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chevrolux
4962 posts

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  #2621164 14-Dec-2020 08:08
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Surely the Shelly range is the most future-proof and flexible.

 

First, build a decent Wi-Fi network, then chuck the Shelly modules. Use the Shelly app for the short term (it's fine, just not great). And then down the track you can look at enabling MQTT and going the Home Assistant (or literally anything that talks MQTT, I use Node-Red mostly, HA is just for the interface).

 

Z-Wave, IMO, sucks. You're adding another random radio network to your house. They do dumb stuff when they are trying to be "smart" and connect to other nodes instead of somewhere much more appropriate. And then, as others mention, they will be ticking along nicely for months, and just decide to go offline. Plus the modules are stupidly expensive!




RaglanDan

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  #2694506 18-Apr-2021 17:45
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Anyone have any idea where to find a switch like this in NZ? Could you control each button on it?

 

 

 


LostBoyNZ
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  #2694600 18-Apr-2021 21:51
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RaglanDan:

 

Yeah well aware that it's a bit of a minefield but confident enough that I should be able to cope with Home Assistant. The Brilliant smart switches look like a great option thanks - I hadn't seen them yet.

 

 

We had a look at the Brilliant Smart Switches with our new build last year, although (and I can only repeat what our electrician said as I can't say I tried them personally) they said when they looked at them in store and at the documentation online, they would have issues with areas where you can switch the same lights from two different switches. In our case we have a long living / kitchen / dining area, so we have a set of switches at each end, and apparently that would have been an issue for the Brilliant Switches. That might not apply in your place though, depending on your layout.

 

Their other point on them was they're deeper than regular switches, so just make sure you leave plenty of space in the wall for them.





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richms
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  #2694610 18-Apr-2021 22:30
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LostBoyNZ:

 

We had a look at the Brilliant Smart Switches with our new build last year, although (and I can only repeat what our electrician said as I can't say I tried them personally) they said when they looked at them in store and at the documentation online, they would have issues with areas where you can switch the same lights from two different switches. In our case we have a long living / kitchen / dining area, so we have a set of switches at each end, and apparently that would have been an issue for the Brilliant Switches. That might not apply in your place though, depending on your layout.

 

Their other point on them was they're deeper than regular switches, so just make sure you leave plenty of space in the wall for them.

 

 

You make a scene with them so that when one is turned on, it turns on all the other switches that you want to have do the same lights, and the same for off. They do make some multi way switching buttons but thats really only needed if you want the dimming ones where that cant be done by scenes.





Richard rich.ms

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  #2694623 19-Apr-2021 06:48
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You need to start with some basic decisions.

Do you want local control or are you ok with cloud connected devices? Are you fine with a home brew system or do you want a supported ecosystem? Will this cause you resale problems later on?

How much money are you willing to spend and what is your appetite for ripping it all out and starting again in 5 years time where gear goes eol?

What are you wanting to achieve with your HVAC system, especially if you go ducted with dampers? Heat pumps are terrible things to automate, especially the ones with inverters. They always have a proprietary witch doctor driven algorithm so you can usually only set the mode, setpoint and sometimes the fan speed.

Once you've decided some of those things then choose a platform and buy supported devices. It'll save you a world of pain and give you an easy life.

RaglanDan

8 posts

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  #2694817 19-Apr-2021 14:57
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I definitely want local control. Happy with home brew. Trying to keep physical switches as much as possible to minimise the risk of the home brew solution not being suitable for the next owners. Pricing it all up at the moment and it seems achievable. HVAC system is locked in - it will have the Airtouch 4 controller which looks nice. Seems like the Shelly ecosystem is the route I'm going to be going down. Just trying to figure out the best way to have some physical scene buttons now and I think most of my hurdles will be overcome. Ideally I want something like the Insteon remote mounted on the wall...


  #2694832 19-Apr-2021 15:43
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davidcole: Or: https://www.superhouse.tv/26-make-your-own-home-automation-light-switches/

 

I have one of these on route from Mr Oxer, to help with testing and firmware. Planning to run CAT6 to each light switch and control the physical lights using KNX actuators.

 

Wish me luck!


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