PRODUCT CAPABILITIES:

HomeVision 'std' and HomeVision Pro are powerful and fully programmable, able to carry out a wide range of actions from simple commands to very complex inter-dependent macros. Two recent projects involved installation of a HomeVision Pro interfaced to a security system called Comfort. Both were end-to-end, involving development of initial generic wiring plans through to final commissioning.

SMHT Beaconsfield - interface to Microsoft Media Centre, roof sprinkler (house located in bushfire prone area), ring main pump, towel rails, Multi-Media15" touchscreen, complete voice activation package (HomeVoice) and LED lighting.

Common features in both houses:

36 way patch panels in 19" racks
Networked data, entertainment and telephones
Projector lifts
Comfort security systems
Intercoms (currently a provision at Beaconsfield until entry gates installed)
Distributed audio throughout using a 6 zone Knoll system including digital keypads
A10/X10 interface capabilities for garden lights and future extension options

Mount Waverley - 15 automated blinds, connection to pool equipment, zoned air conditioners, Clipsal C-Bus screens and drop down screen

HomeVision Pro controllers
Keyless entry (4 zone wireless keyfob)
Digital (DS1820S) temperature sensors
Ethernet data/serial interface to controller to enable remote web management options
CCTV cameras connected to DVR (with direct access capabilities both remote and local)
Distributed infrared enabling complete control of every connected device throughout the entire property (inside and out)
Home Management menu on the TV to enable checking of device status, view past action logs and send commands to the controller
Display messages on the TV to show alarm history, advise on upcoming events (birthdays, rubbish out etc.)
When doorbell pushed or movement at front of house detected, appropriate CCTV camera images appear on any TV
Alarm and controller interfaced to allow internal movement to trigger specific events (lights, fans, movement notification via voice feedback)

Both clients use a Pronto RU980 remote to send basic commands to HomeVision, which then actions the appropriate macros. Projector lifts/screens are connected to HomeVision outputs and when it receives a command like "view DVD", checks if it's night and sets the lighting for all circuits to relevant levels (a Southern Hemisphere algorithm determines night or day within a minute each way), lowers the projector, then turns it on, lowers the screen and selects DVD. If the kids want to play a game, it goes through a similar routine, except it selects the X-Box.

Assembled below are some suggestions that you may like to consider when planning, designing and building your home automation architecture. By determining what capabilities you want in a system, it is a lot easier to then select the appropriate hardware to do the job:

turn lights on and off or have them brighten gradually as it becomes darker outside
thermostat control for zoned air-conditioning or ducted heating and automatic set-back when the alarm is armed
electronic blinds/drapes that open or close at specific times when the alarm is armed (or you are away) or it's night time
fans in bathrooms, toilets or ceiling mounted set to time out or turn off when alarm armed or bedtime macro has been activated
interface sprinkler system and program controller to read moisture content in soil, measure rainfall or determine frequency based on time of year
outdoor pool/spa equipment management
automatically close the garage door on exit, when "Night Mode" set or when alarm is armed
turn hot water heater off during the day and back on at night
periodically check status of lights (or specific circuits) in case they were left on and turn them off if appropriate
shut off TV's etc. in children's rooms after they have gone to bed and disable them until pre-set time next day
display messages on the TV that equate to daily, weekly, monthly or special events such as a partners birthday "Happy Birthday, I love you"

Actions and events using a touchscreen, IR remote, voice activation, wireless keyfob or manual control:

arm and disarm the alarm
change thermostat set points
turn on any light in the house to a preset level depending on the time of day
control nominated lights using periodic, timed or macro enabled actions
control CE equipment on/off, volume, channel selection or any other mode (amplifier, tuner etc.) you desire
automatically ramp lights along common pedestrian traffic routes (children visiting the bathroom at night) to preset levels then turn off when no movement detected
turn TV's or other equipment off in the children's room when its time for tea etc.

Lighting scenes for all occasions (guests, parties, general entertainment, visitors arriving/leaving, disarm alarm etc.):

automatically set lights to specific levels during different times of the day and night
add control of CE equipment to respond to "mood" lighting (turn on music and set volume depending on the occasion)
program input switches to turn on various lights at the touch of one button, depending on time of day or night
"welcome home" mode when alarm disarmed

Control via in-built TV menu, infrared commands, touchscreen etc. to carry out extensive actions:

create macro commands that set up specific management functions throughout the house
output a series of commands for Home Theatre, distributed audio etc. including operation of blinds and lights
automatically record favourite TV shows or display messages "News on 7 in 5 minutes"
start the CD player in "shuffle" mode with all audio settings the way each user prefers
review all events in the log on any TV
make changes to lighting, temperature settings etc.

Alarm macros (on disarm, arm) that occur when command sent via touchscreen, keyfob remote or infrared:

disarm security system and have various lights come on then turn off after a specified time
arm the security system and turn off all lights, set back HVAC, close garage door and confirm security set
take messages on the Intercom when visitors arrive if system armed
remotely check security status, disarm it and open door for expected visitors

Activate, program or re-program scheduled events in response to inputs or as a periodic or scheduled event:

turn appliances on or off (coffee machines, electric blankets, towel rails etc.) according to schedules, macros or pre-conditions
close blinds/drapes when Home Theatre macro activated, its 'bedtime' or at pre-determined time after sunset or at dawn
during holidays turn off water heater then turn it back on a day prior to return automatically or remotely
enable call forwarding to a mobile when alarm armed or call in response to security voice message or check on current status
use the touchscreen or TV menu to change various command sequences or routines such as sprinkler times etc.

Monitor the system even while away and have it manage the house:

randomly activate various lights, CE equipment and blinds while the alarm is armed to give a "lived in " look
turn on roof sprinklers during a bushfire (actuated by heat sensors or telephone or via the Internet)
periodically turn on ceiling fans to circulate air
operate pool equipment
activate HVAC systems prior to a return from holiday or a trip to cool down or warm up the house
turn on the spa or pool heater
have output message that advises visitor the homeowners are "busy but leave a message after the beep"
call in to check messages and/or status of system

On return to the house:

have traffic entry areas light up then turn off after a set period
disarm the security system using keyfob remote or telephone call
turn on the heater or air-conditioning using Internet connection or telephone
depending on the time, have TV switch on and select news or cable channel
automatically turn on the zoned audio and have any messages broadcast shortly after arrival

Bedtime actions:

turn various lights off (and on) in a coordinated way and switch off whatever equipment is currently operating (TV's etc.)
set security system to "Night Mode", close garage door (if open), dim or turn off external lights
schedule electric blankets to turn on an hour before bedtime
set-back temperatures on HVAC at night and have them reset to normal levels before dawn
slowly brighten lights in ensuite, WIR in the morning
have blinds/drapes open depending on previous night activities

Smoke detector or security system events:

if smoke detector activates, turn on all lights and unlock main entry doors
when alarm armed after specified delay, turn off all appropriate electrical equipment
if visitors arrive while alarm armed, switch on VCR to record the CCTV camera images
turn off ceiling fans, HVAC, CE equipment and lights when security system armed away

Digital inputs connected to detectors:

flooding from a broken pipe, washing machine or lower level garage to raise the alarm or switch on a pump
build up of smoke, heat or carbon monoxide
moisture sensors for garden watering routines
video probes to check the status of CE equipment

Outdoor movement detectors:

turn on a light outside and/or switch on sprinklers for a minute or two to deter animals visiting the garden or lawns
sound an internal alert via message over audio system, operate selected light/s or activate audible sound on keypad/s
start recording relevant CCTV camera on the VCR/DVR
output a warning message using external speaker/s and keypads
start security siren 'chirping' and flash strobe light for selected period

Use PIR's, floor pressure pads and door reed switches to initiate actions:

switch on light/s depending on time of day at preset levels
turn on external lights to illuminate walkways
output audio messages depending on time of day or night
on pool gates switch on TV and show image of people in pool area using appropriate CCTV camera

Temperature sensors on analogue or digital inputs:

measure outdoor temperatures and display on the TV menu screen and/or activate HVAC equipment depending on reading
track daily/weekly/monthly highs and lows and display data on the TV screen on request
automatically switch HVAC equipment between heating/cooling in relation to temperatures (internal and/or external)
control ceiling fans based on environment temperatures (also close blinds to reduce heat penetration)
monitor freezer and refrigeration temperatures

In the event of a power failure:

set lights and appliances at a status they were on prior to the power outage
track power outage time and if longer than set time, do specified actions
change time of scheduled actions, disable/enable them or change them via the TV screen menu
view the status of all devices on the TV screen menu and alter them as required
scroll through various macros and action them as desired
check the status of temperature sensors and change accordingly
re-program thermostat times/temperatures

Create custom TV screens and menus:

create a "Welcome" screen showing family name or menu associated with individual requirements
show weather information (using input from local sensors or remote weather stations)
when the telephone rings, mute the TV or audio system or switch off the vacuum cleaner
set up a "Help" to assist with information on system operations or view the functionality options

Maintain control over younger occupants of the house:

slowly dim lights in a child's bedroom when they go to bed (via macro, manual, schedule or remote command)
turn off TV, radio equipment via a controlled power point
switch on lights, raise blinds/drapes on a school day morning
when children come home and disarm alarm, have it call a mobile to report their arrival
in an emergency (fire etc.), have system turn on all lights, sound siren and unlock doors

Miscellaneous activities or actions to enhance the local environment:

automate christmas lights outside and/or inside and even have them flash on and off
unlock the electric strike when visitors arrive who are known or when no one is home and they are expected
control everything using a remote PC connected to the controllers web browser
initiate streaming video using the CCTV cameras

Using the built-in and add-on serial ports to control ancillary devices:

interface to RS232 driven devices like alarm systems, thermostats and some CE equipment (Windows Media Centre)
LCD touchscreens, PC's or data/serial converter devices for ethernet connections
input ports to devices such as Crestron, AMX, HAI Omni, C-Bus, Dynalite etc.)
video projectors and support equipment
audio/visual switchers, tuners/amplifiers
HomeVoice or other compatible voice activated systems
serial interface protocols can be hex or decimal (binary/ASCII) as HomeVision can receive and send both

All options discussed above depend on hardware, software and interface connections. Programming beyond utilising the common system components requires some understanding of how to assemble serial strings, variables, all fully outlined in the HomeVision manual.

You also need to ensure each OEM equipment supplier understands and acknowledges exactly what you want in terms of operational capabilities and functionality and it is strongly suggested you obtain the specification agreement in writing.

DISCLAIMER - I have endeavoured to verify all information supplied for inclusion in this website but accept no responsibility for the accuracy of what is stated, presented or provided by third parties. I suggest you obtain your own independent evaluations or expert opinions before proceeding with anything contained herein.

Digihouse (Aust) Pty Ltd is the copyright owner of this site, material and information. All product brand names used herein are the registered trademarks of their respective owners. Any unauthorised copying, transfer or downloading for any other purpose than to review the information as part of the research conducted by a potential user in deciding what to purchase is strictly prohibited and any person so doing may be open to legal proceedings as a result.