Home Automation DIY

If you already have (or planning to buy) ISY-99i Home Automation Controller with PLM ($339), then interfaceGO Software ($119.95) will convert your Nokia N800 or N810 touch panel remote control into a “thumb-friendly, wireless, customizable, versatile”, in other words, very sexy INSTEON Home Automation Controller.

“The interfaceGO interface allows you to create your own hierarchy of folders and controls. You create the layout and choose which buttons you want and where. Create a custom layout to match the touch panel’s location, or your own personal preference. The graphical user interface (GUI) is designed for easy control without a pen. On-screen buttons are large, easy to press, and easy to read.”

interfaceGO software currently only supports the Panasonic network cameras. The software will take a still image from the webcam, from a URL you specify, and refresh the image every 5 seconds. Other webcams that provide a still image URL may work as well.

interfaceGO software is also available for PC for a mere $49.95, so you can convert that Tablet/UMPC of yours to an even sexier INSTEON controller.

Just in time for the holidays Smarthome presents Light Show Master 2.0 Holiday Lighting Control Software ($99.99), which allows you to create animated lighting displays synced to music.

Using an INSTEON PowerLinc Modem, sold separately, you can program custom lighting sequences that allow you to turn your lights on and off and also fade them up and down according to the music of your choice. You can specify an unlimited number of show “events” that can span minutes, hours, days, or even years.

Here’s a link to a video (WMV) of Light Show Master in action. It’s not as impressive as those Metacafe videos down below (after the break), but you are free to improvise. May be your light show will win an Oscar.

(more…)

Please raise your hand if you think that iPhone/iPod Touch is an ideal platform for remote control of any kind. Yes, I thought so too. It’s portable, fits well in your hand, has crisp and bright display, has multitude of communication methods and last but not least — it’s always by your side.

And it seems that industry gets it too. Apple’s AppStore and CE trade shows are getting flooded with all kinds of software that might be used to simplify and unify control of all your home systems including lighting, media, temperature control, security, video surveillance, etc. Some applications use native iPhone SDK and some provide web-based approach. Here you will find the most comprehensive list of iPhone/iPod Touch software for home automation and related areas.

Note: This post is a work in progress, and it will be updated as new software titles are being released or discovered, so swing by often.

Many application links below lead directly to the product page in iTunes store, so you should have iTunes installed on your system to open the link. If you do not have iTunes yet, a link to free iTunes download will open instead.

1. ILoveControl ($3 Lite/$30) - supports Crestron/AMX systems with up to 16 zones of A/V, lighting and more.
2. iMyHome (Free/$38) - controls OpenWebNetprotocol-based BTicino systems.
3. CF iViewer (Free) - controls most systems that support TCP/IP communications (Crestron/AMX/Control4/Global Cache).
4. ROSIE Home Automation ($200) - controls Savant’s ROSIE systems.
5. H@me (Free) - controls HAI’s Omni and Lumina systems.
6. Insteon Tracker (Free) - doesn’t control anything, but allows you to catalog all X10/Insteon devices.
7. Luminair ($99) - Not really a home automation software, unless you have a disco room with Art-Net compatible DMX lighting.
8. iDoControl ($12) - controls iDo Automation-based residential and commercial building automation systems.
9. eKeypad Plus ($10/$45) - mobile keypad that (dis)arms Elk M1 Gold security and home automation system.
10. iRa Pro ($900) - controls IP-based surveillance equipment, such as AXIS, Pelco D, etc.

(more…)

SpeakerCraft, Crestron, Savant among companies with iPhone support.

Remember the iPod invasion? Now that it’s faster and runs applications, welcome to the iPhone invasion.

Apple’s iPhone, originally launched in 2007 with a second-gen model released in July, will increasingly be integrated into your clients’ home control and automation systems, thanks to its feature-set and wireless capabilities.

Many companies offered iPhone interfaces for applications (basically Web sites that the phone could log on to and interact with), but with the launch of the Application Store, the iPhone has turned into a wireless platform host to a number of control options.

While third-party developers are getting in on the act, a number of custom big-wigs have already announced iPhone support.

So when your clients begin asking you for integration with their new iPhones, will you be able to comply?

We sure hope so. We’ve rounded up some of the first iPhone applications and interfaces available.

Click here to view the 7 iPhone applications and interfaces for custom installation systems.

Source: CE Pro