ᐅ Smart Home Solutions for Electrical Renovations – Recommendations
Created on: 7 Jun 2020 13:18
M
MBPassion
Hello everyone,
We want to completely renovate the electrical system in our detached house. Since I am very tech-savvy, this would be the perfect opportunity to install some sensors and actuators and connect them to make the house a bit smarter. After several weeks of evening research, I have learned quite a bit, but sometimes I still find it hard to see the wood for the trees. That’s why I wanted to ask for your advice on the approach you would recommend.
What do I want?
Definitely the control and automation of 10 roller shutters in the house. Also control of lights would be great. The status of windows and the patio door would be nice as well. Possibly temperature sensors or a weather station. It would be fantastic to receive push notifications about mail arriving in the mailbox, which is located a few meters (feet) away from the front door.
Preferably an integration with Apple HomeKit.
What don’t I want?
I would like to avoid having to use a large number of different gateways and apps. I don’t want to have to replace batteries regularly.
I understand that a wired KNX solution would probably be the most robust and future-proof (since it is manufacturer-independent). Just today, I came across a KNX-HomeKit bridge from 1Home that is due to be released soon. However, I fear that a KNX solution would exceed the budget and that adjustments would be less intuitive than, for example, through HomeKit.
During my research, I came across the following products:
What do you think about these components?
Is there any reason not to use Series 64? Would it, for example, be better to install components on a DIN rail instead?
How do I integrate the EnOcean devices into HomeKit? Can I use one of the gateways from Opus or Eltako for all of them, or do they only support their own devices? Would a Homee be a better choice?
As you can see, with thousands of possibilities almost everything is possible, but understanding how everything works together is not so easy. It would be great if you could give me some tips and advice.
We want to completely renovate the electrical system in our detached house. Since I am very tech-savvy, this would be the perfect opportunity to install some sensors and actuators and connect them to make the house a bit smarter. After several weeks of evening research, I have learned quite a bit, but sometimes I still find it hard to see the wood for the trees. That’s why I wanted to ask for your advice on the approach you would recommend.
What do I want?
Definitely the control and automation of 10 roller shutters in the house. Also control of lights would be great. The status of windows and the patio door would be nice as well. Possibly temperature sensors or a weather station. It would be fantastic to receive push notifications about mail arriving in the mailbox, which is located a few meters (feet) away from the front door.
Preferably an integration with Apple HomeKit.
What don’t I want?
I would like to avoid having to use a large number of different gateways and apps. I don’t want to have to replace batteries regularly.
I understand that a wired KNX solution would probably be the most robust and future-proof (since it is manufacturer-independent). Just today, I came across a KNX-HomeKit bridge from 1Home that is due to be released soon. However, I fear that a KNX solution would exceed the budget and that adjustments would be less intuitive than, for example, through HomeKit.
During my research, I came across the following products:
- Eltako Series 64: offers flush-mounted modules for roller shutters, dimmers, and impulse relays that include EnOcean, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and are already HomeKit-certified. So, I could cover the roller shutters and lights with this, right?
- HOPPE EnOcean window handles: I find these interesting because they require no power, have no visible parts (e.g., contact magnets), and can even detect a tilted position. What I am unsure about is how to best integrate these into HomeKit.
- EnOcean switches: also battery-free, so they can be placed anywhere.
- Doorbird D2101V plus I/O controller A1081 and indoor station A1101 as a video intercom, since I can operate it remotely or via a Fritz!Fon, use an RFID chip, and it is said to be controllable via an API.
What do you think about these components?
Is there any reason not to use Series 64? Would it, for example, be better to install components on a DIN rail instead?
How do I integrate the EnOcean devices into HomeKit? Can I use one of the gateways from Opus or Eltako for all of them, or do they only support their own devices? Would a Homee be a better choice?
As you can see, with thousands of possibilities almost everything is possible, but understanding how everything works together is not so easy. It would be great if you could give me some tips and advice.
Take a look at the system from Loxone; it is well-designed and doesn’t require an internet server. It works independently without internet access (if you choose to forgo the weather service).
We built with Loxone and don’t regret it, even though my partner was initially skeptical.
We built with Loxone and don’t regret it, even though my partner was initially skeptical.
untergasse4325 Jun 2020 23:54Damn, I actually didn’t want to write anything more on this topic...
Patricck schrieb:What do you mean by that? It sounds like a half-knowledge or a lack of understanding about what is actually possible with KNX or what the KNX market with its many thousands of devices offers.
I didn’t want KNX because you’re too restricted by the manufacturers’ specifications, and a patch panel was not an option for me either.
Patricck schrieb:It’s more the opposite. Hardly anyone spends that kind of money without researching it first. And most end up choosing KNX, precisely because they know the alternatives.
I know a lot of people praise KNX, but unfortunately very few know the alternatives.
@Patricck It’s good that you are satisfied with your solution. The point was more that some statements just weren’t correct. @Mycraft explained it well. You probably haven’t really studied KNX in depth.
Loxone did not invent wireless solutions.
You can also do this with KNX and have many manufacturers to choose from... even before Loxone had it.
I have a good friend who completely renovated his parents’ house. He also chose Loxone and uses its spotlights and other devices. That made the “programming” quite simple. For the price, he could have installed KNX as well. He is satisfied, too.
There are many pre-made building blocks for KNX as well. Much more than for Loxone...
Loxone did not invent wireless solutions.
You can also do this with KNX and have many manufacturers to choose from... even before Loxone had it.
I have a good friend who completely renovated his parents’ house. He also chose Loxone and uses its spotlights and other devices. That made the “programming” quite simple. For the price, he could have installed KNX as well. He is satisfied, too.
There are many pre-made building blocks for KNX as well. Much more than for Loxone...