DKT Press Release
 

FREEWAY UNIVERSAL ETHERNET AV CONTROLLER

Control AV and automation systems using a simple internet browser and/or your EIB network

EIB/KNX interface for Crestron

DKT now provide a tool for interfacing EIB/KNX networks to Crestron products. The core technology is based around DKT's FreeWay Universal Controller. The FreeWay gives Crestron programmers the power to communicate bi-directionally with EIB/KNX networks over a standard TCP/IP network.

The EIB/KNX network is used extensively in Europe for buildings control. Lighting, Heating, Security, Blinds Management, Remote Access, building reporting, weather stations and general Facilities Management. 80% of all commercial buildings in Germany incorporate some level of EIB/KNX functionality and the bus structure has been widely used in most new buildings since Siemens 'opened' it up to the wider system community in 1991. In the past decade a significant number of residential properties have also incorporated EIB/KNX technology with Spain, France, Finland, Belgium and the UK leading the way.

This represents a sizable economic advantage for Crestron programmers who have up to now only had limited tools to provide any interface at all. Using the new DKT FreeWay Crestron interface the whole power of the EIB/KNX system is open for unlimited bi-directional integration.

An example of a Crestron Touch Screen implementation is available for download on the DKT website along with the usual Crestron modules and programmer's documentation.

FreeWay EIB implementation

The most significant aspect of the implementation is the ability to connect the FreeWay directly to the EIB network. It is no longer necessary to purchase additional EIB gateways or EIB RS232 modules. It's now all built-in.

The software, like all of the FreeWay features, is fully open and comprehensive; all EIS objects are recognised up to the latest EIB/KNX standards, there are 100 groups available and there are no limitations on the number of objects of any EIS type that are available to the FreeWay.

EIB

FreeScriptTM

The FreeScriptTM implementation uses just six functions to provide full access to EIB networks. There are two initialisation commands (one to set the FreeWay's EIB physical address and one to set the array of EIB groups) and four functions to send and receive EIB telegrams.

Application

The FreeWay, or even networks of FreeWay gateways, is now the EIB installer's best tool to integrate AV multimedia systems with the EIB lifestyle facilities. Now lighting control, heating, security, and blind control can all be integrated in the simplest way to the building's multi-room audio system, paging system and theatre or presentation AV systems.

Remote controls like the RTI range of programmable remotes, URC, Philips Pronto and others can be used by the EIB installer as a single user interface. All touch screens, keypads, sensors and diagnostic tools integrate easily to the EIB network through the FreeWay.

The EIB installer now has a powerful, comprehensive and stylish user interface system. These can be created using open architecture resources such as HTML web pages.

The EIB installer can also use any EIB device to communicate with the FreeWay and control any device that is connected to the FreeWay. This includes all equipment controlled via the LAN port (Telnet, UDP), all RS232, RS485 and RS422 products, Infrared, and anything connected via digital logic relays.

In its most simple form this new EIB implementation allows the EIB installer to program volume, mute and source selection controls on standard EIB push button interfaces, these changes can be reflected in the users' web browser or touch screen graphical interfaces by any other manufacturer.

End users will be pleased to see that the decor of their home or office environment is kept clean and elegant.

Download Freeway Flyer (PDF 122Kb)

  1. IR Receiver For RC5 decode and built-in learning functions.
  2. 4 x IR Ports Independently addressable .
  3. Binary I/O 6 independent inputs, 6 independent outputs, plus 5V DC supply.
  4. Ethernet Port Built-in web server, Telnet and UDP functions for expandability.
  5. 6 x RS232 Ports Rx, Tx CTS, RTS & Ground, 8 bit, 7 bit, all stop bits, parity and 1200-115K baud.
  6. 3 x RS485 Ports 3 independent duplex RS485 ports, one with 12v power
  7. EIB Input Direct connection to EIB (European Installation Bus).
FREEWAY UNIVERSAL ETHERNET CONTROLLER

Massive Flexibility / Minimum Learning / Maximum Control