CONTROL:

A network platform, regardless of whether it incorporates home automation or not, needs some form of control mechanism like a gateway router for digital communication, learning remote/s, a basic touchscreen or security keypad. Anything more sophisticated will require a centralised management system that responds to programmed inputs and outputs and such a device is HomeVision. It enables both remote and local control of lighting, CE equipment, HVAC, distributed audio and provides connection to sprinklers, security and CCTV, using various interface options like serial hardware ports, output relays, input ports (digital/analogue) and infrared that allows you to build a very powerful infrastructure easily programmed to suit your needs.

HOMEVISION PRO PCB

A major benefit offered by HomeVision is highly developed software that enables homeowners to build very complex command sequences either as scheduled events, immediate actions, timed events or activities based on specified inputs without having a degree in rocket science or even understanding the rudiments of programming language. As detailed on the making changes or specifications pages, both HomeVision units offer extensive complexity with very simple plain English interfaces. In addition, the value of a wired infrastructure model is undoubtedly future expansion possibilities and in the designs provided by Digihouse, generic is the optimum term to ensure that regardless of what you eventually select as the driving force for your structured environment, the wiring will always allow you to use a wide range of options, not just those provided by the OEM.

The hardware also offers extensive versatility for integration with a wide range of hardware options, such as C-Bus, Dynalite, touchscreens (MMD or CorAccess) and security devices.

EXAMPLES OF INFRASTRUCTURE:

KEW Project - The original wiring plan was produced by digihouse but the owner selected a competitor who gave a lower quote. About 12months after the job was done, the customer contacted Digihouse requesting replacement of the system he had purchased because it could not do what he had originally specified. To meet the original specification, a homeVision and multi-expansion board replaced all equipment supplied by the initial contractor.

1. It provided a seamless interface to the DAS Networx 16 security system.
2. 5 zones of infrared to operate the individual heads on the Daikin A/C unit from anywhere in the house.
3. It provided total control over the X10 lighting and other devices using extended code capability for pre-sets etc.
4. An interface to the CCTV allowed the camera image to be displayed on selected TV's when the Intercom button was pressed.
5. All CE equipment could be controlled via macro's, schedules and integrated into lighting that depended on programmed requirements.
6. The customer could undertake (and does) all the programming himself.

They are now able to turn any unit on or off from anywhere in the home, using a Pronto "learning" remote. Apart from having total control over HVAC, HomeVision was interfaced to the Networx alarm system. This allowed the customer to program movement detectors as light switches in high traffic areas, have lights turn on when the alarm was disarmed and manage all audio and entertainment equipment in the house with just a press of one button. In addition, after just a few hours of tuition, he was able to program the system himself.

Although the largest proportion of home network and automation prospects tend to be new home builders and renovators, adding functionality after construction is an essential consideration. Digihouse completed a job involving integration of C-Bus and a Comfort security system into a large rural property early in 2004 after the original contractor had installed the wiring. Subsequently, the client had lights installed down the 500 Metre driveway and a solar powered entry gate erected. Initially, no provision was made for hard wiring to points beyond those already allowed for in the main house. To enable local and remote operation of both, powerline carrier devices were retrofitted using existing electrical cables as the signal carrier medium. This client has subsequently purchased a new home in Melbourne and had A10 lighting modules installed throughout, in conjunction with a HomeVision Pro interfaced to the existing Networx alarm. This was an extensive retrofit and involved around 3 Kilometres of cabling for CCTV, thermostats, data, infrared, audio, telephones, TV points and an interface to the existing gate Intercom.

If a system is selected that has the ability to utilise a diverse range of technology applications, additions not originally foreseen or contemplated, considered too expensive with traditional methods or not available at the time, can still be realistically deployed to create a totally integrated operating platform.

Country Property Project -

Installation on this home included C-Bus system, intelligent security plus long range wireless arm/disarm capability and networked infrared. The client wanted to undertake all the programming himself, including touchscreen and building the IR macros. Clipsal agreed to provide the C-Touch/C-Bus V2 software and Digihouse supplied the security OS and some training to assist the customer. Since then, he has built some 760 individual responses that can be activated remotely (via mobile or local loop), on the premises by keypad or touchscreen or using a Pronto learning remote.

This particular client also specified that the system had to be flexible enough to manage additional requirements as the property (around 300 acres) matured. After some 4-6 months, electric gates were installed at the entry (as can be seen from the picture at right, gates are way down in the middle distance about 500 Metres from the house), powered by solar cells and are now controlled remotely by X10/A10 devices.

A long range wireless receiver and 4 button keyfob enables the client to arm/disarm the system (he estimated the active distance to be in excess of 4 Kilometres line of sight), open/close the gate and activate lights.

SYSTEM FEATURES:

To manage information flows requires a network environment and controller logic engine like HomeVision. Both "standard" HomeVision and HomeVision Pro meet Australian ACMA standards, comply with current emission regulations, carry c-tick approval and are PAL compatible. HomeVision units can easily interface with most network architecture where the majority of cabling has already been done and provides a ready solution for the DIY who wants to build an operating platform in a new or existing home. Both devices offer multiple serial ports for data communication, hardware connection for powerline carrier (PLC), powerful infrared management capabilities and onboard inputs and outputs that allow for extensive interface capabilities in even the most demanding automation projects. The very powerful yet simple to use software offers a reasonably PC literate person the ability to do their own programming, a significant advantage over many competitive systems and has helped it gain a number of industry awards over the past few years.

Both also provide seamless interface capability with security systems that employ CADDX software, such as NetworX alarms (sold in Australia by Hills Industries ) . In some instances, it can also be connected to inputs/outputs on existing alarms and programmed to respond to status advice including complex macros, schedules and specific commands that greatly enhance the security, safety, convenience and comfort of the users.

AUTOMATION IN ACTION:

Near completion, the enclosures at left ("Node 0") contain a security system, TV distribution with splitters and modulators, HomeVision Pro plus complex infrared network, serial/data converter for an always on ethernet connection to operating equipment that enables direct programming, plus back-up power supply. Out of frame is a full array of C-Bus lighting dimmers and relay DIN mounted modules driving toilet fans etc. In addition, a full length rack contains 2/36 way patch panels, DVR and Knoll 6 zone audio hardware.

The reason for going into such detail is the fact this customer did his homework and insisted that a specific room be allocated for network and automation products with easy access and a layout that allowed complete separation. Now it contains equipment integrated to the extent that occupants can control virtually anything in the home using either of the 2 C-Touch screens, a Pronto learning remote, keypad or telephone (both local handsets or mobile). As well, there is capability for him to a log in through the Internet and view any of the CCTV cameras (3) and check the status of all devices.

This is a perfect example of why planning, selection of the most appropriate O/S and building a suitable infrastructure are so important to the end experience of owning a properly networked and automated environment.

SIMPLE INTERACTION:

Both HomeVision units can interface to C-Bus or Dynalite as either an intermediary resource, interpreter of inputs to action output signals for associated equipment or direct control of the respective lighting systems. The current HomeVision software includes a custom lighting program mode that allows programmers to set up specific protocol activities that enable status input recognition and command outputs to specified lights or relays. Both Clipsal and Dynalite (the latter has developed software specifically designed for HomeVision units) provide software to customers who want to make changes themselves once the system has been commissioned. HomeVision units are recognised as one of the most intuitive home automation management devices available, running complex routines and/or sequences using software as the bases on which to build up to 15 nested "IF/THEN/ELSE" and "IF/THEN" statements. The software can send/receive ASCII, slice up HEX/DEC received strings to determine status of connected devices and action instructions using pre-determined variables. It can run macros, scheduled activities, receive and send X-10/A10 signals plus an inbuilt Southern Hemisphere algorithm that determines if it is day or night. As far as infrastructure goes, it offers exceptional centralised control using a variety of options to suit any client need.

A recently released upgrade offers interfacing to TouchScreen devices like CorAccess wall mounted units or the Multi Media screen pictured left, which also has a backend C-Bus interface. In addition, both HomeVision and HomeVision Pro provide a video interface to selected TV's, with programmable, dynamic menu capabilities.

Infrastructure that supports integration capabilities of a selected operating system in a way that allows full and reliable management of peripheral equipment plus being able to initiate connection to future protocols or technologies is a critical feature in a network platform. However, any such system must also ensure everyone living in the home is able to understand and use all the programmed functionality.

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.

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