This community is SO helpful. Thank you. (Now reading back through Wired Security System/DSC or Honeywell+Envisalink Start Up Help to try and decide between DSC 1832/64 or Honeywell Vista 20/21.)
Thanks all!
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@jeff11 to give you some specifics... I ran for 2 years with envisalink and everything else on my one hub. About 6 months ago I split Envisalink off on a separate hub because the primary hub was getting pretty busy. This hub hosts Envisalink plus all the other rules related to security, outdoor lights, etc. Here's what the load looks like for the app... it's consuming most of the CPU being used but overall the CPU is running pretty light, so no real worries.
Same thing on the device side
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This is all very helpful. Thank you!
I have installed many Envisalink/DSC 1864s and have not had an issue with a single hub with the exception of a hub that used a lot of Z-wave. I ended up replacing the Z-wave with Caseta and one hub worked fine.
I am going to have to look at my Ecobee but the Evislalink uses on 11% CPU. This hub has well over 100 devices Caseta, Zigbee and a small amount of Z-wave on top of a very active security system.
My suggestion is to set it up with one hub and only if you have an issue use two mesh hubs. It is great that Hubitat gives you that option.
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If you are choosing a lighting solution my recommendation in this order
- Caseta. Extremely low load. Requires Lutron Hub PRO <<<super reliable
- Zigbee . Low load and reliable. Stick to major brand switches like Enbrighten Zigbee
3)Z-wave. High load. Use only if necessary and do not choose security when adding devices.
I am mostly Z-wave (about 40 devices). Looking back, and after a lot of reading, I think I would have done a mix--sort of like @lewis.heidrick recommends: Zigbee outlets and locks; and Z-wave lights and switches (along with his antenna mod and I don't use security, as you recommend, other than locks, etc.). While I do see a lot who love Lutron as you've said, I have no experience with that. Maybe with that much Z-wave I should start out my EnvisaLink integration with a 2nd hub.
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I have done large Z-wave installations. One with 72 switches. I keep the hub as close to the center as possible, I added every device WITHOUT security and run 'Repair Z-wave network' after every change no matter how small.
Interesting hearing everyone’s zwave experience. I run a large zwave network, with 40+ light switches, 15+ leak sensors, 5-6 outlets, to name a few (I count 68 zooz devices), as well as lots of custom apps and drivers. Never had a single zwave issue with my C5 hub and all devices very responsive. Never had to run zwave repair. Been about 2-3 years. Maybe I’m just naive tho….
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From what I've read the ZWave 700 stack had some serious issues in its earlier versions. Since the last two zwave firmware updates though it seems like things have improved a lot.
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I think I like the 500 series radio better. I think it is the new 700 series security that is causing the issues. Just my thoughts?
That makes a lot of sense.
I don't know how they work without the antenna mod but before the antenna mod zigbee devices would sometimes fall off the mesh. Really annoying for light automations which is why I went with ZWave for the lights.
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The antenna mod is the way to go for Z-wave. My experience is Zigbee does well with repeating. Also I find that single hop Z-wave also does very well.
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I have found eBay a great place to bye units. Make sure you get it factory reset to default code or provided with the installer code or do not buy it. If you do buy a used unit factory reset it even if you have the installer code.
Thanks so much. Also do you (or anyone) have experience with the range or performance differences between the RFK5564 keypads vs the RF5132 / TR5164 units?
I ask mostly about range. My choices are to:
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Use the RFK5564 keypad at a wired location about 60 feet (and a wall) from a door I want to install an EV-DW4917 recessed sensor. or,
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Install one of the other RF5132/TR5164 units near the panel but about 100ft and further in the house, inside my mechanical room.
I guess I could use a WS4920 repeater in either case.
Definitely get the RFK5564 over the other wireless units. Make sure all additional keypads are 'full message'. The keypad is always more center then the mechanical room but it will still work in most homes because it is such a low frequency.
The EV-DW4917 are good wireless sensors. It is likely it will work form 100ft away but testing is really the only way to find out.
Only go with the repeater if you have issues.
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Just want to say "thank you" to the community!
My newly acquired DSC 1864 is installed and running with Envisalink -- ready for self-monitoring or UL-listed central station monitoring -- as well as a great Hubitat interface with all my old wired security devices and was able to add some new wireless ones. All is working great. All the tips and encouragement from this group went a long way in helping this newbie learn how to install and set it up. Had a couple of small hiccups (to be expected) but I also need to add thanks to the guys at AlarmSystemStore.com and EyezOn who were great with email and phone support on a few questions that helped resolve my concerns. So refreshing.
So just wanted to express a huge thanks to this community...who have helped me with other HA tasks, and came through once again on this little project...so great.
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Congratulations!
I would go with the cheap monitoring that EyesOn provides. That is best monitoring deal out there.
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