I am not even a newbie really, I have been lurking here for several weeks, reading, researching and trying to get a handle on the complexities of home automation, but I am still having difficulties wrapping my head around it.
First of all, I am not new to electrical, electronics or computer technology. I studied Electrical Engineering Technology over 20 years ago, and was an Electricians apprentice and I also installed car stereos for many years, however, it seems like I can't get a handle on the Home automation game or I am missing something.
I am designing our new home, it is 4600 square feet and I am selecting all of the systems, windows, shingles, etc for the architect and all specifications are going to be written including all of the specific products to be used. I am the general contractor as well.
What I would like to do is select the system that best meets my needs and I would like some help from the group.
What I want is the following;
- Lighting Scene control for certain rooms and landscape lighting
- occupancy sensor lighting control in other rooms
- Automate blinds based on lighting scene.
- Monitored Alarm system with fire/smoke/co2 detection.
- electronic door locks
- automated irrigation system (2 nights a week)
- driveway sensor to announce visitors - phone/ intercom announcement
- doorbell intercom or phone rings
- Exterior camera system with motion detection, turns on exterior lights when alarm is set.
- Audio will be handled using dedicated separate Amplifiers in each zone fed by Apple TV's/ Apple Express using airplay. That seems like the best solution for our lifestyle.
- iphone/ipad control of all systems
In my search I have noticed that the ELK M1 is a very popular unit and seems to be very flexible. I am not sure where to go from there, Insteon?, or some other technology? I will be doing the install myself, with the electrician, however, I have yet to find a comprehensive guide to choosing from all of the different technologies.
As far as lighting control goes, I would like to keep it very simple (or a divorce will be imminant).
As I am starting from scratch I would prefer to stick with a wired solution rather than a product designed for retrofit.
Any and all comment, suggestions and information sources would be appreciated.
Sorry for the long post.
Chris
First of all, I am not new to electrical, electronics or computer technology. I studied Electrical Engineering Technology over 20 years ago, and was an Electricians apprentice and I also installed car stereos for many years, however, it seems like I can't get a handle on the Home automation game or I am missing something.
I am designing our new home, it is 4600 square feet and I am selecting all of the systems, windows, shingles, etc for the architect and all specifications are going to be written including all of the specific products to be used. I am the general contractor as well.
What I would like to do is select the system that best meets my needs and I would like some help from the group.
What I want is the following;
- Lighting Scene control for certain rooms and landscape lighting
- occupancy sensor lighting control in other rooms
- Automate blinds based on lighting scene.
- Monitored Alarm system with fire/smoke/co2 detection.
- electronic door locks
- automated irrigation system (2 nights a week)
- driveway sensor to announce visitors - phone/ intercom announcement
- doorbell intercom or phone rings
- Exterior camera system with motion detection, turns on exterior lights when alarm is set.
- Audio will be handled using dedicated separate Amplifiers in each zone fed by Apple TV's/ Apple Express using airplay. That seems like the best solution for our lifestyle.
- iphone/ipad control of all systems
In my search I have noticed that the ELK M1 is a very popular unit and seems to be very flexible. I am not sure where to go from there, Insteon?, or some other technology? I will be doing the install myself, with the electrician, however, I have yet to find a comprehensive guide to choosing from all of the different technologies.
As far as lighting control goes, I would like to keep it very simple (or a divorce will be imminant).
As I am starting from scratch I would prefer to stick with a wired solution rather than a product designed for retrofit.
Any and all comment, suggestions and information sources would be appreciated.
Sorry for the long post.
Chris