[KNX] How to build an affordable smart home with EIB/KNX, Loxone and ETS4 Lite?

Name: [KNX] How to build an affordable smart home with EIB/KNX, Loxone and ETS4 Lite?
Uploaded: 2012-08-11T01:03:33+02:00
Description: I stumbled across something like this by accident Add Loxone to that and we’ve got some pretty cool IB/ID control systems built using KNX. Plus an integrator with a KNX integration module ETS4 Lite software for KNX programming The only limitation of the Lite version is 20 KNX devices per...

Question

I stumbled across something like this by accident Add Loxone to that and we’ve got some pretty cool IB/ID control systems built using KNX. Plus an integrator with a KNX integration module ETS4 Lite software for KNX programming The only limitation of the Lite version is 20 KNX devices per...

Anonymous · Answer

Controlling the KNX system using various systems. And here is a Polish tutorial for ETS4 – the KNX programming softwareand some news

king kong · Answer

Mate, could you post a link to that tutorial??

Anonymous · Answer

Sorry And here’s a video about how smart homes make life easier – they don’t necessarily have to be KNX-based.

pkiszk · Answer

I have a question: what do I need to commission a KNX system myself, assuming that:

1. I already have the cabling in place for such a system.
2. I will buy and install the equipment (actuators, switches, etc.).

What next? If I buy ETS Lite (or even Pro) and provided I learn how to use it, and my electrician can connect the equipment correctly – can I get the system and algorithms up and running? I’m assuming, of course, that I’m capable of using the logic and the software. If that’s the case, then even the price of 950 euros for ETS Pro is manageable; the equipment for an extensive installation costs many times more.

Is this an oversimplification, or do I need any training or certificates?

PK

Either you correct your spelling to Polish, or this post will end up in the bin. [retrofood]

Anonymous · Answer

The only problem is understanding how group addresses work. They’re a bit like drawing in geometry. A sudden click and we see it in ‘3D’ You can buy the Lite version; the only limitation is 20 KNX devices. A device can be anything from a single-button switch to a 10-button switch. A device can also be, for example, a module with 16 relay outputs. It’s worth starting with a book from Allegro costing a dozen or so zlotys – ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION IN THE KNX/EIB SYSTEM INPE 10 You can buy a power supply, a USB port, an 8-input and 8-output module from Intelektronik, and you’ll easily be able to programme it using the ETS4 demo version. You won’t include the power supply in the design, so you’ll have three devices. Of course, you’ll also need to buy KNX cable at 2.5 zł/m.The training course is useful because you can gain a lot of ‘insider’ knowledge. The training courses include practical exercises, such as connecting and programming devices.An additional benefit of the training is the discount available when purchasing ETS4.The certificate is essential for the professional design and installation of such systems. Although nothing can replace hands-on experience, which you can easily gain by buying equipment from Intelektronik and playing around with it.PS.I see that modules for switches have appeared. Things are getting more and more interesting.The only thing missing now is a KNX/IP gateway.

stkop · Answer

A bit off-topic. Have you had a chance to take a closer look at Intelelektronik devices... i.e. buy, install and set them up...? Any thoughts? P.S. They use these monostable relays, which means an additional 0.4W is required per active output. I can see they’ve also used V EXT[ernal] connectors, i.e. an external power supply for the module. Best regards.

Anonymous · Answer

No What sort of impressions could there be? A module is just a module. Another batch of useful information along with the modules.

king kong · Answer

I’ve been reading up on KNX and am becoming increasingly convinced that this is the way to go. Using Intelelektronik modules works out at a really good price. I’ve got a few questions, though.
I’ve been browsing various shops and forums, and it seems you have to pay a lot for the KNX label. Can anyone recommend input/output modules from other manufacturers? Perhaps ones that you use yourselves and which are reasonably priced.
The second thing is the buttons. I find them very expensive, although they’re very nice. 300 zł for a single button plus 350 zł for a bus port is a bit much. But you get what you pay for. So I think I’ll go for standard switches and, for example, Intelelektronik flush-mounted modules for my own setup, and if I’ve got a bit of spare cash, maybe one of those fancy KXN buttons.

What do you think of this solution?

Anonymous · Answer

After all, given the current pace and momentum of development, KNX is the only building automation system that guarantees support and continued existence in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time. In September, a further 20 companies joined KNX and 9 certified training centres were established Gira and ABB offer good value for money. But seriously, the issue with KNX prices is very simple. Rich countries are looking out for themselves. It’s just like with cars. There are a few manufacturers in Germany offering good German standards for less money. Unfortunately, they have fewer ‘bells and whistles’ than the top brands.Examples include MDT or PEAR This difference shrinks if you compare the price of fancy ‘standard’ switches multiplied by the quantity required. On top of that, there’s the installation time. With KNX, you need one junction box and one KNX cable – of which we’ll only use two wires – whereas with another solution you’d need several junction boxes, say 5, plus the time taken to connect 5 switches. That’s absolutely fine. You could also use bus-mounted input modules, e.g. the Intelelektronik 8WE, to control the lighting in the boiler room and garage. You’d then run a KNX cable to the switch for future connection and, for example, a 4x0.5mm cable between the distribution board and the switch. However, you shouldn’t go overboard with the length of these cables, and you must ensure that the cable is 4x0.5mm, not 4x0.5mm² as is often the case nowadays You can then connect a standard bell switch or a normal switch, provided the module supports connection to a standard switch. You can check this either in the manual or by loading the application programme into ETS4.The ABB/Busch-Jaeger 32 I/O module is good value for money. It’s very good for various integrations and supports both standard and bell-type switches. Bear in mind that ETS4 Lite only supports 20 devices; you can get round this by splitting the project into floors, but it requires quite a bit of fiddling about. So if you’re planning to use a lot of switches with flush-mounted modules, you’ll need to look into 16-relay output modules or, for example, the PEAR 21-relay module. you decide to go ahead, it’s worth buying one of each module straight away and having a go with them.

king kong · Answer

Cheers mate for your reply.
I’m thinking about doing a KNX training course. From what I’ve heard, you get ETS Lite for free, so the course works out about 100€ cheaper.
That ABB 32 I/O module is very good value for money. The PEAR relays are good value too.
I do have a question, though: where do you buy all these things, mate? I’ve found the 32 I/O module in Poland, but I reckon the PEAR module is only available abroad? Unless you can recommend a company, shop or distributor?

Anonymous · Answer

In Poland or Germany. From distributors. Generally, I use Gira, ABB and MDT. Plus some rather high-end circuit breakers, such as Basalte and Controltronic

Anonymous · Answer

Free ONLINE training on Gira’s HomeServer/FacilityServer. the HomeServer isn’t a cheap toy, but you can see what it’s capable of

MaciekIzdebski · Answer

Hello,You can now get ETS Lite for free. All you need to do is complete the online training.Best regards

king kong · Answer

I’m starting to collect some KNX ‘toys’ for learning purposes. I’ve no problem with switchboard equipment. However, I’m wondering whether a Berker bus port is compatible with ABB or Gira devices? Do I need a complete set, i.e. ABB push-buttons and an ABB bus port?

Anonymous · Answer

Anything with the EIB/KNX label is compatible with each other. You can have MDT and Merten modules, ABB/Gira push-buttons, a Jung or Berker bus module, and a power supply from Intelektronika I don’t know that, and nobody knows, because nobody puts together such outlandish combinations. It was combinations like these, amongst other things, that led to the urban legend a dozen or so years ago that components from, for example, Gira don’t work with ABB.

Anonymous · Answer

Because I’ve recently learnt that you can’t tell a customer that the system can’t do something; you just have to spin them a load of rubbish, as long as you make a profit. Admittedly, this concerned a different system and involved fitting solenoid valves from the radiator to control the underfloor heating.
As many installers might come up with similar ideas, I’ve decided to write about how heating control – including underfloor heating – should be carried out and how it is done CORRECTLY in KNX

http://www.knx-gebaeudesysteme.de/sto_g/Engli...NS/2CDC500067M0201_ApplikationsHB_HVAC_EN.pdf

http://www05.abb.com/global/scot/scot209.nsf/...6f1c1257870004cc2a9/$file/2cdc500070m0201.pdf

http://www.automatykabudynku.pl/index.php?opt...zczdzanieq&catid=14:artykuly&Itemid=5

Perhaps this will help installers of other systems too.

1dino · Answer

Because I’ve recently learnt that you can’t tell a customer that the system can’t do something; instead, you have to spin them a load of rubbish, just to make a bit of money. Admittedly, this concerned a different system and involved fitting solenoid valves from the radiator to control the underfloor heating.
As many installers might come up with similar ideas, I’ve decided to write about how heating control – including underfloor heating – should be carried out and how it is done CORRECTLY in KNX

http://www.automatykabudynku.pl/index.php?opt...zczdzanieq&catid=14:artykuly&Itemid=5

It may be of less use to installers, but it will certainly help the companies that sell these products.
Given the prices of Theben’s products, ‘smart’ saving turns into (sorry) ‘daft’ saving.
Assuming we save 30 per cent on heating costs, the cost of buying these ‘toys’ will probably pay for itself after 50 years.
A basic room thermostat for 900 PLN – priceless.
I won’t even mention the clock with a 25 cm face for 2,500 PLN.

mgiro · Answer

Does anyone have ETS version 4.0.3 available for installation?

[KNX] How to build an affordable smart home with EIB/KNX, Loxone and ETS4 Lite?

Post #1

Post #2

Post #3

Sharing KNX tutorials and smart home resources

Sharing KNX tutorials and smart home resources

Post #5

Post #6

Post #7

Post #8

Post #9

Post #10

Post #11

Post #12

Post #13

Post #14

Post #15

Post #16

KNX components can be mixed across manufacturers

KNX components can be mixed across manufacturers

Correct KNX control for underfloor heating

Correct KNX control for underfloor heating

Post #19

Post #20

Didn't find an answer? Ask Artificial Intelligence (AI)