Easy home automation

**Bamboo** · 11-19-2008, 02:58 PM

I just saw a link to this in a Christmas gift guide, and it looks pretty sweet if it is something you have considered. I really like that you could control it from like an Iphone.

Homemanageables Starter Kit

Quote:

Homemanageables runs on wireless technology. Easily installed on your home computer (no messing around with modems or routers), the system sends commands and receives information from the wireless devices – lighting modules, appliance modules, door/window sensors, or motion detectors – placed throughout your home. The Homemanageables technology is secure and reliable. And the more devices you add to your network, the stronger it becomes.

You can view the status of devices and command them through our user friendly interface. Designed to be easier than using an ATM, the Homemanageables interface lets you program routines or series of events (e.g., turn off all lights), to simplify your family’s life. Leveraging our remote access service, you can manage your home and monitor your family and pets from anywhere, anytime. You can use a computer or PDA via the Internet, iPhone, cell phone or call our toll-free voice command system.

**Catman1975** · 11-19-2008, 03:04 PM

I'd love to set that up at home and then absolutely mess with my wife's head while I'm at work.

Especially around Halloween.

Thanks Bamboo, this is something I've always wanted to do.

KomradeObama · 11-19-2008, 03:11 PM

It gives interesting possibilities to messing with the critters from work too.
200 bucks seems pretty cheap if it does all it advertises.

**Catman1975** · 11-19-2008, 03:12 PM

$9.95 for monthly access isn't too bad, I guess.

**Bamboo** · 11-19-2008, 03:18 PM

I think the $10 is if you want to go through their service, which was a sep. thing if I read it correctly. Like you are at a friends house with no computer or Iphone, you can call their service and have them turn on a light for you are something.

**warpig1292** · 11-19-2008, 06:26 PM

That sounds pretty cool if you are doing it... It seems kinda stalker to me

ScratchMonkey · 11-20-2008, 09:47 PM

Looks nice but the only PC I leave on 24x7 is my file server, which I share with my two neighbors (family). And it runs Linux. So I'd need a box that was OS-agnostic. It's not like that's hard to do. Instead of USB, make it connect by Ethernet, and use a simple text-based protocol, just like those used for web (HTTP) and mail (SMTP, IMAP, POP3). Ethernet has the additional benefit over USB of electrical isolation, helping to protect the PC from lightning and other nasty environmental electrical hazards.

Acreo Aeneas · 11-20-2008, 10:42 PM

Hmm, find any kits like that for simple property surveillence?

**Wimpinator** · 11-21-2008, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScratchMonkey

Looks nice but the only PC I leave on 24x7 is my file server, which I share with my two neighbors (family). And it runs Linux. So I'd need a box that was OS-agnostic. It's not like that's hard to do. Instead of USB, make it connect by Ethernet, and use a simple text-based protocol, just like those used for web (HTTP) and mail (SMTP, IMAP, POP3). Ethernet has the additional benefit over USB of electrical isolation, helping to protect the PC from lightning and other nasty environmental electrical hazards.

Actually I don't think there is any real electrical isolation in ethernet. There is an impedence matching transformer but it doesn't provide any serious isolation. It does provide some basic isolation but won't protect against anything serious.

I agree with the rest of your stuff though. Running something like a socket server would be pretty easy to implement.

ScratchMonkey · 11-21-2008, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wimpinator

Actually I don't think there is any real electrical isolation in ethernet. There is an impedence matching transformer but it doesn't provide any serious isolation. It does provide some basic isolation but won't protect against anything serious.

Alas, I couldn't find a copy of 802.3u (100base-T standard) on line. But I found the one for coax Ethernet (802.3-2005 Section 1), which should have the same requirements:

Quote:

8.3.2.1 Electrical isolation
The MAU must provide isolation between the AUI cable and the coaxial trunk cable. This isolation shall
withstand at least one of the following electrical strength tests:
a) 1500 V rms at 50 Hz to 60 Hz for 60 s, applied as specified in 5.3.2 of IEC 60950: 1991.
b) 2250 Vdc for 60 s, applied as specified in 5.3.2 of IEC 60950: 1991.
c) A sequence of ten 2400 V impulses of alternating polarity, applied at intervals of not less than 1 s.
The shape of the impulses shall be 1.2/50 μs (1.2 μs virtual front time, 50 μs virtual time of half
value), as defined in IEC 60060.
There shall be no isolation breakdown, as defined in 5.3.2 of IEC 60950: 1991, during the test. The resistance
after the test shall be at least 2 MΩ, measured at 500 Vdc. In addition, the isolation impedance
between the DTE and the coaxial cable shield shall be less than 15 Ω between 3 MHz and 30 MHz.

**Wimpinator** · 11-21-2008, 08:51 AM

D'oh you are correct! Thanks for the info.

**Fighter** · 11-22-2008, 07:51 AM

I understood everything until Scratch said something, then both u and wimpinator lost me.

**Spulat** · 11-22-2008, 09:57 AM

If it were that Ethernet over the power lines deal, I think that would be just as cool if not moreso... and maybe more reliable, faster, lower latency, and less stuff going through the air.

Acreo Aeneas · 11-22-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spulat

If it were that Ethernet over the power lines deal, I think that would be just as cool if not moreso... and maybe more reliable, faster, lower latency, and less stuff going through the air.

Less stuff going through the air is good if you have anything wireless in the same frequency range that you depend on (like a gaming mouse or cordless phone). No dropped calls, static, or mouse pointer freezing on the computer screen.