Home Automation

So, anyone else here into home automation. This has been a dream of mine to do to our new house since we moved in. Well this dream is finally starting to come true.

After a year going back and forth between going X10 or Z-wave technology. I pulled the trigger on Z-wave. The big difference being reliability and cost. A X10 light switch can be purchased for 15.00 vs Z-wave light switch starting at 55.00 each. I came across a deal on z-wave equipment that I couldn't pass up.

So yesterday I ordered my controller to control all my Z-wave equipment as well. Well looks like my reef angel order will have to wait a couple of weeks, damn.

The end result will be from anywhere in the world I can access my home and check the status of my house, including if I forgot to set the alarm I can do it from a touch of a button. Even from my phone.

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Very nice. It has always been a dream of mine to do this. Now all I need is a house worthy of it.

Keep us updated on your progress. I am curious how much easier the Z is to work with. I know the software available is outstanding.

 

I have all lutron products, all my lights and ceiling fans are controllable by a logitech harmony remote. It all started when I build my home theater. Being able to control musics, lighting and temperature with a single remote is a must have.

 

Z-Wave is very nice stuff, I helped someone install a system (mostly Schlage equipment) about 6 months ago. Cameras, thermostat, lights, door locks. The only thing that would make it even better would be the ability to record on the cameras instead of just watch, and to set up the cameras as motion sensing with a connection to a security/alarm company.

 

Think you. I have wanted this for a long time. The controller that I ordered I just became a dealer for and others that I have spoken to have been very happy with it. It's pretty much a the size of a router. I should have it by Wednesday.

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Very nice. I know the feeling. I started with the X10 controlling my lighting on my tank. I just wanted something that I could have 2-way communication, plus not hearing the annoying clicking noises of them turning on.

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Wow. That sounds really cool. Like we have for our tanks, but for the whole house. Yeah recording video would be much better than just viewing...motion sensing cameras? That's creative.

 

I bought dimmer switches, 3-way dimmer switches, thermostats, and outdoor switches. I looked at the locking system, but I'm not feeling the security on it. The controller that I purchase will allow me to connect it to my alarm system.

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The person I installed it for uses the lock quite a bit. He has a code that he puts on when he has the contractors work on his new house, then can remove it once they're done. He knows how long they're in the house, and exactly what times they're there. They get a different PIN than he has, so it can even distinguish between individuals. Useful if you have kids, and want to know who gets home at what time on a given day, too, since you can program in quite a few different pins, not just 2. You can make it so that a given pin only works during certain hours, too, so the contractor can only get in the house from 12-5, or example, then lock the door using the web interface. Plus, there's the bonus that a PIN can't be lost as easily as a key.

 

Yeah I do see the plus side, though a pin can be shared a lot easier though. Hmm, I can get one very cheap now. Ill have to give it some thought.

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