How many RFXCOM transceivers needed?

[WebSpider]

Hi there!

Having started my own domotica project with Plugwise for power metering and standby switching, my next step is finding a way to start doing light switching as well.

I'm using HomeSeer and was thinking about adding RFXCOM in combination with HomeEasy or KAKU to the system, for my entire house to start doing some basic on/off/dim switching. Possibly later i'll add door switches, outside lighting, etc.

Since I am pretty new to the practical limitations of the RFXCOM devices, how many transceivers would I need to cover my house? My house is a basic 3 floor "eensgezinswoning" (dutch word, sorry, dunno the translation). My Plugwise Stick is located in the middle floor, and it can see the Circles both one floor up and one floor down. Dunno if this is relevant, but it just might be.

Also, I am planning to get a Logitech Harmony 890/895/900 to be able to send RF commands to the RFXCOM, which can it it turn pass the commands along to HomeSeer, so thats why the transceivers, not just transmitters

Any thoughts about how many RFXCOM modules would suffice?

[RdP]

Hi,

You need one 433Mhz RFXCOM receiver, with an additional (433Mhz) transmitter (on box). You can choose a USB, LAN or WLAN version to communicate with your server.
My receiver is located on the ground floor and I can receive all my transmitters in the house, up to the second floor. I only have trouble receiving outside sensors, that why I add an additional receiver next week.
It's a fact that KAKU devices signal is not that strong so you might experience problems with those devices with just 1 receiver.

The RFXCOM receiver can not communicate with the Harmony, you need a separate RF/IR receiver for that, you can find a number of post about that in the forum..

I would start with one receiver/transmitter and see how that works out. Maybe the WLAN version is the best choice, because than you experience with the best location much easier.

De Plugwise circles are using a totally different (Zigbee) protocol and are not comparable to RF devices in any way.
Good luck,

Rien