New to home automation, need help

[johntarr]

So now I have two questions:

1) If you go with a system such as z-wave devices, but you want to add on non-standard items (maybe pressure sensors, door open/closed circuits, or anything non z-wave compliant), how would you do so? Would that require everything run to a hardware box that centralizes your Z-wave devices and your other devices? Or is there any way to do that with software only?

2) Are wireless devices really that unreliable? I've been thinking they would be fine, but I'm hearing alot of bad press. I live out in the suburbs of a small town, so not alot of interference, but still a concern.

 

[IVB]

I've been having trouble with Z-Wave that's only >10 feet away. Several times a day it looses contact with the device. It still works I just see a lot of errors when polling the device. I have one remote, one interface and one lamp module.

Yeah, I had the same experience initially. I had to beg Dean to upgrade the CQC-zWave driver to accomodate for harsh environments. Since then it's great, but before that (even using the HA07 remote), I had issues 30-40% of the time, and that was on outbound commands.

Home Automation (or Domotics) is automation specific to the requirements of private residences. It applies techniques for the comfort, security, entertainment and communications needs of it's residents.

In simplest terms it is control and monitoring of devices and information.

That last sentence is great - the reason I extended my def'n to have the "to produce results that cannot be done by using each device’s native ability." is to address the "why wouldn't you just use the thermo/etc capabilities". What we do cannot be done using any single device.

 

[IVB]

So now I have two questions:

1) If you go with a system such as z-wave devices, but you want to add on non-standard items (maybe pressure sensors, door open/closed circuits, or anything non z-wave compliant), how would you do so? Would that require everything run to a hardware box that centralizes your Z-wave devices and your other devices? Or is there any way to do that with software only?

I use an Elk for all that stuff, so I don't have to deal with wireless.

2) Are wireless devices really that unreliable? I've been thinking they would be fine, but I'm hearing alot of bad press. I live out in the suburbs of a small town, so not alot of interference, but still a concern.

It's all highly variable based on your environment and the size of the mesh network. Once I crossed 12 devices and got nothing more than 10' away from the next one, and the software was upgraded, it's been 99%. I'm now at 20-something, and there's 6 more I'll install as soon as I get an electrician to tell me how the hell my 3ways are wired. Keep in mind that wireless anything (networks, cellphones) is impacted by your house structure (the metal mesh that sits under the stucco kills lots of stuff).

Of course, power-line-controlled devices are potentially no better, even the mighty UPB. I have some seriously old & dirty power lines with lots of dirty appliances. I talk about my issues with zWave, but I don't know that PLC devices would be any better - heck, they could be worse.

The only sure way to get 100% reliability in HA is to do that which you've professed to hate - run wire *everywhere*, including your light-switches.

 

[johntarr]

Sounds like my best (and maybe only) bet is to go with a hybrid solution and get an elk box to tie it all together like most everyone else has done.

Just out of curiosity, is there a large jump in price associated with wired systems? For instance, I'm seeing roughly $65 or so for a Z-wave dimmer. Are hardwired dimmers more expensive?

 

[IVB]

yes, craploads more expensive. Based on which one, up to $300 per switch.

BTW, Intermatic Homesettings zWave are $32ish each. There's a $20 rebate for a single one (ie, you can't get 20 at $20 off).