Open Source Home Automation

SCCutler

SCCutler

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Spike Cutler
Have any of you done any worthwhile wok in this arena?

Would like to implement a reasonably-priced home automation and monitoring system. Want to monitor environmental conditions, be able to switch on and off things like well pump, sprinkler valves, lights, adjust thermostat and look at web cams.

Prefer to avoid subscription models.

suggestions, experience?
 
It'd be pretty easy to cobble all that together as separate systems. Internet switches/relays/power monitoring devices are fairly plentiful. Internet thermostats also. And webcams.

If you want it all in one pretty package, I can't say I've seen any I'd recommend.
 
Well, start recommending parts 'n' pieces. By definition, "open source" means it won't be a "pretty package," but I am not completely inept technically; merely ill-informed.
 
SCCutler said:
Well, start recommending parts 'n' pieces. By definition, "open source" means it won't be a "pretty package," but I am not completely inept technically; merely ill-informed.
Click to expand...
I installed one of these:
http://wifithermostat.com/Products/WiFi7DayThermostat/
You need wifi on at home at all times. They provide a free android or ios app where You can see the temp at the thermostat, outside conditions per forecast for your area, capability to adjust temp up or down as well as set weekly program. Ongoing service is free. Mine has functioned almost perfectly since install - rarely losing wifi connection temporarily before automatically reconnecting.
Other manufacturers offer similar products but I am not familiar with them.
 
I suggest you take a look at http://www.micasaverde.com/controllers/. I've got a vera2 in use that I've been happy with for over a year. My needs are towards the small end (I have a thermostat, front door lock, and a few light switches) but the unit supports much more.

No subscription, free internet-based access (if you wish to make use of it, but that's not required), Linux based with support for LUA scripting (but not required if the standard functionality is adequate for you).
 
This company, recently purchased by Leviton..... http://www.homeauto.com/main.asp

I installed the Omni IIe in a summer home, can be configured to do all that you ask. I control a dock bubbler, heat and lights. I monitor temperatures indoors and out. System has a pretty robust programming function that let's you automate most functions. Can be used for video, but I installed a DVR with internet access instead. Base system about $1,000, also an alarm system. Switches, relays and sensors extra. Have not dealt with them since takeover, but they were great to deal with before that, hope that they haven't changed. They sell to DIY thru distributors. I have used this system for about 8 years now and it has worked great.

System can be accessed, programmed and used thru internet.
 
I just installed an automation system in our new home. I ended up going with Insteon switches for lights and fans and used an ISY-99i as the controller. http://www.insteon.com/12233DB-ISY-99i-PRO.html I have the system turn on a few lights every day at sunset and it also turns on lights in the closet and garage when I walk it, based on motion sensor triggers; hooked up the garage doors too; all works pretty well.

To control the ISY-99i from my phone, I am using the Mobilinc Pro software:
http://mobilinc.com/Apps/MobiLincPro/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobileintegratedsolutions.mobilinc.pro&hl=en
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mobilinc-pro-insteon-x10-controller/id306278110?mt=8


I'm using Foscam 8910W cameras (http://www.amazon.com/Foscam-FI8910W-Network-Camera-Two-Way/dp/B006ZP8UOW) tied into the "IP Cam Viewer" Android app (iOS version available too I believe)..very nice app. http://hit-mob.com/ip-cam-viewer-android/

Similar to the HAI Omni, you can look into the ELK M1 Gold system, as well, if that sort of controller would be more suited to what you're doing: http://www.elkproducts.com/system_packages.html
 
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Nest doesn't cost anything after the initial purchase, and neither do Belkin WeMo outlet switches.

Then take your pick of the plethora of available IP cameras.
 
Sounds like a perfect application for a Raspberry Pi... :stirpot:
 
wsuffa said:
Sounds like a perfect application for a Raspberry Pi... :stirpot:
Click to expand...

Well, Bill, that's the direction I would like to go. I have the device in hand, but I have not yet had the chance to do any experimenting with it. Ultimately, a simple device like the raspberry pie (apologies for the improper terminology, but I am using dictation software) appears to be the perfect platform for what I'm doing, but I also admit that I am likely never to have sufficient time to do the programming required to create and maintain an appropriate interface.

So, I am waiting for someone else to do it in a reasonably turnkey manner, so I can log onto it and use it.

I know you are further along in your raspberry pie investigative efforts, so if in the process you become aware of some good software and devices, please feel free to share it..

To now, the biggest obstacle has been the availability (or more particularly, the lack thereof) of a good, reliable and affordable Internet connection in rural Gillespie County; until very recently, even cellular was unreliable, but AT&T has recently built a tower somewhere nearby, and I'm able to get a 3G signal while I'm there. This is still not, in my opinion, a proper answer, though, because the cost and complication of using 3G as a fixed Internet source.

Time Warner provides cable television and Internet service in town, and my most recent check suggests they may actually have cable Internet available at the log shack; frankly, though, I am still skeptical, and while Time Warner's website offers me an installation appointment based upon the address, I still believe they actually have service available there.
We go to spend some time there, I am going to make installation appointment, and if they can actually do it, I will set it up, and also shut down the dish network satellite television account.

It would be very comforting indeed to know I could monitor the property, control thermostat, things like that.
 
Spike, does anyone offer a rural microwave internet system near Fredericksburg? Typically higher speed and better than either 3G or satellite. They use microwave frequencies (the old ITFS/Fixed Microwave band), and will need a small antenna on your place.

This is a company that provides services in the area around my rural property: http://site4.visuallink.com/index.html - VL even provides a business class service with guaranteed uptime & static IPs. A nice option/alternative to cable, satellite, or cell service in a rural area (if it's available). Given the size of F'burg and surrounding areas, I'd be surprised if the service is not available.
 
Spike did you ever come up with something.

C182P what thermostat do you have? The one from Vera includes Thermostat ZTS-110 has some bad reviews about losing its time.

What I am looking for is something is basically to be able to take the thermostat off "vacation" mode and turn on 1 outlet. Possible outside lights too but not needed.

I want something with a built in web portal. Not some 3rd party web site required. This is of course assuming my AT&T Uverse modem/router will let me log in through it and hold its IP address long enough to be useful.
 
ron22 said:
Spike did you ever come up with something.

C182P what thermostat do you have? The one from Vera includes Thermostat ZTS-110 has some bad reviews about losing its time.

What I am looking for is something is basically to be able to take the thermostat off "vacation" mode and turn on 1 outlet. Possible outside lights too but not needed.

I want something with a built in web portal. Not some 3rd party web site required. This is of course assuming my AT&T Uverse modem/router will let me log in through it and hold its IP address long enough to be useful.
Click to expand...

Ip problem......... www.dyndns.com
 
ron22 said:
C182P what thermostat do you have? The one from Vera includes Thermostat ZTS-110 has some bad reviews about losing its time.

What I am looking for is something is basically to be able to take the thermostat off "vacation" mode and turn on 1 outlet. Possible outside lights too but not needed.

I want something with a built in web portal. Not some 3rd party web site required. This is of course assuming my AT&T Uverse modem/router will let me log in through it and hold its IP address long enough to be useful.
Click to expand...
I went with a fairly inexpensive thermostat by an unknown (to me) manufacturer: http://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/158. There's quite a few options from several manufacturers at http://www.z-wave.com/find_products/thermostats. I haven't had any complaints with mine, and I vaguely recall that its setup was easier than I expected it to be.

I have mine programmed (through the Vera, not the thermostat itself) to go to certain temps at certain times of the day. It's not too difficult to disable these automatic scene executions, in order to meet your "off vacation mode" need.

The Vera also has an internal web portal that you would be able to use as long as your router cooperates. I haven't used mine directly from outside the home (but using it via their optional (and free) external portal works fine and looks mostly the same). Also, the Vera is a Linux system that you can ssh into; if you're comfortable doing development you could create your own interface to it. I haven't done that myself, but I used to have an Android tablet app that displayed a blueprint of my house with icons to indicate light status, clickable to adjust, etc.

One other nice thing about the Vera is that you can have it email you in response to certain events if you wish. I have a Zwave door lock that my Vera controls and I receive an email each time the lock is unlocked (it gets sent even when unlocked with the key). The timing of the emails is not precise enough to, say, call the police and say "they're in the house right now!"... sometimes it's 30 or so minutes before the email is sent.
 
Noted the other apps suggested here - will try some - thanks! My experience...

For Windows software based DVR, check out BlueIris: http://blueirissoftware.com/
I've been using it for 3+ years after trying many of the popular ones. This is the best, hands down. Great features, support, and steady updates.

For iPhone monitoring (not recording like BlueIris), LiveCams: http://livecams-iphone.com/.

Dynamic DNS forwarding: http://freedns.afraid.org/ (although I use a static IP) Use a dedicated win/mac client to keep it up to date.

Foscam IP cams are pretty good. Often outdoor and night vision for pretty darn cheap. Horrible support, no updates, and audio never works. Get what you pay for, and there is better available for sure, but for the price, they are my go to for non-critical applications.
 
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