I'm thinking of implementing some kind of HA using a dedicated controller rather than using a server for right now. I've seen lots of things around here and other places with recommendations of the ISY and Vera and other controllers. I'd also like to have some security in the system, but overall I don't want to spend a lot of money...yet. I know there's the Elk and HAI systems, but I don't know if that would be overkill (or my sweet spot). I haven't dedicated myself to a technology (UPB, Insteon, Z-Wave), but I'm only really looking at managing temp and power (with security down the line). Are there any good comparisons of the stand-alone controllers?
Recommended Controller
- Thread starter cronosin
- Start date
hi cronosin, welcome to CocoonTech!
There are no good comparison charts out there (something I am trying to change), but when it comes to affordable stand-alone controllers, I think the Vera 2 is the best option when it comes to Z-Wave, and the ISY-99i if you want INSTEON. Web Mountain just announced their RUC supports Z-Wave/INSTEON as well, but I am trying to find out more details about its limitations, etc.
When you say temperature, are you talking about stand alone sensors, or thermostats?
There are no good comparison charts out there (something I am trying to change), but when it comes to affordable stand-alone controllers, I think the Vera 2 is the best option when it comes to Z-Wave, and the ISY-99i if you want INSTEON. Web Mountain just announced their RUC supports Z-Wave/INSTEON as well, but I am trying to find out more details about its limitations, etc.
When you say temperature, are you talking about stand alone sensors, or thermostats?
Thanks. Thought it was time to de-lurk...
I'm definitely looking at thermostats. Something I can control when I'm away or fix remotely. Ok. Cat's out of the bag. Definitely looking at remote access as well to fix things when they go boom.
Probably will also have temp sensors in a couple of key areas as well. I'm not concerned as to wired vs wireless, as I've already got a fully networked basement.
Rupp
Senior Member
Have you looked at HomeSeer? Many users do this with a small shuttle PC and HomeSeer. I have several one-wire temp sensors and humidity sensors scattered throughout the house. I use the humidity sensors to control my bathroom fans for example. You can control several types of thermostats, lighting, etc as well.
I've thought of it, but I have mostly Macs, and really don't want to have to put a Windows-based system that I'd have to patch on my network. If there was a Mac product that I liked, I'd go for it, but I'm not impressed or have the money for Indigo.
Thanks.
tmbrown97
Senior Member
For the record, I'm typing this post on a Mac (that I love)... but for mac/linux people to say they don't want to run windows because they hate it - well, fine - you're limiting your options for no good reason. If you know anything about computers, it's easy to build an XP computer that'll run for 10 years with a rare need to patch or reboot.
Now - think about the market... if you're going to build software and want to make a dime off it - would you build it for 1/100th of the population, or the other 98%?
Mac's are great - I love this thing... but there are a whole lot more .Net developers than Cocoa; and there are more PC apps than Mac... All arguments about which is better, PC is more mainstream and has more flexibility.
It sounds to me like your options are to go with a dedicated controller appliance or deal with a dreaded "PC". Luckily there are a few hardware controllers that are looking great - the Vera is really looking good so far.
I use an Elk with nothing else really... I have a license for Elve but I'm not doing anything that requires it.... everything is based on the Elk because I want appliance-like reliability. I have tstat, lighting, security, sprinklers, etc - all off the Elk - and I run it all off eK+ - so that's a great option - and may be better than buying an appliance.
Now - think about the market... if you're going to build software and want to make a dime off it - would you build it for 1/100th of the population, or the other 98%?
Mac's are great - I love this thing... but there are a whole lot more .Net developers than Cocoa; and there are more PC apps than Mac... All arguments about which is better, PC is more mainstream and has more flexibility.
It sounds to me like your options are to go with a dedicated controller appliance or deal with a dreaded "PC". Luckily there are a few hardware controllers that are looking great - the Vera is really looking good so far.
I use an Elk with nothing else really... I have a license for Elve but I'm not doing anything that requires it.... everything is based on the Elk because I want appliance-like reliability. I have tstat, lighting, security, sprinklers, etc - all off the Elk - and I run it all off eK+ - so that's a great option - and may be better than buying an appliance.
I'm not opposed to Windows, I use them every day at my office and work in information security. I just don't want something I need to maintain monthly, and like you say about the Elk, the "appliance-like" reliability a dedicated controller.
It's sounding like I'm looking at either the Elk or the Vera, and given that I'm looking at probably doing some kind of security system, the Elk is probably the way to go.
Thanks all.
:blink: What should I be maintaining monthly on my PC?!? If you're referring to windows updates, that's true (although there's several automated methods available for updating so you really don't have to worry about it).
On my dedicated HA PC I use an SSD hard drive and an industrial grade mini ITX motherboard to improve reliability. I've never had any problems or need to do OS maintenance... Maybe there's something I should be doing to it monthly? I'd love to hear from an IT professional on that as I could be ignorant. Ever since I've built it over a year ago, it's ran just fine.
In my opinion, the added flexibility of a PC based HA software system make them far better than stand alone controllers. Premise is a great example as it's very easy to learn and is very powerful (plus it's an open platform and free). I'd be willing to say Premise is as stable and reliable as Vera, Crestron or an AMX system (assuming you use a standalone PC that is built with reliability in mind).
On my dedicated HA PC I use an SSD hard drive and an industrial grade mini ITX motherboard to improve reliability. I've never had any problems or need to do OS maintenance... Maybe there's something I should be doing to it monthly? I'd love to hear from an IT professional on that as I could be ignorant. Ever since I've built it over a year ago, it's ran just fine.
In my opinion, the added flexibility of a PC based HA software system make them far better than stand alone controllers. Premise is a great example as it's very easy to learn and is very powerful (plus it's an open platform and free). I'd be willing to say Premise is as stable and reliable as Vera, Crestron or an AMX system (assuming you use a standalone PC that is built with reliability in mind).
tmbrown97
Senior Member
I'm not even sure I reboot my primary PC monthly; let alone do any "maintenance". For a computer like that I'd take an image after I built it and let it run for years with basic security set up - automatic updates turned off, and a battery backup. Unless you don't secure your home network in any way... Maybe when I get bored and decide to do updates to my HA app once or twice a year, I'd think about doing windows updates if I had time to kill.
Similar threads
- Article