Many people at the stage of building or renovating a house consider the installation of building automation. For many, a smart home is associated with convenience of use but also with very high expenses for the installation. And there is some truth to this, because most smart home systems are simply expensive. With the introduction of the DOMIQ/Expander module to our offer, the path to building a low-cost smart home installation has become significantly simpler and shorter.
In this tutorial, we will describe how, using the DOMIQ system, to build a smart installation without significantly increasing the cost of building or renovating a home. Most of the functionality described in this tutorial is based on DOMIQ/Base, DOMIQ/Expander, and Satel expanders (especially the INT-IORS and INT-ORS models).
One may ask: is it possible to build an installation with the same functionality using only the Satel alarm control panel? This is not possible, because the DOMIQ system significantly extends the functionality compared to what is available in the control panel. Additionally, it facilitates the use of the smart installation through user interfaces.
Thanks to the DOMIQ system, the installation gains:
To the question in the title, one can answer: “basically everything.” However, most smart installations implement rather standardized functionality, which includes control of:
Less popular ones include:
Later in this tutorial, we will present our proposal for implementing each functionality. It should be emphasized here that to achieve them, the DOMIQ/Base module is required, which forms the foundation of the installation and the central point of the system to which expansion modules are connected.
Lighting control is the most commonly implemented smart home functionality. It is largely based on the on/off principle, so controlling lighting using relay outputs is a very reasonable solution.
Using the DOMIQ/Expander module together with Satel expanders (up to 32), we can build a lighting installation that is highly functional and inexpensive to implement. A single expander can control 8 independent lighting circuits.
Lighting can be controlled using standard bell buttons or traditional switches. Of course, motion sensors can also be used to turn on the lighting, which is an excellent solution, e.g., in hallways.
The DOMIQ system also enables control of LED lighting (strips, lamps, individual diodes), including dimming and light scenes. To control LED lighting, the DOMIQ/Serial–4DX module and any DMX–512 dimmers are needed. The module allows control of 85 independent RGB LED circuits or 255 single-color LED circuits. Additionally, the DOMIQ/Remote application features an RGB Light control that allows selecting any color from the RGB color space.
Both types of lighting can be controlled using functionality available in the DOMIQ system:
Heating control can be implemented on two levels (assuming the use of a central heating boiler).
The first level is the control of the central heating boiler. This requires the ability to communicate with the boiler using one of the communication standards supported by the DOMIQ system. Available options are: MODBUS (DOMIQ/Serial–4MB), RS–232 (DOMIQ/Serial–2SG), or RS–485 (DOMIQ/Serial–4SG). We especially recommend using the MODBUS protocol because several other functionalities described in this tutorial can also be implemented using this standard.
Using communication with the boiler, the DOMIQ system can send commands controlling its operation. All control can be fully automated based on time rules or system events – e.g., temperature change after leaving the house, lowering the temperature at night, etc.
The second level is the control of radiator valves. After installing electric radiator heads, it is possible to control them using relays in expanders. In the diagram below, the Satel INT-IORS expander is marked, but other Satel expanders with relays can also be used. The control logic can be freely programmed in the DOMIQ/Base module.
To correctly control temperature, temperature readings are also necessary. The system can be equipped with room temperature sensors, communicating via MODBUS, and thus additionally use the previously mentioned DOMIQ/Serial–4MB module.
We assume this is a supply-exhaust mechanical ventilation system, with or without heat recovery. Control of the ventilation unit can be implemented in two ways. The first way assumes using the standard automation set provided by the manufacturer. Most ventilation units have interfaces for communication with external devices. The most commonly used protocol is MODBUS, so when choosing a ventilation unit, it is worth paying attention to this detail. This will also allow us to again use the DOMIQ/Serial–4MB module.
Thanks to communication between the unit and the Serial–4MB module, the DOMIQ system can control the ventilation unit by changing its operating parameters. Control can be manual, e.g., via user interfaces, or automatic, using time rules or logic rules (events).
An alternative method of controlling the ventilation unit assumes complete abandonment of the automation offered by the manufacturer. Instead, the ventilation system should be equipped with at least one air quality sensor (preferably VOC/CO₂), which is best installed in the exhaust duct of the ventilation unit. These sensors usually have a 0–10V output, and fan speed controllers often have 0–10V inputs. Connecting the sensor output to the fan speed controller input provides ventilation control based on air quality. This means that the fans will operate only when necessary and with such efficiency as to ensure adequate air quality. Additionally, the sensors often have a MODBUS communication port, allowing them to be connected to the Serial–4MB module and monitored.
The DOMIQ system allows integration with the Satel Integra alarm system. Communication with the alarm control panel requires the DOMIQ/Serial–2SI module.
Integration enables reading the status of the control panel (alarm info, input/output and zone states), arming/disarming zones, and controlling control panel outputs. Additionally, the DOMIQ system can react in any programmed way to events in the alarm system, e.g., programmed action on arming the alarm or on alarm in a selected zone.
Moreover, the DOMIQ/Remote application enables controlling the alarm installation from a phone or tablet (also remotely), thanks to which it is always possible to check the status of the alarm system anywhere and anytime.
Control of blinds or shutters can be implemented similarly to lighting, using the DOMIQ/Expander module and Satel expanders. A single Satel expander can control 4 blinds. For control, the most convenient solution is to use bell buttons connected to expander inputs. The functionality of DOMIQ/Base and DOMIQ/Expander allows two methods of controlling blinds.
The first method assumes that the blind moves as long as the controlling button is pressed. The DOMIQ/Expander module allows sending a Turn On (monostable) command to the Satel expander, keeping the relay on as long as the button is held – ideal for this method.
The second method assumes control via single button presses: the first press starts movement in the chosen direction, the next press stops the blind. Blinds can be controlled in the same way via the DOMIQ/Remote app.
Blinds can be fully automated:
Additionally, positioning of blinds is possible based on time rules and logic available in the DOMIQ/Base module.
To control power sockets, you can also use the DOMIQ/Expander module and Satel expanders. Configuration options of the DOMIQ/Expander module allow grouping relays within one or multiple expanders. This way, you can easily and quickly create control commands for all sockets or, for example, sockets in a given room. Similarly to lighting, sockets can be controlled using wall buttons, DOMIQ user interfaces, and also through conditional and time rules.
The system can provide safety and control over solenoid valves, e.g., for water, gas, etc. To control them, use the DOMIQ/Expander module and the relay outputs of Satel expanders. Solenoid valves can be controlled in response to emergency situations, e.g., a signal from a flood sensor, fire sensor, or other safety sensor, as well as according to programmed conditional or time rules, e.g., closing valves when leaving the house. Alternatively, sensors and solenoid valves can be controlled directly from the Satel alarm system.
The DOMIQ/Base module provides the ability to integrate any digital video cameras that transmit an MJPEG stream. The default functionality includes the ability to view camera images (including remotely) in the DOMIQ/Remote and DOMIQ/AirDisplay apps. Mobotix brand cameras offer much more extensive integration functions. These include:
The DOMIQ system allows integration of audio/video devices. Depending on the equipment you have, integration can be done using the following protocols/standards:
Using the DOMIQ/Expander module and Satel expanders, you can easily implement a garden irrigation system. Simply connect the solenoid valves of the sprinkler installation to the relay outputs of the expander(s). The system can be activated all at once or divided into zones, even sequentially. A good solution is using time rules in the DOMIQ/Base module to start irrigation at a specified time of day. As standard, relays can also be controlled manually, providing manual control over the irrigation system.
The DOMIQ/Expander module and relay outputs in Satel expanders can be used to control entrance gates or wickets. Similar to previously described subsystems, control can be realized using wall buttons or DOMIQ user interfaces.
In this tutorial, we described the most commonly encountered smart home functionality. Even though this is standard functionality, it does not necessarily appear in its entirety at once. The cost of DOMIQ modules and Satel expanders required to implement the full functionality presented in this tutorial should not exceed 10,000 PLN.
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