RE: What would you pay for a home automation package?

["Phil Harris" <phil@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hmmm ... A bit of a tricky one there Paul. Of course I've seen some of the
functionality that you are wanting to build into this and I know it should
be impressive (assuming that it all works together in the end which is what
you're sorting now).

Asking about pricing is a bit of an issue here though as UKHA_D is
invariably a place where we all want fine Chardonay for Aussie hooch
prices=
.
On one hand it will be capable of a shitload of functionality, you have an
intelligent heating controller in there (the functionality of which I have
seen at work in your "old" house and it was bloody impressive),
intelligent
lighting and intelligent security which - if you look at those areas
individually - will set you back an arm and a leg for good kit. I'm tempted
to take a wild stab and say that you can assume that the heating control,
lighting control and intelligent security system would probably cost in the
order of =A31,500 each to buy in so chuck on another grand for it being a
conveniently pre-packaged solution (i.e. you don't need to then spend the
next year trying to get all three separate systems talking to each other)
and a slice of profit (which will have to be a semi reasonable one given
that it will be a small market product at first and will require a
reasonable level of support from you as the "manufacturer") and
you've got
to be up at the =A36k - =A36.5k mark.

On the other hand that's a hefty wedge of cash for one bit of kit and I'm
sure that it would raise cries of "too expensive" from many here
(me
included as I can't afford that kind of outlay but then again maybe if
that's the type of system I was looking for then maybe I would think that
=A36k is cheap - after all I want a weekend toy that costs three times
that=
!).
There was a post up here recently from someone that was looking at =A315k
t=
o
get a decent rewiring job done on his property so in that context my =A36k
guesstimate looks decidedly underpriced and if you're contemplating doing a
renovation or refit on a property then =A36k for heating control, lighting
control and security is a peeing in a lake so maybe at =A36k it would be
underpriced?

All assuming that it does what it says on the tin of course...

OH TOSS!!! I missed the bit there that said about the zoned music server
..=
.
I guess you can look at chucking another grand at least onto it there then
too (I'm thinking roughly equivalent cost to a Yamaha Musiccast or
similar)=
.

So then - anyone else care to comment on whether my finger-in-the-air
figur=
e
of =A37k - =A37.5k is reasonable?

Phil

> -----Original Message-----
> From: solentelectricalservices [mailto:paul@xxxxxxx]=20
> Sent: 19 February 2005 22:28
> To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
> Subject: [ukha_d] What would you pay for a home automation package?
>=20
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> Some of you will remember me from the UKHA show (guy with the=20
> stand next to laser) I have been working for some time on a=20
> control panel type enclosure system which would become the=20
> node 0 panel. Basically it is my theory that I would supply=20
> installers/sparks with a complete pre-built panel and a=20
> wiring schedule. The panel would be ready labelled and all=20
> you would do is wire from each terminal to the right point=20
> with the right cable. Then power up and off you go. Tricky=20
> bit is the screens for configuration which you will need to=20
> access. Not sure how deep to make these yet. If you have ADSL=20
> all can be maintained and tweaked remotely if required.
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> So how much would the average new build/rewire client pay for=20
> such a box? This is to help me understand better what=20
> equipment to use and if the equipment im using right now fits=20
> most budgets.=20
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> What do you get?
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> Option 1 which is nearly finished would offer as standard:-
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> 1) Full heating control optimum start/stop, weather=20
> compensation, variable temp circuit, PID control, full time=20
> scheduling from PC, and much much more.
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> 2) Lighting control for 20 Zones (obviously this can be changed)
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> 3) Security with full online keypad, SMS arm, status etc, 16=20
> zones as standard.
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> 4) PIR lighting control, walk in a room and if needed lights come
on.=20
> Works best at night for toilet, mid night snacks etc.
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> 5) Music server + 2 extra zones
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> 6) Normal patch bay type setup, cat5e and CT100 with space=20
> for phone system etc
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> 7) User interface is PDA, PC, web pages. Maybe included will=20
> be 4 12 button panels that are pre-engraved. These panels=20
> have led feedback and play wav files.
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> 8) Light switches are bog standard momentary, wired in cat5e=20
> so can be changed later.
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> 9) Loads of bolt on extras that can be added later using the=20
> wiring scheme.
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> I know some of you have objections to US INSTALLERS posting=20
> on here but im interested in your advise on price. However if=20
> anyone is interested please email me, I will have a full=20
> online demo soon!=20
> although if required something will be ready tomorrow but=20
> only for anyone who emails me as its very raw.
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> Cheers guys
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