Best Practice: how to beat the hackers
Mark Warburton gives some great practical advice on how to secure legacy and future KNX systems, with examples of products offering a range of security features and tips on how to take advantage of them. After years of warning of the risks of leaving network ports open, the KNX Association has recently announced that there […]
Interview: Vassilios Lourdas on ETS6 – the new KNX planning, designing, commissioning and diagnostics software tool
In this exclusive interview with KNXtoday, KNX Association Tools Team Leader, Vassilios Lourdas, explains how this major new release, ETS6, came about, what its main strengths are and what it means for the future. Why did you develop ETS6 and how long did it take? [VL] Aspects of the KNX System, such as Security Proxy, […]
Tools of the Trade: finding the right product set
Simon Buddle suggests that KNX professionals take into account engineering, aesthetics and business considerations when choosing a product set. As a child, I would spend many a Saturday night home alone. My grandad would pop down to the pub for a couple of hours whilst my nan would go off to the bingo hall. They […]
Intelligent Heating: KNX and weather compensation
Andy Ellis looks at the variables involved in designing a heating system using weather compensation for maximum comfort and efficiency. It seems that the weather is becoming less predictable. In recent years, the number of days at sub-zero temperatures which have occurred annually within the UK, for example, has fluctuated greatly. In 2020, the number […]
The KNX Advantage: fixing damage caused by catastrophic weather events can be quick and simple
As more of us are faced with extreme weather events, Simon Buddle looks at ways in which KNX professionals can best prepare for emergency call-outs. How was your summer? For most, I suspect it was a bit of a damp squib. For others, however, it may have felt considerably more dramatic. This summer has brought […]
Energy Efficiency: controlling window coverings intelligently using KNX
According to the UN Environment Programme, buildings use about 40% of global energy, so Andy Ellis looks at how controlling window coverings intelligently can help make buildings more energy efficient. The reason for covering a window opening is either to provide privacy or to block light. When we block the passage of sunlight we also […]
Smart Homes, Buildings and Cities: there can be no energy transition without KNX
Yasmin Hashmi provides highlights from the ‘Smart Energy Management with KNX’ panel discussion at the recent Smart Energy Summit, which discusses the importance of KNX in transition from fossil fuel to zero carbon. Managing energy flows in a building has been an area of interest for KNX since its inception. It soon expanded its focus […]
Backboxes: an overlooked detail that can be costly to change
Simon Buddle explains why changing the humble back box post-installation can add complications to a project, and provides some useful tips on what to specify in the first place and how to avoid unexpected costs. There are always little things in life that seem to punch above their weight. Small items that should not be […]
Energy Management: taking control of your boiler with KNX
Andy Ellis looks at practical ways to integrate the domestic boiler with a KNX system using OpenTherm and other interfaces, and discusses the benefits of providing intelligent control of heating and hot water. Those familiar with KNX will be aware of the extent and flexibility of control offered by the numerous manufacturers of KNX components. […]
Tricks of the Trade: best practices for KNX group address structures
Michael Bendtsen outlines the different types of KNX group address structures and the best practices to be used when designing, planning and configuring KNX system installations. In order to be an efficient KNX programmer and to make KNX projects run smoothly from start to finish, you need to think about how you are going to […]