Where to go after X10

[evetsmd]

Thank u for the help....I have a std alone PC running my weather station and HS Version 1.7.25...in the wizard I see an option, "enable Z Wave
and learn devices"    I'm assuming this is what I need and it should work but right now I have no way to test it......if it works then for my
Z-Wave start up application I see no need to upgrade the software even though it's a good buy during the holidays. I'll probably
kick myself for not doing it!!
 
So right now I'm looking for a controller and a couple of Z-Wave lamp module to get started......unlike the software, I'd like to get a 
controller that will let me expand and do more in the future......that's the choice I'm faced with!
 
Again thanks for the advice.....

 

[pete_c]

It'll probably work with the Z-Troller and you can probably test the Z-Troller with the HS Z-Troller stand alone diagnostic application.
 
I was able to bring up my old HS 1.X application.  It happens to be sitting on the same box that I am running the Cumulus weather server today.
 
I see an unknown (to me) Homeseer Z-Wave controller and the option of a serial port connection when bringing up HS V1.7X.
 
 
 

 

[jlehnert]

I'd think twice about swapping X10 to Z-wave for the Xmas stuff.  Z-wave modules need to be included into the network everytime you add one, and excluded whenever you remove them.  Unless you're going to leave the modules plugged in all year, you will have to do this routine every year.  Also, they can't be moved from one location to another without doing the exclude/include routine.  Not like X10 where it doesn't care where it's located, as long as the house code/unit code is correct.

 

[evetsmd]

Thanks jlehnert......my reference to xmas stuff was to take advantage of the xmas sales, not necessarily using z-wave for xmas lighting control.
 
I do appreciate ur inputs, gives me an idea of what it takes to get z-wave running.....
 
Thanks

 

[pete_c]

Off on a tangent....
 
I just turned on my outdoor/indoor Christmas lighting.  I did "digress" to using X10 lighting and appliance modules over the last few years; mostly because it was fast and cheap and functional. (having tried Insteon, Z-Wave and UPB for Christmas decorations).
 
I do utilize those "old" Black and Decker "firewire" outdoor appliance modules.  They have always worked well outdoors; even buried in the snow.  Indoors have upgraded the HAI TW-523 which was on one phase to the newer XTBIIR which is on the two phases and is like a TW-523 on steroids.
 
Over the few years had migrated to using LED lighting then back to incandescent holiday lighting.
 
BTW - playing with a new LED RGB controller which works via TTL/RS-232, X-10 (TW-523), PLC and standard wireless.  The wireless is just a modular hardware card.  The firmware has to be uploaded to the device via TTL.  To date and previously only played with one of those wireless LED RGB setups with the little propietary keypad.
 
I did try some very cheap and very bright Christmas LED lamps this year.  That said they are the brightest LEDs that I have played with to date.  I did bypass the "controllers" on these soldering out the controller chip; as the blinking patterns were very annoying.  The LEDs on these are soldered into place; very cheaply done but for some $3.00 for 30 feet of LED lighting; it was worth the effort.  The LEDs are a bit too bright (almost blinding - do not stare at lighting)  with a bluish coloring to them.
 
I am trying a DIY hack of sorts with an LED candle which uses batteries that last a month.  This thing has a timer and the LED's (pair of them) face the front of the candlestick.  I have it installed in the foyer window which has no electricity nearby.  Making this device wirelessly controlled would be a neat thing such that I have purchased a second one to modify.  Batteries though will probably not last 30 days on the modded one though.

 

[tmbrown97]

That RGB LED controller sounds interesting - I have a strip of 16' of RGB LED above my kitchen cabinets - I have experimented with an RS232 controller, a DMX controller, and now I'm about to order one that has some wifi capabilities... I also noticed Philips has their "Friends of Hue" line which lets you control a strip of LED's from their app - but at $80 it's a bit much.

 

[pete_c]

The RGB controller should be out for general release in the next few weeks (or less). 

 

[TonyNo]

From? Link?

 

[aharding]

My lighting path has gone from X-10 to Z-Wave to currently in the process of switching everything out to RadioRa 2. The big deciding factor for me is that when I go to sell the house, I don't want to be tech support for the new homeowner. With RadioRa 2, they can call any dealer to come over and reprogram any of their scenes. Also, the RadioRa 2 main repeater is rock solid (although limited in it's ability). I have a Vera Z-Wave controller which controls the Z-Wave switches and RadioRa 2. I then use roomie remote to control the WeMo, Z-Wave & RadioRa 2 lighting devices. Makes the WAF acceptable as the family doesn't notice when I swap out a Z-Wave switch for a RadioRa 2 switch, in roomie, they look the same. Wish the RadioRa 2 wasn't at the top of the price point, especially when you look at the Z-Wave & Lutron stuff at Staples.