Retrofit plugs controllable via phone app

J

jstandard

New Member
Hello,

Bit of a newbie enthusiast here looking for some guidance about how to delve into retrofitted products. I'm currently renting an apt and can't rewire anything.

I'm having trouble finding a cheap, programmable retrofit plug that I can use to learn some HA programming off of. I've looked at X10, HAI, and a few others, but they seem mainly focused on getting you to use their remote or installing a controller, neither of which I'm interested in doing just yet.

The simple case I'm looking to start with is building an android app to control a single plugged in desklamp. Any suggestions on starting points?
 
Take a look at Open Source Automation and either Zwave or Insteon. Both have replacement receptacles and/or plug in modules.

There are no modules that I'm aware of that can be directly controlled via tcp/ip so you'll need a server with the appropriate control software on it such as the above as well as the controller for the specific protocol.

You may also want to look at the Vera as it's an all-in-one device for Zwave and has an API that you can connect to as well as standard http control.
 
A resounding THANK YOU for pointing me in the direction of OSA. The platform have phone support and looks essentially exactly what I'm looking to do (which is learn and then potentially contribute to an open source platform to provide an alternative while the walled garden platform wars continue)

It's a shame there aren't any reasonable TCP/IP systems out there. I read a press release by a company called EnOcean allegedly offering it, but couldn't find any products to match what I needed. Here's to hoping my 2013 toaster will have an IP and can LOL at me whenever I burn my eggo waffles.

Thanks a lot for the z-wave rec, I looked over several of their products, do you think these two will do what I need?
(both on amazon, sorry my account is too new to post links just yet)

For my controller: Aeon Labs Z-Stick Series 2

For my smartplug: GE 45604 Z-Wave Technology Outdoor Module for Lighting

The smartplug does mention "outdoors" though I plan to use indoors. Not sure if that would be a problem as I only plan to control lights with it at the moment.
 
They're now being shipped! This is looking an awesome start, can't wait for passerby to question my sanity as they see the lights in my apt going on/off/on/off/on/off while I learn the ropes. Thanks a ton for the advice.
 
I would strongly consider the Vera as well. If you are going Z-Wave, you will need a solution to manage your Z-Wave devices, plus it has a great API, and there are smartphone apps already which support this controller. The new Vera 3 Lite is even cheaper if you don't care about the Wi-Fi gateway functionality, but isn't out yet.

Also check out this home automation software list for a complete list of software solutions, including many open source/free ones.

I also highly recommend you purchase from a CTVA member (there are no kickbacks), which will guarantee you get good service.

edit: got called away, so my browser was open with the thread excluding your latest response, sorry.
 
i wrote my own zwave app using the demo app in open zwave. i am using the same aeon zstick.
 
Damage, you have too much talent. Could you please stop rubbing it in my face? :) Every time I read a post from you it's : "I just wrote.." "I just modified".

Poor talentless me... :P
 
Just poked around through open zwave, any thoughts on it vs. OSA? OpenZ seems a bit less developed, but perhaps lets me control things a bit more granular (sort of like choosing between c# and c?)

Btw, are those 2 the main open platforms for zwave or are there other worthwhile ones?
 
manxam,

i couldn't program a thing when i started HA 17 years ago & started with the point & "clunk" interface of winevm for my timecommander. didn't do much until i started beta testing starCOM software 11 or 12 years ago, which forced me to learn vbscript/jscript. but for the most part i would just wait around for developers to upgrade or write new apps to get features i wanted. i had a lot of ideas, but got tired of waiting for features and some software that had those features had other issues. so i eventually figured out how to write .net apps 5 years ago, first VB then c#. it took a long time to get to this point and i spent a lot of time reading, taking apart other people's code, testing things out, asking questions, etc. i'm no programmer, but i've gotten good at hacking some code around a dll or API and i've got a family that's used to a house in a never ending beta test.

on the other hand, i have absolutely no artistic talent (can't make visually pleasing gui/layouts) and my wiring work is a disaster :mellow: in any case, i wanted to let the OP know i built a zwave app w/ open zwave & the same zwave dongle he bought.
 
jstandard said:
Just poked around through open zwave, any thoughts on it vs. OSA? OpenZ seems a bit less developed, but perhaps lets me control things a bit more granular (sort of like choosing between c# and c?)

Btw, are those 2 the main open platforms for zwave or are there other worthwhile ones?
Click to expand...

never looked @ osa, but if all you want to do is control lights w/ zwave, then openzwave is probably what you want.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top