ᐅ Best Smart Home Upgrade for New Construction

Pacc666 schrieb:

Does it not work at all during handover, or do standard functions like turning on the light with a button already work?

It depends on what you agree upon. If no configuration is agreed, then nothing will be done. However, the devices can basically be fully configured before installation.

Pacc666 schrieb:

Which devices do you recommend that are good and possibly affordable (good price/performance ratio)?

That depends on the desired functions. Usually, each manufacturer includes additional features, and those are the differences. You might specifically need one function or another in a certain location.

As a guideline, MDT is very popular in Germany... in my opinion, I would only choose their built-in devices for the cabinet. Their glass switches are functional and affordable but tend to be rather unattractive visually and feel like glass typically does in terms of tactile feedback.

The choice of devices always depends on the device itself. I generally prefer MDT for actuators because their applications are quite good, but for example, with high-voltage dimmers or IP gateways/routers, I use other brands. Not to mention switches and sensors, which are a different matter altogether.

If you just have everything installed and then do the configuration from scratch yourself, nothing will work at handover. If you use actuators without manual operation options, the electrician installing the system will almost certainly refuse to perform any acceptance or functional testing, because they can’t test things like blinds, for example. You simply have to talk to the people involved and take such things into account.

There are plenty of "KNX courses" or videos online that cover at least the basics. The KNX Association also offers basic courses that might even give you discounts on ETS if you complete them. Matthias Kleine’s videos are also excellent, and Voltus offers KNX tutorials for complete beginners. Just start familiarizing yourself with the topic. Buying the software and jumping right in to quickly get results is something only very few will manage. The money you save upfront, you have to invest in a significant amount of your own time. That’s the deal. Nothing comes for free. This applies to almost any system — whether Loxone, Homematic, or others — you have to engage with it intensively.

Mycraft schrieb:

The glass switches are functional and affordable, but honestly they are rather unpleasant to look at and have the typical feel of glass.

untergasse43 schrieb:

I mostly prefer MDT for actuators because their apps are really great, but for example when it comes to high-voltage dimmers or IP gateways/routers, I choose other brands. And that’s without even mentioning switches and sensors.

I currently have a box of MDT actuators for the distribution board and I ordered a glass switch as a test. To be honest, I find it quite stylish, and it also gets good reviews in the KUF. I can’t really compare it to switches costing 500 euros each, and in my opinion, such comparisons shouldn’t be made.
For presence detectors and other sensors, however, I will be switching to other manufacturers.

I think the Taster 55 or the smart version with display and tactile click feedback is excellent. For €60, you get a double push button with multiple functions, group control, and RGBW status LEDs. What more could you want? They also fit perfectly with the A550 frame system from Jung. I’m quite a fan of MDT; they have really improved their products.

Yes, it’s a matter of personal taste. I simply don’t like the well-known glass switch, neither visually nor tactilely. There are definitely much nicer/better options. But of course, those are not in the same price range. You also always have to consider the applications to see what is desired/needed.

No doubt MDT is one of the leading brands in this country and they have done everything right.

And besides, they are simply more likeable than the established electronics giants (says the rebel in me). 🙂