which system x10 or zwave ?

[goofieshot]

HI - I am new to this forum and a total noob to home automation, I am trying to set up a 1 large room theater control and thought that I had it all figured out with the use of x10, but to my disappointment an old colleague has advised me against using x10 due to its un-reliability (particularly to lots of power line noise and spikes). He said that the x10 module cost is appealing but the noise filters that I have to associate with the system quickly add-up (and they are not that cheap - power rating dependent). He has automated his entire home with x10 thus experienced and is currently having some unpredictable problems. Thus his advice to me was something more technology current like zwave - which is immune to power noise due to rf control. For my application all I want to do is control 6 dimmers together or independently to preset levels to present theater moods - and would like to do this with a common a/v and lighting controller. I thank you for any input in this matter since this is where all experienced opinions are valued. Thanx - goofie

 

[DavidL]

Look into ZWave, Insteon and UPB. These are newer technologies than X10 and all are more reliable.

One thing you should look at is whether the switch has to go full bright, and then down to the dim set point. My recollection is many X10 switches relied on that approach.

How are you going to tell the lights to dim to a particular scene level? at a wall switch? via a IR / RF remote control? via an automation PC software solution? other? You should have the answer to that question as well so you choose the switch correctly that supports the way you want to interact with it.

 

[MikeB]

which is immune to power noise due to rf control.

While true, keep in mind that this opens you up to RF interference. While probably a non-issue for most, if you have a lot of RF devices in your home it could be a potential concern.

6 devices fairly close together may work fine, but if they are spread far apart you may also have RF range issues.

I believe Zwave is in the 900 Mhz range.

 

[goofieshot]

i am trying to incorporate the control function to my sony av3000 - it has x10 commands built in and i can get the ir to line interface module, but i have yet to find a similiar ir to rf device for zwave, i understand that it uses 900mhz and as for the commands i hope can be programmed in since the remote is programmable/learning. I have also quickly scanned through upb and instaon technologies, upb being like x10 and istaon using dual rf/line comm technology. Instaon is being sold for x10 users - does that mean that under x10 command it is less affected by noise thus bringing up reliability? or does it have to be rf controlled to acheive that ? UPB claims that using a new protocal they can acheive reliability - not sure it it is interface friendly to x10 but if it is - does it experience same problems while under x10 commands. thanks for any info - definitly a learning experience

 

[KenM]

which is immune to power noise due to rf control.

While true, keep in mind that this opens you up to RF interference. While probably a non-issue for most, if you have a lot of RF devices in your home it could be a potential concern.

6 devices fairly close together may work fine, but if they are spread far apart you may also have RF range issues.

I believe Zwave is in the 900 Mhz range.

I have a modest Z-Wave system in a 1500 square foot house that works just fine. I am using a wired/wireless G LAN with one always on G connection and two 'sometimes on' laptops. I also have wireless phones/cell phones in use along with a wireless IP camera. I have a plasma TV (big RF/Power line interference maker) and the usual assortment of 'RF noisy' appliances. I live in a residential area where the RF is probably near the danger zone for human life (joke, err..., I hope).

The only issue I had was when I plugged a Z-Wave USB device directly into a desktop PC. The communications became a little erratic due to the PC's interference/big metal case. That problem was solved by connecting the device via a three foot USB extension cable and locating it above and to the side of the PC. The same device worked well connected directly to the USB ports of two different laptop PCs.

I also use five, battery powered, Z-Wave motion detectors that have been 100% reliable for over a year now. No communication problem.

I use several battery powered Z-Wave remotes, and one key-chain type Z-Wave/garage door device. I do not have a problem with range up to about fifty feet from the nearest Z-Wave wired device with the key-chain remote, the hand held remotes work a little better.

I would not be concerned with RF interference. The interference on the power line now-a-days is the main head ache for the powerline protocols. I understand that UPB addresses this by sending out a higher amplitude signal. INSTEON addresses this by making every device a power line repeater module. Some people have good results with both, a few have problems with both.


Ken

 

[goofieshot]

my problem lies with zwave not making a i.r. to rf converter thus i cannot control the 4-6 dimmers from a sony av3000 remote - since it is the heart of my home theater. The remote is programmable/learning therefore i thought that it could be easily done if such module existed.

 

[LaurentR]

my problem lies with zwave not making a i.r. to rf converter thus i cannot control the 4-6 dimmers from a sony av3000 remote - since it is the heart of my home theater. The remote is programmable/learning therefore i thought that it could be easily done if such module existed.

Leviton's 4-zone and 4-scene controllers can be IR-controlled.
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmD...p;section=15189
The bottom button comes in opaque style but also with a IR window so that you can control it with a IR remote (which you should be able to learn on your Sony remote). The controller already has the IR receiver.

The remote that can control the controller is:
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmD...p;section=15190
I have never seen this remote be available, but the new catalogs still have them so I guess they exist or will exist soon. SmartHomeUsa claim it's available, but...
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufact...Item/RZMR1-0SG/

Laurent

 

[goofieshot]

thanx for all your help in this matter - i will have to try it out.