Total Home Automation

LED Sources

I have been installing a lot of Compact Fluorescent lights in my home, but have become more and more impressed with the LED technology coming out.  Some of the companies with the best gear seem to be hiding under a rock, so I will try to keep an active list of the ones I like the best.  These include:

• GVA Lighting - http://www.gvalighting.com
• IO Lighting - http://www.iolighting.com
• LED Tronics - http://www.ledtronics.com/
• Lighting Science - http://www.lsgc.com (Great bulbs for replacement of existing lights)
• LED Lighting Fixtures - http://www.ledlightingfixtures.com/ - can lights
• PermLight - http://www.permlight.com/ - can lights
• Prescolite - http://www.prescolite.com/ - Commercial lighting

It is important when you are looking at these lights to pay attention to Lumen output/watt.  I always want to tie this back to conventional lights (i.e. how many lumens is a 60 watt light), but the other reason to pay attention to Lumens is it gives you a real sense of the savings.  LEDs are changing quick, and you will want to find the most Lumen output/watt so you can get the most savings.  Remember, these things last for 40K+ hours so you are making a long term investment.  More lumens means more payoff.

Monitoring Energy

In an effort to be more proactive in monitoring energy, I am installing a monitoring device onto my Utility meter.  There is a technology called "Pulse Output" used by utility companies to allow a owner to monitor energy usage.  The pulse refers to the basic technology of a relay clicking each time a certain amount of Kw s used.  It probably comes from the old spin dials actually tripping a relay.  Everything is electronic now, but they still use the basic pulse signal to denote a certain amount of energy usage.  A Pulse output is also referred to as "KYZ".  Getting this type of output is common in industrial settings, it is very uncommon in residential.

My general notion is that if I can monitor all my energy usage by the minute, and then overlay things like air conditioning on/off state, then I will overtime have an understanding of total energy usage and its drivers.

The KYZ output has 3 leads - K, Y and Z.  The K is a common lead.  Y is open except at the moment of the pules.  Z is closed, but opens on a pulse.  I bought a Advantech Adam 6051 Distributed IO module.  This unit has multiple digital inputs, but also 2 counter circuits for measuring pulses.  The counter circuit just counts how often the relay closes.  The module is Ethernet enabled, but uses mod-bus/TCP as its protocol.  So, you need client software that can monitor the mod-bus transmission, read the counter, apply a time stamp, and then store it in a database.   In my case, I have access to a product called EnNET from Gridlogix which translates the mod-bus information into a web-service and database.

The other little trick is to find out how many Kw is represented by each pulse.  My utility company installed the KYZ meter, but forgot to leave that piece of information behind.  I am waiting for this critical piece of information.

Another next step is to link to items throughout the house to capture on/off state of various devices, and then superimpose them into a common database.  Ultimately I will link this into my Crestron system so I have real time visability into my energy usage.  More to follow......

LED Lights

Ever since Al Gore started taking hits for his energy usage at home, I have started to think more about my own energy usage.  Some time ago I replace a lot of my lights with Compact Fluorescent Lights CFLs have obviously gotten a lot better.  It is a bit ironic that many people who are worried about energy threats still don't know about CFLs, but they are starting too.  I would guess if we all really started using them you would probably see our overall energy use go down by 5-10%.

But, the new technology is clearly LED.  These are coming on strong in their performance.  What I really like about LEDs is they also can dim.  Many seem to think that LEDs are several years off, but the reality is they are available now in practical form factors.  Energy Federation Incorporated has a great set of offerings for many energy applications, but more specifically there Progress lighting offerings let you replace the lighting in your existing 6" can lights with low wattage LED lights that perform at the quality of 60-75 watt bulbs.

For an investment of about $120/light end users can replace their current can lights with a solution that lasts about 40K hours and uses 15 watts instead of 75 watts. Round trip payback these things probably cost 50% or less compared to incandescent, and they don't spill mercury into landfills (like CFL).

I am in the process of replacing those lights I can with LED.  My guess is that in 2 years, LEDs will be in enough form factors that everyone will be targeting them as the solution over CFL.

Controls guys that get it

I saw CasaWorks for the first time at CEDIA.  They make controls software that runs on standard windows (maybe also Linux) platforms.  Their product offers the control and presentation layer (i.e. the user interface and the set of rules that fire off when you change a scene).  They interface with standard IP enabled IR systems, Lantronix, etc.

A cool feature of the user interface is that you can re-author the control pages in the developers tool, and then push screens out to tablets and controls, without having to re-compile.  The authoring tool seems pretty straight forward and there are many pre-canned control routines.

The resulting functionality for the homeowner approximates that of an AMX/Crestron system.  The really cool part is that the integrator can do the project with a fraction of the resources because Casa Work's has streamlined so much of the development framework and infrastructure.  Perhaps the biggest challenge is the integrator has so many hardware options it might be a bit tough to sort through the best set of off the shelf hardware to complement the CasaWorks software, but I am sure that will work itself out.

I core architecture is service oriented in nature, though the development team seems to have kept the framework fairly proprietary.  The advantage is the system is more stable than media center on vista.  In the long run though, Microsoft/exceptional innovation may close the gap.  I think CasaWorks services the customer looking for a more sophisticated solution than Lifeware, but doesn't want the expense of Control 4, AMX or Crestron. 

DirecTV HR20-700

At CEDIA I got a chance to see the new DirecTV equipment.  I have had a love hate relationship with DirecTV for some time.  I was not keen to find they are moving away from TIVO.  None the less I am excited about their new  DirecTV HR200-700.  Configuration wise they got the hardware right (Ethernet, extra disk drive, VIIV interoperability), though these functions are not fully enable yet.  I installed it into my Crestron system.  I could not find the right IR codes off the bat, so I have been fiddling with that for a while.  But it is installed.

The picture is great.  The UI aggravates my wife who is a TIVO fanatic, but its a lot better than media center.  DirecTV likes to release a lot of slightly stable code on its customers.  Which is fine for us early adopters, but problematic.  The latest revision made it so that previously taped shows might not play correctly.  But, I think we are generally on the right course with this product.

I would like control via Ethernet, eternal hard drive, and the ability to move content between boxes (plus sling-box like remote viewing), but all in time.

If anyone has the IR codes for Crestron for the HR20-700 please send them on to me.

HDTV Antennas

As the world moves to HDTV, its time to think harder about how to get HD signals into our homes.  Cable and Satellite are great solutions, but it is a shame to spend so much to get local stations that are available for free.  Also, if you are a current HDTV user with Directv, as I am, you may need to invest yet again to upgrade your dish to get all the new MPEG4 distributions.

I have a really smart friend who understands everything there is to know about antennas (Black OPs military kind of stuff).  He tells me that there are a few companies that really have a grasp on making over the air signals work.  The entire industry for years has been focused on building better digital transceivers.  They have forgotten about the science of antennas, multi-path, etc.

The company though that has this licked is Antennas Direct (also known as Terrestrial-digital).  They are not selling the same old antenna.  They have applied the best engineering possible to their system, and it shows.  Their antennas outperform anything I have been able to find.  And based on what I saw at CEDIA, I think they have more to come.  For us end users, we can get a better picture without paying Directv.  For installers, you can sell an antenna that will never come back.  Good examples of their products include: 

• Large Multi-Directional UHF HDTV Antenna
  
• Long Range Large Multi-Directional UHF HD Antenna
• Lacrosse Compact High Gain Multi-Directional Antenna with Amplification

Asterisk@Home

I have just started playing with Asterisk - the open PBX VOIP server.  I followed the cookbook at Asterisk@Home.  I had my old computer (Dell PIII 800 mhz) sitting around so I just erased the hardrive and loaded the ISO.  Round trip install took about 30 mins.  I have ordered a CISCO phone and FXO card for my analog lines, but downloaded a softphone to test out the system.  So far very interesting.  It also loads SUGAR CRM, which was unexpected.  They are integrated with each other, and I have been looking for a CRM tool for my ventures business.

Given my constant frustrations of the limitations in my Key System (NEC IPK 192) I am interested in some very specific functions with my Asterisk install:

• Conference calls that have good sound quality
• Offsite access to phone system as an extension to the phone (i.e. for a remote home)
• Ability to page and listen in the home from a remote location
• Control various automation systems from a cisco phone (i.e. mute sound, increase volume)
• Control of door locks
• Set security system
• Detailed call log
• Screen pop on PC from incoming call - integrated into outlook
• Weather forecast on phone display
• Automute of room sound + pause of tivo on phone pickup
• Low cost phone service
• Voicemail goes via email
• Ring various various internal stations and my cell phone simultaneously
• Robust interal wirless service
• Common phone diracotry
• Everything easily managed via web

I keep adding to the wish list.  Your thoughts are welcome.  A good site for VOIP equipment is: www.telephonyware.com

Firewalls & Remote control

One of the reasons I am pushing all my automation to TCP/IP is so that I can control my home, or know its status, while I am traveling.  On the network side I have two high speed lines into the home - one DSL the other Cable.  I originally put a low end sonic wall up as my firewall, but more recently went to a Sonicwall TZ170.  I run Microsoft small business server inside the house.

So with all this robust architecture, I am still having problems getting my VPN to work properly.  The other day I spent about 6 hours trying to make it work, but never got it to work right.  I can get on my network, but can't route around.  Sometimes I can't ping into my network from the WAN side.  All in all its a real pain.

What I would really like to do is use SOAP.   With SOAP I can setup a messaging system that allows my internal network, devices etc to message me externally either on my laptop or cell phone.  I would then write applications for these platforms to manage the message, transmit back, etc.  The systems would allow on-demand connectivity for critical control functions with a pretty good level of security.

As an investor, I also am looking at a company named www.gridlogix.com.  Gridlogix has a middleware application that integrates with legacy protocols (Mod Bus etc) and translates them into a web service (SOAP).  They target large industrial automation applications, but with the Gridlogix software I can integrate all my devices in the home and provide the web services I need to get to the outside.

I have not seen anyone doing a web service in this application so If you have, I would love your thoughts.

Picking an automation system

In wanting to achieve total home control, a big challenge emerges in what system to pick.  The early adopter in me wants to use the newest and coolest ip based open standards systems.  The practical guy in me wants something as reliable as a conventional telephone.  There is nothing worse than having the blue screen of death when your wife wants to watch "Desperate House wives".

My general desire was to pick technologies that were standards based - i.e. TCP/IP, web, X-10, etc.  I also wanted to use companies that had been around for a while (5+ years), or companies serving standards that had some age.  I had used a lot of X-10 like systems in past home control attempts but often had signal and reliability problems, though there have been big improvements in this technology.  I liked the scope and stability of companies like AMX and Crestron, though they carry the negative aspect of being fairly closed standards.

As an early adopter I have a history of buying first and asking questions later.  I will buy something simply to try it long enough to understand how to build a better product.  I however can not justify that behavior when it involves mission critical things in the home.

What we installed

Whenever I hear about a home that has been automated, the first thing I want to know is what they put in.  So here is my list of products used for total home control.

Primary Rack in Basement

• Crestron Pro-2 System Controller/Processor
• Crestron BIPAD-8 Audio Processor (Qty 2)
• Crestron CNAMPXX-16x60 Power Amp (Qty 2)
• Crestron PVID8x4 Video Matrix
• Crestron PVID8x3 Video Matrix
• Crestron CNX-RMCLV Room Solution Box (Qty 4)
• Crestron ST-Tune AM/FM/TV Weatherband Tuner
• Crestron CNX-PBVR4 Cat 5 to Video Converter
• Crestron C2ENET-2
• Crestron CNPWS-75 Power Supply (Qty 6)
• Dell PowerEdge 2650 Server
• Sony DVD Changer
• Marantz SR-8300 Dolby Digital / DTS Receiver
• Video Request
• Audio Request Fusion 120
• Sony SAT-T60 DSS/Tivo
• Hughes HDTV/SAT Tuner
• RCA DSS Receiver
• Roku-Labs PhotoBridge HD
• Vantage Controls C-Box
• Integral Technologies DVXI DVR (For Security Cameras)
• Monster HTS2600 Surge suppressor/line conditioner (Qty 2)
• Mid Atlantic Rack System
• Monster Audio/Video Interconnects

Master Bedroom

• Crestron TPS-5000 ISYS 12' Touch Panel
• Pioneer 50" Plasma
• HDTIVO
• DVD

Master Bath

• Speaker Craft AIM In-Ceiling Speakers
• Zenith L15V36 4x3 HD ready LCD TV

Master Dressing Room

• SpeakerCraft AIM In-Ceiling Speakers

Master Office

• Pioneer 50" 505HD Plasma
• STX-1700C

Gym

• SpeakerCraft AIM In-Ceiling Speakers
• Crestron TPS-3000L Touchpanel
• Sony 27" Wall Mounted TV

Dinning Room

• SA-2 Invisible In-Wall Speakers
• Vantage 8 button control station

Living Room

• SA-2 Invisible In-Wall Speakers
• Vantage 6 button control station

Map Room Hall

• Crestron TPS-3000 Touch Panel
• Crestron CHV-THSTAT Thermostat

Upper Porch

• SpeakerCraft WS-720 Outdoor Speakers

Kitchen

• Crestron TPI Touch panel interface
• ELO touch panel
• SpeakerCraft AIM In-Ceiling Speakers

Lower Level Bar

• Crestron TPS-5000L Touchpanel
• SpeakerCraft AIM In-Ceiling Speakers
• Zenith L23W36 16x9 HD Ready LCD TV

Lower Level Theater

• Mitsubishi WS73909 73" HDTV
• SpeakerCraft AIM8
• SpeakerCraft BassX-2 in ceiling subwoofer system
• Crestron STX-1700C 2-Way 5.7" wireless touch panel
• Crestron STRFGWX RF Gateway

Wireless Internet

• Proxim AP-2000 (Qty 2)
• Proxim AP-600 (Qty 2)

Surveillance Cameras (I won't tell you where they are)

• Panasonic WV-CW864A (Qty 3)
• Panasonic WV-CW474AS (Qty 2)
• Nuvico NVCC-SVD4N-AI-L

Security System

• Bosch/Radionics G Series D9412G
• Smoke Detectors (more than 30)
• PIR Motion (more than 40)
• Glass break (10+)
• Various other detectors

Lighting

• Various X-10 Modules