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Home
Automation
Via
your PC |
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| For decades home automation has been
a techno-dream that never really came true. It has either been
a hobbyist passion or a luxury for the rich. Now in a single
unit comes the basis for a complete system for controlling devices
anywhere in the house without wiring or expensive installation.
It is based on X-10 mains-borne signaling and can be set up
on a standard PC. |
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| X-10 offer a starter kit which will
demonstrate the remarkable capabilities of this technology.
It comprises an X-10 Universal Computer Interface, ActiveHome
software and two modules which will remotely control a lamp
and an appliance. Installation and basic operations are very
simple. The Interface is plugged into the mains, and a cable
from it is connected to the serial port of the PC, The software
is loaded from a CD ROM. |
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| X-10 home automation works by codes being sent
from the computer interface through the mains wiring to a specific
module. Each module has a rotary switch which is set to give
it an individual address code. When this code is received by
the module it is able to obey a command. The range of commands
that can be sent through the mains wiring to the lamp module
include: |
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- on/off at particular times of day
- on/off at particular days at particular times
- timed light dimming, by a selected amount
- timed light dimming for a period, followed by full on or off
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ActiveHome
software is compatible with Windows 3.1 and '95. It has an easy-to-follow
intuitive graphical display representing switches, modules and time
and date settings. A group of commands (macros) can be set up to create
schedules of timed events which are then loaded into the computer
interface. Once programmed, the interface can be safely disconnected.
(Back up batteries ensure that the macro and built-in time clock setting
are kept in its memory. The Interface is plugged into a convenient
mains socket. The lamp module is plugged into a socket in any chosen
room, and a lamp plugged into it. To demonstrate home automation with
this starter kit, a simple macro can be created to operate the lamp
at several different times, on different days. |
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There is no doubt that the potential of X-10 technology
is best discovered by using it. The basic kit provides the chance
to explore what the interface can do. Then you can decide what specific
modules and other items you need to buy. Every item in the X-10 range
is compatible, allowing systems to be expanded at any time. |
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Apart from light modules, there are appliance modules
which can control electrical equipment such as garage doors, or even
the early morning kettle! Once the home is fitted with the required
range of modules, a wide range of macro events can be created on the
PC. Several set to come on individually throughout the day - either
for convenience, or to make an empty house look lived-in and provide
a powerful deterrent against burglary. The Interface also has a learning
capability so that macros can be created automatically in response
to manual switching, to mimic the regular pattern of use of lights
and equipment |
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In the coming months the range of X-10 products will
increase considerably. But already everything is available to enable
anyone to make a substantial start. At last Home Automation is becoming
an affordable, non-technical reality! |
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Also, in the coming issues, we will show examples as
to how the ActiveHome system can be used to provide Convenvience &
Security in your home. |
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