Home automation

ocmanus · 8 May 2014 at 13:32

Does anyone have any recommendations on home automation brands and places to shop for them?

I'm looking at controlling all elements of the house (lighting, heating, security) via a remote control device or app.

Skywalker · 8 May 2014 at 14:16

I currently have the following all run by apps on my iPhone
Phillips Hue lighting
Sonos music systems
D-link cameras

Imy · 8 May 2014 at 14:19

I'd start with picking a technology and controller that does what you want.

I've used Z-Wave and LightwaveRF and both have their pros/cons.

There are links to shops/products on my project log here:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18578296

ocmanus · 8 May 2014 at 20:01

Imy said:
I'd start with picking a technology and controller that does what you want.

I've used Z-Wave and LightwaveRF and both have their pros/cons.

There are links to shops/products on my project log here:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18578296

Thanks for the link to your project. It looks very interesting.

Z-Wave on the face of it appears to be the most versatile and robust out of the technologies. A good range of vendors too.

Thanks again

ocmanus · 8 May 2014 at 20:07

Skywalker said:
I currently have the following all run by apps on my iPhone
Phillips Hue lighting
Sonos music systems
D-link cameras

I'm looking for a more integrated solution, but I do suspect that there'll be instances which don't fit (Sonos in your reply is a good example) where I'll have to compromise. API's are available for the major technologies, but I'd rather integrate than develop...

Kol · 8 May 2014 at 20:10

I've started building my lightwaverf setup. Consists of some sockets and some light switches so far. Great stuff. I like having timers etc. So having my bedroom table lamp come on and warm up at 7am is great. I then leave the house at 7:45 and all assigned sockets switch off.

The new products should start to come out soon that's when it'll be really useful.