Z-Wave Support for newbie

[kpatel70]

I am a newbie looking to start off my home automation project using Z-Wave. Can someone post up what they have found works reliable? I am eventually looking at doing light switches, door locks, thermostat, and later the irragation system. I would like to be able to have a reliable setup with status. Which adapters work with House Bot and what other items will I need to create scenes? any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

KP

[lostdreamer]

Sorry, hadnt seen this post yet.
I completely switched from X10 -> Z-Wave a few months ago:

Primary Controller: ZTH-200


Secondary Controller: ZCU201 USB adapter


5x ZDW230 Build-in Dimmer Switch


And 2x Qees Power


I still want to buy some DANFOSS RA-PLUS for the Heating part, i've only read good things about them.


First you set up all the devices you want to include in your network (you have to use a primary controller for this)
Then you transfer all that info to the secondary controller (PC USB / Serial interface)
(this will also include the devices into Housebot)

The last step is to pair all the devices with the PC interface so that when you switch / dim a device with the local buttons, Housebot will be notified of the change immediately.

The only 'problem' I seem to have with the zwave interface is when I shut down Housebot, the process will hang for minutes, but as soon as I unplug the Zwave interface, Housebot can shut down immediately. Since I dont shut down housebot that often, I dont mind this.

For the door lock you can go 2 ways I guess:
1) Go for a complete lock with automation capabilities (pretty expensive) :
http://www.zwaveproducts.com/SCHLAGE-LI ... LOCKS.html
2) Take a universal door opener that works on 12V, and use a Z-Wave Qees Power switch for switching it when needed.

On the irragation part I cant help you since I dont have a garden to automate


Regards,
LostDreamer

[ScottBot]

HouseBot supports the ZCU201 USB adapter for the hardware interface. That's actually the one I'm using now.