I've dabbled with the idea of home automation for...well, ever since I saw crew members giving voice commands to turn on the lights in Star Trek. 
I've done bits of research over the years but never decided it was time to dive in, until now. I've decided I want a great deal of custom control over my system, but not have to keep a PC running all the time (especially since we're an all-Mac household), so I ordered a Raspberry Pi (model B, with 512MB of RAM) in anticipation of using it with MisterHouse or something similar via a USB powerline modem/controller. I have a computer science background, so no issues with getting into code if the end result is a brain-dead simple experience day-to-day.
Now I'm at the part I always get hung up on: which protocol for the lighting control?
Requirements:
I'm leaning toward UPB, because it seems highly reliable and there are a variety of good-looking switches available. I don't like Insteon because their switches are almost as expensive, but look cheap to me (especially the keypads), and sound cheap based on the unit I already ordered when I was still leaning that way.
So, key questions that I'd appreciate some input on from all of you, who probably have much more experience at this than I:
I've done bits of research over the years but never decided it was time to dive in, until now. I've decided I want a great deal of custom control over my system, but not have to keep a PC running all the time (especially since we're an all-Mac household), so I ordered a Raspberry Pi (model B, with 512MB of RAM) in anticipation of using it with MisterHouse or something similar via a USB powerline modem/controller. I have a computer science background, so no issues with getting into code if the end result is a brain-dead simple experience day-to-day.
Now I'm at the part I always get hung up on: which protocol for the lighting control?
Requirements:
- High reliability. I will not tolerate frequent missed commands, or questions from the wife about why the lights aren't turning on properly.
- Nice looking and nice feeling/sounding switches. Some of them out there are just really ugly, or sound/feel cheap when you tap them.
- Ideally the manufacturer would also offer switches that support dimming CFLs or LEDs.
I'm leaning toward UPB, because it seems highly reliable and there are a variety of good-looking switches available. I don't like Insteon because their switches are almost as expensive, but look cheap to me (especially the keypads), and sound cheap based on the unit I already ordered when I was still leaning that way.
So, key questions that I'd appreciate some input on from all of you, who probably have much more experience at this than I:
- Does UPB sound like the right technology based on my requirements?
- Can anyone recommend a particular brand of UPB switches? I've been reading a lot on the Simply Automated switches, they look good, have a lot of options, and the dimmers I would most often need can be had for ~$60 each. But I haven't found any that dim CFLs or LEDs.
- Does anyone else use MisterHouse with UPB? Or any other Linux controller software with UPB? What has your experience been like?
- Based on my limited understanding, I can mix and match protocols with the MisterHouse software and the right interfaces, correct? So I could use some X10 or Insteon door sensors, and, with an Insteon power line modem, could incorporate their inputs into my home automation? For example, I want to be able to sense if the garage door is up, and if it is, send a command to close it when I set my house to a nighttime scene using a UPB scene keypad.