I spent a good chunk of Saturday evening (yes, I *am* approaching 30) looking for a solution to something I’ve been researching for absolutely ages. It’s like my backburner web research project that I treat as a proper research thing that I keep coming back to and building on (thank you delicious, I heart you big time)But, I still haven’ t cracked it.
Basically I want to try out some home automation. I want to be able to dial into my house. I want to be able to check on an IP cam, turn the lights off remotely and generally get all geeky and do lots of cool stuff in the house – control everything via Twitter?!. Maybe that’s just getting way too geeky, but I’m adamant that home automation is the future and I’d like to get in there early. Besides, now is a great time for me to install some of the infrastructure for it as I’m building an extension and have the opportunity to rewire and mess around with 4 rooms at the same time.
Anyway, I’ve narrowed my search down to using the Insteon system (it already appears to have a community – good early signs) , potentially Indigo to control it all and ideally this latest bit of kit from Insteaon that web enables the whole lot and is iPhone optimised. However – the Insteon kit is from the US, not available in the UK yet (but coming soon, yay). Oh and even if you do get hold of it over here right now (which to be fair is easy) then it operates on the wrong voltage/frequency. Grrrrr.
So, I’m still hoping that I’m find a way of making all my geeky home automation dreams happen. Until then – here’s what could be.
3 Comments
Hi Jonathan, This is a really tough one to crack. My best effort so far on home automation is Sky+ via my mobile phone, and a remote control pan and tilt web cam. Cheers, Wadds
Hi, just spotted your issue on Stephen Waddington’s blog. We met with a company on the outskirts of York called Control4 that does something very similar to what you’re looking at.
It’s just been bought out by its American owner and is sold through distributors but give them a call and see if they can help. I’ve seen it in action and it’s hugely simple and starts from about £1,000 (I think) onto which you can bolt on a load of extras.
The website’s American (www.control4.com) but the UK details are:
Unit 3
Green Park Business Centre
Sutton-on-the-Forest
York
YO61 1ET
United Kingdom
T: +44 1347 812300
F: +44 1347 812322
Email: info@aventure-europe.com
Web: http://www.aventure-europe.com
The boss is called Tony Leedham (who I think’s away) but they’ve got a good sales team.
Best of luck with it.
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