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Z-Wave IR Solution?

7469 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ptmurphy, Feb 18, 2010

ptmurphy

Discussion Starter · Feb 17, 2010

I would like to control my components and lighting with one remote (something like the Harmony 900). I understand that the Harmony 900 does not support Z-wave, and don't really want to get an 890, as the support and features seem a bit limiting with Z-Wave anyway.

So searching the forums, it seems that I need to find an IR to RF/Z-Wave converter. I would like to do this without a HTPC/Server running HomeSeer (for example), as this seems to be an expensive solution to allow controlling very few lights (maybe 2 or three switches and an outlet).

Is there a simple solution to this? What are my other options - I seem to be missing something. I just want to be able to control a few lights, set scenes, etc. without spending a ton of money.

Any suggestions?

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IVB

· #2 · Feb 17, 2010

The only two good answers I can think of are:

1) Find a zWave-capable remote that does what you want.

2) Use 2 remotes.

IMHO, even if an IR->zWave repeater exists, it'll be much more error-prone than a single remote as it's just another point of failure. Probably more expensive too.

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bryansj

· #3 · Feb 17, 2010

You want a HTPC and just don't realize it.

You could get a Nevo Q50 and NevoConnect base or the Monster AVL300 instead of the Harmony 900 . Those would directly control your lighting.

That said, my IR > USB-UIRT > HTPC w/Homeseer > USB Z-wave has been working great.

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ptmurphy

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 17, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by bryansj /forum/post/18153536

You want a HTPC and just don't realize it.

You could get a Nevo Q50 and NevoConnect base or the Monster AVL300 instead of the Harmony 900 . Those would directly control your lighting.

That said, my IR > USB-UIRT > HTPC w/Homeseer > USB Z-wave has been working great.

Oh, I agree, I want a Home Theater PC, but it's just too complicated and too much money at this point.

Here is what I estimate...

HTPC - $1,000

Video Card - $200

HomeSeer - $220

USB-UIRT - $50

USB - Z-Wave - $65

AnyDVD HD - $150

PowerDVD - $80

So just to get started - $1,765

I can't really justify this cost to control a few lights!

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IVB

· #5 · Feb 17, 2010

well, you don't really need a $1000 PC, a $200 vidcard, AnyDVD-HD, and PowerDVD for your lights.

Hell, you could get a $100 PC off CraigsList to run your HA stuff. I don't know nuthin about HS, but presuming it's as non-invasive as CQC and you're correct about that price and the other stuff, you're really looking at

- $100 PC

- HomeSeer - $220

- IRA3 IR receiver (no blasting needed) - $23

- USB - Z-Wave - $65 (seems a little cheap but assuming you've got one picked out)

so really, you're looking at $450ish. Might still be too much, just thought i'd point that out.

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ptmurphy

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 17, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by IVB /forum/post/18156245

well, you don't really need a $1000 PC, a $200 vidcard, AnyDVD-HD, and PowerDVD for your lights.

Hell, you could get a $100 PC off CraigsList to run your HA stuff. I don't know nuthin about HS, but presuming it's as non-invasive as CQC and you're correct about that price and the other stuff, you're really looking at

- $100 PC

- HomeSeer - $220

- IRA3 IR receiver (no blasting needed) - $23

- USB - Z-Wave - $65 (seems a little cheap but assuming you've got one picked out)

so really, you're looking at $450ish. Might still be too much, just thought i'd point that out.

You are correct, but I guess I took the stance that if I am going to go through the trouble of setting one up, might as well be able to use it as a HTPC - hence the higher end computer, video card, AnyDVD HD, and PowerDVD.

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MurrayW

· #7 · Feb 18, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by ptmurphy /forum/post/18156329

You are correct, but I guess I took the stance that if I am going to go through the trouble of setting one up, might as well be able to use it as a HTPC - hence the higher end computer, video card, AnyDVD HD, and PowerDVD.

Here's a system for $400 that would make a nice HTPC. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...l%20%28iGPU%29

You still would need to by the needed software. AnyDVD occasionally has sales, so keep an eye out for that. I know I was able to purchase AnyDVD HD at the end of last year for much less than $150.

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IVB

· #8 · Feb 18, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by ptmurphy /forum/post/18156329

You are correct, but I guess I took the stance that if I am going to go through the trouble of setting one up, might as well be able to use it as a HTPC - hence the higher end computer, video card, AnyDVD HD, and PowerDVD.

That's not a fair initial assessment, then. It's not $1800 to control lights, it's $1800 to do a crapton of stuff, of which lighting control would then be a gnats ass comparatively speaking.

Then again, you're right, if you're going to get into HA, then seriously get into HA. Don't dilly dally about with half-solutions, like with everything else, you'll regret going the cheap route.

Hence my initial recommendation: find a remote that you can live with, or accept 2 remotes. 2 remotes really aren't that bad, esp if you get the Vizia RF/zWave one. I have that, it's pretty nice. You can name your devices/etc.

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Adidas4275

· #9 · Feb 18, 2010

if you want another idea.... you could build a cheap.... or recycled PC and use it for CQC or homeseer with a USB-UIRT to control lighting. Since it sounds like you dont really want to mess with a HTPC atm dont.

just setup a HA server, low power..... even an atom build with 1gb DDR, XP pro and a 80gb notebook drive would be a fine HA server.

or a low cost SSD

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ptmurphy

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 18, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by IVB /forum/post/18157478

Hence my initial recommendation: find a remote that you can live with, or accept 2 remotes. 2 remotes really aren't that bad, esp if you get the Vizia RF/zWave one. I have that, it's pretty nice. You can name your devices/etc.

I guess that is what I will do for now, until I decide to really get into HA to have better return on investment.

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