Smart Home / Home Automation Options
Lynne
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Comments (7)
wysmama
4 years agosuezbell
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Home Automation/Control Idea
Comments (32)Hi, I am building a 4K sqft home and have done all the automation in my last house (by myself). During that time I worked for a company that owned a division that sold home and industrial automation and I could get anything for 50% below cost. Having said that we just broke ground on our second home and I am doing all the design install and automation for this home and here is what I am putting in from what I have learned in the past. #1 - Lighting System. It was my favorite thing in the last house (a Leviton system). This time I am using Insteon for many reasons but it can be programed by a small box you instruct - plug into an outlet and let it do it's thing. Custom printed buttons, complex scenes - timers whatever. It is the most flexible system out there and goes from standard configuration to super complex and everything in between. It is also cost effective. #2. You can get Insteon Thermostats that do a lot of goofy stuff - but I am going with 2 Nest units for each zone. Easy Simple. #3. A Cat6 Camera system from Samsung (16 cameras - only putting in 8 to start). I really like the fact that I can see the house and the sump pump etc. when I am out of state. #4. An ELK alarm system. This is the "brain" of the house and it talks to the lighting system and Insteon thermostats. You can hit the "Vacation" button and it will set the HVAC and even turn on and off random lights at night if you want. #5. I am wiring for Somfy drapes and shades. Simply putting in the 16/2 DC wires in locations for now. The bedroom will be all blackout shades. Roll over and hit a switch and you are in a 1000 a night hotel. I am not putting in any music systems. Never used them. I had a fancy Russsound AV distribution system as well and won't be doing that either. Simply doing Cat 6 everywhere, DirecTv, and will use wireless Apple products for music at patries. You will NEVER use a computer to control these devices. You will never get up and use a wall touch screen. That being said this is a hobby and should be treated as such. You won't get your money out of it. Your friends won't understand it. Friends at parties won't understand it. But if it is something you like then go for it. It takes 10,000 times more effort, time, frustration, and money to do these things with an automation system than it is to get up and hit the light switch or pull the drape cord. But to me it is something I can't seem to live without. Wife hates it - can't seem to understand how it all works - or the need for any of it. Even with custom labeled buttons that say "party" or "clean up" on the lights she still uses the switch instead of the scene button. It is nice to turn off every light in the house from your bedside - and then to have the alarm to arm automatically at 11:00 at night with no need to do anything. To have the lights come on and light the house when it detects motion etc. That being said it is a very slippery slope. Don't listen to the salesmen - they want to sell you what they want to sell. Best advice is to do as much as you can and bring in a pro for the things you don't understand (alarm for me)... Good luck!...See MoreLowe's Iris or other home automation
Comments (3)Well here are a few things you can read which were great for me. Its kinda along the lines of you don't know what you don't know until you start to educate yourself a little bit. Here are a few budget friendly automation systems: http://www.elkproducts.com/ http://homeauto.com/main.asp There are other such as Control4, Crestron, Savant, etc but they are very pricey. Also, here is some good reading on how to wire your house/what to wire for which can get you started: http://cocoontech.com/forums/files/file/64-wiring-your-new-house-101/ http://cocoontech.com/forums/files/file/118-wiring-your-house-102-checklist/ Hope that helps!...See MoreHome Automation - Ube
Comments (4)buzzyng - I started looking tinto zwave as well, and jumped ship for this project. I am backing my entire system with an HAI panel and integrating these switches - along with all of my other sensors - doors, windows, etc. I am probably then going to throw in some zigbee locks. I am going to look to use haikuhelper or even the Ube app itself to put everything together. With Ube being so new, I figured it will take some effort. As I said in my old post from the Electronic boards, I had a chance to talk to Utz, the Ube CEO and talk about their goals and pick his brain. They have a much larger picture in mind than just these switches - he actually offered to call me after I had a bunch of questions for him via KickStarter....See MoreVantage Lighting Controls Home Automation Help
Comments (1)Crazy pricing. If your home can work with it, I would use the Lutron Caseta line. It has a limit of 50 fixtures on one hub I believe. I love the Lutron Maestro line and was going to get the Lutron RA which is the lighting control and the blinds system. When Caseta came out, although I don't like the way the switches are organized as much as I love the RA system, I went with Caseta. I have been extremely happy with it. I don't use it for blind/shade automation but use if for lighting. It is wonderful for outdoor lighting. Are you using Vantage for something else but lighting control? If not, I would look at other solutions. Caseta, SmartThings, etc. If you want to spend a little more money, Lutron RA is the better all around choice. Good luck!...See MoreUser
4 years agoNYCish
4 years agorockypointdog
4 years agoFsal
4 years ago
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