Introducing the Powerwall Manager SmartApp for SmartThings and Hubitat Hubs Update 1-Jan-2023: This app is still fully operational on the Hubitat Hub platform, however due to recent changes on the SmartThings platform to eliminate the hosted Groovy application capability, this app is no longer supported on the SmartThings hub. After 6 months of operation, […]
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HomeSeer HS-FC200+ Z-Wave Fan Controller – Device Handler for SmartThings
It’s arrived! This September (2018), HomeSeer introduced their new HS-FC200+ in-wall Z-Wave fan controller – and I finally got my hands on one. The HS-FC200+ supports multi-tap functionality as well as HomeSeer’s novel capability to control the on/off state and RGB capabilities of the LED indicators. Altogether, this makes the HS-FC200+ a nice complement to […]
The Demand Manager App for the SmartThings and Hubitat Hubs
Update 1-Jan-2023: This app is still fully operational on the Hubitat Hub platform, however due to recent changes on the SmartThings platform to eliminate the hosted Groovy application capability, this app is no longer supported on the SmartThings hub. Introducing the DarwinsDen.com Electric Energy Demand Manager Smart App for the SmartThings Home Automation Hub. […]
The Best of the Home Automation Hubs
Updated for 2018 “All generalizations are false, including this one.” – Mark Twain Whether you call these devices controllers, smart home hubs, bridges, or gateways, user requirements are unique, and with the possible exception of tube socks, there is no single one-size fits all product for everyone. This article examines a wide variety of features […]
The Best of the Z-Wave Door and Window Sensors
Updated for 2018 Originally Published: 3 February 2016 Door and window sensors rank perhaps right up there with security cameras when most us think about critical features of home security systems. These sensors let your home automation controller know when a door or window is open or closed in order to trigger corresponding alerts, alarms. […]
The Best Z-Wave In-Wall Light Switches and Dimmers
For many, smart light switches are the first thing that come to mind when considering the benefits of home automation. Controlling my lights is one task that I am certainly willing to delegate to a smart assistant to automate scheduled events, respond to activities in my house, and even support my verbal commands. The following […]
Top 8 Must-Have Home Automation Devices
Updated for 2018 One of the best approaches to achieve a low-cost and well-integrated home automation environment is to focus on a system that centers around a single smart home controller and multiple less intelligent, and therefore less expensive devices. This is a review of what I consider to be the best home automation, Z-Wave, […]
The Best of the Z-Wave Water Leak & Flood Sensors
Updated for 2018 It’s happened several times to me, in several homes – the dreaded water leak. I’ve had to repair the wall and flooring behind a water heater that burst at the seams, and had cabinet and flooring damage following a slower, but possibly more insidious kitchen pipe leak. Aside from the obvious damage […]
HomeSeer HS-WD200+ & HS-WS200+ Dimmer, Switch Review and SmartThings Device
HS-WD200+ Z-Wave In-Wall Switch/Dimmerby HomeSeer HS-WD200+ Z-Wave In-Wall Switch/Dimmerby HomeSeer Opportunities abound for smart switch innovation – considering their convenient location options in every home and easy access to power. I’m not sure why other companies have failed to give these comparatively simple devices the full attention they deserve, but HomeSeer definitely gets it. With […]
HomeSeer HS-WS100+ & HS-WD100+ Review and SmartThings Device Handlers
This is a review of the 100+ series wall switch and dimmer from HomeSeer. For a review of HomeSeer’s latest 200+ series switch and dimmer, please see: DarwinsDen.com HomeSeer HS-WS200+ & HS-WD200+ Review and SmartThings Device Handlers. Originally Published: 8 April 2016 Initial Impressions HS-WD100+ Z-Wave In-Wall Switch/Dimmer by HomeSeer Price: $45 HS-WS100+ Z-Wave […]
Wink Hub 2 Home Automation Controller Review
Following is a preliminary review based on a week of operation of the Wink Hub 2 home automation hub, by Flextronics. This device sports several impressive features and I wanted to get the information I have to date posted. I will continue to update and add to this review as I put this device through […]
Securifi Almond+ Review – Home Automation Hub and Wireless Router
Originally posted: 24 January 2016 Update: 28-September-2016: Almond+ by Securifi Price: $151.69 Securifi has recently updated the Almond+ firmware and cloud server to address the most critical feature deficiencies that I noted in my January review. Of particular note, Securifi has added limited IFTTT support and sunrise/sunset rule capability. I’ve updated our Almond+ hardware to […]
Strips Z-Wave Door and Window Sensor Review
Originally posted: 19 June, 2016 At roughly the size of a nail file, the Strips door and window sensor is an innovative 3mm thin Z-Wave Plus sensor developed by a small team at Sensative, a start-up out of Lund, Sweden. I have been watching the progress of the sensor on Indiegogo for a while now […]
Aeon Labs Doorbell + Z-Wave Speaker – Aotec ZW056 Review
ZW056 Z-Wave Doorbell by Aeon Labs Price: $50 This is a review of the Aeon Labs Aeotec ZW056 Z-Wave Plus Gen5 Doorbell. I received an initial production release of this new device back in November and wanted to get this initial review out there to provide an overview of my early findings and also as […]
Samsung SmartThings Hub Review
SmartThings Hub by Samsung Price: $90 At the risk of adding to the already extensive noise on the very capable Samsung V2 SmartThings Hub, following is a brief high-level overview of this device and specifics as to why it is currently on Darwin’s Den’s Best Home Automation Controllers List and the top pick on the […]
SAGE Zigbee Doorbell Sensor Impressions & SmartThings Device Handler
I think you can officially call it an obsession now for me. I’ve been suggesting a smart doorbell sensor for awhile now in the Must Have Home Automation Devices page as a means to receive phone notifications and trigger other actions when your doorbell is rung, but I keep running into issues finding the perfect […]
Nexia One Touch Control Review & SmartThings Device Handler (NX1000)
I received a request to develop a SmartThings Device Handler for the Nexia NX1000 One Touch Z-Wave Control, and frankly was a little intrigued. I had heard of the device, but I had my doubts regarding how well it would work with the SmartThings Hub. I had never written a device handler that was capable […]
Nexia Doorbell Sensor Review & SmartThings Device Handler (DB100Z )
DB100Z Z-Wave Doorbell Sensor by Nexia Price: $45 For anyone that may have followed my adventures in the Aeon Labs Aeotec ZW056 doorbell post, I’ve been recommending a smart doorbell sensor for awhile in the Must Have Home Automation Devices page, as a means to receive phone notifications and trigger other actions when your doorbell […]
Audio Clips for Smart Home System Notifications
I recently reviewed the Aeon Labs Zw056 Aeotec Doorbell (see the full review here) which is actually two devices: 1) A doorbell button assembly and 2) An AC outlet powered Z-Wave siren/speaker. While I’m not currently using this device as a doorbell, I’ve been very pleased with the speaker’s ability to generically play custom MP3 […]
Smart Smoke Detector Review – Why You Need One
The smoke alarm is credited with being one of the greatest success stories in the history of fire safety. While well maintained conventional smoke detectors are extremely effective in saving the lives of occupants, they are all but worthless if no one is at home to hear them. Every time I see smoke or a […]
The Best Z-Wave Garage Door Opener – Linear GD00Z Review
GD00Z-2 Z-Wave Garage Door Opener by Linear Price: $95 Although a smart Z-Wave garage door opener did not make the must-have category in DarwinsDen.com Must Have Home Automation Devices post, it can nevertheless be a nice addition to a well equipped automated home. I am quite pleased with the performance of Linear’s UL listed GD00Z […]
Rokinon 14mm & 24mm Profiles – Make a Good Lens Great
See the DarwinsDen.com Must-Have Home Automation Devices review The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 and Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 lenses are great lenses for night photography and are fairly low-cost, but they do have somewhat complicated distortion and vignetting characteristics. Fortunately, these are easily correctable in Lightroom with a good lens profile. The profiles below also work with […]
The Best Places in Paris to Take Pictures
See the DarwinsDen.com Must-Have Home Automation Devices review I am occasionally asked where exactly I took my Paris photographs and I am always happy to share my picks for the best places in Paris to take pictures. I have to say, these locations are a bit clichéd, but for good reason. They provide a wonderful […]
The Protected Connected Home – Home Automation and the UPS
“It is only when they go wrong that machines remind you how powerful they are.” – Clive James Whether you call it home automation, connected home, or (cringe) internet of things, automated homes are becoming increasingly prevalent, and will soon become the norm as major players like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung enter the market. […]