How far should I go with my Home Automation?

[wolfdown]

Guys, I think all this stuff is really cool, but I'm stuck on figuring out if I need a $500 controller or just something more basic.

I've decided to try out the Leviton Vizia RF+ hardware since I've heard good things about it. What I want to achieve right now, is to simply define a few zones for my main living area, including a set of outdoor lights. It looks like the Leviton Z-wave programmer can do all this, and includes features to enable timed events to put my outdoor lights on a schedule.

Right now this is about all I can see wanting. Am I missing something though? Is there some cool feature that is worth the splurge on a Homeseer or a MicasaVerde that I can't do with the Leviton Z-wave programmer? I guess I'm basically interested in knowing what features I'll be missing out on going with a simple Z-wave remote.

 

[hobbes487]

Just using the basic Leviton controller may suit your needs just fine, but combining that with some HA software will open up a lot of other possibilities like adding motion sensors to to have your lights in each zone come on automatically. The main thing you will be missing with the basic controller is additional intelligence. along with a lot more intelligence. Maybe this isn't what you need/want and if that it the case I would say just go with the basic controller. I can understand not wanting to shell out a lot of money for something you aren't sure if you want it. There are a few free options available you could try to see if you want that kind of solution.

 

[treo650]

For simply timed lighting, why not purchase a $30 programmable timer switch?

That will achieve all you need...

Now for home automation, you can integrate it withotikn sensors, etc etc.

But personally, for me, a $30 programmable timer will suffice (for now)

 

[N49atv]

Yeah, I'm at the same stage. I'm thinking I'll be going with an HAI in my new build. For security, and automation. But I really like some of the lutron switches etc. but that's a pretty big risk. Since if I wire it centralized I'm pretty much stuck that way. Pulling both would be extra cost.

I'd check if there is an automation demos (from stores etc) in your area, maybe to try out some switches. I don't have any near by.

 

[tmbrown97]

I used to do the $30 timers, but those don't adjust automatically as the days of the year get longer or shorter; and they can't do anything else "smart".

For where you're at, it might be worth looking at the MiCasaVerde Vera Lite... take a look at what all it can do, and see if you want to do any of that. It's way less than $500 - at $200 it's not bad at all. From there maybe you want to add a Z-Wave thermostat; or a deadbolt; or maybe you just really like having your timers automatically adjust year-round to the changing sunrise/sunset times, and wand different schedules for weekdays vs. weekends...

If not, then stick with what's free! Unfortunately I still don't use Z-Wave, even though I have an original Vera untouched on the shelf... so I don't know what all tools are available for it.

 

[picta]

Yeah, I'm at the same stage. I'm thinking I'll be going with an HAI in my new build. For security, and automation. But I really like some of the lutron switches etc. but that's a pretty big risk. Since if I wire it centralized I'm pretty much stuck that way. Pulling both would be extra cost.

I'd check if there is an automation demos (from stores etc) in your area, maybe to try out some switches. I don't have any near by.

Tere is no risk for you to do home run wiring on lighting, it will give you the most options available, just like home-run for low voltage does. You will be able to install any lighting system, including the "conventional" one with mechanical switches (if you also home-run the switches, but that is only necessary if you really want to be retrofit-compatible). If you choose to run only cat5 to switches, you can still connect them to loads via mechanical relays witout need for any lighting system but with a lot of flexibility as to which switch controls wihich load.

 

[Del91574]

Yeah, I'm at the same stage. I'm thinking I'll be going with an HAI in my new build. For security, and automation. But I really like some of the lutron switches etc. but that's a pretty big risk. Since if I wire it centralized I'm pretty much stuck that way. Pulling both would be extra cost.
I'd check if there is an automation demos (from stores etc) in your area, maybe to try out some switches. I don't have any near by.

Centralized loads is the best way to go no matter what, the downside is the amount of cabling needed to accomplish it properly. It allows the most flexibility for head end, control wiring for a specific system or consideration for a control cable that is compatible with multiple platforms (they do exist).

Centralized has existed for years, all the way back to the touchplate systems and their relays, the downside being the amount of LV conductors that needed to be pulled to the plate and back to the head end.

Hybrid would be the best, traditional for the outlets and centralized for the lighting, only downside is not being able to really control an outlet going centralized in this manner.

 

[N49atv]

Well before seeing the above two posts, I came up with a solution today at work. Put a 60a lighting panel on each floor, also a structured wiring enclosure. Make hone runs to the enclosure, then to LP. Also pull drop from fixtures to switch boxes. And use plaster rings. Can go either way.

To OP. I started home automation hunting about 4-6 weeks ago. I started off liking the idea of my builder putting in a smart thermostat, and changing it before I get home to a better temp. Save energy.

Then I thought it would be great to turn off my bathroom plugs remotely. My wife is famous for waiting till im in the car, buckled up, half way down the driveway, before getting me to stop and go back in to check if her hair straightener was off. If I don't go she I'd stressed the whole time we are gone.

Now I'm looking at full blown. I'm wiring for everything, even if u won't use it (blinds, dealer told me 2k a window). I'd suggest the same. Cause once you have one thing your gonna think another would be great. Pull wire, and as funds or needs increase, you can add in.