Home Automation

Tech Overhaul

Hi Folks
I'm planning on building a house and I would like to have full home automation in it. From a single system I want to be able to control audio, video, lighting, alarm, security cameras and heating. Has anybody here have that done in their house? Does anybody know what is the best system out there for doing this? I spent a lot of time on google but there is a load of systems and it's hard to see which one is best. Anybody here have any experience with any?
If a single system isn't the best option please let me know, all advice is welcome. I heard the sonos system is suppose to be a good for the multi zone audio but as for the lighting and security cameras I would know what to use. Thanks

The Hill Billy

Have you checked out http://www.orkit.co.uk/? (UK url, but based in Wicklow.)

It is a new company - on the go around 18 months or so. I know the main man - Alan - for the past 6 years or so & he knows his stuff. Nice bloke.

Gurgle

Wizard Archer wrote:

From a single system I want to be able to control audio, video, lighting, alarm, security cameras and heating.

AFAIK thers no such thing yet.

You're probably going to have to get a customized systems, and thats going to cost you.

Vertical

Take a look at HAI systems available from the states.
Its a security/automation system with good communications links to other systems (via an ethernet port and 3 serial ports as well as an X-10 interface).
Also available are touchscreen keypads and intelligent thermostats and about a hundred optional accessories. It supports several audio distribution systems and they are bringing out their own integrated system in December. (Some of their lighting products are unsuitable for Europe as they are 110Vac 60Hz).
For < 5k you can put together an impressive system with a lot of the functionality of high-end systems designed for millionaires (e.g. AMX). Its the price/performance thats attractive and makes it one of the best selling such systems in the States.
Downside is lack of support/installers this side of the water, however the gear is pretty solid (by all accounts and reviews) and if your putting together a diy system you should be able to sort any problems out in related internet forums.

Links:
www.homeauto.com

On-line shops:
www.smarthome.com
www.asihome.com

An alternative is a similar (price/performance) British system called Comfort. Or AMX or Creston if you have money to burn.

Regards,
Vertical

Tech Overhaul

Vertical wrote:

Take a look at HAI systems available from the states.
Its a security/automation system with good communications links to other systems (via an ethernet port and 3 serial ports as well as an X-10 interface).
Also available are touchscreen keypads and intelligent thermostats and about a hundred optional accessories. It supports several audio distribution systems and they are bringing out their own integrated system in December. (Some of their lighting products are unsuitable for Europe as they are 110Vac 60Hz).
For < 5k you can put together an impressive system with a lot of the functionality of high-end systems designed for millionaires (e.g. AMX). Its the price/performance thats attractive and makes it one of the best selling such systems in the States.
Downside is lack of support/installers this side of the water, however the gear is pretty solid (by all accounts and reviews) and if your putting together a diy system you should be able to sort any problems out in related internet forums.

Links:
www.homeauto.com

On-line shops:
www.smarthome.com
www.asihome.com

An alternative is a similar (price/performance) British system called Comfort. Or AMX or Creston if you have money to burn.

Regards,
Vertical

That seems like a good option but as you were saying the voltage difference might be an issue for somethings. I won't be building for a while so maybe more 220v products will be available then. I was reading about the homelogic products and they also seem good but I think they may also have voltage issues.

Mr Magnolia

Based in Dundalk, owned by a guy I know pretty well. There's a hub goes into your attic, you can control camera's, lights, audio, sky, t'internet etc.. from every room. You'll have to phone about prices etc, probably depends on your house size and what you want.

www.Smarthomes.ie

Jnealon

For your security system and X10 I would have a look at the Europlex SigNET. It has just been launched I was impressed with it when I was at the launch

Gurgle

Sparks400 wrote:

Based in Dundalk, owned by a guy I know pretty well. There's a hub goes into your attic, you can control camera's, lights, audio, sky, t'internet etc.. from every room. You'll have to phone about prices etc, probably depends on your house size and what you want.

www.Smarthomes.ie

^^ I believe they're very good but they cost a bloody fortune (as opposed to a small fortune)

Do you know anyone studying electronics who'd like to develop one as a final year project?

Sparky

Try out some Lutron lighting systems.

You can have them set to allow certain lights in a selected area to come on at a set time or via a lux sensor and to send signals to a relay box to shut curtains, switch on music systems etc.

An excellent system is the Lutron HomeWorks system.
http://www.lutron.com/homeworks/overview.asp?s=17000&t=17400

De_man

don't forget to have a look at GSM gateway & GSM interfaces too so you'll be able to remotely control the boiler, turn on the coffee machine
close/open curtains

try
www.automatedhome.co.uk
www.letsautomate.co.uk
www.intellihome.be
www.crestron.com or it may be www.crestron.co.uk

the crestron site is ideal for inspiration but v v pricey

Tech Overhaul

Thanks lads, some great info here. I'm going to head in the idealhome exhibition to see who has what on offer...

nickw

You may be interested in our solution.

http://www.netstreams.ie

We are a dealer for the Netstreams DigiLinX product here in Ireland. We also supply Rako lighting, Lutron Homeworks and HVAC systems through other specialist sub contractors that work with us.

Like yourself, I could not find information here in Ireland. That is the CORE reason that I started this part of my company.

Drop me an email from the site, I am happy to help.

Cheers,

Nick

nickw

For those that tried to email us and got a bounce, please PM me. I have tested the address and I am not seeing issues now.