Smart home technology options abound today, covering a huge gambit from a single device and centrally controlled Do-it-Yourself (DIY) home automation hubs, to professionally installed comprehensive systems encompassing every system in your home.
Accomplishment begins with a thought, a detailed plan, then action…
Here’s an approach to get you started.
Control a single lightbulb in your home, or monitor windows, doors and a motion sensor for security. Top end professional installations (costing well into six digits) in multi-million dollar mansions, tie everything imaginable together into a central network typically with dozens of devices on dedicated networks.
Lighting, including outside security, heating & cooling, audio and security monitoring are just a few options even for the DIY’er.
DIY installations can grow to cover most areas in your home life, with a little planning. Integrated systems are relatively easy to install, configure and operate. Some manufactures include SmartThings (Samsung), Wink, Lowe’s Iris, iRule, Universal Devices, Vera and Insteon.
One great feature of systems that control multiple devices is the ability to setup rules for multiple devices at once. When you arrive home – adjust the lights, thermostat, open the garage door and disable security monitoring. These are called scenes, and the limits are our own imaginations.
Let’s set our sights on the smaller practical systems designed for the DIY home owner. You should consider just one area to begin and security is a great place to begin. My previous security system, Felix pictured below, loved strangers. I now sleep better with some electronic guards.
Can I hold that flashlight for you?
Can I hold that flashlight for you?
If you’re thinking about a DIY system, as with everything in life, start small and think long-term.
Consider these questions:
What do I want my system to do?surveillance-147831_960_720
Why do you need or want to automate events in your home? Security is a great place to begin. Running lights at various hours and outdoor security lighting is simple, brings peace of mind and a measure of confidence. Look for switches and dimmers compatible with LED’s, or your chosen light source. Give serious consideration to LED’s. Combining the motion sensors with lighting is awesome fun. Imagine getting up at night and your journey is lit by the simple act of stumbling down the hall. Motion sensors have many applications, as do contact sensors (doors/windows/cupboards/garage doors…).
Controlling lights may sound trival and simple, but it’s crazy addicting once you’ve tried it. I truly rely on it heavily now, and I wish I had started it earlier. This simple thing makes me realize how different things could be in a very short time.
Remember a central system like SmartThings, or ISmartAlarm can tie multiple features into one event.
Some systems tie in seamlessly with your cell phone, and can detect when you arrive home or leave by your phone joining or leaving your WiFi network.
If you want to delve into video and audio systems, you may need to expand into a professional installation.
What communications methods should my system use?
Smart home systems communicate on wireless Wi-Fi, Zigbee and others including Bluetooth.
A big consideration here is what devices do you want to use, and how do they communicate.
Remember, think a bit about the long term use of your system. How might you expand in the future?
Can I do this myself?
Do you want to install sensors and light switches? What devices will require installation? Window/door contact switches are very easy to install. Ditto for motion sensors, and any totally wireless devices -there is at least one camera that is totally wireless, although most need to be plugged into an electric outlet even if they jump on the Wi-Fi for data.
This can be a lot of fun, for the right person.
Do you feel comfortable configuring scenes (rules), testing and fixing issues?
Can you take on something simple and grow your knowledge and installation skills slowly?
Does the manufacturer offer all the devices I want?
Many hubs use one communication protocol (like Z-Wave), others can receive and transmit to multiple like, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wifi and Bluetooth.
What devices do I want? How are they supported?
Do I even want a full system, or are individual devices more desirable?
What can my network support?
The more deices connecting to your home network, the more it will be strained.
What is connected to my wireless network now?
How many devices do I want to add in the short term?
Can I start small, test this and adjust? YES !!!
Do I want to pay a monthly fee?
Some systems require a monthly fee. There are many distinct advantages to a centrally managed and monitored system. Security monitoring services will contact authorities for you in the event of a triggered alarm. If you do not have a monitoring service, how will you respond to security event alarms when you’re not home?
What are the advantages? What do I want to accomplish short and long-term?
What is the cost? Can I start without a fee and expand? YES!!!
Answering these questions will ground you, to take smart action.
Thank you for reading this post!
Home automation is easier than it seems, just start out small and learn!
Here’s an approach to get you started.
Control a single lightbulb in your home, or monitor windows, doors and a motion sensor for security. Top end professional installations (costing well into six digits) in multi-million dollar mansions, tie everything imaginable together into a central network typically with dozens of devices on dedicated networks.
Lighting, including outside security, heating & cooling, audio and security monitoring are just a few options even for the DIY’er.
DIY installations can grow to cover most areas in your home life, with a little planning. Integrated systems are relatively easy to install, configure and operate. Some manufactures include SmartThings (Samsung), Wink, Lowe’s Iris, iRule, Universal Devices, Vera and Insteon.
One great feature of systems that control multiple devices is the ability to setup rules for multiple devices at once. When you arrive home – adjust the lights, thermostat, open the garage door and disable security monitoring. These are called scenes, and the limits are our own imaginations.
Let’s set our sights on the smaller practical systems designed for the DIY home owner. You should consider just one area to begin and security is a great place to begin. My previous security system, Felix pictured below, loved strangers. I now sleep better with some electronic guards.
Can I hold that flashlight for you?
Can I hold that flashlight for you?
If you’re thinking about a DIY system, as with everything in life, start small and think long-term.
Consider these questions:
What do I want my system to do?surveillance-147831_960_720
Why do you need or want to automate events in your home? Security is a great place to begin. Running lights at various hours and outdoor security lighting is simple, brings peace of mind and a measure of confidence. Look for switches and dimmers compatible with LED’s, or your chosen light source. Give serious consideration to LED’s. Combining the motion sensors with lighting is awesome fun. Imagine getting up at night and your journey is lit by the simple act of stumbling down the hall. Motion sensors have many applications, as do contact sensors (doors/windows/cupboards/garage doors…).
Controlling lights may sound trival and simple, but it’s crazy addicting once you’ve tried it. I truly rely on it heavily now, and I wish I had started it earlier. This simple thing makes me realize how different things could be in a very short time.
Remember a central system like SmartThings, or ISmartAlarm can tie multiple features into one event.
Some systems tie in seamlessly with your cell phone, and can detect when you arrive home or leave by your phone joining or leaving your WiFi network.
If you want to delve into video and audio systems, you may need to expand into a professional installation.
What communications methods should my system use?
Smart home systems communicate on wireless Wi-Fi, Zigbee and others including Bluetooth.
A big consideration here is what devices do you want to use, and how do they communicate.
Remember, think a bit about the long term use of your system. How might you expand in the future?
Can I do this myself?
Do you want to install sensors and light switches? What devices will require installation? Window/door contact switches are very easy to install. Ditto for motion sensors, and any totally wireless devices -there is at least one camera that is totally wireless, although most need to be plugged into an electric outlet even if they jump on the Wi-Fi for data.
This can be a lot of fun, for the right person.
Do you feel comfortable configuring scenes (rules), testing and fixing issues?
Can you take on something simple and grow your knowledge and installation skills slowly?
Does the manufacturer offer all the devices I want?
Many hubs use one communication protocol (like Z-Wave), others can receive and transmit to multiple like, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wifi and Bluetooth.
What devices do I want? How are they supported?
Do I even want a full system, or are individual devices more desirable?
What can my network support?
The more deices connecting to your home network, the more it will be strained.
What is connected to my wireless network now?
How many devices do I want to add in the short term?
Can I start small, test this and adjust? YES !!!
Do I want to pay a monthly fee?
Some systems require a monthly fee. There are many distinct advantages to a centrally managed and monitored system. Security monitoring services will contact authorities for you in the event of a triggered alarm. If you do not have a monitoring service, how will you respond to security event alarms when you’re not home?
What are the advantages? What do I want to accomplish short and long-term?
What is the cost? Can I start without a fee and expand? YES!!!
Answering these questions will ground you, to take smart action.
Thank you for reading this post!
Home automation is easier than it seems, just start out small and learn!
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