ᐅ New Construction: Recommendation for Integrating a Smart Home System with a Security Alarm

Created on: 7 Sep 2020 15:40
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_Ugeen_
Hello everyone,

We are currently building a single-family house and are considering how to set up the electronics. According to the requirements of our builder, we have electrically operated roller shutters controlled wirelessly via Somfy systems. Our roller shutters for the roof windows are from Decker and are also wirelessly controlled with a system from Becker. Unfortunately, it was not possible to use a single manufacturer, which is somewhat frustrating, but that’s how it is.

We definitely want a reliable alarm system (not a smart home system like Telekom or similar). This means installing motion detectors, cameras (indoors and outdoors), an internal siren, and so on. I am also thinking about whether a video doorbell could be an alternative to a traditional doorbell. However, we want a wired solution here, not something like Ring. This also raises the question of whether a separate outdoor camera might make the video doorbell unnecessary.

With smart home technology, I could also imagine lighting control, although I don’t want it everywhere. The lights should be able to be turned on and off with a regular remote control or a light switch. Activation or deactivation via app is completely out of the question for me. Future guests should be able to turn the lights on and off without an app or my assistance.

Now the question is whether we should go for a KNX system to be prepared for the future, or whether that might be too advanced for our needs. Another factor is that we want to reduce radiation exposure in our home somewhat.
K1300S8 Sep 2020 06:57
_Ugeen_ schrieb:

@@untergasse43 if I don’t use a remote control or app to turn on my lights, what options do I have left?

It may sound strange, but “smart” really means that your home automatically knows what you want and when. For a true smart home, a range of sensors is essential—otherwise, nothing can be detected. (While you can’t be fully blamed since even the simplest wireless systems are now marketed as “smart,” that doesn’t make it any more accurate.)

A practical example: You enter the living room at dusk, and the ambient lighting (wall units, floor lamp) turns on automatically. When you turn on the TV, that lighting dims while the radio, which was playing, switches off. Later, when you go to bed, turning off the lights lowers the shutters and, as if by magic, the stairs to the bedroom illuminate. Notice anything? You haven’t once had to hold your phone to activate any of these steps. THAT is smart!
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_Ugeen_
8 Sep 2020 07:41
@rick2108 The construction company works with certain partners. Regarding the roller shutters, this was the only option they were able to offer us. The idea of having access points on each floor is a good one. I would have solved the Wi-Fi issue using a repeater.
rick20188 Sep 2020 08:00
Under no circumstances use repeaters. One access point per floor (preferably on the ceiling) where the highest speed is needed.

Then have only the roller shutter motors installed and control them, for example, via KNX.
T
Tassimat
8 Sep 2020 08:03
Something is going wrong here. Anyone, absolutely anyone, installing a window with roller shutters can install a standard roller blind with a cable.

The electrician then takes care of the rest. Whether it’s a traditional roller shutter switch, an automation system, KNX, or a radio remote control, it is the electrician’s responsibility to connect the roller shutter cables to the appropriate device.
Mycraft8 Sep 2020 08:42
I assume it is a general contractor who offers an almost all-inclusive price for the house. Then you basically have the choice between roller shutter motors with remote control or roller shutters with a strap.

The electrician only provides the ones he is familiar with and has in stock. If you want something different, you will immediately need another electrician because the general contractor won’t cooperate—those on his list are already booked for other projects.

And yes, this has nothing to do with smart technology. It seems that only remote control functionality is intended, which can even be achieved with conventional electrical systems.
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_Ugeen_
8 Sep 2020 08:54
rick2018 schrieb:

Definitely no repeaters. One access point per floor (ideally mounted on the ceiling) where the highest speed is needed.

Then just have the roller shutter motors installed and control them, for example, via KNX.


What is the problem with using a repeater? I currently have a Fritz!Box in use. According to your approach, I would place one Fritz!Box on the ground floor and one on the upper floor, defining the second Fritz!Box as an extended access point, correct?!

@Mycraft that seems to be the case. At first, I was skeptical when I was told that the devices are not compatible with each other. I will definitely discuss this again with my site manager. That would also mean a KNX system might be overkill here if you say a simpler solution is possible.