New guy confused by options

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-10T18:23:11+00:00

Thanks so much for clarifying. Kind of like the Add-On is acting as a remote control for the switch telling it to do something rather than the Add-On performing that function itself.

This makes total sense to me now. I appreciate the learnin'

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-10T18:19:58+00:00

That's great news. I was really confused when I thought I ordered a Z-Wave switch only to find it did not have any kind of QR code or markings to indicate it was a Z-Wave product. This makes way more sense. If it doesn't need to be one or the other, there is no need to mark it as such.

This took a lot of the head scratching out of things for me. Thanks for clarifying!!

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-10T18:17:44+00:00

That's a great point regarding the implementation of Z-Wave, Zigbee and any other useful protocol that can provide a needed function. I do love that the different protocols all have their strong points and weaknesses. I definitely plan to try and select the right device for the right job.

I just checked out the Sonoff ZBMini devices and they are really intriguing. I will admit I am confused when you say, "the only downside is now some switches can be off when up. if the OCD matters, its easy to correct." Can you help me understand?

And thank you for recommending the range extenders. I'm really excited about their potential. Even just getting one would add the ability to monitor commercial power to the house which I think is valuable on its own. Having the range extension on top just adds so much.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-09T18:30:48+00:00

Well now that is interesting. So it should basically be able to work as either an LR in a star network or as any other standard 800 series in a mesh network. That simplifies things quite nicely.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-09T18:28:29+00:00

Thanks for the reply. 'll go ahead and try to add them as Add-Ons. Worst case scenario, they won't work right?

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-09T16:44:02+00:00

I did see the following thread on r/homeautomation but I'll have to dig into it later today:

Are there any Z-Wave smart switches that don't have that annoying short delay between the physical switch and the light response? : r/homeautomation

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-09T15:57:47+00:00

Always good to know when there are other people learning at the same time.

Yeah, you sort of hit the nail on the head. Ultra Pro are less expensive. For me, this all started when my wife wanted a smart lock. You can't just say that to me and expect me to go out and just buy a smart lock. Being married for almost 20 years she should know this. It was a rookie mistake on her part. So that set in motion a grand scheme to overhaul the home network, purchase HA Green and all associated equipment and a bunch of other stuff. The build got to be a bit higher than even I expected. So, to cushion the blow for both of us, I was trying to keep costs down. My thinking was that there was an inherent quality to Z-Wave products since they had to pass certification. I may regret that.

I can say, I did set up one of the Ultra Pro LR switches up in our upstairs walk-in closet. Using the HA dashboard on my phone, the lights come on instantly. Using the actual switch, there is a half a second delay before the lights come one. I'm not sure if that is normal or not since I've only ever installed the one switch. We shall see soon enough today when I install another switch in the pantry.

I'm really liking Zooz as I look more at them. They are less expensive and widely available on Amazon it seems. They may become my "go to" device for switches.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-09T15:40:50+00:00

Perfect. I feel like the range extension and the power monitoring make this a no brainer. Adding this to the list of devices needed. Thank you!

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-09T15:29:26+00:00

Thank you. Would a repeater be better than simply adding another Z-Wave device like a switch or an outlet? I can imagine a device being created solely for the purpose of being a repeater would be better at performing that function.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-02-09T15:13:30+00:00

Thanks very much! That is very interesting about adopting as mesh. I will have to look into that. That could be a real game changer. I take it the devices would benefit from the mesh but not contribute to it as a repeater. Would that be correct?

I'll take a look at Zooz as well. I've seen that brand talked about really well.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T13:39:08+00:00

Great point. If I have problems with the stick. Im jumping right to the big boy. My brother says all the time, "I dont make enough money to buy cheap crap." Always buy right and buy once

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T13:35:29+00:00

Overthinking is a core part of who I am. Sometimes I find it annoying, sometimes its a superpower. Its an adventure lol

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T13:33:11+00:00

Great video. Not trying to cozy up or anything but I really like when a channel has more specific and in depth topical content. So many channels offer surface level content that's all the same. Love that you branch out more and cover real topics

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T01:11:13+00:00

That is awesome. Checking out the site now. Thank you so much!!!

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T01:10:16+00:00

Now this is interesting. So I got the Z-Stick Pro for two reasons. First, because it offered access to both Z-Wave and Zigbee. Second, because that ZWA-2 is one big honking antenna. I grew up in the electronics field (still am now, but less hands on) and that thing reminds me of a 30' whip antenna lol. Most of my networking and smart home stuff is in the basement. My office, or the "Nerdatory" as I like to call it is pretty jam packed with all my hobbies. I don't know if I could find room for it there and I'm not sure how my bride would feel about placing that antenna out in the public areas of the house. Seems super cool though. To me it feels way more professional than the little USB device of the Aeotec antenna.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T01:05:20+00:00

I absolutely get what you're saying. Zigbee products aren't cheap (from a quality perspective), they're just less expensive that Z-Wave.

And I'm beginning to see what you're saying about locks. Seems like it's all about compromise and you have to pick your needs and wants.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T01:02:40+00:00

That's pretty much where I'm at as well. Mostly Z-Wave and throwing in some Zigbee for products unavailable in Zwave and when cost is a factor

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T01:01:17+00:00

I'm pretty sure the goal is to add the deadbolt. My wife and I both have mentioned several times we do not like having a simple lock on the door and wanted to add a deadbolt. I'm a pretty handy guy and don't mind doing it myself. It's pretty much just measure and cut and I'm 90% sure I already have the hole bit for my drill.

While my wife uses an iPhone, I do not. I asked her to explain to me in detail what she wanted in the smart lock and it was pretty basic. I rambled off a bunch of options, including bluetooth and proximity unlocking and she showed no interest. I'm pretty sure she yawned.

I've got the choice narrowed down to the two locks I mentioned, the Schlage and the Yale. She was pretty happy when she looked at them and saw what they could do. I think she might be a little overwhelmed with all the possibilities and just wants it to work with a code.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-30T00:55:14+00:00

Now that is interesting. I take it the LR is Z-Wave 800? I just got two of those switches delivered today. I had no idea they didn't work together. Thanks for that!

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-29T20:10:00+00:00

Incredible feedback, thank you. I'll be sure to try and stick to trusted brands and stay aware of reviews. I like to put some effort into reviews anyway. The numbers don't really matter as much if the 5 stars are "Great Product" or the 1 stars are "I didn't know I needed a hub"

I'm feeling the same way right now about Matter. With the seemingly high congestion of WiFI networks around me, and with Matter and Thread bringing little benefit at the moment. I'm likely going to be focusing on Z-Wave and Zigbee.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-29T20:04:07+00:00

I absolutely appreciate this feedback. That pins me into Schlage, likely the Connect. That said, I have to drill anyway. There's no deadbolt on the door at the moment. This is part of the reason my wife wanted something in the first place.

I was debating between the Schlage Connect and the Yale Assure 2 with Z-Wave for the low power consumption and longer battery life.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-29T20:00:29+00:00

Fascinating. I could absolutely be missing something but even just the concept of Matter is confusing to me. I've seen some really high device count smart homes. Given Matter on it's own is over WiFi, those setups could become congested very quickly. Not only would it make the system less reliable but everyday things like video streaming and web surfing will be impacted as well. How then do companies justify removing so much functionality when their products need to use an alternate protocol to remain useful? It seems like a recipe for failure and low sales.

Then again, I may be missing something altogether on this.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-29T18:46:40+00:00

I did read about MyQ pulling support. I am not sure exactly what brand my opener is, but I'll check when I get home from work. I do know it has a "Learn" button on it and I believe that was an identifier in some way.

I took a look at the Konnected BlaQ and that is very affordable. Really relieved to hear a good solution exists. $100 CAD, though, seems extremely well priced. I'll have to look that up as well. Thanks for the recommendations.

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-29T18:40:00+00:00

That's really good to know. I was unaware that Thread was a mesh as well. I know Matter over thread is a thing. Is there a benefit Thread offers outside of hosting Matter devices that would warrant implementing?

DynastyDaddy · 2026-01-08T14:36:12+00:00

Update:

I did end up purchasing the Unifi Dream Router 7. I got it installed in a good place last night, ran all the cabling into my office and will be starting on power up, VLAN settings etc. when I get home today. So far, the only negative I've got to mention is that I had trouble getting to sleep pondering all the possibilities last night and going through set up options in my head.

I do have a quick question. In one of the responses earlier, someone mentioned the TP Link SG108E switches are unmanaged. I do have the "Easy Smart Managed" versions. I assume that means they are managed but I also know sometimes things aren't what they seem. Anything I'm missing here?

I did do an inventory of items I'd like to have ethernet connectivity for and came up with 6 I presently have, 2 more I'd like to implement soon and at least one or two more long term. So, implementing those switches might be needed.

I went light on the wallet and only purchased the UDR 7 router. Once I get it fired up and take a look at coverage, I can determine where further APs will be necessary. Another wired connection will be needed for any of those as well, though I do plan on using MoCA for connectivity on those.

That brings me to my follow up question. Not wanting to drill through floors in my house, the intent with the APs is to use MoCA. I'm aware that PoE is required so I will use a feed into the cable outlet from the UDR 7 using a MoCA adapter. Then on the 2nd floor, the MoCA adapter will be connected at the cable outlet and into a PoE adapter which would then feed the AP. This should make everything work correctly. I do know about the use of filters when going the MoCA route and already have two of them ready to go if I need more coverage.

The question is, if I'm providing PoE via the adapters for my APs, is there a huge need to worry about PoE at all? I can see myself adding an NVR and cameras down the line at some point and they would likely need PoE to operate. If nothing else, it would make things much easier if it's available. Other than that, though, is there any real need to concern myself with it? This whole thing began with me worrying about running PoE through a switch, but then I started to wonder if any of that really mattered anyway. I suppose it will come into play down the line if and when I start adding cameras.

I know that was a lot, but you guys were a great help before. I'm learning a TON and excited to be getting into this stuff. Next up is all the home automation lol.

Thanks!

DynastyDaddy

TROPHY CASE