Home Automation Newbie needs advice

[yzguy96]

Hi,

I am trying to plan what technology I would like to implement in my home. I would like to start small by controlling my thermostat and some lighting. I am thinking about using Zwave for thermostat and lighting. I would also like to control zwave with my android phone. I was looking at homeseer or mi casa vera but would like some advice or opinions from someone who has been there.

I also have a onQ home audio system. Plan on hooking up a PC to record shows and display media to multiple tvs. I did run 2 cat5 and 2 coax to each room but I never ran cat5 in my outlets when the drywall was down. Currently there is no neutral in my boxes but i may be able to add it since my brother is an electrician.

Thanks

 

[Rupp]

I'm a HomeSeer user that uses the new Android plugin for home control and I love it. I use the TZEMT400AB32MAA - Z-Wave Thermostat (Trane) found here: http://store.homeseer.com/store/x-C67.aspx and it's one of the best quality tstats for the money that I've purchased. I have this stat upstairs and an older RCS X10 stat downstairs that just keeps on ticking. If you have neutrals I would consider a mixture of UPB for the boxes that have neutrals and Z-Wave for others if you don't mind mixing styles.

You should check out SageTV for video distribution.

 

[yzguy96]

ok thanks! my friend at work has sage tv and loves it. how man zwave devices do i need to make it a solid mesh network? i wanted to start with only 1-2 rooms and gradually increase.

 

[yzguy96]

what about control think or zwave commander?

 

[Rupp]

A "good mesh" is different in every environment and depends on your Z-Wave pc interface. I use the Z-Troller and get a solid 20 -30 feet but others only get 8-10 feet. So the best way to build your Z-Wave network is to start close to your controller and build outward.

 

[yzguy96]

Ok that is through walls too? My house is only 1800 sqft. My wiring all home runs to basement so my controller will reside there. I want to control rooms on 2 floors. I guess there is only one way to find out and that is to try it.. any brand you recommend? Leviton...etc? Are you happy with zwave?

 

[Rupp]

Yes I've been very happy with my setup. There's a bit of a learning curve but once it's setup it works well for me. Here's HomeSeer's Z-Wave offerings :
http://store.homeseer.com/store/x-C52.aspx