Which controller?

Hi everybody,

I have a question that was probably addressed in this forum, but I
could find a answer that I like.

I have a background in electronics and programming, but don't know
noting of home automation (have order some books !).

I'm looking for a home automation controller to my new bough house. I
want a cheap but reliable system. For now, my main objectives are to
control some X10 devices, the irrigation system and to control or
implement a security system (more on this latter). I would like the
controller to be expandable, by the addition of new plug-in modules
and/or by implementing a network of modules (rs-485 or similar). I
think this will give me plenty of room to play in the future. On the
software side, I also would like to be able to program the system
using linux and open source tools.

I think that the alternatives are a “of the shelf” semi-professional
system (Ocelot?), some sort of kit or DIY system like the HSC_II (or
HSC_C?) and a SBC, but since I don't now noting about this subject and
reviewing all the systems on the market today would take me forever, I
would appreciate the opinion of you all.

Finally, one other question: what are the advantages /disadvantages of
using an separated security system, as opposed to integrate the
security system in the H.A. controller.

Regards,

José Mariano

My vote is for the JDS Stargate. It will do everything you mention.
www.jdstechnologies.com


"jmariano" <jmariano65@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:96b26185-5580-4715-b88d-15a3233bfa1a@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
Hi everybody,

I have a question that was probably addressed in this forum, but I
could find a answer that I like.

I have a background in electronics and programming, but don't know
noting of home automation (have order some books !).

I'm looking for a home automation controller to my new bough house. I
want a cheap but reliable system. For now, my main objectives are to
control some X10 devices, the irrigation system and to control or
implement a security system (more on this latter). I would like the
controller to be expandable, by the addition of new plug-in modules
and/or by implementing a network of modules (rs-485 or similar). I
think this will give me plenty of room to play in the future. On the
software side, I also would like to be able to program the system
using linux and open source tools.

I think that the alternatives are a “of the shelf” semi-professional
system (Ocelot?), some sort of kit or DIY system like the HSC_II (or
HSC_C?) and a SBC, but since I don't now noting about this subject and
reviewing all the systems on the market today would take me forever, I
would appreciate the opinion of you all.

Finally, one other question: what are the advantages /disadvantages of
using an separated security system, as opposed to integrate the
security system in the H.A. controller.

Regards,

José Mariano

I would suggest the Homevision or Homevision Pro controller. See:
http://www.csi3.com/homevis2.htm

Watch eBay, one comes up every so often.

On Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:59:42 -0700 (PDT), jmariano <jmariano65@gmail.com>
wrote in message
<96b26185-5580-4715-b88d-15a3233bfa1a@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>:

>Hi everybody,
>
>I have a question that was probably addressed in this forum, but I
>could find a answer that I like.
>
>I have a background in electronics and programming, but don't know
>noting of home automation (have order some books !).
>
>I'm looking for a home automation controller to my new bough house. I
>want a cheap but reliable system. For now, my main objectives are to
>control some X10 devices, the irrigation system and to control or
>implement a security system (more on this latter).

I would like the
>controller to be expandable, by the addition of new plug-in modules
>and/or by implementing a network of modules (rs-485 or similar). I
>think this will give me plenty of room to play in the future. On the
>software side, I also would like to be able to program the system
>using linux and open source tools.
>
>I think that the alternatives are a “of the shelf” semi-professional
>system (Ocelot?), some sort of kit or DIY system like the HSC_II (or
>HSC_C?) and a SBC, but since I don't now noting about this subject and
>reviewing all the systems on the market today would take me forever, I
>would appreciate the opinion of you all.
>
>Finally, one other question: what are the advantages /disadvantages of
>using an separated security system, as opposed to integrate the
>security system in the H.A. controller.
>
>Regards,
>
>José Mariano


Take a look at the Elk M1 family.
http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/m1main.htm

It is relatively easy to interface to, is moderately priced, well thought out
very expandable, and implements security well (Elk is/was a security
company.)

It is widely supported by commercial HA software (HomeSeer, Charmed Quark,
Main Lobby)

There is much enthusiasm and support from a wide range of DIYers. For
example, visit www.cocoontech.com

It is also the basis of some Linux-based Home Automation systems:

http://mirror.linux.org.au/pub/linux...automation.pdf
http://www.linuxha.com/ElkM1/index.html
http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=8920

HTH ... Marc

Marc_F_Hult
www.ECONtrol.org
Visit my Home Automation and Electronics Porch Sale at
www.ECOntrol.org/porchsale.htm