Currently, there are a large number of automation systems on the market. It is difficult for the customer and even a novice installer to understand the differences between them, despite the fact that the cost of equipment and its maintenance may vary several times. In this article, we will try to describe in sufficient detail the difference between professional smart home systems and entry-level systems. Let's take as a basis the equipment from the Smart Electronics company, which produces 2 lines that fall under these categories – professional AlphaSE (smart-elec.ru ) and the entry-level AlphaSE for Yandex Alice (alice.smart-elec.ru ).

Both systems are wired, are being installed at the repair stage and can control lighting, heating, underfloor heating, air conditioners, curtains. At the same time, voice control via Yandex. Stations is possible, as well as using any smartphone via the Internet. In fact, the systems meet all the requirements of customers in terms of automation of modern housing.

Let's start our analysis by comparing the cost of equipment and work. For example, consider a 3k apartment with 25 lighting groups, 2 controlled curtains, 3 underfloor heating zones and 3 split systems. Using the smart home calculator on the website alice.smart-elec.ru We will see that the entry-level system equipment will cost 149,790 rubles, installation and configuration will cost another 120,000 thousand rubles. You will have to pay 310,265rub for the same functionality on the professional line. (equipment) and 240`980 - 320'000 rub. (works). The price difference is impressive. Isn't that right?

Let's start to figure it out

One of the expensive components of a smart home is the central controller, the brain of a smart home. It is he who controls the entire system – turns off the lights, closes the curtains when you leave the house, and turns on underfloor heating or air conditioners at a set time.

   

In a professional system, the central controller is located in your home; in entry—level systems, it is located on an Internet server. This alone provides a price difference of about 40-100 thousand rubles and space savings. The same savings also introduces some limitations.:

 If you are not connected to the Internet, voice control will also be lost from your smartphone. In addition, scheduled commands will not be executed.  Lights, curtains, underfloor heating can be controlled using wall switches and remote controls, just like in an ordinary apartment without a smart home. In fact, nothing terrible will happen, but it will cause some inconvenience.

 An entry-level system can have up to 40 local scripts and macros that will work even without an Internet connection, but unlike professional systems, these scripts can only be run by pressing buttons or when people come or leave home. You will not be able to run scripts without the Internet in terms of time, light, humidity, and other conditions.

Another factor that can influence the choice of a system is the variety of compatible hardware. The number of devices for Yandex Alice voice assistants is constantly growing, but it still remains small. For example, there are only two types of thermoregulators for regulating underfloor heating — Welrok for wall mounting and SE Thermo2o for mounting in an electrical panel. If you want to choose a regulator in a different design, you will not be able to do this. The situation is similar with ventilation equipment - there are only a few options on the market.

For professional systems, the choice of temperature controllers is significant. They differ in appearance and classes. There are affordable ones in a plastic case with push-button control (starting from 12 tr), but you can also choose touch-sensitive ones in glass or metal. The price for the latter can reach 150 thousand rubles.

• 
  

  The presence of indoor wall-mounted touch panels by entry-level systems is also not provided. This is partly offset by the fact that for entry-level systems there are several desktop station options with displays. However, they work via the Internet.

  
  

  The main reason is that entry-level devices are designed to be installed by electricians or by themselves. They should be extremely easy to set up. Everything that goes beyond the specified limits is not produced and is not provided for.

  For example, learning how to install and set up the AlphaSE system for Yandex Alice takes one day, training videos are publicly available and you can get advice in any messenger from a technical support specialist by phone, Telegram or WhatsApp (+7-961-277-58-78). An experienced installer and programmer are required to set up a professional system. The training of specialists takes several months, provided that they have a specialized education. Moreover, the same specialist as the initial one will have to reconfigure the system. It can be difficult for a new programmer to understand someone else's program code. It will take from a few hours to several days. With the cost of a programmer's working time of 20-30 t.p. per day, the amount can be impressive. For the same reason, customers have a certain dependence on the adjuster and a potential headache about what they will need to do if the adjuster moves to another city or decides to change his profession.

  From all of the above, we can conclude that an entry-level system is ideal if:

  • The list of entry-level system features is sufficient for you;
  • there is no provision for installing professional engineering or multimedia equipment in the house.;
  • There is no need for touch panels and designer thermostats.;
  • there is no way or desire to pay for expensive programmer trips;
  • I am not satisfied with the dependence on specific adjusters;

  
  

  There is another small trick - the AlphaSE system with entry-level Yandex Alice can be upgraded to a professional one by installing a central controller and upgrading some of the equipment. This procedure is performed without carrying out any dirty work, but it is required to provide this opportunity before the start of the repair - to make a project, lay cables for connecting the touch panel, multimedia and other additional devices.

  Regardless of your choice, any automation system will make your home more comfortable, safer and will allow it to remain modern. It is important that you have fun and can enjoy the result.