There are a lot of home automation devices out there, each with their own app. As you work towards the smart home of your dreams, before long, you’ll have multiple apps for your multiple devices. You can simplify things by controlling everything with the SmartThings Hub and iOS/Android app (you’ll need at least iOS 7.0 or Android 4.0). The Hub connects to your router via Ethernet cable and there are no monthly fees. “The SmartThings app and Hub will instantly connect to different sensors, locks, light switches, outlets, thermostats, and other compatible devices in your home… SmartThings is compatible with hundreds of smart devices from a variety of manufacturers.” Some of those manufacturers are Honeywell, GE, Kwikset, Schlage, Trane, Phillips Hue, Sonos, Foscam, Belkin, Withings, and Ecobee. SmartThings uses an open platform that supports a myriad of Zigbee, Z-wave, and WiFi devices. In addition to the hub, you may buy other home automation devices from SmartThings like presence sensors, touchscreen or keypad locks, smart outlets and switches, and multi sensors (to detect changes in movement, temperature, etc.) to help you toward your smart home goal. Now when you leave the house you can turn off your lights, lock your doors, turn down your thermostat, open/close your garage door, and monitor your house while you’re away – all from one app. It’s almost like Sarah (the house) from the TV show Eureka!
The SmartThings Hub is available from SmartThings or Amazon for $99. The SmartThings Mobile app is available from the App Store on iTunes and Google Play for free.
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99$ for a controller that speaks 3 protocols is really almost unbeatable in terms of the price. But what would interest me the most is the range of the wireless communication. Most controllers are lacking a suitable antenna that reaches all corners of the home. Does SmartThings also manufacture wireless repeaters?
According to the SmartThings support website (https://support.smartthings.com/hc/en-us/articles/203061570-What-is-the-range-of-the-SmartThings-Hub-) “Both Z-wave and Zigbee devices support mesh networking, which means adding other devices (non-battery powered ones) that speak the same wireless protocol will extend the range of your network.”
The above link also leads you to another link (http://blog.smartthings.com/iot101/a-guide-to-wireless-range-repeaters/) that will tell you more in-depth information about repeaters. Here it says “A repeater is any ZigBee or Z-Wave device that is always powered on. For example, a SmartPower Outlet and the SmartSense Motion Sensor (when it’s powered through its USB cable). A repeater can act as a relay point, so that a device that is too far from the Hub can talk to a repeater that is closer, and the repeater relays the messages back and forth to the Hub.”
I hope this helps!
Wow, thanks for the fast response! Yes definitely makes sense to just use compatible repeaters for the protocols you want to use.
Thanks again for taking the time providing an answer 🙂
You are very welcome! Good luck with your home automation! 🙂