Have my basic z-wave setup - what should the next steps be on my HA journey?

ghurty

Active Member
What next?

I really want to get into HA for the fun of it. I love tinkering with everything. And I really want to know the ins and outs of HA. I realize that this is a hobby that will probably slowly take over more and more of my time, but lets go for it.

I currently have a z-wave setup with 6 light switches, 1 thermostat, and one door sensor.

My controller is currently a vera2, but I downloaded a trial of homeseer and got a z-stick. I will experiment with homeseer once I can figure out how to copy the network over to the z-stick as a secondary controller while keeping the vera2.

What else can I do in my apartment to experiment and learn more? I cant use the motor for the blinds as they are not compatible with my window shades.

Any suggestions for the next steps? Should I try to get other technologies to play nice? I am thinking about trying to tie in a security system, but the ELK (is it even able to connect to z-wave) and Omni are expensive, so that is a large next step.

Thanks
 
No suggestions????

Have you looked at the software side, like CQC for example? CQC is the glue for my system with which I can connect the dispairat dots of my varous stand alone automation pieces.

From an automation subsystem standpoint examples are lighting, weather station, thermostat, AV recievers, Alarm, occupancy & closure state (via inexpensive x10 security modules), etc.

On the software side you have many avenues from user interfaces on PC, phone (Android or iOS) browser, etc, to control logic to automate actions depending on states of various pieces of things.

For example, once I had my basic CQC setup in place I added an X10 wireless receiver capable of processing X10 security modules and then implemented automated lighting for my 2 walk in closets and shop area. When the door opens/closes it sends a signal back to the CQC server which then issues, based on the door, a light on or light off command.

I'm in the process of installing the X10 window/door modules to dectect the status of windows/doors that are not on my alarm system to identify whether they are open or closed. If open then I want to know about it if it starts raining (either alarm monitored or X10 monitored)or if I leave the house and try to set the alarm with windows open let me know about it before hand.

Hope this triggers some food for thought / ideas for you.

-Ben
 
HomeSeer is definitely a very good option, plus there is still a copy of the PRO version for sale in the classifieds section (at a really good price).
 
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