Are there any open source/inexpensive ways of accomplishing the same as the big names?

[ghurty]

I am a newbie regarding home automation. However, I am a do-it-yourselfer who does not mind putting more effort in in order to get something done. For example I have been using native Asterisk for my home phone for years.


A friend of mine is thinking about putting a Lutron RadioRA system into his new house. The system is pretty expensive.

I am wondering, are there any open source/inexpensive ways to accomplish the same thing while looking nice?

I have no problem using linux, etc....

I am just looking for pointers of were to look and if there is even a point.


Thanks

 

[tmbrown97]

Well when you're working with electrical, there may be things you *could* do, but personally I prefer:

1. not to reinvent the wheel;
2. to benefit from economies of scale (manufacturing, etc);
3. using products in my system that are completely up to code, tested by UL, etc
4. not in any way dependent on me personally to maintain/change (hopefully something that can sell with the house or easily undo).

 

[ghurty]

Well when you're working with electrical, there may be things you *could* do, but personally I prefer:

1. not to reinvent the wheel;
2. to benefit from economies of scale (manufacturing, etc);
3. using products in my system that are completely up to code, tested by UL, etc
4. not in any way dependent on me personally to maintain/change (hopefully something that can sell with the house or easily undo).

So which products would you recommend that can compete with the expensive ones without the cost?

Thanks

 

[electron]

Anything Z-Wave, UPB and even the new INSTEON based hardware will give you some good bang for the buck. Usually you tie it all together with a software or hardware controller. For an idea of open source / free software out there, take a look at the new home automation software list. But since most of the community is DIY, you should be able to find here what you want to do

 

[ghurty]

Is one option better then the other, and if yes, why?


Also, I know prices vary, but what is the rough cost to put in HA for lighting in a 8 - 10 room house. (I guess using INSTEON).


THanks

 

[Zellarman]

Insteon devices are around $50 a piece, some more, some less, a room count is irrelevant, some people have multiple switches in a room, others just one. In addition to the switches/controllers I'd highly recommend a Universal Devices ISY (about $400) it really brings the system together well, makes set up easier, gives remote access, runs programs, etc. etc. Just make sure you have a neutral available at each gang box.

 

[chedemefedeme]

I use Insteon and it's pretty dang reasonable. Can add switches over time as I wish (keeps cost completely under my control), requires virtually no prewiring (just the booster/coupler installed on my panel, but you can even get wireless boosters that install on normal outlets in 30 seconds).

As far as custom controlling if you wanted to go super cheap and custom you can get a serial interface for insteon. I have one that i plug into my elk and then I just control the elk panel from the network. If you wanted to go cheaper than this you can plug this serial interface into any computer and command the Insteon lighting through one of many affordable programs with some awesome features or even write your own scripts.

I've written a set of my own PHP scripts i can fire off from a web browser from my couch or anywhere else in the world that tell my Elk to send serial commands out to the Insteon lighting.

There are nicer, more expensive systems out there than Insteon..but it may be the ultimate bang for the buck considering it uses a repeating verification system to almost eliminate errors, has a wide variety of compatible switches/plugs/devices/modules, and requires NO prewiring of the house to use. With proper setup of my coupler/booster I can't remember the last time a light in my house failed to respond. It's a completely solid system.

 

[Zellarman]

requires virtually no prewiring

it is important to keep in mind it's possible, depending on how they're wired, that some switches may NOT be a direct replacement. ie: no neutral

 

[tmbrown97]

They're not as cheap as $3.50 generic switches from home depot, but if you look at the cost of a nice dimmer (~$40), then spending $50-$60 for a nice automated switch doesn't seem that bad.

I have about 55 UPB switches in my house, with 12 left to convert... it did cost me a few thousand dollars - but it simplifies life in ways I could never quantify - and it took me all of about 4 installation sessions (1-2 hours each) to get them all installed. From there I fired up eKeypad, connected to my Elk, and had full remote iphone control; not to mention the many other conveniences.