So I now have the new version of the automation software working. I am having reliability problems with one of the Ardiuino locations and I’m not sure if it’s a hardware or software issue. However, theere is a need…
Category: Home Automation
IoT project – added robustness trial by fire
Well only a few days after putting my latest version up, the system was tested in a very real way. A large winter thunderstorm moved through New Jersey on Wednesday night. One bolt of lightning made my wife and I…
Internet of Things (IoT) Project-Project Plan
Start with the End in Mind. Goals Understand the nature of the temperature gradient relative to a heated building with attached enclosed space Notify me when there is a risk of garage stores beverages freezing (and possibly bursting) Notify…
The Leaning Zombie – High tech Halloween project
This project is for fun and to get my kids exposed to project based work, the typical problems that come up, dealing with constraints and trade-offs and more. The Idea: In front of our house, there are decent sized trees.…
Looking for a laptop for running my automation system
I am in the process of finding a low power consuming laptop that will be left on 24×7 to run my home automation system IMHO the laptop needs to be a low power consuming one as it will otherwise eat…
My Primary Sensor Modules
I found some modules made by Olimex that hit the sweet spot for me. They haveboth motion and temperature sensors on them, use both PIC microcontrollers, and use a Zigbee network for wireless communication. My plan is to add a…
My High level Home Automation Plans
Once all my stabalization projects are complete, I plan on moving to automation. Below is the basic plan Phase 1 – Establishment Get some basic X-10 Energy savings executing Learn about how to control and interface selected Digital Modules (Olimex…
The Energy Saving Economics of DIY vs. Contractors
If you have even decent skills, there is no comparison of the economics. Energy Saving projects are generally a marginal effort and the returns are over long periods of time. For example, I estimate that sealing, improving soffit ventilation, sealing my Air…