Newbie - my project is correct ?

[Ograweb]

Hi,

I want to start with automation in my new house (i'm in France)

I setup a small server with c# application to control audio multiroom, temperature (with rfxcom and Oregon), and some touchscreen.

To control Light (and radiator after), I want to use Z-Wave.

To start, I want :
- 1 plugin (dimmable ??) module for the halogen
- 1 dimmable switch module (or thimeting like this, tu put on the wall) for lamp A
- 1 dimmable switch with 2 rocker : 1 for lamp B, and 1 to control lamp A and halogen
- 1 usb interface to connect my c# program

So i need (just for start):
300W dimmer plugin (ACT ZDP230)
500W wall dimmer ZDW232 (only 2 wire)
500W wall double dimmer ZDM230 (3 wire)
ControlThink CTZUS-1EU (eu version) With SDK (I will put in my c# program)

Ok, if someone read this completly, I have some questions :

1) Can I setup my zwave network without ZTH200 or program like ThinkEssentials ?

2) I saw some people says that Act product fails. for you, there are good products ?

3) ZDW232 is 2 wire version of ZDW230. there is other difference than "not return to previous state when power fail" and "multi tap control" ?

4) do you think I choose product adapted for what i want ? (I saw Z wave only on the web... and lot of english explain..)


thanks if you answer

ps: sorry for my bad english, i don't listen ma english teacher enough

[mhn]

Hi.

I can give you an opinion on some of your questions.


1) You need some kind of controller. A remote or an USB stick with a program.

2) I don't like the ACT products. They have a fragile feeling to me. I have a ZDP200. It will be the only one for me. I prefer Aeon or Duewi/Popp. I liked Innovus (you can still buy some of the remains, but they are out of market.) I hope QEES will make good products. But I haven't tried any yet, the first of them will be on the market within a couple of weeks.

You can see a product list here: (I Danish, but maybe you can use Google translations?) http://zwaves.dk/wiki/index.php/Produkter

There is a list off Z-Wave software here: (again Danish, but the links are good. ) http://zwaves.dk/wiki/index.php/Software

ControlThink is very US based.

But I don't know much about the programming interfaces on other programs. Z-Command has web services, but I don't know where he is going at the moment. And I think Z-Command is to expensive.

HouseBot is a good program, but the Z-Wave part isn't that good. I works best as a secondary controller. HouseBot is VERY good at touchscreens.

HomeSeer should be good. But again I am not that impressed about the Z-Wave part. (Now I properly get kicked. )

Regards
Morten

[Ograweb]

Thanks for your answers

I want to use Zwave SDK (made by Controlthink) to built my own program. I will only send/receive zWave order (On/OFF dim bright...). My program already work with Rfxcom, irtrans, and 3 touchscreen

But to built the network, i need a 'primary controler' (like ZTH100) ? I think the USB key + ThinkEssentials 2.0 program can build the network, after I save the configuration in the usb key and i don't need to use ThinkEssentials ? <--- correct me if i'm wrong.

ACT product is too cheap... I don't choose X10 because I want thomething that work ! So i will look at Aeon Duewi Popp

thanks

[mhn]

If you just want to build a network, you can use the Aeon stick. It has an include button. So you will be able to build a network

without a PC program. I don't think it will be easy to use, but it is possible.

The USB stick is the controller, so it is all you need, if you build your own program.

If you only want a simple control, maybe you can get help from some of the danish guys, who are building there own programs. (I am

not one of them. )

Another way is MicasaVerde Vera. It has a large programming interface.

When the QEES master gets to market, it should have LUA interface too.

Regards
Morten