Inputs and Outputs using the Expander Module

1. Introduction #

One of the most common applications of the Expander module and the Satel INT-IORS device is controlling lighting or blinds. We presented blind control in one of our previous tutorials:
https://domiq.pl/wiki/rolety-z-uzyciem-modulu-expander/

In this tutorial, we want to show you further applications of the Expander module, which are widely used in smart homes. After reading this tutorial, you will learn how to use the Expander module to handle buttons that differentiate press duration. Additionally, we will show you how to control an electric lock, entrance gate, and how to automatically turn off lighting after a certain time.

2. What will you need? #

To implement the presented functionality, you will need the following devices:

1. DOMIQ/Base – the base module of the DOMIQ system.
2. DOMIQ/Expander – an expansion module to which you can connect up to 32 Satel INT-IORS devices.
3. Satel INT-IORS – a device equipped with 8 relay outputs and 8 binary inputs
4. Bell-type wall button
5. Optional: motion sensor, LCN module, DMX module, or DALI ballast

3. Button Handling #

In the DOMIQ system, we added support for recognizing press duration and a separate action for button release. A short press is one that lasts less than 1 second. All of this is handled by the identifier EXP.button. Information about actions triggered by button presses can be captured in Events, and you can assign any actions to them.

The table below presents the event syntax and allowed values:

3.1. Controlling an LCN Dimmable Output #

To illustrate how to use these events, we’ll show how to control a dimmable output in an LCN module. Similarly, you can control a DMX channel or a DALI ballast.

For this example, we’ll assume output no. 1 in LCN module address 10 and a button connected to input no. 1 in INT-IORS module with address 1.

Event for short press #

1. Channel: E.EXP.button.1
2. Data:short
3. Actions -> +Command
   1.Name: C.LCN.output.0.10.1
   2. Value: toggle

If you want to control the output on a DMX dimmer, in the Name field enter: DMX.xx, where xx is the channel number. For a DALI ballast, enter: DALI.1.evg.xx, where xx is the ballast address.

4. Done! Now each press will toggle the output state.

To implement dimming and brightening, you’ll need two more events: for long press and release. Brightness direction alternates: if the light is off and the button is held, it will start brightening. Releasing the button stops the change. The next long press starts dimming, and so on.

Event for long press #

1. Channel: E.EXP.button.1
2. Data: long
3. Actions -> +Command
   1. Name: C.LCN.output.0.10.1
   2. Value: toggle;ramp:8

If you want to control the output on a DMX dimmer, in the Name field, enter: DMX.xx, where xx is the channel number. For a DALI ballast, enter: DALI.1.evg.xx, where xx is the ballast address. In the Value field, enter: dim

Event for button release #

1. Channel: E.EXP.button.1
2. Data: release
3. Actions -> +Command
   1.Name: C.LCN.output.0.10.1
   2. Value: stop

If you want to control the output on a DMX dimmer, in the Name field enter: DMX.xx, where xx is the channel number. For a DALI ballast, enter: DALI.1.evg.xx, where xx is the ballast address.

This is just one scenario to show how to use button press differentiation. Similarly, you can build functions for switching heating or ventilation modes.

4. Controlling an Electric Lock and Entrance Gate #

Both functions require activating a relay for a specified (usually short) time. For this, we created the identifier EXP.imp.

The table below presents the command syntax:

In our example, we’ll show the following solution: a short press opens the gate door, a long press opens the main gate. Let’s assume the door lock is connected to relay no. 1, and the gate to relay no. 2 of the INT-IORS module with address 1. The button is connected to input no. 2 of the same module.

Event for the door #

1. Channel: E.EXP.button.1.2
2. Data:short
3. Actions -> +Command
   1. Name: C.EXP.imp.1.1
   2. Value: 300

A short press will activate the relay for 300ms. 4. Done!

Event for the gate #

Define this event the same way:

1. Channel: E.EXP.button.1.2
2. Data: long
3. Actions -> +Command
   1. Name: C.EXP.imp.1.2
   2. Value: 300
4. Done!

5. Lighting with Automatic Switch-Off #

Using the EXP.imp identifier, you can easily turn on lights that will automatically turn off after a specific time.

This is great for temporary lighting in a child’s room or hallway lighting.

Night light in a child’s room #

We’ll show how to turn on the light for 30 minutes using the Button widget in the Remote app. The light is connected to relay no. 3 in INT-IORS module address 1. Of course, the command can be triggered by other actions — e.g., wall button, timer, etc.

1. In the Remote tab, add a Button and double-click to edit it
2. In the Short Press tab -> +Command 1. Name: C.EXP.imp.1.3 2. Value: 1800000

(30 min × 60 sec × 1000 ms)

3. Done!

Motion sensor activated lighting #

A common feature is turning on lights for a certain period after detecting motion. You can implement this with a single event. Let’s assume the motion sensor is connected to input no. 3, and the light to relay no. 4 in module address 1. The light will be on for 2 minutes.

1. Channel: E.EXP.input.1.3
2. Data: 1
3. Actions -> +Command
   1. Name: C.EXP.imp.1.4
   2. Value: 120000
4. Done!

6. Summary #

Congratulations! You’ve learned more features of the DOMIQ system, which we believe will help you implement many smart building functions.