ere’s an overview of the steps you can take to start with Home Automation

Main componentslogo_homeseer

Homeseer ($ 199)

This is the core software that controls everything. You need this.

RFXCOM (€ 100 – € 330)logo_rfxcom

This allows you to send and receive almost every RF signal. I use this for wireless door-sensors, smoke-sensors, motion-sensors, temperature/humidity sensors and to control X10 RF devices, KAKU devices,

Choice: USB or LAN
Choice: type of Receivers / Transmitters

NOTE: If you really want to start as cheap as possible you might consider using Domotiga instead of Homeseer. Domotiga is open-source and free.

Components

rfxcom_lan_newThe part numbers used below are for a European (433 MHz) system. Check the RFXCOM website for 310 MHz US systems & capabilities. The configurations below include a transmitter !

OPTION 1
12103 – (€ 96)  USB 1-port – transmitter (  details  )
NOTE: no expansion, but the new model has a lot of features

OPTION 2
10205 – (e 210 LAN 2-port – transmitter (RFXmitter capabilities / details)
NOTE
: Up to 2 Expansion modules can be added

OPTION 3
11201 – (e 250 LAN 2-port – transmitter (RFXmitter capabilities / details)
                                             receiver (capabilities / details)
NOTE
: 1 Expansion module can be added (example: Visonic receiver)

[EXPAND Transmitter Details & Capabilities]

RFXmitter capabilities / details

  • X10 lighting format,
  • X10 security format,
  • Digimax format,
  • RFXSensor format,
  • RFXPower & RFXMeter format,
  • KlikAanKlikUit,
  • Chacon,
  • ELRO AB600,
  • DomiaLite,
  • ByeByeStandBy,
  • ANSLUT,
  • NEXA,
  • Proove,
  • Intertechno,
  • Düwi,
  • Harrison electrical curtain,
  • HomeEasy UK (not EU).

[/EXPAND]

Addons

RFX Receiver module

10602 – (€ 58) Receiver 433 MHz   [EXPAND Capabilities]

  • X10 lighting sensors and remotes,
  • X10 security sensors,
  • Digimax,
  • KlikAanKlikUit,
  • Chacon,
  • NEXA,
  • Proove,
  • Domia Lite,
  • ByeByeStandBy,
  • ELRO AB600,
  • Intertechno
  • Düwi
  • RFXSensor devices,
  • RFXPower & RFXMeter devices,
  • Oregon Scientific weather sensors,
  • Oregon Scientific Body Weight Scale,
  • ATI Remote Wonder.
  • HomeEasy,
  • cent-a-meter, Electrisave,
  • OWL CM113
  • OWL CM119

RFXCOM website capabilities list

[/EXPAND]

40079 – (€ 59) Receiver Visonic 868 MHz   capabilities


Example 1

€ 229

I want to start as cheap as possible.

– Homeseer ($ 199)
– RFXCOM USB with RFXmitter (€ 87)

TOTAL: € 229 with $ exchange rate of 1.4
(this would be  € 87 when starting with Domotiga)

Example 2

€ 352

With this setup I want to start as cheap as possible but with the ability to expand

– Homeseer ($ 199)
– RFXCOM LAN (2-ports) with RFXmitter (€ 210)

TOTAL: € 352 with $ exchange rate of 1.4
(this would be  € 210 when starting with Domotiga)

 

You can expand this system by adding components from the “Addons” list above. In my setup I have this combination with the Receiver 433 MHz and the Receiver 868 MHz.

 

Details

What can you receive with the receiver mentioned above?

[EXPAND Receiver capabilities]

  • X10 lighting sensors and remotes,
  • X10 security sensors,
  • Digimax,
  • KlikAanKlikUit,
  • Chacon,
  • NEXA,
  • Proove,
  • Domia Lite,
  • ByeByeStandBy,
  • ELRO AB600,
  • Intertechno
  • Düwi
  • RFXSensor devices,
  • RFXPower & RFXMeter devices,
  • Oregon Scientific weather sensors,
  • Oregon Scientific Body Weight Scale,
  • ATI Remote Wonder.
  • HomeEasy,
  • cent-a-meter, Electrisave,
  • OWL CM113
  • OWL CM119

[/EXPAND]

What can you send with the transmitter (Xmitter) mentioned above?

[EXPAND Xmitter capabilities]

  • X10 lighting format,
  • X10 security format,
  • Digimax format,
  • RFXSensor format,
  • RFXPower & RFXMeter format,
  • KlikAanKlikUit,
  • Chacon,
  • ELRO AB600,
  • DomiaLite,
  • ByeByeStandBy,
  • ANSLUT,
  • NEXA,
  • Proove,
  • Intertechno,
  • Düwi,
  • Harrison electrical curtain,
  • HomeEasy UK (not EU).

[/EXPAND]

 

NOTE: Always check the vendor/ordering websites to double-check partnumbers, prices, shipping costs and capabilities. The information above is nothing more than a guideline that helps you to make a choice.

NOTE: besides the initial system hardware investment you will also need 2 other things.
– TIME (to learn, experiment, try)
– $ for sensors, monitors, modules, etc.

 


Comments

How to start (cheap?) — 5 Comments

  1. You might want to update this section and mention the RFXCOM LAN Transceiver 11201 (250 euro). It can send and receive signals at the same time and allows one expansion receiver to be added. Most likely being the 40079 868.95 MHz receiver module for Visionic stuff (60 euro).

    • The main goal of this post is to provide an overview of how to start as cheap as possible. I do agree with you that the 11201 model is better and only costs e 40 more. Thank you!

  2. I’m looking for the (ref :40079) 868.95 MHz receiver module Visionic for the RFXCom Lan… Is there someone can help me please ? Where i can buy it ?

    RFXCom Cie no longer sells the product…

    Thanks a lot for your help.

    Regards,
    M. Ak

      • Thanks DJ, but i bought 2 weeks ago a RFXLan…
        It’s for that reason i looking for this receiver…

        I sent to Visonic Cie if they have idea about…

        Thanks for your response.

        Regards,
        Mr Ak