CONNECT Y1 Smart Controller in a DIN Rail gateway running Ubuntu Linux and acting as the main control of YoctoCONNECT’s Smart Home/Smart Building solution with YoctoBus (RS485) and Ethernet interfaces, support for expansion blocks, and third-party integration with Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNX, and Ajax Systems security and smart home solutions.
The Y1 Smart Controller handles automation algorithms and RS485, Ethernet, and USB communication for automated control systems for lighting, power distribution equipment, ventilation systems, climate control, and other electrical loads in various sectors such as Industry 4.0, Smart Homes, and Smart Cities.
CONNECT Y1 Smart Controller specifications:
- SoC – Quad-core processor @ 1.2 to 2.4 GHz
- System Memory – 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB DDR3 RAM
- Storage – 16GB or 32 GB eMMC flash
- Audio – 3.5mm audio output jack; AirPlay support
- Connectivity
- YoctoBUS (RS485) interface via 3-pole terminal block
- 10/100M Ethernet RJ45 port
- USB 2.0 interface for Z-Wave or Zigbee
- Ajax transmitter
- Supply voltage – 10…30VDC (24V nominal)
- Power consumption – <= 8 Watts
- Universal housing for DIN rail mounting (4 din width)
- Ingress protection rating – IP20
YoctoCONNECT also provides a range of blocks to connect with the Y1 Smart Controller including the W4 LED Dimmer, the DT1 Dimmer (TRIAC), the R1 & R8 Relay blocks, a RS485 Interface (Modbus RTU) block, and so on. They can be connected through the YoctoBus interface or via RS485 or Ethernet for integration into third-party Smart Home systems.
The company provides several programs to manage the Y1 and the block connected to it:
- The CONNECT Configurator works on Windows 10 and greater and macOS 10.12 and newer, while Linux support is coming soon.
- YoctoCONNECT App for iOS and Android
- The CONNECT WEB UI that works in a web browser. See an online demo (Note: it only works with HTTP, not HTTPS. You’ll get an SSL error with the later).
It’s unclear whether each software has its own features and benefits as the documentation is very much a work-in-progress, and for instance, Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNX, and Ajaz systems instructions are all “(coming) soon”. But we are told Node-RED is used to configure the system with low-code programming. The Smart Home CONNECT system, i.e. the Y1 and add-ons, can also be supported by third-party programs and currently, there are instructions to make it work with Loxone, but Control4 and Crestron will also be supported.
It looks like a promising Smart Home solution, but at this stage, the documentation is not complete, so it’s difficult to evaluate what you’ll get exactly, and it might be important since it’s not exactly low-cost hardware. For instance, the CONNECT Y1 Smart Controller goes for 285 Euros e.x VAT, and the full Smart Home Connect DemoKIT for 995 Euros ex. VAT. More details may be found on the company’s website.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Regarding low cost, if it is a properly working PLC with a halfway proper environmental certification then it is dirt cheap.
A wago XTR (i guess it’s a cortex A8@1GHz with Linux) with a couple of I/O, CAN, Ethernet and some AI (analogue in, nothing artificial…) cost 2000 bucks already 5 years ago. The system we are currently using at work is non modular and costs around 800-1200 bucks depending on requirements.
But yes compared to a pi or an Arduino with some hats, worlds apart.
What’s with the yocto naming, are they just trading on the name of the open source project to take advantage of the good reputation or is this an open source yocto distribution?
Sounds like the latter:
DIN Rail gateway running Ubuntu Linux
Wondering if it is even stateless…
Advertising with Yocto project as a plug and play DIN mounted toy is hazardous. Even with wireless control !