Getting Started

[johntarr]

Thanks to everyone's responses, I think I have a better handle on how I want to proceed.

I'm fairly set on Z-wave, as it seems more reliable than powerline (I don't think there is alot of wireless saturation around here).

Higher end systems like the Elk are out of the question for now, as the WAF just isn't there yet.

Having said that, some of the first projects I'd like to do are:
1) Have closet lights turn on and off as the door opens
2) Have front entry lights turn on (preferably for a set period of time like 10 minutes) when we enter the driveway (or perhaps when I open the garage door)
3) Have lamp in the bedroom slowly turn on to simulate daylight before we wake up

Can I do this with only z-Wave, or are these projects going to require more integration out of the gate? (hardware or software)

 

[IVB]

You'll need
1) some way of knowing whether the door was opened or not, and whether you've entered the driveway or not. I.E., zWave Motion Sensor. That's $63 minimum vs $18 for a wired, or a $45 premium per sensor.
2) some way of turning on the zwave closet light when the door is opened. Could be hardware or software. If you go the hardware route, a la Elk EZ8, you could get the hardwired sensors, and reduce your net cost.

For the lamp, you could use a scheduled timer in the zwave remote, but i've never done that so i'm not sure how exactly to set it up or whether you can even do dim levels.

 

[twilo123]

in my case for the closet i use this motion sensor (http://store.homeseer.com/store/Z-Wave-Motion-Sensor-InTouch-P403C57.aspx) with an act zth100 handheld remote control (http://store.homeseer.com/store/Z-Wave-Remote-Control-HomePro-P3C56.aspx). if the closet has a hanging light socket you may be able to use a screw in lamp module (http://store.homeseer.com/store/Z-Wave-IndoorOutdoor-Screw-in-Module-HomeSettings-P1C62.aspx) like i do otherwise you will need to replace the light switch with a z-wave one or put a lamp in there with a lamp module if possible. you will set an assocation between the light and the motion sensor through the remote 1 time. after that the light will go on when you come in range of the motion sensor and turn off when out of range. the motion sensor i listed has a time settings slider switch for you to change the time the sensor takes between checking to see if something is moving. i think there is something like 30 seconds, 2min, 5min, 10min, and 15min. if you want fast off just use the 30seconds slide.

you could use this same operation for the outside. get another motion sensor along with an appropriate light control (in wall switch, screw in lamp module) or possible appliance module (for outdoor lighting http://store.homeseer.com/store/Z-Wave-Out...ngs-P6C62.aspx) and use the zth100 to set another association. set the time check slider to 10min on the motion sensor that way the lights will definitely stay on for 10min after the initial movement.

the motion sensor runs on batteries (i think it was 3aa) or you can buy a a/c adapter seperately. it comes with batteries but just replace them immediately with fresh ones. the included ones usually last me about 1-2weeks. better yet use the a/c adapter if possible. that would be ideal.

for the lamp in the bedroom you can set up to 8 timers on the zth100 handheld use it to set a few timers on a lamp module (http://store.homeseer.com/store/Z-Wave-Lamp-Module-Vizia-RF-P316C65.aspx). i personally recommend the leviton lamp modules if you are going to need a dimmer plug in module. i have burnt out 2 of the intermatic's already and they weren't even being used too much. if you get up at 7am set the 1st timer to say 30% at 7am. set the next time to 50% at 7:10, 75% at 7:15, and 100% at 7:20 or whatever suits your tastes.

for the outside/garage thing you could also get the wayne dalton garage door conversion kit (if you have a garage door opener) (https://orders.wayne-dalton.com/). it will give you a keychain with 3 buttons on it. the main button is used as a garage door opener and the other buttons are used to activate various scenes around the house. in my case i open my garage door and then use the 2nd button to turn on my pathway lights, porch lights, garage lights, foyer lights, and kitchen lights. i then use the 3rd button to shut off all of the lights except the kitchen lights once i am inside and do not need the other lights on anymore. you could probably just get their keychain and gateway module if you don't want to open the garage door but want something to carry on your person to turn them on/off.

pm me if you need more info or run into trouble.

~Rob

You'll need
1) some way of knowing whether the door was opened or not, and whether you've entered the driveway or not. I.E., zWave Motion Sensor. That's $63 minimum vs $18 for a wired, or a $45 premium per sensor.
2) some way of turning on the zwave closet light when the door is opened. Could be hardware or software. If you go the hardware route, a la Elk EZ8, you could get the hardwired sensors, and reduce your net cost.

For the lamp, you could use a scheduled timer in the zwave remote, but i've never done that so i'm not sure how exactly to set it up or whether you can even do dim levels.

 

[johntarr]

So, considering the number of things I'd like to automate, the high upfront cost of an Elk system may be worth it for the savings on using hardwired equipment (all 5 of my exterior doors are already wired with contacts).

Since I'd still need some way for the Elk to tell the lights to turn on, how is the integration between Elk and z-wave devices?

 

[HighTest]

So, considering the number of things I'd like to automate, the high upfront cost of an Elk system may be worth it for the savings on using hardwired equipment (all 5 of my exterior doors are already wired with contacts).

Since I'd still need some way for the Elk to tell the lights to turn on, how is the integration between Elk and z-wave devices?

David Powell, a Z-wave enthusiast has a excellent how to article on using the Elk and Z-wave to controll lighting. Do a google search and you'll find it.

Note that there is both an existing Z-wave controller product (M1XZW) as well as possible development for an update to the M1XSP serial interface to work with the Leviton RZCOP Vizia RF serial controller. The anticipated advantage of the M1XSP/RZCOP setup would be true two-way communications. the M1XZW is only keep track of the status it changes, changes made by remote would not be detected.

You'll want to search the threads for the discussion on this. As I've installed Vizia RF switches and dimmers, I'm eagerly awaiting the M1XSP/RZCOP method. As far as I understand, the wait is for PC software to setup the Z-wave network in combination with the M1XSP/RZCOP.

So you have choices, either the existing M1XZW or pickup an M1XSP and anticipate the RZCOP configuration. David Powell's how-to uses the M1XZW, but the information should apply to the other method as well.

 

[IVB]

FYI - David Powell's alter ego is squintz, he's a regular here as well as CQC. He's got most of his stuff up on zwaveworld.com