System Design: recognising the value of error messages on the KNX bus
Whether it’s fair or not, the KNX systems integrator is always considered the middleperson when it comes to faults. Simon Buddle explains the value of harvesting error messages that might appear on the KNX bus, and outlines some strategies for turning them to your advantage. How is everybody? Is it just about time to put […]
Tutorial: KNX setting the scene
Andy Ellis gives practical advice on the different options for storing KNX scenes in view of system robustness, how they will be used, and how they can be adapted. The KNX system offers unrivalled versatility in its ability to set and activate scenes, but unlike many other lighting controllers, KNX is not based around scene […]
Reliability: the value of diagnostics for KNX installations
Not much can go wrong with a KNX installation, but if an electrical fault does develop, Simon Buddle explains why it makes sense to have the right diagnostic tools in order to save time and money. During the summer of 1987 I purchased, what turned out to be, the one and only car I would […]
Schneider Electric Supports Smart Homes and Buildings with KNX IoT Third-Party API
Provide your hotel guests lighting, heating, music, and roller shutter control right from the hotel’s mobile app, monitor seniors’ homes and send an alert if an unexpected behaviour is detected. Now, any system integrator or company can develop these kinds of smart home and building capabilities, create new services or develop customized solutions for their […]
Safety: protecting homes against electrical surges
With experts warning of increasing lightning strikes due to climate change, Simon Buddle makes the case for overvoltage protection of mains and low-voltage systems in the home. Historically the weather in Europe has been, by and large, middle of the road. The summer of 1976 saw UK temperatures more than 30oC for over two weeks. […]
KNX IoT: Broadening the KNX Development Landscape
Jesus Arias discusses how KNX IoT makes it even easier to create products, solutions and services, and explains the main features of the KNX IoT 3rd Party API server and the KNX IoT Point API device. Developing a KNX solution was a very straightforward exercise 30 years ago: a KNX device was, in a simplified […]
Better Living: KNX is ideal for the accessible home
Simon Buddle explains why KNX is the ideal solution for a smart home that can bring significant benefits to people with disabilities whilst remaining adaptable to new technologies. Selling expensive systems into posh homes is something that many of us take for granted. It’s super cool for customers who love the technology, but can be […]
KNX Secure: how safe are voice assistants?
Whilst KNX IP Secure and KNX Data Secure protect KNX installations from unauthorised local or remote access, Christian Kiefel reminds us that we must also consider the security of cloud-based voice assistants connected to systems within the home. The market for voice-controlled assistants is rapidly expanding worldwide, and is expected to grow by 7% per […]
KNX Standard Version 3.0: the ‘Access All Areas’ for KNX members in the Internet of Things
It’s here! On 22 April 2022, KNX Association launched Version 3.0 of the KNX Standard to its manufacturer members. This was the first major release of the KNX Standard since the publication of Version 2.1 in 2013. Here are the key points. A milestone The publication marks two major steps. 1) It is the first […]
KNX Secure: ensuring system security in a connected world
Simon Buddle explains why any building control system which can be physically or electronically tampered with must be made secure, and why KNX Secure is the answer. KNX Secure is the most important system update that we will ever see. The global data network is fraught with danger, as it is open to any would-be […]