New home automation suggestions

Alright, they're just breaking ground on our new place so it's about time that I start making some decisions in regards to automation and wiring. I couldn't really decide on which forum to post this in, but decided I'd post in automation. The floor plan of the place can be found at http://vallagio.com/expressive_homes...s/unit_2_1.pdf . That floor plan isn't exactly right. The only thing that is different is that the basement is going to be one big open room (will be finished, but no bedroom, etc). I am thinking that we will use part of it to build a separate home theater, but that's not too important, I think.

Here's what I would like to accomplish (I already have some ideas, but am definitely open for suggestions). Whole home automation, as in security, lights, audio, and video. I have a lot of computer/programming experience so it appears that CQC would be very good for this (it's too bad crestron/amx aren't open, but thats a different thing altogether). As for locations for panels, I'm not really sure yet... suggestions here would be great. Wall mountable panels that can be removed seem like a pretty good option.

There's a few things that are already going to be implemented in the place, but I wouldn't have a problem pulling them out if it was necessary. The HVAC is a Carrier infinity system. It does have RS232 control capability so I figure I could write a driver for that. Also, the security system that they can install (if I wanted) is a GE system. I'm not sure on specifics, but I do think it would be nice to have them do all the door/window sensors and motion detectors. I assume then that I could wire them in to something like the Elk M1 panel. With this I could do stuff like turning the HVAC off if a door or window is open for more than a certain period of time, etc.

In regards to whole home audio I was thinking either Russound, Nuvo, or Niles. Really, I don't want separate keypads for audio, so something that has capability to be fully controlled by CQC would be nice. I will probably decide on a brand/range of speakers for WHA before hand and have brackets installed (unless there is a reason not to).

It would be nice to be able to centrally locate all of the video equipment in a rack. The Audio Authority Avatrix looks pretty promising for this sort of thing. But then again I could just do a matrix switch. Of course either one of these requires different prewiring, thats why I'm asking for some opinions now. Also it would be nice to have centralized access to DVD's. The klaeidescape system appears to be the best, but are there any other options which are pretty good for this sort of thing? Klaeidescape is definitely not cheap.

This is starting to get quite long hah... Anyways, for the lights I was looking at some of the RF systems. Lutron RadioRA, and then the Zwave system from Leviton. I know theres quite a few more options... any suggestions here?

I think that pretty much covers everything... not as brief as I was hoping, but that should be it. Any other suggestions for fun things are definitely welcome. I just need to figure out what the plan is now so that I can get a prewire plan in place. Especially in regards to the WHA, Video, Security, and keypads. Thanks for any feedback.

It is kind of lacking on direct questions. I got so wrapped up in giving some background information that all of the questions sort of disappeared.

Does all of the stuff that I listed above seem like it would work pretty well?

What would be the advantage to something like HomeWorks? It appears as though it is meant to be a standalone lighting system. Couldn't I do all the same stuff with RadioRA for a lot cheaper?

I like the idea of the light switch on the patio, that's definitely a good option. Also that is a good point on the WHA control.

What would everyone suggest in regards to video distribution? I need to decide what wiring to put in each room.

Also what about integrating the in wall speakers used for WHA with the video. This is where it appears to get a little trickier. As the control of such a system becomes a good amount more complex. Especially when using keypads from the WHA in certain places instead of touch panels. Any thoughts on how to do this, because it would be dependent on both the video and WHA options I go with.

Wireless is definitely what I am looking for, as the builder won't install a wired system. In reality I don't know what kind of money we're talking for a lighting system like this. Looking at the floor plan, is there any possibility someone could give me a ballpark? Though, I am mostly interested in doing everything right, but sure don't want to spend more than is needed.

Alright so it looks like for RadioRA I would need an RS232 control (about $500). Then I would need dimmers/switches (call those $150 each). Say about 30 switches/dimmers... Looks like for the lighting were talking about 5-6k (without master controls). Which actually is an interesting question. Is it worth getting controls when the system is going to be controlled by a separate automation system?

Zwave we're probably talking 2k. How long are we talking on the delay of turning the lights off? I can't imagine it being more than ~1 second or so. I do understand that a Lutron system is the best, but I guess I'm just trying to justify another $3000-$4000, if not more. I suppose if a Zwave system is going to have reliability issues that answers my question. IVB, or anyone who has one for that matter, have you ever had any reliability issues?

Alright, I think I have a pretty good handle on the lighting options.

Is there any specific window/door sensors that are required for say, the elk M1 panel? The reason I ask is that they will wire a security system for me, but it would be unnecessary if the sensors won't work. Can the M1 act as a regular security system, as in have a company monitor it? Also, I assume it is a good idea to have at least one of the Elk Specific keypads to control security, is this correct? I would prefer the minimum amount of stuff on the walls (light switches, WHA controls, Automation controls, security controls, etc). The decorator police wouldn't be happy with all kinds of stuff on the walls.

In regards to keypads for the control system, what does everyone think is a good number and locations? Any specific models that you think are good. I'm pretty new to all this and have never done such a thing, so I really have no idea where to begin? My thought is maybe all wireless to avoid wall clutter.

Alright, I think I've pretty much figured out what I'll do. Just to sum it up in case anyone else reads this thread.

- Use an Elk Panel for security
- Put elk Keypads at front door and garage entry
- Get some type of Wireless lighting system (Most likely Lutron RadioRA)
- Get a whole home audio system (Most likely either Niles ICS, or Nuvo Concerto)
- Put WHA keypads in all zones so that control of the system is simple
- Use CQC to automate lighting, security, HVAC (Carrier Infinity), WHA, and the basic home theater in the family room and MBR.
- In kitchen/living room and MBR use portable touch screen PC's for control (Possibly Samsung Q1 or Viewsonic). Create interfaces to control televisions, receivers, video sources, etc in these two rooms. To actually be able to control the devices in these rooms I will use something like the Global Cache gc-100, which allows me to connect IR/serial control to the CQC PC over the network. This way I won't have a bunch of remote controls in these rooms, only the touch panels and WHA keypads.
- In other areas (Loft, bedrooms, etc) use the in room PCs for Automation control. Television will be controlled by their own remotes and WHA can be controlled by either the automation software on the PC or by the WHA keypad. CQC will not control television in these rooms, as it will only be a television, and possibly a cable box. I can get touch panels for these rooms later, if desired.

Thanks for all of the help everyone. If theres anything I should change/add just tell me.

There isn't much of a choice it seems when it comes to hvac. Also, the infinity system is very nice. That being said I probably am going to have to write a driver for it.

They make something now called the System Access Module (SAM) which has an RS-232 port on it. The protocol is also open. I had found the information on it, but can't seem to right now. I'm going to call Carrier this afternoon to get it. I'll post it once I have it to get some opinions on how hard this is going to be.

Well they are going to install a full carrier infinity system. My assumption was that Aprilaire wouldn't be able to control all of the separate zones, humidity, etc.

I'm working on trying to get the protocol documentation right now. Jcm was definitely right, this isn't easy to obtain.

*EDIT*
Just talked to the carrier dealer who actually called carrier. Carrier is going to e-mail it to him and then to me. I'll post it when I have it.