OK, I'm going down the X10 path here tentatively. I've read a *ton* of info now, and I understand how it works pretty well, know the troubleshooting routines, etc. I have ordered a TW523 Two-Way Interface Module (it shipped today, yay!) and plan to build the following as a proof of concept: A web page will invoke FreeBSD's xten program, which sends/read signals to/from the TW523. I'll get a cheapie lamp module for the demo, but the long-range plan is my own web GUI for my whole house, all X10 driven. I'm considering mostly using the Leviton 15A switches ($37) and the Leviton 500W dimmers ($38), with the occasional appliance module thrown in to dim accent lighting that might be halogen or other low-voltage. I want to use compact (or regular) fluorescent for most of my ambient lighting needs, so dimmers are out. I've read that two-way is not that interesting, it's better to have your controller app maintain state. I'm interested to hear any thoughts/war stories from anyone whose gone down this road (and ZapWizard, I know you have).
Hmm, they're on to me... LOL, yes I have the X10 computer interface. First my setup in my apartment: Three in-wall lamp switches (Bed room, Bath, Kitchen) Heavy duty Module on TV (turn it off from the bedroom!) Light duty module on Wireless video transmitter, from PC (Turns on and off with TV) Light duty Wireless receiver module on ceiling fan. In wall module on Lamp in living room. (Lamp can't use dimmer's) Three Lamp Modules, (Bedside, Computer desk, Electronics bench) WOW, took me a while to figure out where they all are. The computer interface allows me to do a lot, I haven't web enabled it, but it sounds like a good idea. It works very well, it monitors when things turn on, and can make automated routines that run when you go on vacation. It also tracks if other people are using modules near you. (There is one more person near me that uses them on the B channel, hmm, "Hey why are all the lights off?") So far I use the interface to allow me to automate the lights. I command nearly everything using the MouseRemote, I can control my PC's TV, DVD, Winamp, and all my lights. Plus I can still control the living room TV and VCR. I have marcos to dim the lights, turn on winamp to classical, and turn off the TV. (Single guys, when the girl isn't impressed by your PC, this will impress them!) Another I have makes the house ready for me to go to bed, It turns off the TV, dim's all the house lights for 15minutes, turns on the Bed lamp for 30 minutes, and runs the ceiling fan for 45 minutes. After that everything turns off. All-in-all I have gotten very used to it, and use the Mouseremote more than the wall switches, or computer shortcuts. I am very satisfied. (Don't get caught by X10.com's selling scheme! their sales NEVER END) P.S. MY NEW SITE WILL BE ONLINE TONIGHT!!! www.ZAPWIZARD.com Any questions? I have a whole e-mail address just for them! Questions (at) zapwizard.com
Is Mouseremote a wireless deal? I have been looking into getting modules cheap on e*ay and one guy even gives away a wireless remote with any purchase over $25. Do you have a design document, or did yours just grow organically? What software are you using? And what serial interface? Do you like them? Hit any limitations yet? > (Single guys, when the girl isn't impressed by your PC, this will impress them!) Heh, I'm married. When they come out with a diaper changing module, they can name their price.
Yes the MouseRemote is wireless, it's also RF, so it works through walls. I love it and can hardly use anything when I loose it. Here's a link: http://www.x10.com/products/x10_mk19a.htm (Don't fall into their sales scheme) The software I use for it is called Max10 http://max10.sourceforge.net I did just grow my system in parts, I started with the Activehome kit: http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ck11a.htm I am using the serial interface included with that kit. The Marco software is the stock X10 software. Since then I have added modules, remotes, a alarm clock remote. The only thing I was to add is home security, which I use a seperate wireless system for right now, but it's not X10. So far I haven't hit any limits, I have seen a few modifaction websites for X10, you can do anything you want with them. Good sites to visit: www.x10.com www.smarthome.com http://max10.sourceforge.net www.zapwizard.com (Of course) P.S. I just got married. I am working towards and robotics degree, when I make a diaper robot i'll let you know
Personally i'd go down the HomeVision route myself and the comfort system. Another url for you http://www.automatedhome.co.uk - mailing list has over 700 subscribers!
Linear, have you seen the HAL units? http://www.automatedliving.com/products_hal2000.shtml They are a bit expencive, but it does use the x10 interface. I personaly would love to get into home automation, but I'm already too busy, and poor (just bought a new computer, won't be eating for a while ). I think that there are ways of building your own modules (or modding existing ones) for the HAL units, but I didn't look long enough. I'm sure that a search on google would turn up a few results...
Misterhouse, check, that's very close to what I want to do. I'll be writing my own version of that essentially. HAL, that seems like it's very voice command oriented. That's something I'm less interested in. I can imagine the kids going haywire with that.
Children do have a soft of knack for getting into all sorts of fun things, having a voide activated home automation system might be quite a disaster Are you planing to use perl like misterhouse used, or are you planing in a diffrent language? Also, what OS do you plan to use it on? Over and out...
I plan to use FreeBSD, and its built-in xten and xtend facilites. Then it just boils down to writing CGI scripts (heck, shell scripts) that invoke xten. Apache runs great on FreeBSD, a discarded 400 MHz machine should do nicely, and I can access the GUI remotely from any web browser in the house (or out of the house if I have a nailed-up connection).
