Where to start with simple motion activated light circuit

[tuketu]

Hi All,
 
I've been doing a lot of reading but am still very confused with all the options and different technologies out there.
 
I would like to start with a simple motion activated light circuit, eventually expanding with a security system and a controller so that I can monitor and be alerted of events via the internet.  I'm pretty technically savvy (I'm a network engineer) so complexity doesn't bother me.
 
Would a good place to start be with a single Insteon on/off light switch and wireless motion sensor?  I can do it without a controller or anything else initially right?  
 
Should I consider Zwave devices?
 
Thanks for any suggestions or insight!!
 
Scott

 

[TonyNo]

Disclaimer: I run Insteon.
 
You could do that with just an Insteon switch and motion sensor.

 

[whlatimer]

Disclaimer: I run Insteon.
 
You could do that with just an Insteon switch and motion sensor.

 
Disclaimer: I run Insteon too, but also ran X-10 and zWave via HomeTroller and Elk M1 Gold for many years up until 2 months ago
 
ToggleLinc as a wall switch or LampLinc as plug-in lamp module, plus the Motion Detector will work fine.  You don't need a controller in the equation initially.  zWave has its advantages, but Insteon modules are dual-band, using both the powerline as X-10 does and the RF network, as zWave does.  Regsitering an Insteon module is a piece of cake compared to doing the same in the zWave world.
 
Just one man's opinion, not intended to incite a firestorm.

 

[EyeofSauron]

Disclaimer: I run Insteon too, but also ran X-10 and zWave via HomeTroller and Elk M1 Gold for many years up until 2 months ago
 
ToggleLinc as a wall switch or LampLinc as plug-in lamp module, plus the Motion Detector will work fine.  You don't need a controller in the equation initially.  zWave has its advantages, but Insteon modules are dual-band, using both the powerline as X-10 does and the RF network, as zWave does.  Regsitering an Insteon module is a piece of cake compared to doing the same in the zWave world.
 
Just one man's opinion, not intended to incite a firestorm.

What did you use to replace your Elk M1 Gold?

 

[whlatimer]

What did you use to replace your Elk M1 Gold?

 
The Elk M1 Gold remains and performs admirably as a security system.  It no longer has a zWave device nor does it control any lighting.
The HomeTroller is retired as are all X-10 and zwave modules.  The ISY994i PRO with Elk Security add-on is handling all lighting, sensing, alerting, etc using Insteon modules.  The ISY994i reacts to Elk zone status changes, e.g. motion detected, and responds accordingly, e.g. turns on lights, make the Elk speak, send a text, etc.
 
The ISY994i is an amazing device for < $300.