Home Automation, Professional vs DIY?

DIY vs Professional, What is better?

Now when I say DIY, I mean the low cost Z-wave, Enocean, Insteon and Zigbee type of systems. Professional, I mean like the big names, Crestron, Savant, Control4 etc.

Now where do I start. Getting a professionally installed system is like going to a car dealer. They will tell you their system is the best, and tell you what other systems can't do that theirs can. Most of the time this isn't always correct, as they are just salespeople. But you do get a package that is custom built to work with their individual parts and does this well. It also has a warranty or after sales service. And you don't have to get your hands dirty.
This is a great option for most people, as, lets be totally honest, the DIY home automation systems coming out now are not totally DIY friendly. Easier than installing and professional system, yes. A lot cheaper than a professional system, yes. Well unless you screw it up and then need a ton of help to fix it, or break something. But even still should be cheaper.

So is it worth it?

Honestly, if you have the money, yes. I won't bore you with details, actually yes i will, but a full setup that utilizes hard wiring and custom built AV systems and wall tablets, etc etc, will always work better together than an adhoc DIY system. And if it breaks, scream and shout until they come back to fix it. After all, you paid a damn lot for it.

So where do I stand. On the other side. Why? Because I like flexibility, I like to be able to control what devices I have from a range of available products, I want to do more than the restrictive usage of simple control, and I want to be able to customize myself. Because its MY system. Who else knows how I want my house to act better than me.

My WIFE.

OK didn't think that one through.
But it does bring up a good point. Say, for example, you(wife) is tired of the blinds opening at sunset every morning, or you want to change the timing on the sprinkler system. Or the sensor keeps turning the lights off too quickly. Well, electricity is expensive.
Do you A. listen for days of complaining and eventually call the company and wait for them to send a technician out and change it for you. Or B. jump on the computer and quickly change it yourself within a few minutes. Maybe an hour at worst.
Option A could see you with a bill from your provider, days of waiting, and wishing if only the sensor could turn something else of sooner. Just kidding honey. And that's if they can do it at all.
Option B could see you standing proud telling the wife you've fixed it already. "It like having you're own little IT guy" Now lets get to the one room I didn't adjust the sensor light.

The problem with DIY systems is people. Some people should not tinker with technology.

But can you get a DIY system professionally installed?

Yes you can, and with the introduction of these new and readily available products, you will start to see a whole new trade develop of DIY Installers.
But this also brings about its own problems. Now people who have a limited knowledge are trying to offer their services to install these systems. For a premium.

So be careful, and if you are able, plan to do it yourself. Even if you intend to get someone else to install it, know your products and get as much information as possible beforehand.

I try to use products that are everyday and can be replaced easily. I use a combination of apps depending on what i need, because individual apps and designed for a specific purpose. And do a better job at it than a product that tries to do everything.

So what do I use and how? That will be the next post I think.

I believe and always will, that a DIY system will always give you more flexibility. Be easier to expand, and easier to modify. And save you a lot of money. So you can buy some flowers for the wife and put them in that dark room. Wait, I've adjusted that already.

Do We Need Home Automation?

Well, let me shoot myself in the foot, but NO.

Nor do we need air conditioning, power windows in our cars, Supermarkets, mobile phones, televisions, etc, etc.
But we demand these items because it makes our life better, easier and more manageable.
Humans demand more information on the products they buy, we demand more convenience and better value for our dollar.

So how does Home Automation stack up?

 

More information on the power/electricity you use, where and when it is used can save you dollars in the long run. It can also make you feel all warm and fuzzy because you are helping the environment. Be sure all your lights are off when you go to bed at night or leave the home with automatic All Off Scenes. Reduce residual/vampire power drain from Televisions and AV equipment. Monitor you power hungry appliances and swap them out for more efficient items. Utilize certain devices only in off peak times.

Not your thing?

How about the convenience? Turn on and off your whole house with one switch, from the other side of the world. Set lights to come on automatically as you approach your house. Forget to lock the house or close the garage door when you leave, don't worry, the house can do it for you. Make coming home a more enjoyable experience by playing you favorite track as you open the door.
Or is Security your thing? Get messages if a car approaches you driveway or there is someone walking up your garden path. Capture pictures of intruders and upload them for safe keeping. How about a home system that can operate with backup power and battery operated sensors to keep your home secure in the event of a power cut.

Still not your thing?

How about doing all this for a fraction of the existing hardwired automation systems available on the market today. Having the ability to start small and expand as you feel comfortable while not costing you the earth. Increasing the value of your home without burning a hole in your wallet.

Still No?

How about just showing off to your friends and family.



Whatever your needs and expectations, there is a system for you.
Elderly, disabled, vacation homes, energy conscience, control freaks, gadget guys, cheap skates, all and many more can be satisfied with a custom system. Just talk to your Automation specialists and decide for yourself the best system for you.

Our only recommendation is to look for a system that does not tie you up with only one provider for devices and allows a more flexible design for up-coming changes to the Automation Industry.


Need more advice, just drop us a line and we'll help you out the best we can.

at  www.liteautomation.com.au

How To Include a Somfy Blind in a Home Automation System, the easy way.

See how easy it is to include a Somfy RTS blind into the Zipabox. Now you can fully automated your blinds and make them smart.

What do we mean by smart?

Have you blinds close automatically on a hot day to help keep the house cool, Have them open in the morning to let in natural light and awaken refreshed. When you start your movie scene, all your blinds can close and lights can turn off. What ever you can imagine, the Zipabox can help you achieve it.

Just ask us how at  www.liteautomation.com.au

What are In-wall Micro Modules? And what can they do?

People are constantly asking "What are these little fellows? And How do I use them?"

Quite simply, they are the switches that turn off/on the power to your device. Like a plugin socket, but instead wired in behind your switch, in the wall.
Installed by qualified electricians, these little fellows can turn your ordinary light switch or power socket, into a smart one. A single module can support one input/output, or shall we say a 1 gang light switch. A double can support two inputs/outputs. Thus a 3 gang switch would need one of each of these installed behind it.
Once connected to the power and your controller (Zipabox for us) your can program different settings to automatically turn it on/off, or just use your phone to do this, FROM MARS. Well maybe not Mars as you still need cell coverage.
Ever left your lights on in the shed or downstairs when you go to bed. No more climbing out of bed and navigating the dark, just grab your phone.
Speaking of navigating the dark, grab a Z-wave motion sensor, install in the hallway, and when next you go for a midnight walk your light can turn on automatically for you. And it's sooooo easy to do.

Just ask us how at www.liteautomation.com.au

What is home automation

Australians are asking,

What is home automation? How much should it cost? What devices work best? Where should I start?

All good questions. Lets try answering a few.

Home Automation is simply automating simple everyday tasks through the use of timers, schedules, or triggers. Such as turning on the front door light at dusk, or only when it is dark, or only when it is dark and motion is detected between the times of 7pm and 10pm. How about turning off all your lights when you go to bed automatically. Receive alerts on your phone when your front door or windows are opened. Turn off appliances you think you may have left on. Unlock or lock your front door from anywhere. All these scenarios and more are possible now, and for a fraction of the cost it was years ago.

Home Automation does need to be expensive. Gone are the days when you had to have your whole home rewired, had to have a specialist programmer to modify your system, had no control of your home from outside its WIFI range, had to stick to one provider and their limited devices. Now you can start small and simply add devices as your budget allows or your expertise increases. From as little as a few hundred dollars, you can add big value to your home or just improve your lifestyle and well-being. 

There are various devices operating in various protocols. The most popular and best solutions currently are Z-wave and Zigbee HA. Both these systems provide a mesh network. Similar to the design of a spiderweb you may say. Each connected device relays messages send from one device to another. This helps to make your overall system a much stronger and more reliable network. It also helps to extend the range of your devices past the maximum range of your control unit. Most people will try to stick to one protocol, as this will provide a stronger network, but sometimes other systems have better devices, so you may wish to mix and match. For example, while z-wave lights might make a stronger more stable lighting solution, you may want to use Enocean sensors. These sensors can operate without the need to ever replace batteries. Maybe you decide to use Osram Lightify LED's, a Zigbee platform, but use Z-wave modules for control of your powerpoints. This can provide a strong network for two communication methods, allowing you to use whichever platform provides the best devices for you needs.

For most people lighting is one of the most simple and effective tools to start with. It is easy to add a sensor light at your front door. No more running extra cables, just attach a battery operated sensor and a module to your light switch, then you can easy control when your front light turns on. Access control is another increasing demand of customers. Allow your phone to open your front door. Check if the door is locked when you are away, or set it to automatically lock after a given amount of time or time of day. Use RGBW bulbs to alert you of notifications, dangers, warnings, or just as mood settings. Use contact sensors on your windows and doors and get notified if they are opened. All simple installations, all beneficial in increasing your comfort and safety.

Come see us at www.liteautomation.com.au