ᐅ Roller shutter / heating control via API

Hello everyone

We are currently building a house and I am looking for a system to control the roller shutters/blinds and the heating, and possibly also the garage door, via an API.
It should not be wireless but wired. Since we are in a new build, I can easily install cables.
The system itself does not need to have any logic (e.g., turn on the heating at 12 o’clock).
I plan to handle that with my own software.
(It basically needs something like a controller with Ethernet connectivity.)

There is a flood of information online, but I haven’t really found a clear answer on who offers this.

Can anyone help me out?

Thanks and best regards, Claudio

Hello Claudio,
Which software do you plan to use? That might already limit your options.
I would recommend KNX. If it is initially only meant to replace conventional electrical wiring, it is more cost-effective. Logic functions can be added at any time by integrating a server, including visualization.

Kufstein schrieb:

Roller shutters/blinds and the heating,

These "components" are usually too basic for an API and only understand analog signals, so you first need a system that handles signal processing, which you can then control via an API.

So, if you want an all-in-one solution that is also wired, there is basically only one answer, and rick2018 has already mentioned it: KNX.

In a modern house, there isn’t much to control when it comes to heating, even though manufacturer apps might suggest otherwise. Many people even choose to do without room thermostats entirely, as this can have advantages in terms of energy consumption.

Maybe a "small" solution for the blinds will be enough for you as well.

Hello Rick2018 and MyCraft

rick2018 schrieb:

Hello Claudio,
Which software do you plan to use?

I would like to develop something myself. Possibly in C# or web-based with PHP/Ajax.

rick2018 schrieb:

Hello Claudio,
I would go with KNX. If it is just to replace conventional electrical systems initially, it is more cost-effective.

Do you know approximately how much KNX costs per roller shutter/blind?

Thank you and best regards

Claudio

Kufstein schrieb:

Hello Rick2018 and MyCraft

I would like to develop something on my own, possibly in C# or web-based with PHP / Ajax.

Do you know roughly how much KNX for roller shutters/blinds costs?

Thanks and regards

Claudio

Are you single and living alone? Your approach to heating and blind control sounds like a WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) close to zero.

Otherwise, the price depends on the number of blinds. Assuming 8 blinds and a minimal configuration (MDT 8-channel shutter actuator, MDT 160mA power supply, MDT IP gateway), the cost per blind channel is about €60 (about $65). If you have more channels, the price per channel tends to decrease.

Then you can use any free visualization or other software packages to give free rein to your programming enthusiasm. There is even software for those with a high tolerance for complexity.