Hi all. I'm new to CocoonTech. I've been reading around and getting familiar and I'm enjoying what is here.
I have been very interested in getting into Home Automation and have been looking into it and researching for a while now. My wife and I are now in the process of buying our first home so I thought now would be a good time to begin planning my 'angle of attack'! Up until recently I thought Insteon would be the way I would go. I liked the affordable options that were available and that it was Powerline and RF. Upon finding CocoonTech, this has been tested slightly and I am now wondering if Z-Wave of UPB (or others) might be a better way to go.
Here is what I am looking to do (albeit, not all at once):
Lighting, HVAC, Door Locks, Security (cameras, motion, etc).
The home is about 3100 sq ft with half currently finished. Is Insteon a good way to go or should I be looking at one of the other protocols? One thing that has be questioning Insteon is the lack of support for Door Locks - Z-Wave on the other hand seems to have similar appliances with support from companies who are entering the market.
What suggestions does everyone have? My budget is currently somewhat limited and I will be piecing it together as I go but I am not against spending a little more to ensure I get a solid system. I know a lot of the decision is personal preference but I'd love some input from the HA gurus!
(as a side note I know may be asked, I have a networking and programming background so I am not afraid of 'getting my hands dirty' to get things working)
Thanks, all!
I have been very interested in getting into Home Automation and have been looking into it and researching for a while now. My wife and I are now in the process of buying our first home so I thought now would be a good time to begin planning my 'angle of attack'! Up until recently I thought Insteon would be the way I would go. I liked the affordable options that were available and that it was Powerline and RF. Upon finding CocoonTech, this has been tested slightly and I am now wondering if Z-Wave of UPB (or others) might be a better way to go.
Here is what I am looking to do (albeit, not all at once):
Lighting, HVAC, Door Locks, Security (cameras, motion, etc).
The home is about 3100 sq ft with half currently finished. Is Insteon a good way to go or should I be looking at one of the other protocols? One thing that has be questioning Insteon is the lack of support for Door Locks - Z-Wave on the other hand seems to have similar appliances with support from companies who are entering the market.
What suggestions does everyone have? My budget is currently somewhat limited and I will be piecing it together as I go but I am not against spending a little more to ensure I get a solid system. I know a lot of the decision is personal preference but I'd love some input from the HA gurus!
(as a side note I know may be asked, I have a networking and programming background so I am not afraid of 'getting my hands dirty' to get things working)
Thanks, all!