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: Best of
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]