clarification on the 5 plug-in limitation and HS4Pi rules engine

[Jinster]

I am contemplating getting the Pi version of HS4. I just need some clarifications please if somebody knows the answers:

1. 5 plugin limit effectively means 5 ecosystems integrated, right? So LIFX + Wemo + Zigbee + Chromecast + Harmony for example, and I won't be able to add HUE now to the system because I have reached the 5 plugin limit, right?

2. Can I get around the problem by using an existing integrated platform like Smartthings? For example, LIFX + Wemo + HUE all go through Smartthings, so when I connect HS4Pi to Smartthings, I can effectively control LIFX + Wemo + HUE without using additional plugins on HS4Pi, right?

3. Done this way, do I get the same amount of control for LIFX, for example (via Smartthings-HS4Pi), compared to connecting directly (i.e LIFX-HS4Pi)?

4. Do the rules engine work the same in the Pi version of HS4 compared to the full version? The main reason to change to HS4 for me is the ease and flexibility of programming rules via GUI. I really don't want to bother with Webcore for ST.

5. Things like Alexa should work with HS4Pi without counting as a "plugin", right?

[Tillsy]

1. Correct
2. That sounds right
3. No idea hopefully someone can help you with that
4. Yes the software is the same
5. I'm not aware of that being a plugin, but hopefully someone can help you with that

[Guest]

Yes with nodered

[Kanker80538]

If I put two Zees on a network (one primary, one secondary). Can I get get 10 plug ins???

[drhtmal]

If I put two Zees on a network (one primary, one secondary). Can I get get 10 plug ins???

Yes, but than you would have two separate HomeSeer systems unable to communicate with each other. If you want more than 5 plugins you will need to purchase HS4 standard or HS4 Pro.