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command aliases

August 22, 2014, 8:28 am
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From time to time I am using email to send command to idratek. I wonder if is it possible to create command aliases to make it simplier (not always have in mind all object names ;) )?
For example command alias 'open gate' cold trigger gate engine sending puls on command.
I am curious if is it possible to create schedule event by sending email to idratek?
Qba
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Struggling with AUI connections

August 23, 2014, 2:15 pm
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Finally got around to fitting the AUI at the door and have so managed to get the visitor calls behaviour all setup, establishing an internal intercom session works and my door strike is successfully working with the accept visitor action. I've even got a few squeezeboxes reducing volume temporarily and resetting to default volume after the intercom session has ended, all very slick!

Where I'm struggling however is creating an intercom session over skype. Once I answer the skype call on my phone the connection is immediately dropped. I have my connections set up as follows... ( I've tried to include any screenshots that I think may be relevant )






The sequence of events is

  1. door bell push
  2. Door intercom state changes to broadcast rx (presumably as the visitor calls sound is being broadcast)
  3. Door intercom state changes to hands free
  4. Door intercom cycles between rx and shutdown (presumably as the skype ring tone is intermittently broadcast)
  5. Finally I answer the phone and then the intercom state goes to close conversation and the skype connection is dropped


If I disable broadcast reception on the door intercom object the same occurs except the state remains hands free with no cycling between rx and shutdown.

I can't for the life of me work out what is going on. I can succesfully create a skype call to my phone/other family members via an internal panel via a skype menu. I'm thinking perhaps the skype object may need to be in same room as the AUI? Anybody any ideas?

Thanks in advance

Andy
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Delta -8 superseeded ?

August 24, 2014, 8:36 am
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Hi All,

I think the Delta-8 system came out in 2008 to provide integrated bt,tv & network functionality over single cable. Are there any single products that offer the same functionality or better ?

Many Thanks,
Paul.
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Is Z Wave suitable for my building Heating Control Project ?

August 26, 2014, 9:09 am
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I am looking at adding some automation to the control of the heating system into our work building. We occupied this 6 year old building last Summer so have experienced the challenges last winter of controlling its temperature with the very limited controls currently fitted to the system.

I am determined to have a better situation this Winter , so Ive started looking at some of what is available and have focused in on Z Wave sensors, switches and controllers etc. I can see that there is quite a range of Z Wave products available but I coultnt find any sensors for measuring boiler water temperature.....either a thermocouple type probe to insert into the piping or something that could be fixed to the outside of a pipe ??

My system comprises

An Oil fired boiler, circulating hot water to areas 1 & 2 below (pump runs when boiler is powered)
Hot water is circulated to area 3 by an additional pump, operated by a manual switch.

1. Workshop area heated by 2 fan assisted radiator type ceiling height heaters
2. Showroom area heated by 2 fan assisted radiator type ceiling height heaters
3. Office / other space heated by regular radiators.

Currently the only controls are

Boiler: A 7 day timer controlling the boiler on / off + onboard jacket water temp thermostst

1. Workshop : A 24 hr (basic manual 1/4 hr ) Timer controlling the 2 Air Fans on / Off
2. Showroom: A 24 hr (basic manual 1/4 hr ) Timer controlling the Air Fan on / Off
3. Office Some TRV's

There are no air temp thermostats fitted anywhere in the building
Area 2)... Showroom has large windows and gets a lot of heat from sun on bright days

I can see how I can greatly improve the situation by having some more intelegent control, by installing ;

A Controller capable of remote control
A Wall Thermostat in each of the 3 “Zones “ above....workshop / Showroom / Office
A Boiler receiver unit (or 2 channel receiver....boiler & Office area circ pump)
Some Radiator Thermostat Valves

I need to be able to monitor the circ water temperature also, and while I could switch the fan s on heaters on / off by wiring in a pipestat in series with the power to these....Im wondering can I do this wirelessly by a wireless water temp sensor ?
Currently the 24 hr timer will run the fans blowing cold air if water circ temp is not sufficient.

Also, how best can I incorporate the external temperature into my system to allow different start up times depending on the outside temp ?

I would appreciate any pointers on this project.

Many Thanks
Tom
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For Sale: Press and Pass: Garage Door Smartphone Opener!

August 27, 2014, 6:18 am
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Hi there,

I have seen a few questions circulating around about iPhone / Android controlled garage door openers, therefore i thought i would share our product with you all.

The device is a GOGOGate garage door opener which you can find here: http://buy.pressandpass.co.uk/produc...device&cPath=1!

Features:
- Video Recording / CCTV compatible
- Open your garage from anywhere in the world
- Unlimited Users
- Guest access
- One device controls - 3 garage doors

PM me on the forum for additional discount for automatedhome forum users only!
£150 + £10 P&P

--
Press & Pass: Open your garage door Via Smartphone (iPhone / Android and Windows)
http://www.pressandpass.co.uk - http://buy.pressandpass.co.uk/index.php?cPath=1

Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/PressandpassUK
Like us on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pressandpass
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Right HA solution for app development

August 28, 2014, 4:42 am
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Hey all,
I've been following HA stuff for years, but being a renter there's not been much I can do (properly anyway).
I'll be buying a house next year and want to start to experiment. Currently I'm looking at the MiCassaVerde with the LightwaveRF module addon, or Mac orientated with Indigo (both Zwave and LightwaveRF).

Ideally I want something open, than I can add stuff as I wish (I code in Python at work, various other scripting languages over the years, but nothing useful. I'm going to start learning Java and objective-C again soon) So I'd want to be able to add plugins, or at least my own control interface and communication with network controlled stuff.

Based on that, do you guys/girls have any thoughts on the two that I've mentioned, or a possible alternative that would be the best thing to start with that would allow me to extend it if needed. I just wanted to get feedback from actual users rather than marketing schpeal. The Verde's UI7 looks promising if it ever comes out.

Thanks
Christian

P.s. I was looking at Fibaro, but the Lite version doesn't allow Lua coding :( Maybe the HC2 would be better..
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Playstation Automation

August 30, 2014, 9:06 am
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Hi,
I have a Z-Wave setup with IR Blaster etc. to control Sky box and TV remotely.

How does the Playstation 3 get turned on? Obviously the PS button on the controller is pressed and it starts up. Is this Bluetooth? WiFi? RF?

Is there anything out there, preferably Z-Wave compatible, that can turn the PS3 console on and off remotely without using the controller?
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xap livebox portable installation to dockstar

August 31, 2014, 1:46 am
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bonjour

many thanks for this project

at this moment some fonction work but

lua wont work !

pluboard log .....

lua: /usr/share/lua/5.1/xap/init.lua:15: module 'socket' not found:
no field package.preload['socket']
no file './socket.lua'
no file '/usr/local/share/lua/5.1/socket.lua'
no file '/usr/local/share/lua/5.1/socket/init.lua'
no file '/usr/local/lib/lua/5.1/socket.lua'
no file '/usr/local/lib/lua/5.1/socket/init.lua'
no file '/usr/share/lua/5.1/socket.lua'
no file '/usr/share/lua/5.1/socket/init.lua'
no file './socket.so'
no file '/usr/local/lib/lua/5.1/socket.so'
no file '/usr/lib/lua/5.1/socket.so'
no file '/usr/local/lib/lua/5.1/loadall.so'
stack traceback:
[C]: in function 'require'
/usr/share/lua/5.1/xap/init.lua:15: in main chunk
[C]: in function 'require'
/etc/plugboard/plugboard.lua:5: in main chunk
[C]: ?
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Automated lighting for home

August 31, 2014, 11:42 am
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Hello, I require some help with my home lighting. I am new to home automaton.

I wish to install some outside lighting around my property. Switching no more than 500w. I wish to control on a key fob from within my car. There will be 2 fobs in total. I would like the receiver inside the property. RF controlled?

I would like to be able to control as I enter and leave the drive using the fob. I would also like these to switch off after a timed period. Let's say 5 minutes. The lights will also be PIR controlled individually. So they light up when I go outside into the back yard for example.

I plan on wiring the lights in 3 core and earth from the DB looping in and out to the last light. 4 lights in total. Having a permanent live for the PIR and a switched live for the key fob timed control.

I need help with regards what materials I need, and where to source these. Any other help is appreciated.

Regards

Richard
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Channel 4 Seeks Home Automation Cases for 4oD Shorts

September 5, 2014, 8:35 am
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I'm working on a series of short films exclusive to Channel 4oD, called Home Truths. The series looks at our relationship with our homes, and we're featuring an array of stories - from people rebuilding their home after flooding - to people living on a narrow boat. See www.channel4.com/programmes/home-truths/

As part of the story line up we're really keen to feature a person/persons living in a 'smart' 'connected' home. We would love people to show us what systems they have installed, technology, gadgets, apps, and talk about how those have enriched their lives or made their home lives easier or just more fun!

Perhaps you are gadget obsessed, love staying up to date with home technology, or employ automation to make your life easier. Do you have a long suffering partner? Or are you both obsessed with automation?

If you'd like to get in touch to discuss the project, please call Sam on 0207 453 4308. Or email sam.phillips@atomized.tv or Tweet @samphil79

Thanks very much!
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Magnetic switch for cupboard light

September 12, 2014, 8:13 am
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Hi,
I really am clueless when it comes to electrics but am hoping for some help. I have a large storage cupboard in my hall which has a power socket in it. I want to get a couple of LED light stips, mount one to the top of the cupboard and one underneath the shelf to illuminate the cupboard. I'd also like a magnetic switch so when I open the door, the light comes on automatically, like wise, turns off when I shut the door. I've had a look on Amazon but I don't know what to search for. Also I have no idea how to do any form or wiring (I would give it a go if I had instructions). Is there a kit that I can get which plugs into the mains that can do what I'm trying to achieve?
Many thanks,
James
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Honeywell hometronic HCC80R floor stat for wooden floor

September 12, 2014, 9:29 am
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Hi,

I have just had a new engineered wooden floor fitted over wet under floor heating. The manifold is controlled by an HCC80R which talks to my hometronic controller and an HCF82 wireless room stat. The floor company say it is essential to install a high temperature stat in the floor as well as the room stat to prevent the surface temperature getting too high and damaging the floor. Is there a good work-round to do this as I don't think the HCC80R has floor stat inputs. I am thinking maybe put some kind of floor stat between the output of the HCC80R and the actuators. Unfortunately I only have CAT5 cable between the floor stat possible location and the manifold location so it would need to be a low voltage or wireless floor stat.

Tim
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Altering the Room Occupied Timeout value

September 14, 2014, 3:50 pm
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Hi All,

I have a number of QLD/QRIs setup running from a combination of motion sensors and switches.
I have found that I have a requirement to be able to periodically alter the Room "Occupied time out" parameter. For example in the bathroom I would like to set the timeout value to a large value during the day/early evening to accommodate bath time but would like to reset this to a much shorter value through the night for those early hour visits to the loo.
I have looked into doing this via a macro or scheduled event but have had no luck. Is this possible at all?

Regards

Mark
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Multiple Power failure detection - Pointers for a newbee

September 16, 2014, 12:17 pm
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Hi

I need to detect multiple power failures, from 1 to maybe 20 different circuits and be able to show which circuits have tripped and which ones are still active.
The "sensors" need to be plugin and the "control" box portable, testing may last 5 mines to a couple of hours max
The sensors have to be battery powered as I can't run wires everywhere.
Transmission range is a problem, the units could be 3 or 4 floors apart and have to go through up to 3 feet thick stone walls (Live in France) or concrete slabs with metal re-enforcing.

I initially thought of using wireless alarm system, loads of magnetic door detectors modified with 230V relays - cheap from aliexpress
but you get what you pay for and not sure if the alarm control panel would display which individual "zone" have been triggered in any meaningful
way plus the thick walls would be a problem.

So looking into ZWave and mesh networking, possible using RFXCOM usb unit and Domotiga on a laptop - The problem is that the sensors I've found all cost around £30-£40, a bit too expensive for me

So maybe Zeenodes (RFM12 modules) and Arduino/Raspberry Pi route - more flexible, more time programming, more fun maybe but not sure if
the range problem can be fix

So another option is Zigbee with Arduino/Raspberry Pi ?? - Appears to be latest greatest option at the moment, cheap RF bits but a lot more work in programming I think ??

Or ???


I've programmed 8051 chips (assembler/PLM 51) in a pass life and years of building electronic stuff since I was 13 but not done anything for a few years since so a bit out of date on the latest techno especially RF

If I can get something working reliable, I might need to control relays in the sensor units at a later date so a 2 way system is really needed.

Can anyone comment on a possible best direction to take ?

Leigh
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Bathroom Automation

September 18, 2014, 7:17 am
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Hi. I am a bathroom deisgner and fitter and I am interested in getting into smarter bathrooms. I do not have much background in this subject although I have done some research online. I was wondering is it viable for me to learn myself or would sub-contracting someone more experienced in the field be a better option. Thanks
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Is automation coming to the masses?

September 23, 2014, 7:57 am
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With Apple trying to get into the game and Logitech broadening their controls with MyHarmony, is home automation going mainstream?
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Very dark threshold

September 27, 2014, 1:57 am
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Hi All,

I use the Dark threshold to set certain outdoor lights into action (such as house number signs etc), and is used for twilight.

However I'd like another threshold such as a "Very Dark threshold" such that it would then action the closure of black out blinds / curtains etc (where closing them earlier isn't really appropriate).

What's the best way to do this without a Very Dark threshold available (I have some thoughts, but I think they might be a bit kludgy)?

Thanks in advance,

Marcus
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Honeywell evohome and Warmup electric underfloor heating?

September 29, 2014, 7:09 am
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Hi everyone,

I'm new here and came across this forum after researching into Honeywell's evohome heating system. I have now bought it along with 4 x TRVs and the only question I have is if anyone knows if/how I can get it working with my Warmup electric underfloor heating in the bathroom.

I've searched online for details about this but have not come up with much. I've seen sensibleheat.co.uk seem to provide something to do this, but I'm not entirely sure what this is and it looks like you have to use some kind of different firmware on your evohome for this?

If anyone can point me in the right direction or provide any other help, that would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
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Remote control of hot water immersion heaters

October 2, 2014, 2:03 pm
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I am looking to control two hot water immersion heaters, one attached to the peak supply and one to the off-speak supply on an Economy 7 meter. It is a holiday house (and let out), so the main objective is to be able to turn the hot water on an off from a smart phone over the internet, but this also means it has to be a simple, low maintenance system.

I have been looking at the Insteon load controller (http://www.insteon.com/2477SA1-load-controller-NO.html) but I can't find anyone in the UK selling it, so I am guessing there is not a UK version (I understand they operate on a different frequency to the US version). Is this right?

What other brands should I be looking at? The tried Owl but they don't have anything that switches a load at this current.

Any pointers would be very much appreciated!
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GU10 LEDs for LD11s

October 4, 2014, 11:42 am
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I've been replacing halogen GU10s around the house as and when I could afford them (and had the time to convert from 12v back to 240v). After a bit of experimenting I settled on Crompton GU10s because I liked the brightness (500 candela), the temperature (3000k) and the spread (50°).

I bought another batch this weekend to convert two bathrooms. Stupidly I completely forgot that these two rooms are controlled by X10 LD11s.

It was only after I fitted the lamps and discovered I had a disco in the room with flashing lights (and that's before I'd even switched them on!) that O remembered about the LD11s.

So after a bit of reading around both here and other sites I'm still not entirely sure this problem is solvable? Each room has 5 down-lighters so a total of just 30W which is way below the recommended minimum for an LD11. However I've read some posts that suggest Megaman or Brightlightz 5W GU10s work okay with LD11s. However are they using them 10 or more lamps to get the wattage up over 60W? I'd hate to go an spend another 100 quid or so on 10 GU10s to find they don't work. Also both those are not as bright and are whiter than the Cromptons. Can anyone help with a recommendation please? Thanks...
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