Smart Home & Home Automation discussion thread

[Kaido]

Honeywell is expanding their Lyric thermostat line (it's like the Nest thermostat) into a security system:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/06/honeywell-lyric-security-system/

There's some automation & video features in there as well. Neat. I like their stuff.

 

[Kaido]

I don't get the point of the siri voice unlock. By the time you pull out your phone you can have the door unlocked with the pin code. Now if you can speak to the lock itself that's a different story.

Yup, I was hoping to speak to the lock & have it recognize my voice or something. The Siri voice unlock is a marketing feature - people are going to buy it on based on the gee-whiz factor.

That's why I like the Okidokey system better - similar base price, but way more integration & better features like proximity tags & Bluetooth support.

 

[Kaido]

More info on the new SmartThings system:

https://gigaom.com/2015/01/06/smartthings-next-generation-hub-will-support-thread-and-the-oic/

1. Supports Thread (IPv6 ZigBee)
2. Supports OIC (and AllJoyn if devices come out)
3. Added more suggested use cases for customizing workflows
4. Sensors are 1/3 the size now

 

[Kaido]

Neat, Edison LED bulbs:

http://www.amazon.com/LED2020-Filame...dp/B00O7WKV7E/

Edison bulbs have been very popular where I live for backyards, open rooms, and restaurants. Neat to see them in LED format now! Don't know if they'll ever be cool as the non-LED models tho:

http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/cat550006?$l-cg$

 

[RossMAN]

More info on the new SmartThings system:

https://gigaom.com/2015/01/06/smartthings-next-generation-hub-will-support-thread-and-the-oic/

1. Supports Thread (IPv6 ZigBee)
2. Supports OIC (and AllJoyn if devices come out)
3. Added more suggested use cases for customizing workflows
4. Sensors are 1/3 the size now

I'm on the verge of giving up on Wink (except for lighting), I'd like to see SmartThings:

1) Final shipping specs and pricing.
2) Specific details regarding free and "premium" monitoring services, I'm not crazy about DropCam-esque pricing where you pay forever and ever.

 

[lsd]

The batteries on my schlage zwave handle set died today. It uses 4 AA batteries and lasted about 14 months. My smarthings hub should be here today and I think it shows battery life unlike that pos Wink hub.

BTW shouldn't these HA threads be in the Home and Garden Subsection?

 

[ppkk]

I've got a major problem with WeMo.
My house has about a dozen various WeMo devices scattered around, and I've been pretty impressed with how well things work and integrate.

Fast forward to yesterday.

I'm on a four-month work project far away from home and my mobile phone dies. Dead. Needs replacement. So, new phone. Install WeMo app, and...nothing. The app is unusable until my phone gets back to the wifi network that all my little WeMos belong to.

Basically, I've got four months of no control and no knowledge of what's going on at home, because WeMo.

Maybe clouds have their purpose?

 

[Kaido]

I'm on the verge of giving up on Wink (except for lighting), I'd like to see SmartThings:

1) Final shipping specs and pricing.
2) Specific details regarding free and "premium" monitoring services, I'm not crazy about DropCam-esque pricing where you pay forever and ever.

I'm not going to buy into SmartThings until it's been vetted for awhile. I'll let someone else be the beta tester this time :biggrin:

 

[Kaido]

The batteries on my schlage zwave handle set died today. It uses 4 AA batteries and lasted about 14 months. My smarthings hub should be here today and I think it shows battery life unlike that pos Wink hub.

BTW shouldn't these HA threads be in the Home and Garden Subsection?

I requested a move, if it was appropriate for that section, but haven't heard back. I think this falls more under "gadgets" anyway, rather than traditional home stuff. Maybe if all of this equipment was super reliable it would be better off there :whiste:

 

[Kaido]

I've got a major problem with WeMo.
My house has about a dozen various WeMo devices scattered around, and I've been pretty impressed with how well things work and integrate.

Fast forward to yesterday.

I'm on a four-month work project far away from home and my mobile phone dies. Dead. Needs replacement. So, new phone. Install WeMo app, and...nothing. The app is unusable until my phone gets back to the wifi network that all my little WeMos belong to.

Basically, I've got four months of no control and no knowledge of what's going on at home, because WeMo.

Maybe clouds have their purpose?

Wow, it has to be synced up? Do you have remote access to any computers in your home? Maybe you could setup a quick VPN server, remote in with your phone, and activate that way?

 

[Joe D]

wow, so much content here on this one thread. I am about to break ground on new home construction, we'll be starting from scratch. I hoping to make the house smart from the ground up. I know I want smart power control, a couple zones of sound, video & security features. Not sure where to start with Hardware and how to direct my contractor on what I want. Any input on how to start planning?

 

[ppkk]

Wow, it has to be synced up? Do you have remote access to any computers in your home? Maybe you could setup a quick VPN server, remote in with your phone, and activate that way?

No, I have no access at all because I've committed to the cloud for just about all my computing needs.

A call to Belkin taught me that this is for my own protection, and I should be thankful that they were so concerned about my security. Wouldn't you think there's got to be a better way? When I get back home guess who's equipment I'm tossing out. This is a catastrophe.

 

[lsd]

So far my day 1 initial impression of Smartthings are good.
Set up was easy but you do need a wired connection. An ethernet cable and instructions are provided in the box. You use an access code that comes in the box to register your device.
Adding devices was on par with the vera lite with no issues encountered. The battery status for the schlage locks did take awhile to show up though. The Smartthings activity log is far superior vs the wink hub. As mentioned it will show battery life and it will also show which user opened the door and if the door was opened manually or not. Unfortunately it will not show tamper alarm activity.

The Trane Z wave thermostat is working properly with the ST hub. The activity log shows thermostat state and humidity. I'm not liking the slider to set the temperature, setting an exact temp is too tedious.

The lowes iris siren synced up just fine and is actually usable as a siren.

The ST app itself is decent and a welcome change from the wink app. If wink is trying to be like apple then ST is trying to be like Google.
The only thing I don't like is on the main "things" page I don't see a way to differentiate the garage entry door lock from the front door lock. While you do name each device that page just shows a door and key as the icon for each lock.

In the next few days I will be testing out the geofence lock/unlock function and looking into the smartapps. Overall very pleased with the ST hub.

 

[lsd]

Everything is working well with the ST hub. I have it set to unlock the garage entry door when get home from work and so far it has worked okay.
I saw someone made a smartapp to create a web app for access on a desktop/tablet.

Its a bit convoluted and limited but it's nice to have desktop access to view your devices.


If anyone is looking for cheap Zwave Window/Door sensors monoprice has them for ~$25 each and they are offering $20 off $100 today (1/15). These sensors allow you to add an external sensor so it's possible to monitor two side by side windows with just one sensor.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=122&cp_id=12212&cs_id=1221201&p_id=10795&seq=1&format=2

 

[Kaido]

If anyone is looking for cheap Zwave Window/Door sensors monoprice has them for ~$25 each and they are offering $20 off $100 today (1/15). These sensors allow you to add an external sensor so it's possible to monitor two side by side windows with just one sensor.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=122&cp_id=12212&cs_id=1221201&p_id=10795&seq=1&format=2

Boy I love Monoprice :wub:

I've been reading up on Honeywell's home automation offerings lately too, they have some neat stuff available:

http://www.totalconnecttoolkit.com/

https://blogs.honeywellsecurity.com/

I am currently leaning towards a SmartThings Hub as well, when the new one comes out. I've been less than ecstatic with my Wink system - we are the beta testers, which is really disappointing since stuff you buy at Home Depot is usually properly vetted since it's for the masses, not just the geeks. Aside from the stability & an enhanced user interface, I'm hoping the command response is better using local commands on the upcoming ST hub (vs. the Wink Hub)...honestly the delay still bothers me. I watch it as fast as a lightswitch!!

 

[Kaido]

Really interesting article on using DMX as a lighting system: (PDF)

https://www.extravegetables.com/sites/default/files/DMX lighting controls best kept secret.pdf

I'm also eyeballing the Pulsar lighting system from NCD :

https://www.controlanything.com/Relay/Relay/LIGHT_DIMMER

 

[Kaido]

Ecovent: Per-room temperature control via sensors & vents

https://www.ecoventsystems.com/

NOW we're talking! 5 products:

1. Mobile app for setting temperature in each room
2. Plug-in temperature sensor
3. Motorized floor vent
4. Motorized wall/ceiling vent
5. Control kit

Shipping August 2015, available for pre-order today.

 

[rcpratt]

Ecovent: Per-room temperature control via sensors & vents

https://www.ecoventsystems.com/

NOW we're talking! 5 products:

1. Mobile app for setting temperature in each room
2. Plug-in temperature sensor
3. Motorized floor vent
4. Motorized wall/ceiling vent
5. Control kit

Shipping August 2015, available for pre-order today.

Awesome idea. But I specced it out for my 1600 sqft townhouse (which could really benefit from this)...$900. Oof.

 

[lsd]

Ecovent: Per-room temperature control via sensors & vents

https://www.ecoventsystems.com/

NOW we're talking! 5 products:

1. Mobile app for setting temperature in each room
2. Plug-in temperature sensor
3. Motorized floor vent
4. Motorized wall/ceiling vent
5. Control kit

Shipping August 2015, available for pre-order today.

Interesting concept but I don't think it's advised to be opening and closing vents like that. I researched bypass dampers a few years ago and the hvac guys mentioned not to close off vents. Something to do with static pressure in the system and stress on the blower.
I think the state of hvac in the modern home is ridiculous in this day and age. We need a system like that one but it needs to be paired with a variable blower and compressor. It's definitely time for a smart hvac system (that's reasonably priced).

 

[lsd]

Received monoprice Zwave sensors yesterday. The Wink hub is not capable of using them but they paired fine with the Smartthings hub. The ST hub initially identifies them as just sensors but was able to change them to window/door sensors with the ST developer website. The sensor updates status to the hub is extremely quick, much quicker than I'd thought it would be considering the ST hub uses the cloud.
Down side is they are on the large size but they do use cr123 batteries and have the port for external sensor.

 

[Kaido]

Interesting concept but I don't think it's advised to be opening and closing vents like that. I researched bypass dampers a few years ago and the hvac guys mentioned not to close off vents. Something to do with static pressure in the system and stress on the blower.
I think the state of hvac in the modern home is ridiculous in this day and age. We need a system like that one but it needs to be paired with a variable blower and compressor. It's definitely time for a smart hvac system (that's reasonably priced).

Yup, I agree - it's time for modernization. Every room should be a zone with a sensor suite (air quality, humidity level, and temperature) and every zone should have individual controls for the following:

1. Fresh, filtered air from the outside
2. Heating
3. Cooling
4. Air movement (via ceiling fan)
5. Humidity (humidification & dehumidification)
6. (optional) Radiant heat for warm floors

Obviously there is spillover to the entire house, but I don't really want to pay to heat or cool a room that no one is using (not to mention control HVAC on dozens or hundreds of feet of ductwork). If the system could automatically keep each room at the minimum levels to avoid temperature swing issues (mold, rot, etc.) but then give you super-zoned control, that'd be ideal. Slap a radiant floor in, some ceiling fans, and a ceiling-mounted Mr. Slim system like this:

http://innovations.mitsubishi-les.com/en/mr-slim/pla-rp

Mitsubishi is slowing adding residential digital controls into their system: (for Europe anyway)

http://www.melcloud.com/

Also, indoor air quality has historically been pretty bad in American homes, especially since a lot of us use non-vented range hoods on our stoves. So you could break it down into separate systems that all tie together, like a ductwork system that has an air purifier:

http://www.iqair.com/home-air-purifiers/wholehouseairpurifiers/perfect16

There's a good article here with more info about ventilation & IAQ: (plus a bit on HRV/ERV stuff)

http://www.iqair.com/newsroom/2013/energy-efficiency-ventilation-and-indoor-air-quality

The problem is, there's still some missing technology. We have individual room humidifiers & dehumidifiers, and whole-house versions of those like this:

http://www.ultra-aire.com/

&

http://www.aprilaire.com/whole-house-products/whole-house-products/humidifiers

But not really ones that do individual rooms, aside from standalone models that you plug into the wall. I think as more homes get more airtight thanks to stuff like concrete & steel construction, or SIP boards with better insulation, this will become more important for managing your energy bills & giving everyone individual comfort. Again, not that it's an overly huge deal, but if you can save a few bucks in HVAC costs & also give people control per room zone, that'd be a big seller for me, at least. Plus, you get a little more distribution so that if you have one failure, it doesn't nuke control for your whole house, which is nice. But again, that's kind of minor stuff since it rarely happens & you can just have a fixit company come out for a repair within a day or two.

 

[Kaido]

Interesting concept but I don't think it's advised to be opening and closing vents like that. I researched bypass dampers a few years ago and the hvac guys mentioned not to close off vents. Something to do with static pressure in the system and stress on the blower.
I think the state of hvac in the modern home is ridiculous in this day and age. We need a system like that one but it needs to be paired with a variable blower and compressor. It's definitely time for a smart hvac system (that's reasonably priced).

Actually I was just thinking, the last hotel I stayed in had a really nice floor-mounted HVAC system that came up to about thigh-height. I googled it & they are available for residential purchase, either as a heat pump, or with electric heat options:

http://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewcategory.cfm?categoryID=246

These units can combine some additional features like dehumidification & fresh air vents, plus neat features like room freezer protection if the room temp falls below 40F:

http://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewproduct.cfm?productID=453070613

Downsides are they take up floorspace & remove some visual aesthetics, and are also a bit noisy (although the fans on some models kick in before the compressors to muffle the noise, per the documentation). The one at that hotel I stayed at had a fan built-in as well, so it actually blew the air out almost like a ceiling fan, which was actually really nice - you could get the room cooled down (or heated up) really quickly that way. That would be especially nice in combination with like a Nest learning thermostat, so if you usually get home at 5pm and hang out in the kitchen, living room, and your bedroom, then it could get things setup at the temperature you wanted for you, without wasting resources trying to heat or cool the whole house.

 

[Kaido]

Kuhl wifi-controller room air-conditioner: (heat optional)

http://www.friedrich.com/products/residential/window/kuhl

Residential Kühl

Kühl is innovative, style and technology. And Kühl is the first room air conditioner that can be controlled from a smart phone, computer or other mobile device. From design to engineering, construction to control, Kühl is the most advanced room air conditioner ever produced. Cool-only and cool+heat models. New smaller sizes and capacities. ENERGY STAR qualified models.

 

[lsd]

Actually I was just thinking, the last hotel I stayed in had a really nice floor-mounted HVAC system that came up to about thigh-height. I googled it & they are available for residential purchase, either as a heat pump, or with electric heat options:

http://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewcategory.cfm?categoryID=246

These units can combine some additional features like dehumidification & fresh air vents, plus neat features like room freezer protection if the room temp falls below 40F:

http://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewproduct.cfm?productID=453070613

Downsides are they take up floorspace & remove some visual aesthetics, and are also a bit noisy (although the fans on some models kick in before the compressors to muffle the noise, per the documentation). The one at that hotel I stayed at had a fan built-in as well, so it actually blew the air out almost like a ceiling fan, which was actually really nice - you could get the room cooled down (or heated up) really quickly that way. That would be especially nice in combination with like a Nest learning thermostat, so if you usually get home at 5pm and hang out in the kitchen, living room, and your bedroom, then it could get things setup at the temperature you wanted for you, without wasting resources trying to heat or cool the whole house.

If you are looking for a/c system for a house that does not have central a/c they do make multizone mini split a/c systems.
https://www.acwholesalers.com/Mitsu...Id=cat1036&mainCat=&subCat=&trail=31446:18.00

I stayed in a room in a boutique hotel that had one. The unit wasn't too big and was wall mounted. It did a good job cooling the room and was fairy quiet.

 

[Kaido]

Raspberry Pi 2 announced:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/02/raspberry-pi-2/

Special version of Windows 10 coming for free:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/02/02/windows-10-is-coming-to-the-raspberry-pi-2/

Special focus on HA & IoT:

Over the years, the Raspberry Pi has helped children learn to code and has powered many homebrew projects around the world, but some users have often lamented at the lack Windows support. Luckily, now that the Raspberry Pi 2 is here, that's all about to change. Microsoft has announced that it will support the Raspberry Pi Foundation's latest board, making a specialized version of its Windows 10 operating system available to the wider Pi community for free via its Windows Developer Program for IoT (Internet of Things).

Microsoft says that Windows 10 will be made available "later this year," offering it to "Makers" in the same way it delivered Windows builds for developers utilising Intel's Galileo board. The key thing here is price: tinkerers can grab the new ARMv7 board, which is said to deliver at least six times the performance of the old Model B+, for just $35 and begin building their own home automation tools. Microsoft says it will share more details on what its new version of Windows 10 can do in "the coming months", but it shouldn't mean that you wait until then before buying one.