The Gira HomeServer is a gateway for visualising and controlling the complete electrical installation of buildings, provided that these are equipped with the KNX system. These can be both private and company buildings.

The KNX functions can be monitored and controlled at any time and from everywhere, externally and internally. The monitoring and control takes place using the latest communication media, e.g. PC, smartphone, TV with Internet connection or another mobile end device with an Internet browser, and the functions are called up and visualised via the Gira iPhone HomeServer app, the Gira iPad HomeServer app or the Gira Android HomeServer app, for example. Malfunctions, measured values and actuator and sensor states can likewise be transmitted via the respective app or by text message or email. Acknowledgement is via the app interface, KNX or telephone. Notifications can also be sent to mobile end devices via push notification.

A graphical user interface ensures easy operation: Building or device states are visualised with icons and texts that can be positioned freely. Each user can save their own visualisations and menu structures.
[b] In addition, the HomeServer has a free text and symbol-based menu structure. User groups are also available. The HomeServer can be connected to an Ethernet network. Network cameras can also be connected via a network so that images can be displayed in visualisations. The images can also be recorded. All archived data and images can be forwarded via email and in some cases via FTP.

The information, data, values, etc. contained in these documents may be changed without prior notification. The illustrations are likewise subject to change.

Subject to technical modifications!

To operate the HomeServer, a functional KNX system is required. Communication with the KNX devices as well as complete monitoring of all events is via the KNX.

The HomeServer is programmed via the Expert software, which is available free of charge in the download area of the Gira website. This software can be operated on a standard PC with the Microsoft® Windows operating system.

The HomeServer is set up in buildings, in rooms with "normal" humidity and room temperature. Use of the HS in damp cellars, for example, may negatively affect the functionality of the device. The device is used for monitoring, visualisation and controlling KNX systems. The software made available in the download area of the Gira website may only be used together with the HomeServer.

Any other use of the device and software is not permitted. Gira neither assumes legal responsibility nor provides any form of guarantee for errors or damage of any kind resulting from the improper use of the device or associated software.

Please register your device at geraeteportal.gira.de oder deviceportal.gira.com. As a registered user, you will be able to use services and functions including giradns (service providing secure online access to your HomeServer), weather forecasts, push notifications (the transmission of HomeServer notifications to your mobile end device), etc. In addition, you will receive technical support and regular information about downloads, updates (further developments), additional modules and training offers.

Updates eliminate technical problems (bug fixing), and also close possible security gaps. External attacks are possible as soon as your HomeServer communicates with the internet. Because these forms of attack change constantly, new updates for the HomeServer may be required for permanent protection. You should therefore check the Gira website regularly to see whether any new updates are available for the HomeServer firmware. You can also take steps of your own to increase security by using a new, individual password for each HomeServer and each service.

Please note that Gira assumes no legal responsibility and provides no guarantee of any kind for problems resulting from obsolete firmware or updated firmware.

To start up the HomeServer, you first need your start-up computer, on which you have created your KNX project in the ETS for example. Install the HomeServer Expert software on this computer. Create your HomeServer project with all necessary functions in this software. The data can then be transferred to the HomeServer via a direct connection or a network connection from the start-up PC.

The HomeServer already has a sample project in its default delivery state. With this sample project the HomeServer has an IP address and a net mask. The user interface is designed for a screen resolution of 1024 x 768. The project is intended to be accessed via the local network. Although access via the internet is not planned, it can be set up quickly if required.
You can find out which users and passwords are saved in the sample project and which lists can be called up at Function test via Internet browser.

The HomeServer may only be set up inside buildings. It is not intended and not permitted for mobile operation.

Set up the HomeServer at a central location so that connection to the mains voltage, to the network and the KNX is trouble-free. The location should also be "out of the way" so that the device does not impede other work being done and so that one of its connections cannot be accidentally interrupted.

Depending which internet address you use to access the Gira device portal, the German version of the home page will open up.

However the portal is also available in other languages. To be able to access the portal in your own language, you need to switch the language setting:


Figure 3.1: Device portal home page

Click on 'DE' at the top right of the portal home page. A page for selecting the possible language variants will open.


Figure 3.2: Column with available columns

In the column on the left-hand side, click on the language that you wish to use. The home page of the device portal will be opened in the desired language.
To register or configure Gira devices in the device portal, please follow the instructions in the Gira device portal.

The Expert start-up program is available free of charge in the download area of the Gira website. This software must be installed on your start-up PC.

Normally it is not necessary to carry out changes in Expert for the function test or initial start-up. But they can be carried out relatively simply with the sample project already created in the HomeServer.

However, if you wish for example to integrate the HomeServer into an existing network in which the preset IP address 192.168.0.11 has already been assigned to another network participant, the HomeServer IP address can be changed at a later time.

If you have successfully completed the function test or initial start-up of the HomeServer, you can then program the HomeServer for the special tasks of your project. Expert is used for this.

For programming, using the sample project included in delivery and modifying the requirements accordingly is not recommended.

Simply create a new project and progress step-by-step through the individual menu items and input screens in the Expert software. Context-sensitive online help offers you support.

After successful programming in Expert, transfer the data to the HomeServer. The project is permanently saved there.