What can give me a home automation installation?

When talking about the London Crestron home automation button, we wanted to start this blog trying to answer a question that most people, whether technicians, prescribers or end customers, are asked when they consider incorporating a home automation system in a London Crestron home, business premises, hotel,... It is a logical question because, despite having a long time in the mouth of the real estate sector, the world of domestic control facilities (which is how we like to call them given a bad reputation surrounding the name domotic) It is a great unknown to the general public and to many technicians.

In this first installment we wanted to focus on the most visual element of this type of facility and with which, without doubt, the end customer ends up having a greater relationship: the domotic pushbutton.

The domotic button is the element that is placed on the wall, forming part of the decoration of the room, and which acts as an interface between the user and the system. It must keep a perfect balance between aesthetics (its shape, materials, color,...) and its functionality (the client must know easily what will happen when he presses it). The domotic push button must provide advantages over the conventional push button. We will list the most important below.

The personalized multifunction keyboard in glass

The first one is multifunctionality. This means that from a single domotic button several functions can be performed and/or act on several different systems. For example, if from a single domotic push button four different light groups can be controlled, this means a saving in the number of push buttons (with the aesthetic improvement that implies) and added convenience for the end user. However, if in addition to controlling lights, from that domotic button can control a motorized blind, the air conditioning system of the room and the music that sounds in it, savings, aesthetics and comfort multiply. An example you can see in this project, where the savings provided by a domotic button with several buttons against conventional push buttons are checked.

Second, we can mention the flexibility in the function. We refer to the possibility of changing the function of a domotic button over time. This allows to optimize the designs of the installations made in the project phase (whose deficiencies usually appear when users start using the installation) and even to facilitate changes in the use of a room, or because of the needs of the property (meeting rooms in hotels), salons in restaurants,...) or for renovations. There are even wireless push buttons that do not have to be physically linked to the installation and allow you to change your location at any time and on any type of surface. In this project, You can see an example of the use of touchscreens whose buttons are fully configurable.

Finally, this type of domotic pushbuttons provides an additional aesthetic component since it allows a very attractive personalization. From the screen printing of the keys to the inclusion of ad-hoc images, through a combination of colors and materials, most of the manufacturers of this type of push buttons allow achieving a unique device for each project. In this sense, there are manufacturers that allow each end customer to design their own push buttons.

Let's start talking about the functionality of a domotic button, what can be done from the same domotic button?. As well:

We can turn on, off and regulate any type of lighting circuit.

We can raise, lower and stop any motorized element: blind, curtain, blinds, door, awning, projection screen, partition.

We can turn on, turn off and control the air conditioning system, whether heating or air conditioning. In many cases they can perform the function of the thermostat, making it disappear from the facilities.

We can control any audiovisual system present in the building: multiroom audio system, televisions, sound equipment.

In special buildings such as hotels, public buildings, offices,... they can even be used to control people's access to the rooms, calls to the service Etc.

Despite these unique advantages, domotic pushbuttons share other advantages with conventional ones, especially from the aesthetic point of view. We can find domotic pushbuttons in a multitude of materials, from the most conventional plastic to brushed steel, through aluminum, glass, nickel,... Additionally, domotic pushbuttons are installed in boxes exactly the same as conventional ones and the size, although it is very diverse, usually very similar to them. Therefore, this type of pushbuttons has the aesthetic variety of conventional but adds its functional advantage. This is the key point that makes interior designers and architects use this resource to get cleaner walls but at the same time more functional.

But can a conventional push button be used as a domotic push button? You are right. Most systems accept receiving inputs through conventional push buttons. However, domotic pushbuttons can take various forms:

Multifunction keyboard with the white aluminum display

Keyboards: this type of mechanisms includes several keys, which usually go from one to 16, each of which can be programmed with a different functionality. Within this category we find mechanical, capacitive keyboards, etc. depending on how the keystroke is activated.

Keyboards with display: it is very similar to the previous one but includes a display that provides information to the user. They usually indicate the state of the system that is being controlled.

Displays: This is a display that has a wheel or operating key and from which the different systems are controlled.

Tactile screens: of very different sizes, they provide enormous possibilities.

During this week, on our Facebook page, we will include photographs of many of these buttons so that our fans can see the enormous range of possibilities on the market.

Find out the difference in this article and discover what is the real meaning of Education and Training.