SmartHomeUSA.com Home Automation

[maknoll]

I don't think I'm even to the "Choosing a Home Automation System" part yet! We would like to get started, however, and I want to do this right.

Minimum system requirements:
audio/video
phone
ethernet

Likely additions:
lighting/home control

Possible additions:
security system

Home is basement plus two stories. I currently have access to the first floor through the basement and the second floor up a chimney chase and through the attic, so if I need to run wires, now is the time. If so, what and how many?

Just finished reading "Structured Wiring Design Manual" and "How to Automate Both New and Existing Homes," ........I'm more confused than ever with the different technologies. I want to do this once, and "future-proof" it as much as possible (within reason).

I can do everything myself if I only knew what to do!!

[Ralph]

Based on your needs, I would say HAI. The HAI panel allows you to run audio/video through their automation panel, controls lighting and other home control needs like HVAC as well as being an actual alarm panel.

For your current situation, with your walls open and wondering what wiring to run, I would start with the basics.
For each room where there will be video, run two RG6 cables to a single plate.
For each room where there will be phone and internet, run two CAT5 cables (one for phone, one for internet).
For lighting controls, I recommend using UPB, it works seemlessly with HAI and requires no additional wiring.
For audio I think your best bet is to run a CAT5 cable to the same location your light switch resides in each room where audio will be needed. From here with audio comes your first decision. HAI has an audio system which uses amplified keypads, so you can run your speaker cable from your light switch placed controller to your ceiling speakers. For other sound systems the speaker wire will run back to the source location.

The second part of the difficulty with audio is location of the source. If you have an entertainment center, that is usually going to wind up being the source location for your audio distribution. The reason I bring this up is that the cables I mentioned above need to be run to a central location (phone, internet, alarm, video), but the audio system may not be convenient in that planning.

I think this makes an excellent starting point.

[maknoll]

Thank you for your reply, Ralph. That all seems to make sense. I especially like the recommended setup for the audio.

After doing some reading, it looks like HAI and JDS are the two leading controllers. I like the security system and the UPB capabilities with the HAI (although the switches seem expensive). I like the telephony and the wide range of programming options that you get w/the JDS. Would like a hybrid of the two, if there is such a thing.

Do you know much about the Elk controller? Seems like it has a lot of comparable features at a lower price. Seems to integrate with a lot of other brands as well (I was specifically looking at Insteon stuff). Would such a controller fit it well with your previous recommendation?

Thanks again for your help!!

[Ralph]

The ELK is definitely a fantastic choice, I think it has a wonderful mix of detailed programming with a simple interface together with seamless integration with third party devices.

I would highly recommend the UPB lighting based on its massive amounts of flexibility. Keep in mind the expense of the switch is based on the fact that unlike any other technology, each switch is a transmitter, receiver and a load controller.

[maknoll]

Ralph wrote: ..........unlike any other technology, each switch is a transmitter, receiver and a load controller.........(referring to UPB)

Aah! That brings some clarity. I obviously need to do some more research -- I thought that is what INSTEON was all about. It seems, then, that UPB would be extremely reliable.

Thank you again,
Mark

[Ralph]

UPB is basically a massive upgrade to the original powerline signal technology (X10). Instead of having X10's limited 256 addresses, UPB has over 64000, instead of a 4-6volt signal on the powerline, UPB uses 40-60 volts. UPB switches and control a load and transmit a signal to control a secondary switch with a single button push. Double tapping can be set to trigger additional events, for example:
A single tap turns the light on using a 5 minute slow fade up.
A double tap snaps the light on instantly.

This also of course works for turning off lights, or triggering other events.

[maknoll]

How is this different than the INSTEON technology?