Comments on: Guest Blog Spot: Benefits of Home Automation

By: Richard Moyle

Richard Moyle — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:23:55 +0000

Nick,

I apologize for not being more specific about products in the article. Usually when I guest post for blogs they tell me to keep it as generic as possible without mentioning specific products because they don’t want the post to seem like an advertisement.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:32:48 +0000

I have been using Smarthome’s products since 2004. I’d start by saying that Central Controller mentioned in the article is not the only solution and I got by for several years before it came along. You can start a very basic setup and build from there. That’s one of the benefits of the whole insteon network. The system is controlled via the powerlines in your home. Signals are routed along these lines from device to device and many of them repeat the signals until it reaches the correct destination (milliseconds) making the network stronger. I started with just a simple set of dimmer switches controlling a few lights. I then added keypads which would control several lights AND report/reflect the correct status of those lights. I now have porch/sofit lights set to sunset/sunrise and keypads at entryways to turn on multiple lights at a time. With the central web based controller, I can control all of my insteon devices from anywhere and even see when another family member (teenage daughter) has left a light on so I can turn it off.

Sorry for the long post but I’m very pleased with my setup and didn’t break the bank doing it.

By: terrywhite

terrywhite — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:40:19 +0000

Thanks, but note I didn’t write this and therefore can’t take the credit. It’s a “Guest” blog spot.

By: Joe Dunlap

Joe Dunlap — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:16:00 +0000

I am in the planning stages of home automation. The options are endless. http://www.smarthome.com provides the all necessary hardware devices. Here is the set catch….cost. In order to automate your lights you will need a controller which plugs into the wall and is connected to your pc/mac via ethernet cable. Then you will need to replace your wall outlets with IP enabled outlets. Smarthome has starter sets, with one controller and four outlets costing almost $200. HVAC controllers cost $200.

I will use a mac based program and app, Indigo Touch, to control all the devices. No monthly fees are included with this program. If you decide to automate your home choose an app that is free. No need to pay for services.

Terry is right, home automation is mostly about convenience. I am holding out in hopes prices will drop, even if just a little.

By: Ben Willmore

Ben Willmore — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:10:12 +0000

If you’re building a new home, look into the systems from savantav.com. it’s the only Mac-based total home automation solution and it has a pretty amazing interface.
-Ben

By: Glenn N

Glenn N — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:28:13 +0000

Hi All,
I was really hoping for a basic setup assistance. I too, want to automate yet overwealmed at teh different options and the such. I looked into Schleges sytem yet a monthly fee applies- Im sorry, I do not want to pay a fee for something that I am going to need to do myself anyway ( program, install, etc.).

Thx, Glenn N

By: Ben Forta

Ben Forta — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:46:04 +0000

Terry, I have a few posts on the subject that may be of interest. See:\n\nhttp://forta.com/blog/index.cfm/HomeAutomation\n\n— Ben

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:26:36 +0000

Terry, great start, now I’m ready to find out what you’re doing and what you recommend! Seems like there are a lot of companies that are doing a lot of different things here, who’s doing it well? Schlege is featured in the latest iphone commercial but are they the best for this or is there another system that’s more universal for all appliances. The iPad has to be a major target for home automation master controller and that’s one of the main purposes I’m hoping to use it for.

So much more to talk about here.

By: terrywhite

terrywhite — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:01:53 +0000

Thanks for your feedback Nick and I will pass it on to the author of this post.

By: Nick

Nick — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:42:54 +0000

I see articles like this all over the web. Use home automation for this, use home automation for that… but NOTHING of real substance. Where do we get the good info, what equipment should we look at, let’s see some sample set ups, something we can actually use, links, links, links. It just pisses me off because its like this for so many home automation articles. I was expecting more from you on this one Terry, usually articles on your site are more informative. We have a very involved set-up here and it almost pure luck we have stumbled upon products that work.