Noob Qs... controlling lights, random, etc.

[Turner]

Hi everyone-
 
After doing a bunch of googling/reading/product reviews, I've decided to "break down" and come here and actually ask some people who know...
 
We tried out the Belkin WeMo single plug just to turn a lamp on and off. Seemed great, set up fine, updated firmware, worked well... from home.
 
As soon as we left home and accessed remotely, it failed due to falling into a continuous "updating firmware" loop.
 
So, back it went. I will not trust Belkin again.
 
Moving on... I see Z-wave, zigbee, Insteon, etc. Frankly there are so many options and pros/cons I can't keep track as I don't know much about them yet.
 
Here's what I'd like to do:
 
1) Install some outets to control items that are plugged in.
2) Install some switches that are connected to various indoor and outdoor lights.
3) The big one... We'd like to control these things remotely; in addition to direct control, I'd LOVE if someone made automation software that doesn't require me to learn C++ or something.  This software/app/whatever should allow us to both set specific times to turn things on/off, enable dusk to dawn operation, but also allow us to create "programmed random" settings.
 
By "programmed random" I mean I'd like a lot of flexibility in random settings, for example,
 
"On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 7pm and 11pm, turn on for a random time between one and ten minutes, and turn off for a random time between seven and twenty minutes."
 

 
I realize there may be a bunch of ways to do this - any help/guidance is GREATLY appreciated.
 
thanks!
Andrew

 

[pete_c]

Welcome to the Cocoontech forum Andrew!
 
Have a quick read here about the various technologies being utilized today for automation. 
 
Much of what you will see is non specific to OS, Phone or use of the cloud.
 
Keep reading.

 

[potts.mike]

You might check out http://www.smartthings.com/

 

[Desert_AIP]

I use UPB for my devices.
The stand alone plug in timer has timed events, plus a vacation mode that has a different schedule and randomization of on/off times.
I've used it for years.

 

[oberkc]

I use insteon, plus a little bit of z-wave.  I don't know C++.  I access remotely.
 
It seems to me that Z-wave is most broadly available.  Folks around here seem to swear by UPB.  I am happy with insteon.  My suspicion is that you will be happy with any of these.  Pick one and move on to the next decision.  I believe all offer outlets, switches, plug-in modules.  I am not sure that you are going to find a clear winner here.
 
I can speak mostly about insteon controllers.  There is a hub controller available from smarthome.  I have never used it, but it seems nice enough, if a little bit limited in capability.  I use the ISY-994 controller and believe that there is none better for insteon.  It speaks a little z-wave, and a little zigbee, but not at the same time.  Either the hub or ISY will give you remote access to your house system, but the ISY would require an app that is not free if wanting to access via android or iOS.

 

[pete_c]

1) Install some outlets to control items that are plugged in.
2) Install some switches that are connected to various indoor and outdoor lights.

 
You can do this today with whatever flavor OS you choose and with all the aforementioned automation lighting / outlet protocols.
 

3) The big one... We'd like to control these things remotely; in addition to direct control, I'd LOVE if someone made automation software that doesn't require me to learn C++ or something.  This software/app/whatever should allow us to both set specific times to turn things on/off, enable dusk to dawn operation, but also allow us to create "programmed random" settings.
By "programmed random" I mean I'd like a lot of flexibility in random settings, for example,
 
"On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 7pm and 11pm, turn on for a random time between one and ten minutes, and turn off for a random time between seven and twenty minutes."

 
I do not know of any commercially sold automation software that requires you to learn C++ today.
 
There are folks here using purchased automation software and folks using automation in firmware.  There is also open source automation software out there for free.
 
Personally here using Homeseer 2 software on two boxes and testing Homeseer 3 software on Arm, Intel and AMD CPU boxes in Linux.   I have been a Homeseer user since the late 1998.
 
Homeseer
 
Hardware wise utilizing an HAI Leviton OmniPro II (X2) providing me automation and security. I've used the HAI OPII since the early 2000's.
 
Leviton HAI Omni Pro II
 
I am using both of the above talking UPB, X-10, Insteon and Z-Wave.
 
I am playing with opensource software and other software mentioned here on the forum (have a look at the automation software spreadsheet).
 
and a new little touch screen wireless hub combo router, switch and firewall called the Almond +.that currently talks Z-Wave and Zigbee.
 
Almond +
 
I can use iOS, Android or Wintel wired or wireless consoles access for the above just fine. 
 
Many users on the forum here also are utilizing the Elk M1 combination security and automation panel and other users here also use dealer installed systems like Control 4 and Crestron.  .
 
Read some more on the forum. 
 
Play with the software mentioned here.  Figure out what it is you want to spend on automation (budget) and how much you want to DIY or not.  (include infrastructure, light switches, controllers and stuff into your budget).
 
Home Automation Software
 
See what shoe fits your needs and what you feel most comfortable with and ask questions.

 

[Turner]

Thanks everyone! 
 
Quick follow-up: (Pete, I was kidding about C++....  )
 
Is any particular software preferred for self-running operation, i.e., will run "complex" schedules and randomize without input, so it can basically be "left alone" once set? 
 
Also, as a backup in case a smartphone battery dies, or the remote access drops out such as in an internet service outage.
 
cheers
Andrew

 

[LarrylLix]

I also use Insteon with a ISY994i controller. I have a few dozen Insteon devices as well as dozen or so X10 modules from the 1980s.
 
The Insteon with it's dual frequency, confirmed communications, and mesh network is much more secure than the semi-obsolete X10.
 
I do not use controlled receptacles. Every time I installed one with my X10 system I regretted it for one reason or another. The plug-in modules are more portable.
 
The ISY994i is it's own very low power computer that it will take to do decent home automation. I have monitoring and control from my cellular network and the Internet but no cloud service or dependency. My system grows every few months with the addition of a few more modules as extra spending money becomes available.
 
Examples. If I am away from home I get text messages when people ring our doorbell. When the dryer stops it's cycle my wife gets a back doorbell sound, if home, and a text message if she doesn't get the laundry out within 10 minutes. She doesn't like to iRon. If the house is empty for more than 16 hours the house fakes walkthroughs at night with random length light cycles and ends up back in bed with the bedrooms light on last. It's a work in progress as I had the neighbours calling the police years ago knowing we were away.
 
I currently have  temperature and humidity probes and an anemometer connected to a small controller board that sends weather information into my ISY994i controller and am working on a Raspberry Pi board to interface other data with it also.

 

[pete_c]

Is any particular software preferred for self-running operation, i.e., will run "complex" schedules and randomize without input, so it can basically be "left alone" once set?

 
On the software side of things I am most familiar with Homeseer having run it now for some 16 years and yes it will do that. 
 

Also, as a backup in case a smartphone battery dies, or the remote access drops out such as in an internet service outage.

 
The closed home automation is not cell phone / internet dependent.  I personally am not cell phone dependent and shut off my cell phone at night.
 
The internet service is redundant with fail over; but not necessary for automation use. 
 
I do utilize my private on the internet website to provide me with status these days should I want to look. (its a one way conversation for status only).