Alright, I'm Ready for automation but..

[beaumeri]

Hi everyone.. Every time I seek the week for house automation I end up here so I've decided to post my questions here. I know for some of you it's an other new guy questions. Don't we all have to start somewhere?

Alright let's get tot he point.

I've been building my new house for the last 8 month on my spare time doing everything I can possibly do. I've check with a HAI distributor here for a quote and I mentioned I wanted to do most of the job myself and he kept pushing for me to use him for the full job. After I insisted to do some part myself he stopped replying my email or returning my calls.. I'm back on my own.. So this post might be a bit long but I'm trying to be as clear as I can be based on my knowledge.

I do not plan to close most walls for the next few months so I have some time for the "I should have run more cable" thing.

Since I want to gradually grow this system I plan work on the following (in order):

1 - Light Control - All LED based by the way unless impossible in some cases.
2 - Security (locks, cameras, motions sensors, door/windows contact, etc)
3 - Audio / Multimedia ( multi room audio/video ) Russound or similar
4 - Power management, windows shades control, irrigation and others

I'm hoping to have many touch screens to control most in not all the functionality of the house.

Here's my current challenges..( Probably an easy one for most of you around here ) and let's focus on light control unless I should also address other aspect right of the start.

1- I know I have to select my brain for the system first then build with it. I've pretty much made my choice on the HAI OmniPro II. Since I'll be ordering everything online what should I include in my order to get a good start. Aside of the OmniProII controller and light switches? Is there anything that I should or must order for the first initial implementation?

2- Is there anything I should also consider as part of my first order to make this initial set-up a pleasant experience?

I'm going to limit my questions to this for now. I'm sure many more will follow.

I'm open to all suggestions.

Best regards and thanks in advance for all your inputs.

 

[Automation]

Check out HomeSeer. You can down load a free 30 day trial here:
http://www.homeseer.com/downloads

HomeSeer has plugins for nearly all that you listed HAI, Russound, Z-Wave Schlage locks, etc.

 

[drvnbysound]

You asked the question, "Aside of the OmniProII controller and light switches? Is there anything that I should or must order for the first initial implementation?"

I wanted to answer your question with a question .. have you decided on a technology for the switches?

 

[Steve]

Besides choosing a lighting tech which is a must, you will undoubtedly need additional keypads, expanders, etc. Try to figure out what you want and where you want it then do the appropriate wiring (read the wiring guide) and then look at your HAI options. It would probably be helpful to you to call Brandon or Martin at Automated Outlet (or another good dealer) and they can suggest the components for your needs and get you the best pricing. Once you have an idea of stuff like keypad locations, # zones, etc, etc we can offer more detailed help.

 

[beaumeri]

Thanks for all your input so far.

I'll be considering HOMESEER as weel in a later stage as I think I want to go with a hybrid system. OmniproII with HOMESEER. But for the initial install I'll focus on HAI OmniproII

As for the communication or technology for the switches I'll be looking for UPB devices.

For sure I'll give Brandon or Martin a call and will see how they can help me out. I was thinking automating one room at the time and buying my component room after room. Mainly I'm looking for 1 touch screen per room to eventually control all feature of that room trough it. If not possible or in some basic room I was thinking or smart switches.

 

[drvnbysound]

My main idea behind asking the lighting technology question was to begin moving down that path to also suggest all associated parts (interface cabling, etc.).

 

[Rupp]

The Archos 9 makes a nice sized touch sceen for HSTouch. The power cord is an issue though.
http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=139911

 

[beaumeri]

AS a supplement of information, I have 5 bedrooms (2 of them can be used as offices or work space), dining room, kitchen, 3 bathrooms, livingroom and theater/play room. I also have a server/equipement room built in my basement.

At first I want to control lights in 3 bedroom to get the feel of the system. Like I said before I'm hoping to control everything trought touchscreen and having the physical switches installed in the closets.

 

[Automation]

AS a supplement of information, I have 5 bedrooms (2 of them can be used as offices or work space), dining room, kitchen, 3 bathrooms, livingroom and theater/play room. I also have a server/equipement room built in my basement.

At first I want to control lights in 3 bedroom to get the feel of the system. Like I said before I'm hoping to control everything trought touchscreen and having the physical switches installed in the closets.

So there will be no switches mounted on the visible walls?

 

[beaumeri]

AS a supplement of information, I have 5 bedrooms (2 of them can be used as offices or work space), dining room, kitchen, 3 bathrooms, livingroom and theater/play room. I also have a server/equipement room built in my basement.

At first I want to control lights in 3 bedroom to get the feel of the system. Like I said before I'm hoping to control everything trought touchscreen and having the physical switches installed in the closets.

So there will be no switches mounted on the visible walls?

As much as possible yes that's what I would like to do... Of course we can alway trigger the switches within the closets as a back-up. Unless someone tell me it's not possible or have major concerns that's what I'm looking to do.

 

[jwilson56]

AS a supplement of information, I have 5 bedrooms (2 of them can be used as offices or work space), dining room, kitchen, 3 bathrooms, livingroom and theater/play room. I also have a server/equipement room built in my basement.

At first I want to control lights in 3 bedroom to get the feel of the system. Like I said before I'm hoping to control everything trought touchscreen and having the physical switches installed in the closets.

So there will be no switches mounted on the visible walls?

As much as possible yes that's what I would like to do... Of course we can alway trigger the switches within the closets as a back-up. Unless someone tell me it's not possible or have major concerns that's what I'm looking to do.

Would that not violate code?

 

[beaumeri]

As much as possible yes that's what I would like to do... Of course we can alway trigger the switches within the closets as a back-up. Unless someone tell me it's not possible or have major concerns that's what I'm looking to do.

Would that not violate code?

Interesting question.. But the local company who initially quoted me for the full installation where going to put all switches in the closets and only leave a HAI Lumina mode switch beside each doors. I'm just thinking of pushing this a bit further to replace the Lumina mode switch by a touch screen.

This company are doing hotels and high end homes in this area so I believe they know about putting switches in closets.. I'll keep this in mind an will investigate.

 

[ano]

I've been building my new house for the last 8 month on my spare time doing everything I can possibly do. I've check with a HAI distributor here for a quote and I mentioned I wanted to do most of the job myself and he kept pushing for me to use him for the full job. After I insisted to do some part myself he stopped replying my email or returning my calls.. I'm back on my own.. So this post might be a bit long but I'm trying to be as clear as I can be based on my knowledge.

No, you didn't call an HAI distributor you called an HAI installer. Contact Automated Outlet or Worthington Solutions and they can sell you the things you need. If your not up to it, you can have an installer put in a basic system, then you can upgrade from there.

 

[ano]

Also, your choice, but if it were my, I wouldn't put all the switches in a closet. Maybe you will control it all with a touchscreen, but what about all the other people in your house, your guests, etc. You'll be sorry if you don't install conventional switches as well, at least for the main lights in each room.

 

[oberkc]

I am, by no means, a code expert, but I understand that code requires switches at various locations, depending on the room. I don't know whether a lumina mode switch or touchscreen would pass this criteria, but it would be worth checking out, in my estimation.