I would like to comment at this point, however, the word "home automation", that has already been used several times in connection with this equipment from AVM and some reviewers:
In my view, it is misleading and not entirely accurate, "home automation" to speak at the DECT200 from one device to. Also, there is only very limited to an "intelligent" socket as listing the Amazon product description.
On the contrary, as far as the switching function, so the DECT200 is just as "smart" (or "dumb"), just like any other timer that there are on the market for years / decades. At its simplest, and reduced, the only difference between these devices is only in that in the DECT200 etc. entering the switching times not on the device itself, but via PC, Smartphone, Tablet happens. This is indisputably very comfortable, but the first place, nothing to do with "intelligence".
Also, it has nothing to do with "Automation" when the wall socket switched to the stored times and off, regardless of whether those periods were deposited manually or originate from a Google calendar. "Intelligent" and "automatic" it would be only when the socket could react autonomously by means of sensors (motion, brightness, temperature ...) on _ungeplante_ events.
But exactly this is not possible because the corresponding sensors are not part of the system, or are not yet (who knows what there still is ...).
In view of these limitations, I find, moreover, the price of 49, - EUR more than adequate: I think more than 1.2, perhaps a maximum of 3 of these devices will operate none in his household. If you want to control a larger number of devices, which should rather quickly feel the desire, the circuit is not only time-controlled but make up by sensor control. In such a case, then there is no way past a "real" home automation system (for example, FS20 with FHEM) where although the sensors and actuators are cheaper, which, however, additional cost for a corresponding transmitter occur that at the Fritz-system does not apply ,
In addition, one may well assume that the price will tend in the future a little down.
One last comment on the energy measurement function of DECT200:
This feature I find very interesting. The ability to simply times all household appliances sequentially through mete out to debunk lasting energy guzzlers and consumption peaks is a real added value. The evaluation in the web interface is very well done, but still there is still room for improvement:
- It lacks a simple reset function (ideally, from FritzFon from)
- The graduation is still too rough, in addition to the resolution 10min and 24 would still be intermediate values as 1H or 3H desirable
- Calculate the consumption cost is like in their reviews mentioned not yet conclusive
- Nice to plan a measurement process, define and to monitor accordingly would. For example, starting on Monday morning 07:00, the end of Friday evening 19:00 results as send PDF via push function.
Bottom line, as I said, a very solid piece of equipment from AVM. The software still has room for improvement, I hope that the user feedback received at this point in the development.
SUPPLEMENTARY 03/19/2013:
What has proven to be a few weeks using a hindrance, is that shifting the outlet from the PC (manual switching on and off) only from the "inside" of the Fritz box side is possible. Who has not the password for the admin pages for the Fritz box, can the outlet certainly do not use and for those who indeed know the password, there is still a long way with many mouse clicks, you can turn to the outlet.
It would be desirable, therefore, an additional menu "outside" of the Fritz pages that can be reached, for example, on [...]. On such a page can be directly put a link and then switch the socket from a PC with a single click. Also there could be very comfortable to read the current or stored measured values.
Perhaps AVM read here so with ...
SUPPLEMENTARY 07.04.2013:
Another experience from the use of socket: It would be handy if it were set up over the Fritz handsets other than the simple "on / off" function, a simple timer. So something like "switch on for x hours / minutes" or "turn off in x hours / minutes". Overall, the operation via the Fritz-handsets is currently the fastest and most comfortable way when it comes to wanting outside festival programmed switching times off the can. All other paths (PC, APP ...) are in practical use easy-to-consuming and requires too many operating steps / clicks. The tried it a few times, but then the effort annoying pretty fast ...
In addition, another important note to aforementioned "intelligence" of the socket: The socket is actually so "dumb" that they do not turn, should be if the Fritz box times off or unreachable! That is the whole logic runs in the Fritz box and the socket is really just a "stupid" actuator.
And one more note to be switched devices: Who comes up with great scenarios which devices in the home is so all could automate this outlet, which should first consider very carefully whether the equipment concerned at all in by simply applying and turning off the power can be controlled to the desired shape! The happy quoted as an example floor lamp works as a rule, but who his other equipment a closer look at who is noted that many do not do it after a power failure that which they would have to make a circuit with the Fritz-socket makes sense: The VCR forgets possibly the current time, the TV goes only in "standby" and not in "ON", the washing machine is indeed "AN", needed to start the program but still a keystroke and so on and so on, just to name a Some examples mentioned. Through these small constraints, the number of possible assignments can unfortunately rather quickly rather strongly reduced.
SUPPLEMENTARY 20.12.2013:
I've gotten. Two of the devices and the first one is already over three quarters of a year in use The function is still in order, no failures, malfunctions or other inconsistencies.
Meanwhile, AVM has updated the firmware of the device several times, the current version number is 3.20. The updates take place silently in the background, you have to worry about anything.
By also carried updates of FritzBox firmware minor improvements and additions for DECT200 have been incorporated, such as automatic shut-off when falling below a current limit, improvements in energy calculation and the ability to combine multiple DECT200 in groups and to drive together. Really new functions (eg timer, see above) are, unfortunately, not yet been incorporated.
Moreover, there is now the option of integrating the DECT200 in the FHEM system. In this way, additional possibilities for controlling the doses and for display (and analysis) of the measurements tap.
