Dr KNX: ‘Open’ ETS4

20/01/2014

By Dr KNX.

Dear Dr KNX, I've heard that ETS4 is 'open'. What does this mean and what are the benefits to me? — Dear Dr KNX, I’ve heard that ETS4 is ‘open’. What does this mean and what are the benefits to me?

Dear KNXer,

ETS4 being ‘open’ actually means that the ETS4 project file format is open. Why is this so special? The answer is that in itself, it might not be such a big deal, but it is a change from previous ETS versions, which were not open.

The difference now is that every single detail about an ETS4 project is accessible without any extra tools, secret encrypting keys or credentials, etc.

All you need is a simple ASCII editor such as ‘Notepad’, although I recommend an XML reader, since the ETS4 project format is based on XML. You can download an XML reader as freeware from the web.

In addition, the description of the ETS4 project file format can be downloaded via your KNX Online Shop account, under the DOWNLOADS section.

The actual benefit is that the combination of the ETS4 project file, XML reader and, if required, the ETS4 project file description, will allow you to transfer any KNX installation data (typically Group Addresses) into other systems for purposes such as visualisation.

If you need more information on this, go to ‘ETS help’ within the ETS4 program.

I hope that helps, but if you have any questions about this, or any other technical issue, please send me an email at info@knxtoday.com, and I will do my best to answer you.