How a smart home can get stupid
Every year the popularity of smart homes increases. Many companies produce specialized kits that give the opportunity to “smarten up” almost any home. Such blocks are relatively inexpensive, you can mount them yourself, but for this it is recommended to own a tool so that the house does not become “stupid”.
Description
One of my friends (his name is Konstantin) bought a Belarusian Oledo kit. In order for the server to work with all devices using the z-wave protocol, the processor performance of only 900 MHz is sufficient. RAM at the same time you need 512 MB, and hard enough no more than 4 MB, that is, any inexpensive smartphone now has much more power.
Preparation
Konstantin laid out a plan for installing devices, that is
Sensors
Remote controller
Relay (3-4 pcs.)
The circuit was connected to a digital unit, which could be controlled using Wi-Fi and a smartphone. He also put GSM with a SIM card to receive messages. The display (according to the manufacturers) reflects the functioning of the entire circuit. The system has good reviews, performs the main functions: opening/closing doors and windows. There are sensors for water leakage, they are mounted at the joints, in those places where there is most danger of interrupting the circuit.
The device can also generally check the indoor temperature and humidity levels. Also important is the node that is responsible for the operation of the heater, air conditioner or fan, heating the premises. The sensors are attached to a plastic arc, which is placed in the corner of the room.
There are two types of controls:
Push-button remote control (you can even turn off the light in the bathroom with it)
A wall-mounted unit, it duplicates the push-button system and can perform various scenarios.
All actions can be performed via a wireless connection via Wi-Fi. According to the instructions, such a node can control lamps: in the living room, children’s room, bathroom. The remote control itself has a multi-colored display, large buttons. It also has a magnetic holder, that is, it is easily fixed, for example, on the wall of the refrigerator, in the kitchen. If you take this device, it starts to flicker immediately, you can see even in the dark: which button to “poke”. Everything would seem to look good, but the “Human factor” intervened, as it often happens.
Mounting
My friend began to install the entire system on his own, he worked all weekend. As a result, it turned out that instead of closing the door, it swung open even more.
According to water leaks, the sensors did not work at all. The switches also didn’t work or didn’t function properly. The temperature and humidity in the bathroom were not measured at all.
Konstantin began to disassemble the system unit (although according to the instructions it was forbidden), began to test something there. As a result, it completely burned out, there was a short circuit, sparks fell, the light disappeared in the house. The conclusion from this story can be made simple: it is best to delegate the installation of smart home systems to professionals, so that the house does not become “stupid”.