goodbye insteon, hello z-wave!!!

Community Playground Getting Started & Initial Setup
1

Hello all,

I would consider myself a novice when it comes to home automation. My current setup consists of insteon dimmers and a PLM USB interface controller. This setup has proven to be relatively stable but every now and then, the UI I am using has proven to be inconsistent. Furthermore, expandability is extremely limited. I found out about Z-Wave when I purchased a Schlage deadbolt [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AGK9KUU/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=hi]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AGK9KUU/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=hi[/url]. After purchasing, I realized that this lock is not compatible with the software that I am currently using. Before expanding my automation endeavors beyond the dimmers I already purchased, I think its time I jump ship and replace all my insteon dimmers with Z-Wave dimmers. Here is my current setup:

I currently have 10 dimmers installed. Of those 10 dimmers, I have (2) 3 way switches (total of 4 switches) that I would need to swap out. I’m hoping to have something like this as an end result:

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYMpMt0lwUY&feature=youtu.be]Android Home Automation Demo MiCasa Verde - YouTube

What kind of z-wave dimmers do I need to purchase and where is the best place to purchase? Also, I am going to pick up a Vera Lite controller to operate the dimmers and deadbolt. Would I need any additional hardware/software to get this up and running? Thanks in advance!

2

start for amazon, in lorenz hd shop
I bought good products there.
he have a good price for vera3 controller you will need one.

dimmers and switches you can consider GE, Evolve, Leviton are good but very complicated to install. choose that what have instant status update.

Intermatic are good for appliances.

aeon labs are good for micro dimmer and switches and 4 in 1 sensor, door sensor.

door lock good is YALE but choose that have key access when no battery is installed.

app for your Iphone and all apple devices like ipod and ipad is Homewave from intveltr.

you can use philips hue with vera without problem.

for IR devices use Sqblaster.

If I remember something more I put here.

I hope this help you.

3

Thanks for the reply! I’ve narrowed down my switch choice to the Jasco 45609 and the intermatic CA600. It seems like the intermatic has a slightly better price but people have also reported greater unreliability than the Jasco switch. The only negative for the 45609 is that it isn’t dimmable. Although the switch itself is not dimmable, would I be able to dim it via Vera lite? Or would I have to purchase the dimmable version to have this feature available to me?

4

Vera only remotely controls the Z-Wave device.
If the Z-Wave device does not support dimming … then Vera can’t dim it.

5

Funny that you are going that direction…and I am migrating the other direction.

You might want to keep your Insteon items, and try out Altsteon and Vera.
That allows you to pick and choose which devices (Z-Wave locks and Insteon FanLincs, etc).

6

[quote=“PurdueGuy, post:5, topic:176893”]Funny that you are going that direction…and I am migrating the other direction.

You might want to keep your Insteon items, and try out Altsteon and Vera.
That allows you to pick and choose which devices (Z-Wave locks and Insteon FanLincs, etc).[/quote]

That would be my #1 alternative but I’ve been reading that insteon integration into Vera, even with alsteon, is less reliable than using z wave products. However, the switchlinc dimmers that I have now are better quality than the zwave dimmers I would be purchasing. I’ve ordered the Vera lite so I might give alsteon a try before I convert my switches. Are you currently using alsteon? If so, how has it been? Thanks for the post!

7

I’m not sure where you are reading that. ??? I’m using Altsteon, and actively making enhancements.
Check out the Insteon forum here: http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/board,38.0.html
My name probably shows up too much there! 8)

Since Altsteon is trying to keep up with a moving target, and SmartLabs changes things without documentation, it can be a bit of trial and error, but for the most part, everything is great.

I’d say Insteon (with Altsteon) is supported just as well as most of the Z-Wave items from MCV. Unfortunately, X-10 is a tougher battle, and more difficult to support.

On the plus side, you can submit a bug or feature request, and we might be able to solve it in just a matter of days! ;D ;D
(Granted, it really helps if one of the developers has access to the same device, but not always required.)

8

[quote=“PurdueGuy, post:7, topic:176893”]I’m not sure where you are reading that. ??? I’m using Altsteon, and actively making enhancements.
Check out the Insteon forum here: http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/board,38.0.html
My name probably shows up too much there! 8)

Since Altsteon is trying to keep up with a moving target, and SmartLabs changes things without documentation, it can be a bit of trial and error, but for the most part, everything is great.

I’d say Insteon (with Altsteon) is supported just as well as most of the Z-Wave items from MCV. Unfortunately, X-10 is a tougher battle, and more difficult to support.

On the plus side, you can submit a bug or feature request, and we might be able to solve it in just a matter of days! ;D ;D
(Granted, it really helps if one of the developers has access to the same device, but not always required.)[/quote]

Ok PurdueGuy,

You’ve convinced me. I’m going to give Alsteon a try. Easy sell I know, lol. I was really dreading uninstalling all of those insteon switches for, what I perceive to be, z wave switches of lesser quality anyways. Thanks for the heads up!