Z-Uno

[mvader]

snip


but when you can buy 10 esp based arduino devices for the cost of 1 of these.
if the cost was much less (and i know that zwave chips are more expensive) then it would be more ideal.

And this is the beauty of this device, you can have up to 10 devices all rolled into one.
USD$7.60 is pretty cheap per device.

ahh.. in certain situations, that may be an ideal solution (kitchen lighting for example).  so i guess i can see a use case for this.

[poordom]

What most forget is that this is native Z-Wave not WiFi, 433 or other communication frequencies and protocols.


If you want a development board to integrate directly without serial adaptors or plugins then this cuts other devices out of the loop.


With the WiFi spectrum becoming flooded, it's easy to forget that WiFi devices  and their ilk may not function correctly, while Z-Wave on it's dedicated frequency will.


I have several projects for this in mind, one of which involves communication with a MegaA. To me that is combining the best of both worlds.

if this is a product that you are trying to sell or get a kick back from, then i understand and i'm not trying to be a hater.
but to me this is very expensive and you can accomplish the same task far cheaper. for example, i'm putting in some under cabinet lighting.
I considered a native zwave solution, using the fibario rgb device, it's $70. i purchased a node mcu for $6 and am achieving the same results.
I personally don't have any wifi reliability issues, but I recognize that is subjective to the environment. but i have dozens of wifi devices, as well as zwave, 433 and other RF devices. I really don't have any issues with them.
I would certainly prefer to have a native zwave solution. but the cost to implement vs going wifi is substantial. If you have the extra money then great.
but when you can buy 10 esp based arduino devices for the cost of 1 of these.
if the cost was much less (and i know that zwave chips are more expensive) then it would be more ideal.

In reading your response, I think you miss the point of the Z-uno, I would expect the learning curve of the Arduino / Z-Wave to be a lot less intense then having to learn all these different protocols, to accomplish sone of the same functions achieved by the Z-Uno.

Yes, I agree, cost is a deterrent, but I believe the Z-Uno, is made in order to simplify, and package everything into a small unit, and made to satisfy a demand by the hobbyist and not the engineers or knowledgeable programmers.

And no, I do not get a kick back from Z-Wave.

Dom

[mvader]

In reading your response, I think you miss the point of the Z-uno
Dom

sure - back on page 1, my first comment was "what am i missing".

With the WiFi spectrum becoming flooded, it's easy to forget that WiFi devices  and their ilk may not function correctly, while Z-Wave on it's dedicated frequency will.

I would expect the learning curve of the Arduino / Z-Wave to be a lot less intense then having to learn all these different protocols, to accomplish sone of the same functions achieved by the Z-Uno.

Your comments read like everything else will fail and is too involved and too complicated to be bothered with.
this z-uno is easier than other options and will never fail.
at least that is how it come across to me.  thus my question about why your showing such support for a $70 device that (in my opinion) has limited use case for the money.

it was pointed out to me you could run several applications off of 1 z-uno, and that is something i didn't think about.. so in that specific use case.
to have native z-wave, i agree. a great option.
however. beyond that, if you have different applications all over your house, say automated blinds in every room.
you won't put a $70 z-uno on each and every blind, just for the sake of having native z-wave, when you can put a $6 esp based wifi device on each one achieve the same effect.

if you have a use case where 1 device will do everything in 1 room, then great. it seems like a fine choice. but for me, most of my dozens of situations will get low cost nrf radios or esp based radios on arduinos. the programming is the same regardless of which radio i choose.

[poordom]

Good afternoon Mvader,

" Your comments read like everything else will fail "

I have had home automation of one kind or another for the last 30 years, hate to say this, but everything will fail at one time or another, doesn't matter what it is.

I can't be to explicit about the Z-Uno, since I haven't received mine yet, but I would see the Z-Uno, located in a central location, where Analog sensor could be connected, and have the Z-Uno act a act and re-act device.

From what I understand the Z-Uno can be integrated to my Vera Plus, quite easily, I hope I am right about all this, we shall see.

Dom

[zedrally]

Here is a SS of the 10 channel Z-UNO, i have been asked what it looks like in Vera but cannot post attachments in PM's.

[zedrally]

you won't put a $70 z-uno on each and every blind, just for the sake of having native z-wave, when you can put a $6 esp based wifi device on each one achieve the same effect.

No, you use a Z-UNO to control all of your blinds, not 1.


As Dom points out it's usefulness will become apparent if you have one in a room controlling or sensing the environment.
What you are missing is that it isn't just one device but can be 10 different devices packaged into one.
Then it becomes cost effective having LUX. Temp, Dimmers, Lights, Motion etc all in one device.

[poordom]

Will Z-Uno automatically recognized by Vera Plus.

Dom

[zedrally]

The images above are from a Vera Edge, I see no reason why they would be different on a Plus.


They configured themselves.

[poordom]

The images above are from a Vera Edge, I see no reason why they would be different on a Plus.


They configured themselves.

Well my Z-Uno, configures itself as a dimmer ?

How did you manage to get 10 ch.

Loaded the Arduino as described, the version 1.6.5

Did you add a special sketch?

Thanks

Dom

[zedrally]

Not sure of the procedure you used, but you did upload the 10 channel sketch via the Arduino interface?


http://z-uno.z-wave.me/examples/Certified10Channels


You may need to do a factory reset and try uploading it again.
A lot of this comes down to finger problems.
Can I suggest that you start with the "easy" examples to get a feeling of the compiling/upload procedures, then move onto altering code. Also,as you are using a VP, it could be helpful to post a screen shot.

[poordom]

Good morning Zedrally,

A short note to let you know that I was able to load the 10 Channel sketch, so now begins my adventure into a new experience, I will keep you posted.

Dom

[pcarneyhome]

Hi,

Thought I'd throw my two sense in. I'm a huge fan of Hek's MySensors.org work and have a half dozen sensors connected via a Arduino Nano gateway to my Veraedge. While I agree with posters who recommend ESP Wifi or Arduino with NRF24 for low cost and flexibility, I can not recommend them for reliability. Some of my sensors and relays have never failed while others fail to send or receive a signal 1-2% of the time. Can't explain why, I've changed out parts and find there's not always a rhyme or reason. Sometimes it's the radio, length of wires, power supply, etc.(please don't ask me "have you added a capacitor to the radio?"Lol !!!). I've always chalked it up to cheap Chinese knock offs and 'hobby grade' products. I have no intention of replacing all my Arduino nodes, but there are a couple of sensors that I need better reliability, consistency, and the piece of mind it brings. For those few nodes, I'm hoping the Z-uno fills that gap. As far as I'm concerned for $70 I'm buying a 'consumer grade' product that should work as expected. If not, I'll expect a refund. I'll keep people informed of the results, but in truth only time will tell.

[zedrally]

^^^
Expect a learning curve, but I'm sure you will be a happy chappy. 

[poordom]

Hey zedrally,

Well got my Zuno working with the ten channels, I now need to spend some time with the unit to better understand its functionality.

Oh! I heard about those Vegemite sandwiches, our granddaughter was in Australia last year, not something that she brought back home LOL.

Dom

[zedrally]

I found the learning curve in C++ was the hardest, although nearly all of the functions are simply copy & paste. It's just getting them the right order!


I'm still in the curve but the possibilities that Z-Uno gives is very exciting in particular the possibility of a central room device that can monitor, control power to multiple devices & sense. The 10 channel example is a great introduction to the possibilities.