Home Automation advice

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Brainbugg

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Hi Guys

I'm a huge iGeek, Apple Fanboy and lover of Gadgets. I've recently moved into a new house and I would like to some advice on how I can make it an iHouse and automate things around the house.

I'm open for suggestions because at this stage I'm clueless of what is possible. I don't have much spare $$$ so it will have to be on a budget and build up over time.

Thanks

Cheers
 
There's no such thing as automating on the cheap. Then again, that depends on your definition of automation and what sort of technical knowledge you have. If you can do a lot of the stuff yourself, it'll help to save some money.
The sky really is the limit though. It could refer to having lights follow your movements, power saving features for your airconditioner for when nobody is in the house, access control or giving you the ability to turn items on or off from anywhere in the house. You really need to be a bit more specific.
 
Brainbugg said:
Hi Guys

I'm a huge iGeek, Apple Fanboy and lover of Gadgets. I've recently moved into a new house and I would like to some advice on how I can make it an iHouse and automate things around the house.

I'm open for suggestions because at this stage I'm clueless of what is possible. I don't have much spare $$$ so it will have to be on a budget and build up over time.

Thanks

Cheers
Click to expand...

Hmm, I don't know about the i-ecosystem but it is supposedly very good so it should be very possible. I looked into it for my android phone and tablet and thought about buying a arduino board.

Here are some links you might be interested in:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Control-anything-with-your-smartphone-and-a-Arduin/
http://www.fort777.co.za/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=800_1234
http://www.netram.co.za/vmchk/Arduino.html
 
iDevices aren't exactly cheap, don't expect iAutomation devices to be any cheaper... You will probably end up spending a lot of money to implement basic features in your home. Is it really worthwhile?
 
Wait for the android lights and products, might end up begin cheaper as they will all use a wireless signal?

The only things i could think of that might be useful in home automation would be the lights and maybe curtains. program the curtains to open 5min before your alarm goes off to help you wake up naturally.
 
Saw this yesterday: http://www.nest.com/

Fascinating insight into how automation really can make a difference. Not really applicable here in ZA, but more thought along those lines could really make a difference.
 
Thanks for this topic, i really love DIY and have been thinking about this for a while, so just something to add a bit of fuel to my fire!
 
If you are from South Africa the best will be to play first with gadgets relating with home security. Like automatic lights, gates, doors (garage), electric fencing, IP cameras (if you have the cash). The nice part is your insurance premium will drop considerably. Shop around a bit if you have to. Mine did and now I can check what my dogs and house keeper are doing from anywhere in the world. You'll be surprised how usefull that is.
 
Scooby_Doo said:
...

The only things i could think of that might be useful in home automation would be the lights and maybe curtains. program the curtains to open 5min before your alarm goes off to help you wake up naturally.
Click to expand...

Lool, in addition to that, the kettle or coffee machine could go on.

I enjoyed seeing the Wallace and Gromit films.. they are fun and a bit far-fetched, but very clever.

Fully automated houses I've "seen" in europe, have every possible aspect automated, including water, plugs, lights, security (camera's too) system, aircon, everything. So they can turn taps on and off, give warnings if taps are left on, etc etc.
But they they go and have an XP box running the whole thing... my worries... what happens if your home is hacked into, when it's fully automated? Not a nice thought. :erm:
 
Buy a PIC and a PIC programming kit... read the PIC's datasheet - and sky's the limit really.

Nowadays, if you have a little time, and a little technical knowledge (well, actually, you just need to read a little and you are golden), all well be well :). ha ha.
 
Depends on your perception of automation. Most important part would be a CAT6 network with points at TV's and a good wireless setup. Most of the new LED/LCD tv's have network ports and allow for some cool functionality. Most of these and other AV equipment is controllable via apple apps. Also look into airplay. It's apple's wireless streaming protocol. DVR's with web interfaces are also dirt cheap nowadays if you want to install some cameras and view your home remotely. Their are some cool things you can do without spending the world.
 
I started some basic home automation projects in my flat in Pretoria. Current system setup is around R700 :)
 
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