Any English Language forum? And question about some manufactures' device reliability.

[Aah57]

Good morning,

First of all, I apologize for writing in English. I am very new to the world of KNX, and I have just passed my KNX Basic training course. I want to implement KNX in my new apartment (that is in the process of being constructed). I have so many questions, however, apparently the biggest and most active forum seems to be this Deutsch speaking one. As I know manyGermans also have a good command of the English language, I thought to myself I would most probably get a response. Anyway, as for the first question, is there an active and valid English forum anywhere? I couldn't find one on Google.

Secondly, I live in Iran, and due to recent sanctions almost all KNX manufactures have left or are in the process of leaving. Few are working, such as Zennio, MDT, and Schneider. There are devices from other brands, such Schneider, ABB, and Busch-Jaeger that are still semi-available in our market, but their prices are insanely expensive. Moreover, KNX professionals here charge a hefty commission on implementation fee on top of +20% mark-up on the devices. So, I thought I would do it myself - hence, becoming a KNX partner. My question is, right now I have the choice between Zennio and MDT. As far as device options and reliability (both for sensors and actuators) which one do you recommend?

If you're interested I can give you more details about my project. Thank you, all.

[raggax]

hello an welcome,

i have just Zennio devices (beside of 2, one sensor and one actor, which i bought in the beginning of my project), and i am very comfortable with my choice. the Z41 is a little smaler i thougt, but beautiful. And i like the switches more than the mdt ones. But finally it is just a choice of design, i think both systems would do the job.

Regards,
René

[xrk]

I cannot speak for Zennio devices, as I have never used any, thus cannot give you a comparison unfortunately.
But I can vouch for MDT, especially their ETS applications have broad parametrization capabilities and MDT's customer support is very good in case you might need it. I also welcome the ability to do firmware updates via the ETS DCA app for selected recent MDT devices (e.g. LED-controller, Safety-Module, Logic-Module).

[henfri]

You will get lots of positive feedback on MDT here.

[Aah57]

Wow! Thank you so much for the fast responses. In our class, we used Zennio for our training. Naturally, I was reserved about my tutors speaking in high regards about the brand because of its actuators having the capability to do many things on one device ( side note: he's company is selling only Zennio).

[MoseP]

With regards to devices being able to do many things you can simply download the respective device‘s application in ETS and have a look - without even owning a single KNX device. Then you can decide what you really need.

From my point of view MDT is very powerful, e. g. their LED-Display providing logic functions on top, sparing me a separate logic engine. In addition you‘ll find application examples („how to set up heating control using MDT...“) on their website and of course there’s a lot of active MDT users here willing to help you with any questions.

[henfri]

Hello,

I also have devices from Zennio. I would not complain about them.

Greetings,
Hendrik

[Beleuchtfix]

Hi and welcome to the world of KNX. In a normal market you don‘t have to decide beteeen companies, you can choose differnt for each single KNX component.

Zennio has some fairly unique combined modules, among others designed for hotel rooms. This comes handy, when you don‘t need 16 switches or so, but diffrent functions including hesting and cooling. The switch series „Zennio my design“ is well priced and unique and has intersting functions.

I wish you success as a KNX Partner.
Regards Florian

[MoseP]

you don‘t have to decide beteeen companies, you can choose differnt for each single KNX component

Very true comment! Sometimes I forget people might not be used to the concept of mix&match from many different vendors, one of the greatest benefits of KNX!
As I said - try out the applications, and feel free to mix whatever suits your needs best in design and functionality.

[Aah57]

Thanks again everyone. Will starting working with one of the two brands and report back. Most definitely I will need help at some point(s) down the road. I now know where to turn to when I do. Cheers, all.

[henfri]

All the best.
Let us know, in case you need help.

Greetings,
Hendrik

[valentinpopa]

With regards to devices being able to do many things you can simply download the respective device‘s application in ETS and have a look - without even owning a single KNX device. Then you can decide what you really need.

From my point of view MDT is very powerful, e. g. their LED-Display providing logic functions on top, sparing me a separate logic engine. In addition you‘ll find application examples („how to set up heating control using MDT...“) on their website and of course there’s a lot of active MDT users here willing to help you with any questions.

Please can you provide me a link with MDT heating control on MDT website? I search for examples in mdt.de website but I never found.

[knxPaul]

Wellcome to the forum!

https://www.mdt.de/EN_Downloads_Solutions.html

If this is not sufficient in the german part there are more examples.

[valentinpopa]

Hello

Thank you for pointing me out at MDT examples. I had a look there at English and German examples and I think I will be able to manage my heating system. Now I need to do pomp and burner stop when no valve are open and I need again your help. Now I have 11 zones and I use for them 2 MDT AKH-0600.03 heating actuator because each can control 6 zones. Now to start/stop pomp I will use AKU-1616.03 Universal actuator. Because I have 2 heating actuators I need to do a logic function to detect if all valves are closed in order to close also pomp. MDT Heating actuator have a common status for all valves which tell if all are open or closed. This means that I must do a logic function like this: (Status1 Open OR Status2 Open -> Open Pomp) Now my question is: Where do I need to do this logic because Heating actuators have Scene but not Logic functions? Do I need to buy MDT Logic module like this one: https://www.voltus.de/hausautomation...baren-led.html or I have other option?

Best Regards
Valentin

[gbglace]

You need any KNX-device which has a free Logic-function OR with two external inputs.

Or you use the logic function (OR) in your MDT AKK connected with the channel for the pump. The Status from this channel you can use to transfer the OR result to other devices.

Each MDT AKH sends a GA for the pump/burner request (GA 1/1/1 and 1/1/2) both connected with one of the two inputs of the logic function OR.