New to automation. Need recommendation

NashvilleKid

New Member
I want to start a home automation project. I'd like to start with a thermostat and software so I can control via the web. What would be the best to start with?
Thanks
 
almost all software packages have a free trial period... everyone here has their own opinion of which one is better and why... give a few a shot.

But you are going to need to decide a few things first. Like what other technologies you are considering. I would not want to install a Insteon thermostat if you are not going to use insteon in the rest of your HA project. Same goes with zwave thermostat....I decided on using a hardwired thermostat to my

Elk M1, which I use as the master controller and talk to with a software package called Elve
 
But you are going to need to decide a few things first. Like what other technologies you are considering. I would not want to install a Insteon thermostat if you are not going to use insteon in the rest of your HA project.
That's an advantage of using HomeSeer. You can use Insteon wall switches, with a UPB thermostat, and Z-Wave temp and humidity sensors, and X10 door and window sensors
all with ease.
 
But you are going to need to decide a few things first. Like what other technologies you are considering. I would not want to install a Insteon thermostat if you are not going to use insteon in the rest of your HA project.
That's an advantage of using HomeSeer. You can use Insteon wall switches, with a UPB thermostat, and Z-Wave temp and humidity sensors, and X10 door and window sensors
all with ease.

...if you don't mind buying all the different interface devices and ignoring the advantages of a strong mesh network.
 
...if you don't mind buying all the different interface devices and ignoring the advantages of a strong mesh network.
The only protocol that has a mesh network is Z-Wave and it just requires a few modules to work in most instances but of course that depends on how large your home is. In addition, if you are worried about buying interfaces for most of these new protocols then they most likely aren't for you as the interface is cheaper than a single switch.
 
...if you don't mind buying all the different interface devices and ignoring the advantages of a strong mesh network.
The only protocol that has a mesh network is Z-Wave and it just requires a few modules to work in most instances but of course that depends on how large your home is. In addition, if you are worried about buying interfaces for most of these new protocols then they most likely aren't for you as the interface is cheaper than a single switch.

Zigbee too. Insteon devices are also repeaters so its kind of a dumb mesh and does affect performance and I expect more so with new dual-band devices. But I was just saying the possible benefits of a mesh network are worth considering. Variety can work too, though and yeah it's probably not going to break the bank to buy a few interfaces and might actually save money in certain cases. Just make well-informed decisions considering all factors.
 
I bought into the original INSTEON issue, years ago. It was 100% effective UNTIL I added my first CFL, then it (the network) went to crap (for me). If you view the Smarthome forum, it is filled with "filter link" posts. Those work (I guess) but they cost additional money and if some visitor comes by without a 'filterlinc' on the laptop that they plug in, ... well, err, your network may just go to crap. My biased choice would be a good Z-Wave company, like Leviton, with some good software. I personally use HomeSeer, that works well for me. Just my own humble opinion, others may vary.
k
 
.... In addition, if you are worried about buying interfaces for most of these new protocols then they most likely aren't for you as the interface is cheaper than a single switch.....

I disagree, they are almost the same cost, and I'd rather buy a new switch then buying another interface.... Or putting that money to another HA project. cameras, or thermostats, or .... and is it not easier to buy one technology that you know id designed to work together then to try and switch it up in software, and hope you programmed what you expect to happen?
 
So you basically have two decisions to make. You have to decide on a thermostat protocol/platform and you have to decide on software to run it.

Thermostat
First of all, being an Insteon user, I would recommend you NOT do an Insteon thermostat. It is not reliable enough to put something as important as your thermostat on. You don't want frozen pipes, etc. Ditto for x10.

If you don't want to deal with running wires then Zwave/UPB is probably your best bet. If you are ok with running some wire and are maybe considering an alarm panel in the future (Elk/HAI,etc) you might consider RS232/Serial, which IMHO is the most reliable.

Software
As for software, you won't get a straight answer here as everyone has their favorites, and they all work. There is CQC, Homeseer, Elve, etc. All have free trials so you can try before you buy.

I personally use CQC, with an RCS RS485 thermostat connected to my Elk M1G. More details on my setup can be found in the link in my sig.
 
As for software, you won't get a straight answer here as everyone has their favorites, and they all work. There is CQC, Homeseer, Elve, etc. All have free trials so you can try before you buy.

With a grin on my face, I would somewhat disagree with that first sentence. In some parts of the country, not giving a 'straight answer' means making up some BS answer. I just give my opinion and best advice, based on past experience, as I am sure the others here do too. I think I know what you actually meant and do agree 100%. I have come to believe that the better software manufacturers are not afraid to offer free trials. I also agree that 'wireless' controls of any kind are no where near the reliability of a wired system.


NashvilleKid,

The best way to start, in my opinion, If I had it to do all over again; Do a little research into different manufacturers, specifically their warranties. A longer warranty is usually better, the offer of an 'extended' warranty (at a price) is quite often just a way for that company to squeeze some extra money out of you. A longer, free warranty, generally means that the company has a product that is of higher quality.

I don't know your budget. I would advise to avoid jumping on the cheapest product. I have discovered that some of the cheaper products will cost much more in the long run than an equivalent, more expensive device.

I know Z-Wave, and can recommend that. I have read much on UPB and would not having any problems recommending a trial setup of that. I have used INSTEON and cannot recommend that to anyone.

My own humble opinions, others will, I am sure, vary. ;)

ken
 
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