Re: Which HA standard to use for first home?

["Duncan" <duncan.sample@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Mal Lansell" <mal@...> wrote:
>
> --- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "Duncan" <duncan.sample@>
wrote:
> >
> > Hi Mal
> >
> > Sorry, I had totally forgotten the message was there still.  I've
> > removed it now.  I'm currently in the process of redesigning the
site.
> >
> > I really value your opinion, as I read your Z-Wave page a few
moments
> > after posting and started having doubts in my choice.  I'm
wondering
> > what alternative there is though that offers the same kind of
features
> > that isn't hard to fit (ie. doesn't require a full rewiring of
the
> house).
> >
> > Duncan
> >
>
> I feel quite negative towards Z-Wave in the UK (as you may have
> gathered) - the products have not appeared as promised.  Even now the
> range is extremely limited - a couple of plug in modules and some
cheap
> looking plastic lightswitches.  The remote is very bulky and old
> fashioned.
>
> It's also a complete pain in the ass to set up and configure - far
more
> complex than it needs to be.
>
> Despite the complexity and lack of software, I'd probably go for
Z-Wave
> myself if the range of devices was better - e.g less cumbersome
> remotes, wire-in modules (instead of plug in) and more elegant
switches.
>
> For an alternative, you could look at HomeEasy - it's wireless and low
> cost, and you can buy the modules in B&Q.  It seems reliable
enough to
> me, although there is no feedback of status that you get with Z-Wave.
> In that respect it's more of a wireless replacement for X10.  HomeEasy
> don't do a PC interface, but you can use an RFXCOM
transmitter/receiver
> instead.
>
> HTH
>
> Mal
>


I did gather from your site that you had abandoned it because of the
product range.  Are there any European suppliers (and therefore on the
same frequency) that would ship to the UK?  The Logitech Harmony 895
remote is pretty nice and works with Z-Wave according to the Let's
Automate site.

I've looked at Home Easy and was considering it since it's so cheap,
but it does just seem like a replacement to X10, and not very pretty
either.  I think I'd also seen some complaints about the reliability,
with devices sometimes not responding.

I would have liked to use C-Bus, but I don't understand fully whether
it can be created as a completely wireless solution.  For my first
attempt I'd like a fully wireless solution and Z-Wave seemed like it
would be the most reliable (because of the mesh).

Duncan


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