Home Automation

[bcoop]

How many of y'all have done any of this? I know Jluv has done some little things, but who else?


Any good forums or sites I need to check out?

[kenny c]

We use Lutron for a lot of our stuff... we can tie into existing systems, and the guys that do our programming really like their integration systems.

http://www.lutron.com/Pages/Default.aspx

[2K2 LS1]

I am Lutron certified programmer/installer as well as AMX and Crestron. I am no longer in the field due to our current economy. I can tell you that Kyle(username thiscat2000) has an account for Lutron as well as he and his step dad program some of the most complex and expensive systems in Highland park north dallas. Hit him up when you want to get serious on a setup.

[bcoop]

Anyone else have any input? I'm more of a do it yourselfer.

[wiredconcepts]

Anyone else have any input? I'm more of a do it yourselfer.

Brian I am Kyle (thiscat2000) from the other site couldn't log in here for some reason so I made a new account. What exactly are you trying to setup and I will see if I can help you sort it out or get parts. LMK

[bcoop]

Brian I am Kyle (thiscat2000) from the other site couldn't log in here for some reason so I made a new account. What exactly are you trying to setup and I will see if I can help you sort it out or get parts. LMK

I don't know shit about it, really. That's why I was looking for some informative websites.


I'd really like to know how far you can take it. I know you can do lights, etc, and program it all through a logitech remote, but what else can you connect/run from a remote like that? I know TXU has a relatively new thermostat you can control online, is there anything else like that available to the general market? I'm not a TXU customer, and don't want to become one, either. What about gas valves? I think it would be pretty kickass to start a fire before I ever get home.


I'm an electronics nerd, so this whole automation thing intrigues me, and I'd have to think with the way technology is going, it's got to be nearly endless possibilities.

[2K2 LS1]

I don't know shit about it, really. That's why I was looking for some informative websites.


I'd really like to know how far you can take it. I know you can do lights, etc, and program it all through a logitech remote, but what else can you connect/run from a remote like that? I know TXU has a relatively new thermostat you can control online, is there anything else like that available to the general market? I'm not a TXU customer, and don't want to become one, either. What about gas valves? I think it would be pretty kickass to start a fire before I ever get home.


I'm an electronics nerd, so this whole automation thing intrigues me, and I'd have to think with the way technology is going, it's got to be nearly endless possibilities.

Google....AMX, Crestron, Control 4, Xantech etc for the more intense home automation

[wiredconcepts]

Crestron or Lutron are the big boys on the block pretty much the rest of it is so-so at best and down right useless at worst that I have used. There are exceptions to this but not many. Absolutely stay away from X10 it is pure horse shit. The only real place with actual info on programming and such is www.avsforum.com. You might be able to find an older Lutron graphik eye system or similar. Probably the cheapest system that actually works is control4 but it is pretty iffy in my opinion and I am pretty sure brad 2k2ls1 would agree compared to the others out there.

[wiredconcepts]

BTW look around on lutron.com and crestron.com and to see just what is capable with this stuff. You can turn on and off or control anything in the house from an ipod touch, iphone, ipad, droid any of that chit.

[mustang1200]

The real question is what do you want to do? A few of the simple things might be something like.

HVAC (Remote or otherwise)
Window Shades/blinds and window control based on solar and tempture activity
Radiant floor heat based on concrete slab temp or floor temp
Garage door status and open/close (Remote or otherwise)
Door lock status and lock/unlock (Remote or otherwise)
Shower on/off and temp control
Lighting control based on time of day, solar and house activity
Intensity of lighting based on time of day, solar and house activity
Alarm activity and home traffic during per personal set monitoring hours with email or text notification
Ceiling fan control based temperature, solar and motion activity
Door bell based video switching for video to your TV
Whole house audio control including volume
Whole house video/audio controlling
Pool/spa pump/temp control
Water feature relay controls
Full Gas fireplace control
Gas lamp control
Outdoor accent lighting control

Most if not all items could be based on solar, date/time, and activity (motion) with the right programming and sensors.

For instance if the weather is 70 degrees and it's sunny on one side of the house you might turn off the heat/ac draw the blinds and open some vent windows and kick on the ceiling fans. How about turn off the electrical outlets in the bathroom when your wife leaves on the flat iron. Simple monitor the motion in the room and the time of day them simply switch off outlets.

I'm partial to Crestron since we sell it and I program it.

[yellowstang]

All you need to fully automate every sq. inch of your home right here, cheap too!

[8mpg]

Id just go with some zwave stuff and a good program like MiCasa Verde or Home Seer

[2K2 LS1]

The real question is what do you want to do? A few of the simple things might be something like.

HVAC (Remote or otherwise)
Window Shades/blinds and window control based on solar and tempture activity
Radiant floor heat based on concrete slab temp or floor temp
Garage door status and open/close (Remote or otherwise)
Door lock status and lock/unlock (Remote or otherwise)
Shower on/off and temp control
Lighting control based on time of day, solar and house activity
Intensity of lighting based on time of day, solar and house activity
Alarm activity and home traffic during per personal set monitoring hours with email or text notification
Ceiling fan control based temperature, solar and motion activity
Door bell based video switching for video to your TV
Whole house audio control including volume
Whole house video/audio controlling
Pool/spa pump/temp control
Water feature relay controls
Full Gas fireplace control
Gas lamp control
Outdoor accent lighting control

Most if not all items could be based on solar, date/time, and activity (motion) with the right programming and sensors.

For instance if the weather is 70 degrees and it's sunny on one side of the house you might turn off the heat/ac draw the blinds and open some vent windows and kick on the ceiling fans. How about turn off the electrical outlets in the bathroom when your wife leaves on the flat iron. Simple monitor the motion in the room and the time of day them simply switch off outlets.

I'm partial to Crestron since we sell it and I program it.

Who do you work for?

[mustang1200]

Who do you work for?

Taurus Technologies Inc.

[2K2 LS1]

Taurus Technologies Inc.

are ya'll direct competitors with SKC Communications?