I’m looking to implement a HA setup with various parts. Wanted to post my plans and get any feedback the community can offer.
Here’s what i currently own:
[ul][li]Nest Thermostat[/li]
[li]Z-Wave Kwikset Smartcode Bolt[/li]
[li]D-Link HD Outdoor Wireless Security Cam[/li]
[li]Dedicated HTPC with Windows 7/XBMC[/li]
[li]Android phones/tablets[/li][/ul]
I also own a Chamberlain MyQ garage controller but I’ve read that cant be integrated easily with anything. I’m looking at adding the following devices:
[ul][li]Wall switch to perform standard on/off function, but maintain power to the bulbs so other preset commands (like flashing lights) will still occur.[/li]
[li]If motion detected between time A and time B, turn on lights at 50% brightness, turn off after 5 minutes if no motion detected[/li]
[li]Auto unlock front door, turn on outside lights when Android Bluetooth disconnected from automobile Bluetooth (help from Android tasker app)[/li]
[li]Auto Dim lights when movie played on XBMC, turn on when paused, dim again when resumed.[/li]
[li]If lights on in office, and wifes door unlock combo entered, flash purple lights in office.[/li][/ul]
There are several other situations but if these are easily doable then i’m sure anythings possible. Look forward to reading your feedback.
There is a plugin for the MyQ GDO. Both for the Chamberlain and Assurelink versions. It works most of the time but not always as it’s still a work in progress. The original author has ceased development and I’m trying to get familiar enough with LUA to see what I can do to continue his work. Search these forum’s and you’ll find it.
A wall switch won’t be able to switch lights on to 50%. Only on and off. Like a normal non zwave wall switch. If you want a percentage, you’ll have to use a dimmer instead. A z-wave dimmer functions exactly like a normal dimmer. A scene can be made triggered by the motion sensor to switch on the lights and back of after a preset time if no motion detected any more…
Unlocking front door should be possible via your bluetooth idea. However, there is a different way using a DD-WRT router that does not adversely affect the phone battery. That solution is discussed in the forums as well and a complete script is provided. I was pleasantly surprised by it’s functionality.
Communication with XMBC is possible. IIRC using http commands between Vera and XBMC. Similar as to what is used above for the DD-WRT solution.
You should be able to implement flashing lights by a scene that switched the lights off and on in rapid succession for an x amount of times. I’m not that familiar with the HUE lights but of they are WiFi, chances are an http command could be issued for the color and maybe the flashing if the HUE supports that.
As for XBMC, you can easily get it setup using the XBMCState plugin. You install it via Vera, and then download the XBMC addon to your XBMC install. You need to configure the XBMC part to have the IP address of your Vera, and then setup actions. It’s actually one of the easier things I’ve done with Vera. If you have a specific question about it, post a new thread and I can help you out.
I’d also stay away from Kwikset and go with Shlage for a whole host of reasons.
Another great option for XBMC and Vera integration is Roomie Remote. While I haven’t dove into XBMC yet myself, I have extensively used Roomie Remote with my Vera 3. It is by far my personal favorite IR control app and I have used quite a few… ( iRule, Square Connect, Home Seer’s Touch product, etc ) Roomie has full support of XBMC. Good Luck!
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