Simply, how important is a z-wave mesh? I will be starting out with 5 ZigBee repeaters, but no z-wave repeaters. I will be getting them down the line likely, but I won't have them at the start. I will be starting with 5 door and window sensors, 11 motion sensors, and 2 buttons totaling 18 z-wave devices. Long term I plan on replacing some of my Zigbee repeaters with z-wave repeaters, but if I don't have to do it immediately at the start, I probably won't. Just wondering how critical it is to have those repeaters.
Pretty darn important, especially if your primary interest is using battery-powered locks or sensors...
You don't need dedicated repeater-only devices -- any mains-powered, recent ZW series (500 or 700 preferably) device (plug, outlet, switch etc) from a reputable manufacturer will work perfectly well as a repeater.
If you don't have a bunch of metal in the way, don't have concrete walls, and aren't going really long distances you may be fine with no repeating devices - especially if they are zwave 700 devices.
No real need to choose - many people use BOTH zigbee and zwave. Get the device that works best for your needs and price point, and don't get overly hung up on the protocol (other than using wifi devices - lots of gotchas on those devices).
No need to use just one or the other -- there are some goodies out there that exist (or are at least more prolific) in just one protocol, so the smart play is to maintain healthy meshes for both ZB and ZW -- then you have full flexibility to rock whatever suits your fancy at any time
The motion sensors (the main ones actually driving this decision of z-wave vs zigbee) appear to be zwave 500 devices. As far as distance and obstacles, I am going from one end of the house to the other at the most extreme spot (just measured to roughly 50-55 feet) and just through drwall.
As far as one or the other - I do know that you can go both, but it seems where I am z-wave is the far better option for most things and if I can keep it in one mesh, I feel like that is benificial
I guess the motion sensors can be wired as repeaters... but damn that would make them ugly and may ruin the WAF. Also not exactly sure how to wire some of them in based on where I am putting them
Adding my $00.02 here. I found after much experimentation that (usually) I prefer Zigbee motion sensors since they seem to respond more quickly (at least compared to the Z-Wave motion sensors I have tried). So, while I have a mix of Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, I have mostly Zigbee motion sensors.
I will also add that I have found one of the keys when selecting motion sensors and door/window sensors is the size/shape/mounting. Some just work better than others and it is often specific to where you are putting it in (or around) your house. I have one door that the only door/window sensor that fits it without a bunch of work is one of the original SmartThings door/window sensors (with the AAAA batteries). It's still working but if/when it dies, I have no idea what I can use to replace it.
You can't turn a battery-powered motion sensor into a repeater by wiring it to mains powered, it will never repeat as it was never designed to repeat.
My experience (and that of many others) is that Zigbee sensors are faster than Z-Wave. If you already have Zigbee repeaters I'd keep them and use Zigbee motion sensors like Third Reality, which many here seem to like, and they are powered via AAA batteries and last a very long time.
Yeah.... Idk. I am leaning towards Zooz ZSE18 motion sensors, but frankly, I would rather z-wave if I had a good choice
Most zigbee motion sensors aren't available that I can find in Canada, and the ones that are, are not cheap. Really my options are ZSE18 at $40 CAD + shipping, aeotec at $54 CAD + shipping, phillips hue $55 CAD but free shipping, and I actually just found the centralite sensor for $35 CAD + shipping.
Of these options, really the ZSE18 seemed to make the most sense, but that was before I found the centralite option. Will need to look into that.
As far as door sensors go, its smartthings current ones at $50 CAD or sonoff for like $15-$20 each. Buttons, I don't have a ton of great options either. I basically have no options for power monitoring zigbee smart plugs that I have found
The one I am looking at actually says on the product page if it is wired it will repeat, it's one of it's features! I wouldn't expect it too if it didn't list that though.
As far as third reality goes, because I cannot angle it on the wall, there are many locations in my house that it's field of view just won't work for me. Otherwise I would choose it. I guess I can get multiple for a room though
Right - there are devices that are designed to be used either battery or mains powered and will repeat if mains powered. I think what @danabw was referring to is if you have a device that was designed to be used on battery but you modify it to use mains power in a way the manufacturer didn't intend it won't just decide to repeat.
Centralite makes great sensors...they made the original Iris sensors which are the holy grail of motion sensors IMHO. I haven't tried any of their newer models as I have a supply of the Iris V2 that I use, but I'd expect them to be very good. I also use their plugs and leak sensors.
I would expect pretty wide....but didn't find any info in a quick search. IMHO Centralite is an experienced manuf who makes good stuff, so worth a try on your part.
I have sent them an email to see if I can get FOV. Some of my areas need either a mount that can pivot or like a 170 degree FOV (which I doubt this has) but maybe it's worth getting 2 in those areas. Also think their door and window sensor may be the best - alternative is sonoff or third reality.
Finding them has maybe helped me, because they look like a good option if I can make it work with the FOV
