Do we actually need an apple/iphone device to get the homekit controller working? I only have android
I don’t believe so. I’ve got LIFX lights popping up as potential homekit devices in HA, and while I do have a work iPad I doubt it’s doing anything here. See this page for more details
its not clearly stated that IPAD/APPLE is needed, i thought, once you setup the KIG300 , HA detects an homekit device, and ready to use … so no apple is needed … but not sure
@ryzn - Hi - can you explain how you integrated the Velux with a KIG300 bridge set-up? I am struggling to find such info
Apologies for the delay, I have been juggling work, kids and builders. I asked Velux for some clarification and was sent the following response, I am not 100% convinced by the KIG300 answer but I shall wait until my build is completed before fiddling with automating the windows:
Thank you for contacting VELUX.
All windows come with their own remote. It is possible to have both windows working from one of these remotes. However, this function will only let them open and close at the same time.
VELUX windows will be compatible with 3rd party automation systems by using the KLF 200 to link them.
The KLF 200 is a completely different product to the KIG 300. The KLF is an interface until which links our windows to a 3rd party system. The KIG 300 is VELUX App control which allows you to open and close the windows from your phone. You will have the function with this to set timers and p the windows into groups.
We also have a new product due to be released on 01.03.23. The KLR 300. This is a touch screen remote control which will be able to operate multiple products with. I have included the link to our online product brochure below. Pages 28-31 have all the information on intelligent home control including the products mentioned above.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
In my (rented) apartment I do have several VELUX INTEGRA windows with blinds. I also asked myself what the best way would be to integrate them as in addition to the mentioned VELUX products also Somfy claims to be compatible (as based on io-homecontrol) both with VELUX and also with Apple HomeKit.
So I decided to give it a shot whit the cheapest solution and recently I bought a Somfy Connectivity Kit. My experience with it:
- Set up with Somfy Tahoma app went more or less smoothly (using existing remote controls), I can operate windows and blinds via the app
- HA integration via Overkiz also worked smoothly, I can basically do everything I can do via the app also via HA. The known drawback is the integration is cloud-based, that is, if you do not have an internet connection it will not work (normally not an issue but I still do not like the idea to be dependent on internet to locally open/close a window…)
- HA integration via HomeKit controller worked only partly: for whatever reason I can only operate the blinds, but not the windows themselves, Somfy support was not helpful as they refer to VELUX (which I do not fully get as I thought of the Connectivity Kit to be the relay also for HomeKit). Btw, it is the same for “real” HomeKit, I have tried with an iPhone and also there I can only see the blinds but not the windows. In addition, the ”stop” button is not there, you can trigger open/close but not stop. Percentage for automation works.
- The VELUX windows have integrated rain sensors and while close automatically if it rains, with the Connectivity Kit I do not see the sensor at all (I also did not expect as it is clearly stated that this device does not support sensors)
Based on the experience above I have contacted Somfy support to explain why window operation would not work via HomeKit. The standard support guy (which was anyway not very friendly) recommended my to buy the more exensive TaHoma Switch, as then it would work. I (luckily) did not trust this information and with the help of friendly Velux support I got in contact with some other Somfy guy (very friendly this time) who confirmed me that TaHome Switch will not help for that problem and the the missing HomeKit windows support is a problem of Velux (which I do not understand until this day as functionality is basically there, thus seems only an interface topic of the Somfy product).
In any case after these experiences I decided that I don’t want to stay with Somfy both because of the missing local functionality as well as the questionable support.
I sold the Connectivity Kit and and bought the VELUX KIG 300 (which seems to be designed by NETATMO). Here the result:
- Setup using VELUX app goes simlarly as with Connectivity Kit (but only VELUX products supported, no Somfy)
- HA integration via HomeKit controller works this time, I cannot only control blinds but also windows!
- As far as I know there is no specific integration like with Overkiz (neither local nor cloud), thus I did not test this.
- Unfortunately, wheras it is shown in the app that windows closed due to rain, the sensor is not made available via HomeKit neither here.
Conclusion for VELUX INTEGRA windows in combination with HA:
- If you are totally fine with cloud based integration or you have other Somfy products => Somfy Connectivity Kit does the job and you can save 50 bucks
- If you want local support (via HomeKit controller) and you do not have Somfy products => I recommend KIG 300
By the way, it seems that setup works only if you have an existing, configured remote control… means you still need one in parallel.
I refrain of sharing experiences with the apps TaHoma vs Velux as this should not be as important if you plan to integrate with HA.
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thx for this info!
About rain sensor, i think it only works with the KLF, i have the rainsensor working in HA, but with a custom component, there is a check to for the limitation, if its 0 , not raining, if its 93 , it means its raining, this info is possible to get from the API , not sure if you can obtain it from the KLF
i asked to integrare this a while ago, and no part of pyVlx
I am using the KLF200 gateway and it works very well, it would be nice to get the state from the rainsensor too, but I see its WIP. Also I hope for a UI Config and to rename the windows / covers. Currently its labels as cover.0 and cover.1 one is a shutter and one is a window. If you wanna reboot HA, you need to reboot the gateway, but that can be done via automatisation, which works in 95% very well.
The important thing for me was local control, sad that the development from Velux stopped here, things like the WebUI from the Gateway accesibble via LAN port not only wifi would be such improvements…
nice review and thanks. But i do believe KLF 200 (that you haven’t tested) should work on velux AND Somfy while being also local appliance? that solution seems the right one…still KLF200 is indeed quite expensive…
So the KIG300 doesn’t need an internet connection after installation?
I can controll the shutters via HA without Internet?
Thank you for the update.
Forward progress by my builder has been glacial in recent months alas, my electrician has only just been able to come on site to finish the circuits in the kitchen, hopefully the Velux shall finally be connected this week so I shall look forward to experimenting.
Edit: veering slightly off topic, is there a generic io-homecontrol solution possible, or do the various vendor’s hubs render them specific to their own application? I am just wondering if the Heatmiser Hub (integrates neostat heating devices) is effectively another io-homecontrol based system, and if so can I get away with sourcing a single hub for HA integration.
Don’t know if anyone has the answer to this, but exactly what are the options on integrating Velux (electrical windows with sunshades and remote controllers)?
Who has it working and how?
I think best option is still klf-200
Hi marting,
This is a super helpful write up of your experience with the various options. I currently have the old KLF100 which is driven by a fibaro relay to open/close/stop my windows. However, it does not provide any feedback on a failed opening or current position.
Does the KIG300 report back position of the windows to HA and does it also pass any error messages (like a stuck window which I get occasionally)
It would have been great if the rain sensor was also visible (for other automations) but its not a deal breaker for me.
Thanks
I have the klf200 , it reports back current position from, like, when it rains, they are at 7%
i have integra velux and covers for it, both working
I run a custom component, to also retrieve the limitation (rain sensor), dont think you can do this with kig300
stuck window, i dont know, never had that 
thanks for that pergola.fabio
Do you know it the klf200 operates locally or does it use the cloud like the somfy connectivity kit does?
no, its complete local
Sorry to wake this old thread up.
I want to purchase the KLF for controlling my roof window (opening / closing and blinds). Is the window open / close funcionality available in Home Assistant via the KLF Interface?
On the official “Velux Integration” page I only see “Cover”, “Light”, “Scene” as working devices.
I have one roof window with blind + several Somfy iO blinds + several Somfy iO roller shutters.
Today I’ve tested the “Somfy Tahoma Switch” and I hate it. Connecting to the blinds was a hit and miss. And the range is really poor 
Hey there. I’m running successfully klf200 on VELUX shutter and opening + somfy solar curtains . It can manage anything IO related .
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Thanks! Do you also get the control over the tilt angle?
And do you also got the problem I read with the needed reboot of the KLF with every HA reboot?