Hi,
I have been looking at options for home automation and security. I have found lots of options but nothing that has jumped out as perfect for my current requirements or my future. I am new to this so I am hoping someone can help point me in the right direction.
I have just purchased a house. It has 12 rooms not including the cupboard under the stairs and 2 attics'.
It was re-built 19 years ago and as such it has a 19 year old alarm system with the siren inside which i hate but thats neither here nor there at this point.
The PIR sensors are hard wired and there are 13 of them so I would rather re-use them than replace them with wireless ones as that would be costly and i would rather not have to change battery's. There is also a single magnetic door contact I would like to reuse as it is also wired.
I would also like something to control my hot water timer (not a thermostat) which at best can do twice a day. This has two switches, one for tap water, one for the Radiators. The radiators have thermostatic valves and i am looking to replace these for wireless ones.
I also want to control the lighting throughout but that is part phase 2 for me. initially i just want to disconnect the PIR's from the old alarm and retrofit these to a new solution integrated into the home automation solution so i can use them in future for other automation such as lighting and heating switching depending on occupancy perhaps.
I have looked at OpenSource such as OpenHAB and Freedomotic but in either case I can not figure out if/how to use USB 16 port relay board or how to control my hot water heater (ideally wirelessly). Also I want a web interface as my server will not have a monitor connected. It will be wall mounted in place of the current alarm.
But, on the other hand, if there is a commercial solution that fits the bill (and is available in the UK and has UK peripheral support) then I am inclined to go that route so that if i do ever sell the place, i am not the only one who knows how it works.
So to summarise I want to find a solution that can:
* Retrofit the wired PIR sensor i have installed
* Control a hot water switch (not central thermostat as it is in the utility room)
* Control all the major brands such a ZWave, X10, UPB etc. for choice
* Web interface and maybe an iPhone interface
I think thats all I need for now, though in future i want to control blinds, lights, flood sensors, outdoor stuff, Appliance control/alerting, locks etc.
My budget is not a shoe string but the cheaper the better as then i can purchase more peripherals but I am not looking to skimp on the brains.
Any help would be appreciated.
I have been looking at options for home automation and security. I have found lots of options but nothing that has jumped out as perfect for my current requirements or my future. I am new to this so I am hoping someone can help point me in the right direction.
I have just purchased a house. It has 12 rooms not including the cupboard under the stairs and 2 attics'.
It was re-built 19 years ago and as such it has a 19 year old alarm system with the siren inside which i hate but thats neither here nor there at this point.
The PIR sensors are hard wired and there are 13 of them so I would rather re-use them than replace them with wireless ones as that would be costly and i would rather not have to change battery's. There is also a single magnetic door contact I would like to reuse as it is also wired.
I would also like something to control my hot water timer (not a thermostat) which at best can do twice a day. This has two switches, one for tap water, one for the Radiators. The radiators have thermostatic valves and i am looking to replace these for wireless ones.
I also want to control the lighting throughout but that is part phase 2 for me. initially i just want to disconnect the PIR's from the old alarm and retrofit these to a new solution integrated into the home automation solution so i can use them in future for other automation such as lighting and heating switching depending on occupancy perhaps.
I have looked at OpenSource such as OpenHAB and Freedomotic but in either case I can not figure out if/how to use USB 16 port relay board or how to control my hot water heater (ideally wirelessly). Also I want a web interface as my server will not have a monitor connected. It will be wall mounted in place of the current alarm.
But, on the other hand, if there is a commercial solution that fits the bill (and is available in the UK and has UK peripheral support) then I am inclined to go that route so that if i do ever sell the place, i am not the only one who knows how it works.
So to summarise I want to find a solution that can:
* Retrofit the wired PIR sensor i have installed
* Control a hot water switch (not central thermostat as it is in the utility room)
* Control all the major brands such a ZWave, X10, UPB etc. for choice
* Web interface and maybe an iPhone interface
I think thats all I need for now, though in future i want to control blinds, lights, flood sensors, outdoor stuff, Appliance control/alerting, locks etc.
My budget is not a shoe string but the cheaper the better as then i can purchase more peripherals but I am not looking to skimp on the brains.
Any help would be appreciated.
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