Integrator or designer of HA systems?

[ezamorae741231]

Hello,

I am located in Mexico, and the HA market is not very competed here yet, so I am planning to enter the HA here as an integrator. I am an electronics engineer, and when I started research of HA (Mainly on the internet) I had the idea of designing an HA system myself, using a SBC and interfaces composed of 1 central panel Touch screen, and 2 monitor 4x20 LCD stations distributed in other parts of the house. I researched on the architectures, mainly LonWorks, KNX/EIB, and X10. Finally I think that a succesful home system has to support centralized architecture using X10/Insteon/UPB/Z-Wave, and be accesible through the internet. Therefore I now think that I would be better off by just integrating an existing system or just focusing on the computer and acquire an existing automation software (powerhouse/domination/etc.) to the system, and add perhiperals from the X10 store and so forth. I still have several doubts about how to start, I guess basically what I want is advice on the suitability to sustent a bussiness only with integration, or if it could be worth trying to develop a new system from scratch. Can you also recommend a winner combination in regards to the integration of a system (which computer with which software/which interfaces etc) and is there a platform that support all the mentioned technologies (X10, Z-Wave, Insteon, UPB). It also needs to be affordable technology ($600-$1200 USD). I know I am probably asking too much, but I consider a solid system some technology that can provide expandability for the following:
-Security
-Remote monitoring (Robotic Cameras, live feed, audio pick up,etc)
-Lighting
-Comfort (Appliances control)

Do you have a recomendation regarding the best combination of suppliers? any insight you can provide is most welcome


Thanks

 

[123]

I'm not a professional integrator but a humble do-it-yourselfer. Based on my experiences, if I were to "go pro" I would avoid using X10 in client installations.

In my home, I use SmartHome Switchlincs and X10 PRO modules based on the X10 protocol. X10 needs noise-free powerlines to work properly and I did my best to ensure that. In contrast, I placed a few X10 modules in my in-law's home and I couldn't successfully transmit a signal from one end of the house to the other! There are also rare times when some switches simply don't respond to all commands (for example, for one whole week in my home) and then they work perfectly. I'd hate to have to fix quirky problems like this in the field.

Repeated service-calls for the same problem eat away at your profits. Plus they add to your client's distrust of the technology and, unfortunately, reflect poorly on your competence.

I have no experience with Insteon, Zwave or UPB. From what I've read, SmartHome's Insteon devices have had serious quality-control problems that may have been resolved. UPB users claim the devices and protocol are very reliable. Zwave has been generally well-received but, if I'm not mistaken, lacks a comprehensive selection of available devices. Then there are the high-end, proprietary solutions like Lutron's RadioRA ...

Good luck!

 

[PiSigma]

I started out in HA after retiring from the Navy in 96 and have used X10 initially. My first controller was the Homebase/Time Commander then JDS Stargate, Omni, M1, Elan, now Superna. Anyway, through the years I've pretty much played with the latest in HA (except the really expensive AV products like Kaleidescape, AMX, Crestron). Lighting controls I've dabbled in include UPB, some Insteon, Lutron Radio RA, Z-wave and Zigbee.

When all is said and done and for you to make money in this business, you must apply the following:

--Learn from the pros. Go to training where there will be hands-on classes taught by industry veterans. BTW, technical prowess does not equate to good business skills. There is a reason why someone would prefer to dabble (DIY) vice actually owning a business and making a living out of it. A good place to learn would be RIS from Home Controls Inc. It is now taught in San Diego and New Orleans. It has 2 parts the Business Development Course and the Technical Course.

--Choose a proven product to sell and try not to be on the "bleeding" edge of the industry.

Hope this helps. Buena suerte!

 

[AnthonyZ]

I've been at it for about eight years, starting with basic cabling, light AV then two channel audio, distributed audio and home theater. You know how it is. One thing leads to another and I've been a hard charging HA guy for about four years now. First things, first. Get training(armed with the knowledge that you are being pitched). Then buy and install gear for you own home. DO NOT EXPERIMENT ON YOUR CLIENTS! Learn it, love it, live with it. Get very comfortable with the rig. Pay very close attention to the market. What's happening? What's coming? Go to trade shows. They're a great tax break/vacation with the added bonus of a little learning and a lot of networking. Knowing people (including your competition) is a very good thing. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. You are going to be payed to be an expert so be one. Pay your taxes (on time). Hire carefully. Add to and upgrade your own rig. Keep learning. Watch your numbers/books. Sell relationally. Sell youyr expertise. Sell. Sell. Sell. Sell. Sell. Sell. Build a brand and a reputation. Ask for referrals. Ask for upgrades. Practice impeccable intregrity. Go meet some more people. Understand that when working with a female client she will feel far more comfortable if you find a way to "mention" your wife or girlfriend. It let's her know you're safe. (I usually find one item in the home that I know my wife would like. Then I compliment the Mrs. while telling her that my wife loves that sort of knick knack or what have you. You can feel the internal sigh of relief. She's instantly more comfortable and I then let her play with color swatches of acoustic panels, wall plates, etc.). Read and read some more. Participate (rather than lurk) in various forums. Humbly request help when you need it. Make good friends with other trades. Go to some more training. Learn how to accept rejection. Learn how to say no or decline to work with squirrelly clients. Give manufacturers honest feedback, the good and the bad.

Lastly and most importantly, remember how much fun this stuff is. I have days that drive me into the ground. I suffer from outbursts of irrational anger and frustration. Then I contemplate just how blessed I am to be payed to practice my hobby, my passion, and I thank the Lord. I then fire up my theater rig and bask in the glow with a $hit eating grin...Have a blast!

 

[123]

AnthonyZ, that's darn good advice for any line of business!

 

[echostats]

I've been at it for about eight years, starting with basic cabling, light AV then two channel audio, distributed audio and home theater. You know how it is. One thing leads to another and I've been a hard charging HA guy for about four years now. First things, first. Get training(armed with the knowledge that you are being pitched). Then buy and install gear for you own home. DO NOT EXPERIMENT ON YOUR CLIENTS! Learn it, love it, live with it. Get very comfortable with the rig. Pay very close attention to the market. What's happening? What's coming? Go to trade shows. They're a great tax break/vacation with the added bonus of a little learning and a lot of networking. Knowing people (including your competition) is a very good thing. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. Learn. You are going to be payed to be an expert so be one. Pay your taxes (on time). Hire carefully. Add to and upgrade your own rig. Keep learning. Watch your numbers/books. Sell relationally. Sell youyr expertise. Sell. Sell. Sell. Sell. Sell. Sell. Build a brand and a reputation. Ask for referrals. Ask for upgrades. Practice impeccable intregrity. Go meet some more people. Understand that when working with a female client she will feel far more comfortable if you find a way to "mention" your wife or girlfriend. It let's her know you're safe. (I usually find one item in the home that I know my wife would like. Then I compliment the Mrs. while telling her that my wife loves that sort of knick knack or what have you. You can feel the internal sigh of relief. She's instantly more comfortable and I then let her play with color swatches of acoustic panels, wall plates, etc.). Read and read some more. Participate (rather than lurk) in various forums. Humbly request help when you need it. Make good friends with other trades. Go to some more training. Learn how to accept rejection. Learn how to say no or decline to work with squirrelly clients. Give manufacturers honest feedback, the good and the bad.

Lastly and most importantly, remember how much fun this stuff is. I have days that drive me into the ground. I suffer from outbursts of irrational anger and frustration. Then I contemplate just how blessed I am to be payed to practice my hobby, my passion, and I thank the Lord. I then fire up my theater rig and bask in the glow with a $hit eating grin...Have a blast!

This is some great information. Thanks!