Ok, I've had an Elk M1G performing Security functions for a few years. I'm now going to attempt to sell the concept of lighting control HA to my wife. We have a few fixtures currently controlled by timers and photocells. Adding automation to these fixtures and others might 'sell'.
My current focus is on an RF solution, that being Zigbee or Z Wave. I like the openness of Zigbee. Plus Zigbee looks to be a great future direction with lighting manufactures like GE and Philips. Looks like Zigbee is becoming real..
I'm even thinking about a second M1G for control purposes. I'd rather not 'disturb' the security system with lighting rules. AND the second M1G would serve as a kind of 'warm spare' for the security system. Some day Elk will EOL (end of life that is) the M1G and having a spare might be a good thing.... Goes back to my professional life where there was always a distinct separation/isolation between control and protection. I left room in my wiring closet and even have an empty Elk small 'can'.
BUT, I see no obvious link between the M1G and a Zigbee control network. Yes they handle Z Wave, but no direct Zigbee. OK, so maybe I just need another interface box between the M1G and the Zigbee mesh network. Maybe a RPi or other SBC. But then I think that maybe I just need a separate controller platform for lighting controls and leave the M1G only handle security. Lots of thoughts. The M1G is robust and battery-backed-up. Yes I could put the RPi on a UPS, but I'm trying to keep the mainstream stream systems COTS and less DIY. Both the availability and for support. So a COTS Zigbee controller would be preferred.
Anyway... Are folks deploying Zigbee HA networks for lighting and other load control? Or is Z Wave still viable?
Any thoughts and discussion are welcome.
My current focus is on an RF solution, that being Zigbee or Z Wave. I like the openness of Zigbee. Plus Zigbee looks to be a great future direction with lighting manufactures like GE and Philips. Looks like Zigbee is becoming real..
I'm even thinking about a second M1G for control purposes. I'd rather not 'disturb' the security system with lighting rules. AND the second M1G would serve as a kind of 'warm spare' for the security system. Some day Elk will EOL (end of life that is) the M1G and having a spare might be a good thing.... Goes back to my professional life where there was always a distinct separation/isolation between control and protection. I left room in my wiring closet and even have an empty Elk small 'can'.
BUT, I see no obvious link between the M1G and a Zigbee control network. Yes they handle Z Wave, but no direct Zigbee. OK, so maybe I just need another interface box between the M1G and the Zigbee mesh network. Maybe a RPi or other SBC. But then I think that maybe I just need a separate controller platform for lighting controls and leave the M1G only handle security. Lots of thoughts. The M1G is robust and battery-backed-up. Yes I could put the RPi on a UPS, but I'm trying to keep the mainstream stream systems COTS and less DIY. Both the availability and for support. So a COTS Zigbee controller would be preferred.
Anyway... Are folks deploying Zigbee HA networks for lighting and other load control? Or is Z Wave still viable?
Any thoughts and discussion are welcome.