New Home Build--Wanting to add Z-Wave to my next ISY

[Buzzhazz]

I've been using an ISY-994i for several years in my current house.  We're building our retirement home, and I intend to leave my current ISY with the current home along with some reference material and links to this sit and the Wiki sight.  And I'll hope for the new owners that the PLM or an Insteon device never fails again in the event they aren't technically proficient, but I digress.

When we move to the new home, I want to buy another ISY with Z-wave capability.  My only experience with Z-wave is reading about it.  My thoughts are that I want to add 2-3 Schlage locks and some Z-wave compatible window shades and of course Insteon devices for lighting control.

I'm pretty confused, so my first questions will probably be dumb ones.  Will the ISY be the Z-Wave hub or is it simply a controller? Will that be the ISY or do I need some other dedicated hub that the ISY can control? Are the terms hub and controller synonymous in the Z-wave world? IOW, when  researching window shades, I see I need a hub for the shade motors (the Samsung Smartthings hub was mentioned as an example). 

I told you it would be a dumb question.  More to follow.

P.S.  I've read through several topics and the Wiki pages, but nothings really clicking for me.  If someone wants to take the time to explain how they would set up the equipment described above, I'd love to read it.
 

Edited April 13, 2021 by buzzhazzard

[lilyoyo1]

https://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/31074-new-house-and-starting-fresh-which-to-use-z-wave-or-insteon-or/?tab=comments#comment-300330

 

https://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/29371-zwave-tips-and-tricks/

Edited April 13, 2021 by lilyoyo1

[oberkc]

I am unaware of any real difference between the terms “hub” and “controller”

if you have the ISY, you would not need a separate zwave controlloer or hub.

[DennisC]

For the existing ISY, adding zwave involves installing a zwave board and the purchase of an inexpensive software module. When Polisy takes over for the ISY, the zwave board will be replaced by a dongle.

[Buzzhazz]

3 hours ago, lilyoyo1 said:

https://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/31074-new-house-and-starting-fresh-which-to-use-z-wave-or-insteon-or/?tab=comments#comment-300330

 

https://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/29371-zwave-tips-and-tricks/

Thanks Lilyoyo1.  I did read your very through post before I created this one and it answered several other questions I had.  I was confused about hub/controller and still am about multiple controllers.  For example Brand X of window shades might come with a controller that allows my wife to use an included remote to operate the blinds, but I might want to also control them with the ISY based on time of day or sunset sunrise for example.  

From what I gather, that may or may not be possible depending on whether the blinds allow primary and secondary controllers.  Do I have that right?

In the case of the Schlage locks, I'd only being using the ISY as a controller, so hopefully that would be an easier setup with the thought that I'd use KPLs to control the locks.

I still have very much to learn in the Z-wave arena.  I'm fairly tech savvy but not like many here.

 

[Buzzhazz]

2 hours ago, DennisC said:

For the existing ISY, adding zwave involves installing a zwave board and the purchase of an inexpensive software module. When Polisy takes over for the ISY, the zwave board will be replaced by a dongle.

It would be a new ISY with Z-wave that I'd be starting with.  I'm not familiar with Polisy at all, so I guess I better become familiar if it's going to "take over for the isy."

[lilyoyo1]

1 hour ago, buzzhazzard said:

Thanks Lilyoyo1.  I did read your very through post before I created this one and it answered several other questions I had.  I was confused about hub/controller and still am about multiple controllers.  For example Brand X of window shades might come with a controller that allows my wife to use an included remote to operate the blinds, but I might want to also control them with the ISY based on time of day or sunset sunrise for example.  

From what I gather, that may or may not be possible depending on whether the blinds allow primary and secondary controllers.  Do I have that right?

In the case of the Schlage locks, I'd only being using the ISY as a controller, so hopefully that would be an easier setup with the thought that I'd use KPLs to control the locks.

I still have very much to learn in the Z-wave arena.  I'm fairly tech savvy but not like many here.

 

Everything depends on what you're using. If it's not compatible with the isy then it won't work with the isy. I would not assume the isy could be a secondary controller of anything you choose to use. Not only are you added an extra layer to your system, if you're not up on how zwave (and your primary) controller works, you'll be creating issues for yourself that you may not be able to fix and will receive limited assistance (if any) from others

[smacbride]

I use my ISY with a mixture of Insteon and Z-wave.  I use Z-wave thermostats(Honeywell and GoControl), Schlage locks, Aeotec leak sensors, and Fibaro RGBW controllers, with Insteon for most of my lighting and electrical outlets that are automated, and a few Insteon leak sensors. 

I have a vacation home setup with a mix as well. My systems all work just fine.  I know some people have had issues communicating with their locks, but I haven't experienced that problem.

You have to research the z-wave device and make sure it will work with the ISY, but so far most of the name brand devices work just fine.

And yes, your ISY box acts as the z-wave hub.

Edited April 13, 2021 by smacbride

[Buzzhazz]

4 hours ago, lilyoyo1 said:

Everything depends on what you're using. If it's not compatible with the isy then it won't work with the isy. I would not assume the isy could be a secondary controller of anything you choose to use. Not only are you added an extra layer to your system, if you're not up on how zwave (and your primary) controller works, you'll be creating issues for yourself that you may not be able to fix and will receive limited assistance (if any) from others

And adding extra layers of complexity is what I am trying to avoid.  It would be nice to have a dynamic evolving list of what z-wave devices DO or DO NOT work with ISY but that might be a sizable task.

[Buzzhazz]

4 hours ago, smacbride said:

I use my ISY with a mixture of Insteon and Z-wave.  I use Z-wave thermostats(Honeywell and GoControl), Schlage locks, Aeotec leak sensors, and Fibaro RGBW controllers, with Insteon for most of my lighting and electrical outlets that are automated, and a few Insteon leak sensors. 

I have a vacation home setup with a mix as well. My systems all work just fine.  I know some people have had issues communicating with their locks, but I haven't experienced that problem.

You have to research the z-wave device and make sure it will work with the ISY, but so far most of the name brand devices work just fine.

And yes, your ISY box acts as the z-wave hub.

Thank you.  That's very helpful.  I expect the Schlage locks will work, and as for window shades, it probably depends on the brand.  I'll do my research.

[Bumbershoot]

15 hours ago, buzzhazzard said:

It would be nice to have a dynamic evolving list of what z-wave devices DO or DO NOT work with ISY but that might be a sizable task.

User @simplextech started this list here: https://github.com/UniversalDevicesInc/Z-Wave-Devices/issues

[lilyoyo1]

17 hours ago, buzzhazzard said:

Thank you.  That's very helpful.  I expect the Schlage locks will work, and as for window shades, it probably depends on the brand.  I'll do my research.

In addition to the list posted, there are many nuances to zwave that makes it difficult to track. For the most part, sticking with reputable companies such as ge, homeseer, aeotech, and others will yield the best results.

There are many cheaper alternatives out there. However, many times the protocol is forked where features do not work properly or systems have problems talking to those devices. This can change from firmware to firmware (fibaro). Before investing heavily into any zwave device, purchase 1 to test with your isy to ensure it works properly, then purchase what you want in greater quantites

Edited April 14, 2021 by lilyoyo1