The hardware involved in a Home Automation system can be as simple as several remote controls or grow to something as elaborate as what's shown on the left.  Many systems will start out with a single computer or controller and modules or switches to control lights.  From here, the system can expand to control almost anything in the house to the extent that time and budget will allow.

The rack of equipment shown here houses all my homes network and audio systems including the Server that runs the Home Automation software.  This rack is hidden away in a closet, so visitors to the house are rarely aware of it's "Smart Home" capabilities until it jumps into action.  The rack is on casters which allows it to be rolled out for service and also to allow access to some additional control panels that are mounted inside the closet on the wall.

The computer and the rest of the equipment can be administered and monitored remotely, so it's seldom necessary to access the equipment directly.  When it is required, a LCD monitor and keyboard can be pulled out to facilitate this.

The rack includes a battery backup system and also a drawer to keep backup tapes, manuals and assorted accessories and cables.  It is also the termination point for the structured wiring that provides network, audio and video throughout the house.

The middle and lower box provide DC power and battery backup to the Applied Digital gear, motion sensors, and door locks.

To the right is a larger view of the Applied Digital Equipment.

These devices provide a connection from the computer to the house power lines for controlling lighting and also provide the connections for controlling and status of the garage door, doors and door locks.

Temperature sensors, motion sensors, and the microphone status which allows the Home Automation computer to know which room you are speaking from are also connected here.

Pictured:

• Applied Digital Ocelot

• Applied Digital SECU16

• Applied Digital SECU-16i

• Elk Relays for electronic Door Locks & Strikes

• X10 TX523 2-Way interface

This switch setup is typical of most rooms in the house.  It provides control for a light & ceiling fan, or two lights plus a keypad for macros and the keypad for audio control.

The switches are Switchlinc's from Smarthome and provide the same control as a high-end dimmer as well as the automation capability.

The keypads can be customized to perform almost any function or combination of functions (macros).

A combination of Schlage electronic door locks (pictured left on a garage door) are used along with electronic door strikes. Electronic door strikes can be used with existing door hardware and are better suited for ornate doors and gates.

For the Schlage electronic door locks, it's necessary to get power inside the door to control the lock.  This is done with electrical contacts (pictured below) that are installed in the door jamb and make contact once the door is closed allowing it to be unlocked.

All the doors can still be unlocked with the key in case of emergency.

RFID technology is one of the most recent advances in Home Automation.  iAutomate announced active RFID hardware geared towards the Home Automation market in May 2005.

This new technology opens many new doors for automation in the areas of convenience and security.  Readers can be installed in different areas of the home and many tags are available to suite different needs.  You can carry a RFID tag in your wallet or purse, attach one to your keys, or even hide smaller tags where they won't be noticed.

Here are a few things that are possible with RFID:

• Control lights, garage door, door locks, security and HVAC automatically when your or your car approaches or leaves your home.
• Detect if a vehicle is in the garage.
• Open the garage door when arriving by car, bicycle or motorcycle.
• Detect a person entering or leaving a room or area.
• Arm or Disarm Security by individual tag.
• Automatically open a "pet" door when your pet approaches.
• Control, Lights, Music, and Temperature based upon the presence or absence of a tag.
• Track the location of domestic help or children by logging into the Home Automation system from anywhere in the world.
• Get notification by email or phone when a child gets home from school.
• Use an alarm tag with loved ones needing assistance to provide them the ability to alert you if they are in trouble.
• Turn off lights & TV or music, lock the doors, arms the security system and alter the thermostat automatically when no one is home.
• Track physical assets and perform notification if one is "removed" from an area.
• Get notification if pets wander outside of a given range.
• Sound an alert when kids wander outside of a given range or too near hazards such as swimming pools and streets.
• Get reminders to take out the trash if the garbage can is still detected at the house on garbage night.
• Log when Teens leave and arrive back home.

               
        Credit Card Tag                              Keyfob Tag                                Covert Tag

Contact:
Paul Koslowsky
paul@pksweb.com