Hello experts...
I did a bunch of googling to try and get an answer, but perhaps my googling skills are not quite up to par, as I was unable to find an answer to something I would think is a pretty fundamental questions...
I have existing dumb power switches, and would like to add some element of HA. Since I am the slow and plodding type, I want to add HA slowly (although if someone can suggest something better, I am all ears!):
- add modules to existing outlets so I can control lamps (table, floor, etc.)
- next add smart wall switches
- next add a couple of IR devices to control things like TVs
- next add some moisture, smoke and temperature sensors
I would of course like to monitor and adjust things from the internet.
Here is my problem in understanding:
- I feel safe in the knowledge that I can control outlets and therefore the devices connected to that outlet, which is why control of floor and table lamps makes sense
- if I add a few smart wall switches, does it take away my ability to manually turn devices on/off my simply flipping a wall switch on/off? What if I have a 3-way switch? Will I need to replace all the switches?
Finally, with the plethora of controllers out there, how do I get started? I have read about Insteon ISY994i, Vera Lite, plus a little bit about HAI, but difficult to figure out what makes sense for me. I have a Vista 20P wireless-only alarm system that I installed/programmed myself and it seems to function as I expected, and want to get something that offers compatibility with the HA controller.
Specifically with respect to the HA part, what modules makes sense to get:
- outlet modules
- wall switches
- IR blasters
- smoke/temperature/moisture sensors
I apologize for what may seem to be obvious to most of you, but am floundering, so any guidance is greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
Zeb
I did a bunch of googling to try and get an answer, but perhaps my googling skills are not quite up to par, as I was unable to find an answer to something I would think is a pretty fundamental questions...
I have existing dumb power switches, and would like to add some element of HA. Since I am the slow and plodding type, I want to add HA slowly (although if someone can suggest something better, I am all ears!):
- add modules to existing outlets so I can control lamps (table, floor, etc.)
- next add smart wall switches
- next add a couple of IR devices to control things like TVs
- next add some moisture, smoke and temperature sensors
I would of course like to monitor and adjust things from the internet.
Here is my problem in understanding:
- I feel safe in the knowledge that I can control outlets and therefore the devices connected to that outlet, which is why control of floor and table lamps makes sense
- if I add a few smart wall switches, does it take away my ability to manually turn devices on/off my simply flipping a wall switch on/off? What if I have a 3-way switch? Will I need to replace all the switches?
Finally, with the plethora of controllers out there, how do I get started? I have read about Insteon ISY994i, Vera Lite, plus a little bit about HAI, but difficult to figure out what makes sense for me. I have a Vista 20P wireless-only alarm system that I installed/programmed myself and it seems to function as I expected, and want to get something that offers compatibility with the HA controller.
Specifically with respect to the HA part, what modules makes sense to get:
- outlet modules
- wall switches
- IR blasters
- smoke/temperature/moisture sensors
I apologize for what may seem to be obvious to most of you, but am floundering, so any guidance is greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
Zeb