Geek Pad Part 3 - Interface Shminterface
By Art Stein - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This month we're going to cover the interfaces to the automation system. x10 Remotes We're going to break up the different types of interfaces for control of the system, we'll consider them the main courses. 1.) Simple Keypad Remote Control 2.) Motion Sensor Control 2.) PDA Remote Control 3.) Touchscreen Remote Control We are going to visit part 1 today because that part of the interface system is pretty much completed. Simple keypad remotes are native to X10 devices. To use the touchpad or wallpad remotes, all you need is a tranciever module, an X10 module (either lamp or appliance), and of course the keypad or touchpad remote itself. All of these devices are available from x10.com or even some home improvement stores.  Wallpad An example usage for this type of system would be when you have no wall switch to control lights in a room. This is the case in my house and how my home automation quest got it's start. For example, I have a wallpad remote next to the bedroom door that can control up to 3 devices in the bedroom. The pad could directly turn on or off the bedroom's devices, but I decided to let the computer do it instead. The computer gets the command from the wallpad through a tranciever module, then runs an event that turns on the bedroom lights. Part of the reason I let the computer trigger the lighting is due to the fact that the motion sensor for the tracking system would be triggering the same event. So, basically now I have 2 ways to have the bedroom lights turn on and off. I can let the tracking system turn on the lights or I can "manually" use the wallpad by the door. One of the biggest advantages to using the wallpad in tandem with the computer is the fact that instead of just controlling 3 devices on and off, you can program events into the computer that can be triggered by either the on or off commands from the wallpad. Sounds pretty simple huh? Well, hop on out to the home improvement store or jump online and get yourself a wallpad, a tranceiver and a module and try it out for yourself. You'll find for very few dollars and a little bit of time that you'll be well on your way to building your first home automation system. Next month we're going to get into Motion Sensors and their wonderful usefulness! Until then, this is Automan (aka Artstein), wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays! |