What SmartHome system are you using?

[TheGuru 10]

Hi guys,

 

I'm been tinkering around with SmartHome stuff. I'm mostly an Apple guy so Homekit is the obvious answer, but it is somewhat limited and I'm wondering if there is a better way. I have a few Aqara sensors which are bridged to the Homekit through an Aqara bridge.

It works - most of the time. Every 2nd week or so, my sensors just goes offline and the Aqaea hub needs to be rebooted.

 

I'd like to have ONE system that works. It doesn't have to integrate with Homekit.

 

So, is Samsung SmartThings the way to go? I'd also like a system that doesn't require an account at some chinese server (like Aqara). 

 

Thoughts?

 

Thanks a bunch.

[itGeeks 186]

That would most likely depend on what protocols your devices are using, Z-Wave, Zigbee, other???

[schoondoggy 871]

I have used SmartThings since its launch. The best thing about ST is the community. If I was moving off ST I think I would be looking at Hubitat: https://hubitat.com/

The podcast Home:On is a good source of information. The host, Richard Gunther often discusses Homekit interaction with other platforms.

[TheGuru 10]

@itGeeks, I don't care so much about if it's Z-Wawe or Zigbee. I have 3 temp/humid sensors and 2 opening sensors from Aqara, that's about it.

So, technology-wise its not important. Consider it as if I would start from scratch.

 

@schoondoggy I know about the Home:on show and I did listen to a few episodes, but they're not really targeted this scenario. The show is good and very informative. I love the guys over at the thedigitalmediazone.com  I've been following their shows in parallel with the Home Server Show (RIP).

 

[itGeeks 186]

In that case I have heard lots of great things about SmartThings and it supports both Zigbee & Z-Wave, as Schoon has said, it has a great community. If I where to start over I would give it a try. Right now I am using my security system built in Z-Wave hub and loving it, it's made by IQ PANEL 2 – QOLSYS
https://qolsys.com/iq-panel-2/

[TheGuru 10]

34 minutes ago, itGeeks said:Right now I am using my security system built in Z-Wave hub and loving it, it's made by IQ PANEL 2 – QOLSYS
https://qolsys.com/iq-panel-2/

That panel looks nice 😀. I already have a security system in place so it might not be for me but it looks really great.