ZWave IR to ZWave component and other questions

[amonteiro]

I'm new to home automation so forgive my ignorance.

I've been doing some research to pick a technology/brand of products to start upgrading my homes light switches to dimmers. From what I've read it seems like ZWave is the most reliable technology for my price range, however I had a few questions

1. What component do I use to convert an IR signal to ZWave. I want to be able to use my Harmony One remote, which doesn't support RF or ZWave.
2. I would also like to use my iphone/ipod touch to control the dimmers. Is there a standard or favorite app that is usually used for this. I saw a bunch in the app store but most had mediocre to bad reviews.
3. For the dimmers I was looking to use the Leviton LED 600W RZI06-1LX. Is that a good choice?

 

[Rupp]

I'm new to home automation so forgive my ignorance.

I've been doing some research to pick a technology/brand of products to start upgrading my homes light switches to dimmers. From what I've read it seems like ZWave is the most reliable technology for my price range, however I had a few questions

1. What component do I use to convert an IR signal to ZWave. I want to be able to use my Harmony One remote, which doesn't support RF or ZWave.
2. I would also like to use my iphone/ipod touch to control the dimmers. Is there a standard or favorite app that is usually used for this. I saw a bunch in the app store but most had mediocre to bad reviews.
3. For the dimmers I was looking to use the Leviton LED 600W RZI06-1LX. Is that a good choice?

1. There is no IR to Z-Wave but there are other ways to do this. I've read where HomeSeer users use IR to X10 devices and then use HomeSeer to inturn control Z-Wave devices.
2. There are a few iTouch/iPhone apps for home automation. HomeSeer just released their iPhone/iTouch app which will control any hardware that is interfaced with the application.
Here's one users iphone app he developed. http://board.homeseer.com/showpost.php?p=8...mp;postcount=21
3. Those are good switchs as are other Z-Wave brands.

 

[Monk]

3. For the dimmers I was looking to use the Leviton LED 600W RZI06-1LX. Is that a good choice?

I think that is an older model switch - look at the VRI06-1LX. I bought 5 of these recently and they work great with HomeSeer - super fast compared to some ACT switches I was using.

 

[ASIHome]

The 4-button zone and scene controllers in the Vizia RF+ line have an IR receiver in them as well.

 

[amonteiro]

I know insteon vs zwave, has been beaten to death in these forums.

But given my needs would it be better if I just go Insteon instead? Their iPhone software seems to be more mature and their IRLinc allows me to use an IR remote with the system easily.

If it helps, I'm trying to do this install in a 1500 sq ft condo, and starting with the living room/kitchen to test things out. The living room/kitchen is really one open space, with the light switches next to each other.

 

[Monk]

I know insteon vs zwave, has been beaten to death in these forums.

But given my needs would it be better if I just go Insteon instead? Their iPhone software seems to be more mature and their IRLinc allows me to use an IR remote with the system easily.

If it helps, I'm trying to do this install in a 1500 sq ft condo, and starting with the living room/kitchen to test things out. The living room/kitchen is really one open space, with the light switches next to each other.

I like the way Z-Wave is so easy to use with HomeSeer. Sure there are some issues for some people, but for my needs, it looks like HomeSeer + Zwave is going to end up being my final choice. (Still testing HomeSeer but good so far)

 

[Rupp]

I know insteon vs zwave, has been beaten to death in these forums.

But given my needs would it be better if I just go Insteon instead? Their iPhone software seems to be more mature and their IRLinc allows me to use an IR remote with the system easily.

If it helps, I'm trying to do this install in a 1500 sq ft condo, and starting with the living room/kitchen to test things out. The living room/kitchen is really one open space, with the light switches next to each other.

Be carefull using a powerline based protocol in a condo. At a minimum you could encounter noise on the powerline from other neighbors and not have the ability to fix it. I would recommend buying a few of each switch and test them in your environment.