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Lighting And Automation Systems - General

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Article Title Author Company eMag Issue Article Synopsis
Siri Home Automation Integration from Start to Finish
Part 3 - Home Automation Integration		 Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Feb 2013

 This is Part 3 of a three part article. In this part, we'll look specifically at how to integrate Siri with a Home Automation system. In Part 1, we'll cover the basics (using a Linux VM). In Part 2, we'll cover Raspberry PI installation. In Part 3, we'll cover Home Automation integrations
Siri Home Automation Integration from Start to Finish
Part 2 - Raspberry PI Installation		 Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Feb 2013

 This is Part 2 of a three part article. In this part, we'll see how to install SiriProxy on a Raspberry PI. In Part 1, we'll cover the basics (using a Linux VM). In Part 2, we'll cover Raspberry PI installation. In Part 3, we'll cover Home Automation integrations
Siri Home Automation Integration from Start to Finish
Part 1 - The Basics (using a Linux VM)		 Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Feb 2013

 I've been wanting to get Siri up and running with my Home Automation system for quite a while. I tried and failed last year, but recently attacked the problem again; this time with great success. Not only did I get it running on 4 versions of Linux (long story), but also on my Raspberry PI. Further, I now have it integrated with my Home Automation system. (The approach I chose for this should work with virtually any Home Automation system.) The instructions in this article will get you up and running--virtually guaranteed--in under 30 mins. If you don't want to start from scratch, you can download a 250MB VMware appliance with it fully installed. All that's required are a few minor config changes for your own IP address. In Part 1, we'll cover the basics (using a Linux VM). In Part 2, we'll cover Raspberry PI installation. In Part 3, we'll cover Home Automation integration.
Crestron’s airConnect won’t leave iOS users out in the cold Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Oct 2012

 Creston’s airConnect is a revolutionary location system that currently utilizes Near-Field Communication (NFC) and a user’s NFC-equipped SmartPhone. The launch of the iPhone 5 without NFC looked (to many) like it would be a no-go ofr iOS users. Turns out the iPhone 5, and new iPods incorporate a key piece of technology and Crestron have had a contingency plan all along.
CommandFusion Interview Jarrod Bell CommandFusion

Oct 2012

 CommandFusion (CF) began as GuiLink in 2005 specialising in custom touchpanel design. The product direction shifted with the release of the iPhone in 2007, and the company name officially changed to CommandFusion in 2011. Today, the company now offers both software and hardware in the form of a scalable communication network that connects any automation hardware in any topology.
Novel Home Automation Projects That Don’t Break the Bank Aaron Andrew DSI Entertainment Systems

Aug 2012

 When we think about Home Automation Systems, we tend to think of things like lighting control, HVAC control, energy monitoring, whole house audio and video and security. A good integrator can help you solve many other everyday annoyances without breaking the bank. Our friends at DSI Entertainment Systems shared some interesting projects with us.
The Diversified Business Model of Leviton Ian Hendler Leviton

Apr 2012

 We talked with Leviton about their expansion in to automation technologies
Crestron and Kinect Kor Baydurcan Crestron

Apr 2012

 After seeing Crestron’s Kinect demonstration at CES, we asked Crestron’s Director of Software Products and Enterprise Solutions, Kor Baydurcan, about the integration and future plans.
Z-Wave Snowballs to 600th Certified Product Mark Anderson HomeToys.com

Feb 2012

 Six months ago, saw the 500th certified Z-Wave product: a goal that took almost 6 years to reach. Today, the announcement of a 600th product indicates rapid growth in Z-Wave. What are the primary factors for the growth?
Interview-Home Control in the Clouds Glenn Murdzia On Controls

Dec 2011

 Our programming is simple drag and drop programming that is very intuitive for even the most basic installer. The best feature for the installers is the ability to log in off site and make simple changes to the system, like updating favorite channel buttons, adding custom family photo backgrounds or simply adding new/additional devices to the system from off site. A client can add a new iPhone, or update from original iPad's to new iPad 2's and the dealer never has to leave there office. Win for the dealer and for the client. If a client breaks there phone or looses there iPad, its a simple phone call to the dealer and the dealer can get them up and running from any where that they are at that time as long as they can get to any computer that has an internet connection.
Schlage LiNK and Z-Wave Ann Matheis Schlage

Apr 2011

 The Schlage LiNK System was created based on the Z-Wave platform from which a user could control a variety of home automation tools by various manufactures from their computer or smart phone. In fact, users can add over 200 different Z-Wave devices to their Schlage LiNK System to customize the system to their lifestyle- from locks to lighting and temperature control.
Interview - Wireless Home Automation Devices Sean Kang Frostdale

Apr 2011

As many of your readers probably know, the idea behind technologies like Zigbee and ZWave is to simplify the installation process for users and installers. For our Zigbee systems, devices are automatically recognized by the CUBE controller and can be added or removed in a matter of a few seconds. The Z-Wave products are similarly easy, but can be integrated into ecosystems of products under certified Z-Wave Alliance controllers.
Automating Your Home with UPB CocoonTech Cocoon Tech

Feb 2011

 A few weeks ago, I was preparing to order a bunch of switches for my house, and was trying to decide the best way to go. I had 8 switches in my last house that were Simply-Automated, so I wanted to stick with those for consistent look/feel. I noticed though, from talking to people and reading posts, that there was misinformation out there. I decided that, now that I'm 2/3rds of the way through a 60+ device install, I'd share what I know and the things I've learned in the process about the Simply-Automated line and different configuration and programming options you may encounter.
Benefits of Home Automation Technology Ron Risdon Lagotek Corporation

Aug 2009

 Home automation has traditionally been focused on entertainment applications such as home theater and whole house audio systems. With the advent of concerns regarding global climate change and renewable energy, the focus has shifted toward automation systems that deliver great efficiencies for home systems that use electricity and natural gas (heating oil to a limited extent).
Programmable Logic Controller - Wireless Lighting Control Eugene Kowch P.I.D. Consultants Inc.

Sep 2008

 Radio-controlled systems allow wireless remote control of existing residential lighting. The communication link between the PLC and the radio-controlled system is an RS232 interface unit. The connection is via a standard DB-9 serial cable between the PLC and the RS232 interface unit. Both devices should be mounted close together as per the RS232 minimum power requirements.
Z-Wave Lighting Control Systems Bob Hetherington HomeToys

Aug 2008

 I have had the opportunity to review some Z-Wave equipment and I must say I'm impressed with the simplicity of the system. After all ... lighting control and automation should not be rocket science ... and in it's simplest form I tend to think it should become standard in all new construction.
The WGL All Housecode Transceiver V572RF32 Bobby Green

Jun 2008

 Folks who had trouble getting their X-10 keyfob to turn on the lights even when they were standing at the front door now find the X-10 signal can get through from several houses away.
The XTB - Amplify and Repeat X-10 Bobby Green

Apr 2008

 Repeaters, like the XTB-IIR, perform their magic by “hearing” the first command of the pair and transmitting at much higher power at the exact time the second pair of the command is being transmitted.
Architect’s Guide to Home Automation AVD Australia Pty Ltd & Project Connection Australia Pty Ltd AVD Australia Pty Ltd & Project Connection Australia Pty Ltd

Apr 2008

 The vision is to create a flexible, comfortable and user-friendly domestic environment, yet still allow non-technical people to easily interact with the most technologically-advanced systems available.
How to use lighting to increase the value of an HT system Dave Hochendoner Sima Products Corp.

Feb 2008

 With the addition of some accessory lighting, you can improve the picture quality, see your equipment without turning on annoying room lights and enjoy your system more. In fact, it might look so good you will submit it to the next CEDIA contest and take first place! We’ve all seen the addition of soft, reflective lighting behind the TV, but why? Beyond the cool effect, is some visual science that says ambient light improves viewing by reducing contrast and eyestrain. Studies show that ambient light helped reduce difficulty in focusing and eye strain. A small amount of soft room lighting, ideally splashed on the wall behind/around the video screen, also goes a long way to improving the picture quality.
WHY HOME AUTOMATION IS SMART, ECONOMICAL AND SAVES ENERGY John H. Johns Innovative Home Theater

Dec 2007

 Dimming lights by 25% reduces electricity consumption by 20% and quadruples the life of light bulbs.
Want to Go Green? Automate your Home! SmartHomeUSA SmartHomeUSA

Dec 2007

 Greening your home can add up to significant savings, both for you and the Earth, and adding home automation to the mix only makes your life easier!
The Selling Points of Wireless Home Energy Controls Kim Scott Intermatic Corp

Dec 2007

 A selling point is the energy savings that wireless home controls provide homeowners. By customizing their home’s electrical usage, homeowners control their energy management usage to best suit their lifestyle.
Interview - SmartHomePro Mike Buckingham SmartHomePro

Oct 2007

 INSTEON is the first and only home control technology that uses both the existing wires (power line) in the home and radio-frequency communication to create the most reliable and flexible home management network in the market today.
PLC - Lighting Design Eugene Kowch P.I.D. Consultants Inc.

Aug 2007

 A good lighting design at the beginning of a project will guarantee a reliable electrical system and a user friendly control system for the customer.
PULSSI for the control command of electric radiators Watteco Watteco

Aug 2006

 It is reliable because unlike other existing standards it does not force the network to propagate a signal it was not designed for and also because each electric device acts as an analog relay to others.
How-To Measure Salt Level in Your Water Softener Using an Ultrasonic Sensor BraveSirRobbin CocoonTech

Aug 2006

 One of the many advantages of this method is that there is nothing touching the salt and no strings or devices that need to be reset/recoiled when filling the softener.
How to Choose a Home Automation System Mark Colegrove HomeSeer Technologies

Aug 2006

 A really interesting change occurs when home automation is installed. You begin to treat your home as one big unified system instead of a collection of smaller unrelated systems. When this happens, the possibilities and “what if’s” start to surface. This is where the fun begins!
A New Standard for Home Control Products Lew Brown Monster Cable

Jun 2006

 Each Z-Wave product/module acts as a sender and receiver in the network, offering two-way communications to make sure that one device knows the other received a command.
Home Weather Station – Toy or Necessity? John Johnston WeatherHawk

Apr 2006

 At a home, a weather station measures the ambient weather that defines a homeowners “microclimate”. With that information and a connection to the Internet, various home automation systems can control some home functions in a near immediate response to changes in the weather.
Home Automation Portal Appliance: Part 2 Robert D. Findlay, Bill Lynch, Graham McCormack IO Anywhere

Apr 2006

 In this paper we discuss how the small, lightweight and low power box produced by IO Anywhere can act as a Home Automation Portal Appliance. We discuss how a simple script written using a free open source language (Tcl/Tk) can be used to interact and control this Home Automation Portal Appliance across the Internet. We illustrated how this script could be used to provide closed loop control.
Intermingling X-10 and New Lighting Technologies Brett Griffin Architechtronics

Feb 2006

 Many X-10 users will want to intermingle few UPB or other RF capable switches at first, migrating their homes over a few years, spreading the cost out.
Smarthome's INSTEON Technology Rajeev Kapur Smarthome'

Dec 2005

 The dream of a personalized home environment that increases comfort, safety, convenience and value is becoming a reality. Home control networks are finally ready for the mass market.
Lights, Plasma, Action! David Knoop Electronic Design Technology (EDT)

Dec 2005

 Among the myriad choices in lighting control, it is easy to find a system within your budget. Your best bet is a lighting control system which works reliably in your home, is easy to program, and integrates with your home automation controller.
Axeze Distributed Network Axeze Axeze

Oct 2005

 As there is not an open protocol standard used to integrate all aspects of home and building automation at this stage, developing products that can seamlessly integrate with others whilst maintaining security on the access control network, provides many benefits for users today and tomorrow.
Automation in the digital home Michael Breton

Oct 2005

 Phase 1 took a total of 2 days to complete and it was a complete success with no issues what so ever. We were so impressed with the ease of installation of the HAL software and the UPB products that we even expanded our plans a bit by adding in control of their outdoor mister system.
Z-Wave as Home Control RF Platform Thomas Jorgensen Zensys A/S

Jun 2005

 Zensys provides a mass-market home control technology, which is low cost, low power, easy-to-use and reliable. The mesh network Z-Wave system, with its self-organizing and self-healing features, combined with flexible but simple installation procedures, provides an easy-to-use network solution.
HOME AUTOMATION FROM THE LEADER IN HOME TECH James Russo

Jun 2005

 If you are in the market for a cheap and easy to use home automation kit, check out the Radio Shack kit. If nothing else, the kit can be a starting place for an end user till he or she expands to more sophisticated kits like x10.
New Technologies Create a Mainstream Market for Home Control James W. Johnston

Apr 2005

 Part I – First there were the pioneers, then comes the Henry Ford effect, Discontinuous Innovations and a company called In2 Networks
Making Sense of Today’s Home Control Technologies Raoul Wijgergangs Zensys

Apr 2005

 The Z-Wave protocol is designed for residential control systems. Typically these systems have between five and two hundred plus nodes, distributed around the home and garden. The system is designed for easy installation because homeowners install and manage the system themselves.
How Do You Sell Lighting Control??? Bill Hambley Centralite

Dec 2004

 You’ve got to get your clients to experience lighting control first hand. SHE needs to be able to push a button on a key chain remote and see that she will never have to walk into a dark home again. HE needs to push a “Goodnight” button and experience all the lights going off without having to make the nightly rounds to see which lights the kids left on.
X10 Automated Outdoor Lighting Chris Smith

Feb 2004

 It took a while, but I figured a way to solve my needs to "smartly" control my outdoor lighting with X10 that I'd like to share. Basically, I found a way to get different modes of control for my unintelligent outdoor sensors based on time of day periods.
Make your X-10 system invisible with Marmitek MicroModules Marmitek Marmitek

Oct 2002

 You know about the advantages of X-10 Home Automation, but don't want to have bulky plug-in modules in your wall outlets? You want to have your existing wall switches work with X-10 home automation, so that style and colour is no longer limited to X-10 tooling and color white only? Then it might be interesting to take a few minutes to read this story about Marmitek MicroModules
Home Control Systems, What they offer and how they differ. Dan Fulmer FulTech Solutions

Oct 2002

 Your final determination relies on a variety of factors including budget, functionality, upgradeablity, expandablility, confidence in installer and manufacturer. The major decision is to find a qualified systems integrator who can assist in making these determinations. The more experience or knowledge of a large variety of systems will give them the ability to offer a system designed just for your needs.
Marmitek AWM2 Micro-Module Ant Skelton

Jun 2002

 Once configured, the AWM2 works like a charm. Toggling the switch switches the relay instantly, and the X10 message that accompanies it is sent immediately. Toggling the second switch also sends the appropriate X10 message out. If you're installing the AWM2 in a ceiling, chances are that you're not going to be using the second switch input. If this is the case, make sure it's well insulated and taped up out of the way - it doesn't take much to trigger it.
Lighting Controls Need Not Be Ugly Greg Giauque LiteTouch

Apr 2002

 Technology can be scary at times. And I'm not just talking about the technical stuff! Luckily, a home's technology doesn't need to be intimidating or ugly. The fact is that there are enough options out there to get just about anything you want. So, no matter what kind of home controls you end up going with, make sure they give you the kind of functionality, ease of use and aesthetics you're looking for.
Leviton DHC Switches Bob Hetherington

Apr 2002

 These units are designed to control incandescent and low-voltage lighting loads in any DHC-equipped home in single-pole (one location) or 3-way (multi-location) applications when used with the Multi-Remote Unit. They offer manual and remote ON/OFF switching and full range dimming for larger incandescent and magnetic low-voltage lighting loads. They feature Leviton’s new Intellisense(tm) advanced circuitry for increased reliability, even where electrical "noise" exists on the power line.
CEBus Products from EGi Ron Horton EGi

Oct 2000

 EGi (Emerald Gateway International) has been creating products using CEBus technology since 1996. In that time, EGi has built a reputation for creating visionary products and, along with parent company DSC, is establishing itself as a leader in bridging the gap between home security and home automation.
HA in Real Time Dora Carter CIC, Inc.

Jun 2000

 The future is actually here, now. Some CIC members have product available where you can actually control the blinds, lights, thermostat and security system in your home from a remote location such as a personal computer in your office hooked to the Internet or via your cell phone.
Two-Way Lamp and Appliance Modules with Status Polling, Automatic Status Response, and Automatic Gai Dave Rye

Apr 1999

 These Two-Way Modules can be controlled using standard X-10 commands such as A1-ON. They are therefore compatible with the entire range of existing X-10 controllers. However when used with the CM11A Two-Way Computer Interface and ActiveHome software they can be polled for, or automatically transmit their status. Technical Sidebar below (for programmers who want to develop applications that take advantage of the advanced features of these Two-Way Modules) THEORY OF OPERATION OF TWO-WAY LAMP AND APPLIANCE MODULES
Simplifying A/V controls with the 'Smart Housekeeper' Jeff Vogel Smart Electronics Corporation

Apr 1999
SceneMaster Lighting Control System

Feb 1999

 Powerline Control Systems' SceneMaster system allows multiple lights to be set to various dim levels creating single room or whole house lighting scenes with one command. With 4 switches you can implement a complete single room four light system. No central controller is necessary, only one transmitter and the appropriate number of PCS receivers.
Product Review - UK LIGHT SWITCH LW10U MARK McCALL

Feb 1999

 The switch does NOT require a neutral wire. The majority of the rest of European countries (German, France etc) all seem to have their lighting circuits wired differently to the UK (they DO need a neutral wire) and so we couldn't use their switches. The switch will control (and dim) incandescent lights from 60W to 300W.
X-10 has made their Remote Controlled Screw-In Lamp Module more compact Dave Rye

Dec 1998

 The fact that the LM15A remembers the code even after the power is removed means that you can set up the code in any convenient indoor lamp and then move the module to its final location, which might be in an outside light fixture for example. This means you don't have to install it outside and then run in and out of the house while setting it up.
Leviton 6343 Universal Dimmer Switch

Nov 1998

 All in all, this is the nicest X-10 switch that I have seen or used so far (haven't tested PCS or Smartlinc yet though). The switch retails for about $75. I'm almost ready to swap out all of those old pushbuttons and this may be the switch that does it for me.
LC-6-X10 Appys Beau Wadsworth

Dec 1997

 "In the most common application, the board takes input from a driveway sensor and turns on lighting when a car approaches the house. This is where the LC-6-X10's photocell and built in timer are very useful features"
X-10 Myths & Realities Dave Rye

Oct 1997

 "Myth: X-10 can't transmit analog data. / Reality: X-10 currently has systems installed (which X-10 developed for Honeywell) employing PLC transmission of both temperature and light levels transmitted using X-10 protocols after A to D conversion."
Two-Way Lamp and Appliance Modules with Status Polling Dave Rye

Aug 1997
HomeVision - Version 2.4 HTINews Review

Aug 1997
Automating on a Tight Budget Jonathan Somers

Aug 1997
Stargate - Demo Version HTINews Review

Apr 1997
Home Automation Safety Keith R. Zanchi

Apr 1997
HomAtion 2000 - Version 3.0 HTINews Review

Apr 1997
X-10's Active Home Brian Abernathy

Oct 1996
HOME AUTOMATION AND X-10 Bob Hetherington

Oct 1996

 Let me try to clear up some confusion about home automation. It doesn't have to be complicated and expensive to get started automating some of your existing home's systems. X-10 has been around for many years and provides an inexpensive way to get started. If you're worried about obsolescence then consider this. Compare X-10 for home automation to DOS for computing. X-10 is established as the standard and is widely used and supported in the industry. As new technology arrives (i.e. CEBUS / WINDOWS) it will create new markets for products which can interface with X-10 and just as DOS has remained as the backbone of computing so will X-10 remain as the simplest form of home automation. The beauty of X-10 is that you can start with the basics and expand at your own pace by adding equipment without having to backtrack and replace what you've already installed. Re-wiring isn't necessary since you don't have to wire in the first place (X-10 operates via your existing house wiring). Let's break down a home automation system into it's components to better understand how it works and how an X-10 system can be built up using basic skills.

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