Re: active home, homeeseer, autom8it and web cams

["John B" <home-automation@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Stephen,

> Up to now I have used active home to automate appliances at set times.
> Now I want to use other inputs to control events. I have bought a web
> cam and after reading the ukha archives I found that people
> recommended software like gotcha! I want to use motion detector
> software with the webcam to switch a light on when someone moves, just
> like a glorified pir really.
>
> Goctha and similar software will execute an application when they
> detect movement. What I want is to be able to run a command line like
> activehome A1 on from within gotcha.
>
> I can't find anythibg in the active home help about using command line
> parameters; is it possible?

Have you taken a look at xPLHal - http://www.xplhal.com.
It's a completely free piece of home automation software that brings
together any xPL or xAP-enabled device into an integrated environment
offering macros, timed events, and a whole lot more.

There is support for X10 (via the CM11/CM12), caller ID units, media
players, and many more such devices are being xPL and xAP-enabled all the
time.

There is a step-by-step guide on www.xplproject.org.uk under the
documentation section on getting xPLHal installed and talking to your X10
kit.

There is also a HowTo that explains how to use a command-line program to
turn on X10 devices, which sounds just what you need.
xPLHal has built-in support for sending email notifications, and there is
also a web interface available so you can manage your home remotely.

And it's all free and being actively developed.

Regards,

John