Hello from Houston - Bought my first house!

[rad-man]

I just bought my first house, and I'm ready to get my hands dirty!
I'm a Network Administrator, and I really want my house to have an "automated" cool-factor.

This whole thing started with a simple touch-screen jukebox idea, but after discovering this site, I'm thinking just a little bit more.

The problem is that I've discovered this whole community of HA, and I'm in the stage of being a bit overwhelmed.

here are my goals, listed in order of preference:

I'd like to use this screen as a front-end:
Dell ST2220T 21.5" Multi-Touch IPS LCD

I'd like to be able to play music from the front-end into about 3 zones: Kitchen, living room, garage.

I'd also like to add a bit of automation: Thermostat and some lights

Finally, I'd like to install a Surveillance system.

I've installed all 3 of these separately, but I'd like to get it all working in 1 simple front-end.


I'm assuming my hardware list will look something like:
Dell monitor
in-wall speakers
Amp for the speakers
Central PC
Cameras
some sort or module for the lights
thermostat



I don't want to go overboard with anything else.

Can you please point me in the right direction to piece this systm together?

 

[jwilson56]

Well to get some ideas check my showcase bog on here

 

[Neurorad]

Welcome!

You need a software-based controller.

Take a look at CQC (Charmed Quark), Elve (CodeCore Technologies), HomeSeer, Girder (Promixis), and MainLobby (Cinemar). Premise is another, and it's free - separate subforum here on cocoontech.

Try before you buy. Some are more flexible (and challenging) than others.

You mentioned surveillance, but not security. Is that a consideration? Integrating an alarm system? If yes, then check out the Elk M1 and HAI security controllers - they offer some good HA functions in addition to security.

 

[electron]

hi rad-man, welcome to CT!

Some home automation technologies to check out:
UPB (power line based, requires neutrals), INSTEON (power line based, plus RF), and Z-Wave. Z-Wave offers the largest range of devices such as light switches, locks, thermostats, and more. If you have a RadioShack near you, it's a great time to go check them out, as they are discontinuing home automation hardware, and put all their Z-Wave stuff on clearance (see this thread for more information). While the light switches are of cheap quality, it would make a great starter kit so you can get a feel for all of this.

There is so much more information out there, but it might be easier to narrow down the right solution once we know what kind of budget you are working with, or at least have an understanding that while home automation is cool, it's not a money saving hobby

 

[rad-man]

If you have a RadioShack near you, it's a great time to go check them out, as they are discontinuing home automation hardware, and put all their Z-Wave stuff on clearance

Dan,
Thanks for the heads-up about Radio shack!! I hit up 2 of them and came home with a large load of devices. Here's what I got
The Lever lock starter kit with the wireless bridge
trane thermostat
4 wired cameras
several dimmer switches
various lamp and appliance modules.
I'm going to a different RS tomorrow to look for outlet resepticals.


Now my only question is about software.
The Schlage service is $99 a year. It seems like I can do everything with this service, but do i have any other software options?

I'd still like to use my HTPC to run music and control all these new z-wave devices i got.

 

[electron]

Unless you plan on purchasing the Schlage LiNK subscription, you should probably return that lock kit, and just get the lock. I hope you used the $10 off $40 coupons found in that thread I linked (read that entire thread if you haven't already).

The Mi Casa Verde Vera 2 is probably the cheapest hardware interface giving you access to your Z-Wave network. mControl also supports Z-Wave, which is a home automation interface for Windows Media Center.

 

[rad-man]

you've been great help! thank you.

I'll take a look at both software packages you mentioned.
How does the pc/software interact with the z-wave network? is there another bridge-type piece of hardware that I need?

 

[electron]

You will need a USB/Z-Wave adapter interface which is supported by mControl. The Vera 2 controller supports Z-Wave out of the box. I am working on the review now, but it supports the locks, thermostats and other Z-Wave devices without any problems.

 

[rad-man]

You will need a USB/Z-Wave adapter interface which is supported by mControl. The Vera 2 controller supports Z-Wave out of the box. I am working on the review now, but it supports the locks, thermostats and other Z-Wave devices without any problems.

any updates on your review on the Vera2?

 

[electron]

The unit is running great, but I am waiting for my Kwikset lock before I can finish this review. The lock was delayed due to the situation in Japan, but hopefully will have it soon. As long as you use the Vera 2 with Z-Wave, it's the best bang for the buck deal (INSTEON configuration can be a frustrating experience from what I am hearing).