Ivory Egg Blog Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Smart Home’

Who’s counting the cost of smart building ...

March 12th, 2010

Slowly, the term ‘Smart Building’ is gaining acceptance in the UK as concern over climbing energy costs and interest in greener buildings grows. Its a no brainer really, Smart Buildings that feature cutting-edge intelligent technology improve operating efficiencies and expenses, boast happier tenants and lower energy bills than other properties without them. While it doesn’t take a high IQ to grasp the benefits, believe it or not many short-sighted UK developers have yet to jump on the already rolling Smart Building bandwagon.

With Smart Building Technology, a Facilities Manager can log in remotely to flip the switch on more than 500 lights. In toilets throughout a 7-acre development, the toilet paper, paper towels and hand-soap dispensers can automatically tell the Facilities Manager when a dispenser is empty. Toilets can even send signals when they’re blocked. And you do tend to find that the toilets are one of the top complaints in commercial buildings, while most other tenant gripes center on heating and cooling systems, which can all be built into the smart network. Why would you want to create more problems for yourself when a Smart Building can solve them for you?

You can offer telephone, data, Internet, security and music services through a single fiber-optic network. The Facilities Manager can monitor heating, cooling, lighting, and digital signage through that same network, which currently links all retail tenants, outdoor spaces and property management offices. However, its estimated that less than 10% of new and existing commercial buildings actually contain intelligent smart building technology. Most active in the intelligent Smart Building Technology field are data centers, hospitals and universities.  A key driver of intelligent technology in the commercial real estate sector is escalating energy costs. If an intelligent lighting and energy management system is integrated into a building’s overall operating network, the owner can reap energy savings of 30% to 45% vs. a stand-alone lighting and energy management systems. A full-fledged intelligent technology system can deliver bottom-line rewards its as simple as that.

One reason Smart Buildings have yet to make it to the mainstream is that many commercial property developers in the UK have a bad habit of promoting a building’s short-term profitability rather than its long-term operating costs (although to fair they are slowly coming around to our way of thinking). They don’t usually worry to much about the buildings operating costs five years down the line because they’re not going to own it. If tenants demanded intelligent Smart Building Technology, then the developers have to deliver. But do the The tenants really understand it, do they give it much credence? As an industry I don’t think we have done enough in terms of teaching building developers, owners and designers about the value of intelligent Smart Building Technology. However, despite this slow adoption, we’ve got to be optimistic about the future of intelligent Smart Building Technology as we’ve started seeing some real growth in the last few years!

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Light + Build 2010 Preview

March 12th, 2010
Light+Building 2010

This is hands down the world’s leading trade fair for Architecture and Technology. Since making its debut in 2000, Light+Building has made a name for itself as the leading international trade fair for the sector. Light+Building is characterised by a range of products and services unparalleled in terms of depth and breadth, a high degree of internationality, growing visitor numbers and a reputation as an innovation forum where new products are launched onto the world market for the first time.

All market leaders from the fields of lighting, electrical engineering and building automation take part in the biennial trade fair for the sector. Within this unique framework, over 2,000 exhibitors present their latest products, innovations and trends at an almost fully booked-up Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre. The extensive spectrum of products and services to be seen makes Light+Building the ideal meeting place for trade visitors – over 167,000 architects, interior architects, designers, planners, engineers and artisans, as well as representatives of the trade and industry, find future-oriented solutions for their business success.

You must see this unique assortment at the next Light+Building in Frankfurt am. We will be visiting as always…

Event Profile

Organizing by Messe Frankfurt GmbH, the Light + Building is a 6 day event for building materials. Held at Exhibition Centre Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany, the event is aimed towards providing a one stop platform for various wholesalers, retailers, contractors etc. from all over the world.

Visitor Profile

Trade Visitors only – Contractors, Industry Leaders, Planners, Investors, Property Managers, Authorities-public facilities, Architects, Engineers, Electrical engineers, electricians, Sanitary technicians, Ventilation and air-conditioning technicians, Interior designers etc.Visitor Registration

Exhibitor Profile

Manufacturers of Building materials, Technical products, IT products and services for the building industry, Maintenance related products & technology will be participating in the exhibition.Stall Booking

Details

Business Timing: 09:00am – 06:00pm

Public Timing: 09:00am – 06:00pm

Around 2,200 exhibitors, including all national and international market leaders, will exhibit at Light+Building. On an area of over 240,000 square metres at the fully booked-up exhibition centre, Light+Building presents innovations and energy-saving system solutions in the fields of lighting, electrical engineering and house and building automation under the motto, ‘energy efficiency’. But how can visitors find what they need from this huge range of products and services? The answer is easily thanks to logically arranged product groups, which enable visitors to find their way around quickly and without difficulty. Now, as the result of an optimised layout for building-services technology, this will be even easier at Light+Building 2010. Additionally, initial orientation is given by the three product sections:  lighting, electrical engineering and house and building automation.

At the world’s biggest platform for the lighting market, over 1,500 companies present the complete range of lighting technology including technical luminaires and lamps of all kinds and for all applications, designer luminaires in all styles from classic to modern and a huge selection of lighting components and accessories. At Light+Building, visitors can be sure of finding all future-oriented lighting technologies, such as LED luminaires for commercial and public buildings, as well as for the home.

Technical luminaires and lamps occupy five exhibition halls – 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 – as well as the ‘Forum’ and the ‘Festhalle’. The international companies making their presentations in Hall 3 include Artemide, Bega Gantenbrink-Leuchten, Erco Leuchten, Flos, Fontana Arte, iGuzzini illuminazione, Luceplan, Trilux and Targetti Sankey. In the ‘Festhalle’ and ‘Forum’, Osram, Philips, Siteco Beleuchtungstechnik and Zumtobel Lighting number among the companies represent¬ed. Many new exhibitors from the LED sector are taking part in the technical luminaires and lamps segment at Light+Building 2010, e.g., LG Innotek, Sharp Electronics and Toshiba. Together with other leading LED manufacturers, such as Nichia, Panasonic Lighting and Seoul Semiconductors, they can be found in Halls 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2.

Urban Lighting presents the multi-faceted spectrum of outdoor lighting

Located in Hall 5.0 and focusing primarily on outdoor luminaires for public areas, the multi-faceted spectrum of outdoor lighting will be presented by numerous companies, including Ewo, Hess AG Form + Licht, Schréder and Thorn Lighting, under the heading Urban Lighting. Additionally, outdoor luminaires will be exhibited in a realistic setting at the Outdoor Lighting Boulevard on the Agora, the outdoor exhibition area of the Fair and Exhibition Centre.

Decorative luminaires of all styles for the home and the contract market will be on show in Halls 5.1, 6.0 and 6.1. Decorative Light is split into three main styles – modern, classic-modern and classic traditional – to make it easier for visitors to find their way around this product segment. Among the exhibitors showing classic decorative luminaires in Hall 6.1 are, for example, Arte di Murano, Classic Light, Iris Cristal, Joachim Holländer, Novaresi, Pataviumart and Savoy House; modern decorative luminaires are located in Hall 5.1 and the exhibitors include Bankamp, Menzel lighting manufacture group and Neuhaus Licht. Additionally, companies such as Albert Leuchten and Royal Botania present outdoor luminaires for the private sector in this exhibition hall.

The importance of design not only for decorative luminaires but also for technical lighting is clearly to be seen from the spectrum of technical design-oriented luminaires, which can be seen in Halls 1.1 and 1.2. The renowned companies exhibiting in this product segment include, for example, Axel Meise Licht, Brand van Egmond, DARK, Escale, Ingo Maurer, Metalarte, Nimbus, Oligo, Prandina, Quasar, Serien, Terzani and Tobias Grau. Rounding off this vast array of lighting products are full-range suppliers and decorative accessories in Halls 6.0 and 10.1. The exhibitors there include Brilliant, Eglo Leuchten, Massive Leuchten and Paulmann Licht. In Hall 10.1, national pavilions present more products from this segment. Technical components and accessories for lighting applications are located in Hall 4.0. Renowned exhibitors in this segment include, for example, Alanod, BAG Electronics, BJB, Helvar, Jordan Reflektoren, TCI, VLM SPA and Vossloh-Schwabe.

Electrical engineering now in the new Hall 11

As in previous years, the complete electrical-engineering spectrum will be represented at Light+Building 2010. With the integration of the new Hall 11, visitors will now find this broad spectrum of products in three themed groups. This year, around 450 companies from the electrical-engineering sector are showing innovations and trends in Halls 8 and 11. The range of exhibits for energy-efficient building-services systems, electrical installations and building infrastructure solutions in Hall 8.0 includes products for energy and data transmission, cable management, lighting protection and overload protection. Among the state-of-the-art technology to be seen are smart-metering system. The companies taking part in this segment include ABB / Busch Jaeger, Gustav Hensel, Hager Vertriebsgesellschaft, Mennekes, Niedax, OBO-Bettermann, Stiebel Eltron, Theben AG and Walther-Werke. More products from this segment are to be seen in Hall 9.0.

Everything in Hall 11.0 revolves around the subject of electrical installation and network technology with systems and components for energy distribution and control, low-voltage switching, control cabinets, network infrastructure and security systems. Also to be seen are switchgear and control systems, as well as tools and marking systems for electrical installations. The companies represented in this segment include Eaton / Moeller, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Siemens AG, WAGO Kontakt and Weidmüller. Design-oriented electrical installations and building-services technology are located in Hall 11.1. The exhibitors include Albrecht Jung, Berker, Gira Giersiepen, Legrand-BTicino, Novar, Siedle and the Schneider Group with Merten, Ritto, Elso and Schneider Electric. The spectrum of exhibits embraces operating and control elements, as well as switches, sockets, building-communication products, security components and actuators for building-system technology.

House and building automation now in Hall 9.0

With the move from Hall 9.1 in 2008 to Hall 9.0, the house and building automation section is now closer together with electrical engineering in Hall 8.0 and, therefore, easier and quicker to reach. In Hall 9.0, around 150 exhibitors present future-oriented solutions for house and building automation, facility management, contracting and other building-services equipment, such as photovoltaic systems and sun-protection solutions. The well-known companies exhibiting in this seg¬ment include EnOcean, Honeywell, Kieback & Peter, Saia-Burgess Controls and WAREMA Renkhoff.

http://light-building.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/besucher/willkommen.html

 

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Ivory Egg predictions for the future of Smart Building ...

March 12th, 2010

Smart building technology is not only saving building owners and their tenants cold hard cash, it is also offering significant assistance in saving this little planet of ours. Thanks in part to internet protocol-based networks, these new digital technologies are ready to make dramatic contributions in how buildings function, particularly by helping to significantly reduce their energy consumption. At Ivory Egg, we like to think of ourselves at the forefront of this revolution, so we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite technological advancements that we know will have a big impact on smart  building technology in the future:

  • Facilities Management Tools will start to use Augmented Reality & 3D
    Operating a high performance building will require high performance tools. Think 3D, augmented reality and BIM. Building Information Modeling is primarily used for design, construction and pre-fabrication of assemblies. Its benefits during this stage of building are improved design, design coordination and collusion detection. Its benefit for building operation has primarily been the extraction of data from the design and construction phases into a facility management system. In 2010 expect facility management systems to incorporate 3D BIM-like aspects to allow facility managers to visualize and understand the complex interactions within their buildings. In addition, we’ll start to see the use of augmented reality. If you watched a Premiership game with Andy Gray where the run of a player is highlighted on the pitch, or where the direction of the ball is outlined from a free kick, then you’ve seen the reality (the football pitch) augmented with the virtual, done in real-time and 3D. Imagine 3D models of mechanical and electrical systems augmented with real time data and you start to have tools to really manage high performance buildings.
  • Micro Energy Management Systems
    We tend to think of energy management systems as large enterprise-wide systems. We can expect energy management systems to evolve for individuals or specific spaces or functions. Individuals will have an energy management system on their laptops and calculate their carbon footprint at their desk. By 2011 we can expect PC software manufacturers to start offering middleware applications to allow users to monitor and manage their localized energy systems, such as plugloads, lighting and thermal comfort.
  • The Smart Grid will redefine Home Automation & Media Centers
    It is one thing to have a home automation system turn your lights off and on or a home media system which allows access to 200 high definition channels but the smart grid changes all that. The home automation system now has to communicate with the utility grid. The telecom service provider to the home is no longer the only utility supplying content and communication to the home. In fact, the media center is one of the larger energy users in the home and could possibly be managed by the smart grid. The smart grid forces the home automation market to re-think and re-invent residential systems, adding layers of new intelligence, communications and protocols not previously seen.
  • Facial Recognition will replace Swipe Cards & Credit Cards
    Video surveillance cameras have advanced the use of facial recognition. Admittedly, it’s difficult to pick out one face in a large crowd, such as people walking into a stadium (although it has been used to tackle hooliganism in Europe). However, on an individual basis, facial recognition is pretty good. With your face as your ID, gone will be the need for credit cards and access control cards/keys. The upside is better security. Credit cards can be stolen and access control cards can be passed from person to person, not so with your boat race.
  • Energy conservation measures will be given a value
    In order to retrofit and upgrade existing buildings to high performance buildings, owners will need to borrow money to fund the upfront capital costs. For banks and financial institutions to provide such credit they need to clearly identify their risks. Specifically, they need to know with some certainty the energy savings and payback period for each energy conservation step that the building owner undertakes; such as lighting control retrofits, mechanical systems replacements, control system upgrades etc.
  • Developers need to generate new revenue streams specifically related to energy
    Developers are always looking for ways to increase their net income and energy will become the newest opportunity. Expect developers to buy energy at wholesale rates and retail the energy to their tenants and building owners, embrace alternative energy sources and sell energy back to the grid, offer services to tenants such as energy information and management reports, generate revenues from recharging electric vehicles and provide similar services for the monitoring and management of gas and water.
  • The rise of the Green Eco Lawyer
    There was a period when around 20% of new buildings that received certification did not meet their energy performance targets. In the future I think we can expect to find that when someone buys or leases a building or building space with an energy certification based on energy performance and the building or space does not perform, tenants and owners will then sue. Damages may be the projected increases in energy costs over the life of the building, lack of thermal comfort, inadequate lighting staining the eyes etc. Architects, MEP firms, developers, facility managers, facility technicians, building owners, contractors and property managers may all be potential targets. I give you the rise of the ‘Green Eco Lawyer”.

 

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Ding Ding… KNX takes on all comers!

March 9th, 2010

After stumbling across a discussion thread on AV Forum that discussed the merits of various lighting/smart home control solutions, in response to a question on who’s the best in terms of cost a technical features/benefits, I thought I should look into this a little deeper.

OK, at Ivory Egg we could be viewed as a little KNX or DALI biased, so I promise to be as objective as possible and open to feedback here. At the end of the day we are independent, simply want to deliver the best solutions to our clients and I would hope this article, at the very least, will stimulate some form of debate. You can view the complete thread at AV Forums.

So, in terms of the players (at least who I perceive to be the market ‘leaders’ in this field), and again you may disagree with my selection, I have decided to look at the following solutions. This selection is based purely on the names I come across on a weekly basis:

  • KNX
    KNX is a standardised (EN 50090,ISO/IEC 14543), OSI-based network communications protocol for intelligent buildings. KNX is the successor to, and convergence of, three previous standards: the European Home Systems Protocol (EHS), BatiBUS, and the European Installation Bus (EIB or Instabus).
  • Crestron
    Crestron is the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems. They offer integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, IP and environmental systems, and streamline technology to improve the quality of life for people in corporate boardrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, and in their homes.
  • Lutron
    Lutron Electronics Company, Inc. is a privately held corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells lighting control systems and a variety of other related products. Its probably fair to say that Lutron lead the way in lighting control systems.
  • Rako
    Rako provide state of the art digital dimming technology. Their innovative solutions meet the needs of a diverse range of applications by offering lighting systems that are simple to use, creative, easily installed and cost effective.
  • DALI
    The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) is a digital protocol for the controlling of lighting in buildings, such as electrical ballasts and dimmers.
  • INSTEON
    INSTEON technology is a dual-band mesh topology employing AC-power lines and a radio-frequency (RF) protocol to communicate with and automate home electronic devices and appliances, which normally work independently. It is a home automation networking technology invented by SmartLabs, Inc., and was developed based on the X10 model for control and sensing applications in the home.

Not everybody active in this field, but a good starting point? Unfortunatley though, we have a bit of a problem when trying to compare these so-called competitors, as basically what we’re dealing with is a mix of different standards, manufactures and solutions that are all competing against each other. I would love to be in position to just compare like for like and publish the pros and cons of each, answer the questions in places such as AV Forum, but that would not provide a true representation of each solution (I hope I’m not stating the obvious here)…

For example, it makes sense on some projects to have a mix of KNX and DALI. As DALI is an open protocol for lighting control mainly in commercial buildings, while the growth area in KNX is for residential and LED. Take Heathrow Terminal 5, which has a KNX backbone with switches/PIRs etc and a gateway to DALI for the lighting. KNX can’t compete with DALI, as the DALI is fitted to the ballasts that control the lighting and sit in the actual light fitting. They are complimentary systems and we approach it from that point of view as we sell KNX/EIB DALI gateways at Ivory Egg.

In terms of KNX vs. some of the other systems, well Lutron is bar far the market leader in terms of pure lighting control. Rako on the other hand sell purely wireless lighting controls and they are great for DIY/retro-fit. As for INSTEON, which is again a wireless control technology, they currently have no European devices so it doesn’t really complete with KNX and is more of a competitor to the likes of Z-wave and EnOcean (which is another blog altogether). And finally  we have Crestron, who supply more AV & generic device control solutions.

It is worth pointing out that Crestron do provide a complete AV, lighting and control solution. It does it by controlling different devices from multiple manufactures and a wide range of different protocols via a central controller. From a consumer point of view Crestron is “Interface Centric” via tablet and in wall touch screens. This hides the complexity of using Lutron for lighting, X manufacturer for heating and Z for multi room audio. It is an expensive route to take, but on the positive side it is highly configurable.

KNX is standard based and developed from a consumer point of view. It is switch centric, in other words it is a compact and stylish intelligent switch on the wall that can easily control the ‘functions’ in a room (HVAC, lighting, blinds etc). KNX has 1,000s of products that are certified to work together, but this is not the case with Creston. That said most consumers wouldn’t know the difference, as most simply go on look and feel, and that is where market leaders such as Basalte and Gira score highly. Their products are innovative, look fantastic on the wall and at Ivory Egg we can supply a whole host of fittings for 13amp sockets that will coordinate with the wall switches. And to be fair, this is what the architects are demanding!

So difficult to draw conclusions really. I guess the big question I’ve not really answered is what are they main differences between Lutron and KNX? As Lutron is a central processor based with proprietary technology and KNX is a component/manufacturer open standard, does that mean the KNX open standard is the lowest common denominator (as claimed by Lutron) or does that mean you get vastly increased flexibility (as claimed by KNX)? Is Lutron only lighting control – on/off/dim or is it full integration. If KNX gives you full integration, then why would you even consider Lutron? All very valid questions…

Yes, KNX provides a holistic approach to efficient energy usage. It is not limited to lighting or heating or metering or appliances or AV or any other specific function for that matter. The KNX platform has been adopted by many highly respected major manufacturers with their vast choice of products covering all these product lines. In the longer term, this is also important to building owners, as any installation is future proofed for any changes/upgrades that could be needed. As KNX covers such a diversity of applications using one standard, it means cabling networks can be much more simplistic and single twisted pair cabling can often suffice, with multiple elements all operating together on a single network. As I’ve already mentioned briefly with DALI, a number of the KNX manufacturers have also developed ‘gateways’ to other control protocols. These simple devices are used to expand the capability of KNX control systems to provide the complete solution for a building.

KNX has also worked closely with management-level protocols such as BACnet to enable a close co-operation between these two standards when the project requires additional integration. Every KNX-compliant piece of equipment is fully tested and certified to this highly stringent standard by an independent regulatory body – It is only at this point that it can carry the KNX logo, as controlled by the international KNX Association of Brussels. Therefore there is total confidence in reliability and interoperability, whatever KNX devices are chosen. In the UK we have a growing network of integrators who have joined KNX UK to share their experiences and to help promote the standard. They can also assist consultants as well as building owners in achieving the optimum solution for their building and with KNX also accepted throughout the world (and with partnership agreements with more than 30.000 partners in more than 75 countries worldwide) from China to the United States as well as Australia and the Middle East, it truly is a worldwide standard.

Lutron on the other hand is recognised as the leading brand in terms of pure lighting control, and rightly so… It has many advantages and is easy to install, retrofitable and extremely reliable. Their systems are a proven, extensively implemented technology that offers 2-way communication, is scene capable and can dim any type of dimmable lighting. All this is backed by an industry leading company with a very long history and their systems are available in a large number of styles and finishes, all backed with a 7 year warrantee. Plus they too can integrate window/shade controls and offer relatively easy intregration with Crestron and other control systems. However, while I find it hard to criticize KNX (and again, I can hold my hands up and say yes we’re a little biased), to me there are some obvious disadvantages to Lutron. For one it only controls up to 32 lights (expandable to 64). Then there is the fact it has no dedicated processor, so it relies on an automation processor. In other words if this processor fails, then I’m afraid you have to manually override or you have no lights at all. However, the ‘biggie’  (in my experience anyway) is that expansion always seems more complicated than it needs to be and is certainly more expensive than with KNX products.

The choice of lighting control is a wide one one I’m afraid, the above is only our humble opinion.  To be honest, what you really need to do is decide what functionality you want and then see what systems can support your needs. Its important you select an installer that can advise you on the systems that you’re interested in. Price is always important, but do not make it the main point, and you need to always be thinking about upgrades/adding to the system in the future. Also think about who can you get to do changes and tweaks to the lighting control system (these things are never right first time and commercial clients and their staff especially can be very demanding)?Does the control system intergrate with other manurfacturers you may be using and don’t be afraid to ask for them to show you existing installations they’ve completed that are using the products you’re interested in. KNX is certainly the logical choice to me in terms of flexibility and meeting demand, especially if you need to integrate other systems such as heating, blinds, AV etc, but always keep an open mind and one eye on what each of these systems can deliver.

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Gira’s instabus KNX flush-mounted actuators

February 1st, 2010

Now included in the family of Gira flush-mounted actuators are switching actuators, a universal dimming actuator and in terms of ‘recently launched’ products; a window actuator, a blind actuator and a heating actuator.

Flush-mounted actuators are used with decentral KNX/EIB installations or in KNX/EIB compound installations (DRA, flush-mounted). They are allotted space in flush-mounted boxes or in cable conduits and utilise the existing power cables. In this way cable material is saved and fire load in buildings is significantly reduced.

Existing installations can be expanded more simply to KNX/EIB with flush-mounted actuators – in addition to the existing 230 V supply – only a bus line is required for operation of the actuators.

Zero-voltage contacts can be connected to the binary inputs and they can carry out various functions independently of one another or as a ‘block’. The functions of the binary inputs are identical for all actuators, other attributes however are configured at the factory in order to make the operation possible without the need for programming.

The flush-mounted actuator is connected to the 230 V supply via a flexible cable, approx. 20 cm in length. The connection of the binary inputs and the KNX/EIB is made via a 6-wire connection cable, approx. 30 cm in length. This can be extended to a maximum of 5 m.

Two auxiliary unit inputs (or three inputs with window actuators, blind actuators and heating actuators) are for on-site operation via conventional switches or buttons, or can be freely used as binary inputs for zero-voltage contacts (with applied bus voltage).

Window actuator

The window actuator combines a blind actuator with a heating actuator. It has three binary inputs with which in delivery state the connected blind or shutter can be controlled.

Functions of inputs

Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).

Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.

Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.

  • Blocker for blocking individual inputs
  • Behaviour when the bus voltage returns can be configured separately for each input
  • Telegram rate limiting

Blind output

  • Behaviour after bus voltage failure and return can be set
  • Separately parameterisable movement times with movement time extension for movements into the upper end position
  • Feedback of the curtain position or slat position – Active or passive (object can be read out) cyclical feedback functions
  • Feedback can be delayed until after the return of bus voltage
  • Assignments to up to 5 different safety functions (3 wind alarms, 1 rain alarm, 1 frost alarm), or with cyclical monitoring
  • Forced setting function can be realised for each blind output
  • Solar protection function with fixed and variable curtain or slat positions can be activated
  • Inclusion in scenes possible, maximum of 8 internal scenes can be parameterised per channel
  • Memory function for light scenes

Heating output

  • Output controllable with a corrected variable (1 bit or 1 byte)
  • Status feedback (1bit or 1byte) automatically or on read request
  • Valve control (open/closed while deenergised) can be configured
  • Summer or winter operation can be selected via an object
  • Cyclical monitoring of the corrected variable; if a corrected variable telegram remains off within a monitoring period, the output switches into emergency mode and an alarm message is sent
  • The output can be locked in a forced position, and different values are possible for summer and winter operation
  • Behaviour when the bus voltage returns and fails can be configured separately for each output
  • Overload or short-circuit message via an object can be set
  • Control of valve drives with switching operation or PWM operation
  • Protective function for locked valve

Technical data

  • Rated voltage: AC 230 V/50 Hz
  • Connected load of blind output: switching current AC1: 3 A, motors: 600 VA
  • Connected load of heating output: contact type: Triac, switching current 5 to 25 mA, drives per output: max. 2
  • Number of inputs: 3
  • Protection type: IP 20
  • Temperature range: – 5 °C to + 45 °C
  • Dimensions: 51 × 48 × 28 mm (L × B × H)
  • Load line connection: with enclosed spring plug-in terminal
  • Installation: flush-mounted wall box (Gira recommend the electronics box from Kaiser)

Installation

The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.

Heating actuator

The heating actuator is used for switching electrothermic valve drives for heating systems. It has two binary inputs to which zero-voltage contacts can be connected for monitoring of a window contact for example.

Functions of inputs

Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).

Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.

Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.

  • Blocker for blocking individual inputs
  • Behaviour when the bus voltage returns can be configured separately for each input
  • Telegram rate limiting

Heating output

  • Output controllable with a corrected variable (1 bit or 1 byte)
  • Status feedback (1bit or 1byte) automatically or on read request
  • Valve control (open/closed while deenergised) can be configured
  • Summer or winter operation can be selected via an object
  • Cyclical monitoring of the corrected variable; if a corrected variable telegram remains off within a monitoring period, the output switches into emergency mode and an alarm message is sent
  • The output can be locked in a forced position, and different values are possible for summer and winter operation
  • Behaviour when the bus voltage returns and fails can be configured separately for each output
  • Overload or short-circuit message via an object can be set
  • Control of valve drives with switching operation or PWM operation
  • Protective function for locked valve

Technical data

  • Rated voltage: AC 230 V/50/60 Hz
  • Connected load of heating output: contact type: Triac, switching current 5 to 25 mA, drives per output: max. 2
  • Number of inputs: 3
  • Protection type: IP 20
  • Temperature range: – 5 °C to + 45 °C
  • Dimensions: 51 × 48 × 28 mm (L × B × H)

Installation

The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.

Blind actuator

The blind actuator controls blinds, shutters and awnings and has two inputs factory-assigned to the blind actuator.

Functions of inputs

Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).

Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.

Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.

  • Blocker for blocking individual inputs
  • Behaviour when the bus voltage returns can be configured separately for each input
  • Telegram rate limiting

Output functions

  • Behaviour after bus voltage failure and return can be set
  • Separately parameterisable movement times with movement time extension for movements into the upper end position
  • Feedback of the curtain position or slat position, active or passive (object can be read out) cyclical feedback functions
  • Feedback can be delayed until after the return of bus voltage
  • Assignments to up to 5 different safety functions (3 wind alarms, 1 rain alarm, 1 frost alarm), or with cyclical monitoring
  • Forced setting function
  • Solar protection function with fixed and variable curtain or slat positions can be activated
  • Inclusion in scenes possible, maximum of 8 internal scenes can be parameterised per channel
  • Memory function for light scenes

Technical data

  • Rated voltage: AC 230 V/50/60 Hz
  • Connected load: motors 600 VA
  • Number of inputs: 2
  • Protection type: IP 20
  • Temperature range: – 5 °C to + 45 °C
  • Dimensions: 51 × 48 × 28 mm (L × B × H)
  • Load line connection: with enclosed spring plug-in terminal
  • Installation: flush-mounted wall box (Gira recommend the electronics box from Kaiser)

Installation

The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

The GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

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The Joy of ReVox M-51

September 16th, 2009
ReVox M51 Home Audio System

While most home audio systems only ever offer the last state-of-the-art technology, in other words home technology that is already out of date as soon as you’ve handed over the cash, the ReVox M-51 is a five-channel AV system that has the future built in and was designed to grow with your audio requirements.  New functionalities can be continuously integrated through simple ‘plug and play’ modules.  This can be done tomorrow or several years down the road, and ensures that you can always incorporate the latest audio technology into your home.

The modules for DVD, decoder and amplifier are already included and further functions such as radio tuner, input/output, satellite radio, audio or video server, multi-room and the multi-room slave module can be simply integrated via ‘plug and play’.  Therefore, it is not only possible to combine all functions as you want, but they can be retro-fitted at any time in the future.

The M-51 is one of the most remarkable home audio systems I have encountered in recent years.  Imagine one component serving all your home AV needs.  The M-51 is a DVD/CD player, FM tuner, home theater processor, home theater amplifier, and multi-room control center all rolled into one little compact unit.  The M-51 consolidates and simplifies your life by reducing an entire system to a single unit controlled by a single remote.  As you would expect from ReVox, the quality of picture and sound is what sets the M-51 apart (audiophiles take note), as the M-51 can even provide an outstanding MM/MC switchable phono stage and the input signal remains entirely in the analog domain unless the surround sound mode is engaged.  In other words you can still play your vinyl collection through the system and with five 60W amplifiers it sounds, well to be honest, fantastic!

The ‘M’ in M-51 stands for modular and that word pretty much sums up what this device is all about.  Easily upgraded and expanded, the M-51 provides a multitude of ‘plug and play’ expansion slots.  For example, the M-51 can be outfitted with a second FM tuner board, so you can listen to two different radio stations in two different rooms.  Future upgrades are easily achieved either by swapping or adding boards, so you can ensure the system always meets the latest technology and your AV needs as they change over time.

The M-51 can run an entire household, providing a home theater experience with full surround sound in one room, and music in up to 32 others.  The M-51 features one of the friendliest and most intuitive user interfaces I have stumbled across, and the ReVox keypads provide the same look and feel in every room.  And best of all the M-51 can be controlled wirelessly from a Pocket PC, laptop, or desktop PC.

The Revox Re:System M51 unites innovative functionality with aesthetic perfection.  High-quality materials and extensive processing support the clear and functional design contours.  The housing is made of solid aluminium with a brushed-finish surface. Great attention was paid to the details of the M51. For example, the solid turning knob is positioned in a brass bearing, guaranteeing perfect rotary movement, while the large and clear digital display is functional aesthetics.

To add to the ease of use and impressive features of the M-51 system, I would also strongly recommend the M-57 Music Server.  Built into a matching aluminum housing, and to the same high standards, the M-57 features a CD-R drive and a hard drive plus software for organizing and playing digital music files.  Based on the iMerge platform, the M-57 Music Server can store up to 4000 of your favorite CDs and distribute them to 8 zones throughout your home.

However, if like me you’re all things Apple Mac, then my favorite way to control your Revox Multiroom System is via the Revox Re:control M232, an iPhone and iPod touch application which allows you to control the complete Revox M-Series Multiroom System.  It is a completely wireless remote control for all major features of the Revox System and combines the simply beautiful touch-based interface of the Apple iPhone with the easy to use Revox AV controls.

About ReVox

ReVox has developed from being just a purveyor of audio equipment to being a provider of state-of-the-art, complete audio solutions.  ReVox can look back over many years’ experience of studio sound technology as it develops high quality technology for use in the home. The perfection embodied in the professional systems is enhanced by the touches of originality, which ReVox includes in its domestic product range.

Today, the company covers not only the audio market but it also provides products for video, multimedia and Multi-room usage. The choice of the right technology, combined with the legendary ReVox customer service means that customers can be sure of enjoying their ReVox products long into the future.  Exceptional quality and exquisite design, gift all demanding music fans an unforgettable experience with their ReVox Home Entertainment System.  Very importantly, with its highly developed Multi-room System, ReVox products allow you to enjoy this top quality throughout your home. The outstanding audio and video quality is further enhanced with intuitive handling and an innovative use of technology, which will meet or exceed all your requirements in terms of comfort and performance. Whatever the future brings… ReVox is already there.

For further information please visit ReVox.com.

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About Ivory Egg

June 21st, 2009

Ivory Egg delivers inspiration for smart home technology.

We specialise in making things happen in buildings using traditional wiring, radio control and full intelligent building systems, all delivered to the highest standard in simple, useable, solutions based around your needs.

From ‘Boys Toys’ and Gizmos to serious environmental control.

Whatever your position intelligent building control can be tailored to suit.  In a residential context, KNX is used for all of the standard functions you would expect: lighting including switching, dimming, scenes; heating including underfloor, air conditioning, chillers, ground source heat pump, solar etc.; blinds including curtains and windows; and interfaces with AV systems such as those by Systemline, Crestron, AMX, NetStreams and NuVo.

Rather than installing ourselves, we recommend excellent independent local installers with track records you can rely on.  You will get a straightforward unbiased opinion and can make you decision from there.

We deliver products to these installers through our virtual department store of on-line shops.

www.knxshop.co.uk

www.enoceanshop.co.uk

www.girashop.co.uk

www.mertenshop.co.uk

www.smartalarmshop.co.uk

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