Is there any other thing I need to watch out for when getting started with this stuff? I’m running OH V1.8.0 on a Pi3 and will likely have to create a shortcut to the serial port in the interface so it doesn’t change when restarting.
The modules im sure ive seen before as another brand, and the usb adaptor LOOKS like the Aeon one and they say it is Aeon brand…but it may just be a clone…beware.
The pricing doesn’t look very good …definitely not for the dual module.
All z-wave stuff I’ve found so far on Ali either has the same price or is more expensive compared to online stores in Europe, at least in Germany …
the module looks like a philio: http://amzn.com/B00K5G9MUS
Yes, the first is a Philio PAN04 module which I’m happily using. It’s a chinese company (“TZI” it was, I believe) to build these. Can confirm that it’s more expensive on Ali than elsewhere, even Amaz*n.
Also check out Fibaro modules (FGS-222 is the dual-relay one, FGD-212 is the single dimmer one), that’s what most people use with OH, and they’re even slightly cheaper (at least over here in Europe).
The adapter is the Aeon Gen 5 stick.
Thanks for the replies. I’ll have a look around, I tend to avoid Amazon as they let you get all the way to the checkout before deciding to tell you they don’t ship that item to New Zealand where I live.
Yes. Actually I haven’t seen any good-priced Z-wave Device on Ali yet. Probably because Sigma requires certification and it’s not so easy to make a clones.
Anyway in Germany you can get Z-wave Relays/Rollershutter as cheap as for 40€ and dimmers for even lower price. Fibaro is usually the cheapest, but I got for example some Rollershutter Controller from Düwi for just 34€. Unfortunately I have problems with it’s configuration in Habmin, but otherwise it works just fine.
Also Qubino is now coming out with quite nice Z-Wave portfolio. I’m expecting that due to competition with Fibaro prices should drop soon, but check if you get better prices in New Zealand.
I guess in USA Everspring is cheapest.
Kevin, the problem is that you have in Zealand uncommon Z-Wave Radio Frequency of 921 MHz, which is used only in Australia, Brazil and New Zealand. This is common situation for Russia, for example. This results in lower quantities and higher prices for you. Therefore many people forget about it and build their systems on EU or US devices. This is much cheaper and availability is better. I don’t think that you will be penalized for that.
I’m in NZ and did the same ages ago. I was running a Vera with Aeotec Z-Wave Euro frequency equipment (switches, thermometers etc). My Vera has died so the plan is to migrate across to Openhab when I get a chance.
I justified the Euro standard on a) cheaper equipment b) wider selection of equipment and c) if I decide to ditch it there is a far bigger market to sell into second hand then the 3 Z-Wave users in NZ
Euro works on the right electrical frequency and all I do is use plug convertors if required.
As for Amazon not showing if it’ll ship to NZ. It does when browsing if you are logged in and have your address set to NZ (clearly says for me that doesn’t ship to NZ before I take it to the cart).
Thanks for the replies everyone, after considering it for a while and looking at the costs, I think I may cobble something together with an additional slave Pi.
Cost of Pi + Case + Power Supply $100,
cost of 4 port relay $12.50,
cost of 2 port relay $8.50
add another $38.50 for boxes and bits
and it works out at around $160. NZD
Way cheaper than 6 relays with Z-Wave when I don’t have anything to start with, and the Pi can do other things moving forward.
Fantastic stuff.
Do you have any recommendations for a very low power consuming, wifi or Ethernet relay that will give me a 220V ideally or if not 5V normally closed contact that I can switch from a web browser or MQTT? Having got most of my system installed and working well I’d like a way of power cycling the Pi remotely if it locks up. Normally closed means it recovers after a power cut and uses minimal power.
Check out the Wemos D1 Mini, available from AliExpress. Tiny little WiFi device which can be flashed to run Homie which is an mqtt framework for esp devices. Wemos have a number of shields for these, including a relay shield. I am a Kiwi also so keen to hear how you get on.
@ben_jones12 I’ve just ordered a Wemos D1 Mini V2 and a relay shield for the top of it to switch the 5V into my Pi remotely. I also intend using it for 1-Wire sensors, A to D for my Wind Sensor and for extra GPIO Pins as my Pi is pretty full.
Once its installed and working I’ll update this thread.
Thanks everyone who contributed, you’ve likely saved me a heap of money.
