Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What's the difference between Atios KNX Bridge and Atios SmartCore?
SmartCore is a standalone smart home controller with 12 relay outputs, 12 digital inputs, and a built-in DALI-2 master (up to 64 lights + 64 sensors). It exposes accessories to Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings via Matter. No KNX, no ETS, configured entirely in the web interface.
KNX Bridge connects an existing KNX installation to Matter. It combines a KNX IP Interface, a KNX-DALI Gateway, and a Matter Bridge into one DIN-rail device. Requires a KNX bus and ETS for programming. Pick this one if you have KNX switches and want to combine them with DALI lighting.
Use the product finder on the home page to pick the right one in two questions.
What do I need to control my KNX and DALI installation via Matter? KNX Bridge
- Atios KNX Bridge
- One Matter-compatible hub (Apple HomePod, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo, Samsung SmartThings hub, etc.)
- WiFi or Ethernet network connection
- The corresponding ecosystem app (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings)
What do I need to control my DALI installation via Matter? SmartCore
- Atios SmartCore
- One Matter-compatible hub (Apple HomePod, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo, Samsung SmartThings hub, etc.)
- WiFi or Ethernet network connection
- The corresponding ecosystem app (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings)
Do I need a smart-home hub?
For Matter, yes. The cheapest options are an Apple HomePod mini, Apple TV, or Google Nest Mini. For Apple-only setups using HomeKit (not Matter) you can technically run without a hub, but you lose remote access and multi-ecosystem support.
Can I use the Atios KNX Bridge if I only have a DALI installation and no KNX? KNX Bridge
No. The Atios KNX Bridge requires a KNX system and ETS to integrate DALI lights into KNX and then expose them to Matter. If you want to control DALI devices via Matter without KNX, use the Atios SmartCore instead.
How many devices can be added to the Atios KNX Bridge? KNX Bridge
Each accessory (e.g. lights, blinds) can have as many KNX group addresses as required. When paired with HomeKit, up to 100 accessories are supported (Apple's limit). With Matter there is currently no enforced limit, successful installations with ~160 accessories have been confirmed. If you need more, you can use multiple Atios KNX Bridges paired to the same Apple or Google Home account.
Can I use push buttons on the digital inputs to control DALI lights? SmartCore
Yes. Once you have added a DALI light in the Accessory Manager, you can assign one of the 12 digital inputs to it. Configure it as a switch (on/off only) or a push button (short press = on/off, long press = dim up/down).
Are SmartCore's relays and inputs dry contacts? SmartCore
Yes. All 12 relay outputs are potential-free (dry contact), rated 16 A. The 12 digital inputs are opto-isolated and sense 12 V DC up to 230 V AC against the COM reference for that input group. Inputs and outputs are electrically isolated from each other, so they can run on different breakers, phases, and voltages.
To wire an external switch, connect it across the input terminal and the COM reference for that input group. See SmartCore wiring for diagrams.
Can I mix voltages and breakers on the SmartCore I/O? SmartCore
Yes. Inputs and outputs are electrically isolated from each other and from the SmartCore's power supply, so they do not need to share a breaker, neutral, or phase. You can switch a 230 V AC load on one relay and a 24 V DC load on the next, sense an L1 button on one input group and an L3 button on the other, and run each relay on its own breaker.
The only constraint is that the two input groups (inputs 1–6, inputs 7–12) each share a COM reference, so all inputs in one group must be the same voltage type (all DC or all AC).
Can I power the SmartCore over PoE, and can I use its 12 V for sensing? SmartCore
Yes. The SmartCore accepts standard PoE on its Ethernet port and needs no separate 12–24 V DC supply. When powered via PoE, the device exposes its internal +12 V and GND on the input terminal block, which can source the dry-contact reference for inputs without a second power supply. See Powering inputs from PoE.
Do not connect PoE and an external DC supply to the SmartCore at the same time.
Can the Atios SmartCore read the status from DALI lamps? SmartCore
The SmartCore can read the status of individual DALI lamp addresses. However, DALI technically does not support reading the status of DALI groups. In that case, the SmartCore monitors DALI push button or sensor telegrams to infer group state and sync the status accordingly.
Do I need a separate KNX IP Interface? KNX Bridge
No. The Atios KNX Bridge includes a built-in KNX IP Interface, no separate hardware needed.
Can I use Casambi or Occhio Air lights with an Atios device?
Yes. With a Casambi CBU-DCS on the DALI bus, both Atios SmartCore and Atios KNX Bridge can control any Casambi-enabled luminaire — including Occhio Air fixtures — and expose them to Matter. See the full Casambi integration guide for setup steps.
Can I use a third-party DALI gateway alongside the KNX Bridge? KNX Bridge
Yes. The KNX Bridge binds DALI lights by KNX group address, so it does not matter whether they are driven by the internal gateway (64 addresses) or by external gateways. You can mix the internal one with as many external gateways as your project needs.
How do I configure HomeKit or Matter?
Follow the pairing guide for your product:
- KNX Bridge → Pairing Guide
- SmartCore → see the SmartCore documentation
My changes in the web interface don't show up in Apple Home or Google Home. How do I refresh?
Click Save Configuration in the web interface, then reboot the bridge (System Settings → Reboot). The reboot forces a re-sync with the Matter or HomeKit controller.
Matter
What is Matter?
Matter is an open standard for smart home technology designed to enable interoperability between all Matter-certified devices through one unified protocol. Backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and Philips, it unifies smart home ecosystems, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Alexa, so consumers can freely choose their preferred platform.
What's the difference between a Matter controller and a Matter bridge?
Matter Controller: manages Matter devices, provides user interfaces, and executes automations and scenes. Controllers are typically platform-specific (e.g. Apple HomePod works with Apple Home, Google Nest Hub works with Google Home).
Matter Bridge: translates non-Matter protocols (KNX, DALI, Zigbee, Z-Wave) into Matter, making those devices accessible to controllers. A bridge does not provide a user interface or control function on its own.
Atios devices act as Matter bridges. You also need a Matter controller (HomePod, Nest Hub, Echo, etc.) from your chosen ecosystem.
Note: Some products can be both a controller and a bridge simultaneously.
Does Matter replace KNX? KNX Bridge
No. Matter is an additional control interface layered on top of your KNX installation. Your KNX programming, switches, and automation logic remain fully active and independent. Matter adds smartphone and voice control without replacing anything.
Should I pair with HomeKit or with Matter?
Both are supported. They are completely different protocols and only one can be active at a time. Matter is recommended for cross-ecosystem use (Apple Home + Google Home + Alexa + SmartThings + Home Assistant). HomeKit is Apple-only but currently covers a few accessory types Matter does not (e.g. garage doors, alarm systems). Switching from one to the other resets the pairing.
Can my KNX scenes be triggered or shown in Apple Home? KNX Bridge
KNX scenes are not exposed directly to Apple Home, because they do not map cleanly to Apple Home's UI.
If you want a scene that is triggered by a physical KNX button:
- Build the scene in Apple Home (e.g. "Movie Night") with the lights, blinds, and other accessories you want included.
- Add the KNX button to the bridge as a Programmable Switch accessory in the Accessory Manager.
- In Apple Home, create an automation: when the Programmable Switch is pressed, run the scene.
Can I add Matter devices that aren't part of my KNX system?
Yes. Any Matter-compatible device — sound systems, cameras, door locks, robot vacuums, smart plugs — can be added to the same smart home app (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings) alongside the KNX devices exposed by your Atios KNX Bridge.
These Matter devices aren't part of your KNX system. They appear in the same app for unified control, but they operate independently of KNX.
Can I share my installation between different Matter ecosystems?
Yes. Matter's multi-admin feature allows one Atios device to be added to multiple ecosystems simultaneously, for example, controlling the same lights from both Apple Home and Google Home at the same time. Each platform manages its own automations and scenes, which do not sync between ecosystems.
Do Atios devices require an internet connection?
No. Atios devices work entirely on your local network and do not require an internet connection. Matter and KNX also operate locally, so your home continues to function normally even when the internet is down. An internet connection is only needed for remote access via smart home apps when you are away from home and for firmware updates.
Do I need a Thread Border Router?
No. Atios devices connect to Matter via Ethernet or WiFi, not Thread. You only need a Matter-compatible hub (HomePod, Google Nest, Echo, etc.).
Do Atios devices support DALI DT8 (tunable white and colour control)?
Yes. Both the Atios KNX Bridge and Atios SmartCore support DT8 drivers for tunable white and full colour control.
On the KNX side, HSV is the supported colour format (HSV KNX datapoint maps to XY on DALI). RGBWAF is not yet supported. Requires a DT8-capable DALI driver in the fixture.
Privacy & Security
Is my Atios device secure?
Yes. Atios devices operate entirely on your local network. Atios does not have access to your home or your data.
Is my data transferred to a cloud?
No. All data stays on your local network. Nothing is sent to a cloud server. Atios does not collect or store data from your installation.
Pricing & Warranty
Do I have to pay monthly fees?
No. There are no subscription or monthly fees of any kind.
Are firmware updates free?
Yes. All software and firmware updates are free of charge.
Do I get a warranty?
Yes. All Atios products come with a 3-year warranty. Within this period, the item will be repaired, replaced, or credited according to our terms and conditions. Please contact us to claim your warranty.