Experienced
Member
So I'm experienced on the security side of things, but rather new to the whole 'automation' side. So a few beginner questions:
1. I thought about getting an Elk M1 and the M1XEP thinking I could integrate z-wave stuff...but after doing some research, it appears that the M1XEP is just a secondary controller and I would still need something like Homeseer or Vera or whatever to act as a primary controller? If so, I would basically need an Elk M1, Elk M1XEP and a controller like Homeseer...correct?
2. My goals overall are pretty simple. I mostly want to be able to control lighting and temperature. So when I walk in a room, an occupancy sensor will tell the z-wave wall switch or light to turn on, for example. Or when I leave the house, it will tell the z-wave thermostats to lower the temperature. What would be the easiest way to handle to? Should I bother getting the items I described above or would simply getting Homesee or whatever controller alone to handle it be sufficient?
3. Overall, what would you recommend that is both decently advanced, but beginner friendly enough for basic automation? I'm pretty decent with tech, but I'm not looking to spend a month learning stuff just to do basic stuff like have a light turn on.
1. I thought about getting an Elk M1 and the M1XEP thinking I could integrate z-wave stuff...but after doing some research, it appears that the M1XEP is just a secondary controller and I would still need something like Homeseer or Vera or whatever to act as a primary controller? If so, I would basically need an Elk M1, Elk M1XEP and a controller like Homeseer...correct?
2. My goals overall are pretty simple. I mostly want to be able to control lighting and temperature. So when I walk in a room, an occupancy sensor will tell the z-wave wall switch or light to turn on, for example. Or when I leave the house, it will tell the z-wave thermostats to lower the temperature. What would be the easiest way to handle to? Should I bother getting the items I described above or would simply getting Homesee or whatever controller alone to handle it be sufficient?
3. Overall, what would you recommend that is both decently advanced, but beginner friendly enough for basic automation? I'm pretty decent with tech, but I'm not looking to spend a month learning stuff just to do basic stuff like have a light turn on.