Home Automation

Wii would like to.. control your home

March 18, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

Don’t get me wrong, the Wii is lots of fun! But if you will ever get tired of doing Pilates or playing a fake guitar on your Wii console, you can find a new and exciting application for it by following this DIY automation project from Wii Hacks blog. All you’ll need is a few INSTEON-enabled lights in your home, and a ControlLinc connected to a LAMPbox. For a more advanced set-up you can throw in a Proliphix thermostat, a few AXIS IP cameras and a control system from Aurora Multimedia to drive your TV, DVR, DVD, etc. See the demo video of this project after […]

Going green

March 10, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 3

Just a couple of weeks ago I have enrolled in a SmartAC program offered by my local utility company – PG&E. What this program is about? It’s about saving energy. This Saturday morning I had a couple of PG&E guys at my place retrofitting my old (but still pretty decent) 4-wire Lux TX1500E thermostat to a new, 5-wire, Honeywell UtilityPRO.

New INSTEON products from Smarthome

March 5, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

Smarthome has just updated their INSTEON portfolio with two new products. The first is the In-LineLinc Relay – INSTEON On / Off Module (Non-dimming) w/ Sense ($49.99). This wire-in module allows to automate existing motion-sensing floodlights or any other 120V switching sensor. Another addition is SeriaLinc – INSTEON to 2-Way RS232 Serial Converter ($149.99). This plug-in module is a protocol bridge between INSTEON network and any RS232-compatible appliance from whole-home audio to security systems to automation controllers. The products are currently on back-order and will be shipped on first-come-first-served basis.

DIY Project: Automating staircase lighting

March 4, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 1

The Idea/Problem: Use motion sensors to turn lights on when someone approaches the staircase, therefore making it safer and more convenient to use at night. Use existing light fixture instead of mounting step lights to save on wiring and hardware costs. The Components: Here is what we will need: Motion sensor(s): Two X10 ActiveEye (MS16A) or EagleEye(MS14A) sensors. If you want to go all-Insteon the Wireless INSTEON Motion/Occupancy Sensor (#2420M) will do. Light switches: Smarthome.com sells a pre-configured SwitchLinc 3-Way Dimmer Kit (#2494M3). If your light fixture cannot be dimmed consider using two SwitchLinc Relay (#2476S) switches. Wireless bridges: To translate wireless signals from motion sensors […]

Control4 is going on an European trip

February 4, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

D&M Europe B.V. has signed an agreement with Control4. This agreement provides D&M with access to Control4’s technology to produce a range of Escient branded home control products. These products will be available in over 27 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “The Control4 control platform is a comprehensive complement to the Denon, Marantz and Escient product lines,” said Bert Kiggen, Brand Director of DMi. “This agreement is a further milestone in our objective of providing custom installers with best in class, end-to-end system integration solutions for whole home entertainment, and environmental and security control. We look forward […]

DIY Project: Crown moulding with timed lighting

January 7, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 4

This is the first in a series of posts describing some of the automated tasks that run in my house. The Problem/Idea: I have a 2-year-old that goes to bed every day around the same time. He likes the night light to be on at night. Need to make the lights to turn ON and OFF on a schedule (preferably with an ability to override/cancel the entire schedule or a single event remotely). The Solution: I thought that having a regular night light is too boring for an automated home and came up with a following idea… Why not install a crown moulding with some lights […]

In search of a ‘killer app’

January 7, 2009 Ruslan Ulanov 0

It’s been over 30 years since X10 came around, and still home automation has a very hard time catching up with the rest of the technologies that invaded our homes in these past decades. According to Google Trends the popularity of “home automation” search is even dropping. Why? What’s stopping wide adoption of home automation by Joe “The Plumber” and the likes? Some experts believe that home automation needs a “killer app” and some government encouragement. So what could be that “killer app”?

Smart Home for the Holidays

December 19, 2008 Ruslan Ulanov 0

This Christmas is gonna be fun! I just received my Smarthome.com order with a bunch of switches, keypads, and other “smart” goodies. It’ll keep me busy for a while. Do you have any innovative ideas on using home automation products for the holidays? Please let me know in the comments. By the way, today is the last day to save up to $60 and get a free shipping (a rare treat) from Smarthome.com! Don’t miss this huge SALE!!!

Turn Your Nokia N800 or N810 Into an INSTEON Controller

December 9, 2008 Ruslan Ulanov 1

If you already have (or planning to buy) ISY-99i Home Automation Controller with PLM ($339), then interfaceGO Software ($119.95) will convert your Nokia N800 or N810 touch panel remote control into a “thumb-friendly, wireless, customizable, versatile”, in other words, very sexy INSTEON Home Automation Controller. “The interfaceGO interface allows you to create your own hierarchy of folders and controls. You create the layout and choose which buttons you want and where. Create a custom layout to match the touch panel’s location, or your own personal preference. The graphical user interface (GUI) is designed for easy control without a pen. On-screen buttons are […]

The world of changes

December 4, 2008 Ruslan Ulanov 0

What’s going on with this world? Many companies these days are moving away from their decade-honed niche markets, or acquire other companies that have nothing to do with their direct line of business or (unfortunately) close their stores and/or businesses altogether. I can understand Apple (a computer manufacturer) making its way into mobile phones business. These days cell phones are no longer just phones, they are micro computers with features that many computers of yesterday would envy. But Nokia (a #1 cell phone/equipment manufacturer in the world) going into Home Automation business? Well, according to recently opened website Nokia is inviting 3-rd party developers to join its Home […]

/ Automation

Home automation for the masses, DIY-style