Considering migrating to Z-Wave

[Harlin]

Hi,

First I shall, reintroduce myself been away for a while.

I started with Xanura as an early adopter about 8~9 years ago, first very basic with a few modules, RF and a CIX. Moved in winter 2005 to a new home and introduced more modules. My automated living is primarily based on lighting, no curtains, energy monitoring, home theatre or other stuff. Due to several problems the project stalled. I got new modules to replace my old ones. All old Holec stuff was replaced by brand new Eaton modules. Still got weird random X10 problems, installed filters, moved, for months everything seems to work fine and out of the blue weird behavior. Got sick and tired of it, couldn't explain it to my Wife, lost interest in my automated living dream. So Homeseer 2 kept on running (he absolute bare minimum) my HStouch project was put on halt, still got the Albatron Tee PC with custom alu framing.

Last month problems again with one part of my home, some lights didn't turn on/off, the cause of the problem was found yesterday. A daix10 module, removing this module solved the problem, in cooking terms the module was 'well done'. Anway this isn't the first module I had to replace in all those years.

I am considering a switch to Z-Wave, removing all the Xanura X10 stuff and replace it with Z-Wave modules. Except for wall switches everything will be done with plug-in (tussenstekkers) modules, I really like the Duwi plug-in modules. The wall switches should work with Jung CD 500, ACT homepro seems to fit. I prefer a single platform, no mixture between X10 and Z-wave, prefered.

No decision has been made, busy reading and comparing stuff, fun part is I discovered HStouch again yesterday. Works great with my iPhone and iPad... So bye bye Albatron Tee PC

Shortlist for Z-wave
Phase 1 (test)
1x Aeon-Labs USB Z-Stick
2x Duwi Z-Wave Dimmer plug-in
3x Duwi Z-Wave switch plug-in

Phase 2 (Replacement)
3x ACT Homepro ZDM230/ZDW230
3x ACT Homepro ZRM230/ZRW230
3x Duwi Z-Wave switch plug-in
3x ACT Homepro ZTM230

Phase 3 (fun part)
1x Aeon-Labs Door Sensor
1x PIR sensor

Phase 4
Unknown expanding the system

If I switch to Z-wave, all Xanura related stuff will be sold. Still got several unused modules, brand new

[TANE]

welcome to the zwave club..

Albatron is doing well in my house.
My next wall touch screen will be again Windows
The is no option for remotely controlling CE/Ipad/Android.
I like to turn on the screen and turn to specific page depending on action (camera, Phone, message etc)

[Esteban]

Well, shall I say welcome back then?

If you want to experiment with Z-Wave why buy 5 (2+3) identical plug modules in phase 1 (unless it is the 'meshing' that you want to test). Maybe it would be better to get:

- 1x Z-stick
- 1x Dimmer plug
- 1x ON/OFF plug
- 1x Door sensor
- 1x PIR

This would allow you to explore more of the possibilities. Or, instead, get plug modules from a couple of different brands (e.g. Everspring) to see which suits you best.

Also do some reading on the Z-Wave PIR's as some drain their batteries way too quickly when transmitting information frequently. So Z-wave might not be the best option for PIR's.. I know you don't want to 'mix', but for PIR's and door sensors also consider Visonic before making your final decision.

Have fun shopping!

[Edwin2008]

@harlin. PM gestuurd.

[Harlin]

Albatron is doing well in my house.
The is no option for remotely controlling CE/Ipad/Android.

Well still got the Albatron, It's hardly been used. Lack of wireless coverage upstairs and lost interest due to my X10 problems. I did made a nice alu wall mount for this baby. I shall post some photo's this weekend.

If you want to experiment with Z-Wave why buy 5 (2+3) identical plug modules in phase 1 (unless it is the 'meshing' that you want to test).

I agree, but I would like to test my current setup in my livingroom, all my X10 problems are on this floor. If it works fine I shall replace everything. This setup suits my current basic needs. Experimenting with additional functionality (PIR/door contact) is something for the future. I don't have much playtime, taking baby steps is important for me.

Also do some reading on the Z-Wave PIR's as some drain their batteries way too quickly when transmitting information frequently. So Z-wave might not be the best option for PIR's.. I know you don't want to 'mix', but for PIR's and door sensors also consider Visonic before making your final decision.

I shall take a look @ Visonic. I want a small PIR in my car port, just want to switch indoor lightning when walks into my carport during the nightly hours. Some extra protection for my already heavily guarded car. I was thinking about modifying the "QEES Wall PIR Relay 86" I don't need the switch, but I like the small sensor (placed in the ceiling). This sensor doesn't require batteries, runs on 220V

[AshaiRey]

I like to turn on the screen and turn to specific page depending on action (camera, Phone, message etc)

There are some events that can do that form you.
The showing certain screen part anyway

[Harlin]

Update:

Got some Zwave modules, bought from a local (very friendly) supplier.
1x Aeon-Labs USB Z-Stick
2x Duwi Z-Wave Dimmer plug-in
3x Duwi Z-Wave switch plug-in

Configured everything in homeseer, works nicely and flawlessness.

I miss my remote (X10) control.. looking for a nice(ly designed) zwave remote controller.

[TANE]

duw-064459.html
merten-universele-rf-afstandsbediening.html
aeon-labs-minimote-quattro.html

[Harlin]

duw-064459.html

My eyes,My eyes,My eyes

merten-universele-rf-afstandsbediening.html

Too big I have a Logitech Harmony 1100, but no support for Z-Wave devices.

aeon-labs-minimote-quattro.html

Hmmm the best option so far, however i really like the design of the (up coming?) Qees Remote.

[mhn]

We have to wait and see regarding QEES remote.

At our Danish meeting QEES told us i might never come. The interest has been to small so far. Without interest it will not be produced.

The mykey will come soon. http://www.qees.eu/en/products/product- ... moteseries

Regards
Morten

[Harlin]

At our Danish meeting QEES told us i might never come. The interest has been to small so far.

Well its a nicely designed remote, kinda B&O style. It would be a shame if it doesn't leave the drawing board.

[mhn]

I have 4 of them Innovus branded. But the QEES branded should be a lot better (next version).

If they don't make them, you might be able to find a Innovus SmoothRemote in some shop.

[TANE]

Best Zwave remote is the Nevo S70
I have that one but will never advice to buy it...price is 1000 euro.

Other option is just buy a simple functional zwave remote as backup and only use it when your HS- server is down.
For daily operation buy the IRtrans and connect this to your HS-server.
You can use your Harmony for controlling the lights just sending simple Ir command to irtrtans.
Irtrans can controle events in Homeseer.

[Esteban]

If you really miss your X10 remote another possible option is to use your x10 (rf) remote in conjuction with an rfxcom receiver...

X10 (rf) remote -> rfxcom receiver -> homeseer -> z-stick -> z-wave module

[DJF3]

I also use KAKU and X10 remotes through an RFXCOM receiver. The remotes work great (especially the KAKU remote) and cost very little.

DJ