Still waiting…

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Well,  I’m still waiting to setup my MLServer.  The CIO has promised to connect to my machine and check out the configuration, but to date, I’ve heard nothing from him.  I hope this isn’t an indication of how “well” their customer service is.  If I don’t have this configured by next weekend, I may have no choice but to find another automation controller to use as the basis for my system!

Setting up the MainLobby Server

I’ve spent a couple of hours this morning installing and configuring the MainLobby Server by Cinemar on my controller server.  It was fairly easy to install - they have a wizard that allows you to choose what parts you want installed, which device drivers you will need, etc.  Then it starts downloading and installing.

I installed the core components (which gives you quite a bit), and then I added a driver for my global cache.  I also added the DirecTV driver; I’m hoping that I can control my HR21 via the RS-232 interface on my GC-100.  That will give me the ability to use IR Port 3 as inbound, in case my wife decides to use a generic remote (she’s not thrilled that I’m going to use the iPhone to control everything - she doesn’t have one ). Read more…

My Global Cache GC-100 arrived!

I just received my Global Cache GC-100 today from Smarthome.com.  I’m surprised at how small it is!

I’ve already wired it up (simple really - an AC adapter, a network cable, and 3 IR emitters stuck on the front of my TV controller, my Bose 3-2-1, and my DirecTV HR21 DVR).

The next step is to begin installing software to control the A/V stack.  I’m going to be working with Cinemar’s MainLobby server.  They just released their iPhone interface over the weekend, so everything is right on time!

Check back soon - I’lm hoping to have the automation working by Thursday!

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I have DirecTV!

Well, so the DirecTV installer showed up on Friday and installed two rooms for High Definition DVR.  I have a pre-wired house, with centralized wire closet, so my wife and I pulled 2 runs of dual RG6 cable last weekend in anticipation of this install.  The cable was an awesome deal - I got it from CablesForLess - 500 feet on a REAL spool for $99 (it was a closeout).

I had also purchased a 75′ HDMI cable from them so that I could place the tuner in the closet, and run the cable to the TV through the attic.  Alas, it was not to be.  I don’t think an OompaLoompa could crawl through my attic! Read more…

My First Hardware Purchase

So I’ve made my first hardware purchase.  I purchased a Global Cache GC-100 network adapter.  This adapter will translate commands sent via TCP/IP to IR commands to replace my remote control.

I’m going to use this adapter in the living room on my new DirecTV HD DVR and my Bose 3-2-1 system.  I’ll be purchasing the MainLobby software licenses soon to drive this.  I should have my iPhone at least acting like a remote control by next week!

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Software Needs

Ok, now that we’ve layed out our hardware needs - let’s focus on software.

As I said, I want maximum flexibility in the implementation, so I’ve decided to focus on a system that provides control screens via HTML.  That way, the myriad of devices out there that have a browser built in to them can serve as a controller. Read more…

The Hardware Requirements

So, let’s get right to it.  All of this automation will require hardware, and plenty of it.  Seems to me that the hardware is the first thing I need… since without it, the software is just a game!

Insteon

For controlling my lights, my fans, my appliances, my thermostat, and my watering system.  Insteon provides all sorts of automation modules, from lamp controllers and switches, to dimmers, to thermostats and watering controllers.  They have some slick light switches and keypads, and they even have a module that will allow you to control the Insteon modules via TCP/IP.  Good thing too - we’ll need that. Read more…

What’s it all about?

Image via Wikipedia

The Decision

OK, so it’s time to automate my house.  I’m tired of having to walk through the rocks to turn on my pool light, or having to walk back into the kitchen to turn off the porch light, or lock up the house.  In a word, I’m lazy.  And what is technology for, if not to make it easier for me to lay in bed, eat pizza, and watch TV?

Anyway, I can do this.  I’ve been programming for 20+ years, and electronics is a hobby of mine.  Finally, everything I need to automate the house is available online - I just need to bring it all together.

I’ve decided to use the iPhone as a controller.  It’s ability to connect to WiFi coupled with the Safari browser make it ideal to work as a controller in any web based system.  I’m leaning towards developing everything web based so I can control it via the Internet (through appropriate security and NATing), as well as with my iPhone.  There are also some nice tablet PCs out there that would work as well (the Nokia N810 comes to mind). Read more…