RPI+Arduino+RFlink versus RPI+433MHz transceiver

[bassie127]

I am new to home automation, and considering to buy either an RFlink or a 433MHz transceiver to connect to my Raspberry Pi.

What is the benefit of RFLINK (on Arduino connected to my RPI), compared with RPI+433MHz Transceiver (without RFLINK en Arduino)?

I want to be able to make a decision of what to buy.

[NietGiftig]

I want to be able to make a decision of what to buy.

What kind of software will you use on your RPI for the interfacing from the different 433 signals when you choose for the RPI / 433 ?

[bassie127]

Raspbian or Arch Linux with Domoticz, probably with (not yet sure what is necessary)
* Wiringpi
* Pimatic
* Pilight

[NietGiftig]

Yes but how to decode the signals from your 433 receiver and make them ready for Domoticz.
To make a choice I think you have to read a little bit more about 433/rpi/rfxcom/rflink.
But you must realize that putting an 433 receiver on the pins of the rpi does not make it automagicly work with Domoticz

[RidingTheFlow]

The advantage of RFLink is that it comes with protocol decoder firmware, which supports tens of different protocols. And this is lots of lines of code.

If you connect receiver to PI, it will give you just stream of bits, and you will have to write software from scratch to turn this into something actually useful, like temperature values sent by thermometer. Not to mention that PI is really poor for realtime high-speed signal processing - you will sometimes miss opportunity to process data, if, say, some system process hogs the CPU.

[Stuntteam]

Besides issues like speed, which make using an external Arduino a nice thing, there are other benefits.
You can switch to another platform, like Synology/PC etc. but also different home automation softwares and just have to replug the USB cable to be up and running. Besides that, RFLink has many users and is well tested so you can also easily get support.

[bassie127]

Thanks for all interesting replies!

OK, so for the argument supporting real time processing I could use an Arduino+Transceiver connected to my RPI.

1) Now the question is how relates the RFlink software to protocol decoder software that can run on the Arduino like RCSwitch with regard to supporting different devices. Or what is the added benefit of the RFlink here?
Note: I am happy to spend some money on the RFlink, if it has enough advantages.

2) Is RFlink a pure Dutch development, and especially used in the Netherlands, or more broader supported?

[RidingTheFlow]

Added benefit of RFlink is that it has most protocol support, unlike RCSwitch which is really limited.
Money you spending should be more or less the same, since both RFLink and RCSwitch are free software.

[Stuntteam]

1) RFlink supports dozens of different protocols, many more than something like RCSwitch.
RFlink also uses a communication protocol that is aimed at home automation solutions.
You can find a list of supported devices/protocols here: http://www.nemcon.nl/blog2/2015/07/devlist

2) No, it is developed by various individuals with roots in different countries.
You can use RFLink with various home automation solutions (Domoticz/Domotiga/Pimatic/Jeedom and more are coming..
The development has nothing to do with any hardware you might choose. The developers are also not linked to any hardware solutions.

From the hardware side, you can start with a cheap Arduino from Asia (as low as 8 euros) and a simple RF set (2-3 euros) and an experimental print with a simple 17cm wire as antenna.. or you can go for a ready made solution based on an Aurel transceiver.. a nice antenna and a plastic case.. thats a choice.. mainly a cosmetic and price difference..

[RidingTheFlow]

I'd recommend not saving money on transceiver & antenna though. Bad combination will make your life miserable and you will struggle since no software solution will help if your hardware not giving robust data.

Which kind of arduino you'll need mostly just down to memory/performance restriction - RFLink at full capacity needs Mega just because the complete firmware is quite complex. But by disabling all protocols except ones you need, you can trim it to run on Nano - but I'd say its a false economy, since it will just save you couple of euros, and unlike sensors, you need just one RF interface.

[bassie127]

Based on al your reactions I just purchased the comlete RFlink kit at nodo-shop.nl