness for Elektroda, where you can find out more about a specific company before making a purchase...

I appreciate people like you who put forward concrete arguments and, in doing so, highlight the weaknesses of others..
It’s great that someone speaks up when someone’s trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the ‘uninformed’!

Cheers

Regards.

zenek1984 wrote:

I bought a Fibaro system about a week ago [...] why does this chap get so worked up with every post about Fibaro? If you’re such a big shot [...]

It’s nice that you’re happy with your purchase. But this isn’t a gossip column; certain standards apply.
Your concerns are waiting to be addressed – who better to clear them up than the manufacturer’s R&D engineer?

I don’t need to prove to you, Mr ‘self-proclaimed expert’, what I’ve done. I don’t feed my clients fairy tales about Fibaro ironing their socks for them; I just tell it like it is. I don’t boast about things that are still in their infancy, so they can’t hold it against me later.
As for the video you showed, it’s exactly as you say – not in the same league. I don’t get involved in that sort of work; I leave it to companies that specialise strictly in IB ID. Most clients, however, are people who’ve already had their houses built and would like to be able to switch the alarm on or off, open or close the gate or wicket, switch lights on or off, dim the lights, control the blinds, heating systems and so on, all from a single panel. I think your frustration stems precisely from the fact that people misinterpret information about the system.
It’s the same situation as with cars. A Fiat can’t compare to a Mercedes, but as a brand it’s necessary because many of us would have to ride a bike if it weren’t for the Fiat.

My house has a floor area of 90 metres. The courtyard is lit by three lamps and the entrance gate is remote-controlled. Three storage heaters switch on when the gate opens. The temperature rises before I go inside. Inside the house, all the lights are on dimmers. Switching the alarm on and off, letting the dog out of its run. The first dimmer takes 15 minutes; the rest take no more than 10 minutes. The scenes are the most fun.

I don’t intend to integrate Satel any further with Fibaro (I don’t need it – my system’s too small). When these modules are released, I haven’t got the faintest idea what they’ll be like; I doubt Fibaro know either. As I mentioned above, this isn’t a system designed for the sort of advanced set-ups you’ve shown in your videos. However, it meets my expectations in terms of basic functionality, and this also goes hand in hand with the price, as Fibaro offered the best value for money out of the three companies I was considering.

Mate – you’d better not say anything about the radio. If it’s not causing interference on 28 MHz, it won’t start doing so now.
I’ve gone to great lengths to eliminate interference on 28 MHz at my place – from the boiler controls, the neighbours’ gear, all sorts of electronic bits and bobs, and receivers – all because of interference on 28 MHz. We test things out, check them, and then write something up.
It’s a vast topic, but that’s another story. Integrating Fibaro with the existing electronics in the house is where the problems lie – it involves connecting more than three wires and delving into the electronic circuits – their control systems and drawing up schematics.
I’m no electrician, but when I saw how the electrical installations were done – ‘sloppy’ is an understatement – it’s a SAFETY HAZARD. Who inspected these installations and signed off on the acceptance report, etc.?
Look at the way the gate controls and intercoms
and internet networks have been fitted – but the first time lightning strikes the neighbourhood, the consequences will be severe and painful.
But that’s how it’s done these days: get it done quickly, cheaply, and off you go. The more expensive the house, the worse the workmanship. And it’s done this way to tie the customer in permanently, because if someone from outside comes along and starts unravelling the mess, it’s quicker and easier to just start all over again. No professional leaves any documentation or diagrams behind after the job is done.
I’ve come across this – perhaps things are better elsewhere.
Electricians themselves are already saying that the installation needs to be approached with Fibaro in mind; otherwise, it has to be done differently.
The issue of the phase in the socket is different for everyone – either on the right or the left – surely there must be some standard rather than complete arbitrariness.
A colleague from Fibaro who posts on this forum – I suppose you have a laboratory or design office – and I’d recommend practising controlling switching power supplies that power LEDs.
How does a switching power supply start up, and what happens next?
I have a question: what is the actuator in these modules? I think it’s a triac – in the triacs I’ve encountered when controlling telecommunications systems, there’s a state where it opens and just stays that way. The bypass on switching power supplies didn’t work; the switching power supply turns on, and the minimal current flowing through the module itself charges the switching power supply’s electrolytic capacitor. Once it’s charged, the converter starts up and then cuts out, causing the LED to flash… When switched off, the module emits a buzzing sound and heats up. It then goes through a period of instability – saturation??? – and we can’t shut down the module, which destabilises the control system by feeding interference into the Fibaro network. What???– I assume you have state analysers and will be able to trace this problem.
What you’re suggesting regarding LED power supplies isn’t quite as you describe. The customer has an RGB controller with dimming and also wants this feature to be active. The only correct way is to switch it on and off using a relay with a two-wire installation.If it’s possible to run a line and neutral from a nearby mains socket, the problem is solved by the relay.
These are my observations after two days of helping with the Fibaro setup.
Best regards, 73!

dipol wrote:

How does a switching power supply start up, and what happens next?
I have a question: what is the active component in these modules? I think it’s a triac – in the triacs I’ve come across in telecommunications control systems, there’s a state where it opens and just stays that way. The bypass on switching power supplies didn’t work; it turns on the switching power supply

Dipol, you’re right – this component is a triac, but in a domestic installation there’s no chance of it ‘getting stuck’ if it’s operating under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.
The Fibaro bypass is an artificial load designed to provide power to the dimmer in a 2-wire system in the event of an unconventional load, e.g. an LED. Normally, the ‘bypass’ itself, acting as a load, is sufficient to power the module. Check this for yourself; if this isn’t the case, it means something is wrong and the switching power supply is entitled to kick in briefly, just as you describe. Have you used the diagrams provided by Fibaro?
If you have an N wire in the junction box, you can use a relay switch instead of a dimmer.

Hello. I’d like to ask Mr Fidme a question.

Could you describe in more detail how Fibaro integrates with Satel alarm systems? I was told at the showroom that, as far as alarms are concerned, you can only switch them on and off, without being able to access the alarm functions. I would be very grateful for a reply.

Best regards

Mate – the tone of your rhetoric (which is aggressive) is only likely to win over PiS voters. I’m considering buying an ID and want to find out SPECIFIC details about the various systems. I was pleased to see this topic being discussed on the forums; I was hopeful of expanding my knowledge, but because of you, the threads about ID have turned into a parliamentary chamber or some sort of circus.

Please respect the readers of this forum. I could find almost no interesting specifics in your posts regarding the system you’re installing (KNX and others). And even if there were any, they were lost in a torrent of attacks and slander. If you’ve littered all the forums like this, I’m very disappointed and dismayed.

fidme wrote:

- every Fibaro cube (actuator module) acts as a signal repeater, so the more of them there are, the more...

... we pay for electricity, because every repeater needs to be powered.

fidme wrote:

This is because the modules route signals through one another, and when one is out of range, it queries its neighbours and a new routing path is established. This happens approximately every 8 seconds.

It’s worse if an interfering signal affects the whole house.

fidme wrote:

- There are many ways to switch off devices operating in standby mode, e.g. by adding a Fibaro expander operating at 433 MHz with a pre-programmed presence remote control; then, upon leaving (once you are out of the transmitter’s range, approx. 250m) (the remote is, of course, compatible with almost all gate controllers such as Niece, Hörmann, etc.)

This can also be achieved using a single digital output, which will control the relevant contactor or contactors.

fidme wrote:

The entire property can be locked, the alarm armed, everything switched off, etc. The remote control is also equipped with two freely configurable buttons that can be ‘linked’ to a scene or specific devices.

This functionality does not imply the superiority of any particular system, as the logic for a single button – the pressing of which (whether on the control panel or elsewhere) triggers multiple procedures – can be implemented in any system.

fidme wrote:

- As regards heating savings, the most sensible solution is to divide the building into sections, rooms, etc. Control via a single wall-mounted controller and regulation via the boiler will never yield such benefits. When divided into zones (ideally each room), the boiler serves only as a heat source, whilst individual solenoid valves on the heat exchangers (e.g. radiators) ensure the supply is cut off. We showcased such solenoid valves connected to Fibaro at our stand at the CeBIT trade fair in Hanover.
Photos can be found, for example, at this link: (unfortunately in Italian, but it’s the first one I came across online)
http://www.macitynet.it/macity/articolo/CeBIT...hone-e-iPAd-e-anche-a-voce-con-Z-Wave/aA58308

This isn’t entirely true, as it is cheaper to maintain a constant CT or WL temperature than to heat or cool it in ‘jerky’ bursts. Savings in this area are mainly determined by the technology used, rather than by automation.

fidme wrote:

- As for watering, HC2 has ready-made panels designed for such solutions; you simply need to specify the times at which watering is to take place, and that’s it. In the event of a drought (data retrieved from online weather forecasts), the system will automatically increase watering by, say, 20%.
This is roughly how it works (this is a static page from a few months ago, so please do not take the content too literally):
http://www.fibaro.com/hc2v2/panelzraszacze.html

This type of solution is only seemingly automated. Let’s list the tasks we’d have to carry out without this ‘automation’:
1. Once a day, press a button that activates a timer relay, which in turn controls the sprinklers
Now the Fibaro version:
- from time to time, you need to adjust the timer settings because the sun has a habit of not setting at exactly the same time every day
Solution Fibaro is indeed less time-consuming, as we’ll only need to change the schedule every few days. In return, we get the garden watered during rain or after downpours when water has pooled in the garden.
The electricians’ version:
We buy an astronomical clock or a twilight switch, a time relay and a hygrostat, and whilst we’re at it, we can forget all about watering the garden.

It’s easy to compare the options and choose the most convenient solution.

fidme wrote:

- Speaking of alarm panels: http://www.fibaro.com/hc2v2/panelalarm.html
control via an expander, e.g. Satel
visualisation, remote access and control, of course, as standard via a native mobile app.

And we, being a bit daft, use gateways on large sites to communicate with SWiN systems and don’t buy anything extra beyond the gateway...

fidme wrote:

- When it comes to scenes, Fibaro probably has the simplest interface of any available solution offering such extensive capabilities. The whole system is based on coloured blocks that are assembled according to the principle: ‘if this and that, then do this’
- SMS, push and email notifications come as standard.

Solutions like this are provided by EVERY home automation manufacturer.

fidme wrote:

- If your phone has no internet connection, you can send an SMS to your home asking for the status or giving a command such as: ‘living room.light.on’. – This service is free of charge.

This is the first I’ve heard of text messages being free. Surely you have to pay for a text message sent from a mobile phone to a controller or GSM module?

fidme wrote:

I’ll just say that you can’t compare Fibaro to Nexwell or KNX, as these systems cannot be expanded without a dedicated infrastructure.
Let’s leave matters of price and capabilities to customer reviews.

Systems are there to be compared, and the choice is made depending on the client’s requirements and the price, which is mainly determined by the specific nature of the property. That is why one property is fitted with Siemens, another with TAC, and yet another with Beckhoff or Wago.

fidme wrote:

I’d love to see a KNX system at a similar price to Fibaro, with voice control, GPS tracking of family members, or even the option to add custom icons to rooms, etc.

As for me, I’d love to see a user who’s actually used even one of these features. What’s more, in such a small area as a detached house, the GPS positioning error margin is greater than the area it covers, which by definition undermines the point of using this functionality.

To sum up, I would ask you to specify the features that set this system apart from the competition, as only then can we talk about comparison and choice.

So far, I have noticed three very serious drawbacks:
1) Fibaro’s automation system is wireless – this is always a drawback of the system
2) the status monitoring components are ‘power-hungry’, due to the fact that they are network devices which must be constantly powered
3) if the relay in the module wears out, you will most likely have to replace the entire module for, I believe, 250 zlotys, rather than just the relay for 7 zlotys

In my view, this “system” is a poor copy of EnOcean, which uses solar energy for its sensing components, whilst for push-buttons, mechanical energy is converted into an electrical pulse (using a piezoelectric element). The electricity generated in this way currently powers the module, which in turn sends a signal to the controller indicating that the button in question has been pressed.

Quote:

micholas wrote:

That’s probably because they’re aimed at a different kind of audience to you.
And the fact that you don’t understand anything is your problem, not mine.
By some strange coincidence, nobody deletes most of my posts, so they must be conveying some sort of message; and if you don’t like them, you can simply ignore them. Reading my posts isn’t compulsory.

PS.
IQ doesn’t depend on supporting a particular party.

But still, some of them are being deleted, so that says something. And judging by your comments, no one’s going to argue with you – arguing on forums is your life, so I don’t stand a chance. Best regards.

Hello. I’ve been interested in a wireless smart home system for some time now (I’ve already had the wiring and plasterwork done). The Fibaro system has caught my eye. I’d like to roll out the system in stages, and to start with I’ve chosen to integrate it with the heating system. And this is where things get tricky, because after speaking to their representatives, I get the impression we’re not on the same page. My question is this: apart from communicating with the radiator heads, does the Fibaro system also communicate with the boiler? Can it replace the weather-compensated controller for hot water and central heating settings? I should mention that I have a Vaillant ecoTEC VC plus boiler.
Perhaps one of you knows the answer to this question?
Best regards

m.mro wrote:

Hello. I’ve been interested in a wireless smart home system for some time now (I’ve already had the wiring and plasterwork done). The Fibaro system has caught my eye. I’d like to roll out the system in stages, and to start with I’ve chosen to automate the heating system. And this is where the problems begin, because after speaking to their representatives, I get the impression we’re not on the same page. My question is this: apart from communicating with the radiator heads, does the Fibaro system also communicate with the boiler? Can it replace the weather-compensated controller for hot water and central heating settings? I should mention that I have a Vaillant ecoTEC VC plus boiler.
Perhaps one of you knows the answer to this question?
Best regards

I’ve looked through the boiler’s technical documentation and there’s one issue: the boiler isn’t equipped with any standard communication protocol. The boiler has an eBus bus, so it may be possible to purchase a gateway to communicate with another (master) controller. I’m not familiar with the Fibaro system, but given that they cannot communicate with a Satel fire alarm control panel (Modbus RTU protocol – one of the most widely used protocols in automation), I don’t think they’ll be able to communicate with the boiler, for which it might be possible to buy a Modbus RTU, LonWorks or BacNet gateway.
To summarise my point: it’s most likely not possible to do this within the Fibaro automation system, but you could switch, for example, to a different controller with a web server and Modbus RTU support, and then it would be possible. Where wireless technology is required, simply use EnOcean and that’s that. This can be done, for example, with controllers from Beckhoff, Wago or Phoenix Contact. You simply purchase a Modbus RTU and EnOcean interface for the CPU (these are modular controllers), and then it’s ‘just’ a matter of integration.

Edit: I’ve read that it seems you can buy a 0–10V remote control module for your boiler; however, in that case, we won’t achieve the effect our colleague is looking for, though it will allow you to control the boiler’s output.

Thank you for the information. I did think that this system was still a bit underdeveloped. I reckon they’ve focused on the ‘bells and whistles’ and are steering well clear of the tricky bits. I’ll have a look into the area you mentioned. Best regards.

Quote:

m.mro wrote:

Thank you for the information. I did think that this system was still a bit underdeveloped. I reckon they’ve focused on the ‘bells and whistles’ and are steering well clear of the tricky bits. I’ll have a look into the area you mentioned. Best regards.

It’s pointless. You can’t do anything with this boiler or similar ones. That’s just the way they are.
No ID/IB system can control it, not even KNX. Anyway, it’s not worth the effort.

That’s precisely why KNX isn’t such a good system. It’s easy for typical electricians to get to grips with, which is why it’s so widespread in detached houses. In my humble opinion, it is up to the client – not the installer – to decide, based on an understanding of the capabilities and costs of these options, whether it’s worth the effort or not.

Quote:

PS.

kubai wrote:

To summarise my point, it is most likely not possible to do this with Fibaro automation, but you could switch, for example, to a different controller with a web server and Modbus RTU support, in which case it would be possible .

Of course, you’ve never done this before, but never mind – I can offer some advice.
I suggest a mixture of a frog’s croak and a bat’s saliva at midnight, under a full moon in a cemetery. The effect will be exactly the same, but what an experience it’ll be.

And how do you know what I’ve done and what I haven’t? As for this sort of integration, I carry it out on every site, if only because network parameter analysers, ATS systems, chillers in 90 per cent of cases, and boiler rooms in around 50 per cent of cases are always equipped with these kinds of protocols. If you still find what I do unconvincing, I’d be happy to invite you to the new terminal in Wrocław, for example, but I suspect that such minor matters won’t impress you, as you don’t bother with such trifles.

Quote:

Quote:

Wherever wireless technology is required, just use EnOcean and that’s that. This can be done, for example, with controllers from Beckhoff, Wago or Phoenix Contact. You simply buy a Modbus RTU and EnOcean interface for the CPU (these are modular controllers), and then it’s ‘just’ a matter of integration.

I don’t think it could be any more complicated than that.

As it happens, this shouldn’t be a problem for an automation engineer. Unlike my colleague, I’m not saying that something can’t be done (99% of such statements from an installer or integrator are merely a cover-up for their lack of knowledge), but simply provide an example solution, which, in my view, offers greater practical value to the person asking the question.

By the way, for a change, perhaps my colleague might finally suggest something , instead of just spending his whole life criticising others.

Quote:

kubai wrote:

In my humble opinion, it is up to the Investor, not the Installer, to decide – based on knowledge of the capabilities and costs of these options – whether or not it is worth the effort

So perhaps you could tell us how much your proposed integration will cost – materials plus labour – and what benefits your proposed integration will bring. I’d say none.
Let’s set aside the fact that you’re not capable of doing this; this is a matter of theoretical consideration.
Let’s also ignore the fact that this sort of tinkering is the surest way to void the warranty.

You’d be better off learning a bit more about network topology and how this sort of integration is carried out, rather than making a fool of yourself. Incidentally, I haven’t heard such a ridiculous piece of nonsense in ages.
Just because you don’t know how to do something doesn’t mean it’s some sort of hyper-complicated task that no one else can manage either.
As for the costs, it’s simply a matter of buying a communication gateway from the boiler manufacturer (you just need to check first whether such an option exists), the cost of the cable (Cat 5e FTP is perfectly adequate) from the gateway to the interface, and a maximum of 8 hours’ work for one technician to visit the site. The assumption is that an interface for communication via the Modbus RTU protocol is already in place (e.g. for communicating with wall-mounted thermostats or an alarm control panel), so the costs aren’t particularly high.

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PS
In the boiler room of the terminal in Wrocław, you have, of course, used a boiler that is identical or of the same class as the one in a detached house.

But the principle of integration is the same. I won’t go into detail, as you probably know it better than anyone else anyway.
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PS2

kubai wrote:

By the way, for a change, perhaps you might finally suggest something , instead of just spending your whole life criticising others.

After all, I did suggest a cheaper solution that achieves the same result.[/quote]

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It’s pointless. You can’t do anything with this heater or similar ones. That’s just how they are.
No ID/IB system can control it, not even KNX. Anyway, it’s not worth the effort.

Well, that’s brilliant – the integration you suggested, mate; there’s no point
Perhaps I’m a bit slow on the uptake and there’s something I’m missing, but I don’t think your solution achieves ‘the same effect’ – so perhaps you could enlighten me.