Vera, Z-Wave & I: Day 1
Today was the day that I finally got around to taking the Vera home automation system out of the box. It was a simple beginning as I have only one Z-wave device to control at present, a Monster Cable lamp dimmer. In about two hours I was able to get Vera on the network and upgraded to the latest firmware. I also had it controlling my one lamp. Woo Hoo!
Now I need to map out what switches and control modules I need to replicate my old X-10 installation. Also how many and what type of control keypads. Unlike some folks who build scene controllers into the wall where a light switch would be, we prefer to put a touchpad controller on a table near the entrance to the main rooms in our house.
Actually I have a second Z-wave device, a Wayne-Dalton controller designed to interface to garage door openers. I’ll install it in a couple of days. No point until I have a controller to be able to trigger the open/close from something other than a web browser.
Once I have the basic system working with physical keypad controllers then I’ll start looking into how to effect control from a custom web interface. That dovetails into leveraging the micro-browser on the Polycom phones. Another option is to effect control from AGI scripts and establish a controlling IVR on my Astlinux box.
This is not going to go quickly. There’s much experimentation to be done, so much to learn. At least today I was able to get started.
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Schlage has added Z-Wave support to their keyless deadbolts:
http://link.schlage.com
They also sell a Z-Wave Ethernet bridge, which links the locks to a web portal, allowing you to check status and lock/unlock remotely.
Might be interesting to play with 🙂
Actually, the Vera system does all the remote access that I’ll ever need. The lock might be interesting. I don’t forsee putting a remote controlled lock on the house itself. Don’t think my wife would allow it. I do need a remote released latch on the fence gate. It’s a wrought iron fence.