Getting started, what is the optimal z-wave device to start with?

[dantman]

I'm getting started with a little home automation and after comparing my options for the controller I've decided to go with a Domoticz, a new Raspberry PI, and a z-wave device.

I've got a programming background so I'm fine with Domoticz, but I don't want to have to fiddle with a z-wave device that is difficult to get to work with Domoticz and Raspberry PI.

Can someone recommend a z-wave device which:

• Is known to work with the Raspberry PI (GPIO and USB are both fine)
• Is known to be compatible with Domoticz and easily setup with pre-existing instructions (I'm fine with changing a little system config, but not major patches to Domoticz)
• Presumably, works well with OpenZwave (I saw some mentions in the forum of z-way needing additional configuration in z-way to get devices setup)
• Is lnown to be stable and not have crashing issues (Like the RaZberry is reported to)
• Has a reasonable price point for the features that'll Domoticz will use (I saw one USB controller is ~$50; If all the stable USB controllers are $50 that's fine, but if others cost less than that and are just as stable I don't want to bother paying the extra money for nothing)
• Is available to the Canadian market

[deejc]

I have an aeon z stick that I got from eBay second hand and it's worked with everything I have thrown at it , although I think the us and Canadian z wave frequencies are different to Europe so that may be a factor


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[dantman]

I have an aeon z stick that I got from eBay second hand and it's worked with everything I have thrown at it , although I think the us and Canadian z wave frequencies are different to Europe so that may be a factor

For Canada the Gen 5 seems to be $60 CAD (https://www.aartech.ca/zw090-zwave-usb-stick.html)

eBay listings are selling the "series 2" for nearly the same price:
http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?LH_BIN=1& ... ck&_sop=15

So I probably won't get a second hand discount.

But if no-one else knows of a reliable stick that costs less, then I'll go with that.

[blackdog65]

I use the Z-Stick too and have had no problems with it. The best thing about it is that it can be unplugged and positioned next to a new device for inclusion if needed.

[cogliostrio]

I use the Z-Stick too and have had no problems with it. The best thing about it is that it can be unplugged and positioned next to a new device for inclusion if needed.

This only work for non-secure inclusion. Secure inclusion like door locks will need to be included with controller connected to R-PI/PC.

I got the UZB controller, havnt had any problems with it. I would recommend a gen5/zwave+ interface. Either way, their all easy to set up.