My first home automation project (zwave)

[valent]

Hi, I have been wanting to automate my home with LinuxMCE ever since I saw LinuxMCE demo 2 years ago. I have build a nice Hybrid PC and now I'm confident to take the next step - automating my home.

I would like to make a demo in my flat so that I can call people over and demo how LinuxMCE can do automation and security.

I looked at different solutions and choose ZWave because it looks like most promising automation system, not too expensive, with nice selection of different modules, wireless (big plus because lots of people don't want to install new wires)... I don't know enough about KNX system but it seams like a more expensive solution and with less support in LinuxMCE.

What do you recommend I do for demo that would make people want to tryout LinuxMCE also for their home?

I'm thinking about ordering these components:
zwave usb controler - http://www.zwave4u.com/products/en/Z-Wave-Controller/PC-Adapter/USB-Adapter-with-Battery.html
light switch - http://www.zwave4u.com/products/en/Switches-and-Dimmers/HomePro-Single-Wall-Switch.html
2x movement sensor - http://www.techstyleuk.co.uk/index_files/sp103.htm
door sensor - http://www.techstyleuk.co.uk/index_files/sm103.htm

If I'm not mistaken all of these zwave devices are compatible with each other and work with LinuxMCE, right?

With door sensor I can have alarm and security system if PIN isn't entered after opening the door, and also if movement is detected after security alarm is armed.

With door sensor + light switch + movement sensor I can turn on the light when doors are opened.

What other demo do you recommend I setup? Most people I know aren't that much interested in multimedia aspect, but would be interested in security + automation so if you have any ideas please share them.

If you have suggestion of some other zwave device that I could buy that would make a nice demo please suggest it.

What features of LinuxMCE people you now find most interesting?

[purps]

Can't really answer any of your questions, but one thing I will say.....

Check the depth of your light switch box, as these Z-wave jobbies require pretty deep ones.

[Viking]

not sure if your USB controller is supported !
Check the wiki !

I first bought the tricklestar, but had trouble. So the recommended is :
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Seluxit_viaSENS_Homecontroller

And you will need an remote to include things in your zwave network.

[purps]

What were the nature of your problems, Viking? I have always been torn between the tricklestar and the viaSENS one.

[Techstyle]

The controller is supported:

http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Aeon_Labs_Z-Wave_Interface_with_built-In_Inclusion_Remote

So are the SP103 and SM103

[totallymaxed]

Hi, I have been wanting to automate my home with LinuxMCE ever since I saw LinuxMCE demo 2 years ago. I have build a nice Hybrid PC and now I'm confident to take the next step - automating my home.

I would like to make a demo in my flat so that I can call people over and demo how LinuxMCE can do automation and security.

I looked at different solutions and choose ZWave because it looks like most promising automation system, not too expensive, with nice selection of different modules, wireless (big plus because lots of people don't want to install new wires)... I don't know enough about KNX system but it seams like a more expensive solution and with less support in LinuxMCE.

What do you recommend I do for demo that would make people want to tryout LinuxMCE also for their home?

I'm thinking about ordering these components:
zwave usb controler - http://www.zwave4u.com/products/en/Z-Wave-Controller/PC-Adapter/USB-Adapter-with-Battery.html
light switch - http://www.zwave4u.com/products/en/Switches-and-Dimmers/HomePro-Single-Wall-Switch.html
2x movement sensor - http://www.techstyleuk.co.uk/index_files/sp103.htm
door sensor - http://www.techstyleuk.co.uk/index_files/sm103.htm

If I'm not mistaken all of these zwave devices are compatible with each other and work with LinuxMCE, right?

With door sensor I can have alarm and security system if PIN isn't entered after opening the door, and also if movement is detected after security alarm is armed.

With door sensor + light switch + movement sensor I can turn on the light when doors are opened.

What other demo do you recommend I setup? Most people I know aren't that much interested in multimedia aspect, but would be interested in security + automation so if you have any ideas please share them.

If you have suggestion of some other zwave device that I could buy that would make a nice demo please suggest it.

What features of LinuxMCE people you now find most interesting?

The Aon Labs ZWave USB interface is supported; see here http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Aeon_Labs_Z-Wave_Interface_with_built-In_Inclusion_Remote...in fact its the unit that MicasaVerde ship with their Vera products. I've never used it however so i cant comment from personal experience on its usability or reliability etc. We use Seluxit USB Interfaces and Tricklestar USB Interfaces & Inclusion Remotes. The Seluxit has a better designed Aerial and Radio side but the Tricklestar prods are less expensive. Tricklestar's remote is a little complex/fiddly to use due to its minimalistic design - but it supports the SIS mode (see the Wiki page referred to below for more information on SIS and my step-by-step guide to using it with the Tricklestar's).

The Wiki has excellent information on ZWave so i would suggest lokking there for a handle on this topic; See here http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Z-Wave

All the best


Andrew

[valent]

The Wiki has excellent information on ZWave so i would suggest lokking there for a handle on this topic; See here http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Z-Wave

All the best


Andrew

Thank you Andrew for your answer. What is your experience with ZWave? Would you suggest I get some other ZWave module or some KNX module for my first automation project?

What does make a nice home automation demonstration?

I would really appreciate your real-world experience with customers who bought LinuxMCE home automation systems - what are the most common features most people ask for when they ask for home automation?

Cheers,
Valent.

[itspac]

i use zwave, only one module right now to start. got the usb with inclusion from micasaverde  its real easy to use compared to the intermatic unit i first tried. my understanding is the more zwave units you have the better the zwave network gets.

[valent]

Anybody seen/tested Cascade Smart Home Z-wave starter pack?
http://www.cascade-media.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=20

I would like to make my own zwave starter pack, that is why I'm asking what are interesting things to demo with zwave.

[Viking]

What were the nature of your problems, Viking? I have always been torn between the tricklestar and the viaSENS one.

I had trouble with the Tricklestar and hari the reccommended to get a viasens instead.
IIRC there were somthing with the frmware that was not OK. Look here and maybe a little further back.
http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=6210.msg53269#msg53269

Viking

[totallymaxed]

What were the nature of your problems, Viking? I have always been torn between the tricklestar and the viaSENS one.

I had trouble with the Tricklestar and hari the reccommended to get a viasens instead.
IIRC there were somthing with the frmware that was not OK. Look here and maybe a little further back.
http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=6210.msg53269#msg53269

Viking

Hi,

We use both the Tricklestar and the Seluxit. The Seluxit definitely has a better physical appearance/build quality and aerial design and therefore has a better ability to communicate with the Mesh. Reliability wise I have to say the two are really on a par with one another and I cant say that we have seen any issues to speak of.

All the best

Andrew