Hello everyone,
I am finally planning to build our own house with my family. I don’t want to do without a smart system and have already done some research.
Loxone is basically off the table for me because it mainly relies on its proprietary system and products.
Of course, I have repeatedly come back to KNX (as here in the forum as well). However, I am not entirely happy with it because I don’t want to have to call a programmer every time I want to make a change; I also don’t really want to buy the ETS license. Additionally, I want to integrate and network fingerprint scanners, Sonos, and a heat pump, but I haven’t fully figured out how to do this with KNX.
The house basically has two floors with an open-plan kitchen/living area, entrance hall, utility room, bathrooms, children’s rooms, bedroom, garden, and so on.
The following systems should be connected:
- Lighting (some dimmable)
- External blinds / weather station
- Underfloor heating
- Heat pump
- Music system (Sonos)
- Fingerprint access
- Video intercom
- Some switched power outlets
- Photovoltaic system
Since I am technically fairly knowledgeable, I want to be able to manage, adjust, and optimize my system myself in the end.
Does anyone have good input here? Or already experience with Loxone, KNX, or others?
Thanks and best regards,
Stefan
I am finally planning to build our own house with my family. I don’t want to do without a smart system and have already done some research.
Loxone is basically off the table for me because it mainly relies on its proprietary system and products.
Of course, I have repeatedly come back to KNX (as here in the forum as well). However, I am not entirely happy with it because I don’t want to have to call a programmer every time I want to make a change; I also don’t really want to buy the ETS license. Additionally, I want to integrate and network fingerprint scanners, Sonos, and a heat pump, but I haven’t fully figured out how to do this with KNX.
The house basically has two floors with an open-plan kitchen/living area, entrance hall, utility room, bathrooms, children’s rooms, bedroom, garden, and so on.
The following systems should be connected:
- Lighting (some dimmable)
- External blinds / weather station
- Underfloor heating
- Heat pump
- Music system (Sonos)
- Fingerprint access
- Video intercom
- Some switched power outlets
- Photovoltaic system
Since I am technically fairly knowledgeable, I want to be able to manage, adjust, and optimize my system myself in the end.
Does anyone have good input here? Or already experience with Loxone, KNX, or others?
Thanks and best regards,
Stefan
untergasse43 schrieb:
Can you commission the TKS/KNX/home server yourself?No.
untergasse4321 Aug 2020 12:24Okay, then you probably know that you can expect to spend a few thousand more there. Just out of curiosity: Is your polar bear electrician handling that? He will surely plan it out again in detail.
untergasse43 schrieb:
Okay, then you probably know that this will also cost you a few thousand more. Just out of interest: Is your Eisbär electrician handling this? He will surely plan everything in detail again. Well, we have already included something for the programming. A few thousand? That seems significantly higher to me in comparison.
Is that because the BJ installation/programming is "simpler"?
untergasse4321 Aug 2020 12:36Certainly. With the home server, you start with a "blank slate." The commissioning effort is significantly higher when combined with the Gira TKS. If you provide your electrician with the TKS plans, he will almost certainly re-evaluate the cost.
untergasse4321 Aug 2020 14:48Exactly. However, this would be SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper if one accepted a second app for door communication. Alternatively, one could compromise on the "customizability" or "aesthetics" of the system. Based on the stated requirements, options include using the home server, PEAKnx/Youvi, or choosing something more DIY.
With third-party devices (not, for example, manufacturer-specific touchscreens), there is a small additional app for door communication that only appears when someone calls. It looks like a FaceTime call and is hardly noticeable as an "additional app." However, a fully integrated solution is required here, and alternatives (Eisbär) are not desired. Therefore, the choice remains with Gira, which is unfortunately one of the most expensive providers and far from the best option for this purpose. The costly part of the whole setup is the home server and its commissioning, as well as the door intercom station (with its rather modest video quality).
With third-party devices (not, for example, manufacturer-specific touchscreens), there is a small additional app for door communication that only appears when someone calls. It looks like a FaceTime call and is hardly noticeable as an "additional app." However, a fully integrated solution is required here, and alternatives (Eisbär) are not desired. Therefore, the choice remains with Gira, which is unfortunately one of the most expensive providers and far from the best option for this purpose. The costly part of the whole setup is the home server and its commissioning, as well as the door intercom station (with its rather modest video quality).
Similar topics