This is really an amazing product, particularly because of the integration between the Adam moisture sensors and the irrigation controller.
I’m in North Texas and a lot of people use dripper irrigation systems to help alleviate foundation damage due to the shifting ground. I could absolutely see using this to intelligently manage the soil moisture. Heck, maybe insurance agencies would subsidize this.
Question on the Adam though: Any thoughts around using Solar to recharge the batteries? I’m not quite sure how big it would have to be but there are solar lights out there so it could be a similar application.
Wow, I learn something new every day, I had no idea about the foundation application, sounds like a great fit for this. We’ll have to look into that a little more, with the flexibility of SmartThings we could easily create a specialized SmartApp for that. Or I could see a foundation specialist helping get the App together. Of course it probably will work fine with the drip setting in the current SmartApp as well.
As for solar, it is an interesting idea, we did play with it a little and its not out of the question in the future. For now we are working on minimizing cost and complexity.
We are working on creating a black device option (or may replace white altogether) similar to this. All the functionality remains the same.
We are also working with SiLabs and CEL and moving to the same(or similar) chip used by SmartThings. This means we can also do a software update to become Thread compatible (this is the new standard from Nest, Samsung and others)
And we are getting much MUCH closer to a Kickstarter launch, date coming soon
We have heard the requests and will make a 16 zone Eve controller!
Design is the same, and will have the same layout, but will include 16 separate zones. The touch panel will have 8 indicators but each will double to cover 2 zones. Only the 16 zone version will be offered on Kickstarter, in order to streamline manufacturing. Price will be the same for Early Birds, but will be higher due to increased cost when they run out, so get there early!
We also have a referral program that we just started, Help us by sharing and get rewarded at Eve Rewards
I am wondering how far the Adam sensors can be located from the Eve controller to communicate? I was sort of trying to stick with Z-Wave products in my ST system and the only zigbee devices I have are battery powered, so they are not working as relays. The distance from the ST to the Eve will be about 12 feet, but the distance to the yard will be a bit more - I was hoping you would have some thoughts on how far they can be from each other.
Also, since this is now a 16 zone model with an overlay, how will zone 9 - 16 be indicated? Will the 1- 8 light up with some other indicator to show the others?
Thanks - Chris
Hi Chris,
The zigbee devices have ~300 foot range after going through 1 wall with our tests. Eve will also act as a repeater and can help extend range depending on location.
You are right, with the addition of 16 zones the layout is a little tricker. To keep it clean, we are sticking with the 8 indicators and adding an 8+ button, so for manual use, pressing 8+ then 1 would turn on zone 9. The indicators will illuminate differently to show which zone is on. We felt this was a good compromise because we wanted to maintain manual control for all zones.
Very interested in this… This just might get me to do my first kickstarter backing… Congrats. If you need a tester with 20+ years of fortune 500 alpha and beta testing, let me know…
I for one (probably many) would like to see is campaign kicked off again. SmartThings can do a much better job of promoting it than we did the first time around when were were too distracted.
Hi All,
Unfortunately the Kickstarter was not funded, however we are continuing forward. We have received a ton of interest and input from various sources and are regrouping. The whole process has been a great learning experience and has opened up some amazing opportunities.
We will move forward and are targeting a release date in Spring 2015.
Website will be updated shortly.
@Ben and SmartThings - Thank you for the support that was given, it is and was very much appreciated. I am looking forward to the next stages. A re-launch is likely, we are working through some details before making it official.
