GE NETWORX KNX Interface - Caddx
Bidirectional KNX gateway for GE Interlogix NetworX alarm systems with 96-zone monitoring and 4-area control via RS232. Enables real-time security status on KNX bus with automatic scene triggering and motion-based lighting control via alarm detectors.
Overview
The NX-KNX is a professional KNX gateway designed for seamless integration of GE Interlogix NetworX alarm systems into KNX building automation installations. This bidirectional interface enables real-time communication between security and building management systems through the NX-584E RS232 communication module, allowing integrators to create intelligent responses to security events throughout the KNX installation.
Technical Capabilities
The gateway provides comprehensive alarm system integration through RS232 communication with the GE NX-584E module. Key capabilities include monitoring up to 96 zones with individual KNX group objects for real-time status feedback. Each zone status is transmitted to the KNX bus as a 1-bit switching object, enabling flexible integration with KNX logic and visualization systems.
Area management supports up to 4 security areas with full arm, partial arm, and disarm control directly from KNX visualization or push-buttons. Each area provides 9 distinct status feedback objects: disarmed, entry delay, exit delay, armed, partial armed, fire alarm, siren on, panic alarm, and intrusion alarm. This granular status information enables sophisticated building automation responses to security events.
The scene integration feature automatically recalls KNX scenes (0-64) for each area status change, enabling pre-programmed building responses such as emergency lighting activation during intrusion or comfort scene recall when disarming. Zone offset configuration supports multi-gateway installations covering up to 192 zones across two NX-KNX devices, with zones 1-96 on the first gateway and zones 97-192 on the second. Similarly, area mapping allows coverage of areas 1-4 or 5-8 for installations requiring up to 8 area control.
Power supply monitoring provides AC failure status to KNX for comprehensive system health visibility. Note: PG outputs and virtual inputs are not available on this device due to NX-584E protocol limitations.
Installation and Configuration
The compact module (66 x 44 x 25mm) requires an external 12VDC power supply which can be sourced from the AUX power supply of the NetworX alarm panel. The RS232 connection between the NX-584E and the NX-KNX interface uses the included DB9 connector with a female/female gender changer adapter provided. No additional wiring is required.
The NX-584E module must be programmed to enable zone status messages and partition status messages. For NX V2 series panels, remove jumper J7 on the NX-584 board to allow proper communication. The device draws less than 4mA from the KNX bus and less than 6mA from the 12VDC supply.
Configuration is performed entirely within ETS using the standard Elausys alarm gateway application. The unified ETS application concept shared across all Elausys alarm gateways means integrators familiar with other models can immediately work with the NX-KNX. Parameters include zone count selection (16/32/48/64/72/96), area mapping, scene assignments, and user code setup for KNX-initiated arming commands. The free ETS Demo version is fully supported.
Applications
Residential installations benefit from integrated security and home automation, where arming the alarm automatically activates night scenes, presence simulation, and energy-saving modes. Motion detectors from the NetworX system can trigger KNX lighting in corridors and stairwells, adding value to existing security infrastructure.
Commercial buildings leverage the gateway for coordinated emergency response, where fire alarm detection triggers escape route illumination, blind opening, and HVAC shutdown sequences. Integration with KNX visualization systems provides security monitoring from building management dashboards.
Multi-tenant properties use the 4-area support for independent zone control across different building sections, with centralized monitoring through KNX.
Compatibility and Integration
The NX-KNX is compatible with GE Interlogix NetworX series alarm systems equipped with the NX-584E RS232 communication module. The gateway integrates with any KNX TP installation and is fully configurable using ETS5 or ETS6, including the free ETS Demo version.
The gateway follows the unified Elausys alarm gateway architecture, ensuring consistent integration patterns with HyperVisu visualization servers and other KNX system components.