Hi,
I am fairly tech savvy having worked as SCADA/network administrator. I also set up a home network with standalone networked TV tuners, WMC and Xbox as WMC extenders; which was more difficult than anything I came across in industry.
In any event, because of a few costly water in basement events over the years I have decided to invest in home automation and remote monitoring. To start, water sensors in basement and AC drain overflow pans etc. I also would like to add a controllable door lock, water main shutoff and some lighting controllers down the road. So, how to begin?
I am thinking about purchasing Insteon wireless water sensors from Costco (4 for $99), Insteon controller ($115 via Amazon) (or should I get the HS HomeTroller Zee?), and possibly HS3 software. HS3 software is attractive IF I can use my Windows 7 WMC and Xbox360 extenders to access monitoring and/or control via WMC remote and TV, otherwise not seeing the point of HS3 if a controller can display and control. The forum reading I have done suggests Win 7 WMC is not working with HS3.
Right now I have no home automation equipment installed. Perhaps my new thermostat can be controlled and tied in, I will look that up tonight. Is the plan to start with Insteon water sensors and controller sound to begin and build out a system that may or may not include HS3 software on my Win 7 PC? Would it be better to get HomeTroller Zee which appears to talk to Insteon sensors?
Any advice/recommendation is appreciated.
I am fairly tech savvy having worked as SCADA/network administrator. I also set up a home network with standalone networked TV tuners, WMC and Xbox as WMC extenders; which was more difficult than anything I came across in industry.
In any event, because of a few costly water in basement events over the years I have decided to invest in home automation and remote monitoring. To start, water sensors in basement and AC drain overflow pans etc. I also would like to add a controllable door lock, water main shutoff and some lighting controllers down the road. So, how to begin?
I am thinking about purchasing Insteon wireless water sensors from Costco (4 for $99), Insteon controller ($115 via Amazon) (or should I get the HS HomeTroller Zee?), and possibly HS3 software. HS3 software is attractive IF I can use my Windows 7 WMC and Xbox360 extenders to access monitoring and/or control via WMC remote and TV, otherwise not seeing the point of HS3 if a controller can display and control. The forum reading I have done suggests Win 7 WMC is not working with HS3.
Right now I have no home automation equipment installed. Perhaps my new thermostat can be controlled and tied in, I will look that up tonight. Is the plan to start with Insteon water sensors and controller sound to begin and build out a system that may or may not include HS3 software on my Win 7 PC? Would it be better to get HomeTroller Zee which appears to talk to Insteon sensors?
Any advice/recommendation is appreciated.
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