NM Controls

11/10/2025

Another KNX project. Motel One Group have been carrying out re modelling works to there hotel in Princess St. Edinburgh. Their standard fit out utilises technology and the original install was carried out circa 12 years ago. I was delighted to carry out the lighting control upgrade on behalf of TES ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL LTD. Their excellent ‘on site’ electricians replaced the original lighting installation in the ‘front of house’ areas with DALI Alliance dimmed and mains dimmed LED fittings. These two differing dimming methods are seamlessly controlled using ABB KNX/Dali interfaces and mains dimmers for the pendants and chandeliers. Next is adjusting the day to day scenes for different times. Thanks to Jamie Spence for the recommendation.

Vimal Mohanan

31/08/2025

4 manufacturers- 1 protocol -seamless integration.

I have just upgraded a town house that I fitted out 14 years ago with KNX Association lighting and heating controls.
Initially installed were Berker (now owned by Hager ) components throughout with Biq high quality room controllers for both the lighting and heating control and a further 9 zones with rotary thermostats.
My client wanted to be able to have control of his house using the latest 'app' technology and also upgrade his switched lighting to dimmable.
My default 'go to' app' server is the ABB Control server 💻 this provides so many options for building management applications and with the most recent upgrades to the firmware it is a great device on any job.
I retained the Berker Biq switches but replaced the old rotary thermostats with Theben AG Ion 108 LCD switches. These were used for the thermostat control 🌡️ but one was programmed with additional functionality for local control of the heating also. The price break of these devices is exceptional based on the control parameters available.
For the boiler room control and the light dimming I reverted to Zennio UK devices, in fact I used the MaxinBox 88 for boiler control- 8 inputs and 8 outputs- the logic and input modules within this device are a fantastic addition and provide so many options and configuration for any site requirements.
For mains dimmable LED light control 💡 I used the Narrow Dim x4 a great space saving device and fantastic for LED control.

So there you have it
original install 14 years old
4 different manufacturers
latest technology
seamless integration with KNX.
Why be constrained to a single manufacturer???
All supplied by one supplier My KNX Store

30/06/2025

When specifying Building control systems for lighting 💡heating🌡️blind/curtain controls how do you know that you are providing value for money 💷
Firstly the controls have to meet the spec📑
Second meet the budget 💰
Then what, Is your job done?
What about how long the system will be in ‘use’ , client ROI ?
Today’s post once again highlights why we should be specifying KNX Association products.
This lighting control panel is circa 15 years old, there is no KNX project file available so do we have to strip it out and replace? NO we don’t.
💻Using KNX programming software diagnostics, I can rebuild the program and alter the parameters to suit the new devices being installed and reprogram retained devices as required. With the help of Andy Davis from Siemens he provided access to the application software for these devices from their ‘archieved’ files. What a great service.
Part of the upgrade will include my ‘go to’ ABB Control Server which will sit on the same bus line and control different manufacturers devices without any problems. This will give the client the opportunity to utilise the ‘app’ feature, to control scenes/dimmers/all off etc both in house and remotely but most importantly I will have remote access to carry out programming changes /fault finding etc.
Reasons to be cheerful😀

07/06/2025

Today I was upgrading a project that was 15 years old.
Removed the existing switch with a ABB Yurika room controller. Direct swap and operates the existing ‘back end’ switches/dimmers and heating zones. No drama. That’s why we always want to specify a system that is truly ‘open’ with no restriction on single manufacturer.

04/03/2025

KNX Building Management Systems 💻

This week I have spent time writing a control program for a very large residential project to install in the next few weeks. Being able to do this ‘off site’ is a real bonus as you have time and space to think about how you will bring a 10 year old project into line with the latest tech without having to replace any of the client hardware. That’s why KNX always wins. 🏆
So what kit is being used to carry out this upgrade?
Phase 1
Install ABB control server- to provide
App control
Lighting
Scene
Heating
Logic
Trigger functions
Remote app access
Remote engineering
Once installed final test and commission

Phase 2
voice control
Linked with Alexa
Functions such as heating/lighting on
Select scene
Heating boost
House holiday mode

Phase 3
Link 3 houses to video entry system

Phase 4
Energy management
Centralised ‘fixed’ touch screen as master controller.
Who knows what else ?
EV charging ?

I have been using the control server for about 8 years and with every firmware update it gets better and offers more control elements ie Modbus Organization BACnet Interest Group Europe so this is a great addition to any project. The ABB team are always helpful and their training videos are exceptional.
Vimal Mohanan Peter de Jager
Also my supplier My KNX Store Paul Kinghorn Kit Holmes are always there to assist.

13/11/2024

There’s nothing worse when you go to a job to repair a heating system and you find a hot water cylinder ‘parked’ in front of the manifold/pump and heating controls… 😳😳 think ahead, it’s not good enough to install and say ‘it’s not my problem’
# maintenance

12/11/2024

When designing your self build or renovation project you will get to the stage of thinking about your electrical systems, do you install traditional switching/controls or do you think about investing in systems? There are so many systems out there how do you choose, is it purely on capital outlay/functionality or indeed longevity of the controls you invest in.
NM Controls have been installing KNX Association approved products for 20 years, why? Using products you are not tied to one manufacturer, indeed you have in excess of 500 manufacturers subscribing to the protocol, so regardless of the age of your installation you will always be able to repair/replace and upgrade your installation. Here’s a perfect example
I installed this Berker manifold heating controller 17 years ago and received a call saying it was faulty! As you can see it’s had a hard life… I replaced the device with a Theben KNX actuator which works seamlessly with the existing Berker thermostats. No need to change all the existing equipment. So well worth the initial investment.
If you need any info don’t hesitate to get in touch.
[email protected]

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

I have just installed the new ABB control Server into a project that is 17 years old. This just shows the backward compatibility and also that you can always update/maintain KNX projects regardless of age.
The control server allows me to remotely connect to the installation and not only update the client app but also carryout remote access and programming to the KNX installation.
I do like the fresh look of the 'lite' graphics on the app.
contact [email protected]