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Thread: Smart Home package - What's best?

  1. #1
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    Default Smart Home package - What's best?

    I'm having a reno done on a mid 90's home. I'd like to have home security (cameras), thermostat, door lock, etc.
    Does anyone have some recommendations that integrate, to do this?
    Current Cars:
    2019 BMW X3 M40i Stage 2, 12.44 at 110mph
    1972 Chevy Super Cheyenne C10 Pickup 402 big block, 700R4
    2004 GMC 2500HD 8.1L

    Past Cars:
    1970 Chevy Blazer, 2wd
    2003 BMW X5 4.6IS Doushmobile, moneypit
    2015 Ford Fiesta ST | Cobb Stage 1, catless downpipe
    2008 Corvette Z06 - 11.39 at 123.8mph
    2002 Corvette Z06 - 12.10 at 116.5mph
    2005 Jeep Wrangler LJ
    1993 5L Mustang - 12.59 at 108mph
    1989 5L Mustang
    1990 Jeep Cherokee
    1991 Acura Integra RS 403Honda

  2. #2
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    Poor boy way. TP Link has decent stuff that works well for cameras and smart switches. The bulbs are gimmicky.
    Camera I use Wyze. I have no experience with wyze switches but they do exist.

  3. #3
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    I'd suggest Wyzecam V3's for security cameras ($40, full featured, free cloud storage), then Amazon or Google (whatever your preference) for the speakers/thermostat/doorbell cam. No need to spend big money on something like this IMHO, because for example even if you give the police a perfect 4K image of a burglar's face they don't investigate petty crimes/break-ins, so there is little point in going beyond the basics for home use.

  4. #4
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    If you’re reno’ing I’d run cat6 everywhere. Gives you options for PoE so u can run both fancier stuff and also cheaper wifi cams

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by sabad66 View Post
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    If you’re reno’ing I’d run cat6 everywhere. Gives you options for PoE so u can run both fancier stuff and also cheaper wifi cams
    You can run POE over CAT5E.

    Cat 6 is a waste unless you want to do 4K over Ethernet using baluns, or plan on doing 2.5 intranet

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    Running cat5E in 2021 would make you a moron

    Or a cheap ass spec builder, so still a moron
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
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    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

  7. #7
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    Oh and upgrade your thermostat wire while you’re at it. 18gauge/7conductors should be enough and will cover furnace, humidifier, and up to 2 stage a/c

  8. #8
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    Run a PC or raspberry PI and load it with home assistant. Tie everything into there though be prepared to sink countless hours of configuration into it.

    Buy a zwave adapter and you can use that for lots of security items (doors, windows, smoke, CO2, etc). The Weiser locks support zwave for your desdbolts. Also add your Alexa/google home into it and add custom commands. Can add remote sensors (temperature like in your freezer) or humidity and a smart fan in the bathroom.

    Also for places like the kitchen where you might have a bunch of bulbs on one switch, it's often cheaper to put a smart switch rather than smart bulbs there.
    Last edited by pheoxs; 09-01-2021 at 08:20 PM.

  9. #9
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    I should clarify. The Reno is mainly surface. Floors paint. Kitchen. Bathrooms. I assume the drywall would need to come off dor cables. I’ll likely be looking wireless.
    Current Cars:
    2019 BMW X3 M40i Stage 2, 12.44 at 110mph
    1972 Chevy Super Cheyenne C10 Pickup 402 big block, 700R4
    2004 GMC 2500HD 8.1L

    Past Cars:
    1970 Chevy Blazer, 2wd
    2003 BMW X5 4.6IS Doushmobile, moneypit
    2015 Ford Fiesta ST | Cobb Stage 1, catless downpipe
    2008 Corvette Z06 - 11.39 at 123.8mph
    2002 Corvette Z06 - 12.10 at 116.5mph
    2005 Jeep Wrangler LJ
    1993 5L Mustang - 12.59 at 108mph
    1989 5L Mustang
    1990 Jeep Cherokee
    1991 Acura Integra RS 403Honda

  10. #10
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    good luck with wireless. I wouldn't bother.

    I'm a big fan of the ubiquiti protect setup.

  11. #11
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    Lutron has some good wireless options for switches and such. Added one for my outside light 3 way between garage and house

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    Can’t go wrong with Lutron caseta stuff but if you want to automate a lot of stuff prepare to pay up.
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
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    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by killramos View Post
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    Can’t go wrong with Lutron caseta stuff but if you want to automate a lot of stuff prepare to pay up.
    Do it correct the first time.....

  14. #14
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    You mean like control4 or radiora or something?

    Because those don’t cost much less.
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

  15. #15
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    I really have no idea. Way out of my element with everything home automation. Just know the lutron stuff works pretty well and can do to tons with it.

  16. #16
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    I had control 4 in my last house and wasn't a huge fan. It worked well but I don't think having the need for a third party to make adjustments is worthwhile when there are such good alternatives on the market. I currently have my theatre and games area as well as my master bedroom controlled with Lutron Caseta and love it for a much lower cost when you factor in control 4's need for a central controller..

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