Adding Devices without Breaking the Bank

Devices & Integrations Connected Things
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First off, I want to thank the ST team and the great job they’ve done. I don’t want this thread to deter anyone from buying directly from their site, as there are many devices offered at the SmartThings Store that are unmatched by many lower priced options (smartsense multisensor for example).

This thread is merely to help those that are trying to replace all their light switches and add motion detector around the house without having to break the bank during the process. With that said, let’s begin.

Light Switches:
Lowes - GE Zwave Switch
Lowes - GE Zwave Dimmer
Lowes - GE 3way Switch Set

Sensors:
Motion - Monoprice Motion Sensor
Door/Window Contact - Monoprice Door Sensor
Water/Leak - Lowes - Utiltech Water Leak Detector

Other:
Lowes - Water Timer

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it’s true. The people I have referred to ST I also suggested they just buy the hub and get everything else somewhere else. Gilbert I would add the lowes utilitech iris siren to your list. I just bought one for $30 compared to the fortrezz $50

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Apparently, I can’t modify posts after there are replies (can’t wait to get on the new community forum). So my reserve will be stuck there forever…

Here’s the Siren that @greg referred to:
Lowes - Utilitech Siren

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I can see an edit button on my reply. top right of my post. gonna test edit it now.

EDIT - hmm you’re right. I can only edit this one. lol #pickaplatform

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I’ve done mostly that - SmartThings hub with 3rd party stuff surrounding it.
A couple of great cost savers:
Buy multi packs of z-wave wall sockets and light switches on Ebay.
You can still score the older “Non IRIS” GE Z-wave items for dirt cheap at select Lowes stores.
Pick and choose on Amazon. Yes, you can find some gems for cheap.

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@thegibertchan, I have all of the Lowes devices you mention, plus the smoke/CO2 detector, and siren (except the battery status isn’t reporting), and they work great. Priced perfectly too. Here’s more from Tiger Direct that I have:

Everspring Z-Wave Door/Window Sensor - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8686378&CatId=9569

Vera Z-Wave Motion Sensor - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8686379&CatId=9570

Philio Z-Wave Multi-sensor - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8686380&csid=_61

And lastly from Amazon (watch for really good prices):

Schlage RS100HC V N N SL Home Door and Window Sensor - http://www.amazon.com/Schlage-RS100HC-SL-Window-Intelligence/dp/B008Q5CTBE/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1399420901&sr=1-1&keywords=Schlage+RS100HC+V+N+N+SL+Home+Door+and+Window+Sensor

That Schlage sensor is awesome and very nice because is has hardwire terminals inside. I use several of them on windows where I’ve got two doublehung windows side by side. In that scenario I’d need 2 sensors at least, but with that sensor I just need one and a couple simple magnetic contacts like these: http://www.amazon.com/Ademco-945T-WH-Miniature-Surface-Terminals/dp/B000GUQKGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399421148&sr=8-1&keywords=Ademco+945T-WH+Miniature+Surface+Mount

Here’s a YouTube video as well on how to wire them up with physical contact sensors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWkiducZDKw

P.S. You can edit your posts that don’t have “edit” next to “reply” by using the URL :

http://build.smartthings.com/forums/reply/REPLACEWITHYOURPOSTNUMBER/edit/

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It is worth mentioned that the multi-sensor from SmartThings is more than just an open/close sensor. It can be used for things like tilt, vibration, and temp measuring, so it isn’t completely fair to compare it price-wise with a z-wave open/close sensor.

That said, if all you intend to do with it is open/close sensing, then yeah… get the cheaper unit.