Using an Android device as a control

Sofiztikated

Hi All.

Not sure if this is the right place, but hopefully it may provoke some discussion.

If I wanted to right up a system, that controls the lighting and heating in my home, and control it remotely from my Android device (currently a SGS2) how would I go about it?

Is there an app already designed to do such, or would it be possible for one to be designed? I wouldn't be able to do it myself.

What software/hardware would I require to do it?

I'm thinking of it as security management/cost management. Being able to remotely turn on and off lights would give the impression that someone was at home, and as I work different hours every day, being able to turn off and on the heating before I got home would be great, rather than changing the settings before I leave for work.

Ideas/comments?

Timmaay

Yep definately possible, one easy enough way is to get a 2nd android phone, that is left in your house (this will do nicely), with the likes of an IOIO board, the IOIO can send out or take in any digital signal, this controls a relay switch which is wired to your house lights, then write a basic enough app that sends a text to the android phone in your house, and tells it to turn on the house lights!

In terms of the software, most developers use Java with the likes of Eclipse to write an app, I banged my head off a brick wall trying to get Eclipse working on my computer for a week, then discovered this lovely program, called B4A, that is much easier to write apps with (especially for me as I'm use of VB, not Java), it set me back 50quid or so, but was well spend.

PogMoThoin

Already available, has an app too.

http://www.crestron.com/
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.id8group.r2&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5pZDhncm91cC5yMiJd

Sofiztikated

Hmmm, interesting.

I have another device at home, my previous Hero.

So obviously I'd need a SIM in the phone?

PogMoThoin

Why not an Android tablet?

rustydrog

Or an Android land line phone? http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/archos-trots-out-android-based-dect-home-phone-35-home-connect/

subway

x10 is the home automationprotocol, there are plenty of apps available to control devices like this.
there are also windows software etc.

no need to reinvent the wheel, just wire in a few modules and download an app

Sofiztikated

subway wrote: »

x10 is the home automationprotocol, there are plenty of apps available to control devices like this.
there are also windows software etc.

no need to reinvent the wheel, just wire in a few modules and download an app

Such as...?

subway

seriously? you probably should slow down on the home automation for the moment...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=x10+control+module+light

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=x10+protocol+android+app

Bluefoam

I've met some guys in the middle east who do home automation for palaces and villas. They write a custom app for the clients phone or tablet when they are finished that allows them to run any aspect from anywhere. It's usually Apple phones they work on, but do Android too.

feargall

I have done this to a house rented house in dublin using a zwave router from here http://micasaverde.com/.
Added 3 wireless control sockets and a central heating controller. all wireless so they can be easily removed. it works well cost about €400. controlled from internet or my samsung galaxy s using an app called homebuddy......

I you interested I can give you photos etc and help you install. there was a bit of work to setting it up but i have had no problems in over a year. use the unit as my wireless router for the house too. i can turn on and off anything that is plugged in or boost the heating before i get home etc. also you can set up timed events and I have an all off button for when I leave the house.

I looked at x10 stuff but it involves wiring and intrusion into the current electrical system as it is PLC ( powerline carrier technology). the wireless one is much easier to physically install i.e. plug it in. and you can move it from house to house.......