Essential Install | Home Automation Apps
Remote access
is simple to set
up as the X1 has
an integrated
OpenVPN server
There’s an app for that
When it comes to smart building, apps are king. From security to
lights to climate to entertainment, there’s an app for all, and often
an app to control the whole system in one. What makes an app
genuinely useful and will they ultimately replace more established
forms of control? What’s the latest with this technology, how has it
advanced and what’s on offer for clever control? EI investigates.
First of all, what makes an app useful is the ease in which
it can control a system. From the installer to the end user,
it should be a simple and streamlined process.
The latest offering from Ivory Egg, the Gira X1,
enables Apple or Android smartphones to take full
control of a KNX installation. Using simple and elegant
graphics in a similar style to the G1, the Gira X1 is easy
to navigate and use and works in partnership with the
Gira X1 compact wall-mounted hardware.
It allows the user to easily switch lights on and off,
raise and lower blinds and optimise home temperature
settings. It is designed to work with the KNX system
meaning it can interface to over 10,000 products from over
400 manufacturers. Although the KNX world is huge, it’s
easy to configure the X1 thanks to its preconfigured function
templates. Simply add them to the project in the Gira Project
Assistant software then link to the imported KNX group
address. The most commonly used functions are dimming,
switching, shutters, blinds, heating control, value transmitter,
scenes, timer but there’s also functionality to stream cameras.
The graphics are clean and simple making the app
intuitive to use. Favourite functions can be saved to the
front page by the user and the ability to set timers against
individual functions further empowers the user.
Remote access is simple to set up as the X1 has an
integrated OpenVPN server which ensures access to the
system for programming or to provide customers with a
simple way to control and monitor home settings when
away from the building.
The X1 has more to offer than just visualisation thanks
to the integrated logic functions, which are configured
using drag and drop meaning no coding is required. With
over 30 blocks including PID controllers, shutter tracking,
sun position and room dividers, installers can quickly
automate even the most complex KNX building.
Mark Warburton, technical director at Ivory Egg expands,
“The X1 also acts as a programming interface further
increasing its functionality and value for money plus as its KNX
secure already it is one of the first products in the market
to offer protected KNX communication when using IP.”
October 2017 | 55