Re: Suggestions for X10/Automation Widgets

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

"wkearney99" <wkearney99@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1budnST7P8IHDjjenZ2dnUVZ_sWdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > It would seem that either of these has a problem where the module plugs
>>  into an outlet.  This would somehow have to be protected.
>
> There are plenty of add-on outlet covering boxes out there.  Clear or
> opaque, single, double, horizontal or vertical hinged, easy opening or
> secured.  They're the 'right way' to put something into an exterior outlet
> but have it reasonably protected from the elements.  Bearing in mind, of
> course, that not all devices operate well at all temperatures.  Cold plays
> havoc on things with relays.  Heat's the death of most IC-based devices.
> It's extremely tough making a device that would work in outside
environments
> at a price point most people would be willing to pay.


What you say about temperature is true.  Most consumers won't pay for
reliability, and then they bitch about it when they get what they pay for.
>
> > Our solution for Christmas lights at the old house was a
> > plastic bag and tape.
>
> Which won't work long-term because of humidity and condensation issues.
Not
> to mention fire hazard.


The bag and tape was a couple week solution that performed the task well.
This time of year many people use automation for Christmas lights.  I
certainly don't offer it as a permanent solution.

> > This IS something that I've been thinking about for the home automation
> > market.  We use a multi-zone system here, and it certainly is the way to
> > save on heating/cooling.  But, running all those wires was a lot of
work.
> > Being able to stick a temperature sensor on the wall like one of the X10
> > motion detectors would be nice.  And getting better data would help to
> > tweak the system for maximum efficiency.
>
> For control, wireless is nowhere near as reliable as wired-line.  For
> something involving considerable risk, like HVAC, I'd be incredibly wary
of
> a control that wasn't wired.  Wireless is just too prone to interference
> (accidental or otherwise).  For lighting it's usually an acceptable risk.
> But for controlling the furnace, no thanks.  Having it run too often
wastes
> money, having it not running risks freezing pipes.
>
> That said, a couple of wireless sensors feeding back to something
> intelligent in wired connection to the furnace would be interesting.  If a
> sensor goes on the fritz and reports a value dramatically different than
> others the controller would have to be smart enough to recognize what NOT
to
> do about it.
>
> Automating HVAC is a lot less trivial than it seems.  Properly handling
> pressure, avoiding condensation, on/off cycling, the list goes on.

Having designed controlers for industrial and aerospace applications for 30
years, I am pretty comfortable controlling a furnace.  You are correct that
it is more than just on/off.  And one would certainly need a hardwire link
to the HVAC system.  But distributed wireless sensors would save a lot of
work  I pulled a lot of wire installing our 8-zone system.  A smart
thermostat replacement with additional wireless sensor inputs is what I have
been considering.  The big question is could it be made cheap enough to be
attractive.

Jeff