Newby Ipad question

[chilwd]

Hi,

I'm new to this board and domotica I recently purchased an ipad which I would like to use for home automation. Searched the forum extensively but could not find a newby topic on needed hardware and connectivity with an ipad. I'm hoping some of you guys are willing to help me out with this.

I'm mainly looking to control/dim lights and switch appliances on or off. Later on I'm looking to expand this with: alarm, thermostat, curtains appliances. Receivers may be visible, preferably I would not have my (windows) PC on as a server day and night for all this. Control with a wifi ipad.

-Which system is affordable (would you guys advice) and fits my needs?
-What (server) hardware would I need/ would you advice?
-Any advice on webshops who deliver to the Netherlands?

Any help with this would be much appreciated!

Peter

[drmacchi]

Homeseer, pc with windows , lan wireless, HStouch to create the interface for Ipad ,a controller for domotica like ctx35 and some domotica hardware.
Welcome to domotica-world.

[Alexander]

where is enver when you need him he will answer in shortly i think. Please look at www.bwired.nl to get an idea.

[TANE]

I'm here on the iPad
Only thing that i will not suggest is the ctx35

[Digit]

I can recommend the ACT TI-213 which is functionally equivalent to the ctx35, but probably better than the ctx35 from what i read?
Has been working flawlessly since September 2006.

[drmacchi]

I've never had problems with ctx35 since 3 years, more better than cm11. I did never use other interfaces.
Ciao !

[TANE]

My ctx35 is also doing well. Much beter than the pmix35 (USB was always a problem in my case)
I think there are beter alternatives for x10 and that's not only zwave

[drmacchi]

Hi Tane, could you give a short list of your ideas about a situation (mine) where i'd like to MANTAIN existing x10 and ADD new domotica that should be:

- wireless (no time , way to add cables at home.. WIFE...)
- used for home security : interface that can "call" you by phone . CM9000 used , has done many false alarms...
- cheap
-work with Homeseer immediately

Ciao, lorenzo

[chilwd]

Tnx for your help with this guys as mentioned I'm new to domotica, much appreciate your advice on this!

Seems like most of you advice an x10 system with the use of a pc and homeseer. I kind of lean towards a solution which does not need to have a pc running 24/7. Seen a MiOS Vera V1 Z-Wave Home Control Box which does not need a pc to be running but I'm not sure if I'm limiting myself with that in regard of script/macro possibilities ("to bed" script etc). App for Ipad would have to be "Ivera" or "SQ remote" as I understand it. I guess the questions that pop to mind are:

-x10, z-wave or other? (as I understand it z-wave has more options, and is more compatible for the future ??)
-do I limit myself with scripts/macro when not using homeseer?
-can I control audio/ video (with preset channel) with a box such as MioS Vera v1 with a switch ("tussenstekker schakelaar") or do I need additional hardware/software to do that?
-which Dutch webshops do you recommend buying from?

I know most of these questions most be "bread and butter" for most of you guys. Much appreciate you helping this newby out

[TANE]

Hi Tane, could you give a short list of your ideas about a situation (mine) where i'd like to MANTAIN existing x10 and ADD new domotica that should be:

- wireless (no time , way to add cables at home.. WIFE...)
- used for home security : interface that can "call" you by phone . CM9000 used , has done many false alarms...
- cheap
-work with Homeseer immediately

Ciao, lorenzo

My advise will be go for the Aeon zwave interface.
For the devices Duwi or Act. (For the best quality is merten good choice. Price is 40% higher)
Interface 60 euro
Devices +/- 50 euro
If you are looking for a good semi pro alarm system then is Visonic the best.

I think all the products are also available in Italy..

[drmacchi]

Any webshop reference ? i found this , but no onilne shopping
http://www.zwaveeurope.com/Products.10.0.html

[TANE]

Zwaveeurope will not sell to end users.
I have all the products they sell in shop.
Contact me if you are looking for some products.

[chilwd]

Tane: send you an email true your webshop.

What I'm still not sure about, do I limit myself with macro's/scripts/options when not using homeseer but for example a Mios vera box? Any advice on this?

Furthermore, are there micromodules available for z-wave?

Tnx again!

[chilwd]

I'm condering two options.

1. Homeseer pc (z-wave)
-Visonic powermax alarm
-act homepro lighting, PIR and appliances
-IRtrans unit
-ipad with HStouch

Questions:
-do I need additional hardware to connect powermax to homeseer pc?
-is (regular) powermax system compatible with homeseer? (or do I need powermax+ or pro?)
-do I need additional hardware to connect z-wave devices to my homeseer pc? (usb controller?)
-do I need 1 PIR for alarm and 1 PIR for measuring en switching light? or can I program this in homeseer so I only need 1 PIR?

2. Vera box (z-wave)
-Mainly act homepro alarm (events), lighting, PIR and appliances
-no seperate alarm
-Globalcache IR unit
-ipad with sq remote or Ivera

I'm leaning toward the homeseer solution though it os a lot pricier then the vera solution. Any help with my questions would be much appreciated.

Interesting new world for me, domotica

[TANE]

Send you PM.

For other members.
There is no interface available to ARM / Disarm the Visonic (you have to build it it self with keyfob mod)
There are few options to receiver the sensor data from Visonic modules. (Rfxcom and Alphatronic)
For the Homeseer you will need a Zwave interface. In the VERA 2 there is a build in interface
Visonix Pir's are not for motion detection and controlling lights. Visonic will not detect any movement if there is always movement.
For instant light control you will need adaptational Pir's

Vera is Zwave.

Homeseer is Zwave and lot more...