KNX, EEE Top touchscreen, Tuners in MD rather than core?

[totallymaxed]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but isn't there a limit to 232 devices in a Z-Wave installation? Isn't it likely that a slightly larger installation might hit this barrier sooner or later?

If my information is correct, I would say KNX does make sense on larger homes (if you are building new), and Z-Wave makes sense in retrofitted, small to regular sized homes.

rgds
Oliver

Well your correct of course 232 device limit would affect larger installations... but to be honest we have not hit a domestic installation yet that bumps up against that limitation (but I would be very happy if we did ;-) ). If you allow on average 10 ZWave devices per room (and that is very generous indeed) you would still need to have a house with over 20 rooms before  you ran out of device addresses on the ZWave network... and in the 'real world' many rooms/areas would have only 1-2 ZWave devices.

I know of ZWave installations in the US where they have 'bridged' two ZWave networks together to expand the number of devices possible but that is a 'messy' solution for a government building.

All the best

Andrew

[posde]

Well for radiator control we use; http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Danfoss_RA-plus-w No cables & a plumber is all thats required ;-)

Do you really need a plumber? I haven't seen the Danfoss thingie in person, but other remote controlled thermostats can be fitted without a plumber. You unscrew the old thermostat and punch the new one onto the old thingie. Worked fine for me, and I have (at least) two left hands.

rgds
Oliver

[trentend]

.....In your case of course you have KNX bus cabling in place and already have a load of KNX devices & your comfortable with it so go with that - take a look at our Bash-KNX package for 0710.....

Thanks for that, although I'm still unsure how z-wave devices are powered.  I also think the scenario I have (individual power wires return to an electrical cabinet, where sockets and light fittings can be wired to on/off or dimming actuators as required) allows me to do what z-wave may be less good at - switch and control every individual socket and light fitting in my home. Also does z-wave require a separate controller?  Once programmed KNX devices remember their function and status, even after power outage, and can operate as a self contained sub-system needing nothing more than the wall switches that mirror a more traditional wiring scheme operation (good for more technophobe family and guests) - I very much like the simplicity, low footprint, and inbuilt resilience of a programmed KNX system - even if installation is more onerous.  Clearly this would be less suitable for a retro-fit.

The knowledge of another technology capable of integrating into my house project is all good.  I will certainly consider z-wave for additional (as yet) unplanned functionality. The time you have taken to alert me to the possibility of z-wave is very much appreciated.

[totallymaxed]

Well for radiator control we use; http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Danfoss_RA-plus-w No cables & a plumber is all thats required ;-)

Do you really need a plumber? I haven't seen the Danfoss thingie in person, but other remote controlled thermostats can be fitted without a plumber. You unscrew the old thermostat and punch the new one onto the old thingie. Worked fine for me, and I have (at least) two left hands.

rgds
Oliver

That was 'dry' British humour ;-)

If your happy to mess with pipes then sure you can do it yourself... we always replace the whole fitting by the way.

Andrew

[totallymaxed]

.....In your case of course you have KNX bus cabling in place and already have a load of KNX devices & your comfortable with it so go with that - take a look at our Bash-KNX package for 0710.....

Thanks for that, although I'm still unsure how z-wave devices are powered.  I also think the scenario I have (individual power wires return to an electrical cabinet, where sockets and light fittings can be wired to on/off or dimming actuators as required) allows me to do what z-wave may be less good at - switch and control every individual socket and light fitting in my home. Also does z-wave require a separate controller?  Once programmed KNX devices remember their function and status, even after power outage, and can operate as a self contained sub-system needing nothing more than the wall switches that mirror a more traditional wiring scheme operation (good for more technophobe family and guests) - I very much like the simplicity, low footprint, and inbuilt resilience of a programmed KNX system - even if installation is more onerous.  Clearly this would be less suitable for a retro-fit.

The knowledge of another technology capable of integrating into my house project is all good.  I will certainly consider z-wave for additional (as yet) unplanned functionality. The time you have taken to alert me to the possibility of z-wave is very much appreciated.

ZWave devices can be battery powered eg like the RA-Plus-W or a non-load baring wall dimmer and other devices like load baring wall switch/dimmers draw power from the main supply they control. Each mains powered ZWave device acts as a 'repeater' for the ZWave network and strengens it making it more resilient. If you fit ZWave enabled wall sockets and wall switches then they will all be controllable just as with KNX... in addition there are a range of 'plug-in' ZWave dimmer and switching modules that can just be plugged into any wall socket either to ZWave enable a standard wall socket or add ZWave very simply in a retro-fit situation.

Once you have added a ZWave interface to your LinuxMCE installation then that becomes the controller for your ZWave network allowing you to control your ZWave devices in any way you wish from any MD or Orbiter... or have a scenario do so automatically when certain criteria are met or a condition triggers one. If your Core crashes or there is some other technical issue that means it cannot communicate with the your ZWave devices then as long as you have mains power each device will still function normally ie press a wall switch and the light dim up/down. Even after a power failure your ZWave devices will retain there setup and config. So in that sense ZWave is as self contained as KNX is and can work on its own in a similar manner.

Happy New Year

Andrew

[trentend]

Thank you Andrew (and a Happy New Year to you) for the knowledge your experience brings. Generally I'm not fond of battery powered devices as part of core infrastructure, but I will definitely consider z-wave devices for adding to the system that I already have planned.

(An aside) Interestingly (or not) spending a bit of time on here and just getting feedback has led me to consider using LinuxMCE exclusively as my security system, and dispensing with the comfort alarm panel. I don't envisage needing the alarm for external validation, but more for my own purposes.  I think the comfort may be unecessary for me, particularly if I can wire alarm sensors directly to the core and use KNX integration to trigger events (like room PIR senses an occupant, and if it is after sunset, the lights come on, etc.).