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What home automation do you use?

steve

Developer
Administrator
Apr 19, 2011
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York, PA
codeversed.com
I am very interested in home automation, always have been and most likely always will be. In my last home I used a bunch of different products. I first set up all kinds of "junk", which I bought from x10.com (don't visit that site). It's basically the cheapest and the worst way to go. I moved on and did some research before I impulse bought anything. I ended up using a nice software application by Perceptive Automation, which is now known as Indigo Domotics.

I set this up on my Mac Pro and had lots of lights, outlets and even my thermostat running from it. This was way before NEST. The software allows for powerful scripting so you can accomplish pretty much anything you want! For surveillance, I setup some older analog cameras and had a switch to convert them to ip address (because there was only like one Mac Pro analog video input card which was crazy expensive). The software I used for this was called SecuritySpy. It really did everything that I needed as far as capturing motion, saving recordings, etc. This software working with Indigo... it was pretty powerful.

Since then I have moved, never set up the software again just due to a busy life. I ended up buying a new HD IP cam surveillance system from Lorex (ip cameras and NVR). Having a NVR specifically for your camera systems is a must better solution... just more reliable, etc.

So now I want to get back into some home automation to add to my surveillance system. As everyone must know, I love Android and want this to be a big player in what I end up going with. NEST seems great for a thermostat and smoke/carbon monoxide alarm but I also want to set up outlets, light switches, doors, blinds, tv setup, etc and a bunch more.

In the end I am trying to to have the need to run 10 apps to control my home automation and I am just looking for some advice on what is currently out there and what to avoid, etc. Worst case I see is that I invest in NEST products and some other home automation protocol like z-wave (is this still the standard?) and then write my own app for Android to interface to both API's.... if something doesn't already exist.

Thanks in advance!
 
If a stable ecosystem evolves I would be inclined to try it as I can see so real benefits for saving money. Up till now it's been standalone efforts. Like my Samsung washer and dryer that are WiFi enabled and I can get an app to control them on my phone. That's fine, but if I have to get a different app when I buy a Whirlpool refridgerator and yet another when I buy a Maytag air conditioner it doesn't do any good. That's where Google & Apple have an opportunity to really solidify the concept IMO.
 
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Hi Guys, Our company ioGeni here in Australia is currently working on a range of devices for the smart home industry. We have come up with a modular retrofittable designed devices paired with our Android App to control lights, power outlets and garage doors remotely through either Bluetooth or WiFi depending on the users preference.
We are able to dim complete light circuits up to 400watts @ 240v Ac or 200 watts @ 110v Ac. This includes dimmable L.E.D lights. Switch on and off power loads of up to 10A , including being 2way switchable (both N.O and N.C outputs).
Garage door units can be programmed to send both a pulse or a hold signal depending on your requirements.
These are hard-wired devices designed to be installed out of sight in either the wall or roof cavity of the home.
The App also supports products such as Wemo and Nest to allow control all within the one App.

Not sure if this is something you guys would be interested in knowing more about but if you are feel free to ask any questions.

Ill post up a few screen shots later this week

Cheers Mike
 
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