New to Home Automation (Help?)

[ctsky]

I'm completely new to home automation. Just want to start slow and build up if I determine it's not terribly difficult for me.
 
To start I picked up the: GE 45603 Z-Wave Technology Wireless Lighting Control Fluorescent Light & Appliance Module
 
I'd like to be able to use to turn things on & off using specifically the iOS app (via Wi-Fi or cellular connection is fine).
 
I'd appreciate if someone could just point me in the right direction, or offer some advice. Just looking for the easiest/least expensive way to do so for now. I figure if I use it enough, I can ramp up later on.
 
Thank you in advance!

 

[ctsky]

Sorry, I guess I should've said "an iOS app" because I'm not even sure which iOS app I would need for this... :unsure:

 

[electron]

Welcome to CT!
 
I would highly recommend you invest in a Mi Casa Vera 3 Lite.  They include a web service which lets you control your equipment without having to open up your firewall, and it is a very flexible platform.

 

[ctsky]

Thank you! Will do that! (That was way easier than I expected...)

 

[ctsky]

I noticed that it would be $179-299 for this new gateway device. Is there a lower priced alternative to getting things going?
 
I'd like to see my usage before I ultimately invest in a more permanent solution down the road.
 
Main reason being, I have a relative who has pre-ordered the SmartThings system, and I'd like to see that before putting money down in this type of mesh network set-up or the smartthings cloud set-up.
 
(My home is already set-up with FiOS Wi-Fi if that makes any difference.)

 

[electron]

Unfortunately, you need some sort of hardware interface in order to talk to your Z-Wave modules.  So that's at least $30-$40 up to $100 for this interface, and if your module isn't within range, you will need to get another module, so it can build a mesh and reach the final destination.   Unfortunately the software list in my signature is down right now (in process of migrating it to a new platform), as it would let you filter packages by protocol.
 
So the cheapest solution would be to use a trial version of one of the better software packages out there (Homeseer, CQC & Elve) while using an interface these packages support.
 
Home Automation isn't cheap, and temporary solutions can be a big waste of money.
 
Keep in mind that unless you were a KickStarter backer, you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee for the SmartThings product, which is a showstopper IMO.

 

[ctsky]

I see. Thanks for the help!
 
I guess I bought the module prematurely  :unsure: If it's another $30-40 I don't mind, I figure I can always resell it in case I decide to switch later. However, maybe for now it's better I go with a Belkin Wemo...

 

[Mrmark52]

FWIW - I am using the Insteon 2412n controller with the free Insteon app for the iPhone and iPad, to drive various x10 modules. Eventually I will convert the x10's to insteons.

I have set up a routine to control my outside lights to come on at sunset, and go off at 1:00 am everyday. I can control lights in my living room to on/off and dim, although it's rather kludgy and not 100% reliable for dimming.

Issues of driving x10s with the 2412 is you have to figure out the addressing and function code. Once done, you can get it to work, but you don't get all the features X10 has to offer (but Insteon modules to replace x10 modules are not in the budget at the moment).

It's really nice to sit in my chai and control the lights to set/meet the mood, using my iPhone or iPad.

 

[MobileMe]

Openremote has a good interface and it connects to z-wave devices and many others.  All you need is a computer and its free.

 

[ctsky]

I will have to look into "Openremote"...maybe that's something I could do for now.

 

[ctsky]

I would be able to obtain a KickStarter backed version from my relative if that is ultimately the way I decide to go.
 
Also, based on their actual website, it looks like you could still pre-order and will be exempt from monthly fees, although it costs more, naturally (First 10,000 backers besides KickStarter backers)

 

[ChrisCicc]

I see. Thanks for the help!
 
I guess I bought the module prematurely  :unsure: If it's another $30-40 I don't mind, I figure I can always resell it in case I decide to switch later. However, maybe for now it's better I go with a Belkin Wemo...

 
You're going in the wrong direction
 
There are several distinct downsides to WeMo. 1) it's a proprietary system. Belkin thus far has refused to open up their protocol to allow other software to communicate with WeMo devices. That's a big no-no to an industry that is supposed to be based on open protocols. 2) It's WiFi only - you said you want to expand your system, so you better be sure that you have WiFi coverage everywhere. Z-Wave, Insteon, and others build out their own mesh network, and are not dependent on the range of WiFi. 3) Hardware support, it's a new protocol, and there aren't nearly as many types of devices out there for automation as there are with other more mature platforms. 
 
With SmartThings, as Dan has already stated, their entire business model is meant to lock you in to sending them money every month. There is no guarantee the company doesn't go out of business, leaving you with bricks instead of "smart things". And there is no guarantee any of us in the HA software industry will bother to support it. I highly suggest you take a wait and see position on SmartThings. 
 
If you want to stick with Z-Wave, want an easy to use app for your iDevice, don't want to pay for a expensive central controller box, and you have a Windows PC already, I suggest taking a look at my company's software, CastleOS. It just launched, and we haven't added Z-Wave support yet (Insteon and X10 only during the first beta), but that should be ready in about a month. 
 
Either way, welcome to the wonderful world of home automation!