What software to use for macros, if..else..then

[thewall]

Hi All,

as of now I have a couple of DIN rail dimmers and switches, combined with IMX10s. Al actors and sensors are Xanura. So far so good.
The next step will be to actually automate the environment, but Im a bit lost here. In a previous expierence (with Marmitek) i had some (poor) software with an CM11 modules. I could program simple functions into the CM11 from a PC.
Im now looking for a more advanced software product in which I can program real If..Else...Then routines and do some macros.
My questions:
Does Xanura provide a (better) version of the CM11 module
Do I need the HCB
Do Ineed Homeseer
What are the advantages of the HCB over Homeseer (if any?)

thanks!

[Henk]

It depends on your budget, your knowledge and interest of using technology and the amount of time you want to spend on it.

You may consider using the CM15 it is an upgraded version of the CM11 but with more functions (example macro support with if then).

The HCB requires a higher budget but it is a stable solution with a lot of nice functions. If you have some technology knowhow you can easily program it by yourself. It will only support X10 + RFcom/visonic devices.

Homeseer is another choice you will need a computer online (energy cost) /buying the software and it requires more technical knowhow and also time to get it all working. (sollution with a high "knutselindex" . In return you will get a lot of flexibility.

Henk

[thewall]

Thanks, Henk. Helpfull. And, as always, the answer to general questions begins with: "It depends...."

The trouble with these situations is that it is difficult to imaging the end-solution if one is in the beginning of the journey.

Im not afraid for the technical level. Im no wizzkid but I will do alright in programming and technology in general.

The HCB looks alright to me, but I dont need the webinterface (and a subscription). What I do need is the if else then functionality as well as a read-out of the status of the modules.

For Homeseer, Im wondering how the software connects to the Xanura modules. You explained that you need an computer online, I presume that you nee a card in your system that connects to the mains in order to communicate with the modules. Is that a right?

[Henk]

In the Homeseer structure you need a computer on line because the IF .. THEN macro logic is executed in the Homeseer software and you need an interface to the powernet (230V net) this is either a CM11 , CM15 of CTX35. One of those modules will only pass the commands not storing and processing any macro's !!

You dont need a subscription to run the HCB .... but it is nice to connect the HCB to your local network in order to program it also you can control the lamps and devices by a 20 button menu displayed on notebook,pda or mobile set with WiFi ...... It has also API support so with the right technical know how you have some flexibility to integrate the HCB with other technology.

Henk

[Dowser]

Personally I use an Ocelot (http://www.appdig.com/ocelot.html) since I don't want to rely on a computer for the daily tasks that "should just work".

//Markus

[thewall]

OK Thanks Henk and Markus, and sorry to bother you again.

My first approach would be to add some automated activities. Lets say, half an hour before sunset, I would like to switch on some lights in the house.
A second application would be to switch on light in some areas, like a hallway, whenever somebody is present there, but not during daylight. Here is my need for If Else Then.
A third way to use HomeAutomation is to program some predefined activities. lets say; Dinner. Then the lights on the dinner table should be switched on, the lights in the living room dimmed to 50% and some other lights switched off.

Im struggling what kind of hardware/software to use. Also what interface I should be using that is also accessible for the other family members, not all of them are as keen on technology as I am. [:D]

Any ideas would be welcome, but thanks for the input so far!

Regards, Frank

[Fantic]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Henk</i>
<br />
You dont need a subscription to run the HCB .... but it is nice to connect the HCB to your local network in order to program it also you can control the lamps and devices by a 20 button menu displayed on notebook,pda or mobile set with WiFi ...... It has also API support so with the right technical know how you have some flexibility to integrate the HCB with other technology.

Henk

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Question on this from a newbie (not on networking though)
Is the HCB installation port usable for normal control? If so what is the issue in putting another network card in the PC and connect that way? Or even when you can find an old cable modem, (WAN port is Ethernet) add a static route to you normal modem and hook the HCB to the WAN port. This will make sure your HCB is connected using the WAN IP of the cable modem. Now you can setup Port address translation (application and gaming) and you can hook into it from anywhere.

Main question is still will you be able to do the same over the service port as on the normal port?

Regards, Maarten.
Never let a computer know you're in a hurry.

[Henk]

The service port on the front of the HCB has no button support (webpage with up to 20 button activated by a mouse click) and can only be connected to a Pc by a cross UTP cable . With this servicesconnection you can configure and program the HCB.

Connecting the network port on top you will have access to the HCB either local or by Internet. The interfacing is either the WEBpage with buttons or going into the HCB menu and includes all configuration support. like the services port on the front.

Using the Home Automation Europe service you can send Emails and SMS support als support for PDA ( different format of the button webpage)


Henk