Starting new HA project

Post by **hookie** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 1:37 am

Hello,

I am new to home automation (but have an electotechnical background)

I recently bought a new house and I am considering to automate the following items if possible:

* lighting (partially)
* sunscreens (4*rolluik en 1*zonwering)
* fire place (gas)
* fence in the driveway (now allready motorized)
* garage door
* alarm

What would be the best controller?:

1)Home Control Box
2)PC with some software package (HomeSeer seems quite popular)

Furthermore I would like to have a remote which I also could use to operate my TV, DVD, etc. If possible I would like to use a Philips pronto (TSU9600) for this but this is not X10 compatible, does anyone have experience with this?

Final question: does anyone have experience in home automation via Python?

Post by **Consultant** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:18 pm

Both controllers can do the job but the Home Control Box is Xanura certified.

Post by **Bwired** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:49 pm

Depends also on your interest in Home Automation. If you want a simple to use, low consuming controller with easy to program macro's then the Home Control Box is a very good product. A development team is implementing new functionalities every time, but you are limited by functionalities of each firmware. Open source would be a good option for the popularity of the Home Control Box.
If you think about becoming a die hard Domotican the Homeseer or other software solution together with the CTX35, Rfxcom and all the other products out there is the best solution. (btw the HCB has also a CTX15 inside for handling X10) Downside is the PC running 24 hour a day, benefits are complete flexibility in connecting devices and playing with the software. Also there is a huge information base on the internet.
Regards Pieter

Post by **TANE** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 11:34 pm

I use the HCB.
The mean reason is simplicity and stability.
else i need an change request for every Windows update....lol

At the moment I use the Harmony Remote 895
Remote is sending via Zwave IR information to the Zwave harmony reciver this one is connected to the IR7243 RF - Controller IR/RF interface.

HCB team is working on the zwave interface. (i hope in Q3)
Rfxcom will be available in the next firmware release what i have heard.

Chak

Post by **Bwired** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 11:49 pm

I heard that as well! So lots of new functionalities coming up!
I'm anxious which mode (protocol) they are gonna implement, for sure the Visonic receiver? And perhaps also the RFXcom transmitter. Are you using the box through the HCB service center? Or is it now also possible to login secure directly in to the Home Control Box. I own a HCB myself, did a lot of testing for Home Automation Europe. As I said before I love the power consuming of only 5 watts!!

Post by **TANE** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 11:58 pm

Visonic receiver is sure.
There is still no secure logging option in the current firmware. (1.2.1)
In the next release i hope somewhere in April, this option will be available.
For controlling i use HCB services (25 euro per year)
for programing the local web access.

in the next release will also get en put available [:)]
i have also seen the flash interface..

Chak

Post by **Bwired** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:04 am

That is good News! I will update my box next week and do some testing.
Good and very driven people over there at Home Automation Europe, I think I will make a special Forum (menu option) for this box
Where we can put all these topics. Is this a good idea?
regards
Pieter

Post by **TANE** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:11 am

Pieter I think it's more than worth to give a special forum (menu option)

Post by **Bwired** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:31 am

Done!
http://www.domoticaforum.eu/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=29

Post by **Digit** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:48 am

Hi Hookie,

To get back to the original question, i agree with Pieter's answer.
Do you consider Home Automation as a hobby or a tool?
If, for example, you get a kick out of creating your own Home Automation system, connecting different kinds of devices together to get what you want and want to be able to use anything available on the market if you'd want to, go for a self-made solution. If you don't (get those kicks), go for a more ready-made solution as the HCB.
In my opinion, it all depends on whether you consider it a hobby or not.

Another little note about the energy costs: Hell, i spend much more money on much less exciting things then the costs for a 24/7 running Home Automation PC. A hobby costs money, right? Just ask anyone who has one. If you consider it a tool, costs become an issue much earlier.

Regards,
Robert.

Post by **Bwired** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:59 am

Hookie
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Hookie
 Furthermore I would like to have a remote which I also could use to operate my TV, DVD, etc. If possible I would like to use a Philips pronto (TSU9600) for this but this is not X10 compatible, does anyone have experience with this?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

There is information on the Xanura http:www.xanura.nl site about controlling Xanura with the Philips Pronto
check left in the News items of the Xanura Site.