HA in Europe

[Flipsy]

Hi there,
 
I want to build up a Home Automation system in my home. The problem is that most of the devices are not working in Europe and I need some suggestions. As I saw Z-wave has a quite lot devices designed for european use, maybe it would be the way to start, but any other suggestions will help me.
 
In time I want to control everything in my house. First I will start with lights, multimedia, security, heating but later on I will extend the system. I want to use an Android tablet as a controller. It should have modern outlook, ease of use and reliable. Of yourse also as cheap as it can be
 
 
What software would you suggest to use on PC and what do you suggest on android phone?
What technology (like z-wave)? What producer?
What technology and software for infrared devices like TV, HIFI, DVD player?
What security system?
 
 
I want to know these at the begining, that later on I won't need to change everything. Maybe if you would write down what do you use to control your home, or just send me websites, links it will help me a lot!!!
 
Help me to build up a whole system in middle Europe from the begining. THX

 

[lanski]

Where do you live in Europe?
For software you can go with homeseer or cqc.

 

[picta]

If you are in Europe, I would recommend centralite for lighting and HAI omni as a HA controller, both have European versions and play well with each other. Zwave may work for you as well, but the quality of devices varies greatly by manufacture.

 

[electron]

Protocol wise, KNX, Bye Bye Standby, KlikAanKlikUit & Z-Wave are very popular in Europe.  Both ELK M1 and the HAI Omni Pro II are supported in Europe, and there are apps for iOS and Android for both ELK M1 and HAI Omni Pro II, without having to design a layout.   HomeSeer & CQC also offer smartphone clients, allowing you to design your own layout.
 
I also like DomotiGa, which I believe is written by a Dutch person, so there is some focus on European technologies. Last but not least, don't forget to check the home automation software list if you haven't already.

 

[picta]

Protocol wise, KNX, Bye Bye Standby, KlikAanKlikUit & Z-Wave are very popular in Europe.  Both ELK M1 and the HAI Omni Pro II are supported in Europe, and there are apps for iOS and Android for both ELK M1 and HAI Omni Pro II, without having to design a layout.   HomeSeer & CQC also offer smartphone clients, allowing you to design your own layout.
 
I also like DomotiGa, which I believe is written by a Dutch person, so there is some focus on European technologies. Last but not least, don't forget to check the home automation software list if you haven't already.

 
As far as I know, only KNX, centralite and zwave techologies are supported by HAI and Elk only has zwave. Homeseer does support zwave in EU, not sure about CQS. So if HA integration is important, it would be wise to choose the lighting technology first and then find a controller that supports it.

 

[electron]

I also forgot to mention the Mi Casa Verde Vera series.  I believe it supports some of the other protocols I mentioned, and is very flexible.

 

[ChrisCicc]

Insteon is also available in parts of Europe now...

 

[pete_c]

Personally I frequent a site over in the UK mostly reading to see what the HA trends are like. 
 
I did get a bit involved with some of the xAP stuff over on the forum last year.
 
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/vbulletin/forum.php

 

[b_weijenberg]

If you select the RFXtrx433 USB RF transceiver for home automation you can use cheap dimmers and appliance modules for non-critical lighting components. Depending on the country you can select: KlikAanKlikUit, Chacon, Intertechno, HomeEasy, LightwaveRF, NEXA, Proove.... and many others.
And you can use Oregon Scientific, TFA, LaCrosse, TechnoLine or Rubicson sensors.
And roller blinds/projection screens like Rollertrol, Ematronic, Raex, Media Mount....
For the full list of supported sensors and actors see "Will support" at http://www.rfxcom.com/store/Transceivers/12103
 
1) What software would you suggest to use on PC and what do you suggest on android phone?
On a PC you can use Homeseer, Domoticz and many others see the list "Supported by" at the link above.
 
2) What technology (like z-wave)? What producer?
RFXCOM does not support Z-Wave but some software packages support Z-Wave like Homeseer.
 
3) What technology and software for infrared devices like TV, HIFI, DVD player?
Some software packages support USB_UIRT and other IR solutions.
 
4) What security system?
The RFXtrx433 support X10 security sensors.
The European Visonic PowerCode sensors operate at 868.95MHz. These sensors can be received by this USB receiver http://www.rfxcom.com/store/Receivers/10106
 
Other solutions are the RFXLAN with Visonic slave receiver. The RFXLAN can be flashed with TCP/IP or xPL firmware.
See the "Supported By" lists at each RFXCOM device.