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THE 4 STEPS TO KNX SUCCESS
February 2020
Revision 1.2en
Copyright © 2017 – 2020, ETS Schnellkurs
Author: Manfred Meier, alias „Eibmeier”
Co-Author and Publisher: Christian Szczensny
https://www.knxtutorial.com

All information contained in this document is issued solely for informational purposes
and has been compiled to the best of the authors’ and the publisher’s knowledge. Nev-
ertheless, errors cannot be completely excluded. Therefore, the information contained in
this book does not imply any obligation or warranty of any kind. As a result, the authors
and publishers do not assume any legal responsibility and will not assume any liability
for any damages resulting from the use of this information, including the infringement of
patent rights and other third-party rights that may result therefrom. All content, photos,
texts and graphics in this document are protected by copyright and may not be copied,
modified, reproduced or published without prior written permission. All labels, logos and
other characters, including the logo and the name KNX Association, which are used in
this E-book, are proprietary trademarks and/or trade names. The use of these in this
work, even without special identification, does not entitle to the assumption that such
names would be regarded as free in the sense of trademark and brand protection leg-
islation and should therefore be used by everyone. This work, including all its parts, is
protected by copyright. Any use beyond the narrow limits of copyright law without the
author’s consent is prohibited and punishable. This applies in particular to reproductions
and translations.

This document was created with written permission and friendly support from the KNX
Association CVBA, Brussels, Belgium. The KNX Association is responsible for the pro-
duction and distribution of ETS.
Contents

Contents i

List of Figures ii

1 Introduction and ETS 5 1

1.1 Introduction 2
1.1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.2 Who can programme KNX? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.3 Required KNX components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.2 The ETS 7

1.2.1 Available versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.2.2 Choosing the right version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.2.3 Save when buying ETS 5 Professional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1.3 Download and install ETS 5 14

1.4 Outlook 17

i
List of Figures

1.2.1 The ETS 5 Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

1.3.1 Create eCampus account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1.3.2 KNX download area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ii
 Step 1

Introduction and ETS 5

1
Introduction

In this chapter…
1.1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.2 Who can programme KNX? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.3 Required KNX components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Table of Contents ⤴

2
 1.1.1. Introduction

1.1.1 Introduction
KNX is the worldwide open standard for all applications in home and building control,
from lighting and blind control to systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, mon-
itoring, alarming, water control, energy management, metering, household appliances,
audio/video and much more. It can be used in both new and existing buildings and offers
electricians the opportunity to expand their business by specialising in energy efficiency,
security, comfort and assisted living.
For building owners, KNX brings real (additional) added value and offers many advan-
tages:

• more security (from fire, burglary, damage)

• more comfort (the house “thinks” with you)

• greater energy efficiency (both through transparency in electricity consumption

and through devices that switch off automatically)

• more flexibility (the installation adapts to the user and not vice versa)

• more possibilities (many additional functions such as time switches, central func-
tions)

• more communication (connects all trades).

Of course, there are many other systems besides KNX that are advertised as smart home
systems. These systems are certainly not bad as such, but KNX offers certain advan-
tages, especially in new buildings

• KNX is a standard that is supported by over 400 manufacturers. These offer a

wide range of products, all of which are compatible with each other. If a manu-
facturer is no longer able to supply a product, it can be replaced by a comparable
product of another brand. With proprietary systems, on the other hand, the entire
system must be replaced if the system is discontinued and individual components
fail.

• KNX covers the most diverse trades – whether light or blind control, connection
of heating and air conditioning, everything is possible via the standardised KNX
protocol. No further interfaces to third-party systems or other trades are required
– an unbeatable advantage.

• KNX pursues a decentralised concept without a smart home hub. The devices
connected to the bus communicate with each other, so that a failure of a single
component does not immediately paralyse the entire system.

3
 1.1.1. Introduction

In this KNX introduction we will show you how to get started with KNX and ETS 5. In
just a few steps you can put your first system into operation in no time. As KNX and the
associated ETS 5 are not completely self-explanatory in some places, we would like to
give beginners some help in this series and provide the necessary basic knowledge to
quickly demonstrate initial success with commissioning. Basic knowledge, which also
exists in other sources on the internet, has been compiled so that you do not have to
torment yourself for long periods through the multitude of information.
This ebook should make you want more. This “more” is then available in our ebook, in
which we provide detailed knowledge in 350 pages, with which you can realise a KNX
project without having any previous KNX experience. Step by step we show you ev-
erything for planning, implementation and programming. We also share with you our
experience gained in more than 20 years of practical KNX application.
Now, we hope you enjoy using KNX.
Manfred Meier and Christian Szczensny

Back to Beginning ⤴

4
 1.1.2. Who can programme KNX?

1.1.2 Who can programme KNX?

Basically, KNX is not “programmed” at all. Instead, the project is virtually simulated in
the ETS software, parameters are set and linked, and the data is then loaded into the
KNX devices. Accordingly, one speaks of “parameterisation” and “commissioning”, but
using programming has also become common practice.
For this reason, anyone can learn KNX; regardless of your profession and education, we
guarantee that with a few PC skills and our KNX tutorial, you will be able to learn KNX
and ETS 5 step by step in no time.

Back to Beginning ⤴

5
 1.1.3. Required KNX components

1.1.3 Required KNX components

To learn KNX, you need some basic equipment. This consists of:

• Computer
A normal computer or laptop with Windows 10 and internet connection is suffi-
cient. The ETS 5 software is not demanding and the KNX Association recommends
a CPU with 2GHz, 4MB RAM and 20GB free hard disk space.

• ETS 5
The ETS software is published by the KNX Association in Brussels and is currently
available in version 5. As this software is a basic requirement, the following ap-
plies: No KNX project without ETS 5. In this article we will show you how to
download the free demo version of ETS 5 and install it on your computer, so that
you can dive into the world of KNX quickly and cost-effectively.

• KNX components
You cannot learn KNX without proper devices. You should therefore obtain the
following KNX devices as a minimum:

– 1x power supply (640mA – you can install this later in your first project)
– 1x switching actuator (8-fold – same reason)
– 1x touch sensor of your choice
– 1x KNX USB interface
– some bus cable and bus terminals.
If you want to start small, just use the smallest available devices (320mA
power supply and 4-fold switching actuator).

• KNX course
We do not recommend “getting started” without prior knowledge as it would only
lead to dissatisfaction and frustration. A KNX course is, so to speak, mandatory
if you are really serious about getting into the wonderful world of KNX.
There are numerous course providers that are easy to find via Google. For those
who want to save travel expenses, course costs and downtime, we offer the ebook
The ultimate Guide to KNX Programming. This course provides detailed step-by-
step instructions on how to structure, plan, implement and programme a project.
Many practical tips complement this manual and the course is a good reference
book for all those who do not deal with the subject matter on a daily basis.

Back to Beginning ⤴

6
The ETS

In this chapter…
1.2.1 Available versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.2.2 Choosing the right version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.2.3 Save when buying ETS 5 Professional . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Table of Contents ⤴

7
 1.2.1. Available versions

1.2.1 Available versions

The following versions of ETS 5 are available:

• Demo – free
With the free version up to five devices can be used. A device (which occupies
a physical address) is to be understood as a product. An actuator with eight
channels counts as one device in this case.
• Lite – €2001
With the Lite version you can work on small to medium projects with up to 20
devices. Again, the restriction refers to the components used, not to the number
of channels.
• Professional – €1,000
ETS 5 Professional is the unlimited version for all project sizes and with full func-
tionality. It allows flexible commissioning of all kinds of systems, from single-
family homes to large office, hotel or industrial complexes.
By using a structured group address application, you always keep an overview,
even in large systems. In our ebook The ultimate Guide to KNX Programming you
will find detailed material and step-by-step instructions so that you always make
the right choice.
• Inside – €160
ETS Inside is the “end user version” of ETS and is generally compatible with any
existing or new KNX installation. The ETS Inside can manage one project with a
maximum of 255 devices and is therefore ideal for small installations. Its special
interface allows the end user to make slight changes to the configuration without
special knowledge.
However, there are currently still a few disadvantages:

– Not all KNX products can be configured via ETS Inside. This is because not
all applications are available in the online catalogue, as some manufacturers
unfortunately do not always list all their (old) products here. Therefore,
before buying the products, the availability in the online catalogue must be
checked.
– Only one line can be set up in ETS Inside. This can be avoided by using (the
demo version of) ETS Professional, but it complicates the setup of a project
and is not easy, especially for beginners.

Back to Beginning ⤴

1
All prices are plus Belgian VAT (21%) and shipping costs.

8
 1.2.2. Choosing the right version

1.2.2 Choosing the right version

In order to select the version that is right for you, we will provide some guidance:

• The professional uses the professional version. Even if this version requires a
certain investment, we believe the money is well invested and quickly earned
back.

• The ambitious end user is well advised with the professional version. Our ex-
perience shows that even many single-family homes have more than 20 devices
installed, so the Lite version is not suitable. Furthermore, the professional version
allows you to precisely control all settings and parameters of your house, so that
you retain full control.

• The Lite version can be used for smaller apartments and family homes with a
reduced number of KNX trades. For example, if you only want to control the
shading (roller shutters or external blinds) with an additional weather station via
KNX, the limit of 20 devices will probably suffice. Otherwise, you have the full
range of functions here as well.

Experts tip

If you exceed the 20 devices of the Lite version, you can split your house
into two projects and avoid the limitations of the Lite version. However,
you have to ensure that the group addresses match each other other-
wise error handling becomes more difficult.

• In our opinion, ETS Inside is a supplement to ETS 5 Professional. An initial com-

missioning of a KNX system is carried out by a professional and the end user
can then implement minor changes independently via ETS Inside. If all applica-
tions are available in the ETS Inside online shop, ETS Inside can be a good and
cost-effective alternative for small projects.
In our experience, many ambitious home builders like to be flexible, and even-
tually choose ETS Professional. Therefore, we advise you to consider using ETS
Professional from the beginning.

9
 1.2.2. Choosing the right version

Experts tip

Use the options shown in the next chapter to purchase ETS Professional
at a lower price and create your project in ETS 5 Professional from the
start.

Back to Beginning ⤴

10
 1.2.3. Save when buying ETS 5 Professional

1.2.3 Save when buying ETS 5 Professional

As you have seen in the previous chapter, the Demo, Lite and Professional versions differ
only in the maximum number of components to be managed. This means that you can
also use the full range of functions of ETS Professional in the demo version. However,
projects in which the respective limit has been exceeded cannot be opened.

Experts tip

You can use the free demo or Lite version together with our ebook to
learn KNX.

Below, we would like to show you how you can save money when purchasing the Profes-
sional version. Some of these options are not permanently available and are temporary
actions. By combining free versions with upgrade vouchers or promotions, you can start
learning KNX immediately and benefit from campaigns over time.

KNXtoday.com

The website KNXtoday2 occasionally offers special deals, where you can get the full
version of ETS 5 Professional or upgrade to ETS 5 Professional at a substantial discount.
Price reductions of up to 50% have previously been possible. Combined with a sales tax
exemption, ETS Professional could be obtained for €600 instead of the normal €1,200.

KNX Association
There are also offers available via the KNX Blog from time to time. Go to https://
my.knx.org and on the right side you will see the latest “News and Information”. You
can also register for the newsletter to be informed of offers.

eCampus Training

KNX eCampus Training3 is web-based training from the KNX Association that helps you
to familiarise yourself with the basic concept of the KNX bus. Even if you are not yet
familiar with the technology, you will learn how to set up and work with ETS 5. After
2
https://www.knxtoday.com
3
http://wbt5.knx.org

11
 1.2.3. Save when buying ETS 5 Professional

successful completion of the training you will receive a voucher for one ETS Lite licence
and another one valid for the update price from ETS Lite to ETS Professional.

Experts tip

If the voucher is not automatically added to your KNX account at the

end of the training, please contact the KNX Support team who usually
respond very quickly.

Figure 1.2.1: The ETS 5 Campus

12
 1.2.3. Save when buying ETS 5 Professional

Save VAT
As a commercial customer, you can indicate your European sales tax identification num-
ber (VAT ID) at the time of purchase to avoid the (Belgian) sales tax charge of 21%. A
subsequent refund, however, is not (easily) possible. If you do not yet have a VAT ID, you
can apply for one at any time at your local tax office.

Back to Beginning ⤴

13
Download and install ETS 5

The KNX Association maintains two websites: the information platform1 and the com-
munity and service area,2 which also includes the shop and your personal account.
Although the demo version of ETS 5 is available free of charge, you cannot download it
without creating a user account in the service area. Go to http://my.knx.org, click on
the link “Create myKNX account” and complete the registration form that appears.

1
http://www.knx.org
2
http://my.knx.org

14
 Figure 1.3.1: Create eCampus account

You will receive a confirmation email with instructions to activate your account. After
you have registered in the service area, you can go to the shop – select software and
download ETS 5 Professional.

15
 Figure 1.3.2: KNX download area

As soon as the file is completely loaded, start the installation of ETS 5 by double-clicking.
After successful installation ETS 5 is available as a demo version and you can programme
up to five devices.
If you decide to buy an ETS 5 Professional licence, you have to license the already in-
stalled demo version via a dongle and then you can use ETS 5 without further restrictions.
The licensing process is a bit cumbersome, but we describe it in our ebook with detailed
step-by-step instructions, so that you can quickly reach your goal.

Experts tip

All examples used in our ebook The Ultimate Guide to KNX Program-
ming can be implemented with the help of the free demo version, so
that you can start learning KNX without a big investment.

16
Outlook

In this first step, you have learned about the advantages of KNX. We have listed the KNX
components required to get started and recommend that you obtain them from your
electrical wholesaler of choice now, in preparation for the following chapter.
Furthermore, you have installed the ETS 5 demo version and are now ready for step two.
In this next step – the construction of a small KNX installation – we will set up the KNX
products in a small installation, so that you can programme and commission them in
step three.

17
 Figure 4.1.1: The Ultimate Guide to KNX Programming

Experts tip

The book is available at https://www.knxtutorial.com

Testimonials

„I love this book! I bought a copy in summer and it has frequently been
a go-to book of mine. So many tech books (not all, of course) either do a
great job of theory but are of little immediate, practical value or they are
“cookbook” style and give you lots of useful tidbits but fail to help you grasp
the big picture. While there are valid reasons for both of these approaches,
of course, this gem is one of the few that are able to do both in one text.
You learn KNX in the first part, and as soon as you have a foundation in the
basics, you immediately jump into practical applications that can benefit
your life almost immediately. Very well done, IMHO.”
Arias, November 2019

18