Aloha Community,
I've been slowly automating my home for the past 2 - 3 years. My first excitement was Wyze cameras. From there I moved to utilizing Wyze motion sensors, contact sensors, plugs, and bulbs. Within the past 2 years I've started utilizing Moes \ Kasa light switches, Teckin plugs and Novostella bulbs. The drive behind my purchases are the automation provided and cost.
The reasons for my interest in Hubitat is that through the years when my home lost power all my devices not on a power backup would sometimes take almost a day to come back online. Then learning more on cloud based devices and security issues I became concerned. I think the final point of contention is when Wyze started to move to, what I call "pay to play". To utilize some neat features I had to pay.
So to this point I've purchased my first Hubitat C7 hub and have it up and running, Though I have no devices loaded except my iPad which connected up first thing. I do have two Zigbee plugs on the way.
I've read about the Wyze apps\drivers and how to flash some of my other devices to attempt to utilize them in Hubitat. But I've come to the conclusion that I don't want to try to recreate the wheel and will probably be replacing all my plugs, switches, and bulbs and donate them to friends.
For the past few days I've been reading Google tutorials \ reviews and watched \ read a lot of documents provided in the Hubitat tutorials and Community pages.
My first hesitations were
- WiFi, Zigbee, and Z-wave compatibility
- I've come to the thought that I can use both Zigbee and Z-wave devices and keep my Fifi happy.
a. Build a strong mesh for both Zigbee and Z-wave devices though powered devices.
b. Select the best channel for my Zigbee devices to not cause issues with my WiFi
- Cost of Zigbee and Z-wave devices
- A lot of compatible devices and price ranges.
a. There are many devices that a majority of community users like and are in a price range comfortable for me
- Learning curve.
The transition will be methodical. Starting by connecting devices close to my Hub and moving out
a. Takes some time to connect\create a decent mesh
Question - Should strictly start with Zigbee or Z-wave devices only or does it matter?
I'd like you to consider my decisions in the selection of devices. Of course devices listed on the compatibility list are a priority.
- GE Z-Wave Plus switch
- zigbee plugs
- Sengled bulbs
I still need to make a decision on the following to complete my initial conversion
- Motion sensors
- Door Contacts
Once I've established my conversion I'm planning to add the following
- Water sensors
- Door lock(s)
- Garage door opener.
- Cameras
** My home is 1600 sq feet I at the moment may not need repeaters\extenders. Though if i extend to the backyard i will make the move.
As you can see I'm committed to conversion except for my Wyze cameras, for the moment, and look forward to the journey - tinkering with devices and programming.
I look forward to your comments.
As always Have fun - Be safe