FAQ
TL;DR: ETS Lite supports up to 20 KNX devices; "It is not an intuitive soft." Download ETS at my.knx.org and budget ~1000 PLN for a KNX interface and power supply. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19334657]
Why it matters: This helps renovators choose a fully wired approach, plan cabling, and avoid coupling security with automation in one risky stack.
Quick Facts
- ETS: Demo programs 5 devices; Lite handles 20; download via my.knx.org; license dongle lifts demo limits. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19334657]
- KNX cabling: Use 2x2x0.8 EIB bus; run two such cables to wall panels (bus + power); allow for bus-powered sensors. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19333861]
- Architecture: Keep alarm on SSWiN hardware; put controls on KNX actuators/sensors; integrate over the KNX bus. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19333861]
- Starter budget: KNX programming interface + KNX power supply ≈ 1000 PLN to get going. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19334657]
- Intercom-to-mobile: Video calls to a phone use IP; treat it as an app feature, not a “wired-to-phone” link. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19337637]
Is KNX + a Satel alarm a good wired choice for an old-house renovation?
Yes. Use the alarm as a typical SSWiN system and run lighting, HVAC, and gates on KNX. Integrate the alarm’s states and commands on the KNX bus using the vendor’s interface. This keeps security isolated yet coordinated with home controls. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19333861]
Where do I download ETS and which license should I pick?
Download ETS from my.knx.org. The demo configures 5 KNX devices. ETS Lite supports 20 devices. A license dongle removes demo limits. Choose Pro when your project exceeds Lite. You also need a KNX programming interface and a KNX power supply. “It is not an intuitive soft,” so allow learning time. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19334657]
What KNX cabling should I run during renovation?
Pull a 2x2x0.8 EIB/KNX bus to each controlled area. For any wall touch panel, run two such cables: one for communication and one for power. Where devices draw power via the bus, plan for supplying additional voltage. This preserves flexibility for sensors and expansions. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19333861]
Should I combine alarm security with automation or keep them separate?
Keep them separate. Use a dedicated SSWiN alarm for security, and place lighting, blinds, HVAC, and gates on automation. Share only essential signals for arming, scenes, and alerts. “I am not in favour of combining systems responsible for security with others.” [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19335589]
Can a video intercom call my phone in a fully wired setup?
Use the intercom’s mobile app for calls and video. A direct “wired-to-phone” path is not how mobile calling works. Video to a phone rides over IP, even with wired door stations. Keep intercom separate and integrate door-release triggers with automation or alarm. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19337637]
I want one wall panel for intercom video, gates, garage, and thermostat—what’s realistic?
An all-in-one wired panel points to KNX-class solutions and higher integration effort. Budget accordingly and plan interfaces early. Many installers still split subsystems to cut risk. “Here KNX is the solution, but it costs money.” [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19337992]
How do I start planning and drawing my wiring/block diagram?
List functions per room and label what is security versus automation. Draw a KNX trunk and branch 2x2x0.8 runs to devices; add a second bus to panels. Mark bus power needs for sensors and reserve space for a KNX PSU and interface.
- List room-by-room functions and roles.
- Sketch KNX trunk/branches and panel runs.
- Annotate bus power and control panel needs. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19333861]
What’s the minimum KNX hardware and starter budget?
You need ETS on a PC, a KNX programming interface, and a KNX power supply. Expect about 1000 PLN for the interface and PSU. The ETS demo handles 5 devices, while ETS Lite handles 20. Add actuators and sensors as you grow the project. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19334657]
Are there easier or cheaper alternatives to KNX for beginners?
Yes. Consider Ampio, Loxone, or Grenton for simpler setup and lower cost. These platforms reduce configuration complexity compared with KNX. Keep security separate using a dedicated alarm controller. “If you have no experience, KNX is not the best system to learn.” [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19335589]
Is ROPAM a viable alarm with home-control features and a touch panel?
Yes. ROPAM offers more intuitive setup, lower price, and touch panels. It can control devices and supports an app. Check panel type (resistive vs capacitive) before buying. You can model whole-house control from the controller, as their resources show. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19337637]
Where can I see a ROPAM house example to copy wiring ideas?
See ROPAM’s example projects and guides on their technical help page: https://ropam.com.pl/pomoc_techniczna/. Use them to plan zones, outputs, and panel locations. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19355063]
Should I use Dahua as the smart-alarm brain or keep it for cameras only?
Keep Dahua for cameras and use its app for viewing/recording. For alarm and control, choose a dedicated controller like Satel or ROPAM. You can still run gate control from the controller and leave cameras separate for simplicity. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19337637]
Can Grenton work alongside a Satel alarm, and how do I integrate them?
Yes. Treat Satel as the security system and use Grenton for control. Exchange signals between systems via I/O contacts or a bus interface. Keep functions distinct for reliability and clean responsibilities. [Elektroda, szorterek, post #19333861]
How should I handle heating control and underfloor floor sensors?
You can control heating from the controller, but details depend on your HVAC model. Floor sensors are useful if you want to limit underfloor temperature. Select touch panels carefully (resistive vs capacitive) if they act as thermostats. Align wiring with the controller’s supported inputs. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19337637]
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