.. So true! HA doesn't need to be expensive!
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Expensive is an opinion really.
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. IMO, you can get an automation system running (a few lights and outlets including a controller) for less than $100...
... HA doesn't have to empty the wallet completely unless you want it to.
I agree with you both.... to a point. I am pretty frugal myself.
so...... I guess you could call dinner out with the wife..... coffee taken from home in travel mugs... and taco's from a drive thru. That would be like 2 bucks and done! But.... that's not how we do things around here.
Although.... my earliest setup was 5 each, X10 light switches, a Palmpad, and a TM751 transceiver. I only considered that a part of my Home Theater (I was hoping for a little convenience and some WOW factor. Only later..... after I added cameras did I start to see my setup as actual "automation". And by then I was hooked and added much more..... including, of course a Security alarm, CM11A, PC connected CM15A (and software's) IR control and on, and on.
But that.... was all a dozen years ago. Today.... anyone can start a basic setup... and maybe not even include remote lighting control. Lighting control after all...... is pretty much 1970's technology. I built a couple Home Theaters with NO remote light control what-so-ever. Plain old-fashion switches on the wall.
I mention Home Automation to people today..... and they say things like:
"My Mom has one of those Google things in her kitchen... she says she gets receipts on it". Or.. "
I got a Alexa thing for Christmas.... but it's speakers weren't that good... so I mostly still listen to the radio". I know... not positive replies. But never the less... the predominant and relevant attitude about Home Automation.
I don't think the average person who buys a package of remote controlled LED's see's that as "automation". I think most people look towards more modern (AI?) technology for "automation".