Obviously newb to home automation here ;D . Been doing alot of digging on a particular project I have in mind:
Galley kitchen… I want to add under and over cabinet lighting (dimmable) on both sides of the kitchen and control it with one wall-mount switch. I’d prefer if that light switch is SEPARATE from the existing in-wall switches… it can even be one of those faux-mount deals with batteries. I’d like to also control the whole thing from a smart-phone app.
I’d like to use the Vera products for this single project initially - and then expand to home security.
Is this possible? If this isn’t the correct forum for discussing the idea and what products I would need to accomplish it I’d be happy with some good recommendations on supporting sites. I have Googled, Binged all been all over the place. Figured I’d start here!
You just need to make sure you get switches that will do what you want. Make sure they will dim LEDs (need neutral wire), and either support associations (switches talk directly) or instant status (switches talk to Vera immediately)…
One good reference location: http://www.homeseer.com/compare-z-wave-dimming-wall-switches.html
The type of lights will determine what types of switching options are available. Standard AC lighting can use Z-Wave wall dimmers or possibly in-wall micro micro dimmers. If you are using low voltage LED strip lighting, the Fibaro RBGW dimmer could be used to control the strips.
When using the in-wall micro dimmers or the RGBW dimmers, you can use a AC mains powered scene controller(wall switch) or the battery operated controller that you mentioned.
Appreciate the replies both of you. I think the RBGW dimmer is in my future.
I took a look at the Fibaro website for the first time thanks to Z-Waver.
Mind. Blown.
I second the comment about the fibaro. You can use white LEDs on all four channels if you want, plus it has its own inputs so you can connect switches straight to it as well as use your phone, etc.
Another good feature is the ramp up and ramp down when you turn them on or off. The speed of this can be adjusted too.
You don’t need to use the fibaro home centre. It’s a nice unit but a lot more expensive. It works with Vera too.
I am assuming I’d need two of the Fibaro dimmer controls… one on each side of the kitchen galley? And then tie both together using the Vera?
It will depend on your wiring and the total load of your strips. Two will certainly work although there may be several hundred milliseconds difference between them in response to Z-Wave commands. e.g. Send the On command and one takes half to one second longer to turn On than the other.