ᐅ New Construction – Which Smart Home System?

untergasse43 schrieb:

Exactly. However, it would be SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper if you accepted a second app for door communication. Or you could make compromises on the "customizability" or "aesthetic appeal" of the whole system. Based on the expressed requirements, solutions like the home server, PEAKnx/Youvi, or something from the DIY category come into play.
On third-party devices (not manufacturer-owned touchscreens, for example), there is a small additional app for door communication that only appears when someone calls. It then looks like a FaceTime call and is hardly noticeable as an "extra app." But here, a fully integrated solution is required, and alternatives (Eisbär) are not desired. Therefore, the choice remains with Gira, which is one of the most expensive providers but unfortunately not the best for this application. The costly parts are the home server and its commissioning, as well as the door intercom station (with its rather modest video quality).

Back to square one: I don’t want everything from one source, but no extra app either.
I would simply like a system that works.

What would the alternative look like?

Wanted Monolith, Doorbird, Akuvox, Goliath, etc pp

Notstrom schrieb:

Back to square one: I don’t want everything from a single provider or any additional app.
I just want a system that works.

What would the alternative look like?

I haven’t read through the entire thread, so maybe suggestions close to the solution we are now aiming for have already been mentioned, because we faced the same problem.

What we wanted initially was a "smart home" (whatever that means to us and others). At minimum, we wanted to control lights and blinds, have a doorbell with a camera, possibly a video intercom, and presence management, etc. The wishes grow as we realize what is possible.
Also, voice control via, for example, Alexa (where useful and feasible) should be included.
Of course, photovoltaic system + battery storage and charging station should also be integrated.

Our key requirements were:
• Open system (no proprietary/cloud lock-in, etc.)
• All active components, if possible, centrally located in the distribution board (DB)
• No "bus switches," but instead "standard" push-buttons like Gira, Jung, etc.
• Affordable!
• Basic programming can be somewhat complex (by professionals), but afterwards the system should be adjustable via a GUI by people with no deep technical expertise
(This single point alone can lead to days of discussion)
• We do the wiring and programming ourselves (my brother, one of our partners as the software developer, and myself as an IT specialist)
• Wiring is done with plenty of spare capacity and smart-home compatibility in mind.
-> Light fixtures are all wired directly to the distribution board
-> Outlets are wired room-wise to the distribution board using 5-wire/three-phase cabling, so that nearly every outlet can later be switched with small wiring changes
-> All push-buttons are connected via (generous) LAN cables directly to the distribution board
(Discussions about CAT7a/CAT8.x as LAN or 10DA etc. took place; conclusion: Almost everything will be installed as CAT7A duplex because it is easier for us to handle overall and cheaper to procure)

The result will soon be installed as a prototype in my living unit (a half of a semi-detached house = about 60m² (650 sq ft)). The photo of the small distribution board is just a small part of the test system currently being set up! The Eltako devices were only included for comparison (space requirements compared to the Controllino) and probably will not be part of the finished system.

Almost any device that supports a smart home protocol can then be integrated via a suitable “binding” into the system.

The main hardware (the brain of the system) will cost around 1000 to 1500 euros (approximate) and mainly consists of the SmartHome Manager (Raspberry Pi) and Controllino Mega pure (Arduino).

Programming OpenHub, etc. (open source) is handled by our software developers/programmers.

Temperature, distance sensors, motion detectors, humidity, CO2 sensors, and more can be easily integrated. Even small touchscreens (€20) cost only a few euros as “cornerstone components.”

I will gladly report back on the system (and our house) as it progresses.

Just create a new thread where you share your experience, including costs, options, and functions.

Feel free to include photos of the wiring installation and devices, etc.

ivenh0 schrieb:

Wanted Monolith, Doorbird, Akuvox, Goliath, etc pp

So what is the problem with implementing this for me? Where exactly do feasibility and expectations clash?

superzapp schrieb:
The Eltakos were only installed for comparison purposes (space requirements compared to the Controllino) and will most likely not be used in the final system.

A Controllino, very nice. It’s been a few years since I last held one... back then they were completely new. Can it handle enough load switching? Certainly great for lights, but probably not suitable for a stove or oven?

superzapp schrieb:
The programming of OpenHub etc. (open source) is done by our software developers / programmers.

I really like DIY systems. But it becomes difficult if you don’t fully understand everything yourself and have to rely on others or have others do it for you. Then something breaks, and for example, you cannot install the software on the new Controllino yourself.