Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / July 2008

My vote is for the JDS Stargate. It will do everything you mention.
www.jdstechnologies.com

Hi everybody,

I have a question that was probably addressed in this forum, but I
could find a answer that I like.

I have a background in electronics and programming, but don't know
noting of home automation (have order some books !).

I'm looking for a home automation controller to my new bough house. I
want a cheap but reliable system. For now, my main objectives are to
control some X10 devices, the irrigation system and to control or
implement a security system (more on this latter). I would like the
controller to be expandable, by the addition of new plug-in modules
and/or by implementing a network of modules (rs-485 or similar). I
think this will give me plenty of room to play in the future. On the
software side, I also would like to be able to program the system
using linux and open source tools.

I think that the alternatives are a “of the shelf” semi-professional
system (Ocelot?), some sort of kit or DIY system like  the HSC_II (or
HSC_C?) and a SBC, but since I don't now noting about this subject and
reviewing all the systems on the market today would take me forever, I
would appreciate the opinion of you all.

Finally, one other question: what are the advantages /disadvantages of
using an separated security system, as opposed to integrate the
security system in the H.A. controller.

Regards,

José Mariano

I would suggest the Homevision or Homevision Pro controller.  See:
http://www.csi3.com/homevis2.htm

Watch eBay, one comes up every so often.

I would like the

Take a look at the Elk M1 family.
http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/m1main.htm

It is relatively easy to interface to, is moderately priced, well thought out
very expandable, and implements security well (Elk is/was a security
company.)

It is widely supported by commercial HA software (HomeSeer, Charmed Quark,
Main Lobby)

There is much enthusiasm and support from a wide range of DIYers. For
example, visit www.cocoontech.com

It is also the basis of some Linux-based Home Automation systems:

http://mirror.linux.org.au/pub/linux.conf.au/2008/slides/197-linux_home_automati
on.pdf
http://www.linuxha.com/ElkM1/index.html
http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=8920

HTH ... Marc

Marc_F_Hult
www.ECONtrol.org
Visit my Home Automation and Electronics Porch Sale at
www.ECOntrol.org/porchsale.htm