BUY DESIGN:

After many years of supplying, installing and programming security and automation management operating platforms, the most critical test of endurance is whether the architecture is not only capable of evolving over a long period of time, but is structured to work with multiple technology applications. New or updated modules will need to be added, operating conditions changed, seasonal factors will impact on routines and replacement or additional CE equipment is bound to be purchased and logged into the network at some point.  Depending on what you buy, it is possible to obtain instruction on how to enable integration to your existing system. During the primary stages, Digihouse installs the software and programs required for the system to operate at an agreed level, used as the original commissioning base point. The client then participates in a training session (or sessions, depending on level of expertise) until they are comfortable with using the software interface/s. A feature of HomeVision and a selected intelligent security device is the fact both have a "control" function that allows all program changes to be tested before they are committed. Knowing your program changes work is somewhat more comforting than discovering they don't when you need it most! Your network and automated environment evolve through changes as new technologies emerge or mature, children grow up and lifestyle issues reflect on home activities to name a few influences. Being in control of system management functions and operational techniques, to my mind anyway, is an essential feature of platform ownership and privacy issues.

COST OF OWNERSHIP:

When it comes to the fundamentals, a fairly complex operating platform can swallow a sizeable chunk of your earning capacity if services have to be done by external resources. If you take a look at " making changes " (tweaking as I like to call it), you will begin to appreciate the simplicity of a HomeVision system interface.  The issue you need to consider is that regardless of what you buy, usually it is 'stand alone' in terms of management functionality and any integration is often a contact closure input to the main controller to establish status. A sophisticated interface that provides serial or usb communication is not all that common and even if available, OEM assistance is generally required to set them up, which is often not forthcoming. Even when a supplier claims to have a "system" that offers security, Intercom, audio, automation management etc. you often find the non core components are re-badged products purchased under licence. Usually, if that's the case, integration is done at a basic level, so you need to be absolutely sure all the aspirational objectives you have nominated for the system can be met, both now and in the future.

CONTROL OPTIONS:

• A "learning" remote (like a Pronto) that can both learn IR commands and be programmed to output sequences of IR signals with a single button press. A major advantage of the Pronto is the fact it can be programmed by the user with easy to use software and a serial/usb connection to the home PC.
• Digital LCD or interactive Keypad that offers direct input programming changes, feedback on system operating status and command outputs.
• Interactive touch screens that constantly "read" the status of peripheral equipment (HVAC, lighting etc.) with access that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to the current state of temperatures, alarm etc., plus a user capability to change program parameters (Administrative user codes apply) and ability to output commands either as direct action, macros based on input states or to enable timed events. The Multi-Media touchscreen at right seamlessly interfaces with C-Bus and HomeVision.
• Computer interface that allows both a direct connection to the operating platform internally (via serial or ethernet) and Internet using a web browser (static IP is handy) to enable remote viewing of peripheral equipment status, CCTV cameras and a capability to output various commands. A valuable addition is the ability to ring up the system via mobile or fixed line and retrieve messages, receive status reports and output commands like disarm alarm, unlock door etc. Very handy if visitors you know arrive and you're not home.

Other devices that can output commands are iPods et al. If it's still not clear why the ability to undertake programming is, in my humble opinion, an extremely important aspect of ownership, then think of the "Last 5 cm". You are generally not alone in a house, especially one where money has been invested in a complex automation system. With a new home, major renovation or retrofit, occupants often take some time to become used to various things happening around them. For instance, lights switching on at a pre-set level when kids go to the toilet in the middle of the night, or when people walk down high traffic pedestrian walkways, or sprinklers turn on when scheduled to do so, the pool cleaner activates at 10am, TV's switch on and display a camera image of someone at the front door or gate when the Intercom is pressed. All these things and more will need to be "tweaked", changed, turned off or expanded at some time. The occupants will also start to think of additional things they would like to happen or commands you set up will need to be modified because they don't suit everyone. Each time something has to be done, if you can't do it, someone who can will arrive, make the necessary changes and deliver you a bill for probably 4 hours (minimum) @ $100 per hour, which is certainly worth thinking about.

FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION:

In logistical terms, the most significant value of a network home that has an automated operating platform is the ability to control a wide range of functional operations that work in harmony with each other, to contribute and simplify lifestyle activities. In other words, if the controller is programmed in the following way, it will respond accordingly and initiate a series of actions;

EVENT - "IF outside temperature is >28C AND air conditioner is off AND alarm system disarmed AND all perimeter doors closed AND time is before noon THEN Close all blinds on East side of house ELSE IF it is afternoon close all blinds on North and West side of house"

SCHEDULE - "Check outside temperature every second (or minute or hour etc.) and IF >28C and inside temperature is >24C AND all blinds are down AND alarm disarmed AND all perimeter doors closed AND time is afternoon THEN turn on air conditioner and set temperature to 18C"

TIMED - "IF outside temperature is >28C AND inside temperature is >25C THEN turn on air conditioner AND IF blinds are open, close them"

Many things can be programmed to work in conjunction with other things, such as a sprinkler system that works on the basis of an input from moisture detectors. "IF moisture detector indicates recent rain THEN do not turn on sprinklers OR turn them on for reduced cycle OR turn only Zones 1 & 5 On". In my house, I have a number of scheduled events, macro commands, timed events and automated actions. The system has been set-up so the alarm "talks" to the HomeVision system to refer status on things like PIR movement, door reeds, Intercom access and remote communication. HomeVision advises the security system when it's day or night, telephone on hook/off hook status and much more.

Some basic automated processes include; turning on the hallway lights when movement is detected at night. If the alarm is disarmed via the wireless keyfob, it automatically unlocks the front door after 120 seconds and at night, turns lights on in a pre-determined sequence. If the telephone rings, it mutes CE equipment (audio/TV) and when someone presses the door Intercom, all TV sets show the CCTV camera image of the visitor for 30 seconds. If none of the TV's were on prior to the visitor image being screend, they are all turned off, otherwise, the system switches the appropriate devices back to the original condition. At 7am on a weekday (if not a holiday), amplifier switches on, selects tuner and checks volume level (we use it as our alarm clock). My home based network and automated platform is a Comfort security device, HomeVision "std", wireless Router (4 hardware ports), infrared network, distributed audio (for Home Theatre set-up), LAN with 20 way patch panel, telephone outlets (DEC 'phones), 8 channel wireless receiver (operates keyless entry, alarm and garage door) plus integrated entertainment configuration.

The system management options include a Pronto that sends "learned" commands for individual CE items or 'standard' signals that tell HomeVision to activate a macro). A keypad doubles as a control centre and Intercom (incorporates microphone and speaker) and TV menu that responds to infrared commands plus remote access via telephone, mobile or Internet. Both HomeVision units have a built in browser that allows users to access CCTV, view device status, activate events and check HVAC temperature etc.

The web browser is configured to load all HomeVision programmed items, events and schedules, display the status of each and if something is changed, will refresh to indicate that change. It is not unlike the TV based configurable menu screen, except you cannot re-configure the browser like you can with the home based local menu.

In more extensive installations, especially new home projects, additions include a touchscreen that is able to seamlessly communicate with security and HomeVision units, lighting, Internet and also display CCTV images.

ESTABLISHING ROUTINES:

Although already discussed elsewhere in this website, it is worth remembering that after building a new home, undertaking major renovations or completing a retrofit, when you and the other occupants have moved in (or back in), considerable changes will impact on past lifestyle habits. This may be due to additional creature comforts such as the addition of air-conditioning, keyless entry, intelligent lighting or whatever. All will change the way you access the house, manage local equipment, traverse traffic areas and utilise external facilities (pool, spa, patio with zoned audio) etc.

It will take at least 6 months before patterns are established in terms of routines and acknowledged user preferences regarding how (say) Home Theatre macros are initiated for kids games, playing movies or watching TV/Foxtel. The operation of zoned audio, volume levels and access controls. Lighting management pre-sets for pedestrian traffic areas triggered by movement, alarm arm or disarm actions. Outside area lighting if arriving home or merely going out to gather washing or light sequences in WIR, bathrooms, night visits to the toilet by children.

Being able to easily program changes makes for a much smoother transition period and minimises any negative comments related to the original decision to install an automated system and networked infrastructure platform in the first place.

THE PROGRAMMING DILEMMA:

 It may appear a little daunting when you look at C-Bus interface software, but once the fundamentals have been explained, it is relatively simple to make any necessary changes. A HomeVision Pro serial port 3 or 4 can be used as a direct communication channel to action commands as part of a routine or sequence of events and also to establish status.

The C-Bus system can support an RS232 interface for that purpose, plus it provides a link between PC software and hardware so direct programming changes may be undertaken by the homeowner. However, Schneider Electrics (nee Clipsal) might not allow access to the software protocol required to configure both C-Touch screens or C-Bus lighting. Dynalite have a similar set-up (with RS232) but I believe they offer software free of charge, which also incorporates interface compatibility with HomeVision units.

Obviously, if powerline carrier modules are added (X10/A10) HomeVision 'std' and HomeVision Pro have an onboard interface that connects directly to the power supply via a 4 wire cable. In many of the installations done for clients with C-Bus, we have integrated both technologies, a fairly straight forward exercise and one that allows extensive additions to be done without the high cost of adding hard wired connections.

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.