I’m a big fan of home automation and other similiar technologies. Unfortunately, the area is still in its infancy and requires a hands on hobbiest approach unless yo uyare willing to spend a literal boatload of cash.
Home Controller
I personally tried a number of options, including HomeSeer, Vera, Smart Things, and a few others. The best option came out to be:
HomeSeer:
| HomeTroller Pi | HomeTroller Plus | HomeTroller PRO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | HS4-Pi | HS4 STD | HS4PRO |
| OS | Linux | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Max Plugins | Up to 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| HSTouch Designer | Optional | Optional | ✓ |
| Z-Wave Radio | ✓ | Sold Separately | Sold Separately |
| CPU | Broadcom | Intel Celeron | Intel Celeron |
| RAM | 1 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB | 64 GB | 120 GB |
Its based on linux and runs well with no ssiues, but when you need to change something its no problem figuring it out quickly, everything is well docuemnted.
Many z-Wave devices use 9v batteries. After spending time going over many different kinds: it doesn’t matter. These are a great option from Amazon: