Hi,
I’m still undecided about installing home automation in our planned new build.
My requirements are as follows:
- Control of roller shutters or blinds (possibly window contacts to detect open windows)
- Control of heating / air source heat pump or solar system
- Control of a video intercom system via a tablet
Of course, I have looked into KNX and the material costs alone would be around 6000€ (approximately 6,350 USD). As an alternative, Loxone is mentioned increasingly often, although the proprietary format is a bit off-putting.
My requirements could also be met with a manufacturer-specific system.
Do you have any recommendations for or against home automation (in my case)?
Best regards
Acd85
I’m still undecided about installing home automation in our planned new build.
My requirements are as follows:
- Control of roller shutters or blinds (possibly window contacts to detect open windows)
- Control of heating / air source heat pump or solar system
- Control of a video intercom system via a tablet
Of course, I have looked into KNX and the material costs alone would be around 6000€ (approximately 6,350 USD). As an alternative, Loxone is mentioned increasingly often, although the proprietary format is a bit off-putting.
My requirements could also be met with a manufacturer-specific system.
Do you have any recommendations for or against home automation (in my case)?
Best regards
Acd85
B
bennithebrain3 Mar 2016 21:57I can only agree with the supporters of Loxone. We are also planning to implement everything using Loxone. Depending on your level of knowledge, especially with the software, you can handle a lot on your own.
I have written down the basis for this decision on our blog. There, I also refer to KNX and other systems. Ultimately, it is a very individual decision. Maybe you can find a Loxone partner near you to get a quote or discuss your project plans with them.
Best regards,
Benni
I have written down the basis for this decision on our blog. There, I also refer to KNX and other systems. Ultimately, it is a very individual decision. Maybe you can find a Loxone partner near you to get a quote or discuss your project plans with them.
Best regards,
Benni
We also debated for a long time which bus system to use for our build. KNX, Loxone, or a combination of KNX and Loxone were all options. In the end, we chose a pure KNX system because I had some reservations about installing a system where everything is controlled through a central server. Another consideration was the dependency on a single company (Loxone). We also thought about using Loxone just for visualization, but we have now decided to use a Gira home server. Certainly, a pure KNX system with visualization is more expensive than a Loxone solution, and I still can't say for sure if it’s the better option. Honestly, it was more of a gut feeling for us.
@bennithebrain: Your blog sounds interesting just from a quick glance. I’ll take a closer look in the next few days and might have a few questions.
@bennithebrain: Your blog sounds interesting just from a quick glance. I’ll take a closer look in the next few days and might have a few questions.
B
bennithebrain9 Mar 2016 10:26Smart home systems are truly a very individual decision, depending on one’s personal preferences and priorities. Generally, using KNX is a safe choice (if there even is such a thing as right or wrong). You actually mention the two biggest concerns that people often have regarding Loxone. Still, I know that in Germany many Siemens Logo! installations have already been replaced by Loxone. There are other PLC controllers as well, and the star-shaped wiring layout also offers flexibility if the system ever needs to be replaced by another or by a different manufacturer. Loxone as a company has a strong reputation and is successfully expanding its presence in the market. However, the decision remains very individual.
@PhiTh : You’re welcome – I will gradually put my ideas and implementations onto virtual paper. Maybe it will help some people. Feel free to ask questions anytime.
@PhiTh : You’re welcome – I will gradually put my ideas and implementations onto virtual paper. Maybe it will help some people. Feel free to ask questions anytime.
Hi,
I still haven't made any progress in my decision-making process.
My main focus is on the control system for blinds or roller shutters.
There are 20 electrically operated windows.
Option 1: KNX
Option 2: Loxone
Option 3: Manufacturer’s system (e.g., Rademacher, Somfy, etc.)
All blinds/roller shutters should be controllable via switches in each room and individually on both floors.
Has anyone had any experience with this?
I still haven't made any progress in my decision-making process.
My main focus is on the control system for blinds or roller shutters.
There are 20 electrically operated windows.
Option 1: KNX
Option 2: Loxone
Option 3: Manufacturer’s system (e.g., Rademacher, Somfy, etc.)
All blinds/roller shutters should be controllable via switches in each room and individually on both floors.
Has anyone had any experience with this?
I will solve this with a Wago PLC. This does involve more wiring effort because each line has to be run individually in a star topology to the PLC. However, I have the freedom to use simple standard roller shutter motors. I can also integrate a weather station for automatic control. It is possible to operate it by floor or control everything fully OPEN/CLOSE. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves which system they want to use. There is probably no right or wrong way. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.