Maxwell881
Member
Hello all,
I just joined your community yesterday, and I am very new to this home automation. I have talked to a couple of guys on this forum and they thought that I should post up a topic in a forum more designed to help than in the "Hello World" newbie forum. So here goes.
One of the person's that I was talking to yesterday thought that I should give some basic information about what I have in place already, what type of system do I need and or want, and what I want to control with it.
Some basic info.
1) How big is your home?
2300 sq ft
2) How much money are you considering spending?
$1500-$2000, but not all at once, over time, and more if needed.
3) How much stuff do you want to automate?
I want to start with HVAC, and work my way into security, doors, lights, audio & video etc....
4) Is your old security system hard wired and if so, is the wiring as complete as you need? Are there wires to the touchpads and if so are they at least 4 stranded?
Old security system is hard wired I believe, and not sure about being as complete as I need. Don't know about the stranded wires or not. I'm not sure how to check. It was originally setup by On-Q.
5) How old is your house, or a better question, is it new enough that you have a common wire to every box?
My house was built in and finished in late 2004
6) Are you comfortable working with basic electrical wiring and would you be willing to program your system (if/then/else type stuff)
I am not super familiar with basic wiring, but I can learn. I have done simple jobs, such as wiring in dimmer switches, and hooking up ceiling fans. And yes, I would love to learn how to program my system, so I can set it up to my needs.
These are the common systems to diy HA as I have been told
Elk M1G
HAI
UPB
Insteon
Zwave
So that is a little bit about what I have and what I want to do. What I need to know is, what is a good starting point? I am researching some HA stuff now, and will continue too. I appreciate any information that anyone can send my way.
Thanks
I just joined your community yesterday, and I am very new to this home automation. I have talked to a couple of guys on this forum and they thought that I should post up a topic in a forum more designed to help than in the "Hello World" newbie forum. So here goes.
One of the person's that I was talking to yesterday thought that I should give some basic information about what I have in place already, what type of system do I need and or want, and what I want to control with it.
Some basic info.
1) How big is your home?
2300 sq ft
2) How much money are you considering spending?
$1500-$2000, but not all at once, over time, and more if needed.
3) How much stuff do you want to automate?
I want to start with HVAC, and work my way into security, doors, lights, audio & video etc....
4) Is your old security system hard wired and if so, is the wiring as complete as you need? Are there wires to the touchpads and if so are they at least 4 stranded?
Old security system is hard wired I believe, and not sure about being as complete as I need. Don't know about the stranded wires or not. I'm not sure how to check. It was originally setup by On-Q.
5) How old is your house, or a better question, is it new enough that you have a common wire to every box?
My house was built in and finished in late 2004
6) Are you comfortable working with basic electrical wiring and would you be willing to program your system (if/then/else type stuff)
I am not super familiar with basic wiring, but I can learn. I have done simple jobs, such as wiring in dimmer switches, and hooking up ceiling fans. And yes, I would love to learn how to program my system, so I can set it up to my needs.
These are the common systems to diy HA as I have been told
Elk M1G
HAI
UPB
Insteon
Zwave
So that is a little bit about what I have and what I want to do. What I need to know is, what is a good starting point? I am researching some HA stuff now, and will continue too. I appreciate any information that anyone can send my way.
Thanks