Anybody have experience and recommendations for automating home lighting? I’ve seen different systems using different protocols (Insteon, Z-wave, e.g.) and would like to compare reliability of the systems. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks
Anybody have experience and recommendations for automating home lighting? I’ve seen different systems using different protocols (Insteon, Z-wave, e.g.) and would like to compare reliability of the systems. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Replies
Anybody have experience and recommendations for automating home lighting?
Well, I was an X10 early adopter, which was handy when those components were in all the bigboxes and every RadioShack--less so now.
Which is a shame, as X10 really comes into its own with a computer connected up, and only now do you see cheap-enough computers readily available.
Usually the hiccup winds up in either not having enough things to automate or too many.
In my case, I'm using two controllers. Both have a "2" circuit on a timer that either provides general, low-level, illumination, or provides some "lived in" look (both timers have an "imprecision" factor that varies the exact "on" time). There are specific task lights on both devices, one of which is for outside lighting. Another is for holiday lighting.
Do you have any specific needs, or are looking for purely general information?
I'm thinking about controlling indoor lights, just on/off/dim type stuff - nothing fancy. I've heard that x10 had reliability issues with line noise. Have you experienced this?
I had to add a phase coupler and a noise filter for my computer. It works fine now, including automated control by the computer interface. I control power to stereo equipment, some dimmable ceiling lights, some CFL table lamps, an outdoor entry light, and some outdoor garden lights. If you're using CFL bulbs switch them with the three-prong plug-in appliance controller, not the hardwired receptacle.Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
Ok, thanks for the info Scott.
I've heard that x10 had reliability issues with line noise. Have you experienced this?
Yes, but only at my own house (which is compromised with 50 y/o cabling w/o ground and an iffy level of line conditioning).
The X10 duplex outlets are almost only usable in exterior applications (they have a relay that has a snap that is near alarming as they switch on and off).
I've seen them in highly mixed applications (like multiple wireless transimitters, audio over house wiring, and the like) and they seem to run ok. Or have so far.
That includes one set up for landscape lighting with a mix of LV and line voltage items (porch ceiling fans mostly, but the pond pump was a cool add-on). Used all four 'main' circuits on the controller box and the stick-on switch panel.
Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
This is new construction, so hopefully won't have these issues. I think I'll start small and see what happens... I may experiment with a small x10 and small Insteon installation.
I think I'll start small and see what happens
Carefull, that's how I started; just an appliance adapter and a keychain remote . . . <G>Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I just took the X10 plunge, and after having to add a few signal integrity add-ons, am generally pleased. It definitely has a bit of 'nerd appeal' and is quite inexpensive compared with other brands, but it is dated technology and can have a hard time coping with noise created by today's computers and CFL bulbs.
It was a perfect solution for my somewhat basic needs. If you want to get into fancy whole-house 'scene' lighting and have oodles of cash to throw at the project I'd consider Z-Wave or Insteon.
Scott.
Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
The Insteon site claims their stuff is close in price to x10. I've read that Zwave is more expensive, but may have more variety in available modules and controllers.What kind of signal integrity add-ons did you need?
Lutron RadioRa - http://www.lutron.com/CMS400/default.aspx?app=RadioRA and Chronos time clock
You pay more for switches but save on distribution wiring. Great system - have it in our house.
Jeff
Edited 4/25/2008 9:15 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke
Thanks, Jeff. How long have you had a system in place? Do you find it reliable? Easy to set up and use? I've read so much hype on the various systems, it's hard to know what's real...
Since September. Set up by my electrician in consultation with me but its not only straightforward but programmable. I've done a number of Radio Ra setups, some using the Grafik Eye and one with Homeworks.
The best thing is that it is programmable. You want a switch to address another circuit just change it. And we were successful in having it control a light on an outbuilding over 90' away from the switch - no switch leg from the house only radio frequency switching.
Jeff
Sounds good. I was leaning toward the Insteon product based on the technical write-up, but nothing beats a referral from a real user. Thanks!
All lights in my house have a GE RR3 or RR7 relay, momentary 24 Vdc control from any number of switches and can be used with simple diode logic also, can be hooked to serial interface board from PC also.
Very versatile, even run some motors off them.
Disadvantage now is cost, so only used mostly in commercial/industrial. RR3 no longer made, they were the $2.50 relays ($1972$$) for residential. The RR7 industrial are the onlyones made now, present cost over $25 each.
The plant engineers at our factories can tell what is on and can turn any light on or off anywhere in the country (and some other countries) from their laptops.
I've been thinking about doing the same thing (letting out my inner geek). I've been looking at Control4. Looks quite good, but fairly spendy.