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MeisterAmBau23 Mar 2019 11:22Hi everyone,
I’m new here
First of all, hello to all and thanks in advance for any answers!
I am renovating a single-family house and converting it into a two-family house.
New windows and roller shutters will be installed. The only thing I want to automate is the roller shutters. Since I come from the IT field, I’m quite fed up with systems that don’t work and want to avoid any trouble at home.
So, I’m looking for a solution that is simple and cost-effective. App control is optional. In the long term, I find that questionable. Who knows if the software will still run on a device in 20 years (probably not).
I keep hearing about KNX... Is that really necessary?
Basically, I would be fine with simple switches. Up and down.
Cool. Of course, there could also be a main switch. But the wiring effort puts me off.
Then maybe a bus system like KNX makes sense after all?
What do you recommend?
Sorry if my questions seem basic. I haven’t dealt with this before.
I’m new here
First of all, hello to all and thanks in advance for any answers!
I am renovating a single-family house and converting it into a two-family house.
New windows and roller shutters will be installed. The only thing I want to automate is the roller shutters. Since I come from the IT field, I’m quite fed up with systems that don’t work and want to avoid any trouble at home.
So, I’m looking for a solution that is simple and cost-effective. App control is optional. In the long term, I find that questionable. Who knows if the software will still run on a device in 20 years (probably not).
I keep hearing about KNX... Is that really necessary?
Basically, I would be fine with simple switches. Up and down.
Cool. Of course, there could also be a main switch. But the wiring effort puts me off.
Then maybe a bus system like KNX makes sense after all?
What do you recommend?
Sorry if my questions seem basic. I haven’t dealt with this before.
If it’s only about the blinds, then KNX might be oversized. It does make sense once you have a certain number of windows because overall it becomes cheaper, and the wiring effort is lower compared to conventional methods. But if there are only a few, it’s perfectly fine to consider the manufacturers’ own solutions.
Simply switches with astro functions and timers might be sufficient. These are available from various manufacturers in different versions.
Alternatively, you could consider radio-controlled motors, which reduce the wiring effort even more, but then you become dependent on the manufacturer.
Simply switches with astro functions and timers might be sufficient. These are available from various manufacturers in different versions.
Alternatively, you could consider radio-controlled motors, which reduce the wiring effort even more, but then you become dependent on the manufacturer.
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hampshire23 Mar 2019 18:59Hello MeisterAmBau, I fully agree with your attitude toward home automation and apps for the same reasons (and similar background).
Actually, a simple up-down switch as you describe is enough. You can connect a basic timer and a light sensor to it. The timer prevents someone from outside using a flashlight to open the blinds at certain times. For the patio door, I would also install a sensor that stops the automatic closing when the door is open; otherwise, you might suddenly find yourself locked out on the terrace in the evening.
You don’t need central wiring for this, just a little planning and some affordable standard components.
Actually, a simple up-down switch as you describe is enough. You can connect a basic timer and a light sensor to it. The timer prevents someone from outside using a flashlight to open the blinds at certain times. For the patio door, I would also install a sensor that stops the automatic closing when the door is open; otherwise, you might suddenly find yourself locked out on the terrace in the evening.
You don’t need central wiring for this, just a little planning and some affordable standard components.
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borderpuschl27 Mar 2019 07:40Hi,
as Mycraft already mentioned, it might make sense to consider KNX from the start. Basically, you only need a shutter actuator, a power supply, and the switches or push buttons. This is actually not very expensive. If you want to control your blinds based on time later, you just add a KNX timer switch (available with various features).
You will also need a few more meters of cable (5x1.5mm² (5x16 AWG) for the roller shutter motor and bus cable to your control points). If you are already pulling new cables, you might as well pull a few extra meters and prepare the rest for KNX. The problem then is that you won’t just stop at the roller shutters — you’ll see what else is possible, and the risk is that the costs quickly get out of hand.
as Mycraft already mentioned, it might make sense to consider KNX from the start. Basically, you only need a shutter actuator, a power supply, and the switches or push buttons. This is actually not very expensive. If you want to control your blinds based on time later, you just add a KNX timer switch (available with various features).
You will also need a few more meters of cable (5x1.5mm² (5x16 AWG) for the roller shutter motor and bus cable to your control points). If you are already pulling new cables, you might as well pull a few extra meters and prepare the rest for KNX. The problem then is that you won’t just stop at the roller shutters — you’ll see what else is possible, and the risk is that the costs quickly get out of hand.
I completely share the original poster’s concerns regarding all the smart gadgets.
A simple, cost-effective, and reliable solution is initially just using standard switches. Additional wiring throughout the house with actuators, etc., really doesn’t make sense just for blinds.
If the standard wiring is to be made smart, you can rely on open-source wireless solutions and simply replace or upgrade the switch. Therefore, it is advisable to install deep wall boxes everywhere as a precaution. My recommendation is the Shelly2 for 20€ per blind.
A simple, cost-effective, and reliable solution is initially just using standard switches. Additional wiring throughout the house with actuators, etc., really doesn’t make sense just for blinds.
If the standard wiring is to be made smart, you can rely on open-source wireless solutions and simply replace or upgrade the switch. Therefore, it is advisable to install deep wall boxes everywhere as a precaution. My recommendation is the Shelly2 for 20€ per blind.