Hello,
I am looking for a comprehensive smart home platform that can integrate devices from different manufacturers.
So far, I have come across the following options:
Home Assistant
OpenHAB
ioBroker
Which of these platforms is the best or most widely used?
It is important to me that it runs stably and allows for creating good automations.
Additionally, there should be a smartphone app available that can be used on the go to control the smart home or at least check the status of devices remotely.
Are all of these programs open source and available for free?
Which of these platforms would you recommend, or should we perhaps consider WiButler or Homee, which also support various wireless standards?
I am looking for a comprehensive smart home platform that can integrate devices from different manufacturers.
So far, I have come across the following options:
Home Assistant
OpenHAB
ioBroker
Which of these platforms is the best or most widely used?
It is important to me that it runs stably and allows for creating good automations.
Additionally, there should be a smartphone app available that can be used on the go to control the smart home or at least check the status of devices remotely.
Are all of these programs open source and available for free?
Which of these platforms would you recommend, or should we perhaps consider WiButler or Homee, which also support various wireless standards?
Another question I have:
Should we install Free@Home (wired) in our new build? Our electrician doesn’t want to work with KNX because he’s not very familiar with the software and thinks it would take too long (he doesn’t have enough time for the other houses).
Since Free@Home is quite limited in terms of software, we would like to use a higher-level control system.
For example, should we use Home Assistant as the central controller for the wired Free@Home system?
Or should we simply set up a more affordable wireless smart home and control it with Home Assistant?
Wibutler is another option (Free@Home is also compatible with Wibutler), or Home Connect from Bosch.
Should we install Free@Home (wired) in our new build? Our electrician doesn’t want to work with KNX because he’s not very familiar with the software and thinks it would take too long (he doesn’t have enough time for the other houses).
Since Free@Home is quite limited in terms of software, we would like to use a higher-level control system.
For example, should we use Home Assistant as the central controller for the wired Free@Home system?
Or should we simply set up a more affordable wireless smart home and control it with Home Assistant?
Wibutler is another option (Free@Home is also compatible with Wibutler), or Home Connect from Bosch.
TaiiTvv schrieb:
One more question.
Should I have Free@Home (wired) installed in our new build? Our electrician doesn’t want to do KNX because he’s not very familiar with the software and it would take too long for him (he doesn’t have enough time for the other houses). Well, if you’re already considering getting into iobroker or something similar, just tell your electrician to install the KNX hardware, and you can do the configuration yourself using ETS Home for 350€ (often available cheaper during promotions) – especially if you like experimenting, it’s doable.
Yes, I will ask the electrician again if he can install only the KNX components and leave the complete configuration to me.
Would you not recommend Free@Home at all?
How would you install KNX or Free@Home?
Install all actuators in the distribution board and install only the push buttons connected to the bus cable in the rooms?
Would you not recommend Free@Home at all?
How would you install KNX or Free@Home?
Install all actuators in the distribution board and install only the push buttons connected to the bus cable in the rooms?
TaiiTvv schrieb:
How would you install KNX or Free@Home?? KNX, because of its openness. Free@Home also works and is easier for electricians, but it significantly limits you later on.
TaiiTvv schrieb:
Install all actuators in the distribution cabinet and only install the push buttons in the rooms connected to the bus cable? That's exactly how it’s done.
You can already start with the ETS eCampus course; that way you’ll get a general idea of what it’s all about.
I still need to discuss with our electrician whether he can install KNX and leave the configuration to me. I have already watched videos on YouTube about how the ETS software works. I will need to learn it, but it should work after I have worked through it.
What would you recommend if the electrician refuses to do KNX? Without configuration, nothing will work at handover. The electrician might insist on just the basics, like switching lights on/off or raising/lowering blinds, but for that, he would have to do the basic installation again (which he actually declined).
If the electrician won’t do KNX, should we choose Free@Home or a wireless system later on? Are the limitations of Free@Home only significant compared to KNX, or would a wireless system be preferable over Free@Home?
Wireless is definitely much cheaper than Free@Home.
What would you recommend if the electrician refuses to do KNX? Without configuration, nothing will work at handover. The electrician might insist on just the basics, like switching lights on/off or raising/lowering blinds, but for that, he would have to do the basic installation again (which he actually declined).
If the electrician won’t do KNX, should we choose Free@Home or a wireless system later on? Are the limitations of Free@Home only significant compared to KNX, or would a wireless system be preferable over Free@Home?
Wireless is definitely much cheaper than Free@Home.
Most actuators can be operated directly on the device itself, meaning their functions can be tested. What will not work are all push buttons. However, this is purely a software issue, as long as the installation itself is correct.
I have done this a few times by receiving the devices from the electrician along with a list specifying where each connection should be made and then programmed the devices accordingly. After that, I returned to the construction site, and once the wiring was correct, everything worked. For this to work, the electrician must provide all KNX devices beforehand and must not make any changes to the planned wiring during installation. If changes are made, they must be reflected in the programming.
With F@H, you are forever bound to that one manufacturer. I would not want that in a house with such a long service life.
Regarding wireless, here is my opinion (and experience). I consider wireless a last resort when something has been forgotten. If used in new construction, you must carefully plan for excellent Wi-Fi coverage (if using a Wi-Fi based system) and install electrical boxes that can later fit the wireless components inside the wall (behind switches!). Wireless solutions, such as Shelly devices, are definitely less expensive compared to KNX or other "proper" systems.
Oh, and by the way: Loxone is not cheaper than KNX.
I have done this a few times by receiving the devices from the electrician along with a list specifying where each connection should be made and then programmed the devices accordingly. After that, I returned to the construction site, and once the wiring was correct, everything worked. For this to work, the electrician must provide all KNX devices beforehand and must not make any changes to the planned wiring during installation. If changes are made, they must be reflected in the programming.
With F@H, you are forever bound to that one manufacturer. I would not want that in a house with such a long service life.
Regarding wireless, here is my opinion (and experience). I consider wireless a last resort when something has been forgotten. If used in new construction, you must carefully plan for excellent Wi-Fi coverage (if using a Wi-Fi based system) and install electrical boxes that can later fit the wireless components inside the wall (behind switches!). Wireless solutions, such as Shelly devices, are definitely less expensive compared to KNX or other "proper" systems.
Oh, and by the way: Loxone is not cheaper than KNX.