Android Home Automation - Vera Lite - Z Wave | Part 1

[@mondobytes]

I don't know why my previous post disappeared? But here is Part 1 of my Home Automation Setup. I'd appreciate those that +1 and reshare do it on my new post. Highly recommend you follow - plus.google.com/u/0/105710794724257651322/about #android #homeautomation #micasaverde

[@mike_09.09]

***** How Expensive is this stuff? What do you pay to automate your whole house for example?

[@mondobytes]

Michael Baumgartner it really depends how much control you want. I will say with $300.00 you can have a nice setup. However, if you want to control all the lights in your house, the garage door, door locks, sprinklers in your lawn, televisions, motion sensors, camera's, alarm system, etc. You can easily spend over $1,000.

[@mike_09.09]

***** 1000 bucks for this much control from everywhere in the world? Sounds totally fine. I can imagine this being implemented in new built houses over the next decade or so...

[@DougGregory]

Michael Baumgartner A benefit of a system like this is that it doesn't require a substantial initial investment. Based on your budget, you can start with a controller and a few lighting modules for under $300 and expand over time. If you just focus on the lights you have touch on a daily basis, you'll realize it wouldn't cost much to upgrade those switches. Eventually you can add thermostats, locks, motion sensors, IP cameras and more, as your budget allows. Cost for an effective solution can range from just a few hundred for a small apartment, to couple thousand for house with every switch and module replaced along with security and climate control. Either way, you are paying thousands less than through a dealer or installer and never have to worry about a monthly fee. An added bonus, with responsible automating and the energy savings involved, these systems do pay themselves over a short amount of time.

[@OveWangsholm]

Stop showing of. This is going to be expensive for me ;-)

[@DougGregory]

Vera operates wireless devices using Z-Wave, a mesh technology. Each Z-wave module acts as a repeater extending the signal of each other device, allowing you to spread lights and sensors over a large area. The typical Z-Wave range from device to device is 300ft Outdoor, 100Ft indoor

[@zlb12345678910]

This home automation stuff has me so jazzed! Keep it coming!

[@shashankk4048]

Part 2 gonna be awesome. It's resurrection of tasker series

[@mondobytes]

The biggest advantage with the wall dimmer is that you don't need your phone to turn on the light (device). It works just like a switch.. For example, if I go into my office, I can use the in wall dimmer switch to flip it on. But If I used the Lamp module, that goes directly into the power source so I need to use my phone to turn it on and off. I use in-wall dimmer switches for most of my lights and modules for lights I ONLY want to control using my smartphone or tablet.

[@mondobytes]

You connect the lamp or any device you wish to control to that module. The last thing I showed was the in-wall dimmer switch. That works just like a normal on and off switch to turn the lights on. Something everyone has already in their home. The module that you saw is something I would connect say my Popcorn Machine. I don't want a light switch to control my popcorn machine, but rather do it through the module and commanding it through my phone.

[@Devismo]

Great job on the video, Armando. Clear, concise, and to the point. Can't wait to get my vera lite and start setting up!

[@31biga]

Vera doesn't require any paid account and I think this is the only controller at this time allowing remote access for completly free. Note that z-wave do not uses same freq bands in all region so be sure to buy z-wave devices that are all working on the same band. Search z-wave on wikipedia

[@shanewooll8654]

Thanks Armando... this is so awesome. Tonight I'll be dreaming about where to start!

[@Tech4YourNeeds]

I am glad that you decided to a series on how to.

[@mondobytes]

I will answer this question when I am done with the project. Though I will say I am going ALL OUT so it's going to be in the thousands when I'm done. But i'm the exception to the rule because I want 100% full automation on everything. Something that only some will ever do or care to do. But you really can do a great home automation for under $300.00

[@RelojoAsenime]

Thanks for making this series. I'll make sure to to share to everybody I can!

[@davidchsw]

Great video. I have been building out my system for the last six months. The nice thing about this, is you can buy items as your budget allows and add them to your system. You do not have to add everything at once. These can be controlled by ios products, I don't know about the voice part though.

[@pedrochirivella2473]

Escelente video demostrando lo facil que es utilizar estos equipos para automatizar tu casa. Felicitaciones.

[@CoreyDeGrandchamp]

Click the links in the description. The controller is about $175 and dimmer switches are about $30 and plug modules are about $25, plus tax and shipping on all this, so none of it is CHEAP, but you can get the controller, and add one or two Z-Wave units and then expand slowly from there as needed. You don't need an ENTIRE home automated all at once ;)

[@mess7295]

I was searching for automation not manual day of work.Good vid for making me sleepy

[@Warndog9]

"It's sort of like bluetooth and wifi, but it uses radio frequencies" Uhm... yea... about that... But thanks all the same about the heads up on the z-wave platform. Looks really cool, easy to use, and an effective method of home automation.

[@Sorin-MihaiOprea]

Setting up the device is actually easy. I'm more interested in how you mapped those voice commands to do all that stuff.

[@cedricmartin8848]

yes. They sell it in Europe. There is a Vera 2, Vera 3 and the Vera Light. Vera 3 and Light are the current ones.

[@TheSodFather09]

Dude I'm very excited about series of videos, thanks can't wait,until you upload the next video

[@tcelanosp]

Armando. First of all I'd like to congratulate you on your videos. Very well presented and easy to understand. I hope you keep doing them. If possible I'd like to understand how can you control audio and video apliances, not only to turn on and off, but change channels, set blu-ray to play, to stop, fas forward and etc. Thank you very much and keep posting.

[@mildredhogue7963]

When you add home automation to most plans with security companies they jack up your monitoring price but I was surprised when I was quoted $35 by Armorax for smartphone app control, professional monitoring AND home automation. I’m able to control my lights, door locks, thermostat and garage door!

[@wrong1029]

Vera + google glass = AN AVERAGE MANS STARK MANSION!

[@RajasPoorna]

That may be true, but there are two problems with employing another PERSON: 1. Greater security concerns 2. Recurring expense (with person), as opposed to one-time 3. "Scenes" are easier done via electronic automation. 4. Things like location based scenes (how close you are to your home) are impossible without the person having to call you. 5. There's ALWAYS some amount of uncertainty when a person is employed, as opposed to a well set up electronic network (Lesser uncertainty)

[@koma-k]

Please note that Z-wave uses different frequencies in different parts of the world, so getting devices from the US is usually not an option, regardless of voltage...

[@mondobytes]

70 per Vera Lite which is a lot. But in case you need more, you would just need to buy another Vera Lite and the Z wave network supports 232 devices :O

[@guptavar]

My concern is the cost and I was and still am expecting it in your upcoming videos as I asked about it in your previous video too. Please include the cost related to each product- it matters. Nice video!

[@Robshotipod]

Just wanted to say I love your videos and I am psyched to get doing some of these things myself. Thanks again for the great vids

[@mondobytes]

You DO NOT need to use them. You can work with the local IP only and not give external access. You can even set up your own secure tunnel and not use cp.mios

[@calebds28]

wow super easy I really enjoy this setup I'll keep it for myself and pass it on to some other friends that are trying to do the same thing thanks...

[@TheAngelBacon]

You mean I can have a JARVIS!? This is a nerd's dream!

[@avelinoGonzales]

bro, thanks for the videos.you just earned a subscriber. ill definitely be following along. cant wait to get started on my own house.

[@MatthewPotter]

Interesting vid, I’m building something similar but with Google’s browser based Voice Recognition / Speech Synthesis, NodeJS server (local and cloud based connected to one another) as well as Arduino devices with sensors and modules. Bit cheaper than a $60 light switch solution and a bit more open for innovation. I may add some Z Wave stuff as there is a break-out board for it available. Possibly the door locks. Keep the vids coming!

[@andrew1977uk]

And this is available for iOS PC and Mac. I think the only thing you can't do with this product right now is the voice and nfc control from iOS... but I could stand corrected.

[@sparky3489]

"it's like bluetooth and wi-fi but it uses radio frequencies" .Umm, I'm not sure how to break this to you.....

[@kenyathefrugal475]

Love the informative video information section. Always an added value!

[@uae0nexus1]

dude u make life easier

[@victorhsu813]

Great video! Seems too easy to setup. Can't wait to watch part 2

[@DavidNurbin]

The whole surge protector would be turned on/off. It is a little more complicated than that of course, as it would only work with a surge protector that has a hard switch, and would probably not allow you to re-set a blown surge switch.

[@TheYangaz]

Great video Armando!, i've had the Veralite for about 6 months. I've tested and played around with control of lights etc, could you perhaps do an episode on how to configure and use the 3 in 1 sensor (light, motion and temp) and how to use that with other peripherals.

[@omriytek7]

Armando, when I opened the "micasaverde" website I saw that Vera mobile app available for the iPhone too

[@bowens1397]

My future house is going to be so sweet!

[@mmanut]

Great video, I can see so many different functions that would work great with this. Very affordable. Thank You for one hell of a video. Vinny

[@twanskys]

I could definitely see oem companies like samsung picking up this technology for their phones in the future

[@joshuanulton1403]

I too need 240v, the micasaverde controllers will work with 240v but zwave last time I checked had very limited options for those of us not in the USA. Been wanting to spend a lot of money on home automation for some time now, but need 240v options.

[@JasonRodrigues1]

Awesome video. You should produce for XDA!

[@VeRychard]

Awesome. Just one more thing I'm interested in. Let's say I put in the switch instead of my normal switch. But what if I move to another flat? Can I get that out of that wall, put back the old one, and bring the dimmer switch with me? Or I'll must buy a new one? Keep up the good work

[@mondobytes]

Google Search "micasaverde security concerns" and click on the first link which should be a Wiki link. I also wrote before, which is currently a top comment. I'll copy and paste here... You can work with the local IP only and not give external access. You can even set up your own secure tunnel and not use cp.mios. Making your setup bullet proof.

[@Muscleduck]

True, there is more expensive hardware, but I'm planning on doing this with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. This will probably cost significantly less than this.

[@ebleyes]

I subscribed just for this. Looking forward for more of this.

[@mondobytes]

+ebleyes Thank you! I've switched to Smart Things and personally like it better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5nEgZd3mrqspsU

[@_LYH_]

Amando, do a video to rebut those new features in iOS7 that already existed in Android.

[@keith7357]

ikea (trådfri) is moving into home automation at low price high quality. they are starting with lights but will probably soon have more. Zigbee but may not connect to all hubs

[@mcnabbwonde6514]

i like the way you have made it so simple.very useful information

[@andromaster1]

Great video..... Wished it was for free...... But anyway how much does it cost in total???? Thank you really great video

[@YOURSHOESAREUNTIED]

your videos are very well done. Thank you for taking the time to put these out.

[@KLAmitSuri]

Armando awesome video, a great step by step tutorial, i'll wait for next video tutorial series :)

[@mondobytes]

Haha, thanks Dave!

[@TheIrishByrd]

I've read up on a lot of them and the smart things hub had the best reviews. I do have a question tho if the internet was to stop working wouldn't that mean you wouldn't be able to use any of it?

[@chrisjohndent]

I am a new subscriber keep the home automation comming please.

[@NoNotepad]

Great Video, I was looking into integrating zwave on some devices and found these videos. Keep it up!! +1 Sub

[@hom-sha-bom]

Could you set something up to gradually dim all lights that are currently turned on until they all turn off at the same time, like the sun setting at night it just gradually gets darker.

[@MonocleManly]

I can see this being a serious security risk; if your MCV account is somehow compromised, your house is basically open. Door locks, especially. How do you (or Mi Casa Verde) deal with that?

[@shahed2147]

Hi Armando, Excellent video..I could setup and connect to most devices except Wall mount switchs. I am in USA and all my switch have dual switch. But that never worked. Tried all options of cables..I saw you did one in wall dimmer. How was the cables connected?

[@welme23]

yes you can. Make a digital creditcard (pm me if you want a site where you can do that) and deposit money on that. Once this is done: buy from Amazon.

[@Scc2463]

what if you connect a surge protector into the outlet device and turn it on would it turn on all the devices connected in the surge protector or would it see the individual devices plugged into the surge protector

[@essadis]

thanks for showing us this video, that is pretty sweet. i'm gonna do this

[@StumpyHead79]

Take a look at LinuxMCE and the Orbiter app - now that's sweet ;)

[@TheFogl3]

Could you also use an NFC sticker around your tv to do the same thing?

[@midnighters5611]

how can we switch our room light on/off even when not connected through the tubelight?? but just connecting the device to ver light??

[@VeRychard]

Awesome, thank you! Question : you added office light.. So is it a lamp, or you just connected the lamp to a plug which is linked to Vera? Also the last thing you showed, is that a leap switch? Or what does that do? Thanks I advance waiting for the next part :)

[@ejkeebler]

Do they have an IR blaster type of device? Without one, I really don't see how it could change your TV inputs, etc....

[@micheleneal7282]

What happens if there is electrical interference? If there is a power surge or blackouts?

[@Jacques80120]

Seems quite easy and awesome, but the hardware prices.

[@michaelhptsui]

Can Vera replace the Hue bridge of Philips (as Vera can control far more items at home than Bridge which can only mange Philips Lights)?

[@uditkukreja]

excited to see part 2.....where can I buy this in India

[@31biga]

vera lite controller about 180$ wall dimmer about 30-45$ each

[@Jono6671]

This is nice if you just want a simple box you can plug in I guess, it's a bit too simplistic for me. Like someone else on here said, I'd much rather have the entire system integrated with TCP/IP

[@bkeaver644]

ok the only thing I am not clear on is do youi need to be in range of your wifi in order to use it (issue commands) or can you for instance lets say your forgot to lock your door and you left your house, can you access it across your phones data connection and lock the door?

[@moneyacademy3734]

Armando Thank u for this video , it's very helpful , I install the ADT pulse home automation and it uses z-wave devices too :)

[@31biga]

I think he is using AutoVoice and Tasker from google play. Btw Tasker is a must

[@shermenz]

How can you turn the TV on? Don't you need some kind of infra red blaster or something?

[@l1o9o6p7]

Armando, excellent video. I have a question, at the end you show a quick install of a wall based dimmer switch. Is that on an existing switch or did you have to buy a Zwave dimmer switch? Same for Garage Door lock? Thanks keep going strong love your reviews

[@VerizonFIOS1]

Hi Armand. Great video! I am just getting started, I have my Vera Lite and a plug on order and your info will help me set up. A couple of questions...if the house has a power failure will the devices still be paired when power resumes? Also, do you know if all of this can be controlled by the Roomie App for my iPad? Thanks, keep the videos coming. Would love to see one on IP security cameras!

[@nassirhussein7561]

Can I use normal lights for that or I need new lights and other appliances?

[@quickbatch]

You should take a look at HomeSeer Automation. You can do far more Home Automation than the system you have reviewed. Go to HomeSeer.com. I have it running in my home and also I remotely control another house from the same system. Also using Zwave modules as well as X10, plus my heating and air, announcing who is calling, security, some IR for turning on the stereo, TV, monitoring if the power goes out and sending me text messages about the house, and about the weather, etc.

[@amirbagher5324]

and the home setting plug, should we get one for each plug in the house?

[@roshanukey2200]

dude your vedio is excellent i want to learn ...plz guide me love from india

[@aazizm]

I am living outside USA, and I use 220 voltage. Is there anywhere to buy the same products that you have but on a 220 voltage setting?

[@Thetechvlog]

Great video! You just gave me summer project :) Is there a maximum number of devices that can be paired to one control unit?

[@fernandoecamp4462]

Hi very good video, with clear explanation. Do you know what security measures/ protocols are in place to protect your sensitive data. That is, I wonder how safe it is to have all your home control in the cloud. We know that even sites as dropbox, yahoo, sony have had issues with their user accounts data been compromised. If bad guys can open my garage door with a push of a button will be catastrophic.

[@csselo]

hi I watched ur movies. and maybe u can answer my question. which home automation has an web interface or linux app ? I want to control from my pc and my tablet

[@remyazharyyosef8781]

I'm moving into a new home and awaiting renovation to commence. In terms of electrical wiring, I believe it would only be done during or after the renovation. As such, I have a couple of questions: 1 - Could the Z-Wave switches [especially for lightings] be installed over existing electrical circuits and switches? I mean do those existing ones need to be dismantled in any way for the Z-Wave switches to be installed? 2 - Could you explain which of the controllers [Vera Lite, Vera 3 or Fibaro Home Center 2] is the best one? If possible, please list down the pros and cons or devices they're good for. Thanks.

[@acomputer8me]

..."it's sort of like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but it uses radio frequencies" Not a hater, but yeah... Bluetooth and Wi-Fi use radio frequencies. My favorite part of the video occurs less than 30 seconds in!

[@Leengeap]

Can you please tell me what brand produce the 220 voltages for z wave devices? Thanks.

[@31biga]

Nice work Armando! I hope one of your next demo will show us how to use Tasker to send/receive intent to control z-wave modules or scene? I think its posible to send Home Buddy intent from Tasker. What about itent for Vera app, is it possible? Are you using some kind of IR blaster to power on your tv on your first video?

[@RedPenguin22]

Nice video man. Seems legit. I'm definitely excited about this

[@abdullahalzayadi9038]

I have a concrete house with 2 floors ground then 1&2, all the house is covered by wifi through access points, Do I need 1 Vera for the house or a Vera in every room? in another way is the z wave only for pairing then it uses wifi? or it will control everything through z wave? if so whats the range on that? does it penetrate concrete walls?

[@PHOENIX2001]

Does this work with wall strip plugs, or do I have to buy a z-wave plug for each device I own? Also does the dim switches work with in wall lights?

[@ceesparxxx]

Do you have to wire some of the devices that work with this to your house?? Or do you just plug everything into a socket and then control everything with the radio waves??

[@Muscleduck]

Zwave is easy to install but quite expensive in my opinion.