Another help-a-newbie post :)

[Dean Roddey]

If it happens, just throw in an automated dry ice machine for smoke effects.

 

[greenhighlighter]

 As interesting as the nest looks, I don't think it integrates well with the rest of the automation world.  Look for a Z-wave thermostat, I say.

 
Any recommendations on a z-wave thermostat?
 
Also, are there any DIY security systems?  Or do I have to contract out with a company and do monitoring (and pay their fee)?

 

[oberkc]

Unfortunately, I cannot help with specific Z-wave devices (I am a user of insteon). A friend of mine uses a Honeywell (Z-wave enabled) thermostat and has no complaints, but does not integrate it with any lighting system or controllers (accessing it only through the web, apparently).<br /><br />I also do not have a dedicated security system but the Elk is the one mentioned around here most frequently. I understand it to be quite DIY friendly and, no, it does not require a contract or monitoring agreement.<br /><br />Hopefully, others will jump in here.

 

[greenhighlighter]

Another question.
 
As I'm trying to figure out what devices to get, is there an easy way to do this?  Perhaps a list somewhere of like best and budget dimmer switches?
 
Well, I've figured out my switches, but now I'm feeling overwhelmed with other devices like doorbell and thermostat and door lock and motion sensor and...
 
We're going to hardwire everything possible and am using MiCasaVerde... 

 

[greenhighlighter]

Oh, and is there a thread somewhere where people talk about what they're doing with their home automation systems?  I'd love to hear more creative ideas!

 

[greenhighlighter]

Unfortunately, I cannot help with specific Z-wave devices (I am a user of insteon). A friend of mine uses a Honeywell (Z-wave enabled) thermostat and has no complaints, but does not integrate it with any lighting system or controllers (accessing it only through the web, apparently).<br /><br />I also do not have a dedicated security system but the Elk is the one mentioned around here most frequently. I understand it to be quite DIY friendly and, no, it does not require a contract or monitoring agreement.<br /><br />Hopefully, others will jump in here.

I believe VeraLite works with Insteon, too.  I'm open to either

 

[dgage]

I'll try to answer some of your recent questions.

I haven't run across a list of switches anywhere that compares them. What I did was just look for the different offerings and then went to the manufacturers site to get a better feel for their offerings. I was comparing technologies as well so it seems you are further along pending my next answer.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend Insteon due to past issues and only one manufacturer offering it. In the past they have had quality issues but in general SmartHome has a good offering and seems to stand beside their product (for the most part based on my reading). I haven't used Insteon but the fact that it is sole sourced is why I wouldn't recommend it compared to Zwave. However, it isn't a bad technology, especially with their newer dual band devices, and Insteon does have a wide range of device offerings.

Check the blogs and galleries here on Cocoontech for some of the cool things people have done. Otherwise, just do a search and you will run across some nice solutions.

David

 

[greenhighlighter]

I'll try to answer some of your recent questions.

I haven't run across a list of switches anywhere that compares them. What I did was just look for the different offerings and then went to the manufacturers site to get a better feel for their offerings. I was comparing technologies as well so it seems you are further along pending my next answer.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend Insteon due to past issues and only one manufacturer offering it. In the past they have had quality issues but in general SmartHome has a good offering and seems to stand beside their product (for the most part based on my reading). I haven't used Insteon but the fact that it is sole sourced is why I wouldn't recommend it compared to Zwave. However, it isn't a bad technology, especially with their newer dual band devices, and Insteon does have a wide range of device offerings.

Check the blogs and galleries here on Cocoontech for some of the cool things people have done. Otherwise, just do a search and you will run across some nice solutions.

David

Thanks!!

 

[oberkc]

greenhighlighter, on 21 Apr 2013 - 12:19, said:
I believe VeraLite works with Insteon, too. I'm open to either

yes, I understand the same.

However, I believe the original poster (was that you?) had already made a decision to go with Z-wave, I thought.

Second, I would be concerned that the identification of insteon-compatible devices, as listed on the vera web page, is pretty limited.

Third, if choosing insteon, I would absolutely recommend the ISY series of controllers from Universal Devices.

 

[greenhighlighter]

OK.  The post above about wired sensors has me thinking that I should figure this out, too.  Can anyone advise?  I'll be using DSC (seems to be most popular with VeraLite).
 
Here's my attempted to answer the questions:
 
1. Will you use EOL resistors and do you want them integrated within the sensor (so you don't need to have an external resistor). 
Don't know what this means...
2. Are you willing to drill into your windows (to mount the magnet) and possibly void your warranty
Prefer not to.
3. Do you want surface mount so you don't need to drill?
Yes, please!
4. Do you want low profile sensors (very small).
That would be good, but am budget sensitive, so if low-profile is significantly more expensive, I guess not.
5. What size gap do you want between the sensor and the magnet
I don't know?
6. Do you want to use pigtail connections or terminal screws
Again, I don't know.
 
Our contractor will be installing the sensors.  Basically, what's the best option to go with?  Links to products would be great!!!