Where can I get these swtiches from in Oz

[Angel13]

Hi guys,

I found these beautiful high end light switches today by Basalte. It's their Sentido range. But there seems to be no resellers in Australia (I've spent hours on the internet). I can't believe this can be true. I must have them.

Does anybody here know approximately how much they cost for x2 and x4 switches and how I can get my hands on them?

Angel
Lust for a light switch - ultra modern and uber chic | Hammer & heels (http://www.hammerandheels.net/lust-for-a-light-switch/)

[chrisp]

The Basalte website doesn't show an Australian distributor Basalte (http://www.basalte.be/#/EN/wheretobuy/)

You may need to import them yourself. The sort-of-good-news is that they seem to be low voltage switches that are intended to be used with a home automation system. This'll help you overcome any approval issues with using them in Australia.

But, you maybe be up for the expense of an home automation system or a similar controller to make them work.

[Angel13]

The Basalte website doesn't show an Australian distributor Basalte (http://www.basalte.be/#/EN/wheretobuy/)

You may need to import them yourself. The sort-of-good-news is that they seem to be low voltage switches that are intended to be used with a home automation system. This'll help you overcome any approval issues with using them in Australia.

But, you maybe be up for the expense of an home automation system or a similar controller to make them work.

Our house will have CAT6 networking. Do you think that will be compatible with it? I can't believe there isn't a single reseller in Australia. This can'at be right can it? How can we be deprived of having something this gorgeous.

[chrisp]

A home automation system that is commonly(?) used here is the Clipsal C-Bus system. Clever Home Automation - What is Clipsal C-Bus/CBus/C-Bus2? (http://www.cleverhome.com.au/Clipsal-C-Bus.shtml)

However, the Clipsal system uses its own communications protocol 'C-Bus'. The switches you are enquiring about are European and are designed to operate with European home automation systems - they use the KNX protocol.

I'm not very familiar with the in-and-outs of the various home automation systems available here, but (from a technical reading of the product), you will need a home automation system that uses, or can be interfaced to, KNX devices to be able to use the Sentido switches.

You may like to do a web search on 'home automation' to get an idea of the range and capabilities of these system - and the cost!

[Angel13]

Thank Chris I will do a bit more research.

[Master Splinter]

Prepare for painful money extraction - CBUS will cost you about $9,000 to install a basic system, and it doesn't take much to hit the $20k mark. I think CBUS can interface, but you would need a doodad (CBUS OPC server) to translate one protocol to another which would probably add another $5000 to the install!

(oh, and if the switches you like are priced anything like the CBUS ones...they'll be about $500 (five hundred) each...)

[Angel13]

Hi guys, you can get these switches in Oz!!!

A designer from Basalte contacted me (via comments section on my blog) to tell me that they do sell to us. You're right its a BUS system but this one is through KNX not CBUS. They even have a re-seller in Canberra who does the installation.

But after reading your post Master Splinter I can see my dream slipping away as I don't have that kind of extra cash. I know it would be expensive but didn't quite realise just how expensive.

I'm going to give their Canberra guy a call this week anyway to find out details but I'm losing hope :(

I will keep you posted.

[chrisp]

Hi guys, you can get these switches in Oz!!!

I'm going to give their Canberra guy a call this week anyway to find out details but I'm losing hope :(

I will keep you posted.

That's great news! With a bit of luck, a KNX based home automation system might be cheaper than the CBUS systems.