I am just starting out with some ideas for home automation. I have been reading many posts here on this site, and have visited some of the manufacturers to get a "feel" for what their products do.
It is difficult with SO many posts to weed through at first to try to make a decision on what to start with. I want to start small and use what I buy to get a "feel" for the capabilities of this type of system. My home is 15 years old, and I have pretty clean power. I also have cable based Internet, a wireless N+ network with 1 GBit wired, (I rarely use wired now).
Basically, I have broken my requirements into a few basic catageories:
- What do I want to automate,(for now)?
Lighting only (in house and external building)
(Other things in the future)
Things like garage doors
Security, cameras and door locks, motion sensing
- What level of programmability and interface am I interested in?
Very high level since I do a lot of programming myself with factory automation and information systems, this really appeals to me the most.
I also am interested in remote access and wireless control with my laptop or Wondows Mobile based phone.
- How much do i want to spend; now, and overall?
Under $700 for some lighting controls, controller, and software.
- What system standard do i want to use?
Right now I am thinking something that can control Insteon, but am still researching hardware. The inexpensive X10 stuff looks good for basic on/off lighting, but I am afraid of adopting an old standard that might be going away.
I know my requirements will change over time, so I want to use a controller with good flexibility.
I am worried that the Insteon controllers will be too limiting right now. I am attracted to the Universal devices ISY-26 and ISY-99i Series. I can get a refurbished ISY-99i for about the same price of a new ISY-26. Except for the number of events, I’m not sure why I would go with a new ISY-99i over a new ISY-26? I’m going to call them later today and ask. Everything I read about the company tells me that they are VERY user oriented and take lots of time to help their users.
So, I thought i would post my thoughts for any possible discussion on the forum. I am trying to avoid the usual "help me decide" type of post and do as much research as I can. Any help would be appreciated.
It is difficult with SO many posts to weed through at first to try to make a decision on what to start with. I want to start small and use what I buy to get a "feel" for the capabilities of this type of system. My home is 15 years old, and I have pretty clean power. I also have cable based Internet, a wireless N+ network with 1 GBit wired, (I rarely use wired now).
Basically, I have broken my requirements into a few basic catageories:
- What do I want to automate,(for now)?
Lighting only (in house and external building)
(Other things in the future)
Things like garage doors
Security, cameras and door locks, motion sensing
- What level of programmability and interface am I interested in?
Very high level since I do a lot of programming myself with factory automation and information systems, this really appeals to me the most.
I also am interested in remote access and wireless control with my laptop or Wondows Mobile based phone.
- How much do i want to spend; now, and overall?
Under $700 for some lighting controls, controller, and software.
- What system standard do i want to use?
Right now I am thinking something that can control Insteon, but am still researching hardware. The inexpensive X10 stuff looks good for basic on/off lighting, but I am afraid of adopting an old standard that might be going away.
I know my requirements will change over time, so I want to use a controller with good flexibility.
I am worried that the Insteon controllers will be too limiting right now. I am attracted to the Universal devices ISY-26 and ISY-99i Series. I can get a refurbished ISY-99i for about the same price of a new ISY-26. Except for the number of events, I’m not sure why I would go with a new ISY-99i over a new ISY-26? I’m going to call them later today and ask. Everything I read about the company tells me that they are VERY user oriented and take lots of time to help their users.
So, I thought i would post my thoughts for any possible discussion on the forum. I am trying to avoid the usual "help me decide" type of post and do as much research as I can. Any help would be appreciated.
