Best retrofit smart home new build

KNX is not the holy grail but when it comes to cables it offers the greatest possible reliability, stability and flexibility and hey, without much effort any radio system and also Loxone can be connected to it.

And in terms of price, it is also on par. So everyone can decide whether they are willing to spend amount X for an open worldwide standard or the same amount X for a proprietary system. It is up to each individual.

Piano accordion *cough* um 2021 has begun. You can look at a selection of 500 manufacturers and choose from the pool which switch it should be… and yes, switches? Thought it was about smart homes.

Mouse piano on the wall? Even in an apartment we were able to retrofit KNX. Almost only devices from MDT were used. A switch on the wall with a 3-click function theoretically allows me to control any light. But actually, much is automated or realized through scenes. I had zero knowledge of KNX, only watched a few videos, but it is really self-explanatory. In the living room, I have a control panel and a switch at the entrance, a total of 2 switches in the living room itself, the rest via the Steinel True Presence or by power measurement at the stove. The rooms have a double switch and one with a display. In the bathroom, the bathroom light and shower light are turned off using two presence detectors. No server was installed; everything is still natively integrated in KNX. Furthermore, I had lamps installed that flickered slightly with phase dimming, simply replaced the ballast with a DALI ballast plus KNX gateway and I can dim them without PWM using amplitude dimming (no flickering no tired eyes). In addition, all lamps are dimmed depending on the time of day, so there is no glare effect in the evening. Nevertheless, the touch switches from Loxone are very attractive but I wanted something tactile. Loxone has its justification and does not present very high hurdles for initial integration. Here are a few pictures of the mouse piano.

Right, but blinds, central control, and lights off still have to be somehow realized..

Everything works without push buttons. Especially central functions are often feasible without dedicated push buttons. Why limit yourself??? Maybe I want to operate the central functions from multiple locations.

Then there are those who also think outside the box.

I am someone who likes to stick with one manufacturer or at least use the manufacturers that are recommended.

These two sentences completely contradict each other. Especially by looking outside the box, you leave the proprietary world and recognize that there is not just "one manufacturer." This also applies in home automation.

There are KNX freaks who swear by KNX and praise it to the skies.

The natural course of things. As soon as the arguments (if any) are exhausted, the fan club argument is used. From this perspective, (obviously not unlikely!) Loxone users would only use and recommend it because of their affinity to it. Because there are no rational or even technical reasons.

The discussion is actually completely pointless.

Yes, it is. It’s like comparing a bicycle to a freight train. And as mentioned many times, most people are only interested in the final price anyway. Here KNX has the home advantage... crazy! Meanwhile, KNX is always referred to as a pharmacy.

So let’s summarize:

[*]One manufacturer with all the disadvantages (modern term: vendor lock-in)
[*]Usually more cables required
[*]Less product/component selection
[*]Same or even higher final price
[*]Uncertainty regarding the components used (SD cards, etc.)
[*]and so on...

Sorry, why should anyone rely on this now? Apart from a personal preference, I really see no advantages.

But now that’s enough. According to the thread title, it’s about a retrofit option, and Loxone is more than unsuitable for that.

Thank you for your responses

Unfortunately, we currently have to look for a retrofit solution what do you think about DigitalStrom?
It is supposed to be a DIY retrofit solution because you don't need a BUS system, as everything communicates via the normal power line

We received information from our developer that you can choose between 2 Elis (but whether the new electrician is familiar with Smart Home, KNX, Loxone, busch free@home, or similar is questionable again, but we will definitely find out whether a BUS system might still be an option)

My electrician didn’t know much either and just laid the wires according to my instructions. There were 1-2 mistakes, but they could be fixed thanks to decentralized actuators. Have everything installed the way you need it, and a professional who knows what they’re doing will take care of the rest.

Digitalstrom is suitable for retrofitting. However, it is also for users with low demands. Using the existing power lines for communication along with power transmission is equally attractive and problematic. It is simply the nature of the matter.

Lost telegrams and long response times are the order of the day here.