Z-Wave Home Automation

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chockymonster said:

I use z-wave modules, predominantly fibaro dimmer 2 modules as they autodetect what dimming mode is needed (trailing/leading edge)
My light switches are all deco click modules, I use momentary contact switch modules with a brushed finish. They look like standard switches. Single click press to turn back on to the last value, hold to dim or brighten. They work independently from the controller if you want to manually turn things on and off.
All z-wave modules in the euro zone work at 868.42Mhz. There are no ports to open as they don't work that way.

Sounds amazing!

I'm planning on doing something incorporating a chunk of those ideas and have the Vera & Fibaro dimmers/relays ready to install.

Could you provide some more info on the switches you use please. I have standard screwfix type switchplates at the moment and these momentary switches look ideal.

I have a Varilight V-pro dimmer in one room, surely this is exactly what you're talking about? One touch to go off/ on to last setting, then hold to go through dim sequence? Plus it has a minimum level setting, perfect for setting to stop the EcoLED ZEPS from flicking at the dimmers lowest setting.

Can you use a fibaro dimmer module with one of thee dimmer switches, so you have both physical dimming control and the same from your smartphone/HA system?

Edited by -Ad- on Tuesday 14th June 13:21

[Harry Flashman]

Chockymonster useful stuff, thanks!

LightwaveRF is far more limited in how it can integrate with other automation, but will be far less cost/hassle to install:

I have 40 lighting circuits, the Lightwave switches I have specced to do the whole house will be £1020. These are LED capable dimmers tested with the EcoLED lights that combine local physical control and wifi control. The major drawback is that they are pretty much a standalone solution for app controlled lighting - no integration with Z-wave, and limited integration with other products. If you want to control the lights, you do so off a separate app. Setting up protocols for "if doorbell rings, turn entrance lights and outdoor lights on" does not work, unlike a proper Z-Wave system. So much reduced functionality (although in the case above, I'll just use a PIR outside the front door).

Fibaro Z-wave, the modules alone are £1,632, and then you have to buy the LED compatible dimmers on top, another £500 or so. And you have to find space in the multi-gang dimmers for all the modules (not possible), or have unsightly rows of single switch dimmers in some areas (involves re-cabling and digging out solid walls, further adding to the cost).

I am going to try the LightwaveRF reduced functionality on a separate app over 2x the component cost, and design/installation issues. One day, someone will make multigang Z-wave integrated LED dimmers, I suspect, and I can move to full automation.

Echo another poster's questions as to whether there is an alarm module I can use to a) re-use hard-wired PIRs and b) be itself hard wired with battery backup?

[chockymonster]

Harry Flashman said:

Chockymonster useful stuff, thanks!

LightwaveRF is far more limited in how it can integrate with other automation, but will be far less cost/hassle to install:

I have 40 lighting circuits, the Lightwave switches I have specced to do the whole house will be £1020. These are LED capable dimmers tested with the EcoLED lights that combine local physical control and wifi control. The major drawback is that they are pretty much a standalone solution for app controlled lighting - no integration with Z-wave, and limited integration with other products. If you want to control the lights, you do so off a separate app. Setting up protocols for "if doorbell rings, turn entrance lights and outdoor lights on" does not work, unlike a proper Z-Wave system. So much reduced functionality (although in the case above, I'll just use a PIR outside the front door).

Fibaro Z-wave, the modules alone are £1,632, and then you have to buy the LED compatible dimmers on top, another £500 or so. And you have to find space in the multi-gang dimmers for all the modules (not possible), or have unsightly rows of single switch dimmers in some areas (involves re-cabling and digging out solid walls, further adding to the cost).

I am going to try the LightwaveRF reduced functionality on a separate app over 2x the component cost, and design/installation issues. One day, someone will make multigang Z-wave integrated LED dimmers, I suspect, and I can move to full automation.

Echo another poster's questions as to whether there is an alarm module I can use to a) re-use hard-wired PIRs and b) be itself hard wired with battery backup?

You don't need LED dimmers as well as the fibaro, you can also put the module at the light too.
The fibaro dimmer 2 is the dimming module, it dims the transformer.

As for lightwave having reduced functionality, I use it in my system too as Indigo can control lightwaverf devices so I have the same functionality with them as I do with fibaro. I might be beating a drum here but Indigo was the best product I've ever bought for the house. I already had the mac mini because I run Plex on it for my media server. But being able to control everything from one place is such a bonus, I originaly bought it to do accurate sunset control to turn on my led house number plaque!

Alarm panels, yes. I have a DSC 1832 panel, it has an interface board that I can link into.

[pmanson]

Bookmarking this thread for later reading.

Just in the process of moving house and keen to add some level of themes/zoning over time.

Eg. In the lounge we plan to have a drop down screen/projector for movie nights, i'd love to be able to have it setup so that at a touch of a button on the wall - the projector turns on, screen drops, amp switches to correct input/output, Blu-ray player turns on, main lights dim/switch off etc

Outdoor PIRs that switch on/turn up various lights the list could be endless.


The one advantage that we have I suppose is that we will be starting completely from scratch and we can plan it all

[Harry Flashman]

I am going to ask you lots of questions, as you've been so helpful. Virtual pint bought, and real one available if you are ever in London.

Thanks. Will look into the Indigo very closely!

[burritoNinja]

arun1uk said:

Thanks gents, appreciate the replies. I'll be looking into the alarm integrations, with the aim that I'm notified of an alter when I'm away from home and not having to pay the £25 monthly management fee from the likes of ADT etc.

Think I agree about the battery powered motion detectors so will be giving them a miss.

I also like the look of Ninja Sphere https://ninjablocks.com/#home/ but realise it's not a proven solution yet. Anyone heard much about it?

Cheers

We had a contract with ADT. Never renewed it and were left with a useless system. Save hundreds doing it yourself. New system being installed soon by myself is just like what you are after. It alerts to your phone and can turn alarm on or off etc. I love that we can integrate fire/carbon monoxide alarms into it. Along with cameras and even turning lights on and off. Fantastic.

[Harry Flashman]

burritoNinja - that is exactly what I am after. Which system/provider did you use?

I am looking into the DSC system, but it doesn't seem easily DIY'd. Also, I would like to use the existing hard-wired sensors from the old alarm that is in the house if possible - in fact use hard-wired sensors as much as possible, at least for the PIRs.

That said, if the alarm can talk to Z-wave sensors, those same sensors could be used for other purposes (lighting etc).

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[chockymonster]

pmanson said:

Bookmarking this thread for later reading.

Just in the process of moving house and keen to add some level of themes/zoning over time.

Eg. In the lounge we plan to have a drop down screen/projector for movie nights, i'd love to be able to have it setup so that at a touch of a button on the wall - the projector turns on, screen drops, amp switches to correct input/output, Blu-ray player turns on, main lights dim/switch off etc

Outdoor PIRs that switch on/turn up various lights the list could be endless.


The one advantage that we have I suppose is that we will be starting completely from scratch and we can plan it all

It's all doable, it's using the right bits, taking some logic and making it work! The dimming lights etc is simple, turning the projector on and dropping the screen etc will depend on the kit and how you do it. All of my gear is IP controlled but you can use IR beamers to do the control if needed. The list is endless as to what you do, but the best thing you can do is sit down and write down what you want to happen when you do things, entering/exiting rooms, leaving the house etc. It will really help!

[chockymonster]

Harry Flashman said:

burritoNinja - that is exactly what I am after. Which system/provider did you use?

I am looking into the DSC system, but it doesn't seem easily DIY'd. Also, I would like to use the existing hard-wired sensors from the old alarm that is in the house if possible - in fact use hard-wired sensors as much as possible, at least for the PIRs.

That said, if the alarm can talk to Z-wave sensors, those same sensors could be used for other purposes (lighting etc).

Any advice would be much appreciated.

I fitted my DSC system! It was easy.
Speak to CFSS, they told me what I needed, ignore the prices on their site, talk to them over the phone to get your price.
I sent them a floor plan, told them what I needed, I use Pet friendly wired PIRs, wireless door and window contacts etc etc.
The instructions were easy to follow, the programming setup is pretty easy. I use the alarm PIRs for home automation but wouldn't use z-wave PIRs for security. I wanted a standalone system that I can integrate into my HA system, one that was designed to be an alarm and wouldn't upset my neighbours.