The Gira X1 is a DIN-rail device that combines a KNX IP router with a smart home server — allowing the Gira Smart Home app to control any KNX group address through a structured interface. Unlike a standard KNX IP router (which only provides programming access via ETS6), the X1 adds a configured user interface that maps your KNX installation to rooms, functions and scenes visible on an iOS or Android app. Setup requires three tools: ETS6 (for KNX configuration, as always), Gira Project Assistant (GPA, for X1-specific UI configuration), and the Gira Smart Home app (for end-user access).

Panel installation and power

The X1 occupies 3 DIN-rail modules. Power: 24V DC, 170mA. Connect 24V from a panel SELV power supply — the same 24V supply as the KNX power supply is acceptable if current budget allows, or use a dedicated 24V/1A supply. The X1 has two Ethernet ports: one connects to the building LAN (switch, router), the other can connect to a KNX IP backbone if the installation has multiple IP segments. KNX TP bus connection: spring terminals, same YCYM 2×2×0.8 cable as other KNX devices. Polarity: marked (+) and (-) on terminal.

ETS6 configuration

In ETS6, add the X1 to your project topology from the KNX online catalogue (manufacturer: Gira, category: IP router). Assign individual address (e.g., 1.1.0 for line coupler function, or any available address). Configure the IP interface/router parameters: routing mode (KNX IP Router), filter table (automatically built from group address links). The X1 acts as a line coupler — telegrams from KNX TP bus pass to IP backbone and vice versa via multicast 224.0.23.12:3671. Download ETS6 application to X1 via IP interface. The filter table download is separate from the ETS6 application download on some firmware versions — verify both are downloaded.

Gira Project Assistant (GPA) setup

GPA is a Windows application (gira.com downloads). License is included with X1 purchase (tied to serial number via GPA account). First step: import your ETS6 project file (.knxproj) into GPA. GPA reads the group address structure and DPT types. Create building structure in GPA: add floors, add rooms to each floor. For each room, add functions: GPA offers function types that map to KNX group address sets. Light function: assign a switch GA (DPT 1.001) and optionally a dimmer GA (DPT 5.001) and a status GA. Shutter function: assign move up/down GA (DPT 1.008), position GA (DPT 5.001), slat angle GA (DPT 5.001). Room climate function: assign actual temperature GA (DPT 9.001), setpoint GA (DPT 9.001), operating mode GA (DPT 20.102). Scene function: assign scene GA (DPT 18.001) and configure scene names visible in app (e.g., "Evening", "Cinema").

Configuring icons and room images

GPA allows assigning an icon to each function (light bulb, shutter blinds, radiator, etc.) and a room image (photo of the actual room or a generic template). These appear in the Gira Smart Home app. Naming: use clear names (e.g., "Ceiling Light" not "GA 1/0/1") — names appear directly in the app as the control label. After configuring all rooms and functions: GPA uploads the configuration to the X1 (requires X1 reachable on LAN). The upload takes approximately 30 seconds.

Smart Home app connection and remote access

Install Gira Smart Home app (iOS/Android). On same WiFi network: app auto-discovers X1 via mDNS. First connection: enter X1 access code (found in GPA → X1 settings → access management). The app shows the building structure configured in GPA: floors → rooms → function controls. Remote access: register X1 with Gira cloud (my.gira.com). In GPA: activate cloud access. The app then connects remotely via Gira cloud relay (encrypted). Gira charges €0 for cloud relay — no subscription fee. For installations where cloud is not acceptable (data sovereignty, enterprise policy): disable Gira cloud and set up WireGuard VPN on the network router. App connects via VPN to X1 local IP address.

HomeKit integration

The Gira X1 acts as an Apple HomeKit bridge: all configured functions appear in the iOS Home app as HomeKit accessories. Enable HomeKit in GPA: X1 generates a QR code. Scan with iOS Home app to pair. KNX lights → HomeKit lights, KNX shutters → HomeKit blinds, KNX climate → HomeKit thermostats. Siri control works immediately after HomeKit pairing: "Hey Siri, turn off the living room lights" → Siri → HomeKit → X1 → KNX telegram to group address 1/0/1.

Troubleshooting common X1 issues

X1 not discovered by GPA: verify X1 and PC are on same subnet (no VLAN separation), disable Windows Firewall temporarily. App shows offline: check LAN connectivity, verify X1 24V power (LED status on device). Group address not responding: verify ETS6 filter table was downloaded to X1, check group address appears in X1 group monitor (accessible via X1 web interface at http://x1-ip/). Function shows wrong status: check status GA linked correctly in GPA (status GA is a separate group address from the command GA in most actuators, carrying the current state).