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 […]
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Tag: Comparison
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 […]
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. It’s one of the most common plumbing emergencies. 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 […]
HomeSeer HS-WD200+ & HS-WS200+ Dimmer, Switch Review and SmartThings Device
HS-WD200+ Z-Wave In-Wall Switch/Dimmer by HomeSeer Price: HS-WD200+ Z-Wave In-Wall Switch/Dimmer by HomeSeer Price: 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]