Anybody with Home Automation experience ?
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Hi guys, Begining of next year we will start building our house. I'm a bit looking to see if I can install a home automation system. I think I should be able to do a lot myself there but the problem is I don't really have much experience in that field. So, it is a bit difficult to know what to search for as products or platforms. Does anybody here have some experience in that field ? Ideally, I would like to find a platform on which I can run OSGi[^] because I have quite some experience with it (and once of its target was home automation). What I'm looking for is for some tips and advises from people who have a bit of experience in that domain. Thanks for any feedback.
Cédric Moonen Software developer
Charting control [v2.0] OpenGL game tutorial in C++ -
Hi guys, Begining of next year we will start building our house. I'm a bit looking to see if I can install a home automation system. I think I should be able to do a lot myself there but the problem is I don't really have much experience in that field. So, it is a bit difficult to know what to search for as products or platforms. Does anybody here have some experience in that field ? Ideally, I would like to find a platform on which I can run OSGi[^] because I have quite some experience with it (and once of its target was home automation). What I'm looking for is for some tips and advises from people who have a bit of experience in that domain. Thanks for any feedback.
Cédric Moonen Software developer
Charting control [v2.0] OpenGL game tutorial in C++I looked into this ten years ago and found the structured wiring products so ridiculously overpriced that it was only feasible for the idle rich. Much has changed since then, however, and I believe it can be done for a much more economical price today. One good resource I've found is http://www.home-automation.org/[^]. You probably can find links to products and suppliers that can answer a lot of your questions on that site. In fact, I may join you, as some opportunities have cropped up in recent weeks that have me thinking about it again. Your timing is certainly right - there's no point in trying to add this stuff to an existing home, as the cost is going to remain too high to be practical for quite some time. But the incremental cost of adding home automation during construction can be quite affordable, and should bring a nice return on resale. Good luck! :-D
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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Hi guys, Begining of next year we will start building our house. I'm a bit looking to see if I can install a home automation system. I think I should be able to do a lot myself there but the problem is I don't really have much experience in that field. So, it is a bit difficult to know what to search for as products or platforms. Does anybody here have some experience in that field ? Ideally, I would like to find a platform on which I can run OSGi[^] because I have quite some experience with it (and once of its target was home automation). What I'm looking for is for some tips and advises from people who have a bit of experience in that domain. Thanks for any feedback.
Cédric Moonen Software developer
Charting control [v2.0] OpenGL game tutorial in C++Cedric Moonen wrote:
I'm a bit looking to see if I can install a home automation system.
Well here is an idea :) http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/diy-cat-feeder-now-enabled-by-a-cisco-switch-streams-food-and-v/[^]
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth Edition -
I looked into this ten years ago and found the structured wiring products so ridiculously overpriced that it was only feasible for the idle rich. Much has changed since then, however, and I believe it can be done for a much more economical price today. One good resource I've found is http://www.home-automation.org/[^]. You probably can find links to products and suppliers that can answer a lot of your questions on that site. In fact, I may join you, as some opportunities have cropped up in recent weeks that have me thinking about it again. Your timing is certainly right - there's no point in trying to add this stuff to an existing home, as the cost is going to remain too high to be practical for quite some time. But the incremental cost of adding home automation during construction can be quite affordable, and should bring a nice return on resale. Good luck! :-D
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
Thanks a lot for the link, this looks indeed very interesting. I'll take a deeper look when I have some time.
Cédric Moonen Software developer
Charting control [v2.0] OpenGL game tutorial in C++ -
Hi guys, Begining of next year we will start building our house. I'm a bit looking to see if I can install a home automation system. I think I should be able to do a lot myself there but the problem is I don't really have much experience in that field. So, it is a bit difficult to know what to search for as products or platforms. Does anybody here have some experience in that field ? Ideally, I would like to find a platform on which I can run OSGi[^] because I have quite some experience with it (and once of its target was home automation). What I'm looking for is for some tips and advises from people who have a bit of experience in that domain. Thanks for any feedback.
Cédric Moonen Software developer
Charting control [v2.0] OpenGL game tutorial in C++Hi Cédric I have done some basic Home Automation with the Arduino[^], probably too basic for your needs but thought you might be interested.
Declan Bright www.declanbright.com
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Hi guys, Begining of next year we will start building our house. I'm a bit looking to see if I can install a home automation system. I think I should be able to do a lot myself there but the problem is I don't really have much experience in that field. So, it is a bit difficult to know what to search for as products or platforms. Does anybody here have some experience in that field ? Ideally, I would like to find a platform on which I can run OSGi[^] because I have quite some experience with it (and once of its target was home automation). What I'm looking for is for some tips and advises from people who have a bit of experience in that domain. Thanks for any feedback.
Cédric Moonen Software developer
Charting control [v2.0] OpenGL game tutorial in C++I've had a system from HAI [^]installed for about a 10 years now. The firmware I have is getting a bit dated but no regrets. One of the key features of the HAI system is at its base it is a home security panel, so in that regard it is a device that just works. You don't have to constantly fiddle with it. A good online store is http://www.smarthome.com/_/index.aspx[^] Ran cat5, cable and phone to pretty much every wall. Given current wireless tech, I probably wouldn't bother with the phone. Cat5 is nice but could be skipped as well i suppose. All lighting hard-wired to central controller. HVAC hooked into controller. All doors, windows and motion sensors hooked into controller. Lawn irrigation wired as well. You'll find much of home automation involves the system knowing where you are and what state the home is in, you're home, you're gone, you're on vacation, you're sleeping. This fits nice with the alarm approach. I originally had quite a bit of programmed control over various bits but you soon realize you've created a Haunted House with lights flicking on and off at unwanted times. It really needs to be 100% or your family will mutiny. Arm Away. Will announce if any zone is unsecure. Turns off all lights. Starts lived-in lighting program at sundown. Sets back HVAC. Opens garage door if garage exit is used. Arm Night: Turns off all lights. Brings lights in hall and bedrooms up to around 5% so I can check on kids. About a minute after I turn master bath light off, all lights off. HVAC setback. Motion sensors will turn on hall and bathroom lights at 5% for any midnight trips to the head. Arrive home: Set HVAC based on outside temps. Turns on entry and living area lights if after sunset. Announces if phone messages are pending. Various lighting modes, ceiling fan control via remotes. Watch TV, bright, working. I seldom have any light burning at 100% as all are dimmable. Haven't had to change a light in years.
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Cedric Moonen wrote:
I'm a bit looking to see if I can install a home automation system.
Well here is an idea :) http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/diy-cat-feeder-now-enabled-by-a-cisco-switch-streams-food-and-v/[^]
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth Editionleppie wrote:
Well here is an idea http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/diy-cat-feeder-now-enabled-by-a-cisco-switch-streams-food-and-v/\[^\]
I like how the guy chose a Cisco Catalyst switch over others.