Home automation
Discussion
I am looking to build an extension (just got planning permission) and have been thinking about adding some home automation as part of the build.
The problems I am currently having are 1. trying to find some good sources of information about the different systems on the market and what they do and detailed information like manual overrides etc and 2. Costs seems to be pretty high for what I would consider to befairly basic stuff like automatic curtains. (EG I have a bay window in my lounge and it could cost between £1000 and £2500 for an automatic system - a cheap pull cord rail is about £15).
Anyone got any advice and good web sites I can look at for this sort of stuff.
I am not trying to do any fancy audio/video stuff just things like lights and curtains etc (maybe an alarm). Although it might be nice if the curtains closed and lights dimmed when I press play on the DVD remote.
The problems I am currently having are 1. trying to find some good sources of information about the different systems on the market and what they do and detailed information like manual overrides etc and 2. Costs seems to be pretty high for what I would consider to befairly basic stuff like automatic curtains. (EG I have a bay window in my lounge and it could cost between £1000 and £2500 for an automatic system - a cheap pull cord rail is about £15).
Anyone got any advice and good web sites I can look at for this sort of stuff.
I am not trying to do any fancy audio/video stuff just things like lights and curtains etc (maybe an alarm). Although it might be nice if the curtains closed and lights dimmed when I press play on the DVD remote.
Hmm, I've tossed around the idea of starting my own company putting stuff like that in for the last few years.
I don't know about over there, but here there are a few companies that make/distribute the parts you need, you just have to find them (and know what you want). Try www.smarthome.com
For example, to make the lights dim, and the cutains shut when you switch to the DVD, you would require:
an infrared receiver (pref with digital outputs, ie. a number of on/off relays controlled by the infrared signal)
a control box (possibly not required if the above has enough features, depends if you plan on adding stuff later)
a controllable dimmer and curtains. I'm going to guess these will be the expensive parts, although I'm quite surprised at the number you mentioned.
I'd love to do this kind of thing, but it will be pretty hard to do to an existing house. Other PH'ers interested in this stuff as well? Maybe I should move over there and set up shop doing this kind of thing...
Gary
>> Edited by gary_tholl on Monday 12th January 16:08
>> Edited by gary_tholl on Monday 12th January 16:09
I don't know about over there, but here there are a few companies that make/distribute the parts you need, you just have to find them (and know what you want). Try www.smarthome.com
For example, to make the lights dim, and the cutains shut when you switch to the DVD, you would require:
an infrared receiver (pref with digital outputs, ie. a number of on/off relays controlled by the infrared signal)
a control box (possibly not required if the above has enough features, depends if you plan on adding stuff later)
a controllable dimmer and curtains. I'm going to guess these will be the expensive parts, although I'm quite surprised at the number you mentioned.
I'd love to do this kind of thing, but it will be pretty hard to do to an existing house. Other PH'ers interested in this stuff as well? Maybe I should move over there and set up shop doing this kind of thing...
Gary
>> Edited by gary_tholl on Monday 12th January 16:08
>> Edited by gary_tholl on Monday 12th January 16:09
From what I can tell something like the X10 system is easily added to any house. It seems to have bits you can put between your socket and the devices plug, light switches, and even things you can put between your bulb and light fitting. These can all then be controlled by a central box to switch on/off, dim, etc. It all runs off signals being sent down the mains wiring so you don't need to re-wire your house - just change the odd plug or switch.
What I can't find is detailed information on how they work, manual overrides (as well as remote control), specification of what is required for each type of device you want to switch (wall light, standing lamp, TV, alarm, etc etc).
Once you have all the kit then a decent programable remote should allow you to have a set of functions assigned to one button that will do a number of actions (ie close the curtains, then dim the lights, then start the DVD etc).
I am reasonably competant at basic electrics and understanding eletrical system design (I trained as as an electrical & electronics engineer) so I could do most of it myself if I could find the right information.
For example, I would want my lights to have a manual override button that would allow me to switch them on outside their programmed times - but without having to find the remote in the dark. I can't find that information.
What I can't find is detailed information on how they work, manual overrides (as well as remote control), specification of what is required for each type of device you want to switch (wall light, standing lamp, TV, alarm, etc etc).
Once you have all the kit then a decent programable remote should allow you to have a set of functions assigned to one button that will do a number of actions (ie close the curtains, then dim the lights, then start the DVD etc).
I am reasonably competant at basic electrics and understanding eletrical system design (I trained as as an electrical & electronics engineer) so I could do most of it myself if I could find the right information.
For example, I would want my lights to have a manual override button that would allow me to switch them on outside their programmed times - but without having to find the remote in the dark. I can't find that information.
The home of Home Automation in the UK is this site
www.automatedhome.co.uk
There is also a yahoo group that is very very good of Home Automation stuff
Ben
www.automatedhome.co.uk
There is also a yahoo group that is very very good of Home Automation stuff
Ben
XM5ER said:
Have a word witrh Steveb
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=0&memberId=14263
Cheers Mark,
Icamm If you can mail me the requirements or if you have any other questions that you cant find on some of the site i can assist but my site is down at the moment for redevelopment.
I can get automated curtain systems for around the £300 mark but it depends on the size of your window. Also the quality of the systems is 100x better than a DIY store curtain pole. But i can also get systems that use the cord from a Curtain pole and turn them into Autopoles..
My speciality is lighting control I have attended many training courses in arcitectural lighting and have now got it down to a T..
Other things to consider are Multi room Audio/Video.
If you have got a Timber frame house i have developed a way of wiring behind the walls with out pulling it all off and having to replaster...
I am putting together some DIY packages which go from basic lighting through to whole house control and can also include all tools and my own written instructions for installation.
Mail me if interested
Steve
www.s2soundandvision.co.uk
Stevieb, I'll get some thoughts together and email you. At this stage it's just ideas. As I said I have only just got planning approval for the extension and I am thinking to do it at the same time as some of it will be in the new build. I also don't want to pay for two installs if I can get it done as one.
The building is mainly brick with some partition walling upstairs that is some form of straw board.
The main reason I am looking for information at this stage is so I can get ideas for what I want to do, from what people already do, and then work out what I can do myself and what needs a professional.
The problem I have had with the curtain track is the bay window. The current track is about 3m around the bay and there seems to have very limited choice - and very expensive. Although I think I might be able to get away with putting a straight track across the end of the bay as the window is only comes in about 1/3 of the whole depth.
Edited: 'cos I tried to do a diagram of the bay and it didn't seem to work so I've deleted it.
>> Edited by icamm on Monday 12th January 18:07
The building is mainly brick with some partition walling upstairs that is some form of straw board.
The main reason I am looking for information at this stage is so I can get ideas for what I want to do, from what people already do, and then work out what I can do myself and what needs a professional.
The problem I have had with the curtain track is the bay window. The current track is about 3m around the bay and there seems to have very limited choice - and very expensive. Although I think I might be able to get away with putting a straight track across the end of the bay as the window is only comes in about 1/3 of the whole depth.
Edited: 'cos I tried to do a diagram of the bay and it didn't seem to work so I've deleted it.
>> Edited by icamm on Monday 12th January 18:07
Guys
My company designs and installs commercial and residential automation systems, covering everything from mood lighting, audio visual multi-room distribution, dedicated media rooms/theatre, security, digital CCTV, voice and data networks. Interfaces can be either touch screens, button keypads, PDA etc. Oh and course it is all IP aware as such you can control your whole project from any where in the world.
If I can be of any help drop me a line
Regards
Tony
tony.harper@tandtconsultancy.com
My company designs and installs commercial and residential automation systems, covering everything from mood lighting, audio visual multi-room distribution, dedicated media rooms/theatre, security, digital CCTV, voice and data networks. Interfaces can be either touch screens, button keypads, PDA etc. Oh and course it is all IP aware as such you can control your whole project from any where in the world.
If I can be of any help drop me a line
Regards
Tony
tony.harper@tandtconsultancy.com
tony.h said:
Guys
My company designs and installs commercial and residential automation systems, covering everything from mood lighting, audio visual multi-room distribution, dedicated media rooms/theatre, security, digital CCTV, voice and data networks. Interfaces can be either touch screens, button keypads, PDA etc. Oh and course it is all IP aware as such you can control your whole project from any where in the world.
If I can be of any help drop me a line
Regards
Tony
tony.harper@tandtconsultancy.com
Whats your web address plus and how long you been working in the industry
Wacky Racer said:
I know I am going to get slated for this . but really, £300 to open a pair of curtains!!!!!
The worlds gone mad....
kids starving in Biafra etc, etc,
Probably gone mad but just think you go on holiday for 2 to 3 weeks.
Curtains are programmed to open at dawn close at dusk, lights come on in the evening programed in all the rooms like you are walking through the house turning them on and off.
Said buglar will think someone is at home and go next door.. and rob them. Its a damsight better than an alarm plus you can get a discount from your insurance company if they are kind enough i got 40% off my insurance..
My contents for 50k cover cost £120 per year with accidental damage cover.. Beat that
Steve
I've used X10 for about ten years.
Just a point of interest wasn't it Stirling Moss one of the first to have this sort of thing back when it was rather expensive.
Main problem with X10 is that most light switches only have a live and live return. A nuetral is needed for a hardwired control panel. The nuetral is always on a plug but who wants a control panel bt their ankles.
This can be got around by IR keypads and a receiver.
I would have thought this was the perfect system for a UK house with plaster walls.
To the pros; have any of you installed, or have in your home a motorised sliding door (ala smarthome)
It has plastic gears! anyone make a better one.
Jeff
Just a point of interest wasn't it Stirling Moss one of the first to have this sort of thing back when it was rather expensive.
Main problem with X10 is that most light switches only have a live and live return. A nuetral is needed for a hardwired control panel. The nuetral is always on a plug but who wants a control panel bt their ankles.
This can be got around by IR keypads and a receiver.
I would have thought this was the perfect system for a UK house with plaster walls.
To the pros; have any of you installed, or have in your home a motorised sliding door (ala smarthome)
It has plastic gears! anyone make a better one.
Jeff
stevieb said:
I know I am going to get slated for this
The worlds gone mad....
kids starving in Biafra etc, etc,
Probably gone mad but just think you go on holiday for 2 to 3 weeks.
Curtains are programmed to open at dawn close at dusk, lights come on in the evening programed in all the rooms like you are walking through the house turning them on and off.
Said buglar will think someone is at home and go next door.. and rob them. Its a damsight better than an alarm plus you can get a discount from your insurance company if they are kind enough i got 40% off my insurance..
My contents for 50k cover cost £120 per year with accidental damage cover.. Beat that
Steve
Hmmm, I suppose when you put it like that I can see some advantages,
but my problem is people pay hundreds of pounds for labour saving devices, remote controls for TV, Video, stereo, DVD, Garage doors etc, then end up paying as much again to a fancy Gym to take their excess weight off, which they piled on in the first place saving energy....
jeff m said:
I've used X10 for about ten years.
Just a point of interest wasn't it Stirling Moss one of the first to have this sort of thing back when it was rather expensive.
Main problem with X10 is that most light switches only have a live and live return. A nuetral is needed for a hardwired control panel. The nuetral is always on a plug but who wants a control panel bt their ankles.
This can be got around by IR keypads and a receiver.
I would have thought this was the perfect system for a UK house with plaster walls.
To the pros; have any of you installed, or have in your home a motorised sliding door (ala smarthome)
It has plastic gears! anyone make a better one.
Jeff
The UK versions of X10 do not need the souble Nuetral feed. Occording to my wiring Diagrams. I have not got them in my house i have X10 controling the lights upstairs but Lutron Lighting control Downstairs.
Steve
Wacky Racer said:
Wacky Racer said:
I know I am going to get slated for this
The worlds gone mad....
kids starving in Biafra etc, etc,
Probably gone mad but just think you go on holiday for 2 to 3 weeks.
Curtains are programmed to open at dawn close at dusk, lights come on in the evening programed in all the rooms like you are walking through the house turning them on and off.
Said buglar will think someone is at home and go next door.. and rob them. Its a damsight better than an alarm plus you can get a discount from your insurance company if they are kind enough i got 40% off my insurance..
My contents for 50k cover cost £120 per year with accidental damage cover.. Beat that
Steve
Hmmm, I suppose when you put it like that I can see some advantages,
If you like the stuff you will get it if not you wont, but if you are spending 300k building your dream house spending 20k on Audio/Video Lighting contro heating control and CCTV IMO its money well spent.
My best install to date was in a 9 bedroom country house with 20 CCTV cams 4 for the babies rooms rest on land garages and perimiter. everything was control by a tablet PC or touch screens around the house. but there was a backup system in operation plus the computer was not really needed to control the system. It in all cost 70k
Steve
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