Smart Home & Home Automation discussion thread

[Kaido]

Hah, Samsung is already advertising smart home stuff. They brought in KITT

http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/02/samsung-smart-home-kitt-hasselhoff/

 

[Muadib]

Hah, Samsung is already advertising smart home stuff. They brought in KITT

http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/02/samsung-smart-home-kitt-hasselhoff/

I think my dad may have mentioned it.

 

[gbeirn]

I am in the market for a new water heater soon, are there any available 'smart' water heaters? Say that let me monitor the water temperature and how much water is being used?

Edit: I should mention it would be gas and I prefer tank over tankless

 

[Kaido]

I am in the market for a new water heater soon, are there any available 'smart' water heaters? Say that let me monitor the water temperature and how much water is being used?

Edit: I should mention it would be gas and I prefer tank over tankless

Not really, it's all piecemeal right now. Rheem has an EcoNet system they're starting to push out to the market:

http://www.rheem.com/EcoNet/Home

It's available on Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-Ec...-Electric-Water-Heaters-REWRA631EWH/205310139

They have a hybrid water heater with EcoNet:

http://www.rheem.com/product/water-heating-heat-pump-professional-prestige-series-hybrid-heat-pump

As far as water heaters go, I think the four metrics would be:

1. Temperature
2. Water consumption
3. Leak detection
4. Diagnostics

I think which features you want to add depends on your living situation. Some places have a set annual fee for water or no fee at all, so consumption tracking may not be a big issue. Or temperature...I have a gas-fired water heater & never ever look at or tinker with it, it just sits there & does its thing. The only thing I've bothered putting in is a Leakfrog (cheapie standalone water leak detector) just in case it leaks. You can do that with home automation, but then you need a smarthome system to tie it into.

Most of the stuff above is available with standard protocols like Z-wave, if you want to invest in it, plus there's some novel stuff like Z-wave leak detectors with motorized ball valves, so if it detects a leak, it can cut water flow to the pipe:

http://store.homeseer.com/store/FortrezZ-WV-01-Z-Wave-Water-Valve-34-P891.aspx

I too like gas water heaters with tanks...if the electricity goes out, I still have a barrel full of hot water that I can use for taking a shower with a candle if needed - it's REALLY been handy in the last few major storms when we've lost power for a week or more!

 

[Kaido]

Added inControl software to the directory; it does Zwave, Foscam, and WeMo for super cheap: ($140 for unlimited version with all plugins)

http://www.incontrolha.com/

Belkin's WeMo system is quickly becoming a serious player:

http://www.belkin.com/us/Products/home-automation/c/wemo-home-automation/

Lots of products available:

* Switches
* Smart LED bulbs
* Power switch with usage & cost monitoring (sort of a smart Kill-a-watt)
* Light switch
* Motion sensor
* Webcam
* Crockpot (yes, crockpot)
* Smart humidifier
* Maker (5v analog sensor for DIY projects)

They even have their own version of Dropcam called NetCam:

http://www.belkin.com/us/Products/home-automation/c/netcam/

So being able to unify stuff like WeMo (lots of neat, fairly advanced devices) with low-end (but good) stuff like Foscam webcams is pretty neat. The base price for the unlimited software is $70; for $99 you can get it bundled with a USB Zwave controller on their website:

http://store.incontrolzwave.com/incontrol-pro-usb-stick-aeodsa02203-us

Runs on Windows XP or higher (7 recommended).

 

[Kaido]

Nest now talks to major home automation systems thanks to the "Works with Nest" program:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/09/09/nest-home-automation-support/

Support for Control 4, Crestron, RTI, and URC:

https://nest.com/works-with-nest/

Integration with Mercedes cars & stuff like the Jawbone UP fitness tracker now available as well. I am a bit fan of automatic tracking like this:

Through UP Insights, we have shared the fact that an ideal sleeping environment is cooler, between 65 and 72 degrees. With the Nest integration, we no longer just tell you this fact. We make it a reality. Once your band enters Sleep Mode, your thermostat will kick down to your ideal temperature. And when you wake? You guessed it. Your thermostat will automatically adjust to a warmer temperature… all without leaving your bed.

 

[rcpratt]

Integration with Mercedes cars & stuff like the Jawbone UP fitness tracker now available as well. I am a big fan of automatic tracking like this:

I love this type of integration, but this is a pretty poor example. You don't need a fitness tracker to know that being cool at night is better. And Nest already handles your schedule anyways.

Not to mention most people want to be cool and comfortable when they're in bed and still conscious, not just while they're asleep.

 

[Kneedragger]

Added inControl software to the directory; it does Zwave, Foscam, and WeMo for super cheap: ($140 for unlimited version with all plugins)

http://www.incontrolha.com/

Belkin's WeMo system is quickly becoming a serious player:

http://www.belkin.com/us/Products/home-automation/c/wemo-home-automation/

Lots of products available:

* Switches
* Smart LED bulbs
* Power switch with usage & cost monitoring (sort of a smart Kill-a-watt)
* Light switch
* Motion sensor
* Webcam
* Crockpot (yes, crockpot)
* Smart humidifier
* Maker (5v analog sensor for DIY projects)

They even have their own version of Dropcam called NetCam:

http://www.belkin.com/us/Products/home-automation/c/netcam/

So being able to unify stuff like WeMo (lots of neat, fairly advanced devices) with low-end (but good) stuff like Foscam webcams is pretty neat. The base price for the unlimited software is $70; for $99 you can get it bundled with a USB Zwave controller on their website:

http://store.incontrolzwave.com/incontrol-pro-usb-stick-aeodsa02203-us

Runs on Windows XP or higher (7 recommended).

Does Belkin have a hub or not?

 

[Kaido]

Does Belkin have a hub or not?

Nope, it's all IP-based (Wifi). You connect to the device via a smartphone app (Apple or Android) & then pair it to your home wireless network - no central hub required:

http://www.belkin.com/us/support-article?articleNum=44527

I like that third parties can integrate with it (like inControl, IFTTT, Revolv, Smart Things, etc.). Belkin has some seriously cool stuff, like the power-monitoring controllable outlet:

http://www.belkin.com/us/F7C029-Belkin/p/P-F7C029/

And the upcoming WeMo Water monitoring system:

http://www.cnet.com/news/belkin-goes-all-in-on-the-home-of-the-future/

 

[Kneedragger]

You could probably get this to work with an alarm huh? http://www.belkin.com/us/F7C043-Belkin/p/P-F7C043;jsessionid=62BBE94F12EE6B30B9DCEE890C9CFCBA/

 

[notposting]

ecobee has announced their new ecobee3 thermostat. Updates includes presence detection, plus includes 1 wireless room module as well (can have up to 32).



Looks like a nice cross between their existing and the Nest approach.



Anyone interested in a lightly used Smart Si thermostat?



ecobee.com

 

[Kaido]

Logitech just unveiled their entry into home automation, based off their Harmony remotes:

http://gizmodo.com/logitech-finally-made-a-harmony-remote-for-your-whole-h-1635511028

I'm hoping that they have a two-way API because I would really like to integrate a Harmony Wifi IR blaster, simple remote, and smartphone remote into my Wink Hub system.

 

[Kaido]

GE unveils $20 open-source "Green Bean" module to make your appliances into Smart Appliances:

http://www.gizmag.com/ge-green-bean/33877/

COOL! Available now:

https://firstbuild.com/greenbean/

3D-printable case design files:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:435652

SDK:

https://github.com/firstbuild/green-bean

List of compatible appliances:

https://firstbuild.com/greenbean/Green_Bean_Compatibility.pdf

Available on select models in these categories:

* Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
* Dishwasher
* Free Standing Range
* Laundry
* Wall Oven
* Water Heater

It's limited to specific models, but it's cheap & this way you don't have to shell out for a smart-enabled version from the factory.

 

[rcpratt]

GE unveils $20 open-source "Green Bean" module to make your appliances into Smart Appliances:

http://www.gizmag.com/ge-green-bean/33877/

Neat...now make some for Whirlpool/LG

 

[Kneedragger]

Looks like D-link has some Smart Home hardware.

http://www.dlink.com/us/en/home-solutions/connected_home/connected-home

 

[CAL7]

Greetings! I'm getting ready to tackle some automation and I've read through this thread, as well as the sister thread for Wink. I'm willing to do some hard-core DIY, but I'd rather not. Wink and Smartthings speak to me, but so much for their simplicity, but because I would like to see the volume, and hence, mass-market pricing, for the peripherals. Can't complain about $60-100 for a controller; but $45 for every node? Ouch!

I'm surprised by the lack of mass-market products for window coverings. Besides basic lighting, I would expect to see a lot of demand for automated blinds/shades/etc. Seems to me that Somfy has an effective, if short-term, monopoly and are using RTS protocols to keep the market ($300+ for a Z-wave to RTS interpreter???) to themselves. Anybody see it differently?

 

[Kaido]

Greetings! I'm getting ready to tackle some automation and I've read through this thread, as well as the sister thread for Wink. I'm willing to do some hard-core DIY, but I'd rather not. Wink and Smartthings speak to me, but so much for their simplicity, but because I would like to see the volume, and hence, mass-market pricing, for the peripherals. Can't complain about $60-100 for a controller; but $45 for every node? Ouch!

I'm surprised by the lack of mass-market products for window coverings. Besides basic lighting, I would expect to see a lot of demand for automated blinds/shades/etc. Seems to me that Somfy has an effective, if short-term, monopoly and are using RTS protocols to keep the market ($300+ for a Z-wave to RTS interpreter???) to themselves. Anybody see it differently?

More like $60 for every node (outlets, wall switches, etc.). The market is still fairly niche. Eventually when it catches on, it will get cheaper, but it will take years - even with Home Depot behind Wink, pushing them forward. The IPv6 modification of Zigbee called "Thread" looks the most promising to me, but we'll see how it plays out.

Yup, Somfy is pretty much the name of the game. You can buy them through various blinds dealers, such as Bali, but if you want reliability, they seem to be the way to go. For me, most of this stuff is "gee whiz, it'd be nice to do X or Y", but is it $200 nice for a wireless deadbolt or $300 nice for a motorized blind? That, plus none of this stuff is 100% reliable. Having had the Wink up for a week or two, I can definitely tell you it is not as reliable as plain old regular switches. But it's neat & offers some power-saving options, so there's that!

Right now, I think home automation is mostly for enthusiasts & wealthy people. In 5 or 10 years, it will be the norm, especially with companies like Apple pushing HomeKit, Home Depot pushing Wink, Samsung pushing Smart Things, and lots of big initiatives being corralled together. They just need to make it cheap & reliable!

 

[Kneedragger]

An interesting read. Especially when Belkin mentions rolling tech into routers.

https://gigaom.com/2014/10/03/belkin-looks-at-the-smart-home-and-doesnt-see-a-place-for-hubs/

 

[Kaido]

Swann (they make inexpensive security systems, similar to Zmodo) announced the SwannOne Hub:

http://gizmodo.com/the-swannone-hub-controls-your-entire-house-from-a-sing-1640440366

Coming next month.

 

[obidamnkenobi]

I'm looking for a light switch with motion sensor, dimmer and fan control, but can't seem to find one from any of the big ones I've checked (Lutron, Leviton etc). Anyone know of any?

 

[Kaido]

Apple TV update displays smart device info through HomeKit:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/08/apple-tv-homekit/

And so it begins!

 

[Kaido]

I'm looking for a light switch with motion sensor, dimmer and fan control, but can't seem to find one from any of the big ones I've checked (Lutron, Leviton etc). Anyone know of any?

Are you looking for something like a 3-gang panel?

1. Motion sensor
2. Dimmer switch (or dial)
3. Fan control switch (or dial)

I know Lutron's Maestro series has a combination dimmer-sensor:

http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Product...cy-Vacancy/MaestroOccVacSensors/Overview.aspx

They also have some fan controls & fan/light combo controls:

http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/StandAloneControls/FanControls/Maestro/Models.aspx

You could probably do 2-gang pretty easily with the motion/dimmer combo & a fan switch. Do you have room for that?

 

[Kneedragger]

Apple TV update displays smart device info through HomeKit:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/08/apple-tv-homekit/

And so it begins!

Now we just need to see hardware.. think we will see any this year?

 

[Kneedragger]

Revolv has been acquired by Nest. Looks like they will stop making the Revolv products. http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/24/...lv-in-a-bid-to-control-your-entire-smart-home

 

[Kaido]

Revolv has been acquired by Nest. Looks like they will stop making the Revolv products. http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/24/...lv-in-a-bid-to-control-your-entire-smart-home

Yeah, that opens up a lot of doors:

http://gizmodo.com/nest-quietly-adds-even-more-products-to-its-smart-home-1650369985

http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/24/works-with-nest-pebble-home-automation/