Home automation

[Jimmy Mack]

Wasn't sure if this should be in electrical, but then it's a bit of mangling too....and I think more eye's drop in here


Anyone have any home automation? Lights, switches etc.?

I'm looking at some so I can switch the shop outdoor lights on/off so I don't come a cropper on my kids toys in the dark of winter......and maybe some other stuff...heating.....ooo the possibilities.

I also got thinking about a remote for the extractor...which could run off the same system or RF. It's 3 phase, so probably a relay operated 240v gate contactor...

'Megaman' do a system...could use a relay or 240v socket which not only runs off the phone (not actually that convenient in the shop) but also RF for a dedicated remote.

Anyone tinkered with this wizardry?

Jim

 

[Phil]

I think Bob '9f' is the wizard on there matters.




Phil

 

[Tusses]

for outside, I'd have PIR. then you we be alerted if someone shady is mouching in the shade !

 

[9fingers]

I think Bob '9f' is the wizard on there matters.
Phil

Did someone call?

We have a number of automated systems around the house to aid Mrs and for my convenience and to improve security but these are not integrated into a single system.
We have no need to have smart phone control of our lives! :lol:

Numerous PIR operated lights. The one at the workshop door also turns on the light above the back door which between them give me a fully lit path the length of the garden. Another PIR light for the bin store area is useful.
PIRs look down the sideway and give us an audible alert for anyone approaching the house.
Light level activated curtain closer for the room that faces the road is good when we are out.
Recently discovered Quinetic RFID switches give SWMBO remote control of lights and the heating from her chair. These were written up between Roger and I quite recently on this forum.
Also here http://www.quinetic.co.uk/
These would do a remote control dust collector perhaps from various parts of the workshop? My DC switching is based on the current drawn by main machines supplemented by numerous push buttons around the shop for manual use.
Automation of the boiler optimiser, solar PV and solar thermal is rather bespoke using 3 Arduinos and dubious home brew software.

Each time I've looked at the home automation products they strikes me as expensive for what they are and not always hackable for my particular needs.
Some stuff just goes too far IMHO such as remote answering of the front door and serves to highlight that you are not in and so a security risk.

Not really answering the question but might help?

Bob

 

[Gone fishinf]

Jimmy,

You could try Phillips Hue lights, they can be turned on by geo-fencing when your mobile is near,
they might turn on by an app on your phone

Paul

 

[RogerS]

I like the Voltek range as they provide a versatile system, controlled by 12v which means installation is a doddle.

 

[HappyHacker]

I have installed the Lightwave system, which if my memory is correct is the Megaman product, for customers to control lighting and dimming via wall mounted and small controller RF switches. They worked very well. I even installed it for one customer where they could not make up their mind where to put the switches during a kitchen renovation so when I had finished I gave them a couple of switches to stick on the wall wherever they wanted and if they did not like the position they could unstick them and move them.

I have not yet installed anything at home apart from various remote controlled 13A plug in switches which are very useful but are in my experience of varying quality, reliability and performance. I have one make that looses its setting whenever the power fails requiring re matching with the controller. The ones I have from Bye Bye Standby seem to work well so far.

I have looked at other home automation systems for customers but I agree with Bob that most are over priced, expensive to install and complicated. Who wants to get their phone out to turn the lights on, I usually want to turn the lights on to find my phone!